cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The burden of osteoporosis: Cost

Osteoporotic fractures are generally assumed to be a major public health problem in the western world. Cost calculations are based primarily on hip fractures, which are easy to count since most require hospital admission and surgical intervention. The estimates of cost, which are $10-20 billion annually in the United States to $0.3 billion in England and Wales are therefore likely to be underestimates of the total cost of the disease. As populations age throughout the world, the costs worldwide can only increase, and estimates are staggering. Within 50 years the cost of hip fracture alone in the United States may exceed $240 billion. In some countries there appears also an age-specific increase in incidence that will only compound the problem. It is not clear to what extent therapeutic interventions can control the possible epidemic of fractures in the next century.
SYSTEMATIC ANALYSIS OF BOND ENERGIES CALCULATED BY THE INTEGRATED MOLECULAR ORBITAL-MOLECULAR ORBITAL METHOD

This paper tests the ability of the integrated molecular orbital−molecular orbital (IMOMO) method to include the effects of extended basis sets and higher-order electron correlation on bond energies by treating only a capped subsystem of a large molecule at a high level and integrating this with a lower-level calculation on the entire system. First, our results show that improving the basis on the capped subsystem is an excellent way to improve the bond energy without the expense of using a large basis set for the whole system. In a second study, we show that correlated calculations on a capped subsystem with the Hartree−Fock (HF) approximation for the entire system yield results that are within 1 kcal/mol of CCSD(T)/6-31G(d,p) accuracy for a set of molecules involving first-row atoms. For chloroethane, though, the HF level is inadequate for such a treatment, and the calculations have an error of about 3 kcal/mol with respect to a full CCSD(T)/6-31G(d,p) calculation. However, for this case, using even a l...
Simple Contextualism about Epistemic Modals Is Incorrect

I argue against a simple contextualist account of epistemic modals. My argument, like the argument on which it is based (von Fintel and Gillies 2011 and MacFarlane 2011), charges that simple contextualism cannot explain all of the conversational data about uses of epistemic modals. My argument improves on its predecessor by insulating itself from recent contextualist attempts by Janice Dowell (2011) and Igor Yanovich (2014) to get around that argument. In particular, I use linguistic data to show that an utterance of an epistemic modal sentence can be warranted, while an utterance of its suggested simple contextualist paraphrase is not.
Developmental toxicity of testosterone in the crustacean Daphnia magna involves anti-ecdysteroidal activity.

Testosterone has been shown to cause developmental arrest of embryonic daphnids (Daphnia magna). The present study was undertaken to determine whether this toxicity might be due to anti-ecdysteroidal activity associated with testosterone. The effect of testosterone on molt frequency of early instar daphnids was first evaluated to determine whether testosterone interfered with this ecdysteroid-regulated process. Molt frequency was delayed by exposure to testosterone and this effect was mitigated by co-exposure to the ecdysteroid 20-hydroxyecdysone. Testosterone exposure concentrations that interfered with molting also elicited developmental abnormalities among neonatal organisms produced by maternal organisms that were continuously exposed to testosterone or among embryos that were removed from unexposed mothers and exposed directly to the hormone. Embryos were significantly protected against the developmental toxicity of testosterone by co-exposure to 20-hydroxyecdysone. Taken together, these results demonstrated that the embryo toxicity of testosterone to daphnids is due largely to its ability to interfere with ecdysteroid control of development. Experiments next were conducted to determine whether testosterone interfered with ecdysteroidal activity by acting as an ecdysone receptor antagonist or by reducing endogenous ecdysone levels. Testosterone significantly antagonized the action of 20-hydroxyecdysone in an ecdysone-responsive cell line. Testosterone had no discernable effect on endogenous ecdysone levels in daphnids. These results demonstrated that (1) ecdysteroids regulate critical processes in daphnid embryo development, (2) testosterone elicits embryo toxicity to daphnids by interfering with ecdysteroid activity, and (3) ecdysteroid receptor antagonism could be one mechanism by which testosterone elicits these effects.
Isolation and properties of naphthoate synthetase from Mycobacterium phlei.

Abstract Cell-free extracts obtained by sonication of Mycobacterium phlei cells contain an important enzyme of the menaquinone (= vitamin K 2 ) biosynthetic pathway. This enzyme, naphthoate synthetase (1,4-dihydroxy-2-naphthoate synthetase), was partially purified by chromatography on Sepharose 6BCL. Conversion of o -succinylbenzoate to 1,4-dihydroxy-2-naphthoate was followed by a radioactivity assay using o -[2,3- 14 C 2 ]succinylbenzoate, or by a spectrophotofluorometric assay. o -[1- 13 C]Succinylbenzoate was converted intact by the extracts to dihydroxynaphthoate containing 13 C only in the carboxyl carbon atom. For maximum activity, the enzyme requires ATP, Mg 2+ , and coenzyme A. The pH optimum is 6.9 and the molecular weight approximately 44,000. In the presence of farnesyl pyrophosphate, the extracts convert o -[2,3- 14 C 2 ]succinylbenzoate to 14 C-containing menaquinone.
Discrete Hamilton's equations for viscous compressible fluid dynamics

