cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
French war plans, 1914: The ‘Balance of Power Paradox’

Abstract Historians have noted that both German and French war preparation in 1914 fell victim to the inadequacies of traditional threat-based planning: vulnerability to ‘threat deception’ which caused each to underestimate or mischaracterize the threat; a tendency to ‘mirror-image’ by fitting intelligence into preconceived notions of how the enemy was expected to behave; and ‘group think’ that discouraged a serious consideration of alternative scenarios. This article applies the ‘Balance of Power Paradox’ to explain why, at the dawn of the twentieth century, war planning in both Germany and France was driven by an acute sense of weakness which encouraged each side to fashion highly ‘risk acceptant’ strategies. In particular, he examines why and how French commander-in-chief General Joseph Joffre evolved and rationalized his audacious, and disastrous, Plan XVII to leverage French weaknesses and prevent the stronger German Army from bringing the full weight of its military strength to bear against France. ...
Regge-pole description of the photoproduction of vector meson

Abstract We use a Regge-pole model to describe the spin density matrices of the vector mesons as well as the differential and total cross sections in the photoproduction processes: γ + p → V + p(V = ϱ 0 , ω and ϕ ).
The multipoint Veneziano model, ghosts and chiral constraints

Abstract Veneziano models are constructed for typical five-point spinless (no parity doubling) processes π+ηπ−π+π− (abnormal parity) and π+σπ−π+π− (normal parity). They are simple one term crossing symmetric forms with full Regge behaviour, no negative mass-squared ghosts, and further they obey soft-pion theorems using realistic trajectory parameters and external masses. The four-point amplitudes implied by the five-point amplitudes are of the Lovelace π+π−π+π− and the Blackman, Goebel and Wali A1,2+π−π+π− forms. Emphasis is placed on the normal parity process for which it is shown that chiral constraints and the absence of negative mass-squared ghosts suggest a natural form for the amplitude. An implicit πA1 bootstrap is found and testable predictions on the A1 decay modes and strengths are made.
Mechanisms and modeling of halogenated aliphatic contaminant adsorption by carbon nanotubes

Abstract This paper examines the adsorption of environmentally relevant halogenated aliphatic compounds using single-walled (SWCNT) and multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT), and the development of linear solvation-energy relationships (LSER) to examine those adsorption mechanisms. The poly-parameter LSER model was also compared to those previously generated for the adsorption of aromatic compounds by CNTs. The adsorption affinity of aliphatic compounds was greater on the SWCNT than MWCNT with similar oxygen contents. This was attributed to the pore-filling mechanism that was enhanced by higher micropore volume of the SWCNT bundles over the MWCNT bundles. LSER models showed that, at higher concentrations, B (the hydrogen bond accepting ability) was the most influential descriptor for both SWCNT and MWCNT. Other important descriptors were V followed by P, both of which exhibited a positive correlation with adsorption, indicating that their size and polarizability favors adsorption. The contribution of these descriptors to overall adsorption was 2–3 times less than the B . In comparison, V was the most important descriptor in the aromatic compound LSER models. This difference indicates that adsorbate hydrophobicity greatly affects the adsorption of aromatic compounds by CNTs, whereas, aliphatic compounds are affected by both the hydrophobic driving force and other interactions.
Direct detection polarimetric radiometer (DDPR)

Polarimetric signatures of terrain features and man-made objects have been measured using unique Direct Detection Polarimetric Radiometers (DDPR). The DDPRs are lightweight inexpensive systems operating at 35 and 94 GHz. Each system consists of a single antenna, amplifier, and a truncated cylindrical waveguide that directly measures Q, U, and V. The highly portable DDPRs are ideal for obtaining the Stokes vectors needed to study the physical characteristics of natural and man-made features. Field evaluations using the DDPR systems include measurements from an airborne platform over different terrain features and water, and ground based measurements of the polarimetric signature of grass, asphalt, buildings, and concealed munitions. The DDPR can function as a bistatic system by using an active source of polarization. Using this configuration and a soil chamber, we have investigated the effect of soil type and soil moisture on linear and circular polarization. This report will describe the DDPR and present the analysis of the airborne and ground based measurements, including the effects of soil type and soil moisture on sources of linear and circular polarization.
Hybrid wave model for unidirectional irregular waves—part II. Comparison with laboratory measurements

Abstract Numerical predictions of irregular wave elevations and velocities based on the hybrid wave model are compared with two sets of laboratory measurements and are also compared with the related predictions by linear random wave theory and its ‘stretching’ and ‘extrapolation’ modifications. The satisfactory agreement between the numerical results of the hybrid wave model and the related experimental measurements indicates that the hybrid wave model, especially near steep wave crests, can predict irregular wave elevation and velocities more accurately and more reliably than those methods commonly used by the offshore industry.
HREM of coherent precipitates in ZrO2 alloys

Abstract Coherent precipitates in ZrO 2 alloys, particularly those containing MgO or Y 2 O 3 , are the dominant microstructural feature in strong and tough transformation-toughened ZrO 2 -based ceramics. HREM has been used to study such precipitates in Mg-PSZ and Y-PSZ (MgO and Y 2 O 3 partially stabilized ZrO 2 ).
Highly Cross-linked Polyethylene–Metal Articulations as an Alternative to Ceramic on Ceramic for Total Hip Replacement Surgery

