cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Is there evidence of weathering among women seeking fertility treatments?: Evidence and insights.

Abstract Racial disparities in outcomes of assisted reproductive technologies (ART) are well-documented, and evidence of racial disparities in other forms of fertility treatments has also been observed. To date, much of the research on these disparities has focused on individual-level causes. This paper contextualizes these disparities using the weathering hypothesis. Using the National Survey of Family Growth and exploratory analyses of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, this study evaluates whether there is evidence of weathering among women of color seeking fertility treatments. The study finds inconsistent evidence of weathering among these groups. However, the study is limited by weaknesses in the available data. The paper demonstrates the promise and limits of the available data to answer empirical questions regarding disparities in fertility treatments that have spurred a national public health action plan and numerous commentaries from scholars and professional organizations. The paper concludes with a discussion of other possible causes of these disparities and a description of next steps needed in the field to better understand both the “under the skin” and social processes that underlie disparities in fertility treatment outcomes.
Higher Monocyte Count is Associated with 30-Day Case Fatality in Intracerebral Hemorrhage

Previous studies have suggested that elevated neutrophils, monocytes, and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) may be associated with poor outcomes in intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). We sought to determine whether white blood cell (WBC) types were independently associated with poor outcome in ICH in a large cohort. We performed a retrospective study of primary ICH at two academic centers. Cases were identified via ICD-9 code and verified via physician review. We included only those patients with WBC types obtained within 24 h of ICH onset. We identified 593 patients with primary ICH and WBC differentials in the first 24 h. Independent factors (OR, 95% CI) associated with 30-day case fatality were age > 80 (2.4 (1.4, 4.2)), p = 0.0023; NIHSS greater than median (3.9 (2.4, 6.3)), p < 0.0001; ICH volume quartiles (Q1: ref, Q2: 1.5 (0.7, 3.0), Q3: 3.2 (1.6, 6.6), Q4: 11.9 (5.3, 26.4)), p < 0.0001; non-lobar location (3.3 (1.9, 5.9)), p ≤ 0.0001; IVH (2.3 (1.4, 3.6)), p = 0.0005, monocytes greater than median (1.6 (1.0, 2.4)), p = 0.0457, and anticoagulant use (3.2 (1.8, 5.6)), p < 0.0001. Elevated NLR was not associated with higher case fatality. We found that elevated monocytes were independently associated with 30-day case fatality. Future studies will investigate whether there are subgroups of ICH patients, including those with particular blood or imaging biomarkers, in which WBC types might help predict poor outcome and provide targets for intervention.
Novel rigidizing overtube for colonoscope stabilization and loop prevention (with video).

Background and Aims Loop formation can impede endoscope advancement, destabilize the tip, and cause pain. Strategies to mitigate looping include torque-based reduction maneuvers, variable stiffness shafts, and abdominal splinting. In some cases, these strategies are insufficient, and there is need for novel instruments. Loop formation is of particular concern in colonoscopy, but it can also impact performance of other endoscopic procedures such as enteroscopy and altered-anatomy ERCP. In this case series we demonstrate the utility of a novel rigidizing overtube (Pathfinder; Neptune Medical, Burlingame, Calif, USA) in colonoscopy and other endoscopic procedures where loop management is critical. Methods We describe our initial experience with the Pathfinder overtube in 29 patients. The overtube is 85 cm long and can accommodate a pediatric colonoscope. In its native state, the overtube is extremely flexible. Once the overtube is advanced to the desired location, application of a vacuum to the device causes the device to become 15 times stiffer. The endoscope can then be advanced through the overtube without loop formation in the region that the overtube traverses. Results The overtube was used in 29 patients to assist with difficult procedures. Patients were predominantly men (n = 18; 62.1%), with a median age of 66 years (interquartile range, 57-72). One patient received an upper endoscopy (3.4%), 24 received colonoscopy (82.8%), and 4 received enteroscopy (13.8%). The overtube was used in 12 procedures for incomplete colonoscopy (41.4%), 6 for depth (20.7%), and 11 for stability (37.9%). Colonoscopy was performed in the setting of screening (n = 3), surveillance given polyp history (n = 7), referrals for polyp removal (n = 10), workup of iron deficiency anemia (n = 2), and incomplete colonoscopy (n = 1). The lower endoscopy cases had a median cecal intubation time of 5 minutes (interquartile range, 4.25-7). Enteroscopy was performed in 4 patients: In one patient the distal 60 cm of the ileum was examined with a pediatric colonoscope to exclude ileitis, in another the overtube was used to stabilize a 6-mm endoscope to traverse a tight Crohn’s ileocolonic stricture, in a third patient altered-anatomy ERCP was performed using an enteroscope through the overtube to reach a hepaticojejunostomy, and in the final patient upper enteroscopy was performed and the mid-jejunum was reached. We present 4 cases that demonstrate the use of the overtube. There were no adverse events. Conclusions Initial experience with a novel rigidizing overtube suggests that this tool can be useful in colonoscopy and other endoscopic procedures affected by looping.
Setting Limits on Neural Network’s Predictive Capacity in T1D Blood Glucose Concentration

