cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
mTOR deletion in neural crest cells disrupts cardiac outflow tract remodeling and causes a spectrum of cardiac defects through the mTORC1 pathway

A critical cell type participating in cardiac outflow tract development is a subpopulation of the neural crest cells, the cardiac neural crest cells (NCCs), whose defect causes a spectrum of cardiovascular abnormalities. Accumulating evidence indicates that mTOR, which belongs to the PI3K-related kinase family and impacts multiple signaling pathways in a variety of contexts, plays a pivotal role for NCC development. Here, we investigated functional roles of mTOR for cardiac neural crest development using several lines of mouse genetic models. We found that disruption of mTOR caused NCC defects and failure of cardiac outflow tract separation, which resulted in a spectrum of cardiac defects including persistent truncus arteriosus, ventricular septal defect and ventricular wall defect. Specifically, mutant neural crest cells showed reduced migration into the cardiac OFT and prematurely exited the cell cycle. A number of critical factors and fundamental signaling pathways, which are important for neural crest and cardiomyocyte development, were impaired. Moreover, actin dynamics was disrupted by mTOR deletion. Finally, by phenotyping the neural crest Rptor and Rictor knockout mice respectively, we demonstrate that mTOR acts principally through the mTORC1 pathway for cardiac neural crest cells. Altogether, these data established essential roles of mTOR for cardiac NCC development and imply that dysregulation of mTOR in NCCs may underline a spectrum of cardiac defects.
The Terror of the Turban: Civilians, Suspects and Twenty Years Post 9/11

Will the 20th Anniversary of 9/11 be marked by solemn ceremonies? Will the 20th Anniversary of 9/11 be a memorial for the 480,000–507,000 killed (Crawford 2018) in the U.S. led post 9/11 wars in Ir...
Public versus Secret Reserve Prices in eBay Auctions: Results from a Pokémon Field Experiment

Sellers in eBay auctions have the opportunity to choose both a public minimum bid amount and a secret reserve price. We ask, empirically, whether the seller is made better or worse off by setting a secret reserve above a low minimum bid, versus the option of making the reserve public by using it as the minimum bid level. In a field experiment, we auction 50 matched pairs of Pokemon cards on eBay, half with secret reserves and half with equivalently high public minimum bids. We find that secret reserve prices make us worse off as sellers, by reducing the probability of the auction resulting in a sale, deterring serious bidders from entering the auction, and lowering the expected transaction price of the auction. We also present evidence that some sellers choose to use secret reserve prices for reasons other than increasing their expected auction prices.
Nietzsche’s Theory of Empathy

Nietzsche is not known for his theory of empathy. A quick skimming of the Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy entry on empathy demonstrates this. Arthur Schopenhauer, Robert Vischer, and Theodor Li...
A Solution Methodology for Modified Lyapunov Equations

This paper develops a solution methodology for modified Lyapunov equations in which the modification term T(Q) is a linear function of the solution Q. Equations of this form arise in robustness analysis and in homotopy algorithms developed for solving the nonstandard Riccati and Lyapunov equations arising in robust reduced-order design. The methodology relies on decomposing T(Q) as T(Q) = g(?(Q)) where ?(Q) is an m-dimensional vector. If m is small, then it is shown that the new solution procedure will be much more efficient than solutions based on a straightforward transformation of the modified Lyapunov equation to a linear vector equation in n(n+1)/2 unknowns.
The Tragi-Comedy of the Commons: Evolutionary Biology, Economics and Environmental Law

Theories of Environmental Law from Evolutionary Biology and Economics are compared. Why human societies sometimes cope with environmental problems via law or informal norms and sometimes do not. Law as compensating for insufficient altruism.
An alternate and robust approach to calibration for the estimation of land surface model parameters based on remotely sensed observations

[1] Atmospheric models include land surface parameterizations of heat and moisture fluxes. Most parameterizations derive from early models of layered soil and vegetation canopy that account for liquid, vapor and heat diffusion, radiation processes, and surface turbulence. The number of parameters in these models ranges roughly from 10 to 50. Some parameters are known to vary over a small range and/or not significantly impact predictions. Others are highly influential (e.g., Leaf Area Index), but are currently well estimated from satellite data. Many parameters, however, are highly influential, vary over a large dynamic range, cannot be estimated from satellite data, and cannot be readily upscaled from in-situ measurements. For such parameters (e.g., maximum stomatal conductance and soil hydraulic conductivity), values are assigned based on look-up tables sorted by land cover and soil texture. Here we present a method for estimating these parameters by minimizing a measure of nonstationarity of model-predicted moisture state variable tendencies. This method has advantages over calibration: 1) it does not require flux data (e.g., evapotranspiration); and 2) the tendency terms are evaluated at the model grid and thus yield parameters that are effective for that scale. The method is demonstrated with the Noah Land Surface Model, using remotely-sensed soil moisture, at a site in California. Preliminary results indicate that the method is robust and performs better than both: 1) calibration to soil moisture observations, which can lead to large, compensating errors in drainage and evaporation; and 2) minimizing the sum of squares of innovations of soil moisture updates.
Phase-shifting mechanisms in the mammalian circadian system: new light on the carbachol paradox

