cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Mouse ghrelin-O-acyltransferase (GOAT) plays a critical role in bile acid reabsorption

Ghrelin is a unique peptide gut hormone that requires post-translational modification to stimulate both feeding and growth hormone release. Ghrelin O-acyltransferase (GOAT) was identified as a specific acyl-transferase for ghrelin, and recent genetic deletion studies of the Goat gene (Goat−/−) uncovered the role of ghrelin in the regulation of glucose homeostasis. To further understand the physiological functions of the GOAT/ghrelin system, we have conducted a metabolomic and microarray profile of Goat-null mice, as well as determined Goat expression in different tissues using the lacZ reporter gene. Serum metabolite profile analysis revealed that Goat−/− mice exhibited increased secondary bile acids >2.5-fold. This was attributed to increased mRNA and protein expression of the ileal sodium-dependent bile acid transporter (ISBT) in the intestinal and biliary tract. Increased expression of additional solute carrier proteins, including Slc5a12 (>10-fold) were also detected in the small intestine and bile du...
Variation of distortion product otoacoustic emissions with furosemide injection

Abstract Cochlear function was monitored in adult gerbils using distortion product otoacoustic emissions (DPOAE) during intraperitoneal injection of furosemide. All stimulus parameters were varied independently over a wide range, the stimulus frequencies f 1 and f 2 from 1 to 16 kHz, and the stimulus levels L 1 and L 2 from 20 to 80 dB SPL. The observed emissions at 2f 1 -f 2 and 3f 1 - 2f 2 could be considered to be made up of two distinct components: (1) an ‘active’ source which depended in a complex way on the stimulus frequencies and levels, which was dominant at low and moderate stimulus levels, and which, by definition, was eliminated by sufficient furosemide intoxication; and (2) a ‘passive’ source which was essentially the same at all frequencies, with a level dependence given approximately by a simple power law distribution. The change from the active to the passive source was usually accompanied by an abrupt shift in emission phase angle. A simple summation model was shown to account for the observed form of this transition. The amount of the decrease in 2f 1 - f 2 emission amplitude after furosemide injection was approximately independent of frequency and consistent for the middle frequency ratios and intensity levels (f 2 /f 1 ≅ 1.3, L 1 × L 2 ≅ 55 × 50 dB SPL). It was concluded that the combination of DPOAE with furosemide injection can usefully be employed as a probe of active cochlear mechanics.
Productivity–biodiversity relationships depend on the history of community assembly

Identification of the causes of productivity–species diversity relationships remains a central topic of ecological research1,2. Different relations have been attributed to the influence of disturbance3,4, consumers5,6, niche specialization7 and spatial scale8,9,10,11,12,13,14. One unexplored cause is the history of community assembly, the partly stochastic sequential arrival of species from a regional pool of potential community members. The sequence of species arrival can greatly affect community structure15,16,17,18,19. If assembly sequence interacts with productivity to influence diversity, different sequences can contribute to variation in productivity–diversity relationships. Here we report a test of this hypothesis by assembling aquatic microbial communities at five productivity levels using four assembly sequences. About 30 generations after assembly, productivity–diversity relationships took various forms, including a positive, a hump-shaped, a U-shaped and a non-significant pattern, depending on assembly sequence. This variation resulted from idiosyncratic joint effects of assembly sequence, productivity and species identity on species abundances. We suggest that the history of community assembly should be added to the growing list of factors that influence productivity–biodiversity patterns.
Evolutionary genetics of the encapsulated strains of Haemophilus influenzae.