The excellent in vivo human wear data out to 5.5 years using highly cross-linked polyethylene against metal heads in total hip arthroplasty matches the data for ceramic-on-ceramic wear. The melted polyethylene does not oxidize. Large heads can be used. Therefore, decisions regarding the choice of this couple versus a ceramic couple reside in other issues. In all five categories of these other issues, namely familiarity, forgiveness, adaptability, absence of specific disadvantages of ceramic-on-ceramic, and cost, polyethylene appears to have important advantages.
Market entity behavior of Chinese state-owned enterprises

Abstract As a consequence of the 1978 Chinese economic reforms, there have been a number of changes within China's industry. First, firms have been given limited autonomy in management. Second, firms now have control over the scale of production and production profitability after fulfilling the required plan. Third, some production factors have become firm controllable. Fourth, firms are now faced with a dual price system—a plan price and a market price. Thus, state-owned enterprises are now able to, at least, partially mimic the privately owned market-oriented firms. Given this situation, we examine the effect of economic reforms on the productivity of the Chinese state-owned enterprises within the Iron and Steel Industry using data envelopment analysis (DEA). In the context of a mixture of centrally planned and market economies with both controllable and uncontrollable production factors, we measure the technical efficiency and scale efficiency. The allocative efficiency measure for DEA employs an assurance region (AR) method, which illustrates the potential of AR in evaluating Chinese industrial performance within the reforms. In addition, the current study explores input congestion and scale economies. These two measures provide insight into and lessons for further economic reforms. This paper thus presents an extended use of DEA models in an attempt to improve and monitor firm-level productive efficiency of Chinese industry.
Formation of a Rain Shower by Salt Seeding

Abstract Salt seeding took place below one end of a line of stratocumulus clouds with 350 lb of NaCl released. Cloud base was 9000 ft and cloud tops were at 15 to 18,000 ft above sea level. Cloud top temperature was near −2C and updraft speeds below the hue were near 3 m sec−1. The resulting shower was monitored by radar with the total rainfall being estimated at 280 acre feet. No rain fell from the unseeded portion of the cloud line or from any other clouds within 50 mi.
Fundamental Considerations of Packed-Capillary GC, SFC, and LC Using Nonporous Silica Particles

In this study, nonporous silica (NPS) particles with diameters from 5 to 25 μm were packed into fused silica capillary columns of 250 μm i.d. using a CO2 slurry packing method. The column efficienc...
Characterization of CD44-Mediated Cancer Cell Uptake and Intracellular Distribution of Hyaluronan-Grafted Liposomes

Hyaluronan (HA) is a biocompatible and biodegradable linear polysaccharide which is of interest for tumor targeting through cell surface CD44 receptors. HA binds with high affinity to CD44 receptors, which are overexpressed in many tumors and involved in cancer metastasis. In the present study, we investigated the impact of HA molecular weight (MW), grafting density, and CD44 receptor density on endocytosis of HA-grafted liposomes (HA–liposomes) by cancer cells. Additionally, the intracellular localization of the HA–liposomes was determined. HAs of different MWs (5–8, 10–12, 175–350, and 1600 kDa) were conjugated to liposomes with varying degrees of grafting density. HA surface density was quantified using the hexadecyltrimethylammonium bromide turbidimetric method. Cellular uptake and subcellular localization of HA–liposomes were evaluated by flow cytometry and fluorescence microscopy. Mean particle sizes of HA–liposomes ranged from 120 to 180 nm and increased with increasing size of HA. HA–liposome upta...
Pseudopregnancy in female rats: effects of hormonal manipulations of the male.

Abstract The stimulus determinants of pseudopregnancy were examined by mating female rats to castrated males maintained on estradiol benzoate (EB) or testosterone propionate (TP), or to intact males. Females were mated for five intromissions (5I), one ejaculatory series (1E), or three ejaculatory series (3E). Copulatory behavior was quite similar for males of all groups. Overall, females that copulated with EB males became pseudopregnant significantly less often than those females mated to TP or intact males. The amount of copulation (5I vs. 1E vs. 3E) received by females from functionally intact males influenced their probability of becoming pseudopregnant or pregnant. EB males had significantly lower body, penile, and seminal vesicle weights in addition to a greatly reduced complement of penile spines than either TP or intact males; adrenal weights did not differ. TP and intact males did not differ on any weight measure. These results indicate that some factor influenced by male hormonal status, possibly penile morphology, plays a role in the initiation of the functional luteal phase in laboratory rats.
Differential Impact of Tumor Suppressor Pathways on DNA Damage Response and Therapy-Induced Transformation in a Mouse Primary Cell Model

