cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Circulating and excreted hormones during the ovarian cycle in the cotton-top tamarin, Saguinus oedipus.

Five parous, cycling cotton-top tamarin females were used to compare circulating and urinary profiles of the major reproductive hormones during the ovarian cycle. Blood samples were collected on unanesthetized, hand restrained females three times per week for 25 days and first morning void urine was collected daily for 30-40 days including the serum sampling period. Serum and urine samples were analyzed for estrone, estradiol, and bioactive LH. Additionally, serum was analyzed for progesterone and urine for estrone conjugates (E1G) and immunoreactive LH. Both serum and urinary hormonal profiles revealed ovarian cyclicity in four females; the fifth one stopped cycling during the study. All hormones were referenced to the urinary immunoreactive LH peak. Urinary estrone conjugates followed similar profiles to serum progesterone. Progesterone levels increased two- to threefold on the day of the urinary immunoreactive LH peak. Peak levels of circulating bioactive LH occurred on the same day or the day preceding the urinary bioactive and immunoreactive LH peak for all four cycling females. Serum estradiol levels rose during the follicular phase and peaked prior to or on the day of the urinary LH peak while urinary estradiol levels did not rise until the day of the urinary LH peak. Serum and urinary estrone levels did not rise until the day of the urinary LH peak and remained high throughout the luteal phase. The measurement of urinary LH corresponded well with serum LH, establishing urinary LH as an important hormone for monitoring the ovulation in the tamarin. The highest circulating estradiol concentrations were found in the follicular phase of the cycle, but estradiol did not appear in urine during the follicular phase of the cycle. Elevated estrone levels occur during the luteal phase following the progesterone pattern, and therefore elevated urinary concentrations of estrone and estrone conjugates may be indicative of luteal function. © 1993 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
A Hybrid of Erlang B and C Formulas and Its Applications

This paper attempts to broaden the usefulness of existing Erlang grade of service formulas, especially when faced with the evolving extensive changes in telephone networks. The old Markov traffic arrival and Markov call duration (or service) models are combined with what may be called more realistic user behavior and network scenarios. For the specified service system models, a generalized merger of ideal loss and ideal delay steady-state representations is developed. It is shown that a particular weighted inverse combination of Erlang B and C formulas, herein called the hybrid, is useful for grade of service estimates under several conditions. In addition to the usual offered load and the number of servers, the hybrid involves a relative Erlang B versus C weighting parameter θ. This parameter is non-negative and depends on system applications, as illustrated in a number of examples given. When less than or equal to unity, such as for the popular Poisson model, θ has a simple meaning. It is then the conditional probability that a typical customer elects to wait, or a service request is entered into a queue, given that all servers are busy.
Assessment of intra-observer variability in measurement of high-grade brain tumors

A 25% increase in bidimensional products (BPs) of tumor diameter has been used as a criterion for brain tumor progression. We studied intra-observer variability in measurements of BPs. Ten patients with contrast-enhancing glioblastoma multiforme underwent baseline and follow-up MR imaging. Seven observers measured BPs in various planes. Differences in BPs between scans were expressed as a percentage of baseline. This calculation was performed for both readings of the baseline and follow-up scans. Differences between change from baseline to follow-up on each reading (termed D values) were calculated for each reader (total of 196 D values). Median D value in each plane was calculated for each reader. Range of D values was 12.36–33.64% in axial plane (average 10.63%), 12.18–38.62% in coronal plane (average 26.84%) and 15.12–35.48% in sagittal plane (average 26.11%). Across all planes, 88 (45%) D values were >25%. When all imaging planes for any single observation were combined, in 76% of cases, at least one D value of >25% was seen. Based on the high degree of intra-observer variability, tumor measurements producing an increase in BP of >25% can routinely be obtained solely by chance.
Neonatal Euthanasia: Why Require Parental Consent?

The Dutch rules governing neonatal euthanasia, known as the Groningen Protocol, require parental consent for severely disabled infants with poor prognoses to have their lives terminated. This paper questions whether parental consent should be dispositive in such cases, and argues that the potential suffering of the neonate or pediatric patient should be the decisive factor under such unfortunate circumstances.
Regional specialization for export protein synthesis in the male cricket accessory gland

The accessory gland of the male cricket, Acheta domesticus, is a polytubular structure which produces a complex mixture of proteins used in the formation of the spermatophore. The synthetic capacity of individual accessory gland tubules has been analysed by micro-scale SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. For the large and intermediate size tubules (approximately 300 in number), between 29 and 32 distinct protein synthetic patterns have been detected for individual tubules, with most of such patterns assignable to tubules at specific locations in the gland. Analysis of labelled nascent peptide distribution on polysomes confirms regional heterogeneity in protein synthetic capacity and also demonstrates a corresponding regionality in the distribution of active messenger RNAs. Other experiments indicate that tubules with identical products can have different extents of protein labelling, suggesting that a capacity to regulate either precursor uptake or protein synthetic rate exists at the level of the individual tubule.
Relation between naturally acquired immunity and infectivity of two rhinoviruses in volunteers.