Abstract Genetic relationships among 2209 isolates of Haemophilus influenzae of polysaccharide capsule serotypes a, b, c, d, e, and f were determined by analyzing electrophoretically demonstrable allelic variation at 17 chromosomal enzyme loci. We distinguished 280 electrophoretic types (ETs), representing distinctive multilocus genotypes. Genetic diversity among ETs of isolates of the same serotype was, on average, only 67% of that in the total sample, and no ETs were shared among isolates of different serotypes. Cluster analysis of the ETs revealed 2 primary phylogenetic divisions at a genetic distance of 0.66 and 12 major lineages diverging from one another at distances greater than 0.42. In general, strains of different phylogenetic lines or groups of allied lineages have characteristic cap region restriction fragment length polymorphism patterns obtained by digestion of genomic DNA with EcoRI. Strains producing serotype c, e, and f capsules have no close relationships to those of other encapsulated strains. Lineages of both serotype a and b strains occur in each primary phylogenetic division, most probably as a result of the transfer of serotype-specific sequences of the cap region between clonal lineages. Serotype a strains allied in division I with a group of abundant serotype b clones and the serotype d strains apparently are more virulent than the serotype a strains in division II, which are related to serotype b and f strains that rarely cause invasive disease.
Psychiatric Admissions for Alcoholism, Neuroses and Schizophrenia in Rural and Urban Ireland

A comparison of psychiatric admissions (1978-1980), from two Irish representative rural and urban communities, indicated no significant intercommunity difference in incidence rates for alcoholism and schizophrenia but significantly higher urban first admissions for neuroses. Total admissions data indicated significantly higher urban readmission rates for alcoholism and neuroses. In contrast to earlier research, readmission rates for schizophrenia were equivalent in the rural and urban community. Several methodological issues were examined to clarify this divergent finding. A demographic comparison indicated rural schizophrenics were admitted at a later age and were more frequently readmitted. The implications of these findings and directions for future research on hospital utilization were discussed.
Quantum jumps in a single atom; Prolonged darkness in the fluorescence of a resonantly driven cascade

Abstract The fluorescence radiation of a steadily illuminated atom can display intermittent intervals of darkness which are very long compared to all of its natural lifetimes as well as all of its Rabi flopping periods. During these dark intervals the atomic wave function is a coherent superposition of states which develops continuously with time. The average duration τ L of these ultralong radiationless intervals is proportional to the inverse of the intensity of illumination. Thus the intensity can be adjusted so as to change τ L by many orders of magnitude.
Amiodarone-Induced Neuropathies and Related Neurotoxicities:

Objective:To report the frequency and symptomatic characteristics of amiodarone-induced neuropathies and related neurotoxicities.Data Sources:Literature retrieval was accessed through MEDLINE and PubMed (1950–July 2010), using the terms amiodarone, neuropathy, and neurotoxicity. In addition, reference citations from publications identified were reviewed.Study Selection and Data Extraction:All articles published in English retrieved from the data sources were assessed. Case reports, randomized trials, and retrospective medical record analyses were included in the review.Data Synthesis:The frequency and characteristics of amiodarone-induced neurologic disturbances are not well established. We reviewed 7 case reports, 8 randomized trials, and 1 retrospective record analysis. Neurologic adverse reactions associated with amiodarone therapy consistently presented as tremor, gait ataxia, peripheral neuropathy, or a combination. Amiodarone dose and duration of exposure ranged from 200 mg/day to 1200 mg/day and 21...
Functional circuits of new neurons in the dentate gyrus

The hippocampus is crucial for memory formation. New neurons are added throughout life to the hippocampal dentate gyrus (DG), a brain area considered important for differential storage of similar experiences and contexts. To better understand the functional contribution of adult neurogenesis to pattern separation processes, we recently used a novel synapse specific trans-neuronal tracing approach to identify the (sub) cortical inputs to new dentate granule cells (GCs). It was observed that newly born neurons receive sequential innervation from structures important for memory function. Initially, septal-hippocampal cells provide input to new neurons, including transient innervation from mature GCs as well as direct feedback from area CA3 pyramidal neurons. After about 1 month perirhinal (PRH) and lateral entorhinal cortex (LEC), brain areas deemed relevant to integration of novel sensory and environmental information, become substantial input to new GCs. Here, we review the developmental time-course and proposed functional relevance of new neurons, within the context of their unique neural circuitry.
Addressing depletion failure and estimating gear efficiency using back-calculation of capture probabilities

