cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effect of genetic modification on the distribution of minor constituents in canola oil.

Oil derived from different lines of genetically modified canola varieties was analyzed for phospholipids, tocopherols, and phytosterols by various chromatographic techniques. As observed previously in genetically modified soybean oils, there was a decrease in the content and composition of phosphatidic acid in three of the modified canola oils derived from the 12 varieties investigated. Normal-phase high-performance liquid chromatographic (HPLC) analyses showed small variations in the phospholipid content of major classes, despite few differences in their composition. Reversed-phase HPLC data indicated that the molecular species distribution of phosphatidylethanolamine was significantly altered by genetic modification when compared to phosphatidylcholine. Impact of oilseed modification on the tocopherol content was variable, with greater variation in the concentration of α- and γ-tocopherols than δ-tocopherol. Phytosterol composition was markedly affected by genetic modification. Brassicasterol, campesterol, and β-sitosterol levels were consistently lowered in one genotype, whereas increased brassicasterol content was observed in the other variety. In general, genetic modification of canola seeds led to changes in the distribution of phospholipids, tocopherols, and phytosterols.
EDITOR'S CHOICE: Neonicotinoid insecticide travels through a soil food chain, disrupting biological control of non‐target pests and decreasing soya bean yield

Summary 1. Neonicotinoids are the most widely used insecticides world-wide, but their fate in the environment remains unclear, as does their potential to influence non-target species and the roles they play in agroecosystems. 2. We investigated in laboratory and field studies the influence of the neonicotinoid thiamethoxam, applied as a coating to soya bean seeds, on interactions among soya beans, nontarget molluscan herbivores and their insect predators. 3. In the laboratory, the pest slug Deroceras reticulatum was unaffected by thiamethoxam, but transmitted the toxin to predaceous beetles (Chlaenius tricolor), impairing or killing >60%. 4. In the field, thiamethoxam-based seed treatments depressed activity–density of arthropod predators, thereby relaxing predation of slugs and reducing soya bean densities by 19% and yield by 5%. 5. Neonicotinoid residue analyses revealed that insecticide concentrations declined through the food chain, but levels in field-collected slugs (up to 500 ng g 1 ) were still high enough to harm insect predators. 6. Synthesis and applications. Our findings reveal a previously unconsidered ecological pathway through which neonicotinoid use can unintentionally reduce biological control and crop yield. Trophic transfer of neonicotinoids challenges the notion that seed-applied toxins precisely target herbivorous pests and highlights the need to consider predatory arthropods and soil communities in neonicotinoid risk assessment and stewardship.
Net Zero Energy Analysis Approach for Military Installations

Net zero energy is a concept of energy self-sufficiency based on minimized demand and use of local renewable energy resources. A net zero energy military installation is defined as: “A military installation that produces as much energy on-site from renewable energy generation or through the on-site use of renewable fuels, as it consumes in its buildings, facilities, and fleet vehicles.” [1] The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) developed a comprehensive, first-of-its-kind strategy for evaluating a military installation’s potential to achieve net zero energy status, including an assessment of baseline energy use, energy use reduction opportunities from efficiency or behavior changes, renewable energy generation opportunities, electrical systems analysis of renewable interconnection, microgrid potential, and transportation energy savings. This paper describes NREL’s net zero energy assessment strategy and provides a planning guide for other organizations interested in evaluating net zero potential. We also present case studies and describe lessons learned from NREL’s net zero energy assessments at seven installations, including the importance of enforcing and funding mandates, providing leadership support, collecting accurate data, and selecting appropriate technologies. Finally, we evaluate whether the net zero concept is a useful framework for analyzing an energy strategy and a reasonable goal.Copyright © 2011 by ASME
A dosimetric comparison of ultra-hypofractionated passively scattered proton radiotherapy and stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) in the definitive treatment of localized prostate cancer

AbstractBackground. We compared target and normal tissue dosimetric indices between ultra-hypofractionated passively scattered proton radiotherapy and stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) in the definitive treatment of localized prostate cancer.Material and methods. Ten patients were treated definitively for localized prostate cancer with SBRT to a dose of 36.25 Gy in 5 fractions prescribed to a volume encompassing the prostate only. Dose-volume constraints were applied to the rectum, bladder, penile bulb, femoral heads, and prostatic and membranous urethra. Three-field passively scattered proton plans were retrospectively generated using target volumes from the same patients. Dosimetric indices were compared between the SBRT and proton plans using the Wilcoxon signed rank test.Results. All dose constraints were achieved using both ultra-hypofractionated passively scattered proton and SBRT planning. Proton plans demonstrated significant improvement over SBRT in mean dose delivered to the penile bulb (5.2...
Stochastic control of linear sigularly perturbed systems

This paper applies singular perturbation theory to the stochastic control for the Linear-Quadratic-Gaussian (L-Q-G) problem for systems with fast and slow modes. The limiting behavior of the optimal control and the performance index is investigated. It is shown that the optimal control can be approximated by a near optimal control which is obtained as a combination of a slow control and a fast control computed in separate time scales.
Broadband femtosecond transient infrared spectroscopy using a 256 x 256 element indium antimonide focal-plane detector.