Abstract The ability to anticipate changes in blood glucose (BG) concentration would have a great impact on Type 1 diabetics (T1D). In order to create T1D treatment plans, patients collect a BG concentration time series. It has been demonstrated that various types of recurrent neural networks, such as Long Short Term Memory (LSTM), have success forecasting T1D BG concentrations. However, limited work has been done to characterize the T1D time series or set limits on neural network’s predictive capacity. In this work, a T1D patient’s 14 day BG concentration time series is studied. First, I test the time series stationarity. Then I use auto-correlation analysis, spectral analysis, and Gaussian process regression to characterize the T1D BG time series. Finally, the LSTM’s prediction quality is quantified and interpreted at different prediction intervals. The success or failure of the LSTM’s predictions are interpreted using the characterization of the time series.
The perspective of doctoral nursing students engaged in mentored international research

Five doctoral nursing students and their faculty traveled to St. Kitts and Nevis for a study abroad experience to apply research skills outside of a classroom setting as part of a disaster preparedness elective course. Nursing students reflected on their perspectives of conducting a mixed-methods research study in another country. Each student reported positive benefits from the experience, particularly emphasizing the importance of face-to-face mentorship in doing actual research as a part of doctoral studies to supplement research methods learned in online courses. Students also acknowledged challenges and learning opportunities within their experience. International mentored research projects can assist graduate nursing students through the transition from student to independent researcher. The authors believe these types of intensive research experiences should be encouraged and supported within nursing education.
The Unity of the Church and Birth Control in an Age of Polarization

A polarization characterized by disrespect for opposing viewpoints can be found not only in US politics but also within the Catholic Church. As an example, this essay explores the approach to birth control as expressed in statements by two competing Catholic groups, one progressive and one conservative. The author judges both statements to be excessively one-sided but appeals especially to the progressive group to recognize how the phenomenon of natural family planning as it has emerged over the past fifty years calls for recognition and respect. For the sake of the unity of the church, each side is called upon to fight against polarization as it defends what is of value in its own positions.
Effect of an in-home, family-inclusive rehabilitation programme on depressive symptoms in veterans with traumatic brain injury and its mediation by activity engagement

Background/Aims Depression, the most common psychiatric sequela of traumatic brain injury in both civilians and veterans, produces serious and wide-ranging problems. Although medication and cogniti...
On Pereboom’s Disappearing Agent Argument

This article is a critical discussion of Derk Pereboom’s “disappearing agent objection” to event-causal libertarianism in his Free Will, Agency, and Meaning in Life (2014). This objection is an important plank in Pereboom’s argument for free will skepticism. It is intended to knock event-causal libertarianism, a leading pro-free-will view, out of contention. I explain why readers should not find the objection persuasive.
Opioid receptor activation is one factor underlying the frequency dependence of mossy fiber LTP induction

The contribution of high-frequency synaptic activity to the induction of long-term potentiation (LTP) in the opioid peptide-containing mossy fiber projection was investigated in vivo in anesthetized rats. Because high-frequency mossy fiber activity is essential for both the release of opioid peptides and the induction of mossy fiber LTP, we investigated whether the activation of opioid receptors underlies the requirement of sustained high-frequency mossy fiber activity for LTP induction. Mossy fiber responses were found to have a distinct threshold for the number of 100 Hz pulses necessary to induce LTP, with bursts of 25–30 pulses being the minimum for LTP induction. Application of 1 nmol of the mu-opioid receptor agonist DAMGO to the CA3 region potentiated mossy fiber responses, but, unlike for mossy fiber LTP, this potentiation could be reversed by mu-opioid receptor antagonist CTOP. Stimulation of the mossy fibers with either a single burst of 15 pulses at 100 Hz or application of 100 pmol of DAMGO was ineffective in potentiating mossy fiber responses. However, delivery of a 15 pulse burst 10 min following DAMGO application was effective in potentiating mossy fiber responses. This potentiation was not reversed by CTOP and it occluded stimulation-induced LTP, suggesting that brief bursts delivered in the presence of DAMGO had induced mossy fiber LTP. The release of opioid peptides and the resulting activation of mu-opioid receptors is suggested as one factor that underlies the requirement of sustained high-frequency stimulation for the induction of mossy fiber LTP.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Neutrophils aid in protection of the vaginal mucosae of immune mice against challenge with herpes simplex virus type 2.

Large numbers of polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs) infiltrated the murine vaginal mucosa within 24 h after intravaginal inoculation with an attenuated strain of herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2). The role of these cells in resolution of a primary genital infection and in protection of HSV-immune animals against challenge with a fully virulent HSV-2 strain was investigated. Depletion of greater than 95% of the PMNs at the vaginal mucosal surface prior to intravaginal inoculation with an attenuated HSV-2 strain resulted in significantly higher virus titers on days 3 to 7 but only slightly delayed resolution of the primary genital infection. These results suggest that neutrophils helped control the infection but that other immune mechanisms ultimately cleared the virus. Interestingly, depletion of PMNs from HSV-immune mice prior to challenge with a fully virulent HSV-2 strain resulted in a rise in virus titers to levels comparable to those of nonimmune mice and a more pronounced diminution of virus clearance from the vaginal mucosa despite the presence of HSV-specific B and T cells. Levels of gamma interferon (IFN-γ) and HSV-specific antibody were comparable in neutrophil-depleted and control-treated immune mice following HSV-2 challenge, suggesting that RB6-8C5 treatment did not impair T- and B-cell function. Therefore, these results suggest that neutrophils play a role in limiting and clearing HSV-2 vaginal infections and that they are, in association with HSV-specific B and T cells, an important component in immune protection of the vaginal mucosa.
Quantized conductance in an in-plane gated In/sub 0.53/Ga/sub 0.47/As quantum point contact