Abstract Removal abundance (N) estimation methods are commonly used in fisheries but if capture probability (p) is not accurately estimated accurate estimates of N cannot be obtained. Further, if adequate depletions are not achieved during removal, this must be addressed to improve data collection and estimation procedures. Here, two disparate research projects are used as case studies to illustrate: (1) a method in Program MARK for back-calculating p estimated by the removal method following depletion failure; and (2) a Program MARK modeling approach used to estimate efficiency of gear deployed in removal studies. In the first case study, a depletion failure occurred in white sucker Catostomus commersonii populations sampled concurrently with rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss populations using a weighted seine. Back-calculation of closed capture–recapture estimates of p was used to account for depletion failure and obtain per-pass estimates of p for both species. The second case study describes a pilot experiment to determine the efficacy of two removal gears deployed to estimate N of fathead minnows Pimephales promelas in cattle troughs. Back-calculation of p was used to select the appropriate gear to complete removal estimates in future studies. Results indicate that using Program MARK to back-calculate estimates of p allows researchers to detect problems associated with capture that may have resulted in depletion failure. Further, the method allows for comparisons of gear efficiency prior to full-scale experimentation.
Emerging and less common fungal pathogens

Less common and emerging fungal pathogens are often resistant to conventional antifungal therapy and may cause severe morbidity and mortality in immunocompromised hosts. Some Scedosporium species may be completely resistant to antifungal therapy. Hyaline septated filamentous fungi, such as Fusarium species, Acremonium species, Paecilomyces species, and Trichoderma species, are increasingly reported as causing invasive mycoses refractory to amphotericin B therapy. Dematiaceous septated filamentous fungi, such as Bipolaris species may cause pneumonia, sinusitis, and CNS infections that are unresponsive to current medical interventions. Trichosporon spp are resistant to the fungicidal effects of amphotericin B. An increasing number of different members of the class Zygomycetes are reported as causing lethal infections, despite aggressive medical and surgical interventions. Infections due to these and other less common and emergent fungal pathogens will likely continue to develop in the settings of selective anti-fungal pressure, permissive environmental conditions, and an expanding population of immunocompromised hosts.
Collective modes in dipolar liquids — detection of dipolar plasmons

Abstract The dipolar plasma resonance has been identified in liquid nitromethane and nitromethane — CCl 4 solutions by menas of the reflection of obliquely incident linearly polarized for infrared radiation. This is the first experimental observation of the dipolar plasmon.
The Razor Blade in the Apple: The Social Construction of Urban Legends

This paper examines the widespread belief that anonymous sadists give children dangerous treats on Halloween. A review of news stories about Halloween sadism from 1958 to 1983 suggests that the threat has been greatly exaggerated. Halloween sadism can be viewed as an urban legend, which emerged during the early 1970s to give expression to growing fears about the safety of children, the danger of crime, and other sources of social strain. Urban legends, like collective behavior and social problems construction, are responses to social strain, shaped by the perception of the threat and social organization.
Accelerated partial breast irradiation is safe and effective using intensity-modulated radiation therapy in selected early-stage breast cancer