Application and characterization of large-format IR focal-plane arrays as detectors for ultrafast, high-resolution IR spectroscopy are discussed. We also present generation of broadband IR probe–reference pulses by use of collinear non-phase-matched geometry and shot-to-shot dual-track normalization to obtain transient spectra from broadly absorbing hydrogen-bonded systems. As much as 400-cm-1-wide coverage with 15-cm-1 FWHM spectral resolution and ±6.4×10-4 ΔOD=3×10-4 baseline standard deviation ±1σ is demonstrated near 2.9 µm.
Methanotroph and methanogen coupling in granular biofilm under O2-limited conditions

The co-culture between Methylosinus sporium, a strictly aerobic methanotroph, and strictly anaerobic methanogens was studied in 5 L aerobic/anaerobic coupled granular sludge reactors under O2-limited conditions. The methanogenic bacteria maintained very good metabolic activities and were able to produce sufficient methane which serviced as substrate for methanotrophic growth. Although other strictly aerobic population proliferated by two orders of magnitude after the granular sludge had been operated under O2-limited conditions for one month, only a limited amount of the added methanotroph remained in the sludge. This result may indicate that M. sporium lacks sufficient O2 affinity to compete with facultative bacteria for the dissolved O2 for their growth.
Productivity Change and Labor Absorption in Japanese Cotton Spinning 1891–1935

Accounting for productivity change and labor absorption, 196.—Data and data sources, 199.—The estimation of the Japanese cotton-spinning industry production function, 200.—Results on the conventional production function, 204.—The estimation of the fundamental equations, 209.—Summary and conclusion, 218.
Sex hormones, hemostasis and early pregnancy loss.

Aims: This study was designed to determine the association between coagulation factors and spontaneous abortion adjusting for sex steroids and to examine the influence of sex hormones on coagulation factors early in pregnancy. Methods: Pregnant women presenting to the emergency department at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania were recruited and followed through 22 weeks gestation. Cases were women who experienced a spontaneous abortion (n=29) and controls were women who maintained their pregnancy to 22 weeks gestation (n=89). Participants completed a baseline questionnaire to assess demographic, reproductive, and drug use information. Blood samples measured estradiol, progesterone, fibrinogen, and factor VII antigen. Results: Cases of spontaneous abortion had significantly lower levels of estradiol, progesterone, fibrinogen and factor VII antigen compared to controls. The relationship between low levels of fibrinogen and factor VII antigen was diminished adjusting for the sex steroids. Regression analyses found low progesterone was the primary prospective marker for early pregnancy loss among our study population. Conclusions: The relationship between coagulation factors and spontaneous abortion was reduced after adjustment for progesterone suggesting that progesterone mediates the relationship between low levels of coagulation factors and spontaneous abortion. Progesterone seems to be the primary marker for a spontaneous abortion among women seeking emergent care.
Structure, Magnetic Properties, and Phase Transformations in Electrodeposited Fe-Rich Fe–Pt Films

Fe rich Fe–Pt films with 56 at.%–75 at.% Fe are electrodeposited from an alkaline solution. A face-centered cubic (111) texture is clearly observed for as-deposited films with $L1_{0}$ phase was observed below 62 Fe at.%. With increasing Fe content, the annealed films show a texture change from (200) to (002); films with $\sim 7$ kOe while films with Fe above that value show small coercivity. Of particular interest are the 75 at.% films; these show a FCT structure after annealing at or above 450 °C, which differs from the $L1_{0}$ structure and is characterized by low anisotropy; in contrast, a relatively high out of plane coercivity (1–3 kOe) is observed in 75 at.% films in the as-deposited or annealed conditions up to 350 °C.
Anthropologist view of social network analysis and data mining

An anthropologist shares with the “SNA and data mining community” his own anthropological perspective framed during more than five decades of network thinking about a broad range of anthropological problems. For 50 years he has viewed all people, things, and ideas in dynamic relationships. That perspective is a network perspective and at the same time anthropological, combining ethnographic, historical, holistic, and comparative views. It is valuable and beneficial to the community of scholars who use network analysis to try to understand what is going on, what went on before, and what the future prospects are. As an anthropologist, his interest is more in the wholes generated by network linkages—systems of households, bands, lineages, communities, corporations, governments—than in the individual persons linked. Even now, when personal network “communities” are getting so much attention network analysis can clarify the more complex wholes such as multinational corporations and supranational systems. Those important entities and the problems they represent should not be left to economists and politicians. Concepts considered include system evolution and increasing complexity; anthropological views of transactions, relations, modes of transactions, spheres of transactions in multicentric economies, complexity across the full range of embedded networks—material, biological, and sociocultural. Social network analysis can help to define systems at various levels of integration, both within communities and in the widest conceivable supranational level. Techniques such as regular equivalence and block-modeling are useful in sorting the subsystems of complex systems. He concludes with hope that as improved methods of data mining and network analysis are developed, other anthropologists and social scientists will be able to measure the evolution of supranational sociocultural systems that involve both states and multinational corporations.
Acute lethal graft-versus-host disease stimulates cellular proliferation in Peyer's Patches and follicle associated ileal epithelium of adult rats.