Volunteers with various levels of preexisting serum antibody were challenged with two rhinoviruses for determination of infectivity curves. The 5096 human infectious dose (hid50) for type 39 rhinovirus was 0.4, 2-3, and 6.5 tcid50 for subjects with titers of antibody before challenge of ^, 2-4, and 8-32, respectively. The hid50 for type 14 rhinovirus was 5.7 tcid50 for antibody-free volunteers and 33 tcid50 for subjects with levels of antibody of 2-32. The slopes of the infectivity curves for antibody-free volunteers were different for the two viruses; the slope for type 39 was steeper than that for type 14. Shedding of virus was a more sensitive indicator of infection than antibody response with either virus. Daily analysis of symptoms showed that the experimental infections produced illnesses that were similar to natural colds. An indirect estimate of the challenge dose of rhinoviruses under natural conditions was obtained by use of these infectivity curves and of the rates previously observed in natural infections due to rhinovirus. The estimated natural challenge doses ranged from 0.5 to 3.25 tcid50 for type 39 and approximated 80 tcid50 for type 14 virus. Immunity to natural infections due to rhinovirus has correlated with the presence of neutralizing antibody in serum [1]. In previous epidemiologic studies from this laboratory, titers of antibody
Failure to identify non-bovine reservoirs of Mycobacterium bovis in a region with a history of infected dairy-cattle herds.

Abstract The State of Texas had the most (cumulative) tuberculous cattle herds of any state in the United States during the decade ending in 1997. Of the cumulative 18 infected herds in Texas, 12 herds were concentrated in El Paso County (designated the ‘El Paso milkshed’). To identify whether non-bovine reservoirs were a source of Mycobacterium bovis infection of cattle in this region, an investigation was conducted on the premises of 14 dairy herds (12 tuberculous and 2 non-affected herds) between May 1995 and June 1997. None of the 670 mammalian, avian and environmental (soil, water and air) samples collected and cultured from the premises of these herds was positive for the presence of M. bovis . None of the 119 human urine samples obtained from employees of these dairies was culture positive for M. bovis . Of 124 dairy-farm workers with tuberculin skin-test results, 48 showed positive test results. There was, however, no difference in percentages of positive skin-test results between farms without, and farms having, bovine tuberculosis within the last two years or longer. The percentage of positive reactions did not increase with length of time employed at a dairy with a history of confirmed tuberculosis. These findings suggest that non-bovine reservoirs appear not to be a factor responsible for tuberculosis of cattle in the El Paso milkshed.
Maternal Intake of Cruciferous Vegetables and Other Foods and Colic Symptoms in Exclusively Breast-Fed Infants

Abstract Objective We sought to assess relationships among components of maternal diet and the presence of colic symptoms among exclusively breast-fed infants aged ≤4 months. Design Data were collected by means of a mailed questionnaire that solicited information on the presence of symptoms of colic in infants and maternal intake of 15 foods (including four cruciferous vegetables) during the week before completion of the questionnaire. Subjects Exclusively breast-feeding women (n=272) and their 273 infants aged ≤4 months. Statistical analyses performed Dietary variables were analyzed categorically by logistic regression. Two-by-two tables were used to calculate relative risks. Results Relative risks (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for colic symptoms by food items the mothers consumed ranged from 0.7 (CI=0.3 to 1.5) for beef to 2.0 (01=1.1 to 3.5) for cow's milk. Maternal intake of cabbage (RR=1.3, CI=1.1 to 1.5), cauliflower (RR=1.2, CI=1.0 to 1.4), broccoli (RR=1.3, CI=1.0 to 2.2), cow's milk (RR=2.0, CI=1.1 to 3.5), onion (RR=1.7, CI=1.1 to 2.5), and chocolate (RR=1.5, CI=1.0 to 2.2) were significantly related to colic symptoms. Maternal intake of more than one cruciferous vegetable was associated with an RR of 1.6 (CI=1.1 to 2.4) for infants experiencing one or more colic symptoms. Conclusion Results of this study provide initial evidence that maternal intake of cruciferous vegetables, cow's milk, onion, or chocolate during exclusive breast-feeding is associated with colic symptoms in young infants. J Am Diet Assoc. 1996; 96:47-48.
The role of political competition and bargaining in Russian foreign policy: The case of Russian policy toward Moldova

Abstract Recent discussions about Russian foreign policy have generally concentrated on its shift to the right. Along with numerous Western observers, who interpret Russian international behavior as a single-player activity, the Russian foreign minister Andrei Kozyrev has himself attempted to portray his policy in terms of realist theory. Answering numerous accusations on “embracing some policies that [he] once spoke out against” (Rafael et al., 1994), Kozyrev paints an explicit picture of a strategic response by his ministry to objective world conditions. However, analysis shows that world conditions played a very small role in shaping Russian foreign policy.
Properties of apolipoprotein B in urea and in aqueous buffers. The use of glutathione and nitrogen in its solubilization.