We report quantized conductance in a 500 nm wide In/sub 0.53/Ga/sub 0.47/As quantum point contact defined by 100 nm wide trenches. The surrounding two-dimensional electron gas was used as gate. Electron beam lithography and reactive ion etching with BCl/sub 3/ formed the trenches. Quantized conductance in steps of 2e/sup 2//h as well as one additional step at 0.7(2e/sup 2//h) was observed at 4.8 K. Conductance oscillations superimpose the plateaus at 0.3 K. A possible explanation for these resonance structures is a quantum interference of electron waves between the boundaries to the two-dimensional source and drain region.
Mechanism of heterogeneous nucleation: I. Vapor-liquid and liquid-solid transformation of benzene catalyzed by KCl

Abstract The nature of the prenucleation conditions for benzene condensation and solidification on potassium chloride surfaces has been examined. Whereas benzene vapor may be supersaturated to the extent of 14% in the presence of potassium chloride crystals at 25°C before the onset of nucleation and rapid condensation, this effect is shown to result from lack of thermal accommodation. In the equilibrium saturation, no effective supersaturation can be maintained since a thick film is formed at saturation prior to condensation. Isothermal nucleation of the solid phase occurs below −4°C at very low surface coverage and appears to involve the formation of two dimensional strained solid nuclei in the region of surface active sites. Nucleation of solid from adsorbed films involves a different mechanism since no liquid solid transition could be detected down to −20°C. The nucleation of solid from bulk liquid occurs at approximately −6°C and apparently involves a long range rearrangement in the neighborhood of the KCl substrate surface.
Commentary on ‘redefining industry structure for the information age’ by J. L. Sampler

The purpose of this commentary is to suggest a broader context for the preceding paper, ‘Redefining industry structure for the information age’ by Jeffrey L. Sampler. The important particular issues raised by Sampler are really part of a larger set of general issues facing scholars and executives concerned with strategic issues. The Sampler paper is an exemplar of a general area of investigation that is currently undernourished. Hopefully this general area will see considerable research interest in the future. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Models for optical and infrared polarization from CW1103+254

Multiband observations of the AM Herculis-type binary CW1103+254 show significant circular polarization (~ 13%) in the J band. Recently, a model with high temperature (kT ~ 20 keV) and small dimensionless plasma parameter (Δ ~ 104) was suggested for the emitting region. However, it gives negligible polarization in the J band. In this paper, a method, in which the J band polarization and the peak frequency ν* of the spectrum are taken into account, is used to determine T and Δ. For the viewing angle θ = 80° and the magnetic field B = 30MG, we find that kT = 5.0 keV and Δ = 106 The temperature of the emitting region is close to the value (kT = 8.7 keV) derived for the region emitting cyclotron lines in VV Puppis. If these radiations arise from the post-shock regions, then these temperatures are significantly lower than those predicted by standard accretion models or the shock structure is inhomogenous and more complex than previously assumed.
Glucose and carbachol synergistically stimulate phosphatidic acid accumulation in pancreatic islets

Summary Phosphatidic acid has been previously implicated as an intracellular mediator of insulin secretion. Very little is known, however, about endogenous phosphatidic acid levels in islets. We now show, for the first time, that glucose and carbachol, at concentrations which stimulate insulin secretion, significantly increase endogenous phosphatidic acid levels in pancreatic islets by 2-fold at 1 min, nearly 3-fold at 2 min, and over 3-fold at 30 min compared to control. Possible mechanisms include de novo synthesis from glucose and/or activation of phospholipase D. Our data, taken together with previous studies, suggest that phosphatidic acid may have a central role in insulin secretion as an intracellular mediator.
Comments on Reynolds number effects in wall-bounded shear layers

The effect of Reynolds number on the structure of turbulent boundary layers and channel flows is discussed. Published data are reexamined in light of the following questions: (1) does the boundary layer turbulence structure change after the well known Reynolds number limit viz, when Re(theta) is greater than 6000?; (2) is it possible to disturb a high Reynolds number flat plate turbulent boundary layer near the wall such that the recovery length is O(100 delta)?; and (3) how close is the numerically simulated low Reynolds number flat plate turbulence structure to that observed experimentally? The turbulence structure appears to change continuously with Reynolds number virtually throughout the bounday layer and sometimes in unexpected manners at high Reynolds numbers.
The appearance, density, and distribution of Merkel cells in human embryonic and fetal skin: their relation to sweat gland and hair follicle development.