In this study cell proliferation in Peyer’s Patches (PP) and the crypts of Lieberkuhn of the follicle-associated ileal epithelium was analyzed during the development of acute lethal graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) in adult rats. In addition, the effect of thymectomy on GVHD-induced lymphoproliferation was determined by analyzing the3H-thymidine labeling index in neonatally thymectomized-control and thymectomized-GVHD rats. A significant increase in the3H-thymidine-labeling index was found in interfollicular (days 2–7), dome (days 5–10), and follicular (days 5–12) regions of PP as well as in associated ileal crypts (days 5–12) of GVHD rats as compared with controls. Thymectomy altered the proliferative response in PP of GVHD rats in that incorporation of3H-thymidine by follicular and interfollicular cells was significantly lower than in sham-thymectomized GVHD controls during the later stages of the disease. The results suggest a possible role for host thymus-dependent cells in stimulation of or participation in cell proliferation within follicular and interfollicular areas of PP.
The Morally Decent Person

Adoptant une approche systematique de la notion de decence dans le discours moral, l'A. se propose de determiner ce qu'est une personne decente du point de vue de la morale et des bonnes manieres. Au-dela de la definition du savoir-vivre chez Hobbes, l'A. defend l'idee selon laquelle la personne decente est une personne qui merite un eloge minimal pour son engagement envers autrui, independemment de ses qualites ou de ses defauts.
Life and death: the ultimate phase transformation

Abstract The order ⇋ disorder phase transformation involved in life and death is discussed. Five bioactive substrate ordering factors are proposed to provide the mechanisms for overcoming the entropic barrier to forming life from a disordered molecular assemblage. Molecular orbital models (AM1 method) are used to analyze the ordering factors. The results are consistent with the genetic activation characteristics and tissue bonding of bioactive silicate glasses.
A spatial-temporal comparison of fMRI and NIRS hemodynamic responses to motor stimuli in adult humans

Near infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) has the ability to record, at high temporal resolution, hemodynamic changes within the brain during functional activity. Although alone, NIRS has a poorer spatial resolution compared to other imaging methods such as functional MRI (fMRI), multi-modality approaches, which attempt to fuse the spatial resolution of MRI with the hemoglobin oxygenation information and temporal resolution of NIRS, show promise to yielding better insight into the hemodynamic and metabolic response of the functional brain in future research. However, paramount to the development of these multi-modality approaches, proper control experiments to validate the correlation between NIRS and fMRI methods must be preformed. In this experiment, we have examined the spatial and temporal relationship between the NIRS measure of deoxy-hemoglobin and the fMRI blood oxygen level dependent (BOLD) signal. Here, we have modeled the propagation of light through realistic, tissue segmented, head models for each of five subjects. Using these sensitivity profiles, we predicted the measurement of deoxy-hemoglobin for each individual NIRS source-detector pair from the projection of the volume-wise fMRI BOLD changes, thus allowing a quantitative spatial and temporal comparison between NIRS and fMRI. We report a linear correlation of R = 0.73 (p < 2x10 -8) between the spatial profiles between the NIRS measure of deoxy-hemoglobin and BOLD signal. We also report a temporal correlation of R=0.88 (p<9x10 -18) between the region-of-interest averaged responses using the projected BOLD response.
Use of expert judgment in NUREG--1150

Abstract The explicit expert judgment process used in NUREG-1150, “Severe Accident Risks: An Assessment for Five US Nuclear Plants”, is discussed in this paper. The main steps of the process are described, including selection of issues and experts, elicitation training, presentation of issues to the experts, preparation of issue analyses by the experts, discussion of issue analyses and elicitation, and recomposition and aggregation of results. To demonstrate the application of the expert judgment process to NUREG-1150, two issues are summarized: one from the accident frequency analysis, and one from the accident progression analysis. Recommendations and insights are provided to improve the use of explicit expert judgment in complex technical issues.
Intersubband transitions in piezoelectric superlattices

Abstract Charge-density and spin-density intersubband transitions of electrons in [100] and [111] GaSb/AlSb multiple quantum wells have been measured with inelastic light scattering. These measurements indicate that large built-in electric fields exist in the [111] oriented samples because of the piezoelectric effect. Furthermore, these built-in fields can be screened by the optical generation of an electron-hole plasma.
Philip Schaff: The Flow of Church History and the Development of Protestantism:

Arriving from Germany in 1844, Philip Schaff used his inaugural lecture as professor at the theological seminary in Mercersburg, Pennsylvania, to set forth his understanding of church history with ...
Theory for the Systemic Definition of Metabolic Pathways and their use in Interpreting Metabolic Function from a Pathway-Oriented Perspective