Abstract Based on the assumption that lipid peroxidation of low density lipoproteins (LDL) may be the main cause of the insolubility of the major protein moiety, apolipoprotein B, we have developed a procedure which by minimizing possible oxidation conditions throughout the isolation, fractionation and delipidization of LDL 2 resulted in apolipoprotein B preparations totally soluble in 6 M urea and aqueous buffers. In addition to the usual preservatives — EDTA, antibiotics and protease inhibitor — the procedure includes the use of antioxidant glutathione and N 2 . The LDL 2 were delipidized wet with ethanol and diethyl ether, the latter being freed of peroxides before use. The LDL 2 apolipoprotein obtained was solubilized totally in 6 M guanidine-HCl buffer containing the reducing agent dithiothreitol. After carboxymethylation, the reduced and carboxymethylated (RCM) LDL 2 apolipoprotein was purified by gel filtration to yield pure RCM apolipoprotein B. The latter was transferred to solution in 6 M urea by dialysis and further transferred to aqueous buffers, at lower protein concentrations. The solutions remained clear throughout. Thus a possible key to the solubility of apolipoprotein B may lie in minimizing all potential sources of oxidation. RCM apolipoprotein B soluble in aqueous buffers was identical immunochemically and electrophoretically to the RCM apolipoprotein B soluble in 6 M urea. The RCM apolipoprotein B gave a single precipitin Une at low protein concentrations (0.1 – 1 mg/ml) against specific antibodies and two precipitin Unes at higher concentrations (2–4 mg/ml). The behavior of RCM apolipoprotein B on SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis was anomalous, the apparent molecular weight varying inversely with the total acrylamide monomer concentration. On SDS-urea-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, it moved as a single band of constant M r , 260000. On basic urea-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, RCM apolipoprotein B was apparently heterogeneous, displaying at least two bands. On gel filtration in Sepharose CL-6B in 6 M guanidine-HCl, RCM apolipoprotein B eluted in two incompletely resolved peaks of apparent M r 250 000 and 150 000. Once purified and in solution, RCM apolipoprotein B continued to demonstrate a marked sensitivity to oxygen, resulting in protein cleavage and a reduced immunochemical reactivity. Optimal conditions for the handling and storage of RCM apolipoprotein B were studied. Using a combination of several antioxidants, RCM apolipoprotein B could be stored for 6 months without degradation.
Trespass, nuisance, and spam: 11th century common law meets the internet

Even in the instantaneous world of cyberspace, common law still provides a protective shield over many Internet problems.
Discontinuous Galerkin methods for flow and transport problems in porous media

This work presents a new scheme based on discontinuous approximation spaces for solving the miscible displacement problem in porous media. Numerical comparisons are made between this scheme and the well-known mixed finite element and higher-order Godunov methods. The simulations clearly show the advantages of the discontinuous Galerkin methods for stable or unstable flow. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Treatment with Flt3-ligand secreting plasmid reverses allergic airway inflammation in asthma

Abstract Rationale We have previously reported that Flt-3 Ligand (Flt3-L) prevents and reverses established allergic airway inflammation in ovalbumin (OVA) induced mouse model of asthma. In this study, we investigated the effect of pUMVC3-hFLex, a mammalian expression vector for Flt3 ligand, to examine its effect on the reversal of allergic inflammation in established asthma model in mice. Methods Allergic airway inflammation to OVA was established in Balb/c mice. OVA sensitized mice received intramuscular administration of 200μg pUMVC3-hFLex three times in ten days. Mice were then challenged with OVA and then we examined the response to pUMVC3-hFLex therapy on airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) to methacholine and airway inflammation. Serum was collected to measure cytokines and IgE levels. Cytospin slides were prepared from bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and total and differential cells were counted. Results pUMVC3-hFLex treatment completely reversed established AHR to methacholine (p Conclusions pUMVC3-hFLex treatment reverses established allergic airway inflammation in a mouse model and it might be a novel approach for treating asthma.
The field of electoral systems research: A critical survey

Abstract The purpose of this article is to survey and evaluate the development and the current state of the field of electoral systems research. It will treat both the field's strengths and its weaknesses, but my main emphasis will be on the weaknesses and, on the whole, I shall be quite critical. My critique will move from the general to the specific: I shall begin with some very general observations concerning the state of the field, and end with a discussion of one specific, but by no means minor, problem: the crucial question of how we should measure the degree of proportionality or disproportionality of different electoral systems.
Chinese ritual and politics

List of figures Acknowledgements Introduction Part I. Interpersonal Communication: 1. Interpersonal versus non-interpersonal transaction 2. Written bureaucratic communication 3. Etiquette and control Part II. Codes: 4. Divination 5. Open and closed practices Part III. Politics: 6. Ritual and political authorities 7. Ritual as a learning game Conclusions and further questions Notes Bibliography Character list Index.
Neurobiology: New Connections between Integrins and Axon Guidance

Axon guidance molecules such as netrins, semaphorins, Slits and ephrins provide the cues required for accurate patterning of axonal projections in the nervous system. Recent reports have described multiple paradigms by which these molecules interact with integrin adhesion receptors in and outside neuronal tissues.
A proposed broad-band phonon maser

Abstract This letter proposes a pulsed microwave phonon maser which, operating at 2°K, should have a gain of a few dB/cm and a bandwidth of about 300 Mc/s.
OPTIMALITY THEORY . René Kager . New York: Cambridge University Press, 1999. Pp. xiii + 452. $64.95 cloth, $24.95 paper.