Abstract Lagrange’s and Hamilton’s equations are used extensively in numerical modeling of rigid body dynamics and continuum solid dynamics problems. The use of energy methods in viscous compressible flow problems has been by contrast rather limited, largely confined to the development of basic balance laws in partial differential equation form. However, finite element interpolation of the modeled flow field allows for the direct application of the discrete form of Hamilton’s equations to viscous compressible fluid dynamics in Eulerian frames. The resulting model is a true energy formulation, developed without reference to the partial differential balance equations which underlie conventional finite difference, weighted residual finite element, and finite volume methods.
Fitness and evolutionary explanation

Recent philosophical discussions have failed to clarify the roles of the concept fitness in evolutionary theory. Neither the propensity interpretation of fitness nor the construal of fitness as a primitive theoretical term succeed in explicating the empirical content and explanatory power of the theory of natural selection. By appealing to the structure of simple mathematical models of natural selection, we separate out different contrasts which have tended to confuse discussions of fitness: the distinction between what fitness is defined as versus what fitness is a function of, the contrast between adaptedness as an overall property of organisms and specific adaptive capacities, the distinction between actual and potential reproductive success, the role of chance versus systematic causal relations, fitness as applied to organisms as opposed to fitness applied to genotype classes, heritable adaptive capacities of genotypes as opposed to relations between genotypes and the environment. We show how failure to distinguish and properly interrelate these different aspects of “fitness” adds confusion to a number of already complex issues concerning evolutionary theory. On the basis of our discussion of these different aspects of “fitness”, we propose a terminology which makes the necessary distinctions. A central result of our analysis is that the concept of fitness as the overall adaptedness of organisms does not enter into the causal structure of evolutionary explanation, at least to the extent that this structure is represented in the mathematical models of natural selection.
Wiener analysis of grating contrast judgments.

Abstract Wiener's method of nonlinear system identification is modified to allow it to be used for the first time to analyze data obtained from systems where the stimulus is a spatial waveform and the response is a single number, such as in contrast-matching experiments. Data from models and experiments were analyzed in the spatial-frequency, rather than the spatial domain. First and second order kernels obtained from experimental data agreed with those of a model containing parallel frequency-selective channels. Each channel consisted of a linear filter followed by a nonlinear transducer function: the channel outputs were linearly summed. The first order kernels also agreed well with a sine-wave sensitivity function obtained by conventional methods.
A random arrangement of albumin‐containing hepatocytes seen with histo‐immunologic methods. II. Conditions that produce the artifact

The cellular immunolocalization of albumin in rat liver has been studied as a function of various physiological and physical conditions. Our observations show that the prime requisite for accurate immunolocalization of albumin and other hepatic-based proteins is the complete removal of blood and especially plasma from sinusoids and the perisinusoidal space of Disse prior to fixation. Fixation of blood-filled liver specimens results in the antifactual entrance of plasma constituents into hepatocytes. When the fixative used is formaldehyde, the artifactual uptake occurs primarily into hepatocytes that have a high glycogen content. Fixation of blood-filled liver with acetic acid-ethanol causes a massive influx of plasma into all hepatocytes. On the contrary, with blood-free liver, varying the type of fixative consistently demonstrates that all hepatocytes normally contain albumin, transferrin, and fibrinogen simultaneously. Increasing the time between cessation of blood flow and outright fixation by either withholding the fixative or by impeding its diffusion through the specimen causes a progressive loss of antigenicity of albumin. The same result ensues when specimens remain in contact with the fixative for an extended time.
Spirituality and affect: a function of changes in religious affiliation

Abstract We tested the hypothesis that changes in religious affiliation constrain the relationship between spirituality and affect. Hospital employees in Korea completed questionnaires, including items about their religious affiliation at present and in childhood, spirituality (Spiritual Transcendence Index), religiousness (Duke Religion Index), and affect (Positive and Negative Affect Schedule). Spirituality was positively and linearly associated with positive emotions (i.e., general positive affect, joviality, self-assurance, attentiveness, and serenity) among individuals who were raised with a religious affiliation and had none currently or those who currently had a different affiliation from the one as raised. Spirituality was also negatively and linearly associated with sadness among individuals who currently had a different affiliation from the one as raised. An inverted U pattern between spirituality and guilt or between spirituality and shyness was also found among individuals whose religious affiliation had changed since childhood. Identifying individual’s history of changes in religious affiliation helped clarify the relations between spirituality and emotional well-being.
Control of cross-infection risks in the dental operatory: prevention of water retraction by bur cooling spray systems

A new dental unit control system was found to overcome the possibility of mechanically retracting bacteria from the mouth into the water line used to provide a spray of water to cool high-speed burs during treatments. This was demonstrated by results obtained after clinical use and after use in simulated, worst case test conditions using a red tempera indicator solution and indicator bacteria.
A 4-Channel UWB Beam-Former in 0.13μm CMOS using a Path-Sharing True-Time-Delay Architecture