Purpose To report the feasibility, toxicity, cosmesis, and efficacy of using intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) with respiratory gating to deliver accelerated partial breast irradiation (APBI) in selected Stage I/II breast cancer after breast-conserving surgery. Methods and Materials Eligible patients with node-negative Stage I/II breast cancer were prospectively enrolled in an institutional review board approved protocol to receive APBI using IMRT after breast-conserving surgery. The target volume was treated at 3.8 Gy/fraction twice daily for 5 days, to a total dose of 38 Gy. Results Thirty-six patients were enrolled for a median follow-up time of 44.8 months. The median tumor size was 0.98 cm (range, 0.08–3 cm). The median clinical target volume (CTV) treated was 71.4 cc (range, 19–231 cc), with the mean dose to the CTV being 38.96 Gy. Acute toxicities included Grade 1 erythema in 44% of patients and Grade 2 in 6%, Grade 1 hyperpigmentation in 31% of patients and Grade 2 in 3%, and Grade 1 breast/chest wall tenderness in 14% of patients. No Grade 3/4 acute toxicities were observed. Grade 1 and 2 late toxicities as edema, fibrosis, and residual hyperpigmentation occurred in 14% and 11% of patients, respectively; Grade 3 telangiectasis was observed in 3% of patients. The overall cosmetic outcome was considered “excellent” or “good” by 94% of patients and 97% when rated by the physician, respectively. The local control rate was 97%; 1 patient died of a non–cancer-related cause. Conclusions APBI can be safely and effectively administered using IMRT. In retrospective analysis, IMRT enabled the achievement of normal tissue dose constraints as outlined by Radiation Therapy Oncology Group 04-13/NSABP B-13 while providing excellent conformality for the CTV. Local control and cosmesis have remained excellent at current follow-up, with acceptable rates of acute/late toxicities. Our data suggest that cosmesis is dependent on target volume size. Further prospective multi-institutional trials should be performed to evaluate IMRT to deliver APBI.
Site-Specific Thermodynamics and Kinetics of a Coiled-Coil Transition by Spin Inversion Transfer NMR

A 33-residue pseudo-wild-type GCN4 leucine zipper peptide is used to probe the equilibrium conformational population in proteins. 13Calpha-NMR shows that chain sites differ in structural content at a given temperature, and that two dimeric folded forms are evident at many sites. Spin inversion transfer experiments are reported bearing on the thermodynamics and kinetics of interconversion of the two dimeric folded forms (Fa Fb) at the 13Calpha-labeled position L13. At each temperature, at conditions wherein the population of unfolded chains is quite small, inversion of the Fa spins via a tuned Gaussian pi-pulse is followed by a time interval (tau), interrogation, and recording of the free induction decay. Fifteen such inversions, with varying tau, provide the time course for recovery of equilibrium magnetization after inversion. Similar experiments follow inversion of the Fb spins. Re-equilibration is known to be modulated by four first-order rate constants: two (T1a(-1) and T1b(-1)) for spin-lattice relaxation intrinsic to the respective sites, and two (kab and kba) for the conformational change. All four follow from joint, Bayesian analysis of all the data at each temperature. The equilibrium constant at each temperature for this local transition, determined simply from the equilibrium relative magnetizations at Fa and Fb sites, agrees well with the kinetic ratio kab/kba. The standard Gibbs energies, enthalpy, and entropy follow. Activation parameters, both ways, are accessible from the rate constants and suggest a transition state with high Gibbs energy and enthalpy, but with entropy between those of Fa and Fb.
Kell sensitization in pregnancy

Maternal anti-Kell antibody was found in 127 of 127,076 pregnancies during a 16-year period (0.1%). Thirteen Kell-sensitized pregnancies ended with a Kell-positive newborn infant, five of these had a poor perinatal outcome (hydrops, intrauterine or neonatal death, hemoglobin less than 7.9 gm, congestive heart failure). Mothers with Kell-positive infants and poor outcome had anti-Kell titers greater than or equal to 1:128 at delivery. With a maternal anti-Kell titer less than 1:32 at delivery, only one baby was Kell positive and mildly affected by hemolytic disease. Spectrophotometric analysis of amniotic fluid (delta optical density at 450 nm) in three of four pregnancies with poor perinatal outcomes revealed values of delta optical density at 450 nm in the high midzone of Liley within 1 week of delivery. Therefore, Kell-sensitized patients have to be managed differently from patients with rhesus sensitization. A management scheme to optimize perinatal outcome in Kell-sensitized pregnancy is described on the basis of this largest reported series of Kell-sensitized pregnancies.
Experience and Preference for Complexity in Children's Choices.