This volume is an excellent introduction to the principles and workings of optimality theory, a relatively new constraint-based framework. The focus is on phonology, which is where the theory thus far has had its greatest impact. A basic understanding of phonology and earlier rule-based derivational theories is assumed. At appropriate points, Kager distinguishes the different claims made by optimality theory and derivational theories. The exercises and suggested readings at the end of each chapter make the book highly suitable as a textbook. The conclusion of each chapter also provides a good summary of the main points. In addition to conventional subject and language indexes, a helpful index of constraints is included with page numbers for where the constraint is defined and used.
Standards for Batterer Intervention Programs In Whose Interest

The authors review batterer program regulation in the United States, describe variations and commonalities between regulatory standards, and examine arguments about standards. As a case illustration of batterer program regulation, the authors describe the Illinois Protocol for Domestic Abuse batterer programs and issues emerging during its implementation. The authors conclude that the dual criteria of accountability and victim safety resolve many inherent conflicts in seemingly competing perspectives.
Transnationalism and Literacy: Investigating the Mobility of People, Languages, Texts, and Practices in Contexts of Migration

ABSTRA C T This review of research offers a synthesis and analysis of research studies that address issues of language and literacy practices and learning in transnational contexts of migration. We consider how theoretical concepts from transnational migration studies, including particular Boudieusian-inspired concepts such as transnational social field, capital, and habitus, as well as sociolinguistic studies of language and transnational space, might inform and extend the field of literacy research. We mobilize these concepts in relation to each other as interpretive frames for discussing an emerging body of empirical studies that address various aspects of language and literacy practices as they are intertwined with issues of cross-border relations and mobility. Studies reviewed examine practices in families and communities, practices among youth and within educational settings, and practices with transnational media (broadcast and digital communications). We argue that as a whole these studies show the important role of language and literacy practices in constructing and maintaining social relations across borders, and in how migrants navigate and position themselves in various social fields within and across national boundaries. We consider the intergenerational process in the family in mediating participation in these social practices, how language ideologies at multiple scale levels influence family and youth practices, and the variable ways in which institutional structures of schooling position the transnational affiliations and linguistic resources of migrant students.
THE LIMITS OF FREE SPEECH: PORNOGRAPHY AND THE QUESTION OF COVERAGE

Many liberal societies are deeply committed to freedom of speech. This commitment is so entrenched that when it seems to come into conflict with other commitments (e.g., gender equality), it is often argued that the commitment to speech must trump the other commitments. In this paper, we argue that a proper understanding of our commitment to free speech requires being clear about what should count as speech for these purposes. On the approach we defend, “speech” should get a special, technical sense, different from its ordinary sense. We offer a partial characterization of this technical sense. Finally, we argue that if certain theorists (e.g., MacKinnon) are right about what (some) pornography does, then it should fall outside the scope of the free-speech principle. If so, then contrary to first appearances, pornography may not be a case in which our commitments to freedom and gender equality come into conflict.
Circadian clocks are seeing the systems biology light.

Circadian rhythms are those biological rhythms that have a periodicity of around 24 hours. Recently, the generation of a circadian transcriptional network - compiled from RNA-expression and promoter-element analysis and phase information - has led to a better understanding of the gene-expression patterns that regulate the precise 24-hour clock.
Predicting defects in disk drive manufacturing: A case study in high-dimensional classification

The authors consider the application of several computationally intensive classification techniques to disk drive manufacturing quality control. This application is characterized by very high dimensions, with hundreds of features, and tens of thousands of cases. The efforts were directed toward a search for knowledge that would assist the engineers in providing another increment of performance to the already highly performing knowledge-based system. Two principal issues are addressed. The issues are whether a very expensive testing process can be eliminated while still maintaining high quality throughput in disk drive manufacturing, and whether the manufacturing process can be made more efficient by identifying bad disk drives prior to the expensive testing. Preliminary results indicate that although the expensive testing cannot be completely eliminated, a fraction of the disk drives can be determined to be faulty prior to further testing. This detection may improve the throughput of the manufacturing line. >
Stochastic modeling of slip spatial complexities for the 1979 Imperial Valley, California, earthquake

[1] Finite-fault source inversions reveal the spatial complexity of earthquake slip or prestress distribution over the fault surface. In this paper we discuss a stochastic model that reproduces the spatial variability and the long-range spatial correlation of the slip distribution of the 1979 Imperial Valley earthquake. We have found that stochastic models based on non-Gaussian distributions are better suited to describe the spatial variability of the slip amplitude over the fault. We also show that a stochastic modeling of the slip amplitude based on a Gaussian distribution fails to reproduce the spatial variability observed in the original slip distribution. The stochastic models can be used to deduce ground motion from other earthquakes statistically similar to Imperial Valley.
NUTRIENT LIMITATION OF DECOMPOSITION IN HAWAIIAN FORESTS