Cellular metabolism is most often described and interpreted in terms of the biochemical reactions that make up the metabolic network. Genomics is providing near complete information regarding the genes/gene products participating in cellular metabolism for a growing number of organisms. As the true functional units of metabolic systems are its pathways, the time has arrived to define metabolic pathways in the context of whole-cell metabolism for the analysis of the structural design and capabilities of the metabolic network. In this study, we present the theoretical foundations for the identification of the unique set of systemically independent biochemical pathways, termed extreme pathways, based on system stochiometry and limited thermodynamics. These pathways represent the edges of the steady-state flux cone derived from convex analysis, and they can be used to represent any flux distribution achievable by the metabolic network. An algorithm is presented to determine the set of extreme pathways for a system of any complexity and a classification scheme is introduced for the characterization of these pathways. The property of systemic independence is discussed along with its implications for issues related to metabolic regulation and the evolution of cellular metabolic networks. The underlying pathway structure that is determined from the set of extreme pathways now provides us with the ability to analyse, interpret, and perhaps predict metabolic function from a pathway-based perspective in addition to the traditional reaction-based perspective. The algorithm and classification scheme developed can be used to describe the pathway structure in annotated genomes to explore the capabilities of an organism.
G Run-mediated Recognition of Proteolipid Protein and DM20 5′ Splice Sites by U1 Small Nuclear RNA Is Regulated by Context and Proximity to the Splice Site

Highly conserved G runs, G1M2 and ISE, regulate the proteolipid protein (PLP)/DM20 ratio. We have investigated recruitment of U1 small nuclear ribonuclear protein (snRNP) by G1M2 and ISE and examined the effect of splice site strength, distance, and context on G run function. G1M2 is necessary for initial recruitment of U1snRNP to the DM20 5′ splice site independent of the strength of the splice site. G1M2 regulates E complex formation and supports DM20 splicing when functional U1snRNP is reduced. By contrast, the ISE is not required for the initial recruitment of U1snRNP to the PLP 5′ splice site. However, in close proximity to either the DM20 or the PLP 5′ splice site, the ISE recruits U1snRNP to both splice sites. The ISE enhances DM20 splicing, whereas close to the PLP 5′ splice site, it inhibits PLP splicing. Splicing enhancement and inhibition are mediated by heterogeneous nuclear ribonuclear protein (hnRNP)H/F. The data show that recognition of the DM20 5′ splice site depends on G run-mediated recruitment of U1snRNA, whereas a complex interaction between the ISE G runs, context and position determines the functional outcome on splicing. The data suggest that different mechanisms underlie G run-mediated recognition of 5′ splice sites and that context and position play a critical role.
Teaching with STKE

STKE has several mechanisms by which instructors and students can utilize the site as a teaching tool and resource. With the instructors of the "Cell Signaling Systems" course for graduate students, STKE explores using the various elements of STKE as a digital teaching aid. The resources that will be part of the STKE online supplement to the course as taught at Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, NY, include Teaching Resources starting with one that outlines the course structure and schedule and then one for each lecture. In addition, related resources at STKE will be highlighted in and linked to the Teaching Resources. The final component will be online discussion forums that allow students and instructors the world over to interact with the instructors of this course, which is offered in a traditional classroom format at Mount Sinai School of Medicine.
Developing a neurosurgical simulation-based educational curriculum: an overview.

BACKGROUND:The science of medicine has undergone rapid advancement and expansion as a result of significant technological innovations, and this has affected the training of neurosurgical residents.OBJECTIVE:To develop a simulation-based neurosurgical educational curriculum to improve resident educat
Molecular regulation of angiogenesis and tumorigenesis by signal transduction pathways: evidence of predictable and reproducible patterns of synergy in diverse neoplasms.

Abstract A large number of oncogenes, tumor suppressor genes, and signal transduction pathways have been described. Currently, a framework that allows prediction of tumor behavior based upon oncogenes, tumor suppressors, and signal transduction pathways is lacking. In 1869, Mendeleev published a periodic table of elements which allowed prediction of properties of elements based upon atomic weights that allowed prediction of chemical and physical properties of elements yet to be discovered. In this paper, I will discuss recurrent patterns of synergy found in the literature and our laboratory between tumor suppressor genes, oncogenes, and signaling pathways that allows one to predict the signaling pathway in a given tumor based upon the inactivation of a tumor suppressor gene. These patterns can be found in multiple different human neoplasms. Conversely, one can predict the inactivation of a tumor suppressor based upon the activation status of a signaling pathway. This knowledge can be used by a clinician or pathologist with access to immunohistochemistry to make predictions based upon simple technologies and determine the signaling pathways involved in a patient’s tumor. These strategies may be useful in the design of prevention and treatment strategies for cancer.
The chemical synthesis of high specific-activity [35S]adenosylhomocysteine

The study of the family of transmethylases, critical to normal cellular function and often altered in cancer, can be facilitated by the availability of a high specific-activity S-adenosylhomocysteine. The authors report the two-step preparation of (/sup 35/S)adenosylhomocysteine from (/sup 35/S)methionine at a specific activity of 1420 Ci/mmol in an overall yield of 24% by a procedure involving demethylation of the (/sup 35/S)methionine to (/sup 35/S)homocysteine followed by condensation with 5'-chloro-5'-deoxyadenosine. The ease of the reactions, ready availability and low cost of the reagents and high specific-activity and stability of the product make the procedure an attractive one with many uses, and superior to current methodology.
Synthesis and DNA-Binding Properties of [Ru(NH(3))(4)dppz](2+).

