cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Oxidative stress following traumatic brain injury in rats.

BACKGROUND Free radicals may be involved in the pathophysiology of traumatic brain injury (TBI) through oxidative damage of neurovascular structures. Endogenous antioxidants, such as ascorbate and alpha-tocopherol, may play a critical role in combating these oxidative reactions and their oxidized products can serve as an important index of oxidative stress. METHODS We used electron spin resonance (ESR) spectroscopy and in vivo spin trapping (reaction of an organic compound with free radical species) to detect the possible generation of free radicals after TBI. Injury was inflicted by a weight drop technique over the head (5.7 kg-cm). Rats were intravenously infused with either 1 mL, 0.1 M of the spin trap, alpha-phenyl-N-tert-butyl nitrone (PBN), or an equivalent volume of saline immediately before TBI or sham-injury. Animals were divided into four groups: (1) Group I: PBN-infused sham-injured, (2) Group II: PBN-infused injured, (3) Group III: saline-infused sham-injured, and (4) Group IV: saline-infused injured. Additional groups of saline-infused uninjured, saline-infused, and PBN-infused injured animals were used for histopathology. Sixty minutes after TBI or sham-injury, rats were again anesthetized and decapitated. The brains were removed within 1 minute, homogenized, and extracted for lipids. The extracts were analyzed by ESR spectroscopy. Brain ascorbic acid (AA) concentration was determined spectrophotometrically, using the ascorbate oxidase assay. RESULTS No PBN spin adduct signals (indicating trapped free radical species) were visible 60 minutes after TBI. All groups of rats showed an ascorbyl free radical signal. The ascorbyl signal intensity (AI) was, however, significantly higher in the injured rats, while the brain (AA) was significantly reduced. In addition, the ratio of AI/AA, which eliminates the effect of variable ascorbate concentrations in the brain, was also significantly higher in the injured animals. CONCLUSIONS We conclude that 60 minutes following TBI there was a significantly increased level of oxidative stress in the brain. This may reflect formation of free radical species with subsequent interaction with ascorbate (antioxidant) during the 60 minute period. The lack of PBN spin adduct signals 1 hour after TBI may indicate that free radical generation is time dependent and might be detectable earlier or later than the 60 minute period.
Microsatellite primers in Rhamnus cathartica (Rhamnaceae) and applicability in related taxa to assess hybridization events.

UNLABELLED PREMISE OF THE STUDY Microsatellite primers were developed in the introduced shrub Rhamnus cathartica L., to investigate potential hybridization events with related taxa as a stimulus of invasive spread. • METHODS AND RESULTS Using a non-radioactive protocol, 15 primer sets were identified in North American and European populations of R. cathartica. The primers amplified di-, tri- and pentanucelotide repeats with 1-14 alleles per locus. Most primers also amplified in R. lanceolata, R. smithii, and/or Frangula alnus (previously R. frangula). • CONCLUSIONS These results indicate the utility of primers in R. cathartica for future genetic studies as well as their potential applicability in other related taxa.
AN EVALUATION OF HAMSTER, RAT, AND MOUSE SPERM-CELL MOTILITY IN MEDIA FORMULATED WITH WATER OF DIFFERENT QUALITIES

The in vitro motility of caudal epididymal spermatozoa from four hamsters, four rats, and four mice was compared in modified Tyrode's medium (TLP-PVA) prepared with water of three qualities: (1) Sigma tissue culture water, 18 mΩ, high quality (HQ); (2) deionized distilled water, 4,5 mΩ prior to distillation, intermediate quality (IQ); and (3) tap water, low quality (LQ). The objective was to evaluate the in vitro bioassay potential of spermatozoa from these species, in terms of relative sensitivities to toxins in different qualities of water. An average sperm motility index (SMI) was calculated per treatment at 2, 4, and 6 hr, where SMI=fpm2×% motility. Hamster SMI could be used to discriminate between HQ and IQ media at 4 and 6 hr (P<0.001), while rat SMI could be used to discriminate between HQ and IQ media at 6 hr (P<0.05). Mouse SMI did not differ between HQ and IQ media. The ability to discriminate between extremes in quality, HQ or IQ vs LQ, was equal between species (P<0.001). These results suggest that hamster spermatozoa provide the more sensitive in vitro bioassay model, while rat and mouse spermatozoa may be used for assay of extremes in water quality.
High-speed adaptive contact-mode atomic force microscopy imaging with near-minimum-force.

In this paper, an adaptive contact-mode imaging approach is proposed to replace the traditional contact-mode imaging by addressing the major concerns in both the speed and the force exerted to the sample. The speed of the traditional contact-mode imaging is largely limited by the need to maintain precision tracking of the sample topography over the entire imaged sample surface, while large image distortion and excessive probe-sample interaction force occur during high-speed imaging. In this work, first, the image distortion caused by the topography tracking error is accounted for in the topography quantification. Second, the quantified sample topography is utilized in a gradient-based optimization method to adjust the cantilever deflection set-point for each scanline closely around the minimal level needed for maintaining stable probe-sample contact, and a data-driven iterative feedforward control that utilizes a prediction of the next-line topography is integrated to the topography feeedback loop to enhance the sample topography tracking. The proposed approach is demonstrated and evaluated through imaging a calibration sample of square pitches at both high speeds (e.g., scan rate of 75 Hz and 130 Hz) and large sizes (e.g., scan size of 30 μm and 80 μm). The experimental results show that compared to the traditional constant-force contact-mode imaging, the imaging speed can be increased by over 30 folds (with the scanning speed at 13 mm/s), and the probe-sample interaction force can be reduced by more than 15% while maintaining the same image quality.
Grain-boundary energies in metals from local-electron-density distributions.