The RB and p53 tumor suppressors are mediators of DNA damage response, and compound inactivation of RB and p53 is a common occurrence in human cancers. Surprisingly, their cooperation in DNA damage signaling in relation to tumorigenesis and therapeutic response remains enigmatic. In the context of individuals with heritable retinoblastoma, there is a predilection for secondary tumor development, which has been associated with the use of radiation-therapy to treat the primary tumor. Furthermore, while germline mutations of the p53 gene are critical drivers for cancer predisposition syndromes, it is postulated that extrinsic stresses play a major role in promoting varying tumor spectrums and disease severities. In light of these studies, we examined the tumor suppressor functions of these proteins when challenged by exposure to therapeutic stress. To examine the cooperation of RB and p53 in tumorigenesis, and in response to therapy-induced DNA damage, a combination of genetic deletion and dominant negative strategies was employed. Results indicate that loss/inactivation of RB and p53 is not sufficient for cellular transformation. However, these proteins played distinct roles in response to therapy-induced DNA damage and subsequent tumorigenesis. Specifically, RB status was critical for cellular response to damage and senescence, irrespective of p53 function. Loss of RB resulted in a dramatic evolution of gene expression as a result of alterations in epigenetic programming. Critically, the observed changes in gene expression have been specifically associated with tumorigenesis, and RB-deficient, recurred cells displayed oncogenic characteristics, as well as increased resistance to subsequent challenge with discrete therapeutic agents. Taken together, these findings indicate that tumor suppressor functions of RB and p53 are particularly manifest when challenged by cellular stress. In the face of such challenge, RB is a critical suppressor of tumorigenesis beyond p53, and RB-deficiency could promote significant cellular evolution, ultimately contributing to a more aggressive disease.
INTRACELLULAR PURINE AND PYRIMIDINE NUCLEOTIDE POOLS OF HUMAN T AND B LYMPHOCYTES OF DIFFERENT MATURATION STAGES: 203

INTRACELLULAR PURINE AND PYRIMIDINE NUCLEOTIDE POOLS OF HUMAN T AND B LYMPHOCYTES OF DIFFERENT MATURATION STAGES: 203
Esophageal Perforation: Analysis of 10 Cases

sophageal perforation is a serious condition observed under varied circumstances that demands a prompt and accurate diagE nosis and immediate institution of appropriate treatment if catastrophe is to be averted. With the greater use of endoscopic procedures in the assessment of conditions of the esophagus and stomach, there has been an increase in the absolute number of iatrogenic perforations of the esophagus. Foster et al. [8] reported 1 perforation per 20,000 admissions in the period of 1950 to 1954, while the incidence rose to 1 perforation per 8,000 admissions in the period 1960 to 1964. Mark and Knauer [17] found 5 instrumental perforations in more than 700 peroral endoscopic examinations performed in a 30-month period, for an incidence of 0.7%. Wychulis, Fontana, and Payne [28] reported an incidence of 0.4% in a total of 8,038 patients undergoing gastrointestinal endoscopic procedures. The low incidence of esophageal perforation contrasts with the high morbidity and mortality that ensue when the diagnosis is delayed or when the treatment is inadequate. Youngs and Nicoloff [29] encountered an overall mortality of 26% in a series of 19 patients with esophageal perforation, but the mortality was 67% in the 6 patients in whom treatment was delayed. Other authors [13, 20, 21, 23, 271 have reported mortalities ranging from 0 to 34% in patients treated promptly, as opposed to a mortality of 68.7 to 75% in those not treated immediately. The treatment of esophageal perforation has received considerable attention in the medical literature in recent years, with the debate centering around the question of whether the so-called conservative treatment [4, 11, 19, 241 has any merit over the time-honored operative intervention [8-1 0,2 11. We have reviewed our own experience in the management of esophageal perforations and the results form the basis for this report,
The genomic proliferation of transposable elements in colonizing populations: Schistosoma mansoni in the new world

Transposable elements (TEs) are mobile genes with an inherent ability to move within and among genomes. Theory predicts that TEs proliferate extensively during physiological stress due to the breakdown of TE repression systems. We tested this hypothesis in Schistosoma mansoni, a widespread trematode parasite that causes the human disease schistosomiasis. According to phylogenetic analysis, S. mansoni invaded the new world during the last 500 years. We hypothesized that new world strains of S. mansoni would have more copies of TEs than old world strains due to the physiological stress associated with invasion of the new world. We quantified the copy number of six TEs (Saci-1, Saci-2 and Saci-3, Perere-1, Merlin-sm1, and SmTRC1) in the genome and the transcriptome of old world and new world strains of S. mansoni, using qPCR relative quantification. As predicted, the genomes of new world parasites contain significantly more copies of class I and class II TEs in both laboratory and field strains. However, such differences are not observed in the transcriptome suggesting that either TE silencing mechanisms have reactivated to control the expression of these elements or the presence of inactive truncated copies of TEs.
Effects of excitatory amino acid transmitters on hypothalamic corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) and arginine-vasopressin (AVP) release in vitro: implications in pituitary-adrenal regulation