The density and distribution of Merkel cells in human embryonic and fetal skin were studied using an im- munolabeling technique on epidermal and dermal sheets obtained by ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid separation. Merkel cells were identified by the known cytokeratin markers CK20 and CK18. Merkel cells showed CK20 immunoreactivity as early as 56 d estimated gestational age (EGA) in the palmar epidermis dermis (133.11 ± 44.27 cells/mm 2 ). The density increased rapidly, reaching a maximum of more than 1400 cells/mm 2 at 80-90 d EGA. At this stage, the cells became distributed along the primary epidermal ridges. In the palmar epidermis of fetuses older than 100 d EGA, the distribution of Merkel cells showed the same pattern, but the density then decreased gradually. Merkel cells were not observed in ductal and glandular portions of eccrine sweat glands, In the epidermal sheets of hairy skin, a few cells were first seen in the fetus at 75 d EGA. At 100 d EGA, only a few Merkel cells were observed, mostly in the hair pegs and bulbous hair pegs. In the older fetus, ring- like arrangements and aggregates of Merkel cells were prominent in the infundibulum and bulge of hair fofficles, respectively. Merkel cells were both globular and dendritic in shape. The ratio of dendritic to globular cells Increased gradually until the period of highest Merkel cell density in both the glabrous and hairy skin. All Merkel cells located in the dermis were globular In shape. In accord with the results obtained, we postulate that Merkel cells may have some functional role in the formation and proliferation of eccrine sweat glands and hair follicle anlagen in developing skin.
Nutrition and epigenetics: An interplay of dietary methyl donors, one-carbon metabolism and DNA methylation

DNA methylation is the most extensively studied mechanism of epigenetic gene regulation. Increasing evidence indicates that DNA methylation is labile in response to nutritional and environmental influences. Alterations in DNA methylation profiles can lead to changes in gene expression, resulting in diverse phenotypes with the potential for increased disease risk. The primary methyl donor for DNA methylation is S-adenosylmethionine (SAM), a species generated in the cyclical cellular process called one-carbon metabolism. One-carbon metabolism is catalyzed by several enzymes in the presence of dietary micronutrients, including folate, choline, betaine and other B vitamins. For this reason, nutrition status, particularly micronutrient intake, has been a focal point when investigating epigenetic mechanisms. Although animal evidence linking nutrition and DNA methylation is fairly extensive, epidemiological evidence is less comprehensive. This review serves to integrate studies of the animal in vivo with human epidemiological data pertaining to nutritional regulation of DNA methylation and to further identify areas in which current knowledge is limited.
NEW METABOLIC PRODUCTS OF L-CITRULLINE AND L-HOMOARGININE

Several clinical conditions associated with hyperammonemia are also characterized, in part, by elevated serum and urine levels of citrulline (C), homocitrulline (HC), and homoarginine (HA). Our previous studies on 14C-ureido-HC revealed that HC was converted by rats and mice, and, in vitro, by L-amino acid oxidase to a cyclic derivative (Fed. Proc. 35:1478, 1976). We now report mass spectrometric data which indicate that an L-amino acid oxidase product of (C) is also cyclic.
Bursting bubbles and their effect on the sea-to-air transport of Fe, Cu and Zn

Abstract The effects of the bubble breaking process on the atmospheric geochemical cycles of the elements Fe, Cu and Zn were investigated, in situ, in the estuarine waters of Narragansett Bay, Rhode Island. Enrichment, as defined by the metal-to-sodium ratios in the aerosols produced compared to their ratio in bulk water, occurred for the three metals investigated. The extent and potential geochemical importance of the process were different for each element. Iron enrichment was quite low (enrichment factor (EF) Geochemical implications of the data, together with other existing data, indicate that the sea is an insignificant source of Fe to the atmosphere. The sea may be a significant source (contributing on the order of 10% or more) of the total annual quantity of Cu and Zn to the atmosphere.
The Vernier Time-Measuring Technique

This paper describes a measuring technique which is the electrical analog of the mechanical vernier scale. A system is presented that will measure the time between two pulses, which jitter relative to each other and occur at some random rate, accurate to 10 m? sec. Pulse circuitry is employed to implement the system.
Negatively charged residues adjacent to IFM motif in the DIII–DIV linker of hNaV1.4 differentially affect slow inactivation

The effects on slow inactivation (SI) of charge substitutions, neutralizations, and reversals were studied for the negatively charged residues D1309 and EE1314,15 surrounding the IFM motif in the DIII–DIV cytoplasmic linker – the putative fast inactivation particle – of human skeletal muscle voltage-gated sodium channel (hNaV1.4). Changing aspartate (D) at position 1309 to glutamate (E) (substitution) did not strongly affect SI, whereas charge neutralization to glutamine (Q) and charge reversal to arginine (R) right-shifted the midpoint of the steady-state SI curve. Charge neutralization (D→Q) at position 1309 also reduced the apparent valence associated with SI. Glutamates (E) at positions 1314 and 1315 were similarly mutated. Charge reversal (EE→RR) right-shifted the steady-state SI curve and both reversal and substitution (EE→DD) reduced its apparent valence. Charge neutralization (EE→QQ) and reversal decreased the maximum probability of SI. These mutations also had differential effects on the rate of SI onset and recovery. These results suggest that charged residues in the DIII–DIV linker may interact with structures that control SI.
Ultrastructure of Isospora suis during excystation and attempts to demonstrate extraintestinal stages in mice.