A fully integrated 4-channel UWB beam-former in 0.13μm CMOS uses a path-sharing true-time-delay architecture with 15ps resolution. The 3.1×3.2mm2 chip produces 11 different scanning angles within plusmn60deg with 10° spatial resolution for 25mm antenna spacing. The front-end achieves an NF of 2.9 to 4.8dB across 18GHz of BW with less than 5ps of group delay variation.
Role of glucagon in the control of food intake in zucker obese and lean rats

Although there is strong evidence for glucagon's role in the control of food intake, the essentiality of this role remains in question. In several experiments the feeding responses to glucagon and glucagon antisera were investigated in both Zucker and Sprague-Dawley rats. Intraperitoneal injection of 400 μg/kg glucagon decreased 30-min food intake 18% (p<0.01) in Zucker lean rats and increased 30-min food intake 16% (NS) in Zucker obese rats, suggesting obese rats are less sensitive. In Sprague-Dawley rats the same dose decreased first meal size 28% (p<0.01), indicating that they were more sensitive than Zucker lean rats. Intraperitoneal injection of 400 μg/kg glucagon increased plasma glucagon concentrations in the vena cava and the tail vein 150-fold and 10-fold, thus, superphysiological doses may be required to elicit satiety. In contrast, administration of a glucagon antisera increased food intake of Zucker rats for up to 6 hr and increased meal size for 5 hr. The findings suggest that glucagon's role in control of food intake in Zucker obese and lean rats is similar, but the superphysiological glucagon changes which occur with exogenous administration indicate that glucagon may only indirectly elicit satiety.
Zero-Field Kondo Splitting and Quantum-Critical Transition in Double Quantum Dots

Double quantum dots offer unique possibilities for the study of many-body correlations. A system containing one Kondo dot and one effectively noninteracting dot maps onto a single-impurity Anderson model with a structured (nonconstant) density of states. Numerical renormalization-group calculations show that, while band filtering through the resonant dot splits the Kondo resonance, the singlet ground state is robust. The system can also be continuously tuned to create a pseudogapped density of states and access a quantum-critical point separating Kondo and non-Kondo phases.
Least-Squares Approximation of Structured Covariances

State covariances of linear systems satisfy certain constraints imposed by the underlying dynamics. These constraints dictate a particular structure of state covariances. However, sample covariances almost always fail to have the required structure. The renewed interest in using state covariances for estimating the power spectra of inputs gives rise to the approximation problem. In this note, the structured covariance least-squares problem is formulated and the Lyapunov-type matricial linear constraint is converted into an equivalent set of trace constraints. Efficient unconstrained maximization methods capable of solving the corresponding dual problem are developed.
Norms, Athletic Identity, and Concussion Symptom Under-Reporting Among Male Collegiate Ice Hockey Players: A Prospective Cohort Study

BACKGROUND: Many athletes fail to report concussion symptoms to coaches or medical personnel, putting them at risk for potentially catastrophic neurologic consequences if additional brain trauma is sustained prior to full recovery. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to determine whether concussion reporting norms prior to the start of the athletic season predicted reporting symptoms of a possible concussion during the season, and whether this association was moderated by athletic identity. METHODS: Members of six National Collegiate Athletic Association Division 1 men's ice hockey teams (n = 116) completed written surveys before and after the 2012-2013 collegiate ice hockey season. RESULTS: Participants who at pre-season perceived that "most athletes" were likely to report symptoms of a concussion were themselves more likely to report symptoms during the season. Athletic identity weakly moderated this association. CONCLUSIONS: Perceived reporting norms may be an important target of interventions aimed at reducing symptom under-reporting among athletes. Language: en
PLASMA PROTEIN-BOUND IODINE AFTER INTRAVENOUS INJECTION OF THYROXINE IN THYROIDECTOMIZED DOGS1

THERE is abundant evidence that circulating thyroid hormone is chiefly thyroxine which is bound to plasma protein. Almost all of the endogenously produced organic iodine bound to plasma protein is present as thyroxine (Taurog and Chaikoff, 1948; Laidlaw, 1949; Gross et al., 1950; Rosenberg, 1951; Taurog et al., 1950; Tong et al., 1952). When thyroxine is added to serum it becomes protein-bound. The resulting thyroxine-protein complex behaves on electrophoresis like the thyroid hormone—plasma protein complex (Gordon et al., 1952) indicating an identical protein linkage. O'Neal and Heinbecker (1953) have presented rate-constants for the disappearance of endogenously produced protein-bound iodine from plasma after thyrotropin stimulation in hypophysectomized dogs. It is the purpose of the present report to present the characteristics of the disappearance of protein-bound iodine from plasma after intravenous injection of racemic thyroxine in thyroidectomized dogs. MATERIALS AND METHODS Healthy young adult mon...
Frequency-domain modeling of TM wave propagation in optical nanostructures with a third-order nonlinear response.