In Hawaiian montane forests, we assessed whether the same nutrients limit decomposition and aboveground net primary production (ANPP) along a soil chronosequence where nutrients demonstrably and predictably limit ANPP. At three sites that vary in parent material age (300, 20 000, and 4.1 × 106 yr), we used fertilization to assess whether nitrogen (N) and/or phosphorus (P) limit decomposition. Reciprocal transplants using litter bags allowed us to distinguish limitation by externally supplied nutrients vs. limitation by nutrients within litter. Nutrient limitation of decomposition was not predictable from nutrient limitation of ANPP, in that elevated litter and soil N had only small, if any, effects on decomposition, even at the young site where N limits ANPP. At the oldest site where P limits ANPP, both elevated litter P and increased availability of soil N and P increased decomposition rates. Thus, nutrients may limit decomposition more strongly in low-P than in low-N ecosystems. Fertilization affected litter nutrient dynamics more strongly than it did decomposition, and we observed uptake of both N and P by decomposers that was not always accompanied by changes in decomposition rates. Such nutrient incorporation into decomposing litter may retain nutrients within ecosystems, even when nutrients do not limit decomposition rates.
SideSight: multi-"touch" interaction around small devices

Interacting with mobile devices using touch can lead to fingers occluding valuable screen real estate. For the smallest devices, the idea of using a touch-enabled display is almost wholly impractical. In this paper we investigate sensing user touch around small screens like these. We describe a prototype device with infra-red (IR) proximity sensors embedded along each side and capable of detecting the presence and position of fingers in the adjacent regions. When this device is rested on a flat surface, such as a table or desk, the user can carry out single and multi-touch gestures using the space around the device. This gives a larger input space than would otherwise be possible which may be used in conjunction with or instead of on-display touch input. Following a detailed description of our prototype, we discuss some of the interactions it affords.
A unified partition coefficient theory for chromatography, immobilized enzyme kinetics, and affinity chromatography

A unified treatment of systems containing immobilized biochemical and chromatographic systems was developed from basic thermodynamic considerations of partitioning in biphasic systems. Division of the overall partitions coefficient into electrostatic and nonelectrostatic interactions provided an effective stratagem for analysis of these systems. The properties of both strong and weak ionogenic matrices were explored. It was Found that the matrix charge concentration and the bulk solutions pH and ionic strength completely determine the electrostatic partition coefficient. Hence, the relationships developed allow prediction of partition coefficients from readily obtainable experimental parameters. It was also shown that even at low concentrations, the presence of immobilized protein can alter the properties of the matrix phase. However, a weak ionogenic matrix has an unusual property which allows for a biological switching device. Ina characteristics pH range, such matrices will maintain a constant micro environmental pH while the partitioning of a substrate ion is greatly variable. Finally, the theoretical treatment suggests simple procedures for determination of binding constants from affinity or adsorption chromatography.
Amino Acid Composition of the Fetal Pig

Amino acid composition and accretion were determined in fetal pigs obtained from gilts by hysterectomy at d 40-114 of gestation. The whole homogenate of the fetal pig was used for analysis of dry matter, nitrogen and amino acids. Uterine uptake of amino acids was estimated at d 110-114 of gestation on the basis of uterine arteriovenous concentrations. Nitrogen and amino acid accretion in fetal pigs increased more rapidly with gestation than non-nitrogen dry matter. Amino acid nitrogen represented 83-88% of total nitrogen, and arginine was the most abundant nitrogen carrier in fetal pigs at all gestational ages. Amino acid composition changed with gestation, with glycine and hydroxyproline increasing (P < 0.05) markedly and other amino acids (except ornithine and tryptophan) decreasing (P < 0.05) to a lesser extent. Amino acid concentrations in fetal pigs increased (P < 0.05) progressively from d 60 to 114 of gestation. Uterine uptake of arginine and proline plus hydroxyproline met requirements for fetal growth during late gestation only marginally, and uterine uptake of aspartate/asparagine and glutamate was only 9-29% of fetal accretion. In contrast, uterine uptake of citrulline and ornithine was 55- and 15-fold greater (P < 0.05) than fetal accretion, respectively. On the basis of hydroxyproline content, collagen was estimated to represent approximately 7, 15, 25, 28 and 29% of total body protein at d 40, 60, 90, 110 and 114 of gestation, respectively. Amino acid composition of the fetal pig is similar to that for the human fetus, indicating that the pig is an excellent model for studying amino acid nutrition and metabolism in the human preterm neonate and infant.
Pharmacologic activation of mitochondrial biogenesis exerts widespread beneficial effects in a transgenic mouse model of Huntington's disease

There is substantial evidence that impairment of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)-γ-coactivator 1α (PGC-1α) levels and activity play an important role in Huntington's disease (HD) pathogenesis. We tested whether pharmacologic treatment with the pan-PPAR agonist bezafibrate would correct a deficiency of PGC-1α and exert beneficial effects in a transgenic mouse model of HD. We found that administration of bezafibrate in the diet restored levels of PGC-1α, PPARs and downstream genes to levels which occur in wild-type mice. There were significant improvements in phenotype and survival. In the striatum, astrogliosis and neuronal atrophy were attenuated and numbers of mitochondria were increased. Bezafibrate treatment prevented conversion of type I oxidative to type II glycolytic muscle fibers and increased the numbers of muscle mitochondria. Finally, bezafibrate rescued lipid accumulation and apparent vacuolization of brown adipose tissue in the HD mice. These findings provide strong evidence that treatment with bezafibrate exerts neuroprotective effects which may be beneficial in the treatment of HD.
The Teramac Custom Computer: Extending the Limits with Defect Tolerance