A variety of evidence now suggests that excitatory amino acid receptors mediate the effects of light on the circadian system of mammals. However, the ACh agonist carbachol is the only agent that has been reported to "mimic" the phase-shifting effects of light in vivo. Because the other published evidence for the involvement of ACh in light-mediated phase shifts is weak, we have referred to this situation as "the carbachol paradox." In the present study, we found that the administration of NMDA receptor antagonists could prevent carbachol-induced phase shifts of the circadian rhythm of wheel-running activity recorded from the hamster. In addition, we found that carbachol-induced phase shifts, unlike those produced by light, are not accompanied by induction of Fos-like immunoreactivity in the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN). Our data are simply explained by the assumption that the intraventricular administration of carbachol causes phase shifts through a pathway distinct from that of light. Alternatively, if carbachol is acting via the light input pathway, then it must do so by a mechanism independent of Fos induction in the SCN. In either case, elucidating the mechanisms by which carbachol acts in the circadian system may provide novel insights into the cellular events by which phase shifts are generated.
Thermal simulator benchmarking using an SOIC package

Benchmarking on three thermal simulators representing the finite element and boundary element methods is conducted to assess their performance for solution of the equilibrium die temperature of a SOIC (small outline integrated circuit). Accuracy and efficiency (speed, meshing, and cost) are compared for the simulators. Compatibility with other CAD (computer aided design) tools such as solid modeler and CFD (computational fluid dynamics) is also investigated.
Soil Testing and Plant Analysis: Building a Future on Our Legacy

Abstract Soil testing and plant analysis have been used as diagnostic tools for assessing fertilizer needs of crops for more than 50 years. During that time, considerable progress has been made in developing a plethora of improved extraction procedures and analytical techniques, forming a considerable legacy on which to build in the future. However, as laboratories grew and methods became entrenched, a reluctance to change methodologies has caused a certain degree of stagnation and in many cases has resulted in poor prognostic precision. Examples in the realm of soil testing are presented to show what might be gained by implementing improved technology that measures parameters that are the primary yield‐determining factors. In addition, attention is focused on precision agriculture, where an urgent need exists to develop real‐time assays of nutrient levels in the soil and plants so that the appropriate rates and types of fertilizer can be applied to increase yield uniformity within a field. With the incre...
History and bibliography of polymeric insulators for outdoor applications

A history of polymeric insulators is given, beginning in the 1940s when organic insulating materials were used to manufacture high-voltage indoor electrical insulators from epoxy resins. Their advantages and early experiences with them are given. A bibliography covering mainly 1970 to the present is given. >
Olfaction: Mosquito receptor for human-sweat odorant

Female Anopheles mosquitoes, the world's most important vector of Plasmodium falciparum malaria, locate their human hosts primarily through olfactory cues1, but the molecular mechanisms that underlie this recognition are a mystery. Here we show that the Anopheles gambiae protein AgOr1, a female-specific member of a family of putative odorant receptors2,3, responds to a component of human sweat. Compounds designed to activate or block receptors of this type could function as attractants for trapping mosquitoes or as insect repellents in helping to control Anopheles and other insect pests.
An investigation of the effects of sex of self and other on perceptions of communication satisfaction

This study examined the effects of sex of self and other on communication satisfaction. Respondents rated perceived satisfaction with a conversation they had just completed or one they recalled. Communication satisfaction was operationalized by a 60-item self-report instrument. Results indicated that a person's own gender does not influence the amount of communication satisfaction one experiences, and mixed sex dyads are slightly more satisfying for males and females.
Mutagenesis of Surfactant Protein D Informed by Evolution and X-ray Crystallography Enhances Defenses against Influenza A Virus in Vivo

The recognition of influenza A virus (IAV) by surfactant protein D (SP-D) is mediated by interactions between the SP-D carbohydrate recognition domains (CRD) and glycans displayed on envelope glycoproteins. Although native human SP-D shows potent antiviral and aggregating activity, trimeric recombinant neck+CRDs (NCRDs) show little or no capacity to influence IAV infection. A mutant trimeric NCRD, D325A/R343V, showed marked hemagglutination inhibition and viral neutralization, with viral aggregation and aggregation-dependent viral uptake by neutrophils. D325A/R343V exhibited glucose-sensitive binding to Phil82 hemagglutinin trimer (HA) by surface plasmon resonance. By contrast, there was very low binding to the HA trimer from another virus (PR8) that lacks glycans on the HA head. Mass spectrometry demonstrated the presence of high mannose glycans on the Phil82 HA at positions known to contribute to IAV binding. Molecular modeling predicted an enhanced capacity for bridging interactions between HA glycans and D325A/R343V. Finally, the trimeric D325A/R343V NCRD decreased morbidity and increased viral clearance in a murine model of IAV infection using a reassortant A/WSN/33 virus with a more heavily glycosylated HA. The combined data support a model in which altered binding by a truncated mutant SP-D to IAV HA glycans facilitates viral aggregation, leading to significant viral neutralization in vitro and in vivo. These studies demonstrate the potential utility of homology modeling and protein structure analysis for engineering effective collectin antivirals as in vivo therapeutics.
Some further extensions of Fieller’s theorem