The effects of experience upon preference for stimulus complexity were investigated. On each of 8 trials, children chose a colored candy from 4 simultaneously-presented stimulus arrays of differing complexity levels. Results indicated a significant increase in the level of complexity chosen from Trial 1 to 2, a decrease from 2 to 4, and an increase from 4 to 8 (p < .01). These results support predictions of AL theory but differ from those of Dember and Earl (1957).
Ranking mobility matrices

Abstract A sufficient condition is given for one mobility matrix to display more mobility than another in the sense of Kanbur and Stiglitz.
Paraneoplastic pemphigus: a review of the literature

Paraneoplastic pemphigus is a relatively rare but highly significant acquired mucocutaneous disorder. The condition typically presents in patients with previously diagnosed lymphoreticular disease, primarily malignancies (non-Hodgkin's lymphoma; chronic lymphocytic leukemia). Multiple sites of involvement are common, with the skin affected by a polymorphous eruption that includes lichenoid plaques as well as bullae. The oral lesions occur in all cases and present as painful widespread shallow ulcers with hemorrhagic crusting of the lips. Conjunctival involvement is also seen and may result in scarring. Pulmonary lesions are an ominous sign. Histopathologically, intraepithelial and subepithelial clefting associated with interface dermatitis are seen. A variety of autoantibodies directed against desmoplakins and desmogleins can be identified with immunoprecipitation studies. Treatment with immunosuppressive agents may result in some resolution of the disease, but the prognosis for paraneoplastic pemphigus is considered to be poor.
The labor–machine dyad and its influence on mix flexibility

Abstract The joint, mediating, and interactive effects of three elements of labor and machine flexibility on mix flexibility were tested empirically in a PCB assembly plant. Both subjective and objective data were collected. Some elements of labor and machine flexibility mediated the relationship between an emphasis on competitive priorities and mix flexibility. The interactive effects of machine and labor flexibility on mix flexibility confirmed prior findings that the pursuit of total flexibility is not desirable. For low levels of labor flexibility, increasing machine flexibility yields at the most a very moderate improvement in mix flexibility. When labor flexibility is high, increasing machine flexibility proves to be counter-productive. These results may suggest that the traditional forms of labor flexibility need to evolve when technological capabilities are more fully exploited.
A result on equilibrium matching with search frictions

Abstract Equilibrium sorting in marriage markets with search frictions and transferable utility is considered. In particular, a sufficient condition on payoffs for the formation of matches between agents of the same types is provided.
Molecular Electric Moments and Electric Field Gradients from X-ray Diffraction Data: Model Studies

Model X-ray data sets, with and without the inclusion of experimental thermal motion parameters, have been computed via Fourier transformation of ab initio molecular electron densities for 12 different molecular crystals. These datasets were then analysed with three different multipole models of varying sophistication and, from the multipole functions, molecular dipole and second moments, as well as electric field gradients (EFG's), at each nuclear site were computed and compared with results obtained from the original ab initio wavefunctions. The results provide valuable insight into the reliability of these properties, extracted in the same way from experimental X-ray data. Not all molecular systems display identical trends, but a general pattern is discernible. Specifically, dipole moments are typically underestimated by a small but significant amount (~ 10–15%), the trace of the second moment tensor is well determined but overestimated by a few per cent and electric field gradients at protons are confirmed to be well within reach of a careful charge density analysis of X-ray diffraction data.
A no-rinse alcohol antiseptic and a no-touch dispenser for hand decontamination.