Teramac is a reconfigurable custom computer, capable of running million-gate user designs at one megahertz and out-performing workstations a hundred-fold on highly parallel applications. It achieves these results in spite of thousands of defects. Teramac, composed of 1728 field programmable gate arrays and over a quarter million interconnections, was made possible by a very broad use of defect tolerance. Given a user design and a defect database, a compiler creates a Teramac configuration that implements the design and makes no use of defective resources in the system. System characterization software precisely locates defective resources so that the vast majority of good resources may be applied to user designs. Defect tolerance reduces the cost of Teramac systems by increasing the yields of usable parts and by permitting the use of low-cost components that would otherwise be prohibitively unreliable.
The use of pre-operative imaging and intraoperative parathyroid hormone level to guide surgical management of tertiary hyperparathyroidism from X-linked hypophosphatemic rickets: a case report

To describe the use of combined preoperative imaging and intraoperative parathyroid hormone as a novel approach in the surgical management of a patient with tertiary hyperparathyroidism associated with X-linked hypophosphatemic rickets. We present the first documented description of combined preoperative imaging and intraoperative parathyroid hormone as well as a review of the literature surrounding the surgical management of tertiary hyperparathyroidism in the setting of X-linked hypophosphatemic rickets. A 23 year-old female with X-linked hypophosphatemic rickets and renal impairment presented with symptomatic hypercalcemia and tertiary hyperparathyroidism. She had failed medical management and presented for surgical evaluation. Technitium-99 m Sestamibi SPECT imaging and parathyroid ultrasound were used to localize the enlarged parathyroid glands preoperatively. Intraoperative findings correlated well with pre-operative imaging. She underwent successful subtotal parathyroidectomy for four-gland hyperplasia, using intraoperative parathyroid hormone guidance. Despite severe post-operative bone hunger, her serum calcium normalized and she experienced resolution of her preoperative symptoms. X-linked hypophosphatemic rickets is an uncommon disorder of phosphate metabolism resulting in bone deformity. Patients are predisposed to the development of secondary hyperparathyroidism due to chronic vitamin D supplementation which may progress to tertiary hyperparathyroidism with autonomous parathyroid function. Preoperative evaluation with Technitium-99 m Sestamibi SPECT and ultrasound imaging, as well as the use of intraoperative parathyroid hormone are effective in guiding surgical resection. Subtotal parathyroidectomy with cryopreservation is indicated to produce operative cure and limit the risk of recurrence. Although these patients are susceptible to severe postoperative bone hunger, appropriate supplementation with intravenous and oral calcium can minimize hypocalcemic symptoms.
Late onset sporadic dilated cardiomyopathy caused by a cardiac troponin T mutation.

Mutations in TNNT2, encoding cardiac troponin T, commonly shows early-onset, aggressive dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). This observation may influence the decision of whether to undertake clinical genetic testing for TNNT2 in later onset DCM. Further, the trigger for late onset DCM remains enigmatic. A 70 year old woman, previously healthy with a left ventricular ejection fraction of 50–55% at age 69, presented with DCM of unknown cause and a 4 month history progressive heart failure requiring cardiac transplantation. Clinical genetic testing revealed a novel TNNT2 R139H mutation but no relevant variants in 18 other DCM genes. Her explanted heart showed partial fatty replacement in the right ventricle. Sequencing for 5 arrhythmogenic right ventricular dysplasia genes was negative. Functional studies in porcine cardiac skinned fibers reconstituted with the mutant R139H troponin T protein showed decreased Ca2+ sensitivity at pH 7, characteristic of DCM. Because fatty infiltration may acidify the myocellular environment, maximal force development examined at pH 6.5 was diminished, suggesting a possible environmental trigger. We conclude that the TNNT2 R139H mutation was likely to be disease-causing. Further, later age of onset may not be relevant to exclude genetic testing for TNNT2 mutations.
Low density lipoprotein receptor–related protein is a calreticulin coreceptor that signals focal adhesion disassembly

Thrombospondin (TSP) signals focal adhesion disassembly (the intermediate adhesive state) through interactions with cell surface calreticulin (CRT). TSP or a peptide (hep I) of the active site induces focal adhesion disassembly through binding to CRT, which activates phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) and extracellular signal–related kinase (ERK) through Gαi2 proteins. Because CRT is not a transmembrane protein, it is likely that CRT signals as part of a coreceptor complex. We now show that low density lipoprotein receptor–related protein (LRP) mediates focal adhesion disassembly initiated by TSP binding to CRT. LRP antagonists (antibodies, receptor-associated protein) block hep I/TSP-induced focal adhesion disassembly. LRP is necessary for TSP/hep I signaling because TSP/hep I is unable to stimulate focal adhesion disassembly or ERK or PI3K signaling in fibroblasts deficient in LRP. LRP is important in TSP–CRT signaling, as shown by the ability of hep I to stimulate association of Gαi2 with LRP. The isolated proteins LRP and CRT interact, and LRP and CRT are associated with hep I in molecular complexes extracted from cells. These data establish a mechanism of cell surface CRT signaling through its coreceptor, LRP, and suggest a novel function for LRP in regulating cell adhesion.
Advantages of MIS Processing on Passivated Polycrystalline Silicon

