cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A Genomic Fossil Reveals Key Steps in Hemoglobin Loss by the Antarctic Icefishes

Antarctic icefishes are the only vertebrates that do not have hemoglobin and erythrocytes in their blood. These startling phenotypes are associated in several icefish species with deletions of juvenile and adult globin loci, which in red-blooded teleosts are typically composed of tightly linked pairs of alpha- and beta-globin genes. It is unknown if the loss of hemoglobin expression in icefishes was the direct result of such deletions or if other mutational events compromised globin chain synthesis prior to globin gene loss. In this study, we show that 15 of the 16 icefish species have lost the adult beta-globin gene but retain a truncated alpha-globin pseudogene. Surprisingly, a phylogenetically derived icefish species, Neopagetopsis ionah, possesses a complete, but nonfunctional, adult alphabeta-globin complex. This cluster contains 2 distinct beta-globin pseudogenes whose phylogenetic origins span the entire Antarctic notothenioid radiation, consistent with an origin via introgression. Maximum likelihood ancestral state reconstruction supports a scenario of icefish globin gene evolution that involves a single loss of the transcriptionally active adult alphabeta-globin cluster prior to the diversification of the extant species in the clade. Through lineage sorting of ancestral polymorphism, 2 types of alleles became fixed in the clade: 1) the alpha-globin pseudogene of the majority of species and 2) the inactive alphabeta-globin complex of N. ionah. We conclude that the globin pseudogene complex of N. ionah is a "genomic fossil" that reveals key intermediate steps on the pathway to loss of hemoglobin expression by all icefish species.
Excessive daytime sleepiness and sleep complaints among children with epilepsy

Objective Excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) and sleep complaints are common among adults with epilepsy. We hypothesized that children with epilepsy have worse daytime sleepiness compared with controls. Methods Children with and without epilepsy between ages 8 and 18 were recruited for the study. Parents and children were asked to fill out the Pediatric Sleep Questionnaire (PSQ) and Pediatric Daytime Sleepiness Scale (PDSS), respectively. The Mann–Whitney U test was used for group comparisons, with the Fischer exact or χ2 test for categorical variables. Regression analysis was used to identify predictors of EDS. Results Twenty-six patients and matched controls were recruited for the study. Parents of children with epilepsy more often reported EDS (P < 0.001), symptoms of sleep-disordered breathing (P < 0.001), and parasomnias (P < 0.001) compared with controls. On the PDSS, children with epilepsy reported worse daytime sleepiness scores compared with controls (15.48 ± 6.4 vs 11.88 ± 5.25, P = 0.037). In the conditional logistic regression model, presence of symptoms of sleep-disordered breathing (OR = 15.3, 95% CI = 1.4–166.6) and parasomnias (OR = 12.4, 95% CI = 1.01–151.6) were independent predictors of EDS among patients when adjusted for duration of sleep. Epilepsy syndrome, anticonvulsants used, and presence or absence of seizure freedom, however, were not significant predictors of EDS among patients. Conclusions Daytime sleepiness appears to be common in children with epilepsy, and may be due to underlying sleep disorders. Further confirmatory studies are needed using screening questionnaires and formal sleep studies to systematically study the prevalence of sleep complaints and role of sleep disorders in these patients.
Efficacy of preoperative versus postoperative ketorolac tromethamine 0.5% in reducing inflammation after cataract surgery.

Abstract Purpose To compare the efficacy of 30 minute preoperative versus 1 day postoperative administration of ketorolac tromethamine 0.5% ophthalmic solution (Acular®) in reducing anterior chamber inflammation after cataract surgery. Setting The Hermann Eye Center, The University of Texas Health Science Center–Houston, Texas, USA. Methods Fifty eyes of 48 consecutive patients scheduled for phacoemulsification with intraocular lens implantation were included. Before surgery, patients were randomly assigned to start the study drug 30 minutes preoperatively or 1 day postoperatively. No other antiinflammatory agents were used intraoperatively or postoperatively. Main outcome measures were flare and cell counts. Results Preoperative and postoperative flare and cell counts did not differ significantly between the 2 treatment groups at any time. Both groups showed significant increases in flare ( P = .0001) and cells ( P = .0001) 1 day postoperatively. Flare and cells returned to baseline levels by day 28 in both groups. There was no significant difference at any time between the 2 groups in the change from the preoperative level of inflammation. Conclusion There was no difference between administering ketorolac 30 minutes preoperatively versus 1 day postoperatively in reducing inflammation.
Synthesis and Secretion of IgA, IgM, and IgG by Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells in Human Disease States, by Isolated Human Intestinal Mononuclear Cells, and by Human Bone Marrow Mononuclear Cells from Ribs