The energy contributions of the inhomogeneous electron gas in the vicinity of grain boundaries in s-p metals are investigated theoretically. Because there are typically of the order of ${10}^{2}$ to ${10}^{4}$ atoms per unit cell in grain-boundary problems, the method of choice typically involves the use of pair potentials, which derive from perturbation theory on a homogeneous electron gas. Since grain boundaries in metals are localized electronic defects, we formulated the problem in terms of perturbation theory on an inhomogeneous electron gas. In that case, we found that the zeroth- and first-order perturbation terms are significant and depend on the local geometric structure of the bound- ary, unlike the pair-potential approach. Reasonable results were obtained for energies computed to second order for model boundaries in aluminum. A simple, accurate approximation was found for the zeroth- and first-order terms. The sum of the second-order and Ewald-like terms can also be approximated in a pair-potential-like form which depends on the average of the electron densities seen by the atoms in the pair. This suggests a viable approach for computing the grain-boundary structure and energy which is presumably more accurate than the usual pair-potential method.
Less Is More: Structures of Difficult Targets with Minimal Constraints

By merging recent experimental and computational methodology advances, resolution-adapted structural recombination Rosetta has emerged as a powerful strategy for solving the structure of traditionally challenging targets. In this issue of Structure, Sgourakis and colleagues solve the structure of one such target, the immunoevasin protein m04, using this approach.
Implementation of ethics grand rounds in an otolaryngology department

Objectives/Hypothesis: To create a case-based curriculum designed to teach and discuss the tenets of clinical medical ethics within an otolaryngology department. Study Design: Survey-based study in a single-institution, academic otolaryngology department. Methods: Case-based departmental ethics grand rounds were implemented on a quarterly basis within an academic department of otolaryngology. One-hour sessions were designed to use challenging cases volunteered by clinicians within the department to create a forum for discussion and education about clinical medical ethics. A four-question satisfaction survey was administered to participating clinicians to measure the impact of the program. Results: Five grand rounds were held over 16 months from 2009 to 2011, with four to six cases presented per session. Sessions were well attended and received, with broad coverage of topics and lively discussions. The mean survey score was 18 (median, 19; standard deviation, 2) out of a maximum possible score of 20. When asked if the sessions helped to advance their skills and comfort within the field of medical ethics, 100% of respondents agreed or strongly agreed. A total of 86% of respondents agreed or strongly agreed that the sessions would change how they practiced medicine in a way that would benefit their patients. Conclusions: It is feasible to successfully implement case-based ethics grand rounds within an otolaryngology department. Participants demonstrated a gratifying level of approval, and a stated desire to implement the principles learned within their clinical practice.
The demand for imports: Estimates of bilateral trade flows

Abstract This paper provides estimates, using a traditional import demand model, of the demand for imports on a bilateral basis among nine industrialized nations. These estimates provide greater detail about price and income elasticities, but in general are consistent with earlier, aggregate import demand studies with respect to conclusions about the effects of secular and cyclical income changes on trade balances and whether sufficiently high price elasticities are present to insure that the Marshall-Lerner stability condition is met.
Heartworm Treatment: Navigating a Changing Landscape

Treatment of canine heartworm (Dirofilaria immitis) has always been a difficult endeavor, whether it is due to a perceived complicated treatment regimen, the potential for post-treatment complications, or the practical consideration of cost by the owner. Currently, there exists only one FDA-approved drug that is labeled for treatment of adult heartworms, which is melarsomine dihydrochloride (ImmiticideTM). Some practitioners and clients are questioning the use of melarsomine for removal of adult heartworm due the reasons mentioned above. While the numbers of practitioners and clients who maintain this opinion have not been documented, some are quite vocal in numerous social media outlets. This has led to an interest in the colloquially named “slow-kill” or “soft-kill” method, which is more accurately defined as the continued use of an ivermectin-based heartworm preventive medication in a heartwormpositive animal. What makes the situation even more confusing is that heartworm research is very difficult to perform due to the relatively lengthy life cycle of the parasites and the lack of rodent experimental models. This has led to many of our current recommendations being based on opinion, or people’s “best guess,” rather than evidenced-based experiments. There is no agenda connected with these recommendations; rather, the data has not been gathered to completely support the recommendations. While this article is supposed to discuss the current data regarding heartworm treatment, the fact is that there is a relative lack of data pertaining to the treatment and pathophysiology of canine heartworm disease. Many of the points discussed in this article are based on my interpretation of what data does exist in combination with the current recommendations of the American Heartworm Society (AHS).1
Leadership based on asymmetric information