The linear transformation method of Scheffe is utilized in order to extend Fieller’s Theorem for determining confidence limits for the ratioa of the means of a bivariate normal distribution. The situation considered are those when i) the numbers of observations inx andy are unequal, ii) two independent and unequal samples are available. The method proposed has the advantage that it utilizes only the usual Studentt-distribution tables in determining the required confidence limits.
Dynamics of P, Al, and Fe during High Discharge Episodic Acidification at the Bear Brook Watershed In Maine, U.S.A.

Phosphorus (P), aluminum (Al), and iron (Fe) stream chemistry were assessed for high discharge snowmelt events at the Bear Brook Watershed, Maine (BBWM) during December 2001 and February 2002 and compared with results from a January 1995 study of the same streams. The West Bear catchment has been subjected to artificial acidification since 1989. The East Bear catchment is the untreated reference. Total (acid soluble) Al, Fe, and P were positively correlated with discharge during the 2001–2002 events. However, dissolved P concentrations remained low (≤0.1 μmol L−1) during high discharge events as pH decreased in both streams. For example, in 2001, total P concentration increased to 1.7 μmol L−1 during the rising limb of the hydrograph in West Bear, approximately five times the value in East Bear. During the same event, in West Bear and East Bear dissolved Al concentrations increased to 21 and 6.3 μmol L−1, respectively, while total Al concentrations increased to 166 and 30 μmol L−1, respectively. Dissolved Fe concentrations remained ≤0.9 μmol L−1 in both streams during all study events. However, total Fe concentrations in 2001 increased to 239 and 4.1 μmol L−1 for West Bear and East Bear, respectively. Total Al and Fe declined parallel to total P after peaking during all study periods. Nearly all of the base cations were in dissolved form during the three events, indicating that total Al in West and East Bear Brooks is not associated with primary minerals such as feldspars. We conclude that particulate Al, Fe, and ` are chemically linked during transport at high discharge in these episodically and chronically acidified streams.
Social Work and Science

Interest has grown in the past few years about the place of social work in science. Questions remain, such as whether social work should be considered a science, and if so, where it fits into the constellation of sciences. This article attempts to shed light on these questions. After briefly considering past and present constructions of science and reflecting on views of science within the social work profession over time, we present an argument for how social work contributes to predominant questions facing science today through its unique ability to draw together and integrate knowledge from a variety of disciplines. Finally, we address how the profession can best prepare the coming generation of social workers to operate to their full potential in the current transdisciplinary world of science.
Residential setting and parent-adolescent relationships during the college years

The relationship of residential setting (living with parents vs. living away from home while attending college) and gender with late adolescents' perceptions of their relationships with parents was examined. Four hundred four undergraduates students (mean age=20 years, 4 months) from two midwestern universities completed surveys. Two hundred four subjects lived with their parents and commuted to school, and 200 lived away at college. Controlling for student's age, parents' education, and financial and family considerations as factors in the choice of a college, living away was associated with greater independence, support, and mutual respect between parents and adolescents. In contrast, students who lived at home felt parents underestimated their maturity, and reported more conflict and avoidance in their relationships with parents. Regardless of residential setting, women reported more mutuality and support in their relationships with parents than men. The results suggest the importance of considering contextual issues during the transition to adulthood.
Spectroscopic and functional characterization of T state hemoglobin conformations encapsulated in silica gels.

Oxygen binding curves of sol−gel-encapsulated deoxy human adult hemoglobin (HbA) have previously revealed two distinct noncooperative populations with oxygen binding affinities approximately 1000 and 100 times lower than that of the high-affinity R state. The two populations which have been termed the low-affinity (LA) and high-affinity (HA) T states can be selectively stabilized using two different encapsulation protocols for deoxy-HbA. The present study seeks to understand the factors giving rise to these different affinity states. Visible and UV resonance Raman spectroscopies are used to characterize the conformational properties of both the deoxy and deoxy-turned-carbonmonoxy (CO) derivatives of HbA derived from the two encapsulation protocols. The geminate and bimolecular recombination of CO to the photodissociated CO derivatives is used to characterize the functional properties of the slowly evolving encapsulated populations. The results show that the initial deoxy-HbA populations are conformational...
Conservation of nitrogen increases with precipitation across a major grassland gradient in the Central Great Plains of North America.