Abstract Transmission electron microscopy was used to examine the structure of the oocysts, sporocysts and sporozoites of Isospora suis during in vitro excystation. Oocysts were ground in a teflon-coated tissue grinder to free most sporocysts and to allow for exposure of oocysts and sporocysts to excystation medium. The suspension of oocysts and sporocysts was incubated at 37°C for 0–45 min in excystation medium. After incubation, the intact oocysts and sporocysts, excysted sporocysts, mand sporozoites in the excystation medium were pelleted by centrifugation and fixed for transmission electron microscopy. The oocyst wall was composed of three layers. Treatment with 1.5% (v/v) sodium hypochlorite solution removed the outer layer. The sporocyst wall was composed of two layers, the inner layer of which was interrupted by sutures. During excystation these sutures separated, allowing release of the sporozoites. Sporozoites were elongate and possessed all of the organelles typical of coccidial sporozoites. Tissues from experimentally inoculated outbred Swiss-Webster or inbred BALB/c mice were examined for extraintestinal stages (monozoic cysts) of I. suis by immunoperoxidase staining using specific antisera. Extraintestinal stages were not observed in mice, including those given methylprednisolone acetate.
Wound healing in the new-born opossum (Didelphis virginianam).

WHILE engaged in experiments on the development of feathers in chick embryos, Saunders and Weiss1 noted that skin wounds failed to heal when the embryos were less than 3 days old. On further investigation Weiss and Matoltsy2,3 found, for unknown reasons, that this inability to initiate wound healing persisted until the chick embryos were at least 10 days old.
Effect of hypophysectomy and growth hormone on glucose uptake by rat epididymal fat tissue.

SummaryThe epididymal fat tissue from hypophysectomized rats took up a significantly smaller amount of glucose than did the normal tissue. A single injection of bovine growth hormone into hypophysectomized rats increased glucose uptake by epidymal fat tissue excised 24 hr later. Sera from hypophysectomized and growth hormone-treated hypophysectomized rats increased glucose uptake by normal fat tissue to the same extent as sera from normal animals.The authors gratefully acknowledge the helpful contributions made by Dr. Richard C. de Bodo.
Oxygen fractionation of ozone isotopes 48O3 through 54O3

Abstract Ozone isotopes in the mass range 48 to 54 amu have been formed in electric discharge using isotopically enriched molecular oxygen. Measurements were compared with expected statistical ozone distributions. Normalized to mass 48, ozone measured at mass 54 (18O3) showed no enhancement while mass 51 (18O17O16O) showed an enhancement of over 20%. Other ozone peaks have less enhancement. The results suggest that the heavy ozone enhancement observed in the stratosphere and in other laboratory experiments is strongly related to the symmetry of the molecules; however, other processes may also influence the enrichment.
Proline and Tyrosine Residues in Scaffold Proteins of Herpes Simplex Virus 1 Critical to the Interaction with Portal Protein and Its Incorporation into Capsids

Previous results showed that amino acids 449 to 457 of pUL26, a component of the scaffold of herpes simplex virus 1 capsids, were critical for interaction with the portal protein encoded by UL6 and for incorporation of the portal into capsids. To identify residues in this scaffold domain critical for the interaction with pUL6, the two proteins were coexpressed in the absence of other viral proteins and subjected to immunoprecipitation with scaffold-specific antibody. Coimmunoprecipitation of pUL6 was precluded by pUL26 mutations Y451A, P452A, and E454A but not by P449A, R456A, or Y450A. In infected cells, Y451A and P452A diminished solubilization of pUL6, reduced incorporation of the portal into the capsid, and precluded viral replication and DNA packaging. In contrast, E454A did not affect these parameters despite the fact that E454 is invariant in a number of different alphaherpesvirus scaffold proteins. These data suggest that the interaction between the scaffold E454A mutant and portal protein is rescued by other viral functions. Finally, we show that amino acids 448 to 459 of pUL26 are sufficient to interact with pUL6 in a glutathione S-transferase pulldown assay in the absence of other viral proteins and that this interaction is inhibited with excess peptide containing pUL26 amino acids 443 to 462. Together, these observations suggest that a direct interaction between this scaffold domain and portal protein mediates incorporation of the portal into the capsid.
Environmental monitoring, assessment and prediction of change

Estimating the present status, detecting and estimating trends, identifying problem areas, and testing for compliance with standards are some common goals of environmental monitoring programmes. Issues of concern when setting these programmes are what to measure, how and when to make these measurements, and how to interpret the data. The role of statistics in addressing these issues is discussed and illustrated using three examples. The first is the upstream/downstream Niagara River monitoring program which is used to: (1) estimate the loads of contaminants to the river and from the river to Lake Ontario; (2) compare the concentrations of various contaminants with water quality standards. The monitoring programme for the Fraser River provides the second example. The Fraser River has, in contrast to the Niagara River, a complicated hydrological cycle which needs to be considered when interpreting water quality changes. The third is the before and after time series experiments for environmental impact assessment. In these examples, parametric and non-parametric methods are used to model seasonality and trends. Techniques for dealing with censored data are also discussed.
Substantia nigra dopamine neurons: alterations in basal discharge rates and autoreceptor sensitivity induced by estrogen.

