cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Genomics view of gonadotrope signaling circuits.

Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) binds to the pituitary GnRH receptor to activate signal transduction cascades that ultimately modulate gonadotropin biosynthesis. Comprehensive studies of the GnRH-activated gene program in the LβT2 gonadotrope cell line have greatly increased our knowledge of the number of early and intermediate gene transcripts that are modulated by GnRH. Among the classes of gene induced are several whose protein products provide feedback to various levels of signaling pathways, suggesting that gene induction forms an integral component of signal transduction and contributes to longer-timescale feedback and feedforward loops. High-throughput quantitative genomic studies, mathematical modeling and biochemical studies are beginning to delineate the organization and function of the signal-decoding and logic circuit modules of the gonadotrope's signal transduction network.
Ferroelectricity in Li-Doped ZnO:X Thin Films and their Application in Optical Switching Devices

We have proposed the application of ZnO:X (X=Li,Ni,Al etc.) films in monolithic optical integrated circuits (OICs). [rf1] To realize the optical switching device, dielectric properties of ZnO:Li deposited on SiO2/p-Si were evaluated in detail. From the results of the frequency dependence of the dielectric permittivity and the loss, and the temperature dependence of ac conductivity at various frequencies, the existence of mobile Li ion was confirmed. The pulsed C–V measurements [rf2] revealed that not only the mobile Li ion but also the ferroelectricity of ZnO:Li contributed to the hysteresis in the normal C–V behavior. To determine the processes assumed to occur in the switching device structure, a prototype of the waveguide structure was fabricated. Although the relationship between the refractive indices of the core and clad layers satisfied the required condition for propagation, several processes such as interdiffusion of doped ions, band alignment and/or rearrangement of space charge when applying the bias voltage were also revealed.
Ill-posed deconvolutions: Regularization and singular value decompositions

We consider 3 procedures that have been proposed and used on the following type of ill-posed problems: Given an experimentally-measured function g, compute f knowing that g(t) = ?0 1 K(t-s)f(s)ds. The 3 procedures are (1) singular value decomposition with truncation; (2) a decomposition procedure of Ekstrom and Rhoads; and (3) the Tikhonov regularization procedure. Relationships between these 3 procedures are discussed with emphasis on the mollifying effects each has on the noise in the measurements. Regularization is shown to provide the most natural setting for noise mollification, although it may not be the best procedure to use.
Using hepatitis C virus and herpes simplex virus-2 to track HIV among injecting drug users in New York City

Abstract Objective To explore the potential utility of hepatitis C virus (HCV) seroprevalence as a biomarker for injection risk, and herpes simplex virus-2 (HSV-2) as a biomarker for sexual risk among injecting drug users (IDUs). We examined the relationships between HCV and HIV and between HSV-2 and HIV among injecting drug users in New York City relative to the large-scale implementation of syringe exchange in the mid-1990s. Methods 397 injecting drug users were recruited from a drug detoxification program in New York from 2005 to 2007. Informed consent was obtained, a questionnaire covering demographics, drug use and HIV risk was administered. Blood samples were tested for antibody to HIV, HCV and HSV-2. Results Among all subjects, HIV prevalence was 17%, HCV prevalence 72% and HSV-2 prevalence 48%. Among IDUs who began injecting before 1995, HIV was 28%, HCV serostatus was strongly associated with HIV serostatus (AOR = 8.96, 95% CI 1.16–69.04) and HSV-2 serostatus was not associated with HIV serostatus (AOR = 1.31, 95% CI 0.64–2.67). Among subjects who began injecting in 1995 or later, HIV was 6%, HCV was not associated with HIV (AOR = 1.04, 95% CI 0.27–4.08) and HSV-2 serostatus was strongly related to HIV serostatus (AOR = 10.71, 95% CI 1.18–97.57). Conclusions HCV and HSV-2 HCV and HSV-2 may provide important new tools for monitoring evolving HIV epidemics among IDUs. Reconsideration of the current CDC hierarchical transmission risk classification system may also be warranted.
Semiclassical off-shell T -matrix elements for nearly coincident momenta in the classically allowed region

Semiuniform off-shell wave functions and {ital T}-matrix elements are presented that remain valid even in the limit of equal incoming and outgoing momenta. Numerical comparisons are made with both primitive semiclassical and fully quantal predictions for scattering described by a Hulthen potential.
Bentonite flocculation test for the detection of foot-and-mouth disease antibodies

Preliminary studies with the bentonite flocculation test indicated that the test performed in parallel with agar gel diffusion precipitin tests would serve as a useful diagnostic tool in the screening of bovine sera for antibodies to foot-and-mouth disease virus.
Hulk: A Generalized Kinetics Model using HULLAC Atomic Data