Rational players, unconstrained by contracts or formal authority, choose to follow a better-informed leader, whose action reveals part of her information. If the leader satisfies a credibility condition, then the unique nondegenerate equilibrium solves distinct shirking and coordination problems and achieves the first best. If credibility fails, as is more likely for a large organization, then followers ignore the leader, and equilibria are very inefficient. Appointing multiple leaders, or a high-cost leader, can restore credibility. If players invest privately in information, then a leader often appears endogenously. The equilibrium concept is an original extension of sequential equilibrium to continuous states.
Magnetic susceptibility and band structure of intercalation compounds of 2H-TaS2

Abstract A universal correlation is reported between the magnetic susceptibility of the TaS 2 layers at 300 K and the population (1 to 2 e - /TaS 2 ) of the TaS 2 conduction d-band in intercalation compounds of 2H-TaS 2 . From this curve, the variation in the density of states at the Fermi level D(E F ) with E F was derived; good agreement with the variation predicted by band structure calculations for 2H-TaS 2 was found.
Developing an online prematriculation orientation program and its relation to student performance in the first class taken in medical school.

Background: In 2004 the University of Nebraska College of Medicine developed an online prematriculation program, Fast Start, to introduce students to the environment and expectations in medical school. Purpose: This quantitative study was conducted to determine whether using Fast Start correlated with performance in the gross anatomy course. Methods: A hierarchical regression analysis was used to correlate grades in gross anatomy with a set of common prediction variables and a variable for use of Fast Start. Results: The results showed that the predictive power of the full model, including the Fast Start variable, was slightly stronger than for the reduced model. A separate model verified the absence of an interaction between Fast Start use and prior academic ability. Conclusions: The online Fast Start program provided an efficient and effective method of delivering a prematriculation student orientation experience; its use was associated with marginally improved performance in a medical school course.
GLUTAMINE SYNTHETASE ACTIVITY IN RAT LIVER AFTER PORTACAVAL SHUNT.

Glutamine synthetase activity in the rat's liver decreases in alloxan diabetes. An end-to-side portacaval shunt performed on normal rats establishes a system in which pancreatic products reach the liver via the hepatic artery after having gone through the general circulation. Tests for glutamine synthetase activity in the liver 3-4 weeks after this operation show a significant decrease in activity. (Endocrinology 74: 805, 1964) I a previous paper (1) it has been shown that insulin increases the glutamine synthetase activity in liver when given intravenously to rats during the hyperglycemic phase of alloxan-induced diabetes. This paper concerns the proposition that shunting the insulin around the liver in a normal rat would reduce glutamine synthetase activity. The effect on this enzyme of an end-to-side portacaval shunt done on normal rats was ascertained. Materials and Methods Female rats of the Holtzman strain, weighing 200-250 g, were used in all experiments. An endto-side portacaval shunt was performed using the technique of Henzel et al. (2). Three to 4 weeks later glutamine synthetase activity was determined on an operated rat and control. An unoperated rat of the same weight, fed the same diet (Purina Rat Chow ad lib.) was considered a suitable control. In general, the shunted rats' food intake was somewhat greater than that of normal rats in providing a continual weight increase and normal physical appearance. The method of testing for glutamine synthetase activity has been previously described (3).
Dynamic cash discounts when sales volume is stochastic

Abstract In this paper, a dynamic terms of sale model is developed which suggests deep cash discounts can be partially explained by the positive relationship between the shadow value of sales and the optimal cash discount. The effect of sales volume uncertainty on the magnitude of cash discounts is also explored. Numerical results suggest the relationship between uncertainty and cash discounts is nonlinear. The model is then re-cast as a dynamic, differential game between two competing suppliers who use cash discounts to entice buyers. The results suggest that when firms are allowed to behave strategically, cash discounts are always larger as a result.
“Utrum idem sint dicere et intelligere sive videre in mente”: Robert Kilwardby, Quaestiones in librum primum Sententiarum

In his Questions I , qq. 35-36 Sent . Robert Kilwardby asks whether divine understanding ( intelligere ) is the same as the divine speaking ( dicere ), as Anselm says in Monologion , ch. 63, just as for us mental speaking ( mentis locutio ) is the same as the thinker's examination ( inspectio cogitantis ) or mental seeing ( videre in mente ). His answer is that neither for us nor for God is the equation correct, because understanding lacks an essential characteristic of speech, i.e. referentiality, and because speaking is active and understanding passive, which is reflected in the meanings ( impositiones ) and grammatical functions ( modi significandi ) of the corresponding expressions. Kilwardby does concede in his discussion of the speech of angels in II Sent . q. 56 that when inner speech does occur, and remains internal, it amounts to thought, though with the additional element of referentiality. I suggest that Kilwardby is unwilling accept Augustine's theory that thought is inner speech, as Anselm does, because it would require him to reject Aristotelian-style philosophical psychology.
Hydrodynamic effects and receptor interactions of platelets and their aggregates in linear shear flow