Regional analyses and biogeochemical models predict that ecosystem N pools and N cycling rates must increase from the semi-arid shortgrass steppe to the sub-humid tallgrass prairie of the Central Great Plains, yet few field data exist to evaluate these predictions. In this paper, we measured rates of net N mineralization, N in above- and belowground primary production, total soil organic matter N pools, soil inorganic N pools and capture in resin bags, decomposition rates, foliar 15N, and N use efficiency (NUE) across a precipitation gradient. We found that net N mineralization did not increase across the gradient, despite more N generally being found in plant production, suggesting higher N uptake, in the wetter areas. NUE of plants increased with precipitation, and δ15N foliar values and resin-captured N in soils decreased, all of which are consistent with the hypothesis that N cycling is tighter at the wet end of the gradient. Litter decomposition appeared to play a role in maintaining this regional N cycling trend: litter decomposed more slowly and released less N at the wet end of the gradient. These results suggest that immobilization of N within the plant–soil system increases from semi-arid shortgrass steppe to sub-humid tallgrass prairie. Despite the fact that N pools increase along a bio-climatic gradient from shortgrass steppe to mixed grass and tallgrass prairie, this element becomes relatively more limiting and is therefore more tightly conserved at the wettest end of the gradient. Similar to findings from forested systems, our results suggest that grassland N cycling becomes more open to N loss with increasing aridity.
Image-based bidirectional reflectance distribution function measurement

We present a new image-based process for measuring a surface’s bidirectional reflectance rapidly, completely, and accurately. Requiring only two cameras, a light source, and a test sample of known shape, our method generates densely spaced samples covering a large domain of illumination and reflection directions. We verified our measurements both by tests of internal consistency and by comparison against measurements made with a gonioreflectometer. The resulting data show accuracy rivaling that of custom-built dedicated instruments. © 2000 Optical Society of America OCIS codes: 290.5820, 120.5820, 160.4760, 290.5880, 110.2960.
Incidence of Significant Coronary Artery Disease in Rheumatic Valvular Heart Disease

Abstract Thirteen percent of 77 patients who died after surgical treatment to correct valvular dysfunction were found at necropsy to have clinically significant coronary artery disease. This disorder occurred at all ages but was more common after age 40 years. It was commoner in aortic valvular disease either alone (17.7 percent) or combined with mitral valvular disease (21.1 percent) than in isolated mitral valvular disease (8.6 percent). This difference might be due to the older age at death of the patients who had aortic lesions. Because clinically significant coronary artery disease complicating valvular heart disease is difficult to recognize on clinical grounds and because it might adversely affect prognosis, coronary cinearteriography and left ventricular angiography are suggested in the overall evaluation of patients for valvular heart surgery. Such studies should be made particularly in those above age 40 years and in those with X-ray evidence of aortic calcification and with atherosclerosis detected during retrograde catheterization of the femoral artery.
Quantitative Estimation of the Reactivity of Normal and Hodgkin's Disease Lymphocytes with Thymidine-2- 14 C

SINCE lymphoid blood cells play an important part in the mediation of delayed hypersensitivity and homograft rejection1–4, it is reasonable to expect that further understanding of these forms of immunological responsiveness will come from appropriate in vitro investigations of circulating lymphocytes. Lymphocyte reactivity in vitro may also provide insight into the pathogenesis of diseases involving immune or autoimmune mechanisms and provide a measure of the efficacy of immunological suppression. It has been the particular goal of several laboratories5–7 to apply such lymphocyte investigations to the problem of donor selection for human organ transplantation, and for this purpose several techniques for the culture of lymphocytes and the measurement of their reactivity have been developed. Inasmuch as the methods being used to determine human lymphocyte reactivity, that is, conversion of lymphocytes to large immature cells5,6, counting of mitoses5,6 and autoradiography with tritiated thymidine5 are laborious and subject to several sources of error, a simple quantitative technique for following lymphocyte reactions in vitro would be of considerable value. The present communication describes such a method which is based on the incorporation of 14C-labelled thymidine into the deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) of reacting cultured lymphocytes. This method was developed to investigate the lymphocytes of patients with Hodgkin's disease, a condition in which delayed type (cell-mediated) hypersensitivity and homograft rejection are regularly depressed8.
Postoperative antibiotic prophylaxis in mandibular fractures: A preliminary randomized, double-blind, and placebo-controlled clinical study

Purpose: This study evaluated the difference between the effect of a 5-day postoperative course of oral antibiotics and a placebo on the incidence of postoperative infection in uncomplicated fractures of the mandible. Patients and Methods: A prospective, randomized, double-blind clinical study using a placebo control was carried out. Thirty patients were randomly assigned into 2 groups: group 1 (14 patients) and group 2 (16 patients). Each group received penicillin G, 2 million U intravenously, every 4 hours through the preoperative period, intraoperative period, and for 12 hours postoperatively. Group 1 then received penicillin VK, 500 mg every 6 hours for 5 days. Group 2 received oral placebo using the same schedule for the same duration as group 1. The patients were than evaluated for evidence of infection 1, 2, 4, and 6 weeks postoperatively. Results: Two of 14 patients in group 1 (14.3%) and 2 of 16 patients in group 2 (12.5%) developed infections. No statistically significant difference in the incidence of infection was noted between the groups. Conclusions: In this preliminary study, the use of postoperative oral antibiotics in uncomplicated fractures of the mandible had no benefit in reducing the incidence of infections. © 2001 American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons
Effects of local interactions and local migration on stability.