We have examined the secretion of IgA, IgM, and IgG by isolated human intestinal MNC, human bone marrow MNC from rib specimens, and peripheral blood MNC from patients with CD, UC, SLE, and HSP. "Normal" control intestinal MNC exhibited high spontaneous secretion of IgA, whereas intestinal MNC from UC and CD patients exhibited only modest increases in IgA secretion. Peripheral blood MNC from patients with CD, UC, SLE, and HSP exhibited markedly elevated spontaneous secretion of immunoglobulins in general and IgA in particular. Pure human bone marrow MNC exhibited high spontaneous secretion of IgA with modest amounts of IgG and normal IgM being secreted. The addition of PWM to cultures in which high spontaneous synthesis and secretion of immunoglobulins was seen, resulted in no further enhancement, and in some instances suppression, of antibody secretion. In patients with autoimmune disease, there appeared to be dual immunoregulatory defects, one involving a lack of normal T-suppressor cell functional capabilities for spontaneous antibody synthesis, and the other the presence of PWM activable T-suppressor cells. In human bone marrow, we have identified MNC that secrete suppressor factors in the presence of PWM and that are capable of inhibiting antibody synthesis and secretion. Column separation using Sephacryl S-300 revealed that the IgA secreted by "normal" control intestinal MNC is predominantly dimeric, whereas the IgA secreted by human bone marrow MNC is predominantly monomeric. Furthermore, mucosal MNC from patients with CD and uninvolved intestine from patients with UC exhibited patterns similar to control intestinal MNC, being predominantly dimeric IgA with some monomeric IgA secreted. By contrast, intestinal MNC from patients with UC had a decreased proportion of dimeric IgA and increased proportion of monomeric IgA, thus indicating that IgA precursor B-cells may have migrated into the intestine from extraintestinal sites, or that the normal dimeric IgA-secreting cells in the intestine had begun secreting increased proportion of monomeric IgA as well. These studies indicate that homing patterns and/or immunoregulation of IgA-secreting cells are altered in human intestine, bone marrow, and autoimmune disease states.
Voltage stability assessment of AC/DC systems

In this paper, a comprehensive and systematical analysis method is proposed to assess voltage stability of AC/DC systems. The traditional modal analysis method generally applied to AC systems will be extended to the application of AC/DC systems by introducing the eliminated variable AC/DC load flow. The dynamic components, such as excitation system, DC lines and controller are also taken into account to obtain more correct assessment results. Though the works mainly analyze the system based on the single-infeed DC configuration, the proposed methodologies are independent of the system configuration. The model is further extended for dynamic simulation by adding dynamic components.
Epitaxial growth and surface structure of NiSi2{0 0 1} on Si{0 0 1}

Abstract LEED (low-energy electron diffraction) intensity measurements were done to monitor the formation of epitaxial NiSi2 on the {0 0 1} surface of Si. The resulting silicide surface, although possibly reconstructed, was subjected to LEED intensity analysis as NiSi2{0 0 1}1×1. Several structural models involving bulk-like terminations, and variants thereof, failed the LEED test. However, one model, with Si adatoms in the four-fold symmetrical sites of the Si bulk-like termination, provides reasonable agreement with experiment and is therefore tentatively proposed as containing the main features of the real structure. The model may explain the failure of double epitaxy, i.e., the failure to grow epitaxial Si films on the silicide surface.
Gastric epithelial atypia associated with hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy: its distinction from early gastric carcinoma

Hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy (HAIC) for metastatic colonic carcinoma has been associated with gastric ulceration and marked epithelial atypia which may be mistaken for carcinoma. The authors reviewed the gastric histopathologic features of seven patients who developed gastric ulcers following HAIC and compared them with 20 examples of "early" gastric carcinoma. The seven patients had primary colonic carcinomas with hepatic metastases; each had received combination chemotherapy with mitomycin C and 5-fluorouracil via percutaneously placed hepatic arterial catheter. The gastric ulcers became clinically apparent 10 to 45 days after initiation of the final course of HAIC, usually heralded by severe epigastric pain. Based on the authors' observations, histologic features which are indicative of HAIC-associated atypia rather than carcinoma include: preservation of mucosal architecture; atypia accentuated in the basilar gastric glands; bizarre atypia with cellular enlargement exceeding that seen in carcinoma; preservation of a low nuclear-cytoplasmic ratio; cytoplasmic eosinophilia with vacuolization; few or no mitotic figures; cytologic resemblance to radiation effect; similar atypia within fibroblasts and endothelial cells; and absence of intestinal metaplasia in adjacent gastric epithelium.
On a Generalization of the Trèves Criterion for the First Integrals of the KdV Hierarchy to Higher GD Hierarchies

First, a new proof of the necessity of the Treves criterion for a differential polynomialto be a first integral of the KdV hierarchy is given. This proof is much shorter than the original one and admits generalizations. Second, a similar criterion is suggested and its necessity proven for the next of the GD hierarchies which is generated by the third-order linear operator.
Supra-psoas Shallow Docking in Lateral Interbody Fusion