Handwashing has long been recognized as the main way to prevent the spread of infectious agents.' For routine handwashing in hospitals and clinics, antimicrobial agents are probably not needed. However, in certain high-risk situations it makes sense to use an antimicrobial agent' to remove transient and reduce resident microorganisms.2 Alcohol has been described as the "gold standard" for surgical skin preparations"2; it will kill grampositive and gram-negative bacteria, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, fungi, and many viruses.3 Alcohol is colorless, has its own cleaning action, and evaporates quickly from the skin.2 In addition to choosing an antiseptic that is acceptable to hospital and clinic personnel, there is a need to improve techniques that will motivate staff to wash hands.' Personnel who work regularly with patients, and other personnel, such as clinical microbiology laboratory technologists, often move from task to task and cannot or do not take the time to wash hands. For
The Purdue Stepped Approach Model A Heuristic Application to Health Counseling

This article presents an implementation strategy for health counseling based on the Purdue Stepped Approach Model (PM). The PM increases the intensity of interventions presented in a series. Selected issues in behavioral and health counseling that led to the development of the model, including cost-effectiveness, response of clients to treatment, and client commitment to and involvement in the therapeutic process, are discussed. A description of and empirical support for the PM are provided. Procedures and an example of the model's application to health counseling are included. Several potential benefits of the stepped approach are also discussed.
Microphysics of the Rapid Development of Heavy Convective Precipitation

Abstract Two rapidly growing, hail-producing storms observed in Alabama during the Microburst and Severe Thunderstorm project in 1986 were examined: the well-studied single-cell storm case on 20 July 1986 and a single cell within a multicellular storm on 6 July 1986. Both storms are examples of extremely efficient accretional growth processes that produced hail within 10 min. A simple hydrometeor classification algorithm based on multiparameter radar data was used to identify regions within the rain and snow portions of the storm volumes that included hail, graupel, and supercooled rain. By comparing the results of the simple hydrometeor classification algorithm to previous polarimetric analysis and modeling of the 20 July 1986 storm by other authors, the hydrometeor classification methodology for the 6 July 1986 storm was indirectly validated. The microphysical development of hail and graupel was similar for both the single isolated cell storm and a cell within a multicellular storm. Rapid coalescence wi...
Two Distinct Domains Within the N-Terminal Region of Janus Kinase 1 Interact with Cytokine Receptors

The interaction between receptors and kinases of the Janus kinase (Jak) family is critical for signaling by growth factors, cytokines, and IFNs. Therefore, the characterization of the domains involved in these interactions is pivotal not only in understanding kinase activation but also in the development of drugs that mimic or inhibit signaling. In this report, we have characterized the domains of Jak1 required to associate with distinct cytokine receptor subunits: IFN-alpha R beta L, IFN-gamma R alpha, IL-10R alpha, IL-2R beta, and IL-4R alpha. We demonstrate that two regions of Jak1 are necessary for the interaction with cytokine receptors. First, a common N-terminal region that includes Jak homology (JH) domain 7 and the first 19 aa of JH6, and, second, a C-terminal region (JH6-3) that was different for distinct receptors. The contribution of the two different regions of Jak1 to cytokine receptor binding was also variable. Deletion of JH7-6 impaired the association of IL-2R beta and IL-4R alpha chains with Jak1 but did not have a major impact on the binding of Jak1 to IFN-alpha R beta L or IL-10R alpha. Interestingly, regardless of the effect on receptor binding, removal of JH7-6 completely abrogated kinase activation, indicating that this domain is required for ligand-driven kinase activation and, thus, for proper signaling through cytokine receptors.
Control of the Western Grapeleaf Skeletonizer (Lepidoptera: Zygaenidae), a New Grape Pest in the San Joaquin Valley, California