Summary form only given. The prediction of the emission radiated from high-Z ions in a plasma, i.e., the radiative yield, is important in understanding the distribution of energy as well as the spectral characteristics in plasmas with high-Z ions. Since these plasmas occur over a wide range of plasma conditions, they require a general non-LTE population kinetics description. A kinetics model is constructed using the atomic data generation capability of HULLAC to provide charge state distributions, level population distributions and radiative properties of laboratory plasmas. The constructed model explicitly treats the doubly-excited states and dielectronic recombination channels critical to charge state distributions. The use of the full non-LTE kinetics model permit us to investigate the higher electron density regimes, well beyond the coronal limit, found commonly in laboratory plasmas. Hence, with this construct we can use a single kinetics model to provide radiative yields from the coronal to the highest density regimes found in laboratories. To illustrate the capabilities of this approach we present the detailed calculations of total radiative cooling coefficients and the X-ray radiative cooling coefficients as a function of electron density from and well beyond the coronal limit.
Finally, the LDL receptor joins in

Comment on Bovenschen et al, page [906][1] The LDL receptor is a member of a family of gene products with partially overlapping function. In this issue of Blood , Bovenschen and colleagues describe how members of the LDL receptor gene family cooperate in the regulation of factor VIII. The LDL
Effects of spatial cuing on the onset repulsion effect

Effects of cuing the onset (initial) location of a moving target on memory for the onset location of that target were examined. If a cue presented prior to target onset indicated the location where that target would appear, the onset repulsion effect (in which the judged initial location of the target was displaced in the direction opposite to target motion) was decreased, and the onset repulsion effect was smaller if the cue was valid than if the cue was invalid. If a cue presented during target motion or after the target vanished indicated the location where that target had appeared, the onset repulsion effect was eliminated. The data (1) suggest that positional uncertainty might contribute to the onset repulsion effect, (2) provide the first evidence of an effect of expectancy regarding target trajectory on the onset repulsion effect, and (3) are partially consistent with previous data involving effects of attention and spatial cuing on the Frohlich effect and on representational momentum.
On Evaluating Impaired Television Pictures By Subjective Measurements

An introduction to the concept of a quantitative measure of television picture quality is presented. The foundation of the impairment unit, which is a quantitative, statistically derived measure of picture quality, is explored as well as the important property of impairment unit summability. Finally, the utility in system design of these quantitative measures of picture quality is discussed and demonstrated by an example.
Surface evolution during crystalline silicon film growth by low-temperature hot-wire chemical vapor deposition on silicon substrates

We investigate the low-temperature growth of crystalline thin silicon films: epitaxial, twinned, and polycrystalline, by hot-wire chemical vapor deposition (HWCVD). Using Raman spectroscopy, spectroscopic ellipsometry, and atomic force microscopy, we find the relationship between surface roughness evolution and (i) the substrate temperature (230–350 °C) and (ii) the hydrogen dilution ratio (H2/SiH4=0–480). The absolute silicon film thickness for fully crystalline films is found to be the most important parameter in determining surface roughness, hydrogen being the second most important. Higher hydrogen dilution increases the surface roughness as expected. However, surface roughness increases with increasing substrate-temperature, in contrast to previous studies of crystalline Si growth. We suggest that the temperature-dependent roughness evolution is due to the role of hydrogen during the HWCVD process, which in this high hydrogen dilution regime allows for epitaxial growth on the rms roughest films through a kinetic growth regime of shadow-dominated etch and desorption and redeposition of growth species.
Opioid modulation of immune responses: effects on phagocyte and lymphoid cell populations

The literature describing effects of morphine on cells of the immune system points to the clear conclusion that morphine given in vivo suppresses a variety of immune responses that involve the major cell types in the immune system, including natural killer (NK) cells, T cells, B cells, macrophages and polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs). Depression of NK cell activity has been reported in humans, monkeys and rodents. Similarly, responses of T cells are depressed by morphine, as assessed by inhibition of induction of delayed-type hypersensitivity reactions and cytotoxic T-cell activity, modulation of T-cell antigen expression, and depression of responses to T-cell mitogens. Effects on T cells have been reported in humans, monkeys and rodents. Effects of morphine on B-cell activity have mainly been tested in rodents using assays of antibody formation, which also require macrophages and T cells, preventing a conclusion as to the cell type being affected. Consistent effects on phagocytic cell function have been reported in rodents given morphine. In contrast, studies on immunomodulatory effects of morphine added to cells of the immune system in vitro have shown robust effects on some of these cell types, but not others. There is a rich literature demonstrating downregulation of phagocytic cell function by morphine, particularly for human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and PMNs. Phagocytosis, chemotactic responses, interleukin production, and generation of activated oxygen intermediates and arachidonic acid products have all been reported to be inhibited. On the contrary, the literature does not support direct effects of morphine on NK cell function, is inconclusive concerning effects on B cells, and provides limited evidence for effects on T cells. The divergence between the in vivo and in vitro data suggests that effects on some cells in the immune system observed after in vivo morphine are probably not direct, but mediated. In aggregate, the literature supports the existence of an in vivo neural-immune circuit through which morphine acts to depress the function of all cells of the immune system. Further, there is strong evidence that morphine can directly depress the function of macrophages and PMNs, and modulate expression of one type of T-cell surface marker. There is, however, little evidence for direct effects of morphine on NK cells and B cells. A further complication emerges from reports of immunopotentiation of immune function in in vitro assays using endogenous opioids. The possibility of different receptors for endogenous and exogenous opioids or of interactions among the activated opioid receptors may account for these opposing effects.
Hydrophobic residues of the autotransporter EspP linker domain are important for outer membrane translocation of its passenger.