We have modeled platelet aggregation in a linear shear flow by accounting for two body collision hydrodynamics, platelet activation and receptor biology. Considering platelets and their aggregates as unequal-sized spheres with DLVO interactions (psi(platelet) = -15 mV, Hamaker constant = 10(-19) J), detailed hydrodynamics provided the flow field around the colliding platelets. Trajectory calculations were performed to obtain the far upstream cross-sectional area and the particle flux through this area provided the collision frequency. Only a fraction of platelets brought together by a shearing fluid flow were held together if successfully bound by fibrinogen cross-bridging GPIIb/IIIa receptors on the platelet surfaces. This fraction was calculated by modeling receptor-mediated aggregation using the formalism of Bell (Bell, G. I. 1979. A theoretical model for adhesion between cells mediated by multivalent ligands. Cell Biophys. 1:133-147) where the forward rate of bond formation dictated aggregation during collision and was estimated from the diffusional limited rate of lateral association of receptors multiplied by an effectiveness factor, eta, to give an apparent rate. For a value of eta = 0.0178, we calculated the overall efficiency (including both receptor binding and hydrodynamics effects) for equal-sized platelets with 50,000 receptors/platelet to be 0.206 for G = 41.9 s(-1), 0.05 for G = 335 s(-1), and 0.0086 for G = 1920 s(-1), values which are in agreement with efficiencies determined from initial platelet singlet consumption rates in flow through a tube. From our analysis, we predict that bond formation proceeds at a rate of approximately 0.1925 bonds/microm2 per ms, which is approximately 50-fold slower than the diffusion limited rate of association. This value of eta is also consistent with a colloidal stability of unactivated platelets at low shear rates. Fibrinogen was calculated to mediate aggregation quite efficiently at low shear rates but not at high shear rates. Although secondary collisions (an orbitlike trajectory) form only a small fraction of the total number of collisions, they become important at high shear rates (>750 s(-1)), as these are the only collisions that provide enough time to result in successful aggregate formation mediated by fibrinogen. The overall method provides a hydrodynamic and receptor correction of the Smoluchowski collision kernel and gives a first estimate of eta for the fibrinogen-GPIIb/IIIa cross-bridging of platelets. We also predict that secondary collisions extend the shear rate range at which fibrinogen can mediate successful aggregation.
Multi-SNP Analysis of GWAS Data Identifies Pathways Associated with Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a common liver disease; the histological spectrum of which ranges from steatosis to steatohepatitis. Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) often leads to cirrhosis and development of hepatocellular carcinoma. To better understand pathogenesis of NAFLD, we performed the pathway of distinction analysis (PoDA) on a genome-wide association study dataset of 250 non-Hispanic white female adult patients with NAFLD, who were enrolled in the NASH Clinical Research Network (CRN) Database Study, to investigate whether biologic process variation measured through genomic variation of genes within these pathways was related to the development of steatohepatitis or cirrhosis. Pathways such as Recycling of eIF2:GDP, biosynthesis of steroids, Terpenoid biosynthesis and Cholesterol biosynthesis were found to be significantly associated with NASH. SNP variants in Terpenoid synthesis, Cholesterol biosynthesis and biosynthesis of steroids were associated with lobular inflammation and cytologic ballooning while those in Terpenoid synthesis were also associated with fibrosis and cirrhosis. These were also related to the NAFLD activity score (NAS) which is derived from the histological severity of steatosis, inflammation and ballooning degeneration. Eukaryotic protein translation and recycling of eIF2:GDP related SNP variants were associated with ballooning, steatohepatitis and cirrhosis. Il2 signaling events mediated by PI3K, Mitotic metaphase/anaphase transition, and Prostanoid ligand receptors were also significantly associated with cirrhosis. Taken together, the results provide evidence for additional ways, beyond the effects of single SNPs, by which genetic factors might contribute to the susceptibility to develop a particular phenotype of NAFLD and then progress to cirrhosis. Further studies are warranted to explain potential important genetic roles of these biological processes in NAFLD.
The impact of the minimum wage in West Virginia: A test of the low-wage-area theory

VI. Conclusions West Virginia counties do provide evidence of significant dis-employment due to the minimum wage, a finding that supports the theory that low-wage areas are more susceptible to employment losses when the legislated minimum wage is increased. My results show that a 10 percent increase in the minimum wage will reduce total employment in the average West Virginia county by 1.1 percent. The most rural counties may also respond more severely, up to 1.4 percent for the same minimum wage change.
Glomalin-related soil protein: Assessment of current detection and quantification tools