Wacker polycrystalline silicon shows enhanced grain boundary activity after a high temperature (950° C) anneal. It is possible to passivate this effect in a hydrogen plasma. The low temperature (600° C) processing of MIS technology does not activate grain boundaries or deteriorate a passivated specimen. Activated grain boundaries with MIS structures can be used to assess the character of recombination currents. It is concluded that MIS processing is advantageous for passivated polycrystalline silicon.
FAITS DE LANGUE ET “LA PORTE DE L’ECOLE”: UNE REFLEXION SUR DES VALEURS STATIQUES ET MOUVANTES DANS L’OEUVRE D’EMMANUEL HOCQUARD

Linguistic Events and «The School Door»: A Reflection on Static and Moving Values in the Work of Emmanuel Hocquard Fetzer, Glenn Maitre-assistant, New Mexico State University, USA gwfetzer@nmsu.edu Received: 15.12.2012 Accepted: 13.02.2013 In this article we reflect on pairs of language facts that can have both a static and a moving value. Taking as points of departure selected texts by Emmanuel Hocquard (especially Ruines a rebours, 2010 Voyage a Reykjavik: Chronique, 1997 and Les Coquelicots: Une Grammaire de Tanger III, 2011) and in relying on studies on language and grammar (especially Maingueneau 1999), we observe how certain indicators («inside/outside» «before/after»« close to/ far from») are not only spatiotemporal markers but, in the words of Hocquard, «signal flow, direction, acceleration, slowing down, speed, and breathing» (Hocquard, 2010: 23). In order to better appreciate the importance of these language facts, we first of all consider them as diachronies. After that, we reflect on the stakes of subjective systems of reference points in the field of utterance before considering the relationship between extra-discursive reference and that which is contextual. Within this study of writers and manipulators of language facts, we can better situate our broadened appreciation of the role of shifters. Keywords: French literature, poetry, language, relationship to grammar, Emmanuel Hocquard.
Luminescent Copper(I) Halide Adducts of [Au(im(CH2py)2)2]PF6 Exhibiting Short Au(I)···Cu(I) Separations and Unusual Semibridging NHC Ligands

The picolyl-substituted NHC complex [Au(im(CH2py)2)2]PF6 (1) reacts with two equivalents of copper(I) halides, affording compounds [Au(im(CH2py)2)2(CuX)2]PF6 (X = Cl, 2; Br, 3; I, 4). Each complex ...
Liquid-ice coexistence below the melting temperature for water confined in hydrophilic and hydrophobic nanopores

We use molecular dynamics simulations to investigate the coexistence between confined ice and liquid water as a function of temperature for a series of cylindrical nanopores with water–wall interactions ranging from strongly hydrophilic to very hydrophobic. In agreement with previous results from experiments, we find that the ice formed in the nanopores is a hybrid ice I with stacks of cubic and hexagonal layers and that the melting temperature of the nanoconfined ice is strongly dependent on the radius of the pore but rather insensitive to the hydrophilicity of the pore surface. We find a premelted liquid layer in coexistence with the confined ice down to the lowest temperatures of this study, 50 K below the melting temperatures of the confined ices. The fraction of water in the premelted liquid layer decreases with increasing hydrophobicity of the pore wall, but it does not vanish even for the most hydrophobic nanopores. The simulations suggest that the decrease in the fraction of water in the liquid la...
Energy Requirements for Existence in Relation to Size of Bird

Standard metabolism is the energy requirement, usually measured over short periods, of an individual at complete rest and in a postabsorptive state and is of considerable importance to physiologists. Of greater ecological interest, however, is the energy requirement of normal activities under free-living conditions. This may be approximated (within about 13 per cent in the Blue-winged Teal, Anas discors; Owen 1968) by measuring the rate of food utilization over long periods of time of individuals confined in cages. With caged birds, the caloric value of the excreta (excretory energy, including the wastes from both the alimentary tract and kidneys) subtracted from the gross energy (intake over a period of days) gives the metabolized energy. When the bird maintains a constant weight, the energy metabolized is sufficient just for existence. This existence energy, or existence metabolism, progressively increases with decrease in ambient temperature to a maximum at the lowest ambient temperature tolerated (Kendeigh 1949; 1969). Existence metabolism includes the energy expended in standard metabolism, specific dynamic action, and locomotor activity within the cage. Cages vary in size, dependent on the species, to permit approximately the same amount of free movement, e.g., hopping but not flight (Martin 1967). The energy cost of free existence is greater than that of cage existence in proportion to the amount of locomotor activity involved. Existence energy requirements in cages, measured for 18 species weighing from 9 to 4300 g and belonging to three different orders, provide sufficient data to test variation with the size of the bird and to correlate existence metabolism with standard metabolism.
Repetition of Auditorily Presented Information