Abstract Treatment with estrogen was shown to exert differential effects on two subpopulations of putative substantia nigra dopamine-containing neurons as demonstrated by single cell electrophysiological techniques. The acute administration of 17β-estradiol to anesthetized, ovariectomized female rats increased the spontaneous activity of Type A, but decreased that of Type B neurons in a dose-dependent manner. Moreover, pretreatment with 17β-estradiol benzoate, 48 hr before recording, increased the response of Type A neurons to both small doses of the dopamine receptor agonist, apomorphine, and to microiontophoretically applied dopamine. In contrast, the responsiveness of Type B neurons to these same manipulations was significantly diminished by this pretreatment. Taken together, these data suggest that prior exposure to estrogen enhances the sensitivity of dopamine autoreceptors located on Type A neurons while attenuating the sensitivity of the autoreceptors located on Type B cells. The demonstration that estrogen has complex, bidirectional, rather than simple, unidirectional influences on the activity of dopamine cells of the nigra might aid in the understanding of current controversies in both the experimental animal and human clinical literature bearing on behaviorally relevant interactions between estrogen and brain dopamine systems.
Probing the interstellar medium with pulsars on AU scales

We present a new technique, multiepoch observations of 21 cm absorption against high-velocity pulsars, to probe the properties of the cold neutral hydrogen gas (H I) in the interstellar medium (ISM) at AU scales. In three epochs, over a 1.7 yr interval, we find evidence for significant opacity variations toward all of the pulsars in our sample. Small-scale structure in the ISM is detected on a range of scales from 5 AU to 100 AU, over a wide range of distances (50-2600 pc), opacities (tau(sub max) = 0.1 - 2.5) and directions (anticenter, interarm, high latitude, and local ISM). It appears that small-scale structure is a general property of the ISM and is not confined to special lines of sight. A significant fraction (10%-15%) of the cold H I gas is in this form. These opacity variations do not show any strong correlations with such parameters as transverse distance or integrated opacity, and there is no obvious relation between these structures and those seen in the ionized phase of the ISM.
Behavioral Stability as an Emergent Process: Toward a Coherence Theory of Concentrated Personal Disadvantage

The best predictor of future misbehavior is a history of aberrant and wayward conduct. Even so, few theories attempt to account for time-stable maladaptive pathways. To this end, we advance a theory of stability, what we term Coherence Theory. Coherence Theory conceptualizes stability as an emergent property that occurs when antisocial dispositions, social consequences, and misconduct coalesce within an individual. In this sense, misconduct is viewed as only one component of a larger, overarching and multi-faceted emergent construct we label as “concentrated personal disadvantage.” When these three components coalesce within an individual, temporal stability in maladaptive pathways should be expected. Using nationally representative, longitudinal data from the National Survey of Children, we test specific hypotheses derived from our theory. This study makes use of the first and second waves of survey data (N wave 1 = 2,301; N wave 2 = 1,423). The sample overall was 51% male and 52% white. Our analyses provide tentative support for the proposed theory. Concentrated personal disadvantage was found to emerge when the identified constellation of variables coalesced in individuals, and was found to be relatively stable over a 5 year period for males and females. Coherence Theory challenges traditional theories on the stability of antisocial pathways, offers specific conditions under which high levels of stability are likely, and explains why disruption off of antisocial pathways is so difficult.
Computational robot dynamics: Foundations and applications

In 1984, the authors unveiled the computer program Algebraic Robot Modeler (ARM) for the symbolic generation of complete closed-form dynamic robot models. In this paper, we introduce computational robot dynamics as the synthesis of classical mechanics and computer software for the symbolic and numeric modeling of robotic mechanisms, and branch-out in three directions. First, we outline the foundations of computational robot dynamics. From its inception (in 1973), we review chronologically the contributions of prominent roboticists, tracing the parallel development of robot dynamics formulations and computational robot dynamics. We then highlight our research activities, the current capabilities of ARM, and our plans for the continuing development and application of ARM and computational robot dynamics. Finally, we focus on practical applications of computational robot dynamics. We apply ARM to produce examples illustrating the comparative computational requirements of robot dynamics formulations for symbolic processing and customized algorithms for numeric processing.
The subunit structure of human muscle and human erythrocyte pyruvate kinase isozymes.

In human tissues the pyruvate kinase reaction (ATP: pyruvate phosphotransferase; E C 2.7.1.40) is catalysed by at least three isozymes [l-3] which can be distinguised by their kinetic, electrophoretic and immunological properties: M1 present in muscle, L the major form in liver and Mz found in liver, kidney and adipose tissue. The isozyme present in red cells (R) is kinetically similar to the L isozyme but can be distinguished from it by electrophoresis [2-41. The R isozyme can be converted into a form which is electrophoretically identical to the L isozyme either by treating with a liver homogenate or repeated freezing and thawing [4 ] . The molecular structures and interrelationships of the isozymes are unknown. We have examined the human M1 and R isozymes by sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and two dimensional fingerprinting of their cyanogen bromide peptides. The evidence is consistent with identical subunits in the M1 tetramer and two pairs of non-identical subunits in the R tetramer. One of the R subunits may be homologous with the M1 subunit but is probably not identical to it.
The sensitivity of the bielschowsky head-tilt test in diagnosing acquired bilateral superior oblique paresis.