Abstract Despite the widely acknowledged importance of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) in soil ecology, quantifying their biomass and presence in field soils is hindered by tedious techniques. Hence biochemical markers may be useful, among which glomalin-related soil protein (GRSP) could show a particular promise. Presently GRSP is operationally defined, its identification resting solely on the methods used to extract it from soil (citric acid buffer and autoclaving) and the assays (Bradford/enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) with a monoclonal antibody) utilized to detect it. The current assumption is that most non-heat stable soil proteins except glomalin are destroyed during the harsh extraction procedure. However, this critical assumption has not been tested. The purpose of this research was to challenge the GRSP extraction process to determine the accuracy of the Bradford method as a measure of glomalin; and to provide some assessment of the specificity of the ELISA monoclonal antibody. In two studies we spiked soil samples either with known quantities of a glycoprotein (BSA: bovine serum albumin) or with leaf litter from specific sources. After extraction 41–84% of the added BSA was detected with the Bradford method. This suggests that the currently used extraction procedure does not eliminate all non-glomalin proteins. Also, ELISA cross-reactivity against BSA was limited, ranging from 3% to 14%. Additions of leaf litter also significantly influenced GRSP extraction and quantification suggesting that plant-derived proteins, as would occur in the field, had a similar effect as BSA. Litter additions decreased the immunoreactive protein values, suggesting interference with antibody recognition. We conclude that the use of GRSP, especially Bradford-based detection, in the assessment of AMF-derived substances within field soils is problematic, it may be inappropriate in situations of significant organic matter additions.
Multilayered Monolithic Silicon Photonic Crystals

In this letter, we describe the fabrication of double-layered self-aligned silicon photonic crystals (PCs) using directional and isotropic etches. The double-layer PCs represent a step towards practical 3-D PCs based on standard Si processing, and they have several advantageous characteristics compared to single-layer PCs, including higher reflectivity and sharper resonances, as demonstrated both experimentally and by finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) simulations.
Exploration of Individual Responses to Mass Violence: A Personal Narrative of Trauma on September 11, 2001

This paper presents a personal experience with trauma during and following the terrorist attack in New York City on September 11, 2001. The paper offers a reflection on the traumatic event itself, the author’s immediate and long-term responses, and an exploration of the subsequent diagnosis and treatment provided.
Implicit conditioning of faces via the social regulation of emotion: ERP evidence of early attentional biases for security conditioned faces.

Not much is known about the neural and psychological processes that promote the initial conditions necessary for positive social bonding. This study explores one method of conditioned bonding utilizing dynamics related to the social regulation of emotion and attachment theory. This form of conditioning involves repeated presentations of negative stimuli followed by images of warm, smiling faces. L. Beckes, J. Simpson, and A. Erickson (2010) found that this conditioning procedure results in positive associations with the faces measured via a lexical decision task, suggesting they are perceived as comforting. This study found that the P1 ERP was similarly modified by this conditioning procedure and the P1 amplitude predicted lexical decision times to insecure words primed by the faces. The findings have implications for understanding how the brain detects supportive people, the flexibility and modifiability of early ERP components, and social bonding more broadly. Descriptors: Emotion, Motivation, Social factors, Unconscious processes, Conditioning, EEG/ERP
Downstream boundary of chromosomal R-loops at murine switch regions: Implications for the mechanism of class switch recombination

R-loops form at Sγ3 and Sγ2b Ig class switch regions in the chromosomes of stimulated murine primary B cells and are suspected to be a general feature of mammalian class switch regions. The in vivo upstream boundary of the R-loops is known to begin within the switch repeats. To determine how precisely the R-loop structure conforms to the repetitive zone of the murine Sγ3 and Sγ2b switch regions, a chemical probing method was used to obtain structural information on the downstream boundary. We find that only 61–67% of the R-loops terminate within the Sγ3 and the Sγ2b repetitive zones, and the remainder terminate downstream, usually within the first 600 bp immediately downstream of the core switch repeats. Interestingly, the nontemplate strand G density falls to the random level gradually through this same region. Hence, the R-loops terminate as the G-richness of the nascent RNA strand falls. This finding is consistent with thermodynamic predictions for RNA:DNA duplex strength relative to that of DNA:DNA duplexes. This result contrasts with the location of known recombination breakpoints, which correlate not with G-richness and R-loop location but rather with AGCT density. The implications of these findings are discussed in the context of models for the targeting of class switch recombination.
Parallel discrete and continuous wavelet transforms

We consider theoretically the optical implementations of both discrete and continuous wavelet transforms. Discrete wavelet transforms (DWTs) require sums (or integrals) of the product of the input function with multiple stored functions (wavelets with various shifts and scales). The inverse DWT requires the same, exceptthe given function is replaced by the wavelet coefficients determined by the DWT. We show that we can store and utilize in parallel large banks of wavelets. This should allow "instantaneous" DWT of functions of a single variable and (relatively) fast DWTs of two-dimensional functions. Of course, the same applies to the inverse DWTs. A true continuous wavelet transform (CWT) must be continuous in both shift and scale. By means of a continuous anamorphic transformation of a one-dimensional signal and a suitable choice of kernel or filter, we can allow a normal two-dimensional optical Fourier transform image processor to perform a CWT.
The Quest for a Zero Overhead Shared Memory Parallel Machine