BACKGROUND Lateral interbody fusion techniques have been linked with considerable postoperative morbidity, often the outcome of direct psoas trauma. The most common neurological postoperative complications are transient motor weakness/palsy and sensory dysesthesia, which can be permanent. It appears that these neural complications are a result of passing through the psoas muscle where the potential for nerve injury is significant. The supra-psoas shallow docking method may be a safer alternative and may help minimize morbidities by eliminating or reducing direct psoas injury. OBJECTIVE To describe the operative technique of performing lateral interbody fusion using supra-psoas retractor docking. METHODS The authors describe the surgical technique including side selection, positioning, and patient outcomes. RESULTS Fifteen patients were treated with the supra-psoas shallow docking method. Specifically, no patient reported weakness, numbness, and/or pain on the side that underwent the surgery. In these cases, performing lateral transpsoas interbody fusion using supra-psoas shallow docking appeared to minimize the most common neurological postoperative complications of the surgery, motor weakness/palsy and sensory dysesthesia, which may be a result of dilation of the psoas muscle. CONCLUSION The shallow docking technique may decrease postoperative morbidities by docking on top of psoas muscle instead of passing through it. An important potential benefit of this approach is direct visualization of the lumbosacral plexus, which may potentially minimize the postoperative neurological morbidity often encountered in patients after this surgery.
Importance of thermal diffusion in high temperature electrochemical cells

The significance of thermal diffusion in liquid systems with forced convection has been investigated over a wide range of temperature. Numerical calculations have been carried out for the case of dilute liquid solutions that flow into the entrance region of a tube or an annulus, and the theory has been developed for a first order chemical or electrochemical reaction that takes place on the electrode surface. As an example, dilute aqueous electrolyte solutions at sub-critical temperatures (up to 350°C) have been considered. As the Lewis number and the Soret coefficient increase, the impact of thermal diffusion on mass transport is predicted to become increasingly important at higher temperatures. Simple analytical relations for describing thermal diffusion effects in liquid solutions subject to forced convection have been derived, and good agreement between these analytical solutions and numerical results is shown. The use of an electrochemical cell with forced convection could be a promising experimental technique for determining Soret coefficients for electrolyte solutions and liquid mixtures at elevated temperature.
Expression of phenotypes in a temperature-sensitive allele of the apterous mutation in Drosophila melanogaster.

Abstract A temperature-sensitive allele of the apterous (ap) locus of Drosophila melanogaster has been used to examine the phenotypes produced by this mutation, which include wing, mesonotal, and haltere deficiencies, precocious adult death, and nonvitellogenic oocyte development. When raised at 15°C, homozygous apts78j adults have nearly wild-type wing morphology except for patches of missing triple-row bristles and posterior wing margin deficiencies. With the exception of two missing bristles, the dorsal mesonotum and the haltere appear as wild-type. Increasing deficiency of structures derived from the wing and haltere imaginal discs results from increasing culture temperature, and at 29°C, the wing blade, many dorsal mesonotal bristles, and the haltere are absent. The temperature-sensitive period in development for these deficient phenotypes extends from late-second to mid-third instar. Despite extensive deficiencies seen after apts78j larvae are heat-pulsed at 29°C, no duplication of the notal structures is evident, a common response of other mutants having extensive wing deficiencies. When raised at 29 or 25°C, apts78j adults are short-lived, and females show nonvitellogenic oocyte development. At 22°C, however, adults are long-lived, and females are vitellogenic and lay fertile eggs. A sharp temperature-sensitive period for both phenotypes is located during the first 24 hr of pupal development. The application of a juvenile hormone mimic, ZR-515, restored vitellogenesis to apts78j females raised at 25°C but was unable to rescue them from precocious death.
New insights into evaluating effective T-cell responses to HIV.

Towards addressing questions related to HIV pathogenesis and vaccine design we are fortunate to have the availability of the SIV-infected rhesus macaque model. The strengths of this model which include a rapid rate of progression to AIDS and knowledge of the dose route and strain of the infecting virus complement studies in HIV-infected patients in which the reagents host genetics and access to samples are more extensive and better defined. Unfortunately there is currently still too little known about the antiviral immune responses in either system to directly and accurately compare their similarities and differences and to draw any definitive conclusions. Therefore the data and views presented herein will simply reflect what has recently been discovered in both humans and non-human primate studies. (excerpt)
Relationship between Phytoplankton Volume and Rainbow Trout—Daphnia pulex Interactions after Phosphorus Inactivation, Medical Lake, Washington

ABSTRACT Fisheries and limnological investigations in post-restoration Medical Lake, Washington, suggest that establishing a successful rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss fishery depends on the maintenance of a healthy Daphnia pulex population and that phytoplankton volume is related to interactions between rainbow trout and D. puluex. As rainbow trout abundance increases, D. pulex standing crop decreases. This change results in an increase in phytoplankton standing crop. Multiple regression analyses on eight years of data was used to determine the statistical relationship between rainbow trout—D. pulex interactions, total phosphorus levels, and phytoplankton volume. Seasonal variation in phytoplankton volume correlated more closely to rainbow trout—D. pulex interactions than did monthly variations in algal biomass. Accounting for the lag in response time between the independent variables and phytoplankton volume improved the percentage of explained variance. The results indicate that the variance in seaso...
Marine Geology, South Texas Outer Continental Shelf: A Processes Approach