An enhanced method is developed for analysis of third-order nonlinearities in optical nanostructures with a scalar magnetic field frequency-domain formulation; it is shown to produce fast and accurate results for 2D problems without a superfluous vector electric field formalism. While a standard TM representation using cubic nonlinear susceptibility results in an intractable implicit equation, our technique alleviates this problem. In addition to a universal approach, simpler, more efficient solutions are proposed for media having solely either a real (lossless Kerr-type medium) or an imaginary (nonlinear absorbing medium) nonlinearity. Combining these solutions with a finite-element method, we show simulation examples validated with alternative approaches. © 2009 Optical Society of America OCIS codes: 050.1755, 160.3918, 160.4330.
Degradation of Graphite-Epoxy Due to Electron Radiation

Experimental results are presented showing that electron irradiation has a variable effect on the properties of graphite-epoxy depending upon the test temperature and the property of interest. In general, compression properties are improved at cold temperature and degraded at elevated temperature. With the exception of some moduli, tensile and shear properties are degraded at both cold and elevated temperatures. Electron irradiation lowers the glass transition temperature of graphite/epoxy significantly. Property degradation of irradiated materials at the elevated temperature is associated with the reduction in Tg. It is shown that a (0) compression-strength test is the most sensitive test for exhibiting the effects of electron irradiation. Results from tests on neat resin also show that the bulk matrix is degraded after irradiation, and that the correlation between resin and composite response is good.
Depression, Access Barriers, and Their Combined Associations with Unmet Health Needs among Publicly Insured Individuals in Minnesota

Studies have examined how individual risk factors affect unmet health needs, but few have assessed how factors combine to create compounded risk. Using administrative and survey data from 1,897 pub...
The Collecting Duct Is the Major Source of Prorenin in Diabetes

In addition to the juxtaglomerular apparatus, renin is also synthesized in renal tubular epithelium, including the collecting duct (CD). Angiotensin (Ang) II differentially regulates the synthesis of juxtaglomerular (inhibition) and CD (stimulation) renin. Because diabetes mellitus, a disease with high intrarenal renin-Ang system and Ang II activity, is characterized by high prorenin levels, we hypothesized that the CD is the major source of prorenin in diabetes. Renin granular content was visualized using in vivo multiphoton microscopy of the kidney in diabetic Munich-Wistar rats. Diabetes caused a 3.5-fold increase in CD renin, in contrast to less pronounced juxtaglomerular changes. Ang II type 1 receptor blockade with Olmesartan reduced CD renin to control levels but significantly increased juxtaglomerular renin. Using a fluorogenic renin assay, the prorenin component of CD renin content was measured by assessing the difference in enzymatic activity of medullary homogenates before and after trypsin activation of prorenin. Trypsinization caused no change in control renin activity but a 5-fold increase in diabetes. Studies on a CD cell line (M1) showed a 22-fold increase in renin activity after trypsinization and a further 35-fold increase with Ang II treatment. Therefore, prorenin significantly contributes to baseline CD renin. Diabetes, possibly via Ang II, greatly stimulates CD prorenin and causes hyperplasia of renin-producing connecting segments. These novel findings suggest that, in a rat model of diabetes, prorenin content and release from the CD may be more important than the juxtaglomerular apparatus in contrast to the existing paradigm.
Evolution of Surgical Technique in Conventional Open Hepatectomy for Living Liver Donation Over a 12-Year Period in a Single Center

We report details of the experience from the largest Italian program with hepatic living donation, focusing particularly on the use of intraoperative ultrasound in liver transplantation and living donation. During a 12-year period we changed our surgical technique in the conventional open procedures thanks to the experience gained into the laparoscopic setting. Intraoperative ultrasound has been implemented during these delicate procedures for ensuring a fast and safer detection of the accessory veins and final severing of the vascular stumps during liver transection.
Micrometeorological measurement of hexachlorobenzene and polychlorinated biphenyl compound air-water gas exchange in Lake Superior and comparison to model predictions

Air-water exchange fluxes of persistent, bioaccu- mulative and toxic (PBT) substances are frequently estimated using the Whitman two-film (W2F) method, but micromete- orological flux measurements of these compounds over water are rarely attempted. We measured air-water exchange fluxes of hexachlorobenzene (HCB) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) on 14 July 2006 in Lake Superior using the modi- fied Bowen ratio (MBR) method. Measured fluxes were com- pared to estimates using the W2F method, and to estimates from an Internal Boundary Layer Transport and Exchange (IBLTE) model that implements the NOAA COARE bulk flux algorithm and gas transfer model. We reveal an inac- curacy in the estimate of water vapor transfer velocity that is commonly used with the W2F method for PBT flux estima- tion, and demonstrate the effect of use of an improved esti- mation method. Flux measurements were conducted at three stations with increasing fetch in offshore flow (15, 30, and 60 km) in southeastern Lake Superior. This sampling strat- egy enabled comparison of measured and predicted flux, as well as modification in near-surface atmospheric concentra- tion with fetch, using the IBLTE model. Fluxes estimated us- ing the W2F model were compared to fluxes measured by MBR. In five of seven cases in which the MBR flux was significantly greater than zero, concentration increased with fetch at 1-m height, which is qualitatively consistent with the measured volatilization flux. As far as we are aware, these are the first reported ship-based micrometeorological air-water exchange flux measurements of PCBs.
Regulation of response properties and operating range of the AFD thermosensory neurons by cGMP signaling.