The autotransporter family of proteins is an important class of Gram-negative secreted virulence factors. Their secretion mechanism comprises entry to the periplasm via the Sec apparatus, followed by formation of an outer membrane β barrel, which allows the N-terminal passenger domain to pass to the extracellular space. Several groups have identified a region immediately upstream of the β domain that is important for outer membrane translocation, the so-called linker region. Here we characterize this region in EspP, a prototype of the serine protease autotransporters of enterobacteriaceae. We hypothesized that the folding of this region would be important in the outer membrane translocation process. We tested this hypothesis using a mutagenesis approach in conjunction with a series of nested deletions and found that in the absence of a complete passenger, mutations to the C-terminal helix, but not the upstream linker, significantly decrease secretion efficiency. However, in the presence of the passenger mutations to the amino-terminal region of the linker decrease secretion efficiency. Moreover, amino acids of hydrophobic character play a crucial role in linker function, suggesting the existence of a hydrophobic core or hydrophobic interaction necessary for outer membrane translocation of autotransporter proteins.
Numerical studies of the spectral evolution of a narrow-bandwidth FEL oscillator

Abstract The design study of an FEL oscillator with a bandwidth of Δω/ω 0 −5 has been carried out. In this conceptual design, a grating rhomb is used to suppress the sideband instability. The spectral evolution of the FEL has been simulated using a one-dimensional, time-dependent FEL code. The system parameters for the simulations are: electron beam energy 120 MeV, current I=50 A , electron micropulse length δt p =330 ps , optical wavelength λ s =0.5 μ m , and wiggler period λ w =2 cm . The detailed dependence of the spectral bandwidth on the frequency chirp introduced by the grating rhomb was investigated. A signal with FWHM bandwidth Δω/ω 0 =4×10 −6 was obtained in a simulation using a large chirp parameter τ s /δt p =80 , where τ s is the time lag of the sideband (with Δω/ω 0 =−0.01 ) behind the central frequency.
Complexation and conformational analysis studies of 11-membered ring crown trithioethers

Abstract We wish to report the synthesis of a series of transition metal complexes with two isomeric 11-membered ring trithioethers, 1,4,7-trithiacycloundecane (11S3-147) and 1,4,8-trithiacycloundecane (11S3-148). With respect to Ni(II), Fe(II), Co(II), Co(III), and Ru(II), the two function as relatively strong field ligands, but their ligand field strengths fall between the stronger field and smaller ring trithioether ligands such as 1,4,7-trithiacyclononane(9S3) and the larger ring and weaker field ligand, 1,5,9-trithiacyclododecane(12S3). Complexes of both ligands with first row transition metals are much more sensitive to solvolysis reactions than the analogous 9S3 complexes. 13 C NMR spectroscopy shows that there is little stereoisomer selectivity between the cis and trans diastereoisomers for the bis complexes of 11S3-147. The complex [Pd(11S3-147) 2 ] 2+ does not display the unusual spectroscopic and electrochemical properties observed in smaller ring Pd(II) complexes. Its absorption spectrum does not show any d–d transitions and an irreversible ligand-centered oxidation is observed. A conformational analysis study for both macrocycles showed that neither has a lowest energy conformation suitable for tridentate coordination. The effects of the lack of pre-organization dominate the complexation behavior of the two macrocyclic ligands.
Problems with subliminal perception

The current revival of interest in subliminal perception offers some applications of subliminal stimuli which are, predictably, new. Evidence for the effectiveness of the use of subliminal stimuli for business purposes, however, seems to be no better now than it was more than thirty years ago. This article is concerned with some of the questions which should be considered before a commitment to any use of subliminal stimulation is made.
Note-Response to Use of Sample Information in Stochastic Recourse and Chance-Constrained Programming Models: On the Bayesability of CCP's

Jagannathan's Jagannathan, R. 1985. Use of sample information in stochastic recourse and chance-constrained programming models. Management Sci.31 96-108. invocation of a utility function for a chance-constrained programming problem [CCPP] produces a Bayesian utility maximation problem [BUMP] which is not equivalent to the given CCPP. Therefore, the nonanomalous behavior shown to characterize information value in the BUMP does not refute examples such as Blau's Blau, R. A. 1974. Stochastic programming and decision analysis: An apparent dilemma. Management Sci.21 271-276..
Delivery of therapeutic agents by nanoparticles made of grapefruit-derived lipids