Although the South Texas Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) has been aseismic, crustal movements have been virtually continuous. The two principal types of movement have been seaward subsidence of the shelf and folding of strata by a combination of seaward creep and diapiric movement of low density material. Faulting has been extensive and has migrated seaward. Surficial benthic sediments are typically fine-grained (<0.063 mm). The average rate of deposition over the past 18,000 years seems to have been about 1 meter per thousand years. Sediment modification by infaunal activity ranges from high on the inner OCS to low on the outer part. Concentrations of cadmium, chromium, lead, and vanadium are highest in an area of suspected gas seeps at the shelf edge. Higher amounts of barium on the inner shelf are associated with petroleum fields.
Client identification and client commitment in a privately held client setting: : Unique constructs with opposite effects on auditor objectivity

SYNOPSIS: In this paper, we examine individual auditors' identification with, and commitment to, privately held clients, and their effects on auditor objectivity. Client identification reflects the extent to which an auditor's self-concept and self-definition are derived from a perceived oneness with the client. In contrast, client commitment reflects a responsibility for and a dedication to the client, but the auditor and client remain separate psychological entities. Drawing from the unique perspectives of social identity theory and social exchange theory, we hypothesize and find that client identification is distinct from client commitment. Further, we hypothesize and find that client identification and client commitment have different effects on auditor objectivity. Specifically, client identification is negatively related to auditor objectivity, whereas client commitment is positively related. The findings of this study apply predominantly to the audit of private companies where clients are more lik...
A broad glass transition in hydrated proteins

We performed Raman and Brillouin scattering measurements to estimate glass transition temperature, T(g), of hydrated protein. The measurements reveal very broad glass transition in hydrated lysozyme with approximate T(g) approximately 180+/-15 K. This result agrees with a broad range of T(g) approximately 160-200 K reported in literature for hydrated globular proteins and stresses the difference between behavior of hydrated biomolecules and simple glass-forming systems. Moreover, the main structural relaxation of the hydrated protein system that freezes at T(g) approximately 180 K remains unknown. We emphasize the difference between the "dynamic transition", known as a sharp rise in mean-squared atomic displacement at temperatures around T(D) approximately 200-230 K, and the glass transition. They have different physical origin and should not be confused.
Challenges and directions: an analysis of Genetic Analysis Workshop 17 data by collapsing rare variants within family data.

Recent studies suggest that the traditional case-control study design does not have sufficient power to discover rare risk variants. Two different methods—collapsing and family data—are suggested as alternatives for discovering these rare variants. Compared with common variants, rare variants have unique characteristics. In this paper, we assess the distribution of rare variants in family data. We notice that a large number of rare variants exist only in one or two families and that the association result is largely shaped by those families. Therefore we explore the possibility of integrating both the collapsing method and the family data method. This combinational approach offers a potential power boost for certain causal genes, including VEGFA, VEGFC, SIRT1, SREBF1, PIK3R3, VLDLR, PLAT, and FLT4, and thus deserves further investigation.
ECCENTRIC SECONDARY GROWTH IN CORDYLINE AND OTHER AGAVACEAE (MONOCOTYLEDONAE) AND ITS CORRELATION WITH AUXIN DISTRIBUTION

tissues on the lower side are rhizome-like in having less lignification of ground parenchyma and more diffuse and smaller secondary bundles than in the vertical stem. In Cor-dyline, Yucca, Beaucarnea, and D. reflexa the ground parenchyma cells are larger on the lower side. The vascular bundles are significantly larger on the lower sides of Beaucarnea and D. reflexa and are smaller on the lower side of D. fragrans. The occurrence of growth rings and eccentric growth is related to changes in cambial activity. There is close correspondence between enhanced cambial activity and high auxin levels on the lower side which have been reported elsewhere. However, there is no evidence of reaction wood tracheids on either the upper or lower sides.
Normocalcemic tetany abolished by calcium infusion

Tetany is a disorder of increased neuronal excitability usually associated with hypocalcemia. We studied a patient with typical tetanic cramps that responded to intravenous infusion of calcium despite normal serum concentrations of total and ionized calcium. Three generations were affected by similar symptoms, suggesting that this is a dominantly inherited disorder of neuronal hyperirritability.
Free-Energy Landscape of Enzyme Catalysis†

The concept is developed that enzyme mechanisms should be viewed as “catalytic networks” with multiple conformations that occur serially and in parallel in the mechanism. These coupled ensembles of conformations require a multi-dimensional standard free-energy surface that is very “rugged”, containing multiple minima and transition states. Experimental and theoretical evidence is presented to support this concept.
Synthesis of substituted asymmetrical biphenyl amino esters as alpha helix mimetics

As part of our ongoing project to develop new molecular probes for estrogen receptor-alpha, we are exploring the utility of internally-substituted asymmetric biphenyls as a proteomimetic scaffold. In this study, we describe synthetic methods for preparing the requisite substituted-bromophenol precursors, their further elaboration, and the subsequent Suzuki–Miyaura coupling of these sterically-hindered and electronically-rich aromatic systems. The results provide an efficient route with which to generate further libraries of novel asymmetric biphenyl compounds as potential proteomimetics.
Confidence intervals for the interrater agreement measure kappa