The complex [Ru(NH3)4dppz]2+ shows a metal to ligand charge transfer (MLCT) transition at ∼544 nm but does not show any photoluminescence. The complex does not exhibit any solvent-dependent MLCT changes, unlike its bpy and phen counterparts. The complex showed intercalative binding to calf thymus DNA that was weaker than [Ru(phen)2dppz]2+.
Hidden order and hybridization gap in URu2Si2via quasiparticle scattering spectroscopy

The origin of the hidden order transition in URu2Si2 still remains unclear despite intensive investigations for almost three decades. It has recently been under debate whether the long-sought hidden order parameter is associated with Fermi surface reconstructions occurring from unconventional hybridizations in this heavy-fermion system. Our quasiparticle scattering spectroscopy based on ballistic metallic junctions provides an important piece of information on this topic. Sensitive to changes in the electronic density of states, this technique enables us to detect the temperature evolution of a hybridization gap between the renormalized bands. Our results show that the hybridization gap opens well above the hidden order transition, implying that it is not the order parameter for the hidden order phase.
Small mine size is associated with lung function abnormality and pneumoconiosis among underground coal miners in Kentucky, Virginia and West Virginia.

Objectives To describe the prevalence of lung function abnormality and coal workers’ pneumoconiosis (CWP) by mine size among underground coal miners in Kentucky, Virginia and West Virginia. Methods During 2005–2012, 4491 miners completed spirometry and chest radiography as part of a health surveillance programme. Spirometry was interpreted according to American Thoracic Society and European Respiratory Society guidelines, and radiography per International Labour Office standards. Prevalence ratios (PR) were calculated for abnormal spirometry (obstructive, restrictive or mixed pattern using lower limits of normal derived from National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) III) and CWP among workers from small mines (≤50 miners) compared with those from large mines. Results Among 3771 eligible miners, those from small mines were more likely to have abnormal spirometry (18.5% vs 13.8%, p Conclusions More than one in four of these miners had evidence of CWP, abnormal lung function or both. Although 96% of miners in the study have worked exclusively under dust regulations implemented following the 1969 Federal Coal Mine Safety and Health Act, we observed high rates of respiratory disease including severe cases. The current approach to dust control and provision of safe work conditions for central Appalachian underground coal miners is not adequate to protect them from adverse respiratory health effects.
ROTATIONALLY RESOLVED NEAR-INFRARED SPECTRUM OF THE HCCI A1A' X1A' TRANSITION

Abstract Near-infrared spectra of the HCCl A 1 A ″(0,1,0) ← X 1 A ′(0,0,0) and A 1 A ″(0,0,1) ← X 1 A ′(0,0,0) transitions between 13 100 and 13 330 cm −1 were obtained at Doppler-limited resolution using a combination of frequency-modulation (FM) and transient absorption techniques. For the A (0,1,0) ← X (0,0,0) vibronic band, we have rotationally resolved and assigned five subbands ( K a = 0 ← 1, 1 ← 0, 1 ← 2, 2 ← 1, and 2 ← 3) of HC 35 Cl and the K a = 0 ← 1 subband of HC 37 Cl. The rotational structure of the A (0,1,0) level shows strong perturbations. Both random perturbations and anomalous K -type doublings were observed. A detailed analysis qualitatively reveals the roles of the Renner-Teller effect and spin-orbit interaction in perturbation mechanisms. In addition, the A (0,0,1) ← X (0,0,0) transition was observed for the first time. The determined C-Cl stretching frequency in the A state indicates an increase of 20% on electronic excitation and is consistent with the determined C-Cl bond shortening.
Food for thought: how will the nutrition labeling of quick service restaurant menu items influence consumers' product evaluations, purchase intentions, and choices?

Abstract Within the context of quick service restaurant meals, three studies (a consumer diary study, web-based experiment, and longitudinal experiment) examine how accurately consumers estimate calorie, fat, and sodium content and explore how objective nutrition information may influence product evaluations, perceptions, and purchase intentions. The results indicate that many consumers have little understanding of the calorie, fat, and sodium levels of many typical quick service meals, and this is especially true for less healthful meals. Consistent with rationale drawn from the expectancy-disconfirmation paradigm, results demonstrate that menu-based nutrition information provision negatively influences consumers’ responses when that information is less favorable than expected. Findings suggest that the relationship between actual and expected nutrition levels drives responses, rather than the disclosure of information per se . Since these relationships can vary both within and between restaurants, results suggest that the effects of mandated nutrition information disclosure may not be uniform across the industry.
Guanylate cyclase activity in fetal, neonatal and adult rat heart.