Although the use of nanotechnology for the delivery of a wide range of medical treatments has potential to reduce adverse effects associated with drug therapy, tissue-specific delivery remains challenging. Here we show that nanoparticles made of grapefruit-derived lipids, which we call grapefruit-derived nanovectors, can deliver chemotherapeutic agents, short interfering RNA, DNA expression vectors and proteins to different types of cells. We demonstrate the in vivo targeting specificity of grapefruit-derived nanovectors by co-delivering therapeutic agents with folic acid, which in turn leads to significantly increasing targeting efficiency to cells expressing folate receptors. The therapeutic potential of grapefruit-derived nanovectors was further demonstrated by enhancing the chemotherapeutic inhibition of tumour growth in two tumour animal models. Grapefruit-derived nanovectors are less toxic than nanoparticles made of synthetic lipids and, when injected intravenously into pregnant mice, do not pass the placental barrier, suggesting that they may be a useful tool for drug delivery.
Decreased immobility in swimming test by homologous interferon-α in mice accompanied with increased cerebral tryptophan level and serotonin turnover

Abstract Animal models are used to decipher the pathophysiology of IFN-α-induced psychiatric complications in humans. However, the behavioral effects of IFN-α in rodents remain highly controversial. In contrast to homologous IFN-α, our recent study revealed that human IFN-α, which was used in many previous investigations, had no biological activity in mice. To evaluate the behavioral effects of homologous IFN-α in mice, adult C57BL/6J mice were treated with carrier-free murine IFN-α and tested on a number of behavioral paradigms. Surprisingly, contrary to previous reports, IFN-α treatment decreased the time spent immobile in the forced-swimming test after a single intraperitoneal injection at 2 × 10 6 IU/kg, whereas general locomotor activity was not altered. The elevated plus-maze (EPM) test showed a trend toward an increased anxiety profile in IFN-α-treated mice. The tail-suspension and light dark exploration test revealed no difference between IFN-α-treated and control animals. Interestingly, neurochemical analysis revealed significantly increased concentrations of tryptophan and 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA)/serotonin (5-HT) ratios following IFN-α treatment in selected brain regions. Thus, systemic murine IFN-α treatment increases swimming time in mice. Increased cerebral serotonin turnover as well as increased tryptophan concentrations, induced by IFN-α, implicates serotonergic neurotransmission in behavioral dysfunction caused by this innate immune mediator.
In vivo photoacoustic and photothermal cytometry for monitoring multiple blood rheology parameters

Alterations of blood rheology (hemorheology) are important for the early diagnosis, prognosis, and prevention of many diseases, including myocardial infarction, stroke, sickle cell anemia, thromboembolism, trauma, inflammation, and malignancy. However, real-time in vivo assessment of multiple hemorheological parameters over long periods of time has not been reported. Here, we review the capabilities of label-free photoacoustic (PA) and photothermal (PT) flow cytometry for dynamic monitoring of hemorhelogical parameters in vivo which we refer to as photoacoustic and photothermal blood rheology. Using phenomenological models, we analyze correlations between both PT and PA signal characteristics in the dynamic modes and following determinants of blood rheology: red blood cell (RBC) aggregation, deformability, shape (e.g., as in sickle cells), intracellular hemoglobin distribution, individual cell velocity, hematocrit, and likely shear rate. We present ex vivo and in vivo experimental verifications involving high-speed PT imaging of RBCs, identification of sickle cells in a mouse model of human sickle cell disease and in vivo monitoring of complex hemorheological changes (e.g., RBC deformability, hematocrit and RBC aggregation). The multi-parameter platform that integrates PT, PA, and conventional optical techniques has potential for translation to clinical applications using safe, portable, laser-based medical devices for point-of-care screening of disease progression and therapy efficiency.
THE OPEN CONDUPLICATE CARPEL OF AKEBIA QUINATA (BERBERIDALES: LARDIZABALACEAE)

A B S T R A C T Anatomical studies of the carpel of Akebia quinata Decaisne show that it is open at the apex. This carpel is interpreted in this study as a primitively unsealed, conduplicate megasporophyll of the type that is well known among such primitive ranalean genera as Drimys, Bubbia, Degeneria, Schisandra, etc. This interpretation is complemented by other primitive character states of the Akebia flower and carpel, including free organs, laminar stamens, an only slightly modified stigmatic crest, laminal placentation of the many ovules, suture-like closure of the ovary wall below the stigmatic crest, and maturation of the carpel to produce a moist, dehiscent follicle. These features indicate relative primitiveness of the Lardizabalaceae among the families of the Berberidales. THE LARDIZABALACEAE is a family of eight
The changing environment of personal information systems

Recent technological developments are changing the context, and may change the content and form, of personal information systems. Major developments causing such changes are (1) a substantial increase in the commercially available support services, (2) a proliferation of microcomputer systems claiming to support personal systems, (3) the capability to download citations from secondary services into private files, and (4) a developing awareness of, or desire to, incorporate the computer-based personal system into a broader, integrated information environment which would include other functions such as electronic mail, automated office functions, etc. These developments raise economic questions for the user, will affect efforts to standardize system interfaces, and may bring basic changes in the ways an individual develops and uses his personal information system.
Effect of written and computerized decision support aids for the U.S. Agency for Health Care Policy and Research depression guidelines on the evaluation of hypothetical clinical scenarios.