The asympotic normal approximation to the distribution of the estimated measure [kcirc] for evaluating agreement between two raters has been shown to perform poorly for small sample sizes when the true kappa is nonzero. This paper examines the use of skewness corrections and transformations of [kcirc] on the attained confidence levels. Small sample simulations demonstrate the improvement in the agreement between the desired and actual levels of confidence intervals and hypothesis tests that incorporate these corrections.
Ammonia Dynamics in Fertilized Fish Ponds Stocked with Nile Tilapia

Abstract Total ammonia nitrogen pathways in fertilized fish ponds stocked with Nile tilapia Oreochromis niloticus were investigated. Three fertilizer treatments were used in a field experiment in Thailand: weekly application of 500 kg dry chicken manure/ha (1.2 g N/m2), 44 kg dry chicken manure plus 24 kg urea/ha (1.2 g N/m2), and 500 kg dry chicken manure plus 280 kg urea/ha (14.3 g N/m2). Substantial quantities of ammonia were reduced from pond water in each treatment during daylight hours. Ponds lost 36–75% of the average total ammonia that was present in early morning during daylight hours. Losses to the atmosphere (flux) were relatively small, varying from 1–5% of the total diurnal ammonia reductions. Uptake by algae was the most important mechanism for removal of ammonia from pond water. Net primary productivity varied between treatments and increased with the increased availability of inorganic nitrogen. Increasing the total ammonia present in the early morning increased net primary productivity. F...
A colorimetric microplate assay method for high-throughput analysis of arginase activity in vitro.

Abstract Several analytical methods have been developed for the determination of arginase ( l -arginine amidinohydrolase) activity in physiological samples. These methods are limited by the considerable effort and time required to obtain reliable and reproducible measurements. Here we describe a simple high-throughput colorimetric assay for the determination of arginase activity based on the ornithine–ninhydrin reaction. This method is an improvement over the original single cuvette assay developed by Chinard in that no boiling step is required. The turnaround time has been reduced, with improved precision and reproducibility. The method was extended to the determination of arginase activity in human leukemic (K562) cells and sickle erythrocytes. We believe that the method will find applications for routine analysis as well as for characterizing the action of novel and potent inhibitors on arginase activity.
Component analysis of a behavioral treatment program for chronic low-back pain

The study examined the extent that specific behavioral treatment components within a combined treatment “package” for chronic low-back pain contributed to outcome effects. Four chronic, intractable low-back pain male inpatients served as subjects. Objectively assessed daily pain, medication intake and up-time as well as subjective pain intensity ratings were used as dependent measures A nonconcurrent multiple baseline across subjects design was used in which subjects were assigned to one of four baseline lengths. Each subject then received four behavioral treatment components (i.e., training in progressive muscular relaxation, assertion, functional pain-behavioral analysis, and social reinforcement of increased activity) in an additive, order-balanced fashion. Five 40- to 50-min sessions over a 5-day period were spent focusing on each component before the next was added. Results showed that relaxation training contributed most to overall improvement, followed by social reinforcement of increased activity. Functional pain-behavioral analysis training failed to contribute, with assertion training having minimal, if any, effects. No clear order effects were found. It was concluded that training in relaxation and activity reinforcement were necessary for the production of observed effects.
Dismembered pyeloplasty followed by metachronous ureteropelvic junction obstruction in the contralateral kidney

Hydronephrosis due to congenital ureteropelvic junction obstruction (UPJO) is commonly diagnosed by antenatal sonography. We report the case of an infant who developed new-onset hydronephrosis in the right kidney following uneventful left-sided pyeloplasty for a congenital UPJO. The furosemide minus 15-minute diuretic renogram (F-15 DR) was used to confirm obstruction in the affected renal unit when standard diuretic renography was equivocal. The indications for surgery or observation as well as the role of the F-15 DR are discussed.
On the flexibility and the fallibility of associative memory.

We report the results of four experiments in which we explored the flexibility and fallibility of associative recognition memory. In each experiment, pairs were studied one or more times, and the task was to discriminate intact from rearranged pairs. The critical findings are that the pattern of false alarm rates was dependent on the nature of the recognition procedure (e.g., ratings vs.yes-no) and the situation in which the task was performed. The specific pattern of findings suggest that subjects adopt different recognition strategies in order to achieve a desired level of performance in the most efficient manner possible by varying the degree to which they base their decisions on familiarity versus recollected information. Implications for theories of recognition memory are discussed.
Allies in Action: The Communicative Experiences of People Who Challenge Social Injustice on Behalf of Others

This study explores the lived experiences of people who act as allies in the interest of social justice. Interviews were conducted to investigate the meaning of the ally identity and the tactics allies use to interrupt stereotypes, prejudice, and discrimination against others. Findings suggest that people who speak out on behalf of social justice from positions of relative power do so (a) out of identity concerns that emphasize moral obligations, (b) largely through authoritative and dialogic strategies that draw on their symbolic capital, and (c) in ways that reflect ideologies of culturally dominant groups. The study also describes tensions arising out of the contradictory nature of deploying social power against the system that confers it. Conventional definitions of “allies” that rely on static notions of power, finally, are challenged as too simplistic.
The value of public information in commodity futures markets