Summary Background: The neuronal mechanisms that encode specific stimulus features in order to elicit defined behavioral responses are poorly understood. C. elegans forms a memory of its cultivation temperature (Tc) and exhibits distinct behaviors in different temperature ranges relative to Tc. In particular, C. elegans tracks isotherms only in a narrow temperature band near Tc. Tc memory is in part encoded by the threshold of responsiveness (T*AFD) of the AFD thermosensory neuron pair to temperature stimuli. However, because AFD thermosensory responses appear to be similar at all examined temperatures above T*AFD, the mechanisms that generate specific behaviors in defined temperature ranges remain to be determined. Results: Here, we show that the AFD neurons respond to the sinusoidal variations in thermal stimuli followed by animals during isothermal tracking (IT) behavior only in a narrow temperature range near Tc. We find that mutations in the AFD-expressed gcy-8 receptor guanylyl cyclase (rGC) gene result in defects in the execution of IT behavior and are associated with defects in the responses of the AFD neurons to oscillating thermal stimuli. In contrast, mutations in the gcy-18 or gcy-23 rGCs alter the temperature range in which IT behavior is exhibited. Alteration of intracellular cGMP levels via rGC mutations or addition of cGMP analogs shift the lower and upper ranges of the temperature range of IT behavior in part via alteration in T*AFD. Conclusions: Our observations provide insights into the mechanisms by which a single sensory neuron type encodes features of a given stimulus to generate different behaviors in defined zones.
REAL: A Program for REgister ALlocation

This paper describes the REAL REgister ALlocation program. REAL uses a track assignment algorithm taken from channel routing called the Left Edge algorithm. REAL is optimal for non-pipelined designs with no conditional branches. It is thought that REAL is also optimal for designs with conditional branches, pipelined or not. Experimental results are included in the report, which illustrate the optimal solutions found by REAL. REAL is part of the ADAM Advanced Design AutoMation system, and will be used to process designs output from MAHA and Sehwa.
Improving energy efficiency of centrally controlled wireless data networks

Wireless network access protocols can assist nodes to conserve energy by identifying when they can enter low energy states. The goal is to put all nodes not involved in a transmission into the doze state. However, in doing so, one must tradeoff the energy and other costs associated with the overhead of coordinating dozing with the energy savings of putting nodes to sleep. In this paper, we define three alternative directory protocols that may be used by a central node to coordinate the transmission of data and the dozing of nodes. We attempt to optimize their performance by using scheduling and protocol parameter tuning. In addition, we consider the impact of errors and error recovery methods on energy consumption. Although one can argue that carefully scheduling transmissions will improve performance, ultimately, appropriately tuning protocols reduces scheduling's significance. In most cases, scheduling transmissions between the same nodes contiguously and ordering such transmissions shortest processing time first results in good performance. The most critical feature that contributes to an access protocol's effectiveness is its ability to minimize the time it takes to inform nodes that they may doze. However, the ability of our protocols to conserve energy is highly dependent on (1) network size, (2) traffic type (e.g., down/uplink, and peer-to-peer) and (3) channel bit error rate. In particular, we show that when protocols are faced with packet errors, more elaborate schemes to coordinate the dozing of nodes can pay-off. We conclude by recommending an energy conserving implementation of the IEEE 802.11 Point Coordination Function.
Exploring relational aspects of time‐based competition

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to begin to explore the phenomenon of time pressure in supply chain relationships.Design/methodology/approach – Using grounded theory methodology, qualitative data were accumulated from experienced supply chain managers. Depth interviews were utilized in order to gain a deeper understanding of time pressure in supply chain relationships.Findings – Analysis of the qualitative data suggests that time pressure can exist in a supply chain relationship and potentially impact the relationship. This qualitative evidence implies that time pressure may create tension, reduce collaboration, or alter expectations in supply chain relationships.Research limitations/implications – This research provides a greater understanding of the potential effects of time pressure in relationships which provides insight into relational dynamics and characteristics. These initial qualitative findings can inform and prompt quantitative testing of the effects of time pressure in relationships. By...
Liver receptor homolog-1 regulates the expression of steroidogenic acute regulatory protein in human granulosa cells.

Steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR) plays a critical role in the initial step of steroid hormone synthesis. In the present study, we investigated the role of liver receptor homolog-1 (LRH-1) and dosage-sensitive sex reversal, adrenal hypoplasia congenital critical region on the X chromosome, gene 1 (DAX-1) in the regulation of StAR gene expression in human granulosa cell tumor cells. We also examined the effect of protein kinase A (PKA) signaling pathway on the expression of StAR in the presence of LRH-1 and DAX-1. Cell transfection, mutation analysis, and EMSA were performed. LRH-1 significantly induced StAR promoter activity in a concentration-dependent manner. This induction was further augmented in the presence of PKA agonist. Using deletion analysis, we demonstrated LRH-1 binding site at 105/95. Mutation of this site resulted in a significant decrease in the StAR promoter activity. Using EMSA, the ability of this ciselement to bind LRH-1 was confirmed. DAX-1 inhibited LRH1-stimulated StAR promoter activity in a concentration-dependent manner. This inhibition was also maintained in the presence of PKA stimulation. Our results demonstrated that LRH-1 plays a critical role in the induction of StAR gene expression. We hypothesize that LRH-1 could be the major transcription factor responsible for the rapid and significant increase in ovarian StAR gene expression after ovulation. (J Clin Endocrinol Metab 89: 3042–3047, 2004)
Convergence of the Born series with low-momentum interactions

Abstract The non-perturbative nature of nucleon–nucleon interactions as a function of a momentum cutoff is studied using Weinberg eigenvalues as a diagnostic. This investigation extends an earlier study of the perturbative convergence of the Born series to partial waves beyond the 3S1–3D1 channel and to positive energies. As the cutoff is lowered using renormalization-group or model-space techniques, the evolution of non-perturbative features at large cutoffs from strong short-range repulsion and the iterated tensor interaction are monitored via the complex Weinberg eigenvalues. When all eigenvalues lie within the unit circle, the expansion of the scattering amplitude in terms of the interaction is perturbative, with the magnitude of the largest eigenvalue setting the rate of convergence. Major decreases in the magnitudes of repulsive eigenvalues are observed as the Argonne v 18 , CD-Bonn or Nijmegen potentials are evolved to low momentum, even though two-body observables are unchanged. For chiral EFT potentials, running the cutoff lower tames the impact of the tensor force and of new non-perturbative features entering at N3LO. The efficacy of separable approximations to nuclear interactions derived from the Weinberg analysis is studied as a function of cutoff, and the connection to inverse scattering is demonstrated.
What is Waldenström macroglobulinemia

In this issue of Leukemia and Lymphoma, Varettoni et al. analyze immunoglobulin heavy chain rearrangements in patients with Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia and immunoglobulin M (IgM) monoclonal gammo...
Site Fidelity, Associations and Long-Term Bonds of Short-Finned Pilot Whales off the Island of Hawai"i

Abstract : Short-finned pilot whales (Globicephala macrorhynchus) are the most frequently sighted odontocete in a long-term study in Hawa'i (representing 23.8% of all odontocete sightings from directed research efforts), yet little has been published on this species in Hawaiian waters. Studies elsewhere have suggested that short-finned pilot whales travel in stable mixed-sex groups composed of strongly associated individuals; however temporal analyses of social structure are lacking. To examine site fidelity, association patterns and temporal relationships, I analyzed data from 267 directed research and opportunistic encounters of short-finned pilot whales off the island of Hawai i from 2003 through 2007. Sightings occurred year-round. Analysis of sighting depths in relation to effort indicated short-finned pilot whales are strongly associated with the island slope, with no sightings in water 2,700m deep despite effort to 5,000m. Using only goodquality photos, I identified 448 distinctive individuals; of these, 305 (68.1%) were seen more than once and 250 (55.8%) were seen in 1 year. Sighting histories varied from 1- 29 sightings per individual (median=3) over the course of the study, suggesting only some individuals exhibit high site fidelity. Degree of residency was assessed using multiyear site fidelity to the study area; individuals seen /=5 times in /=3 years were considered core residents (154 individuals), individuals who fell below these criteria but that were seen more than once were termed residents (150 individuals) and those seen on a single occasion were termed visitors (142 individuals). Only 71.9% of the whales were linked by association into a single social network, suggesting the possibility of multiple populations using the study area.
Alcoholics' Personalities: Extravert or Introvert?

While some data on pre-alcoholics' personality suggests that alcoholics may be extraverted, Eysenck's theory of personality predicts that alcoholics are introverted. This study attempted to determine whether alcoholics were primarily extraverts, introverts, or ambiverts. Four groups of subjects (28 inpatients, 16 outpatients, 24 DWIs, and 8 staff) from two alcoholism treatment centers were given a measure of extraversion-introversion, the MacAndrew Alcoholism Scale, and a self-report measure of the average daily volume of alcohol consumed. The alcoholic groups scored in the introvertive direction, while the non-alcoholic groups scored in the extravertive direction. Findings suggest that extraversion is related to treatment outcome, with introverts having a poorer prognosis for recovery than extraverts.
Wafer-bonded, high dynamic range, single-crystalline silicon tunneling accelerometer