Abstract Mathematical models can help to resolve the longstanding question of whether more diverse communities are more stable. Here, I focus on how local dispersal and local interactions—hallmarks of spatial communities—affect stability in a spatially implicit model with demographic stochasticity. The results are based on a novel way to analyze moment equations. The main conclusion is that the type and strength of density-dependent factors, such as fecundity and competition, determine whether local dispersal and local interactions increase or decrease stability. Local dispersal has a stabilizing effect when fecundity is high, interspecific competition is either low or high, and the number of species is small. Effects of local migration on stability are amplified when space is explicit.
Increasing Worker Outcomes by Improving Leader Follower Relations

An understanding of leader-member exchange (LMX) theory gives leaders a powerful tool for increasing a wide range of worker outcomes. Leaders using this theory can maximize superior-subordinate relationships. These improved work relationships can lead to enhanced worker performance of over 20%, and worker job satisfaction improvements of over 50%. Strengthening LMX relationships is largely a matter of understanding the LMX process and increasing relevant leader-worker communications. This paper provides an overview of LMX theory and gives guidelines for developing high quality LMX relationships.
Simple perineal and elaborated perineal posterior urethroplasty

A pelvic fracture urethral distraction defect (PFUDD) can present in varying lengths and degrees of complexity. In recent decades the repair of PFUDD has developed into a reliance on a perineal anastomotic approach for all but the most complex cases, which might still require an abdominal transpubic approach, or rarely a staged skin-inlay procedure. There is now controversy about the extent to which the perineal repair needs to be elaborated in individual patients. As originally described, the elaborated perineal approach comprises four steps that are used sequentially, as required, depending on the magnitude of the urethral defect. These steps are urethral mobilisation, corporal body separation, inferior wedge pubectomy and supra-crural urethral re-routing to the anastomosis. We present a review of the progressive repair, its reported use and outcomes and our recommendations for its continued use.
Ring Embedding in an Injured Hypercube

We consider the problem of embedding a ring in a hypercube that contains possible faulty nodes. Existing algorithms allow the number of faulty nodes to be at most 2n-\Theta(\sqrt {nlogn}), where n is the dimension of the hypercube. We propose an embedding scheme that can tolerate up to \Theta(2^{n/2}) faulty nodes, largely increasing the number of tolerable faulty nodes in a ring embedding.
Relationship of the Tufts Quantitative Neuromuscular Exam (TQNE) and the Sickness Impact Profile (SIP) in measuring progression of ALS

The Tufts Quantitative Neuromuscular Exam (TQNE) is a standardized tool for measuring muscle strength and pulmonary function in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). We describe the relationship of TQNE scores to functional disability and health-related quality of life as measured by the Sickness Impact Profile (SIP) in 524 ALS patients. There was a significant relationship (p < 0.0001) between TQNE and SIP scores, both in cross section and over time. TQNE scores strongly relate to ALS patients' quality of life and ability to perform activities of daily living.
Hermitian congruence and the existence and completion of generalized Hadamard matrices

Abstract By generalizing the Witt cancellation law to Hermitian congruence, we investigate the matrix equation AA † = A † A = mI h + μJ h in the nth cyclotomic field and in the group ring image R = Q (G) (Σ g ∈ G g) , where G is a finite group. When m = h and μ = 0 our results yield a nonexistence theorem for generalized Hadamard matrices (GHMs). By generalizing some theorems of Marshall Hall and H. J. Ryser, we extend the results of Marshall Hall on Hadamard completions to GHMs. We also mention an application of GHMs to coding theory and give a theorem on the automorphism group of a GHM.
Origins of the outstanding mechanical properties of diamond

Diamond is a prototype mechanical material. Its hardness is greater than that of any other material. Its shear stiffness is greater than its bulk modulus, and the latter is greater than that of any other material. Its surface energy is greater than that of any other cubic crystal. The purpose of this manuscript is to show that these outstanding properties can be derived from simple models based on Heisenberg's matrix mechanics. Numerical solutions of Schrodinger's equation can be avoided, thereby clarifying the underlying physics.
Roles of 3,5,3'-triiodothyronine and deoxyribonucleic acid binding on thyroid hormone receptor complex formation

Thyroid hormone receptors (TRs) bind to thyroid hormone response elements (TREs) in the promoter region of target genes as monomers, homodimers, and heterodimers with nuclear proteins such as retinoid-X receptors (RXRs). Recently, we observed that T3 decreased TR homodimer, but not TR/RXR heterodimer, binding to TREs, suggesting that the latter complexes may be involved in transcriptional activation of target genes. However, little is known about TR complexes that form in solution. Thus far, there have been only limited studies comparing TR complex formation in solution and on DNA as well as examining the effects of T3 and the putative ligand for RXRs, 9-cis retinoic acid (9-cis RA), on TR complex formation. In this paper, we used a coimmunoprecipitation assay with anti-TR beta 1 antibody and the electrophoretic mobility shift assay under similar buffer and incubation conditions to demonstrate that in the absence of T3, TR beta 1 is present as a monomer in solution and binds primarily as a homodimer to the chicken lysozyme TRE, F2. In the presence of T3, TR beta 1 cannot form a homodimer on F2, but, instead, exists as a liganded monomer in solution. Kinetic studies demonstrated that T3 markedly increased the dissociation rate of TR homodimer from F2. Using similar methods, we observed TR beta 1/RXR alpha heterodimer formation in solution and 10-fold greater formation on F2. Neither T3 nor 9-cis RA significantly affected TR beta 1/RXR alpha heterodimer formation. Taken together, these results suggest that both T3 and TRE binding are important determinants of the formation of specific TR complexes in solution and on DNA.
Multibeam antenna scheduling in ad hoc wireless networks