Abstract The informational value of U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) corn and soybean production forecasts is investigated for the period 1971–1992. Three tests of informational content are applied. Overall, the results suggest USDA corn and soybean forecasts provide valuable information to participants in commodity futures markets. This value does appear to have declined, especially since the mid-1980s.
CREATIVITY AND DESIGN: CREATIVITY'S NEW DEFINITION AND ITS RELATIONSHIP TO DESIGN

Creativity is often defined in ways that are neither useful nor operationalizable. We proposed a new definition for creativity that incorporates the Skills-Rules-Knowledge model of Rasmussen (1983). We then examine the tests of creativity and real world design problems alongside each other with this new definition in mind. Participants completed six different creativity tests, including the design problems. The tests were scored on the basis of five domains of creativity. Answers to questions an individual had seen previously were not included in data analysis. We expect to find that all measures of creativity correlate weakly with each other, and spatial, nonentrenchment, and original types of creativity correlate more highly with design than other types, providing further evidence for the importance of creativity for designers and engineers.
Influence of serum lipoproteins and carbohydrate metabolism on erythrocyte membrane composition in children: Bogalusa Heart Study.

Abstract The influence of serum lipoprotein profile and measures of carbohydrate metabolism on erythrocyte membrane composition were examined in four groups of children (n = 356, ages 6 to 18 years) from a total biracial population whose earlier very low density (VLDL-C) or low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels (or both) were in the extreme quintiles or quartiles. Erythrocyte membranes of white children contained significantly increased levels of protein (+2.0%) and phospholipid (+2.7%) and decreased levels of neutral sugars (−4.6%) when compared to black children. Membrane neutral sugars were markedly higher (+4.7%) in girls than in boys. Membrane protein was lowest in children characterized by high LDL-C and low VLDL-C. The phospholipid/protein ratio was consistently higher (+1.9%) in the low VLDL-C strata. The relationships between membrane constituents and plasma/serum variables were explored after controlling for race, sex, and age effects and after combining the four selection groups. Less membrane cholesterol was present in the lowest (v highest) quintile of serum LDL-C/high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) ratio (P ratio, sialic acid due to hemoglobin A1C and apoB, hexosamine due to hemoglobin A1C followed by fasting insulin, and membrane neutral sugars due to race and sex. These findings suggest that apart from intrinsic race-sex differences, the observed variations in membrane constituents are manifestations of plasma environment in terms of lipoproteins and subtle perturbations in carbohydrate metabolism.
Inhibition of coagulase activity and growth of Staphylococcus aureus by garlic extracts.

Garlic extract (1 mg dry weight/ml) produced an inhibition of the coagulase reaction and increased the time of coagulation by a factor of 1.5, whereas 4 mg dry weight/ml increased the coagulation time factor by 2.75. At this latter concentration of garlic, coagulation was only partially complete at 4 h. Garlic extract (1.4 mg dry weight/ml) reduced growth in nutrient broth whereas 5.6 mg dry weight/ml was completely inhibitory. These effects were not observed until 8 h after exposure of the organisms to the garlic extracts. There were 5.9% more survivors among garlic treated mice compared to non-treated animals, but this difference is not significant.
AUTOMATIC AMINO ACID ANALYSIS OF REPLICATE SAMPLES.

Abstract : A method is described by means of which replicate analyses of amino acids can be performed simultaneously, using an automatic amino acid analyzer. The limits to the number of samples that may be analyzed, and the minimal conditions for the application and separation of a given number of samples in a two-component mixture are discussed. This method has been applied to the determination of the C-terminal end-groups of proteins.
Graphical Models for Recovering Probabilistic and Causal Queries from Missing Data

We address the problem of deciding whether a causal or probabilistic query is estimable from data corrupted by missing entries, given a model of miss-ingness process. We extend the results of Mohan et al. [2013] by presenting more general conditions for recovering probabilistic queries of the form P(y|x) and P(y, x) as well as causal queries of the form P(y|do(x)). We show that causal queries may be recoverable even when the factors in their identifying estimands are not recoverable. Specifically, we derive graphical conditions for recovering causal effects of the form P(y|do(x)) when Y and its missingness mechanism are not d-separable. Finally, we apply our results to problems of attrition and characterize the recovery of causal effects from data corrupted by attrition.
Toll-Like Receptor 4 Activation in Microvascular Endothelial Cells Triggers a Robust Inflammatory Response and Cross Talk With Mononuclear Cells via Interleukin-6