The effect of excitatory amino acid (EAA) on the release of CRH and AVP--two major neurohumoral activators of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis--was studied by in vitro perifusion of hypothalamic organ explants with various concentrations of EAA receptor agonists and antagonists. The agonists L-glutamate (GLU), kainic acid (KAIN) and L-aspartate (ASP) significantly decreased CRH release, while N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) and quisqualic acid (QUIS) did not affect this parameter. AVP release was significantly stimulated by ASP and NMDA, decreased by KAIN and QUIS, and not influenced by GLU. Co-perifusion with equimolar concentrations of ASP and the selective NMDA receptor antagonist D-alpha-aminoadipic acid (aAA) partially diminished the effect of ASP on AVP release, but failed to affect ASP-induced suppression of CRH secretion. The broad-spectrum EAA receptor antagonist kynurenic acid (KYN) completely abolished ASP effects on CRH and AVP release in vitro. The results suggest that EAA transmitters might participate in the regulation of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis by differentially affecting the release of the two major ACTH secretagogues. In addition, EAA effects on hypothalamic CRH and AVP secretion appear to employ more than one subtype of amino acid receptors.
Examining common assumptions about recruitment: A meta-analysis of recruitment dynamics for worldwide marine fisheries

Assumptions about the future productivity of a stock are necessary to calculate sustainable catches in fisheries management. Fisheries scientists often assume the number of young fish entering a population (recruitment) is related to the biomass of spawning adults and that recruitment dynamics do not change over time. Thus, managers often use a target biomass based on spawning biomass as the basis for calculating sustainable catches. However, we show recruitment and spawning biomass are not positively related over the observed range of stock sizes for 61% of 224 stocks in the RAM Legacy Stock Assessment Database. Furthermore, 85% of stocks for which spawning biomass may not drive recruitment dynamics over the observed ranges exhibit shifts in average recruitment, which is often used in proxies for target biomasses. Our results suggest that the environment more strongly influences recruitment than spawning biomass over the observed stock sizes for many stocks. Management often endeavours to maintain stock sizes within the observed ranges, so methods for setting management targets that include changes within an ecosystem may better define the status of some stocks, particularly as climate changes.
Cardiovascular magnetic resonance with late gadolinium enhancement improves mortality prediction beyond echocardiography: a comparative effectiveness study

Summary Adding information from CMR with LGE to ejection fraction measured by echocardiography significantly improves the prediction for all cause mortality and better classifies individuals at risk. Background We tested the hypotheses that 1) ejection fraction (EF) assessed by cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) is a stronger predictor of all cause mortality than EF assessed by echocardiography; and 2) CMR with late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) improves risk stratification over echocardiography EF in Cox regression models as determined by net reclassification improvement (NRI). Echocardiography with EF measurement remains the initial noninvasive imaging modality for evaluation of patients, and it is used to individualize medical, surgical, and device-based therapy. Yet, if CMR with LGE improves risk stratification compared to echocardiography, then CMR would demonstrate a potential to optimize care through improved patient selection for interventions and more efficient allocation of healthcare resources.
Examining calculator use among students with and without disabilities educated with different mathematical curricula

This study assessed if students with and without disabilities used calculators (fourfunction, scientific, or graphing) to solve mathematics assessment problems and whether using calculators improved their performance. Participants were sixth and seventh-grade students educated with either National Science Foundation (NSF)-funded or traditional mathematics curriculum materials. Students solved multiple choice and open-ended problems based on items from the State’s released previous assessments. A linear mixed model was conducted for each grade to analyze the factors impacting students’ self-reported calculator use. Chi Square tests were also performed on both grade’s data to determine the relationship between using a calculator and correctly solving problems. Results suggested only time as a main factor impacting calculator use and students who self-reported using a calculator were more likely to answer questions correctly. The results have implications for practice given the controversy over calculator use by students both with and without disabilities.
Identification of the prefailure phase in microdrilling operations using multiple sensors

Abstract The life of microdrills with a diameter of less than 1 mm is short and unpredictable. Estimation of tool wear and the prefailure phase are more difficult than conventional drilling operations since most special machine tools for microdrilling have stepping motors that create fluctuating forces which consequently produce vibration. In this paper, a new method is proposed for detection of the prefailure phase of microdrilling, just 0.2 to 1 s before breakage occurs. The system measures the thrust force and microdrill velocity by using a dynamometer and a laser vibrometer, respectively. Seven characteristic features of the signals are obtained by describing their shape and spike characteristics. Adaptive Resonance Theory (ART2)-based neural networks are used for interpretation of the signal features. The proposed system accurately classified all the cases studied when a vigilance parameter of 0.995 of the ART2-type neural network was selected.
A SNPshot: pharmacogenetics and the future of drug therapy

Pharmacogenetics holds great promise for the optimization of new drug development and the individualization of clinical therapeutics in the 21st century. In this brief review, we trace the historical roots of pharmacogenetics, discuss its rapidly evolving processes and paradigms, and look towards future applications of pharmacogenetics in enhancing the efficiency of the drug development pipeline and in improving patient care.
Electrically tunable plasmonic resonances with graphene

Real time switching of a plasmonic resonance may find numerous applications in subwavelength optoelectronics, spectroscopy and sensing. We take advantage of electrically tunable interband transitions in graphene to control the strength of the plasmonic resonance.
β-endorphin: Dose-dependent suppression of fixed-ratio operant behavior

Abstract Centrally administered β-endorphin or morphine suppressed fixed-ratio 15, food-reinforced responding by rats in a dose- dependent manner. β-Endorphin was 21 times more potent than morphine on a molar basis. Scratching and wet-dog shakes were observed within 30 minutes of β-endorphin administration but were not seen after morphine and did not appear to be responsible for the suppression of the conditioned behavior.
Effects of bath resistance on action potentials in the squid giant axon: myocardial implications.