Directional antennas have shown to be advantageous in an ad hoc wireless network over traditional omnidirectional antennas to provide higher network throughput because they can reduce the power required for the service coverage and packet transmission, mitigate interference in the directions away from that of the desired users, and reduce the number of hops between distant source and sink nodes. Recently, multibeam antennas (MBAs) have been developed to further increase the network throughput. MBAs can be implemented using either multiple fixed-beam directional antennas or multi-channel smart antennas. The difference between them lies in whether the beams are predefined or adaptively controlled. MBAs not only inherit the advantages of directional antennas, but also support concurrent communications with multiple neighboring nodes. Such advantages are achieved, however, only with sophisticated scheduling schemes. For example, it is crucial to appropriately allocate the available beams to the neighboring users that attempt to transmit packets. Previous results have shown the importance of utilizing appropriate scheduling in avoiding collision. Specifically, in a multipath propagation environment, signals transmitted from a neighboring node may fall into multiple beams at the receiving node and thus result in more frequent contentions. In this paper, we examine the feasibility and node throughput performance of relevant scheduling algorithms, such as those based on packet priority and throughput maximization, and investigate the effect of multipath propagation on the exploitation of the scheduling schemes as well as on the throughput performance.
Domain-specific social functioning improvements during treatment of depressed women with histories of childhood sexual abuse.

Abstract Background Deterioration in social functioning and depression are often intertwined, particularly for women with histories of childhood sexual abuse (CSA). Among women with CSA histories, some relationship domains may be more modifiable than others during time-limited depression treatment. Women with CSA histories often report long-standing interpersonal difficulties in close relationships. Thus, we expected that patients' relationships with immediate family and intimate partners would be less likely to improve during treatment than relationships with co-workers, friends, or extended family, unless patients received an interpersonally-focused intervention that targeted close relationships. Methods To examine domain-specific social functioning improvements and determine whether some domains were more likely than others to respond to an interpersonally-focused intervention, we analyzed data from a randomized controlled trial investigating Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT) vs. usual care (UC) in 69 depressed women with CSA histories. Participants completed the Social Adjustment Scale-SR at pretreatment, 10-, 24-, and 36-weeks. Results Consistent with our hypotheses, patients reported significant improvements in work roles, leisure activities with friends, and relationships with extended family members over the course of treatment. Relationships with immediate family members and intimate partners did not improve in the overall sample. However, relationships with immediate family improved significantly more among IPT than UC patients. Limitations The sample size is small and generalizability may be limited. Conclusions Social functioning improvements during depression treatment may be domain-specific among depressed women with CSA histories. IPT is more effective than UC at improving relationships with close family members in this population.
High-performance liquid chromatographic assay for methylglyoxal bis(guanylhydrazone) (methyl GAG) in plasma and urine.

Abstract A clinically usefull analytical method is described for monitoring both plasma and urine levels of methylglyoxal bis(guanylhydrazone) administered in the clinical management of certain neoplasms. The drug is initially separated from the biological matrix by retention on a small (2 cm) column packed with weak cation-exchange resin. The analyte is subsequently eluted quantitatively from the column with hydrochloric acid, and then separated and quantitated by paired ion high-performance liquid chromatography on an RP-18 column. The drug is detected to levels of 50 ng/ml of biological fluid by monitoring the column effluent spectrophotometrically at 280 nm. Absorbance was linearly related to drug concentration over the range 50 ng-50 μ/ml of plasma or urine, and measurements could be made with a precision of ± 4% over this range.
Atomistically Informed Mesoscale Model of Alpha-Helical Protein Domains

Multiscale mechanical properties of biological protein materials have been the focal point of extensive investigations over the past decades. In this article, we present the development of a mesoscale model of alpha-helical (AH) protein domains, key constituents in a variety of biological materials, including cells, hair, hooves, and wool. Our model, derived solely from results of full atomistic simulations, is suitable to describe the deformation and fracture mechanics over multiple orders of magnitude in timeand length scales. After validation of the mesoscale model against atomistic simulation results, we present two case studies, in which we investigate, first, the effect of the length of an AH protein domain on its strength properties, and second, the effect of the length of two parallel AH protein domain arrangement on its shear strength properties and deformation mechanisms. We find that longer AHs feature a reduced tensile strength, whereas the tensile strength is maximized for ultrashort protein structures. Moreover, we find that the shearing of two parallel AHs engenders sliding, rather than AH unfolding, and that the shear strength does not significantly depend on the length of the two AHs.
Specification tests on the structure of interaction in spatial econometric models