Abstract Guanosine 3′, 5′-monophosphate is thought to be an important factor in promoting cell growth. We, therefore, measured the activity of guanylate cyclase, the enzyme which in the developing rat heart catalyzes the production of guanosine 3′, 5′-monophosphate. Cardiac guanylate cyclase activity was found to be increased to 405 ± 44 pmol accumulated/10/min/mg protein in utero and maintained this level of activity for the first 3 weeks after birth. By 28 days, cardiac guanylate cyclase activity had decreased to 165 ± 7 pmol accumulated/10 min/mg protein which paralleled the adult mother cardiac guanylate cyclase activity of 173 ± 9 pmol accumulated/10 min/mg protein. This period of maximal activity of cardiac guanylate cyclase corresponds to the period of rapid growth of the heart and the decreased activity approximates the period of time when cardiac DNA synthesis declines.
Urinary chemosignals and puberty in female house mice: Effects of photoperiod and food deprivation

Urinary chemosignals from male and female house mice alter the age of puberty in females and thus influence the onset of reproductive behavior. These chemosignal phenomena have been examined with respect to a variety of factors pertaining to the social and reproductive biology of the mice. The pair of experiments reported here tested whether two non-social, environmental factors might affect the presence of the chemosignals. Alteration in the photoperiod from the normal 12 hr light/day to 6 hr light/day and restricting food intake every other day significantly altered some of the chemosignal effects on puberty for urine from singly-caged adult male and female mice, but did not change the delay of puberty produced by treatment with urine from grouped females. The results conform with a general hypothesis that the urinary chemosignals in house mice that influence puberty in young females are effective in communicating the adequacy of conditions for reproduction to conspecifics.
Barrios, A.A. (2009). Understanding Hypnosis: Theory, scope, and Potential. Hauppauge, NY: Nova Science Publishers

(2010). Barrios, A.A. (2009). Understanding Hypnosis: Theory, scope, and Potential. Hauppauge, NY: Nova Science Publishers. American Journal of Clinical Hypnosis: Vol. 53, No. 2, pp. 134-136.
Opening Wedge Osteotomy of the First Metatarsal Base: A Technique for Correction of Metatarsus Primus Varus Using a New Titanium Opening Wedge Plate

Although not without controversy in technique and fixation methods, the opening-base wedge can be a successful procedure for moderate-to-severe hallux valgus deformities with significant metatarsus primus varus while preserving relative metatarsal length. Literature regarding the opening-base wedge has been limited and somewhat unfavorable. It is our purpose to present a promising new technique combining the modified McBride bunionectomy with a proximal first metatarsal opening-base wedge osteotomy. Using a standardized technique, we were able to achieve an efficient, reproducible, and stable construct, thereby minimizing intraoperative complications and postoperative morbidity. Fixation is achieved in each case using a new titanium plate designed for opening proximal osteotomies. Because of the stable fixation construct, patients are able to progress to protected weightbearing status much sooner than with previously described base wedge procedures, thus making this procedure more tolerable as well. The opening-base wedge procedure can be a reliable addition to the armamentarium of surgical options for proximal hallux valgus correction. To our knowledge, no previous studies have been published regarding this method.
Escalation and its role in Jurassic biotic history

Abstract The hypothesis of escalation asserts that enemies — competitors, predators, and pathogens — drive much of adaptive evolution. In a critical review of methods for testing this hypothesis, I argue that enemy-related adaptations of individuals and other units of evolution must be evaluated through time in physically similar environments, and that tests relying on global changes in diversity are inadequate and misleading. The later Mesozoic era — the Jurassic and Cretaceous periods in particular — had been seen as a time of substantial worldwide escalation. New analyses of the times of origin of 46 escalation-related innovations indicated that the latter are concentrated during the Late Triassic to Early Jurassic and in the mid to late Cretaceous. The Jurassic was a time of consolidation, when clades whose members are well adapted to environments rich in enemies underwent rapid and sustained regional diversification in tropical settings. These radiations, which continued into the Cretaceous, were accompanied by relatively low levels of extinction.
Exclusion of subjects with F scores at or above 16 in MMPI research on alcoholism.

The results of these comparisons that used the MacAndrew and Holmes scales suggest that the practice of excluding Ss with F scores at or above 16 may result in the discarding of data on alcoholic and problem-drinking Ss with no appreciable gain in the statistical differentiation of the remaining Ss. In the case of the Hampton scale, application of the rule results in nonsignificant statistical results. Furthermore, the F scale differentiated the groups more effectively than did the Hampton scale. It is suggested that MMPI investigators who use the MacAndrew and other alcoholism scales reexamine the appropriateness of MacAndrew's exclusion rule for their particular samples. Language: en
Electron holographic characterization of nanoscale charge distributions for ultra shallow PN junctions in Si