Objective—It is known that toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) plays an important role in atherosclerosis. Because both microvascular (MIC) and macrovascular (MAC) endothelial cells (ECs) are present in atherosclerotic lesions, the present study compared TLR4-triggered inflammatory response and cross talk with mononuclear cells between MIC and MAC ECs. Methods and Results—ELISA, real-time polymerase chain reaction, and gene expression profiling showed that TLR4 activation by lipopolysaccharide stimulated a much higher expression of inflammatory genes including cytokines, chemokines, growth factors, and adhesion molecules in MIC ECs than MAC ECs. Furthermore, coculture studies showed that TLR4 activation in MIC ECs, but not MAC ECs, induced a cross talk with U937 mononuclear cells through MIC EC-released interleukin-6 to upregulate matrix metalloproteinase-1 expression in U937 cells. To explore molecular mechanisms underlying the different responses to TLR4 activation between MIC and MAC ECs, we showed that MIC EC...
Comparison of Language Skills of Adjudicated and Nonadjudicated Adolescent Males and Females

Purpose This study attempted to determine whether there were any differences or similarities in the basic cognitive and language skills of 4 groups of adolescents: adjudicated (a judge’s decision t...
Short-term Stimulation of the Renal Na-K-Cl Cotransporter (NKCC2) by Vasopressin Involves Phosphorylation and Membrane Translocation of the Protein

Na-K-Cl cotransporter (NKCC2)-mediated sodium chloride reabsorption in the thick ascending limb is stimulated by the antidiuretic hormone vasopressin. We investigate the mechanisms underlying the short term activation of NKCC2 by vasopressin in vivo, finding that administration of a vasopressin analogue (deamino-Cys-d-Arg vasopressin) causes a 2-fold increase in mouse kidney NKCC2 phosphorylation, as detected with a phosphospecific antibody, R5. The subtissue localization of the activation is defined by immunofluorescence. In vasopressin-treated animals, a dramatic increase in R5 immunostaining is observed in the initial segment of the thick ascending limb located in the inner stripe of the outer medulla, the region with a higher sensitivity to vasopressin. Although a pool of NKCC2 is present in cytoplasmic vesicles, the distribution of the phosphorylated cotransporter seems to be restricted to the cell membrane compartment; morphometric analysis of electron microscope images demonstrates a 55% increase in NKCC2 molecules at the apical membrane, suggesting the administration of vasopressin induces trafficking of the cotransporter. Thus, the short term actions of vasopressin on the thick ascending limb cotransporter are mediated by both an effect on the translocation of the protein and an increase in phosphorylation of regulatory threonines in the amino terminus of NKCC2.
Evolutionarily Labile Species Interactions and Spatial Spread of Invasive Species

AbstractBoth exotic and native species have been shown to evolve in response to invasions, yet the impacts of rapidly evolving interactions between novel species pairs have been largely ignored in studies of invasive species spread. Here, I use a mathematical model of an interacting invasive predator and its native prey to determine when and how evolutionary lability in one or both species might impact the dynamics of the invader’s spatial advance. The model shows that evolutionarily labile invaders continually evolve better adapted phenotypes along the moving invasion front, offering an explanation for accelerating spread and spatial phenotype clines following invasion. I then analytically derive a formula to estimate the relative change in spread rate due to evolution. Using parameter estimates from the literature, this formula shows that moderate heritabilities and selection strengths are sufficient to account for changes in spread rates observed in historical and ongoing invasions. Evolutionarily labi...
A note on prespeech and early speech coarticulation

Development of consonant + vowel (CV) coarticulation was examined acoustically in two normally developing children. Data of the vocalizations from each child at 11 mos and 20 mos of age were collected. These vocalizations corresponded to prespeech and early speech periods of linguistic development, respectively. A specific CV form, common in each child's prespeech and early speech vocalizations, was selected for analysis. Coarticulation was evaluated by determining the slope of formant 1 (Fl) and formant 2 (F2) transitions following consonant release. The formant transition slopes were found to be “shallower” at 20 mos of age compared to the 11 mos period with the largest developmental change occurring for F1 transitions. Discussion focuses on the intrasyllabic coarticulatory effects characterizing prespeech and early speech development.
Women's gidayū and the Japanese theatre tradition

List of Tables List of Plates List of Musical Examples Guide to Compact Disc List of Musical Experts on Compact Disc Acknowledgements Glossary Introduction. 1. In the Beginning. 2. Performances and Performers: The living tradition and its transmission 3. Tales that are Told 4. Living National Treasure Takemoto Tosahiro: her story as history 5. Revival and the Road to Recognition: the Honmokuter Era 1950-1990 6. Postude Do Suru - What Next? Appendix. Synopses of the 'Top Ten' Tales References.
Social Structure, Political Institutions, and Mobilization Potential

La diversite croissante des questions qui sont a la base des activites politiques traditionnelles comme des non-traditionnelles a ete attribuee aux changements structurels ayant cours dans les societes post-industrielles. Dans la litterature sur le mouvement social, il est surprenant de voir que peu d'attention a ete accordee aux facons specifiques dont la structure sociale, plutot que le changement structurel, a un impact sur la formation et l'articulation des interets. L'A. avance que certaines formes de differenciation structurelle favorisent la distribution des interets de telle facon que certains d'entre eux ne peuvent etre orientes efficacement vers la politique electorale. Des variables telles que les inegalites de revenus et d'education, l'heterogeneite ethnique et l'heterogeneite industrielle sont utilisees pour examiner la relation entre le vote pour un parti et le vote pour des initiatives concernant des questions sociales ou culturelles
Maternal Dead-End1 is required for vegetal cortical microtubule assembly during Xenopus axis specification