The structural assumptions embedded in a particular form of a spatial connectivity or dependence matrix are often not explicitly treated in the statistical analysis of mixed regressive-spatial autoregressive models. This paper sees the evaluation of different structures as an application of tests on non-nested hypotheses. Several recently developed statistics are outlined and their appropriateness for spatial analysis discussed. The tests are illustrated empirically in simple models that incorporate spatial spill-over effects in the explanation of urban housing value.
Constraining recent lead pollution sources in the North Pacific using ice core stable lead isotopes

[1] Trends and sources of lead (Pb) aerosol pollution in the North Pacific rim of North America from 1850 to 2001 are investigated using a high-resolution (subannual to annual) ice core record recovered from Eclipse Icefield (3017 masl; St. Elias Mountains, Canada). Beginning in the early 1940s, increasing Pb concentration at Eclipse Icefield occurs coevally with anthropogenic Pb deposition in central Greenland, suggesting that North American Pb pollution may have been in part or wholly responsible in both regions. Isotopic ratios ( 208 Pb/ 207 Pb and 206 Pb/ 207 Pb) from 1970 to 2001 confirm that a portion of the Pb deposited at Eclipse Icefield is anthropogenic, and that it represents a variable mixture of East Asian (Chinese and Japanese) emissions transported eastward across the Pacific Ocean and a North American component resulting from transient meridional atmospheric flow. Based on comparison with source material Pb isotope ratios, Chinese and North American coal combustion have likely been the primary sources of Eclipse Icefield Pb over the 1970–2001 time period. The Eclipse Icefield Pb isotope composition also implies that the North Pacific mid-troposphere is not directly impacted by transpolar atmospheric flow from Europe. Annually averaged Pb concentrations in the Eclipse Icefield ice core record show no long-term trend during 1970–2001; however, increasing 208 Pb/ 207 Pb and decreasing 206 Pb/ 207 Pb ratios reflect the progressive East Asian industrialization and increase in Asian pollutant outflow. The post-1970 decrease in North American Pb emissions is likely necessary to explain the Eclipse Icefield Pb concentration time series. When compared with low (lichen) and high (Mt. Logan ice core) elevation Pb data, the Eclipse ice core record suggests a gradual increase in pollutant deposition and stronger trans-Pacific Asian contribution with rising elevation in the mountains of the North Pacific rim.
A General Approach to Stress Stiffening Effects on Flexible Multibody Dynamic Systems

Abstract This paper presents a general way of including stress stiffening effects in the dynamic simulation of flexible multibody systems that undergo large overall motion accompanied by small elastic deformation. Stress stiffening terms are derived from the internal virtual work that includes nonlinear terms of the strain-displacement relationship and reference stresses induced by existing loads before deformation. The resultant stress stiffness matrix for a flexible body is obtained through quasi-static structural analyses by applying D'Alembert inertia, joint reaction, and other applied loads. The DAIembert inertia loads arising from gross motion of the body reference frame are expressed as a combination of space-dependent terms and 12 sets of time-dependent terms. An iterative method is proposed to solve the resultant system equations of motion. Examples are presented to illustrate the method and procedures proposed.
Histochemical and radioautographic studies of normal human fetal colon.

Twenty fetal and infant colons ranging from 10 weeks in utero to 20 months postpartum, and 12 adult human colons were examined using histochemical techniuques in conjunction with in vitro radioautography using Na2 35SO4 as a sulfomucin precursor. Only the sulfated component of mucus in fetal goblet cells was found to differ significantly from adult colonic mucins. In the fetus sulfomucin staining was much weaker than in the adult, and was more intense in the left colon which is the reverse of the adult pattern. Sulformucin was concentrated in the crypts throughout the fetal colon whereas in the adult right colon it predominated in the surface cells. As in the adult, saponification liberated carboxyl groups, possibly belonging to sialic acid, and vicinal hydroxyl groups from fetal mucins suggesting that this procedure hydrolyses an ester linkage between these 2 reactive groups. During the middle trimester of fetal life the colon possesses villi whose constituent cells display alkaline phosphatase in their surface coat. These and other morphological and histochemical similarities to fetal small intestine suggest that the fetal colon may have a limited capacity to absorb materials contained within swallowed amniotic fluid during this period.
Herbage Accumulation of Three Bahiagrass Populations during the Cool Season