Objective.The objective of this study was to compare the effects of written and computerized decision support aids (DSAs) based on U.S. Agency for Health Care Policy and Research depression guidelines.Methods.Fifty-six internal medicine residents were randomized to evaluate clinical scenarios using either a written or a computerized DSA after first assessing scenarios without a DSA. The paired difference between aided and unaided scores was determined for diagnostic accuracy, treatment selection, severity and subtype classification, antipsychotic use, and mental health consultations.Results.Diagnostic accuracy with the written DSA increased from 64% to 73%, and with the computerized DSA decreased from 67% to 64% (P = 0.0065). Residents using the computerized DSA (vs. no DSA) requested fewer consultations (65% vs. 52%, P = 0.028). In post hoc analysis, the written DSA increased sensitivity (66% to 89%, P < 0.001) and the computerized DSA improved specificity (66% to 86%, P = 0.0020) but reduced sensitivity...
On Preserving The Essence of Mentoring As One Form of Teacher Leadership

The mentor-protege role relationship is a powerful one that offers unique oppor tunities for personal development. Gehrke uses Martin Buber's notions of I-Thou and I-It to describe how mentors and proteges might relate to each other in more profound and less nominal ways.
Regulation of wound healing and organ fibrosis by toll-like receptors

Chronic injury often triggers maladaptive wound healing responses leading to the development of tissue fibrosis and subsequent organ malfunction. Inflammation is a key component of the wound healing process and promotes the development of organ fibrosis. Here, we review the contribution of Toll-like receptors (TLRs) to wound healing with a particular focus on their role in liver, lung, kidney, skin and myocardial fibrosis. We discuss the role of TLRs on distinct cell populations that participate in the repair process following tissue injury, and the contribution of exogenous and endogenous TLR ligands to the wound healing response. Systemic review of the literature shows that TLRs promote tissue repair and fibrosis in many settings, albeit with profound differences between organs. In particular, TLRs exert a pronounced effect on fibrosis in organs with higher exposure to bacterial TLR ligands, such as the liver. Targeting TLR signaling at the ligand or receptor level may represent a novel strategy for the prevention of maladaptive wound healing and fibrosis in chronically injured organs. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Fibrosis: Translation of basic research to human disease.
14N NQR study of some local anesthetics

Nitrogen-14 nuclear quadrupole resonance (NQR) spectra for eleven local anesthetics in the solid state are reported and analyzed using the Townes and Dailey approach. The changes in the electron distributions at various nitrogen sites, produced by protonating the tertiary amino nitrogen, are discussed and shown to be in general agreement with expectations based on the increased electrophilic character of the protonated amino group.
Adaptation Strategies and Cultural Life Styles of Mexican American Adolescents.

To determine the effect of different environments on the acculturation of Mexican American adolescents, an investi gation was conducted of the adaptation strategies utilized by students in an urban and suburban high school. A ques tionnaire was administered to 80 subjects (39 urban, 41 suburban) to determine the degree of acculturation on a Likert-type scale. Twelve students were then selected as being the two most nativist (Mexican-oriented), the two most intermediate (Chicano-oriented), and the two most acculturated (Anglo-oriented) students from each school. In-depth case studies focusing on differences in life styles were completed on the 12 students. Results indicate that urban students experience more stress in acculturation, although the Mexican-oriented students exhibit more con fidence in their ethnic identification and do better aca demically. Suburban Mexican-oriented students often have difficulty in practicing their chosen cultural life styles. Suburban Chicano- and Anglo-oriented students le...
Quantitative detection of cirrhosis: towards the development of computer-assisted detection method.

There are distinct morphologic features of cirrhosis on CT examinations; however, such impressions may be subtle or subjective. The purpose of this study is to build a computer-aided diagnosis (CAD) method to help radiologists with this diagnosis. One hundred sixty-seven abdominal CT examinations were randomly divided into training (n = 88) and validation (n = 79) sets. Livers were analyzed for morphological markers of cirrhosis and logistic regression models were created. Using the area under curve (AUC) for model performance, the best model had 0.89 for the training set and 0.85 for the validation set. For radiology reports, sensitivity of reporting cirrhosis was 0.45 and specificity 0.99. Using the predictive model adjunctively, radiologists’ sensitivity increased to 0.63 and specificity slightly decreased to 0.97. This study demonstrates that quantifying morphological features in livers may be utilized for diagnosing cirrhosis and for developing a CAD method for it.
Infrared vibration-rotation spectra of the CIO radical using tunable diode laser spectroscopy.