Harrisina brillians Barnes and McDunnough is native to North America, but it first invaded California near San Diego in 1941. An attempt at eradication was not successful. In 1961, the new pest was found in the San Joaquin Valley, where more than two-thirds of California’s billion-dollar grape industry is located. In spite of other attempts at eradication, it became firmly established by 1975 and has caused severe damage to commercial vineyards, backyard grapes, and native wild grapes. Test chemicals were applied at 1,870 liters/ha by hand sprayer. Kryocide, methomyl, naled, carbaryl, and diflubenzuron were applied at 8.97, 0.79, 0.56, 1.12, and 0.14 to 0.28 kg of AI/ha, respectively, and control was ≥99%. Dipel applied at 1.12 kg of Al/ha was less effective, and two applications may be needed to control a vineyard infestation.
Architecture of PLAN: a pipelined-access local ATM network protocol for multimedia applications

This paper presents a shared media ATM LAN architecture known as PLAN (pipelined-access local ATM network) suitable for both LAN and MAN applications. The protocol has been designed for a bidirectional broadcast bus system topology. Stations can be connected at regularly spaced connection points along the bus. This segmentation allows to reduce the bus propagation delay between two successive transmissions to as little as the propagation delay of one segment. This feature helps to effectively reduce the overhead due to bus propagation delay and keep it fixed irrespective of the offered load. The protocol supports tree topology at the cost of slight increase in overhead. The protocol operates in two consecutive phases: one reservation and the other transmission. Although DQDB also limits the propagation delay overhead, the protocol requires the use of 2 buses. Moreover, 2 interfaces per station are required, tree topology networks are not supported, real time traffic is not supported, and an AAL is required to interface with ATM networks. The MLAN protocol addresses most of these problems but suffers from performance deterioration as the number of stations and bus length is increased-hence it is not suitable for the MAN environment. The proposed PLAN protocol (i) operates in the native ATM mode, (ii) guarantees continuous access to real-time traffic and high priority data traffic, (iii) achieves throughput approaching 100% for a 200 station LAN of 1 km length operating at 150 Mbps. The throughput decreases by a fraction of a percent for each kilometer increase in bus length. Based on these and other results, the proposed broadcast bus system PLAN architecture is seen to be well suited for high speed multimedia ATM LAN and MAN applications.
Warm hydrostatic extrusion of polyethylene

Hydrostatic extrusion of high density polyethylene at an extrusion ratio of 15:1 was investigated in the temperature range between 100 and 134°C. A thin-walled tube was extruded having a tensile strength of 370 MPa and a tensile modulus of 10 GPa. The extrusion rate was limited by severe extrudate distortion which occurs at a limiting shear stress under stick-slip conditions. Even during steady extrusion wall slip was evident. At a constant extrusion speed, the extrusion pressure was found to be very sensitive to the extrusion temperature. An increase from 120 to 125°C reduced the extrusion pressure by half. Various thermal pretreatments of the starting billets were found to have little effect on the extrusion behavior and physical properties of the extrudate.
Hepatocyte heterogeneity: the coming of age from the description of a biological curiosity to a partial understanding of its physiological meaning and regulation.

the structural unit into three functional zones was proposed. These were called zones 1, 2 and 3 by Rappaport and are equivalent to the periportal, intermediate and perivenous regions only if the landmark used as reference is a terminal portal venule (3). The general consensus was that the main factor regulating these functional differences was the perfusion of these zones with blood of varying composition. To this extent, hepatocyte heterogeneity was seen as an adaptation to a changing sinusoidal microenvironment, a concept which is still prevalent, although not adequately tested.
Building a modular robot control system using passivity and scattering theory

This paper analyses the problems and presents solutions for building a modular robot control system. The approach requires modeling the entire robot system using multi-dimensional passive networks, breaking the system into subnetwork "modules" and then discretizing the subnetworks, or n-ports, in a passivity preserving fashion. The main difficulty is the existence of "algebraic loops" in the discretized system. This problem is overcome by the use of scattering theory, whereby the inputs and outputs of the n-ports are mapped into wave variables before being discretized. By first segmenting the n-ports into nonlinear memoryless subnetworks and linear dynamic subnetworks and then discretizing using passivity preserving techniques such as Tustin's method, a complete modular robot control solution is obtained.
MOLLUSCAN MARGINALIA: HIDDEN MORPHOLOGICAL DIVERSITY AT THE BIVALVE SHELL EDGE