In this paper we present a new approach to benchmark the performance of shared memory systems. This approach focuses on recognizing how far off the per- formance of a given memory system is from a realistic ideal parallel machine. We define such a realistic ma- chine model, called thez-machine, that accounts for the inherent communication costs in an application by track- ing the data flow in the application. The z-machine is incorporated into an execution-driven simulation frame- work and is used as a reference for benchmarking differ- ent memory systems. The components of the overheads in these memory systems are identified and quantified for four applications. Using the z-machine performance as the standard to strive for we discuss the implications of the performance results and suggest architectural trends to pursue for realizing a zero overhead shared memory machine.
Integrated sensor and rangefinding analog signal processor

A light-stripe rangefinding system consisting of a 6*10 array of pixels is described. Each pixel contains a photodiode to detect the light stripe and a primarily analog signal processor to determine and store the time at which the light stripe crosses that photodiode. Incorporating signal processing into each pixel makes it possible to modify the light-stripe rangefinding algorithm to achieve a frame rate over two orders of magnitude faster than conventional light-stripe rangefinding methods; i.e. over 100 frames/s. The novelty of this approach is its use of smart sensors, ones which provide signal processing at the point of sensing. In this case, the increase in cell complexity from sensing-only to sensing-and-processing makes the modification of the operational principle of rangefinding practical, which in turn results in a dramatic improvement in performance. >
Effect of Processing Temperature on the Properties of a Polyvinyl Chloride Maxillofacial Elastomer

Mechanical properties and color of a plasticized polyvinyl chloride (PVC) maxillofacial elastomer were evaluated at processing temperatures from 140 to 190°C. The properties were dependent on processing temperature. Specimens prepared at 170°C had optimum mechanical properties with minimal discoloration.
A new method of fracture analysis: Azimuth versus traverse distance plots

Traditional fracture analysis emphasizes the statistics of fracture orientations at individual stations. A new method, the azimuth versus traverse distance plot (AVTD), is proposed, whereby map patterns and fracture domain boundaries receive much greater emphasis. The method can be applied to any area where outcrop is nearly continuous and map data can be represented by strike alone. Ideal features for the method are nearly vertical joint sets which can be plotted on the proposed AVTD diagrams and contoured with concentration factor statistics somewhat analogous to those used for equal-area plots. Examples of AVTD plots are given for jointing in the southern Beartooth Mountains, Wyoming, illustrating ways in which generally overlooked joint set patterns may be identified and ways in which joint domain boundaries may be integrated in geologic mapping using the plots. The examples show the utility of the method in assigning relative ages to fracture domains, in relating the domain distributions to other structures, and in testing for tectonic heredity of older fractures by upward propagation through an unconformity.
KINSHIP, DESCENT, AND RESIDENCE IN MADAGASCAR (AIDAN SOUTHALL, sub‐editor): Ideology and Group Composition in Madagascar1

The changing interpretation of various Malagasy kinship systems is discussed in relation to the validity of the distinction between agnatic and cognatic in principle and practice, to the geographically and culturally intercalary position of Madagascar between Africa, Indonesia and the Middle East, and to the relation between variations in kinship ideologies and groupings on the one hand and ecological pressures on the other.
Predictive value of facial nerve electrophysiologic stimulation thresholds in cerebellopontine-angle surgery

The predictive value of intraoperative stimulation thresholds for facial nerve function, using a constant-current system, was examined in 49 patients undergoing resection of cerebellopontine-angle tumors. Immediately after surgery, 75% of the 0.1-mA threshold group, 42% of the 0.2-mA group, and 18% of the 0.3-mA or greater group had good (grade I or II) facial nerve function. One year after surgery, 90% of the 0.1-mA group, 58% of the 0.2-mA group, and 41% of the 0.3-mA or greater group had grade I or II function. A statistically significant breakpoint of 0.2 mA was found to predict good postoperative facial function. Delayed facial paralysis occurred in 22% of patients, but the prognosis for these patients was favorable. Both current stimulation threshold and duration are necessary for a meaningful comparison of data between investigators.
The Search for Universality in the Ethics of Human Research: Andrew C. Ivy, Henry K. Beecher, and the Legacy of Nuremberg

The first ethical requirement of human studies is that of scientific excellence. Meaningful truth must be sought. This means three things: a worthy goal, sound design, and competent execution. Beyond scientific excellence, studies must possess two additional ingredients to meet the ethical requirement. We will call these the humanistic and altruistic imperatives. Humanistic law requires that we do not deliberately harm another. This is the negative dimension of ethics: non-maleficence. These evaluative perspectives built on the sure foundation of good science should be found whenever clinical investigations are undertaken in universities or hospitals. The members of institutional review boards, representing various disciplines, should assure that this tripartite examination is made of every protocol. Good science, protective and affirmative ethics should always be present. The assumption of this paper is that science itself is a value. Therefore, only excellent science can be ethical and only ethical science is of value.
Abstract 65: β-Adrenergic Signaling Promotes Survival and Proliferation of Mouse Cardiac Progenitor Cells Prior to Lineage Commitment