Tunable diode laser spectroscopy is used to measure the infrared vibration-rotation spectra of the ClO radical. The radical is generated in a flow system where a Cl2-He mixture passes through a microwave discharge to dissociate the Cl2. An O3-O2 mixture from an ozone generator is injected into the system downstream of the microwave discharge where O3 combines with Cl to form ClO. By adjusting the gas flow rates to yield an excess of Cl atoms, all the ozone is combined. ClO concentration is measured with UV absorption at 2577 and 2772 A and a deuterium lamp as a continuous source. Total cell pressure is 5.5 torr. The diode laser spectrometer is calibrated with ammonia lines as a reference where possible. The frequency of vibration-rotation lines is expressed as a function of rotational quantum number, fundamental vibrational frequency, and the rotational constants of the upper and lower vibrational states.
A case study of woodland continuity and change in the American Midwest

Abstract The last 200 years have witnessed the destruction of the rich hardwood forests of the central portion of the United States. A detailed analysis of the process of deforestation in one representative county in the Midwest suggests that while few of the arboreal species have been eliminated, the relative abundance of the more common species has shifted significantly. The long-term effects of the conversion of closed woodland to cropland, the fragmentation of the forest, the creation of new habitats, i.e., fencerows and secondary woodlands, and the selective cutting and grazing of the remaining woodlots are discussed.
Fast agglomerative clustering for rendering

Hierarchical representations of large data sets, such as binary cluster trees, are a crucial component in many scalable algorithms used in various fields. Two major approaches for building these trees are agglomerative, or bottom-up, clustering and divisive, or top-down, clustering. The agglomerative approach offers some real advantages such as more flexible clustering and often produces higher quality trees, but has been little used in graphics because it is frequently assumed to be prohibitively expensive (O(N2) or worse). In this paper we show that agglomerative clustering can be done efficiently even for very large data sets. We introduce a novel locally-ordered algorithm that is faster than traditional heap-based agglomerative clustering and show that the complexity of the tree build time is much closer to linear than quadratic. We also evaluate the quality of the agglomerative clustering trees compared to the best known divisive clustering strategies in two sample applications: bounding volume hierarchies for ray tracing and light trees in the Lightcuts rendering algorithm. Tree quality is highly application, data set, and dissimilarity function specific. In our experiments the agglomerative-built tree quality is consistently higher by margins ranging from slight to significant, with up to 35% reduction in tree query times.
Cohort changes in the transition from school to work: Evidence from three NLS surveys

This study examines the changes in the school-to-work transition of young adults in the United States over the latter part of the twentieth century. Their transition is portrayed using data from National Longitudinal Surveys of Young Women, Young Men, and Youth 1979. In general, we find that indicators of educational attainment, working while in school and non-school related work increased across cohorts for almost all racial/ethnic and gender groups. This was especially true for young women. Furthermore, various indicators of personal and family backgrounds changed in ways consistent with an improvement across cohorts in the preparation of young men and women for their attainment of schooling and work experience and their success in the labor market. The one exception to this general picture of improvement across cohorts was Hispanic men, who experienced a notable decline in educational attainment and in a variety of personal and family background characteristics. With respect to hourly wage rates, we find that wages over the ages 16 through 27 declined across cohorts. However, the rate of growth of wages with age, particularly over adult ages, increased across cohorts, except Hispanic men. Our findings highlight the need for accounting for the endogeneity and selectivity of early skill acquisition.
STUDIES ON THE ROLE OF HISTAMINE IN HUMAN PITUITARY FUNCTION

To elucidate further the role of histamine in pituitary regulation, TRH and L-DOPA stimulation tests were performed with and without diphenhydramine, cimetidine, or betazole pre-treatment. Betazole blunted the GH response to L-DOPA and slightly enhanced the T3 response to TRH without altering the TSH or PRL increments. Neither diphenhydramine nor cimetidine had any acute effect on the hormonal responses examined. Histamine appears to play only a limited role in these aspects of human pituitary regulation.
The evolution of a jet with vortex-generating tabs: real-time visualization and quantitative measurements

An experimental study involving flow visualization and two-component LDV measurements has been undertaken to elucidate the deformation of an axisymmetric jet ( Re D ≈ 1950 and 4160) caused by tabs placed at the nozzle exit. Previous studies have shown the profound distortion of high-speed jets with tabs and have demonstrated that a pair of counter-rotating streamwise vortices generated by each tab are responsible for the deformation of the jet core. This work illustrates the distortion as well as some of the more subtle features of the tab effect. Extensive visualizations taken simultaneously from two perspectives reveal the real-time evolution of complex three-dimensional flow structures. Velocity data show the expected overall distortion, and the existence and strength of the streamwise vortices responsible for this deformation. Furthermore, a second set of weaker streamwise vortices was detected near each tab, the size and location of which was consistent with a horseshoe vortex system. The data showed a widespread increase in both Reynolds normal and shear stresses and generally indicated the accelerated development of the mixing layer when tabs were inserted. A brief analysis employing vortex dynamics - an alternative to previous work which utilized pressure gradient arguments-is used to explain the tab effect, resulting in similar conclusions.
Marketing Structure and Economic Development