Purpose To determine the sensitivity of the Bielschowsky head-tilt test and other commonly used criteria in identifying patients with true bilateral superior oblique paresis. Design A retrospective chart review was performed to identify patients seen between 1978 and 2009 who were diagnosed with acquired bilateral superior oblique paresis. Methods All patients had a confirmed history of head trauma or brain surgery with altered consciousness followed by symptomatic diplopia. Bilateral superior oblique paresis was defined and diagnosed by the above history, including the presence of greater extorsion in downgaze than upgaze on Lancaster red-green testing, a V-pattern strabismus, and bilateral fundus extorsion. We analyzed findings of the Bielschowsky head-tilt test, the Parks 3-step test, and reversal of the hypertropia from straight-ahead gaze to the other 8 diagnostic positions of gaze to determine these tests' sensitivity in identifying true bilateral superior oblique paresis. Results Twenty-five patients were identified with the diagnosis of true bilateral superior oblique paresis. The Bielschowsky head-tilt test had a 40% sensitivity, the Parks 3-step test had a sensitivity of 24%, and reversal of the hypertropia had a sensitivity of 60% in making the diagnosis of true bilateral superior oblique paresis. Conclusions What previously has been described as masked bilateral superior oblique paresis simply may be a reflection of inherent poor sensitivity of the Bielschowsky head-tilt test, the Parks 3-step test, and reversal of the hypertropia in diagnosing bilateral superior oblique paresis. Hence, none of these tests should be relied on exclusively to make this diagnosis.
Building an international regime complex for the Arctic: current status and next steps

The transformative biophysical and socio-economic changes now occurring in the Arctic are generating new needs for governance in the circumpolar north. One common response to this challenge, the negotiation of a comprehensive Arctic treaty, is neither feasible nor necessary as a means of meeting these needs. This analysis turns instead to the idea of a regime complex, a concept that has become increasingly influential in the broader literature on international cooperation, and explores the prospects for the development of an Arctic regime complex. It argues that a number of the elements of such a complex are already in place and that others are coming into focus at this time. There is no basis for complacency here. But, current developments do provide a basis for cautious optimism regarding efforts to meet the needs for governance in the “new” Arctic.
A role for IFNγ in differential superantigen stimulation of conventional versus plasmacytoid DCs

Abstract Superantigens (SAgs) are known to play a role in food poisoning, toxic shock syndrome and have been identified as a potential mediator of autoimmunity. Although much is known about the effects of SAgs on T cells, by comparison few studies have investigated how SAgs influence innate immune cells. In particular no study has examined how SAgs affect murine plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDC). We report that in vivo administration of staphylococcal enterotoxin A (SEA) increased the number of pDCs in secondary lymphoid organs, and induced CD86 and CD40 expression. Similar to SEA activation of conventional DCs (cDCs), pDCs relied on T cells, but not on CD40. Nonetheless, pDCs strictly required IFNγ for upregulation of CD86 and CD40, but cDCs did not depend upon IFNγ for activation. Further, even though IFNγ deficient pDCs were not activated by SEA, they were still capable of producing wild-type levels of IFNα in response to CpG oligodeoxynucleotide (ODN). The source of IFNγ for pDC activation was not T cells, nor did pDCs themselves have to synthesize or bind IFNγ, but the presence of IFNγ was essential. After SEA stimulation, IFNγ deficient mice fail to induce expression of the pDC dependent chemokines CXCL9, and demonstrated a defect in recruitment of pDCs to marginal zones of lymphoid organs. Thus, SEA exerts its combined effect on pDC activation, recruitment and chemokine induction through the action of IFNγ. This fundamental dichotomy of the effects of SAgs on pDCs versus cDCs show how a non-PAMP from bacteria, can selectively and indirectly stimulate innate cell subpopulations much in the same way that differential TLR expression influences cells of the innate immune system.
Experiments With Xiphinema Index as a Vector of Fanleaf of Grapevines

Versuche zur Ubertragung des bodengebundenen "fanleaf"-Virus der Weinrebe durch das Nadelalchen Xiphinema index zeigten, dass das Virus in dem Nematoden wenigstens 30 Tage hindurch persistent ist und durch einzelne Nematoden, Larven und erwachsene Tiere, ubertragen werden kann. Die Ubertragung kann innerhalb von 24 Stunden beendet sein, nachdem die Nematoden in die Wurzeln gesunder Pflanzen eingedrungen sind. Ubertragung uber das Ei auf die Nachkommenschaft der Nematoden wurde nicht beobachtet.
Effect of Alcohols on the Photooxidative Behavior of Diethyl Sulfide