Rationale: Short term β-adrenergic stimulation promotes contractility in response to stress, but is ultimately detrimental in the failing heart due to accrual of cardiomyocyte death. Endogenous myocardial repair may partially offset cardiomyocyte losses, but consequences of long term β-adrenergic drive upon myocardial repair and regeneration are unknown. Objective: Modest recovery of cardiac contractility following long term β-adrenergic blockade in the clinical setting may depend, in part, upon restoration of endogenous repair therefore we sought to determine the relationship between β-adrenergic activity and regulation of cardiac progenitor cell (CPC) function and influence upon myocardial repair. Methods and results: Mouse and human CPCs express only β2 adrenergic receptor (β2-AR) in conjunction with stem cell marker c-kit. Activation of β2-AR signaling promotes proliferation associated with increased Akt phosphorylation, up-regulation of eNOS and cyclin D1, and decreased levels of GRK2. Conversely, silencing of β2-AR expression or treatment with β2-antagonist ICI 118, 551 impairs proliferation and survival. β1-AR expression in CPC is induced by differentiation stimuli, sensitizing CPC to isoproterenol-induced cell death that is abrogated by the β1-AR specific antagonist metoprolol. Efficacy of β1-AR blockade by metoprolol to increase CPC survival and proliferation was confirmed in vivo by adoptive transfer of CPC into failing mouse myocardium, concomitant with increased ejection fraction, fractional shortening and hemodynamic performance. Conclusions: β-adrenergic stimulation promotes expansion and survival of CPCs through β2-AR, but acquisition of β1-AR upon commitment to the myocyte lineage results in loss of early myocyte precursors and ineffective myocardial repair. Thus, β1-AR-specific blockade is likely to provide for enhanced CPC participation in recovery of function in the failing heart.
Religion and the Logic of the Civic Sphere: Religious Tradition, Religious Practice, and Voluntary Association

This article considers the effects of religious affiliation, congregational participation, and religious service attendance on voluntary association membership. The U.S. voluntary sector owes much to the culture of mainline Protestantism, and we propose a theory that accounts for the varying affinities of the major Christian traditions with the U.S. civic logic. Recognizing this history implies that the relationship between religious practice and civic participation depends on the context of such practice. Using data from the Social Capital Community Benchmark Survey, we find that attendance and religious participation do not have parallel effects on voluntary membership across traditions. Instead, we find patterns that are consistent with the theory that the logic of the U.S. voluntary sector resembles the logic of mainline Protestantism.
Annual and Seasonal Variation in the Female Sexual Attractiveness Pheromone of the Red-Sided Garter Snake, Thamnophis Sirtalis Parietalis

Reptiles are excellent models for vertebrate pheromone research because the initiation of many behaviors is dependent on pheromone production and expression (reviewed in Madison, 1977; Mason, 1992; Mason et al., 1998). For example, the reproductive success of snakes depends on the production and perception of specific sex pheromones (Noble, 1937; Gillingham and Dickinson, 1980; Andren, 1986; Mason et al., 1989). In the absence of these pheromones, sexual behavior will not be initiated and mating will not occur.
A correlational study of variables affecting adolescent pregnancy.

The associations among prenatal fetal attachment and prenatal and postbirth measures of maternal confidence depression and perceived social support were examined in a convenience sample of 72 pregnant adolescents recruited from urban prenatal clinics in Missouri (US). Maternal confidence and perceived social support improved significantly between the prenatal and postbirth questionnaires. Also noted was an inverse association between these two factors and measures of depression. At the time of the prenatal survey maternal confidence explained 6.4% of the variance in Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) scores perceived social support explained 19.6% of the variance in maternal-fetal attachment scores and scores on these two indices combined explained 27.4% of the variance in perceived social support. Postbirth the combination of perceived social support and the prenatal BDI scores explained 45.3% of the variance in postbirth BDI scores. Perceived social support explained 21.5% of the variance in postbirth maternal confidence; prenatal maternal confidence depressive symptoms and perceived social support combined to explain 57.6% of the variance in postbirth maternal confidence. Finally prenatal social support and maternal confidence and postbirth BDI and maternal confidence combined to explain 48.9% of the variance in postbirth perceived social support. Further research is indicated to determine whether prenatal nursing interventions can enhance maternal-fetal attachment maternal confidence and perceptions of social support.
6β-Hydroxytestosterone, a Cytochrome P450 1B1-Testosterone–Metabolite, Mediates Angiotensin II–Induced Renal Dysfunction in Male Mice