This study presents a simplified version of the quasi-one-dimensional theory (Wu, J., E. A. Johnson, and J. M. Kootsey. 1996. A quasi-one-dimensional theory for anisotropic propagation of excitation in cardiac muscle. Biophys. J. 71:2427–2439) with two components of the extracellular current, along and perpendicular to the axis, and a simulation and its experimental confirmation for the giant axon of the squid. By extending the one-dimensional core conductor cable equations, this theory predicts, as confirmed by the experiment, that the shapes of the intracellular and the extracellular action potentials are related to the resistance of the bath. Such a result was previously only expected by the field theories. The correlation between the shapes of the intracellular and the extracellular potentials of the giant axon of the squid resembles that observed during the anisotropic propagation of excitation in cardiac muscle. Therefore, this study not only develops a quasi-one-dimensional theory for a squid axon, but also provides one possible factor contributing to the anisotropic propagation of action potentials in cardiac muscle.
Diversity in municipal police agencies: a national examination of minority hiring and promotion

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to better understand the institutional and external factors associated with African-American and Latino representation in policing at the line and managerial ranks. Line representation analyses utilize new data sources and a full range of theoretically informed covariates. Managerial representation analyses provide the first comprehensive attempt to understand the dynamics behind minority promotion. Design/methodology/approach – Portions of the 2000 US Census of Population and Housing Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Tabulation, Division of Governmental Studies, and Services (DGSS) survey and Law Enforcement Management and Administrative Statistics (LEMAS) survey were combined to produce a sample of 180 cities/municipal departments for analysis. Findings – Results indicate that the representation of minorities in political office and their presence in police leadership positions are among the most influential predictors of line officer diversity. Proportions of min...
Identification of a pH 6.5 acetohydroxyacid synthetase inBacillus subtilis

Acetohydroxyacid synthetase activity of crude extracts ofBacillus subtilis grown in pH 7.0 minimal medium has a pH optimum of 7.5. However, the activity of extracts of cells grown in minimal medium of pH 6.0 shows a pH optimum of 6.5. Acetate or propionate induces formation of the pH 6.5 activity. Hydroxyapatite chromatography of a crude extract of cells grown in pH 7.0 medium shows one major and one minor peak of enzymatic activity. Both peaks have a pH optimum of 7.5–8.0. However, chromatography of an extract of cells grown in the presence of acetate reveals three peaks of activity: one major peak with a pH optimum of 6.5 and two minor peaks both having a pH optimum of 7.5–8.0.
Spiral head CT in the evaluation of acute intracranial pathology: a pictorial essay

The purpose of this pictorial essay is to review the benefits of spiral head computed tomography (CT) with routine multiplanar reformations in the evaluation of acute intracranial pathology. This technique is particularly useful in trauma patients for detection of skull base or calvarial fractures, thin tentorial subdural hematomas, or for more specific characterization of intracranial hemorrhage. The benefits of multiplanar reformations have been described for a variety of other diagnoses in the chest, abdomen, extremities, and spine, and their routine use continues to grow with the widespread availability of multi-slice CT scanners. In this article, we describe spiral head CT technique with multiplanar reformations as an alternative to the routinely used sequential technique. Subtle findings and lesions aligned predominantly in the axial plane can often be visualized to better advantage with multiplanar reformations. We also address technical factors for optimizing spiral technique.
Power and interdependence

I. UNDERSTANDING INTERDEPENDENCE. Interdependence in World Politics. Realism and Complex Interdependence. Explaining International Regime Change. II. REGIME CHANGE IN OCEANS AND MONEY. The Politics of Oceans and Money: Historical Overview. Complex Interdependence in Oceans and Money. The Politics Of Rule-Making in Oceans and Money. III. REGIMES AND TWO BILATERAL RELATIONSHIPS. United States Relations With Canada And Australia. IV. THE UNITED STATES AND COMPLEX INTERDEPENDENCE. Coping With Interdependence. V. SECOND THOUGHTS ON THEORY AND POLICY. Afterword. "Two Cheers for Multilateralism."
High intrinsic rate of DNA loss in Drosophila

Pseudogenes are common in mammals but virtually absent in Drosophila. All putative Drosophila pseudogenes show patterns of molecular evolution that are inconsistent with the lack of functional constraints. The absence of bona fide pseudogenes is not only puzzling, it also hampers attempts to estimate rates and patterns of neutral DNA change. The estimation problem is especially acute in the case of deletions and insertions, which are likely to have large effects when they occur in functional genes and are therefore subject to strong purifying selection. We propose a solution to this problem by taking advantage of the propensity of retrotransposable elements without long terminal repeats (non-LTR) to create non-functional, 'dead-on-arrival' copies of themselves as a common by-product of their transpositional cycle. Phylogenetic analysis of a non-LTR element, Helena, demonstrates that copies lose DNA at an unusually high rate, suggesting that lack of pseudogenes in Drosophila is the product of rampant deletion of DNA in unconstrained regions. This finding has important implications for the study of genome evolution in general and the 'C-value paradox' in particular.
Ezetimibe Effectively Reduces Plasma Plant Sterols in Patients With Sitosterolemia