The reactions of singlet oxygen with diethyl sulfide (Et2S) in benzene alcohol mixtures have been examined. The salient discoveries include: (1) the rate constants of product formation, kr, in benzene/methanol mixtures are a function of the concentration of methanol, (2) the ability of alcohols to supress physical quenching are a function of their pKa's, and (3) trapping experiments with diphenyl sulfoxide are consistent with two distinct intermediates. A mechanism which involves formation of a persulfoxide followed by reaction with methanol to give a hydroperoxy-methoxy sulfurane is consistent with all of the results.
Simultaneous Appearance of Free Arginine and Deoxyribosidic Compounds during Mitosis

Sequential measurements were made of the free amino-acid pool in the premitotic region of microspores of Lilium longiflorum. The basic amino acid arginine appears in the pool and then disappears. Arginine appears at the same developmental stage at which it has been reported that the free deoxynucleosides appear
Leaving the Debate Over Science Behind: Questions to Consider

In recent years, breastfeeding supporters and some feminists have found themselves in deep disagreement about the legitimacy of biomedical evidence suggesting the superiority of breastfeeding to formula feeding. In this article, I examine the ways in which breastfeeding supporters have relied on such scientific evidence not only to convince women to breastfeed but also to build their case for structural supports that will enable women to do so. Such an approach, I argue, is problematic for both normative and strategic reasons. Calling instead for breastfeeding advocacy based on the autonomy of women, I suggest a number of questions for breastfeeding supporters, feminists, and scholars to consider as they begin to build a feminist approach to breastfeeding advocacy.
Geminin loss causes neural tube defects through disrupted progenitor specification and neuronal differentiation

Geminin is a nucleoprotein that can directly bind chromatin regulatory complexes to modulate gene expression during development. Geminin knockout mouse embryos are preimplantation lethal by the 32-cell stage, precluding in vivo study of Geminin׳s role in neural development. Therefore, here we used a conditional Geminin allele in combination with several Cre-driver lines to define an essential role for Geminin during mammalian neural tube (NT) formation and patterning. Geminin was required in the NT within a critical developmental time window (embryonic day 8.5–10.5), when NT patterning and closure occurs. Geminin excision at these stages resulted in strongly diminished expression of genes that mark and promote dorsal NT identities and decreased differentiation of ventral motor neurons, resulting in completely penetrant NT defects, while excision after embryonic day 10.5 did not result in NT defects. When Geminin was deleted specifically in the spinal NT, both NT defects and axial skeleton defects were observed, but neither defect occurred when Geminin was excised in paraxial mesenchyme, indicating a tissue autonomous requirement for Geminin in developing neuroectoderm. Despite a potential role for Geminin in cell cycle control, we found no evidence of proliferation defects or altered apoptosis. Comparisons of gene expression in the NT of Geminin mutant versus wild-type siblings at embryonic day 10.5 revealed decreased expression of key regulators of neurogenesis, including neurogenic bHLH transcription factors and dorsal interneuron progenitor markers. Together, these data demonstrate a requirement for Geminin for NT patterning and neuronal differentiation during mammalian neurulation in vivo.
Specificity of the phosphate donor in the hexokinase reaction.

ATP and ITP have been demonstrated to transphosphorylate in the yeast hexokinase reaction. Other nucleoside triphosphates were ineffective as phosphate donors. The apparent K m for ITP in this reaction is 3.7 × 10 t-3 M when glucose is the acceptor sugar, and 2.9 × 10 −3 M when mannose is the acceptor. The relative rates of phosphorylation with ATP and ITP as donors for the various sugar acceptors were found to be significantly different. Inhibition of sugar phosphorylation has been observed with ATP and ITP. The occurrence of inhibition at high triphosphate concentrations is not only a function of the donor but is also related to the phosphate acceptor.
VWF and FVIII: the origins of a great friendship.

In this issue of Blood, van den Biggelaar and colleagues demonstrate the cotargeting of FVIII and VWF to secretory granules in the absence of a high-affinity interactions between VWF and FVIII, using recombinant VWF type 2N variants.
CD98hc (SLC3A2) Interaction with the Integrin β Subunit Cytoplasmic Domain Mediates Adhesive Signaling

In mammals, beta1 integrin adhesion receptors generate signals that mediate cell spreading, migration, proliferation, and survival. CD98, a heterodimeric transmembrane protein, physically associates with certain integrin beta subunit cytoplasmic domains (tails) via its heavy chain, CD98hc (SLC3A2), and loss of CD98hc impairs integrin signaling. Here we have used the lack of CD98hc interaction with the Drosophila integrin betaPS tail for a homology scanning analysis that implicated the C-terminal 8 residues of beta3 (Thr(755)-Thr(802)) in CD98hc binding. We then identified point mutations in the beta3 C terminus (T755K and T758M) that abolish CD98hc association and a double mutation in the corresponding residues in the betaPS tail (K839T,M842T), which resulted in gain of CD98hc interaction. Furthermore, the loss of function beta3(T755K) mutation or the gain of function beta3/betaPS(K839T,M842T) led to a loss or gain of integrin-mediated cell spreading, respectively. Thus, we have identified critical integrin residues required for CD98hc interaction and in doing so have shown that CD98c interaction with the integrin beta tail is required for its ability to mediate integrin signaling. These studies also provide new insights into how CD98hc may cooperate with other cytoplasmic domain binding proteins to modulate integrin functions and into the evolution of integrin signaling.