6β-Hydroxytestosterone, a cytochrome P450 1B1-derived metabolite of testosterone, contributes to the development of angiotensin II-induced hypertension and associated cardiovascular pathophysiology. In view of the critical role of angiotensin II in the maintenance of renal homeostasis, development of hypertension, and end-organ damage, this study was conducted to determine the contribution of 6β-hydroxytestosterone to angiotensin II actions on water consumption and renal function in male Cyp1b1(+/+) and Cyp1b1(-/-) mice. Castration of Cyp1b1(+/+) mice or Cyp1b1(-/-) gene disruption minimized the angiotensin II-induced increase in water consumption, urine output, proteinuria, and sodium excretion and decreases in urine osmolality. 6β-Hydroxytestosterone did not alter angiotensin II-induced increases in water intake, urine output, proteinuria, and sodium excretion or decreases in osmolality in Cyp1b1(+/+) mice, but restored these effects of angiotensin II in Cyp1b1(-/-) or castrated Cyp1b1(+/+) mice. Cyp1b1 gene disruption or castration prevented angiotensin II-induced renal fibrosis, oxidative stress, inflammation, urinary excretion of angiotensinogen, expression of angiotensin II type 1 receptor, and angiotensin-converting enzyme. 6β-Hydroxytestosterone did not alter angiotensin II-induced renal fibrosis, inflammation, oxidative stress, urinary excretion of angiotensinogen, expression of angiotensin II type 1 receptor, or angiotensin-converting enzyme in Cyp1b1(+/+)mice. However, in Cyp1b1(-/-) or castrated Cyp1b1(+/+) mice, it restored these effects of angiotensin II. These data indicate that 6β-hydroxytestosterone contributes to increased thirst, impairment of renal function, and end-organ injury associated with angiotensin II-induced hypertension in male mice and that cytochrome P450 1B1 could serve as a novel target for treating renal disease and hypertension in male mice.
Antioxidant Defense by Thioredoxin Can Occur Independently of Canonical Thiol-Disulfide Oxidoreductase Enzymatic Activity

The thiol-disulfide oxidoreductase CXXC catalytic domain of thioredoxin contributes to antioxidant defense in phylogenetically diverse organisms. We find that although the oxidoreductase activity of thioredoxin-1 protects Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium from hydrogen peroxide in vitro, it does not appear to contribute to Salmonella's antioxidant defenses in vivo. Nonetheless, thioredoxin-1 defends Salmonella from oxidative stress resulting from NADPH phagocyte oxidase macrophage expression during the innate immune response in mice. Thioredoxin-1 binds to the flexible linker, which connects the receiver and effector domains of SsrB, thereby keeping this response regulator in the soluble fraction. Thioredoxin-1, independently of thiol-disulfide exchange, activates intracellular SPI2 gene transcription required for Salmonella resistance to both reactive species generated by NADPH phagocyte oxidase and oxygen-independent lysosomal host defenses. These findings suggest that the horizontally acquired virulence determinant SsrB is regulated post-translationally by ancestrally present thioredoxin.
Simple and improved approaches to long-lasting, hydrophilic silicones derived from commercially available precursors.

Three types of commercially derived methylsilicone materials, Sylgard-184, QVQH (an MQ-based silicone containing no dimethylsiloxane, D units), and DVDH (a D-based silicone with no additives), were judiciously chosen to study the conditions under which long-lasting hydrophilicity after oxygen plasma treatment can be obtained. A 30 s plasma treatment time under controlled conditions was found to be optimal in terms of achieving the lowest initial advancing and receding contact angles of θA/θR = 10°/5° with undetectable surface damage. Vacuum treatment, a necessary step prior to plasma ignition that has been overlooked in previous studies, as well as room temperature curing were explored as means to remove low molecular weight species. For thin films (a few micrometers), 40 min vacuum treatment was sufficient to achieve low dynamic contact angles of θA/θR = 51–56°/38–43° on all three types of silicones measured more than 30 days after the plasma treatments. These values indicate superior hydrophilicity rela...
Defining pediatric orbital roof fractures: patterns, sequelae, and indications for operation.

BACKGROUND There are few published data addressing pediatric orbital roof fractures, particularly regarding long-term outcomes and indications for operative intervention. To provide evidence-based guidelines for the management of these injuries, the authors examined a large cohort of patients with this injury pattern. METHODS Institutional review board approval was obtained to review pediatric patients presenting to Johns Hopkins Hospital from 1991 to 2011. All patients with a diagnosis indicating orbital or skull base fractures were reviewed to determine orbital roof involvement. Patients with roof fractures were assessed for demographics, management, and outcomes. RESULTS A total of 1484 pediatric patients carried the diagnoses of orbital fracture or anterior skull base fracture. After review, 159 patients (11 percent) were found to have true orbital roof fractures, with 36 percent being comminuted. One hundred five patients returned after discharge (average follow-up, 19 months). One patient developed vertical dystopia 10 months after being lost to follow-up with a large, comminuted fracture. Ten patients underwent surgery to repair the orbital roof. Inferior displacement correlated with need for surgical repair (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS In the largest study to date analyzing pediatric orbital roof fractures, the authors found that most can be managed conservatively with good long-term outcomes. Vertical dystopia occurred in less than 1 percent of patients and was associated with large, comminuted fractures. Inferiorly displaced and fractures with a surface area over 2 cm represent higher risk fractures that should be followed closely for possible intervention based on the development of sequelae such as vertical dystopia or encephalocele. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Therapeutic, IV.
The Presence of 2-Hexenal in the Scent Gland of the Pentatomid Brochymena quadripustulata

The scent gland of the pentatomid Brochymena quadripustulata (F.) contains a single volatile compound. By means of infrared spectroscopy, mass spectrometric analysis, vapor-phase chromatography and the preparation of a 2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazone derivative, this compound has been identified as the trans form of 2-hexenal. Experiments using two ant species as predators indicate that the ejection of this compound by Brochymena is employed as a defensive mechanism.