Introduction, 344. — I. Distribution and the literature, 344. — II. Distribution in Puerto Rico, 349; the importance of distribution in Puerto Rico, 350; food distribution, 352; nonfood distribution, 359; summary, 361.
Genetic and Nongenetic Factors Influencing Pharmacokinetics of B-Type Natriuretic Peptide

Abstract Background Natriuretic peptides (NPs) represent a critical pathway in heart failure (HF). However, there is wide individual variability in NP system activity, which could be partly genetic in origin. We explored genetic and nongenetic contributions to B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) inactivation. Methods Chronic HF patients (n = 95) received recombinant human BNP (nesiritide) at standard doses, and BNP levels were measured at baseline, after 2 hours of infusion, and 30 minutes after discontinuation. Genomic DNA was genotyped for 91 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) in 2 candidate genes. We tested the association of patient characteristics and genotype with 5 pharmacokinetics (PK) parameters: elimination rate constant, ΔBNP, BNP clearance, adjusted BNP clearance, and half-life. Linear regression with pleiotropic analysis was used to test genotype associations with PK. Results Participants’ mean age was 63 years, 44% were female, and 46% were African American. PK parameters varied widely, some >10-fold. HF type (preserved vs reduced) was associated with PK ( P MME (rs989692, rs6798179) and 2 in NPR3 (rs6880564, rs2062708) also had associations with PK ( P Conclusions The pharmacokinetics of BNP varies greatly in HF patients, differs by HF type, and possibly by MME or NPR3 genotype. Additional study is warranted.
Accurate and efficient computation of dielectric losses in multi-level, multi-conductor microstrip for CAD applications

An approach to accurate and efficient computation of dielectric losses in complex microstrip structures is proposed. It can be used in lieu of lossy, full-wave solutions to provide accurate and efficient data for the CAD of multilevel, multiconductor MIC and MMIC structures. Results that are as accurate as lossy full-wave techniques over a wide range of frequencies, including the dispersive region, are obtained. In addition to providing accurate results, the method is up to three times faster, depending on the number and type of substrates or superstrates. Results for various multiconductor, multilevel structures that compare well with the lossy, full-wave approach and require significantly less computer time to compute are shown. >
The metabolic activation of benzo(a)pyrene and 9-hydroxybenzo(a)pyrene by liver microsomal fractions.

A rat liver microsome-mediated bacterial mutagenicity test showed 9-hydroxybenzo (a) pyrene to be significantly more effective as a pre-mutagen than benzo (a) pyrene. Experiments measuring the ability of these compounds to be metabolically activated to moieties that alky late exogenous DNA demonstrated that 9-hydroxybenzo (a) pyrene was almost six times more effective than benzo (a) pyrene itself. Addition of trichloropropene-2,3-oxide to the reaction mixture enhanced the mutagenicity and DNA alkylation by benzo (a) pyrene but had little or no effect on the 9-hydroxybenzo (a) pyrenemediated mutagenicity and alkylation. On the other hand, 7,8-benzoflavone inhibited the microsome-mediated mutagenicity and DNA alkylating activity of both hydrocarbons.
A configurable algorithm for parallel image-compositing applications

Collective communication operations can dominate the cost of large-scale parallel algorithms. Image compositing in parallel scientific visualization is a reduction operation where this is the case. We present a new algorithm called Radix-k that in many cases performs better than existing compositing algorithms. It does so through a set of configurable parameters, the radices, that determine the number of communication partners in each message round. The algorithm embodies and unifies binary swap and direct-send, two of the best-known compositing methods, and enables numerous other configurations through appropriate choices of radices. While the algorithm is not tied to a particular computing architecture or network topology, the selection of radices allows Radix-k to take advantage of new supercomputer interconnect features such as multiporting. We show scalability across image size and system size, including both powers of two and nonpowers-of-two process counts.
Improved batching for confidence interval construction in steady-state simulation

We describe an improved batch-means procedure for building a confidence interval on a steady-state expected simulation response that is centered on the sample mean of a portion of the corresponding simulation-generated time series and satisfies a user-specified absolute or relative precision requirement. The theory supporting the new algorithm merely requires the output process to be weakly dependent (phi-mixing) so that for a sufficiently large batch size, the batch means are approximately multivariate normal but not necessarily uncorrelated. A variant of the method of nonoverlapping batch means (NOBM), the Automated Simulation Analysis Procedure (ASAP) operates as follows: the batch size is progressively increased until either: the batch means pass the von Neumann test for independence, and then ASAP delivers a classical NOBM confidence interval; or the batch means pass the Shapiro-Wilk test for multivariate normality, and then ASAP delivers a corrected confidence interval. The latter correction is based on an inverted Cornish-Fisher expansion for the classical NOBM t-ratio, where the terms of the expansion are estimated via an autoregressive-moving average time series model of the batch means. An experimental performance evaluation demonstrates the advantages of ASAP versus other widely used batch-means procedures.
Electrocortical evidence for vigilance‐avoidance in Generalized Anxiety Disorder