to regional environmental conditions. Bahiagrass is par- ticularly tolerant of poor soil drainage, close continuous Fall and winter are periods of critical forage shortage in subtropical grazing, and marginal fertility. regions of the world, including the extreme southeastern USA. Cool- Beginning in 1960, Burton (1974, 1982) used modified season herbage accumulation has not been documented for bahiagrass (Paspalum notatum Flugge var. saurae Parodi) that has been selected mass selection (RRPS) to develop improved bahiagrass using recurrent restricted phenotypic selection (RRPS) for increased populations from the diploid cultivar Pensacola. Tifton warm-season yield. Regrowth of 'Pensacola', 'Tifton 9', and RRPS 9, resulting from nine cycles of RRPS, is higher yielding Cycle 18 that accumulated for 15 or 30 d was harvested from mid- than Pensacola and was released in 1987 (Burton, 1989). September through mid-April at Tifton, GA and Ona, FL for 2 yr. Eighteen cycles of RRPS breeding resulted in the exper- Herbage accumulation was essentially parallel for the three popula- imental population RRPS Cycle 18, which is higher tions; minimums were coincident in midwinter, and maxima generally yielding than both Pensacola and Tifton 9 (Burton et occurred at the first autumn harvest or last spring harvest. Fall and al., 1997). Increased spring herbage accumulation was spring yields of Tifton 9 and RRPS Cycle 18 were generally higher the basis for the selection of Tifton 9 and RRPS Cycle than those of Pensacola and often more than double. This advantage 18 (Burton, 1974, 1982, 1989), and yield advantages dur- was more pronounced at Ona than Tifton. Digestibility (600 g kg2 1 )
Risk-Benefit Ratio of Angiotensin Antagonists versus ACE Inhibitors in End-Stage Renal Disease

The effective treatment of hypertension is an extremely important consideration in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Virtually any drug class — with the possible exception of diuretics - can be used to treat hypertension in the patient with ESRD. Despite there being such a wide range of treatment options, drugs which interrupt the renin-angiotensin axis are generally suggested as agents of choice in this population, even though the evidence in support of their preferential use is quite scanty. ACE inhibitors, and more recently angiotensin antagonists, are the 2 drug classes most commonly employed to alter renin-angiotensin axis activity and therefore produce blood pressure control. ACE inhibitor use in patients with ESRD can sometimes prove an exacting proposition. ACE inhibitors are variably dialysed, with compounds such as catopril, enalapril, lisinopril and perindopril undergoing substantial cross-dialyser clearance during a standard dialysis session. This phenomenon makes the selection of a dose and the timing of administration for an ACE inhibitor a complex issue in patients with ESRD. Furthermore, ACE inhibitors are recognised as having a range of nonpressor effects that are pertinent to patients with ESRD. Such effects include their ability to decrease thirst drive and to decrease erythropoiesis. In addition, ACE inhibitors have a unique adverse effect profile. As is the case with their use in patients without renal failure, use of ACE inhibitors in patients with ESRD can be accompanied by cough and less frequently by angioneurotic oedema. In the ESRD population, ACE inhibitor use is also accompanied by so-called anaphylactoid dialyser reactions. Angiotensin antagonists are similar to ACE inhibitors in their mechanism of blood pressure lowering. Angiotensin antagonists are not dialysable and therefore can be distinguished from a number of the ACE inhibitors. In addition, the adverse effect profile for angiotensin antagonists is remarkably bland, with cough and angioneurotic oedema rarely, if ever, occurring. In patients with ESRD, angiotensin antagonists are also not associated with the anaphylactoid dialyser reactions which occur with ACE inhibitors. The nonpressor effects of angiotensin antagonists — such as an influence on thirst drive and erythropoiesis — have not been explored in nearly the depth, as they have been with ACE inhibitors. Although ACE inhibitors have not been compared directly to angiotensin antagonists in patients with ESRD, angiotensin antagonists possess a number of pharmacokinetic and adverse effect characteristics, which would favour their use in this population.
Giant magnetoresistance and non-ohmic effects in La0.6Y0.07Ca0.33MnOx thin films

Abstract Transport, magnetoresistance and structural properties of La 0.6 Y 0.07 Ca 0.03 MnO x (LYCMO) thin films grown in situ by pulsed laser ablation have been studied. Transmission electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction measurements have shown that the LYCMO films grow epitaxially on (100) LaAlO 3 substrates and are cubic with a lattice parameter of 0.3849 run. The as-deposited films exhibited a metal-insulator transition at 130 K and a giant magnetoresistance at 125 K with a MR ratio (Δ R/R H ) of 1500% in 6 Tesla magnetic field. By subsequent annealing of LYCMO films at 900 °C for half an hour in an oxygen ambient, this MR ratio was improved to 3200% at 192 K in the presence of the same magnetic field. This value of the MR ratio is the highest so far reported in this temperature regime. We ascribe this colossal magnetoresistance to the improved magnetic exchange between Mn 3+ and Mn 4+ ions resulting from the suppressed separation between Mn-O layers caused by a smaller sized Y-cation. We also report a non-ohmic response in the LYCMO films which is observed only in the region of the resistance peak and lends support to a conduction mechanism in these materials based on spin-dependent scattering of electrons.
Dental Implant Care: Should it be a Specialty?

There is a growing demand and need for dental implants, but treatment is reaching only a selected patient population. There is no indication that the profession is unable to meet current needs. The profession must make this care available to more patients, direct preventive measures to susceptible edentate populations and address the issue of entitlement to primary care.