Abstract This study extends electron holography as a quantitative characterization tool for nanoscale charge distributions associated with ultra shallow PN junctions in Si, which are needed for fabricating nanoscale MOSFETs, Si quantum dots and single electron transistors. The ultra shallow junctions were fabricated using rapid thermal diffusion from a heavily doped n-type surface source onto a heavily doped p-type substrate. Chemical characterization of the dopant profiles was performed using secondary ion mass spectrometry, which were analyzed to derive the metallurgical junction depth. 1-D characterization of the electrical junction depth associated with the electrically activated fraction of the incorporated dopants was performed using off-axis electron holography in a transmission electron microscope. 1-D potential profiles across the p–n junctions derived from electron holographic analysis were used to calculate the electric field and total charge distributions in the space charge region of the p–n junctions using numerical derivatives. Quantitative comparison between calculated electric field and total charge from the measured potential profiles and the simulated distributions using the secondary ion mass spectrometry profiles provide a reasonable estimate of the electrical activation of dopants in the ultra shallow junctions considered for this investigation.
Diurnal tides and shear instabilities in a rotating cylinder

Any slight tilt or tide on the fluid in a rotating cylinder causes periodic motions, whose radiation pressures in the viscous boundary layers force mean differential rotations of the fluid, which are found numerically. At certain fluid depths, even very small tilts can cause shears large enough for perturbations to overcome Ekman friction, causing turbulence. An experiment confirms the theory.
Paradox found (again): infant mortality among the Mexican-origin population in the United States.

Recent research suggests that the favorable mortality outcomes for the Mexican immigrant population in the United States may largely be attributable to selective out-migration among Mexican immigrants, resulting in artificially low recorded death rates for the Mexican-origin population. In this paper, we calculate detailed age-specific infant mortality rates by maternal race/ethnicity and nativity for two important reasons: (1) it is extremely unlikely that women of Mexican origin would migrate to Mexico with newborn babies, especially if the infants were only a few hours or a few days old; and (2) more than 50% of all infant deaths in the United States occur during the first week of life, when the chances of out-migration are very small. We use concatenated data from the U.S. linked birth and infant death cohort files from 1995 to 2000, which provides us with over 20 million births and more than 150,000 infant deaths to analyze. Our results clearly show that first-hour, first-day, and first-week mortality rates among infants born in the United States to Mexican immigrant women are about 10% lower than those experienced by infants of non-Hispanic, white U.S.-born women. It is extremely unlikely that such favorable rates are artificially caused by the out-migration of Mexican-origin women and infants, as we demonstrate with a simulation exercise. Further, infants born to U.S.-born Mexican American women exhibit rates of mortality that are statistically equal to those of non-Hispanic white women during the first weeks of life and fare considerably better than infants born to non-Hispanic black women, with whom they share similar socioeconomic profiles. These patterns are all consistent with the definition of the epidemiologic paradox as originally proposed by Markides and Coreil (1986).
Iron-sulfur cluster biosynthesis: characterization of Schizosaccharomyces pombe Isa1.

Eukaryotic Isa1 is one of several mitochondrial proteins that have been implicated in Fe-S cluster assembly paths in vivo. We report the first biochemical characterization of an eukaryotic member of this family and discuss this in the context of results from in vivo studies and studies of bacterial homologues. Schizosaccharomyces pombe Isa1 is a multimeric protein carrying [2Fe-2S](2+) clusters that have been characterized by Mossbauer and optical spectroscopic studies. Complex formation with a redox-active ferredoxin has been identified through crosslinking experiments and the coordination chemistry and stability of the native clusters has been investigated through site-directed mutagenesis and spectroscopic analysis. Electronic supplementary material to this paper, containing Mossbauer and UV-visible spectra for mutant Isa1 proteins, can be obtained by using the Springer Link server located at http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s00775-001-0330-2.
A Maternal Smad Protein Regulates Early Embryonic Apoptosis in Xenopus laevis

We identified cDNAs encoding the Xenopus Smad proteins most closely related to mammalian Smad8, and we present a functional analysis of this activity (also referred to recently as xSmad11). Misexpression experiments indicate that xSmad8(11) regulates pathways distinct from those regulated by the closely related xSmad1. Embryos that develop from eggs depleted of xSmad8(11) mRNA fail to gastrulate; instead, at the time of gastrulation, they initiate a widespread program of apoptosis, via a CPP32/caspase 3 pathway. Embryos that avoid this fate display gastrulation defects. Activation of apoptosis is rescued by expression of xSmad8(11) but not xSmad1. Our results demonstrate an embryonic requirement for Smad8(11) activity and show that a maternally derived Smad signaling pathway is required for gastrulation and for mediating a cell survival program during early embryogenesis. We suggest that xSmad8(11) functions as part of a maternally derived mechanism shown previously by others to monitor Xenopus early embryonic cell cycles.
CIGRE working group 13.09-monitoring and diagnostic techniques for switching equipment

This paper summarises the work done by CIGRE Working Group 13.09 that resulted in the publication of CIGRE Brochure No 167 "User Guide for the Application of Monitoring and Diagnostic Techniques for Switching Equipment for rated Voltages of 72,5 kV and Above".
Denotational Semantics of Parallelism

This paper studies the denotational semantics of programming language constructs whose operational semantics require interleaving of computations. In particular a semantics is given for recursion equations with a convergence test. A convergence test is a nondeterministic construct which selects among expressions according to which one converges (i.e. takes on a value) first. This denotational semantics is shown to be equivalent to an operational semantics.
The SLAI Methodology: An Aspect-Oriented Requirement Identification Process