Both exaggerated and attenuated responses to emotional stimuli have been documented in Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD). Event-related potentials are well-suited for examining the time-course of neural activity during emotional processing; early components (e.g., the P1) appear to index relatively automatic attention to emotional stimuli, whereas later positivities (e.g., the late positive potential or LPP) index dynamic allocation of attention to emotional stimuli. Twenty-one individuals with GAD and 25 healthy controls (HC) passively viewed emotional and neutral images while ERPs were recorded. An enhanced P1 for unpleasant compared to neutral images was larger in GAD. In addition, the increased LPP to unpleasant compared to neutral images was diminished in the GAD group. These data provide evidence for early hypervigilance for emotional stimuli, followed by failure to engage in elaborative processing, in GAD.
Efficient Code Verification Using the Residual Formulation o f the Method of Manufactured Solutions

The Method of Manufactured Solutions is a code verification m ethod that modifies the governing equations solved within a code by adding a source term to drive the solution towards a predetermined analytic function. By solving the modified equations on a sequence of grids and co mparing the differences between the converged solution and manufactured solution, the order of accuracy of the implementation can be determined. The method of manufactured solutions combines the benefits of co mparing with an exact solution without the need to derive an exact solution to the governing equations. However, in its current form, highly converged solutions on a sequence of grids are required which can be quite costly and difficult to obtain. In this paper, the method of manufactured solutions is used in a different fashion that removes the need for converged solutions by considering only the residual of the discretized governing equations rather than the solution, thus avoiding the computational cost and difficulties inherent in obtaini ng highly converged solutions. Furthermore, this new approach is quite similar to the method for analyzing a discretization method to determine the order of accuracy of that method via Taylor’s series expansions. T his new approach is demonstrated to yield the same order of accuracy as the original method of manufactured solutions using three different cases - onedimensional porous media equation, one-dimensional St. Venant equations and two-dimensional unstructured Euler simulations.
Surgical management of full-thickness rotator cuff tears

Abstract Repair of the torn rotator cuff is one of the most common procedures performed on the shoulder. Many newtechniques, such as arthroscopically assisted mini-open repair and direct arthroscopic repair, have been developed. However, on larger rotator cuff tears the standard open technique continues to be the gold standard for repair. Often, during training, the surgeon learns only the mechanical steps involved in performing the repair and does not learn the rationale behind the steps leading to a successful outcome. This article will first address the evaluation of the patient with a suspected rotator cuff tear. This will be followed by a discussion of the theory behind the choices of bone fixation, tendon preparation, and suture technique. The choice of an appropriate suture material will also be addressed. Finally, a detailed description of the surgical approach and technique used by the senior authors will be given.
Synthesis of dendrimers through divergent iterative thio-bromo “Click” chemistry

The development of a novel nucleophilic thio-bromo “Click” reaction, specifically base-mediated thioetherification of thioglycerol with α-bromoesters, is reported. Combination of this thio-bromo click reaction with subsequent acylation with 2-bromopropionyl bromide provides an iterative two-step divergent growth approach to the synthesis of a new class of poly(thioglycerol-2-propionate) (PTP) dendrimers. This approach is demonstrated in the rapid preparation of four generation (G1–G4) of PTP dendrimers with high-structural fidelity. The isolated G1–G4 bromide-terminated dendrimers can be used directly as dendritic macroinitiators for the synthesis of star-polymers via SET-LRP. Additionally, the intermediate hydroxy-terminated dendrimers are analogs of other water-soluble polyester and polyether dendrimers. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 47: 3931–3939, 2009
Continued controversy regarding adverse events after Amplatzer septal device closure: Mass hysteria or tip of the iceberg?

The risk of erosion into the aorta has prompted recommendation against device oversizing and straddling over the aortic root. This recommendation has since been disputed by expert opinion regarding the mechanism of device-related erosions. Thus, opinions of some experienced operators concerning erosions by the Amplatzer septal occluder have been at odds with manufacturer recommendations. This reported left atrial wall erosion may have resulted from migration of the device through the superior rim of the atrial septum and through the dome of the left atrium. This speculation raises questions of unique individual susceptibility to device erosion through the atrial wall.
An Adaptive Method for Image Recovery in the DFT Domain

In image authentication research, a common approach is to divide a given image into a number of smaller blocks, and embed a fragile watermark into each block. The modifications can therefore be detected in the blocks that have been tampered with. The literature includes many authentication techniques for detecting modifications only. In this paper, we propose a method for recovering the damaged blocks using the magnitudes of DFT coefficients. If a given block is considered to be damaged, we divide it into 2x2 blocks, and replace the magnitude of the DFT coefficient F(0,0) with the predicted magnitude close to the original image. As the F(0,0) coefficients are always real, we quantize them and round them off. An index map and a small set of DFT coefficients from the original image are employed for image recovery and are sent from the sender to the receiver using a public key scheme. As an image authentication system, we will use the scheme proposed by Wong and Memon. In our experiments, the results demonstrate that the efficacy of the proposed algorithm is good in locally uniform regions and on edges and textures.