This paper presents a high-dynamic range (10/sup 6/ g) tunneling accelerometer fabricated using precision wafer bonding (< 1 um misalignment) and a wet-release process. This single-crystalline silicon cantilever device with no metal electrical interconnects on the cantilever shows superior long-term bias stability compared with previously reported surface-micromachined tunneling accelerometers. An ASIC control loop can also be integrated with the sensor for low-cost manufacturing.
The influence of hepatitis B virus genotype and subgenotype on the natural history of chronic hepatitis B

Background Chronic infection with hepatitis B virus (HBV) is associated with a high lifetime risk of developing hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and cirrhosis of the liver.
Certification of an airborne digital flight manual for the Gulfstream IV

In February 1990, the Gulfstream IV (G-IV) received Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) certification of the first complete airborne, digital FAA-approved airplane flight manual (AFM). The full AFM takeoff and landing computations are provided by the Honeywell PZ-800 performance/autothrottle computer. The computations extend far beyond Quick Reference Handbook (QRH) estimates found on the most advanced air transport aircraft. The PZ-800 predictions include the following for both full-rated and reduced-thrust takeoffs: 'V speeds' (decision (refusal) speed, rotation speed, safety (second-segment) speed, final segment speed, single-engine speed, and landing flaps reference speed) and distances (accelerate-stop, accelerate-go, and required field length). Landing computations also include speeds, distances and engine-settings. This system represents the first airborne application of a full digital flight manual. Approval of the PZ-800 takeoff and landing functions faced several certification and technical challenges. These challenges, as well as operation, design features, and testing of the PZ-800, are discussed. >
Resuscitative Thoracotomy: An Update.

Background: Resuscitative thoracotomy is a heroic procedure that may offer the only survival hope for trauma patients in extremis. however, this operation has been the subject of much debate and its use, feasibility, outcomes, and cost are being continuously re-evaluated. Methods: this is a review of the most current (after 2000) literature on resuscitative thoracotomy, based on computer database searches for studies on resuscitative thoracotomy, emergency department thoracotomy, and emergency thoracotomy. studies were selected for inclusion in this review based on their relevance and contribution to our understanding of resuscitative thoracotomy. Results: a total of 37 studies were included, and the following resuscitative thoracotomy- related topics were critically discussed: indications, biochemical profile, long-term outcome, organ donation, pre-hospital use, military use, international aspects, intra-aortic balloon occlusion, suspended animation, and cost and occupational exposure. Conclusions: this review demonstrates that the indications for resuscitative thoracotomy become clearer and that new information is available regarding its use in the pre-hospital urban environment and military settings. Furthermore, it points to new strategies to supplement resuscitative thoracotomy including intra-aortic balloon occlusion and suspended animation. Finally, it sheds light on the long-term outcomes, organ donation, and cost and occupational exposure following resuscitative thoracotomy.
A Flexible and efficient bit error rate simulation method for high-speed differential link analysis using time-domain interpolation and superposition

In this paper, a flexible and efficient time-domain method for calculating the bit error rate of high-speed differential links is presented. The method applies interpolation and superposition to the step response of a channel to construct the jittery data or/and clock waveforms at the receiver. With the statistics of the actual reference-crossing points extracted from the constructed receiver waveforms, the bathtub curves can be derived and extrapolated to get the eye margin at the given bit error rate. A software has been developed and applied for high-speed differential link design using the method. Good correlation has been achieved between the simulated results using this method and the measurement data with a bit error rate tester.
Canopy structure and vertical patterns of photosynthesis and related leaf traits in a deciduous forest.

Canopy structure and light interception were measured in an 18-m tall, closed canopy deciduous forest of sugar maple (Acer saccharum) in southwestern Wisconsin, USA, and related to leaf structural characteristics, N content, and leaf photosynthetic capacity. Light attenuation in the forest occurred primarily in the upper and middle portions of the canopy. Forest stand leaf area index (LAI) and its distribution with respect to canopy height were estimated from canopy transmittance values independently verified with a combined leaf litterfall and point-intersect method. Leaf mass, N and A max per unit area (LMA, N/area and A max/area, respectively) all decreased continuously by over two-fold from the upper to lower canopy, and these traits were strongly correlated with cumulative leaf area above the leaf position in the canopy. In contrast, neither N concentration nor A max per unit mass varied significantly in relation to the vertical canopy gradient. Since leaf N concentration showed no consistent pattern with respect to canopy position, the observed vertical pattern in N/area is a direct consequence of vertical variation of LMA. N/area and LMA were strongly correlated with A max/area among different canopy positions (r2=0.81 and r2=0.66, respectively), indicating that vertical variation in area-based photosynthetic capacity can also be attributed to variation in LMA. A model of whole-canopy photosynthesis was used to show that observed or hypothetical canopy mass distributions toward higher LMA (and hence higher N/area) in the upper portions of the canopy tended to increase integrated daily canopy photosynthesis over other LMA distribution patterns. Empirical relationships between leaf and canopy-level characteristics may help resolve problems associated with scaling gas exchange measurements made at the leaf level to the individual tree crown and forest canopy-level.
Parameterization of the Snowmelt Runoff Model for the Salt-Verde System, Arizona During Drought Conditions