Background— Sitosterolemia is a recessively inherited disorder that results from mutations in either ABCG5 or G8 proteins, with hyperabsorption of dietary sterols and decreased hepatic excretion of plant sterols and cholesterol. As a consequence of markedly elevated plasma and tissue sitosterol and campesterol levels, premature atherosclerosis develops. Methods and Results— In this multicenter, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study, we examined whether treatment with ezetimibe, an inhibitor of cholesterol absorption, reduces plant sterol levels in patients with sitosterolemia. After a 3-week placebo run-in, 37 patients were randomized to receive placebo (n=7) or ezetimibe 10 mg/d (n=30) for 8 weeks. Sitosterol concentrations decreased by 21% (P<0.001) in patients treated with ezetimibe compared with a nonsignificant 4% rise in those on placebo (between-group P<0.001). The reduction in sitosterol from baseline was progressive, with further decline observed at each subsequent biweekly visit. Ca...
PRBS data delay in an all fiber slow light system based on SBS effect, NRZ vs. RZ

We study the data delay effect in a fiber SBS slow light system. The results show that, with the same pump configuration, NRZ has a larger delay and better eye opening than RZ format.
Costs of sedation using oral midazolam: money, time, and parental attitudes.

Objective: Many agents suitable for pediatric outpatient sedation have been identified and compared, but less data have appeared on the effect of sedation use on Emergency Department (ED) length of stay (LOS) or visit costs. We sought to discover the relationship between one commonly used method of sedation, orally administered midazolam, and ED LOS and visit costs. Parents were then surveyed to determine their attitudes toward sedation given knowledge of these costs. Methods: All ED patients under 10 years of age seen in a pediatric ED during April and May of 1996 for repair of lacerations < 2.5 cm in length were identified via retrospective chart review. Children were excluded if they had other significant injuries, received sedatives other than oral midazolam, or were repaired by non-ED physicians. Preliminary cost and LOS data from this review was used to create a parental survey measuring attitudes toward the costs of an unnamed form of sedation (not mentioning oral midazolam). A convenience sample of parents in an ED waiting room were asked if they would want sedation administered to a child needing sutures if this increased the visit cost by $100 and/or increased LOS by 30 minutes. Parents were then asked to re-answer these questions assuming that the sedation medication was effective only 50% of the time. Results: Of 120 patients meeting entry criteria, 57 (48%) received oral midazolam. Children sedated with this agent were significantly younger (3.6 vs 4.6 years, P = 0.015), had more layered repairs (30% vs 14%, P = 0.047), and more facial lacerations (84% vs 63%, P = 0.01) when compared with nonsedated patients. Mean LOS for patients with simple lacerations receiving oral midazolam increased by 17.1 minutes (P = 0.03) compared with nonsedated children; for layered repairs, the mean increase was 30.9 minutes (P < 0.05). The use of oral midazolam did not effect physician charges, but did significantly increase mean combined nurse/hospital charges and total charges by 73 to 87 dollars, depending on laceration type (P < 0.001 all cases). Of 81 parents surveyed, 81% said that they would he willing to wait 30 extra minutes for sedation to be used; this figure fell to 73% if sedation was effective 50% of the time. Seventy-five percent of parents were willing to pay $100 extra for sedation; 67% if sedation was effective only half the time. Willingness to endure a longer LOS or pay increased charges was not associated with parental sex or insurance status. Conclusion: The use of oral midazolam significantly increases ED visit LOS and cost. This information is important to review with parents when discussing sedation options. Up to one third of parents surveyed would not want to wait extra time or pay extra money for sedation to he administered, especially if the efficacy of the chosen method was not assured.
Adapting a predictive spatial model for wolf Canis spp. predation on livestock in the Upper Peninsula, Michigan, USA

Abstract Wolves Canis spp. in the Great Lakes region have expanded into rural areas where livestock production occurs, resulting in an increase of conflicts. We applied a predictive spatial model for livestock predations by wolves developed by Treves et al. (2004; hereafter the ‘2004 model’) to the Upper Peninsula (UP) of Michigan. The 2004 model did not satisfactorily discriminate between townships with (57.1%) and without (65.7%) wolf predations (61.4% overall) that occurred during 15 April 1996 - 14 April 2009. Consequently, we adapted the 2004 model based on deer density and spatial data derived from the UP to maximize the model's predictive ability in the UP. We used matched pair analysis of six landscape variables significant in the 2004 model. Our adapted model improved on the 2004 model, and overall discriminated 70% of townships in our sample (N = 70). Affected townships (i.e. townships with predations) in the UP displayed a consistent set of landscape variables, including relatively higher propo...
Hemodynamic Responses to Oxygen Breathing in Children with Severe Anemia