Independent groups of Ss received various amounts of repetition (2, 4, 8, and 16 presentations) of a message played back on a tape recorder. Half of the Ss had an intentional listening set with res...
Updated trends in US brand-name and generic drug competition

AbstractObjective: To provide updated evidence on US trends in: market exclusivity periods (MEPs, time between brand-name drug launch and first generic competitors) for new molecular entities (NMEs); likelihood, timing and number of Hatch-Waxman Act Paragraph IV patent challenges; and generic drug penetration.Methods: This study used IMS Health National Sales PerspectivesTM US data to calculate MEPs for the 288 NMEs experiencing initial generic entry between January 1995 and December 2014, the number of generic competitors for 12 months afterward (by level of annual sales prior to generic entry), and generic penetration rates. The likelihood, timing and number of Paragraph IV challengers were calculated using data from Abbreviated New Drug Approval (ANDA) letters, the FDA website, public information searches, and ParagraphFour.com.Results: For drugs experiencing initial generic entry in 2013–2014, the MEP was 12.5 years for drugs with sales greater than $250 million (in 2008 dollars) in the year prior to ...
Cultural constructs that impede discussions about variability in speech-based educational models for deaf children with cochlear implants

This paper identifies and discusses substancial variability in the product ofcochlear implantation and in the outcomes of its requisite speech-based method ofeducacion. Current practices appear to be producing a population with great variation in hearing ability and in functional spoken language use - one that is not unlike the historical non-implanted populacion. It is proposed that many ofthe conclusions that support the application of speech-based treatments for implanted children rest on philosophical principIes that are supported by fallacious argumentation - that they resemble systems of helief and praetice that encourage the denial of observable facts. To the extent that such variability in the community is demonstrated, it is inappropriate to offer only one educacional and linguistic option, especially when it cannot be shown that that option has been successful for a substantial proportion ofthe children. The paper ends with a call for the opponents in the classical debate on speech based vs. sign language-based methodologies to defuse their polar philosophical positions and begin a discussion of ways to provide the greatest leveis of literacy and social competency for the largest number ofdeafchildren.
Abstract 116: Enhanced Systemic Inflammation Results in Loss of Vein Graft Lumen and Augments Adaptation to Increased Wall Shear

Introduction: Unlike animal models which are highly reproducible, human vascular remodeling demonstrates marked heterogeneity both within and between patients. Studying human vein grafts (VG), we hypothesize that the local wall shear stress (WSS), modulated by the systemic inflammatory milieu, dictates vascular adaptation and preservation (or loss) of VG lumen. Methods: Following infrainguinal VG placement, 33 patients were evaluated with ultrasound duplex, CT scanning and computational fluid dynamic modeling (at 1 week (1w), 1 month (1m), and 6 months (6m) post-op) to determine the WSS and cross-sectional area at 1 mm intervals along the entire VG. Plasma samples were collected (pre-op, 2 hours, 1 day, 1 week, 1 month) and analyzed for 28 pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines. Results: Regions of reduced shear ( 50 dynes/cm2) led to an expansion in lumen area (1w-1m: 27% ± 8%; 1m-6m: 36% ± 14%). Patients with pre- and early post-op elevations in the pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-12, -13, -15 demonstrated enhanced loss of VG lumen between 1 w and 1m ( A ). Increased levels of IL-1b, -2, -3, -4, -6 at 1 month were associated with late reductions in VG lumen area ( B ). In contrast, early elevations in MMP-9, E-selectin, and VCAM-1 were accompanied by enhanced outward remodeling, most prominently in high shear regions ( C , p<0.05). Conclusions: Human VG remodeling are highly responsive to the local WSS, and specific cytokines patterns appear to modulate this process in both early and late vein graft remodeling. Using this information, therapeutic manipulation of the peri-operative inflammatory state may be used to improve VG survival. ![Graphic][1] [1]: /embed/inline-graphic-1.gif
Oxytocin augmentation during labor with epidural analgesia.

Oxytocin augmentation does not reduce the frequency of cesarean delivery, instrumental vaginal delivery, or the combined outcome of both. Oxytocin also has no effect on low five-minute Apgar scores, postpartum hemorrhage, uterine hyperstimulation, or neonatal intensive care unit admission.
Putting Canada in a Comparative Context: Still the Multiculturalist Unicorn

In a very respectful response—titled with a classic rhetorical question: “Does Canadian Multiculturalism Survive through State Repression?”—Phil Ryan supports most of the arguments that Emma Ambrose and I laid out in our article “Canadian Multiculturalism and the Absence of the Far Right.” However, he does question two particular claims: (1) that the Canadian state represses critique of multiculturalism and (2) that there are no other supply-side factors to explain the absence of the far right in Canada. In this short response, I will argue, first and foremost, that Ryan perceives Canada too much through an exclusively Canadian lens, exaggerating the tolerance of the Canadian state for far-right discourse as well as the criticism of multiculturalism by the Conservative Party of Canada.