Abstract The snowmelt season for water years 2001 to 2003 were modeled for the Salt, Tonto, and Verde basins in Arizona using the Snowmelt Runoff Model (SRM). The SRM is a degree-day-driven snowmelt model. The purpose was to assess how well the SRM could simulate the snowmelt runoff conditions in Arizona, an arid subtropical environment that was also experiencing severe drought. Arizona's snowmelt season is characterized by multiple accumulation periods and near complete melt off periods that often occur during midwinter. Successful simulation of the streamflow would necessitate defining the proper values and patterns of the SRM parameters and assessing how this parameterization differs from other basins where the SRM has been run. Correlation coefficient values for modeled and measured streamflow on the Salt, Tonto, and Verde basins were 0.89, 0.89, and 0.91, respectively. Index of agreement values were 0.93, 0.94, and 0.95, respectively. Runoff coefficients increased during the snowmelt season until the...
Evaluation of the oceanographic measurement accuracy of different commercial sensors to be used on fishing gears

Abstract The aim of the paper is to assess the accuracy for physical oceanography purposes of some commercial sensors (Star-Oddi and NKE) installed on fishing boats in the Adriatic Sea. When mounted on fishing gears, they can retrieve huge amounts of daily datasets (temperature, depth and salinity), spanning a very large spatial region. The possibility to establish their accuracy would be of extreme importance for physical oceanography studies since it would be almost impossible to obtain the same amount of data by means of cruises onboard Research Vessels. Comparison tests against a calibrated CTD were performed during several surveys. Summarizing, the data collected by Star-Oddi sensors are useful only considering the data portion where a dwell time at a fixed depth permanence is longer than 50 s, while those collected by NKE sensors are much more accurate for both depth and temperature and could be usefully considered for broader oceanographic purposes. The weak point of the NKE sensors is the salinity measurement. The evaluation carried out in the present study underlined the optimal conditions for the usage of the considered sensors and produced a series of offsets that might be used to enhance the accuracy of the recorded datasets.
Designing a Hybrid Scale-Up/Out Hadoop Architecture Based on Performance Measurements for High Application Performance

Since scale-up machines perform better for jobs with small and median (KB, MB) data sizes while scale-out machines perform better for jobs with large (GB, TB) data size, and a workload usually consists of jobs with different data size levels, we propose building a hybrid Hadoop architecture that includes both scale-up and scale-out machines, which however is not trivial. The first challenge is workload data storage. Thousands of small data size jobs in a workload may overload the limited local disks of scale-up machines. Jobs from scale-up and scale-out machines may both request the same set of data, which leads to data transmission between the machines. The second challenge is to automatically schedule jobs to either scale-up or scale-out cluster to achieve the best performance. We conduct a thorough performance measurement of different applications on scale-up and scale-out clusters, configured with Hadoop Distributed File System (HDFS) and a remote file system (i.e., OFS), respectively. We find that using OFS rather than HDFS can solve the data storage challenge. Also, we identify the factors that determine the performance differences on the scale-up and scale-out clusters and their cross points to make the choice. Accordingly, we design and implement the hybrid scale-up/out Hadoop architecture. Our trace-driven experimental results show that our hybrid architecture outperforms both the traditional Hadoop architecture with HDFS and with OFS in terms of job completion time.
Sartori’s Challenge: Political Models From the Bottom Up

Sartori’s strictures on conceptual stretching may have distracted the comparative discipline’s attention from a deeper second theme in his work, the shift from top-down, variable-centered analysis to bottom-up (ab imis) political analysis based on individual persons’ decision making and their concrete interactions, a kind of model that has only recently become practical with computer assistance, and which is peculiarly appropriate for a comparative research that seeks to combine case studies and scientific inference. A classic ethnography by Clifford Geertz, based on thick description, is respectfully re-evaluated to show that a bottom-up ontology can provide insights into enduring questions of political science that may elude conventional variable-centered methods. Bottom-up models may add an important dimension to comparative research, bridging old divisions between ethnography, case studies, processes, and mechanisms on one hand, and formalized scientific models on the other.
Fujithermo magnet wire (No. 1)

Magnet Wire used in high temperature environment such as the proximity of the core of nuclear reactor should have a capability of operating temperature 400°C or higher, and also the wire should be free from radiation damage. From these stand points, ceramic insulating wire has been often used in such case that the conventional enamelled wire is not unable to use.
Spatial Orientation, Wayfinding, and Representation

Everyone has been disoriented at one time or another. It is an uncomfortable, unsettling feeling to be unfamiliar with your immediate surroundings and unable to determine how to correct the situation. Accordingly, one might think that the goal of navigation research in virtual environments (VEs) is to create a situation where everyone is oriented properly all the time and knows exactly where everything is and how to get there. This, however, may not be absolutely correct. Much is gained from the navigation process beyond just spatial knowledge. The path of discovery rarely lies on a known road. The experience of serendipitous discovery is an important part of human navigation and should be preserved. But how does one resolve the conflicts between this and the not-so-pleasant experience of “lostness”?