Hemodynamic responses to 100% oxygen inhalation were examined in seven anemic children (hemoglobin 1.9 to 3.8 g/100 ml blood; hematocrit 9 to 14%). During air breathing mean values for cardiac index were 7.71 L/min/m2, for heart rate 129/min, for stroke index 61.7 ml/m2, and for systemic vascular resistance 11.5 R.U. Oxygen administration significantly decreased mean values of cardiac index to 6.61 L/min/m2, of heart rate to 119/min and of stroke index to 56.6 ml/m2, and increased mean systemic vascular resistance to 14.2 R.U. Oxygen breathing raised systemic oxygen content 23% and oxygen transport 5%, despite decreases in cardiac ouput. Since oxygen breathing did not change the hematocrit (and thus viscosity), the increase in vascular resistance indicates active vasoconstriction. It is postulated that in anemia tissue hypoxia causes vasodilation of systemic resistance vessels. When anemia is not severe, baroreceptor reflexes prevent significant reductions in blood pressure and systemic vascular resistanc...
L-type Ca2+ currents at CA1 synapses, but not CA3 or dentate granule neuron synapses, are increased in 3xTgAD mice in an age-dependent manner

2þ currents CA1 abstract Abnormal neuronal excitability and impaired synaptic plasticity might occur before the degeneration and death of neurons in Alzheimer's disease (AD). To elucidate potential biophysical alterations underlying aberrant neuronal network activity in AD, we performed whole-cell patch clamp analyses of L-type (nifedipine-sensitive) Ca 2þ currents (L-VGCC), 4eaminopyridine-sensitive K þ currents, and AMPA (2- amino-3-(3-hydroxy-5-methyl-isoxazol-4-yl)propanoicacid)andNMDA(N-methyl-D-aspartate)currents in CA1, CA3, and dentate granule neurons in hippocampal slices from young, middle-age, and old 3xTgAD mice and age-matched wild type mice. 3xTgAD mice develop progressive widespread accumulation of amyloid b-peptide, and selective hyperphosphorylated tau pathology in hippocampal CA1 neurons, which are associated with cognitive deficits, but independent of overt neuronal degeneration. An age-related elevation of L-type Ca 2þ channel current density occurred in CA1 neurons in 3xTgAD mice, but not in wild type mice, with the magnitude being significantly greater in older 3xTgAD mice. The NMDA current was also significantly elevated in CA1 neurons of old 3xTgAD mice compared with in old wild type mice. There were no differences in the amplitude of K þ or AMPA currents in CA1 neurons of 3xTgAD mice comparedwithwildtypemiceatanyage.TherewerenosignificantdifferencesinCa 2þ ,K þ ,AMPA,orNMDA currents in CA3 and dentate neurons from 3xTgAD mice compared with wild type mice at any age. Our results reveal an age-related increase of L-VGCC density in CA1 neurons, but not in CA3 or dentate granule neurons, of 3xTgAD mice. These findings suggest apotential contribution of altered L-VGCC tothe selective vulnerabilityof CA1 neurons totau pathology in the 3xTgADmice and totheir degeneration in AD patients. Published by Elsevier Inc.
Evaluation of interrelationship between calcium and sodium excretion by canine kidney.

Abstract The effect of intravenous infusion of hyperoncotic albumin on calcium excretion was evaluated, and compared with that of intravenous saline. Albumin increased sodium excretion but had no effect on calcium excretion. Given in amounts ranging from 10 ml./Kg. to 100 ml./Kg., saline increased calcium excretion at all doses tested. Because albumin inhibits sodium reabsorption in the proximal nephron, and saline exerts its effect in both proximal and distal areas, the results indicate that calcium and sodium excretion parallel one another only when distal tubular sodium reabsorption is inhibited.
Ion heating in thermal plasma flows

The general effects of thermal plasma flows on the thermal structure of the upper ionosphere and inner magnetosphere are discussed. In the light of presented results, it is shown that thermal ions in the outer regions of the plasmasphere and beyond may be substantially hotter than previously thought.
Atypical clinical presentation of primary hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis with a novel perforin1 gene mutation

Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) is a life-threatening systemic disease characterized by abnormal or impaired function of cytotoxic T cells and natural killer cells leading to an exaggerated but ineffective immune response. We report a 3-year-old boy who is the only common son of a nonconsanguineous couple from Honduras without any history of hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis or other hematologic disorders in any of his half-siblings. He first presented to the emergency department with left leg pain. He underwent a left inguinal hernia repair 4 days prior to his initial presentation. He had several subsequent visits to the ER with abdominal pain, emesis, and headaches and was admitted when his symptoms did not resolve. On admission, he was found to have splenomegaly; elevated C-reactive protein, indirect bilirubin, C3 fraction; and pancytopenia. Bone marrow aspirate revealed paucicellular trilineage hematopoiesis with rare atypical histiocytic cells and no evidence of malignancy. An unequivocal diagnosis of HLH could not be made at that time, but was strongly considered. The patient’s neurologic status progressively deteriorated leading to brain death. Postmortem genetic analysis showed the patient to be a compound heterozygote with a 681 C > T (R232C) mutation and a novel Perforin1 missense mutation 659 G > A (G220D).
Resonance-enhanced Raman spectra of visual pigments in intact bovine retinas at low temperatures.