Aspect-oriented software development (AOSD) has great potential in reducing software complexity. Aspects have been defined in the implementation phase of software development, but lack clear understanding in the early phases of software development. Without this early focus on aspects, the benefits of aspect-oriented programming are lost. This paper proposes a definition of what an aspect is in the requirements phase of software development that focuses on both functional and non-functional requirements. In addition, this paper presents a methodology, the SLAI (Structured Lexicon for Aspectual Identification) Methodology, for the systematic identification of aspects at this stage. This methodology examines all the vocabulary used to define the requirements of the system to ensure that all terms are reused as much as possible, eliminating similar terms for the same concepts. The SLAI was used in a case study where requirements were systematically analyzed and aspects were identified from both functional and non-functional requirements.
Networks, terrorists and criminals: the implications for community policing

This paper addresses both the connections between criminals and terrorists and the potential overlap and meshing of their networks and considers the implications of these intersections for counterterrorism policies and actions. It concludes with a focus on the community and community policing’s role in the disengagement of terrorists from terrorist organizations. While addressing the intersections between terrorists and criminals and the actions they commit, it explores important distinctions between terrorism and criminality, and the implications these distinctions imply for confronting terrorism and criminality within communities and their effect on successful counter terrorism policies and actions.
Histone Acetylation and Recruitment of Serum Responsive Factor and CREB-Binding Protein Onto SM22 Promoter During SM22 Gene Expression

Chromatin acetylation and deacetylation catalyzed by histone acetyltransferases (HATs) and histone deacetylases (HDACs) are closely related to eukaryotic gene transcription. Although the binding of serum response factor (SRF) to the CArG boxes in the promoter region is necessary for SM22 expression, it has never been examined whether the local chromatin modification is involved in SM22 gene regulation. In this study, we used the SM22 gene as a model to address whether transcriptional activation of the gene can be manipulated through adjusting histone acetylation of the chromatin template and whether SRF- and HAT-containing coactivators can be recruited onto the SM22 promoter region during gene activation. Here, we showed that the stimulation of the SM22 promoter by the coactivator CREB-binding protein (CBP) was dependent on HAT activity. Overexpression of HDACs decreased SM22 promoter activity, whereas trichostatin A, an HDAC inhibitor, stimulated SM22 promoter activity in a CArG box-dependent manner and induced endogenous SM22 gene expression. Chromatin immunoprecipitation assays showed that trichostatin A treatment in 10T1/2 cells induces chromatin hyperacetylation in the SM22 gene. Although histone hyperacetylation of the SM22 gene occurred during SM22 gene expression and SRF and CBP immunocomplexes possess HAT activities in smooth muscle cells, both SRF and CBP were recruited to the CArG box-containing region of the promoter. This study provides evidence that chromatin acetylation is involved in smooth muscle cell-specific gene regulation.
Force field influence on the observation of π-helical protein structures in molecular dynamics simulations

In this study, we have investigated the sampling of π-helical conformations, with i, i + 5 hydrogen bonding, using empirical force fields. From replica exchange molecular dynamics simulations of the helical peptide acetyl-(AAQAA)3-amide using the CHARMM22 force field and implicit solvent, we find rapid conversion from an initial α-helix to π-helical conformations. While this confirms similar studies of different peptides in explicit solvent, it does not agree with experimental data where π-helices are rarely observed. The sampling of π-helices is significantly diminished in favor of canonical α-helices when a newly extended CHARMM22/CMAP force field is used, where the backbone dihedral φ/ψ potential map in a vacuum is matched exactly to high-level quantum mechanical data for an alanine dipeptide model system. Energetic analysis shows that the difference between α- and π-helical conformations of the alanine dipeptide in a vacuum is 2.6 kcal/mol according to quantum mechanical calculations while both confor...
Intercontinental dispersal by a microendemic burrowing reptile (Dibamidae).

Intercontinental dispersal via land bridge connections has been important in the biogeographic history of many Holarctic plant and animal groups. Likewise, some groups appear to have accomplished trans-oceanic dispersal via rafting. Dibamid lizards are a clade of poorly known fossorial, essentially limbless species traditionally split into two geographically disjunct genera: Dibamus comprises approximately 20 Southeast Asian species, many of which have very limited geographical distributions, and the monotypic genus Anelytropsis occupies a small area of northeastern Mexico. Although no formal phylogeny of the group exists, a sister–taxon relationship between the two genera has been assumed based on biogeographic considerations. We used DNA sequence data from one mitochondrial and six nuclear protein-coding genes to construct a phylogeny of Dibamidae and to estimate divergence times within the group. Surprisingly, sampled Dibamus species form two deeply divergent, morphologically conserved and geographically concordant clades, one of which is the sister taxon of Anelytropsis papillosus. Our analyses indicate Palaearctic to Nearctic Beringian dispersal in the Late Palaeocene to Eocene. Alternatively, a trans-Pacific rafting scenario would extend the upper limit on dispersal to the Late Cretaceous. Either scenario constitutes a remarkable long-distance dispersal in what would seem an unlikely candidate.