Vertebrate axis specification is an evolutionarily conserved developmental process that relies on asymmetric activation of Wnt signaling and subsequent organizer formation on the future dorsal side of the embryo. Although roles of Wnt signaling during organizer formation have been studied extensively, it is unclear how the Wnt pathway is asymmetrically activated. In Xenopus and zebrafish, the Wnt pathway is triggered by dorsal determinants, which are translocated from the vegetal pole to the future dorsal side of the embryo shortly after fertilization. The transport of dorsal determinants requires a unique microtubule network formed in the vegetal cortex shortly after fertilization. However, molecular mechanisms governing the formation of vegetal cortical microtubule arrays are not fully understood. Here we report that Dead-End 1 (Dnd1), an RNA-binding protein required for primordial germ cell development during later stages of embryogenesis, is essential for Xenopus axis specification. We show that knockdown of maternal Dnd1 specifically interferes with the formation of vegetal cortical microtubules. This, in turn, impairs translocation of dorsal determinants, the initiation of Wnt signaling, organizer formation, and ultimately results in ventralized embryos. Furthermore, we found that Dnd1 binds to a uridine-rich sequence in the 3′-UTR of trim36, a vegetally localized maternal RNA essential for vegetal cortical microtubule assembly. Dnd1 anchors trim36 to the vegetal cortex in the egg, promoting high concentrations of Trim36 protein there. Our work thus demonstrates a novel and surprising function for Dnd1 during early development and provides an important link between Dnd1, mRNA localization, the microtubule cytoskeleton and axis specification.
Oligomeric proanthocyanidins: naturally occurring O-heterocycles

This review covers the flavan-3-ols (catechins), flavan-4-ols/flavan-3,4-diols (leucoanthocyanidins), A-type proanthocyanidins, B-type proanthocyanidins including the procyanidins, prodelphinidins, propelargonidins, proteracacinidins, promelacacinidins, procassinidins, probutinidins, and non-proanthocyanidins with flavan-3-ol constituent units. Newly isolated proanthocyanidins, structure elucidation, syntheses, HPLC/MS analysis, NMR/ conformational analysis, and the effects of proanthocyanidins on human nutrition and health are reported. The literature from January 1999 to December 2001 is reviewed, and 130 references are cited.
A Quick Review of the Cutaneous Findings of the Deadly Scourge Ebola Virus

We report a series of 55 Air Force basic trainees with bilateral lower extremity inflammatory lymphedema that was most likely caused by prolonged standing, venous congestion, and subsequent vascular inflammation. Although the investigation did not definitely identify the cause of the lymphedema, our findings ruled out many potential causes and detected a previously undescribed, yet potentially preventable, disorder. In the short term, these results will reduce the number of affected trainees who receive unnecessary antibiotic therapy while facilitating a more rapid return to training. Our Department of Defense sister services may also benefit from our findings since similar cases may be occurring at other basic training facilities. A formal prospective study should be conducted to investigate this condition more fully, with emphasis on the potential roles of undiagnosed venous reflux disease and the military physical training environment.
Propagation of hog cholera virus in tissue culture.

SummaryA strain of hog cholera virus has been procured that produced CPE in tissue cultures of pig kidney cells. This tissue-cultured virus produced typical hog cholera when inoculated into susceptible swine and it was neutralized by immune sera.
From cadaver harvested homograft valves to tissue-engineered valve conduits

Abstract As cardiac surgery enters its 4th Era, the era of bioengineering, tissue engineering and biotechnology, surgical solutions will embrace living tissue transplants, hybrid structures (inert + living) and biological implants that are really endogenous protein factories. The evolution of conduit surgery from Dacron tubes with pig valves through the wet stored homograft and thence cryopreserved homograft era, is also now entering the tissue-engineered heart valve era. Such constructs will likely resolve many of the lingering issues, which limit the durability and usefulness of heart valved conduits. The saga of this evolution captures in microcosm the revolution that will ultimately result in better treatments for children and adults with structural heart disease. The biological, developmental, and regulatory challenges are described so that an appreciation can be developed for the complexity of this new science and its integration into clinical use. The promise, however, far outweighs the barriers and represents no less than a dramatic new Era in cardiac surgery.
Direct numerical simulation of electrohydrodynamic flow instabilities in microchannels

Abstact Fluids with gradients in electrical conductivity subjected to strong electric fields can undergo violent instability. In flows where molecular diffusion is slow, high conductivity gradients can be maintained beyond the initial instability and become a driver for chaotic flow. Despite the low Reynolds number in microchannel applications, molecular diffusion occurs slow enough that such flows are possible. This work investigates a class of electrically driven, conductivity gradient flow instabilities in microchannels that display turbulent characteristics at low Reynolds number. Flows far from the influence of solid boundaries and flows confined between parallel plates are considered. Electroosmotic flow at solid boundaries is also considered and found to have a dramatic impact on the flow. A variety of configurations and assumptions are studied using direct numerical simulation.