Abstract Raman scattering of 4880 A laser radiation from intact dark adapted bovine retinas, in the temperature range of −70 to −85°C, is reported. The observed spectra are contributed only by the visual pigments. The strongest line, at 1555 cm −1 is contributed by the ethylenic C C stretching mode of retinal. Results on Raman spectra of the model system retinylidene hexylamine in acidified ethanol solution show this mode at 1560 cm −1 , supporting the hypothesis that the pigment in the retina is bound as a protonated Schiff base.
Variances Are Not Always Nuisance Parameters

Summary. In classical problems, e.g., comparing two populations, fitting a regression surface, etc., variability is a nuisance parameter. The term “nuisance parameter” is meant here in both the technical and the practical sense. However, there are many instances where understanding the structure of variability is just as central as understanding the mean structure. The purpose of this article is to review a few of these problems. I focus in particular on two issues: (a) the determination of the validity of an assay; and (b) the issue of the power for detecting health effects from nutrient intakes when the latter are measured by food frequency questionnaires. I will also briefly mention the problems of variance structure in generalized linear mixed models, robust parameter design in quality technology, and the signal in microarrays. In these and other problems, treating variance structure as a nuisance instead of a central part of the modeling effort not only leads to inefficient estimation of means, but also to misleading conclusions.
Gradient Elasticity Theory for Mode III Fracture in Functionally Graded Materials—Part I: Crack Perpendicular to the Material Gradation

ing partial differential equations PDEs are derived, and the Fourier transform method is introduced and applied to convert the governing PDE into an ordinary differential equation ODE .A fterward, the crack boundary value problem is described, and a specific complete set of boundary conditions is given. The governing hypersingular integrodifferential equation is derived and discretized using the collocation method. Next, various relevant aspects of the numerical discretization are described in detail. Subsequently, numerical results are given, conclusions are inferred, and potential extensions of this work are discussed. One appendix, providing the hierarchy of the PDEs and the corresponding integral equations, supplements the paper.
In Vivo Imaging of Dynamic Shear Modulus of Rodent Mammary Tumors Using Ultrasound

Biomechanical properties of living tissue are very important in maintaining normal tissue function, cellular and extracellular structural integrity. Therefore, the quantitative determination of biomechanical properties of breast tissue, especially in vivo, serves an important role in clinical diagnosis.Copyright © 2012 by ASME
Solid state cavity QED: Strong coupling in organic thin films

We review our research efforts to develop solid state integrated devices that operate in the strong coupling limit of cavity quantum electrodynamics (QED) for eventual application in high speed optical switching, optical computing, and quantum computing. Our devices contain J-aggregates of (organic) cyanine dyes which, by virtue of their molecular arrangement and strong dipolar coupling, exhibit a collective narrow linewidth high oscillator strength optical transition. Using J-aggregates, the strong coupling limit can be reached at room temperature with large coupling strengths (Rabi-splitting >250 meV) in exciton–polariton microcavity structures. We demonstrate that high quality nanoscale thick J-aggregate films can be uniformly deposited over macroscopic substrates, engineered at the molecular level, and patterned into single or multi-dimensional photonic bandgap structures. Our unique methods for depositing J-aggregates enabled us to structure light emitting devices that demonstrated the first ever electrically pumped polariton emission, uniquely accomplished in room temperature operation. Additionally, we demonstrated critically coupled resonators that concentrate nearly all of the incident light into 5 nm thick J-aggregate films, yielding a record high effective absorption constant of 6.8 · 10 6 cm � 1 for films with thickness that is less than 1% of the incident light wavelength. Such remarkable optical properties, enabled by scalable deposition techniques, suggest that J-aggregates are a unique materials platform on which to demonstrate integrated exciton–polariton devices with the far reaching properties of polaritons in the optical domain. � 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. PACS: 71.36.+c; 71.35.Aa; 85.60.Jb; 78.40.Me
Flow apparatus for phase equilibrium measurement at elevated temperatures

A flow apparatus was developed to determine phase equilibria at elevated temperatures and pressures.The apparatus was tested with mixtures of known equilibrium behavior on carbon dioxide/toluene and on hydrogen/1-methylnaphthalene. Equilibrium conditions of hydrogen/tetralin mixtures are reported at 621.5K for which previous results from different sources are inconsistent.
Effects of N-Hydroxyurethan on Viability and Metabolism of Escherichia coli

Exposure of growing cells to low levels of N-hydroxyurethan (approximately 0.05 m) resulted in loss of colony-forming ability. This was accompanied by degradation of cellular deoxyribonucleic acid. When the concentration of N-hydroxyurethan was increased to 0.2 m, bacteriostasis was the primary manifestation. The lethal action of the drug was prevented by contreatment with chloramphenicol or azauracil or by uracil-deprivation of a bacterial strain requiring this pyrimidine for growth.