Molluscan shells exhibit a high and largely neglected diversity of serrations and crenulations at the growing margin. A survey of living and Cenozoic fossil bivalves indicates that serrations, in which the external ribs or interspaces between ribs extend radially beyond the general contour of the valve margin, may be symmetrical or asymmetrical. Projections whose adumbonal edge more nearly parallels the shell edge than the abumbonal edge occur on the posterior valve margins of many limids, cardiids and donacids, as well as in the arcid Anadara and a few concentrically ridged tellinids. In many cardiids, posterior serrations form as extensions of ribs, whereas ventral and anterior projections are extensions of rib interspaces. Asymmetrical serrations are almost always found on shell edges that are polished, indicating that the mantle extends slightly over the valve margin to the outside. I tentatively suggest that asymmetrical serrations enable the valves to close around siphons or other mantle extensions without injuring these soft tissues, so that the bivalve can maintain sensory contact with the environment even while the shell is shut. A preliminary comparison with brachiopods indicates that the diversity of conditions at the shell edge is much higher in bivalves. Together with the largely warm-water and marine distribution of marginal modifications in bivalves, these comparisons reflect the higher metabolic potentials of bivalves relative to brachiopods, and show that the shell edge is a rich source of evidence about function and mode of life in fossils.
Strengthening Unemployment Insurance for the 21st Century: A Roundtable Report

This report summarizes the proceedings of a national roundtable on "Strengthening Unemployment Insurance for the 21st Century," convened by the National Academy of Social Insurance (NASI) in Washington, DC, on July 13, 2010. The roundtable was prompted by the seventy-fifth anniversary of the Social Security Act, which established Unemployment Insurance (UI) as a state-federal program in 1935, and by the Great Recession, which has placed unusual demands and stress on the UI program.The roundtable brought together about 70 government officials, legislative staff, researchers from think tanks and academia, representatives of employers and workers, and other interested parties. The day was organized into six panels, each on a specific aspect of the UI program, plus a final session during which attendees suggested UI program reforms. The first six panels started with brief presentations by at least two UI experts, then moved on to a discussion period and comments from others attendees.
Human Immunoglobulin as a Treatment for West Nile Virus Infection

immunoglobulin (IVIG) [1]. Antibody titers against West Nile virus were 1:1600 in Israeli IVIG; in contrast, North American IVIG preparations had no detectable West Nile virus antibody [1, 2]. A second patient, a lung transplant recipient, also recovered from West Nile virus encephalitis after treatment with Israeli IVIG [3]. Six other subsequently treated patients have had variable outcomes: 2 improved, 2 had no improvement, and 2 eventually died [4] (C. Isada, oral communication; R. Babecoff, written communication). These anecdotal reports, although inconclusive, have stimulated interest in the use of passive immunization for treating severe West Nile virus disease.
Coupled Composite Right/Left-Handed Leaky-Wave Transmission Lines Based on Common/Differential-Mode Analysis

A systematic analysis for two types of symmetrical coupled composite right/left-handed (CRLH) leaky-wave (LW) transmission lines (TL) based on the common/differential-mode excitations is presented. The first proposed coupled CRLH LW-TL is a 4-port via-free coupled CRLH LW-TL that behaves as a conventional CRLH LW-TL under differential-mode excitation. But when common-mode excitation is applied, the structure has the ability to suppress the left-handed waves by operating in the cutoff mode, and only supporting right-handed guided as well as radiating waves. The second type of the proposed coupled CRLH LW-TL is a modification of the first type by inserting vias at the center of the left-handed stub of each unit-cell along the symmetry plane to provide a physical short-circuit to the ground. This structure behaves as a conventional CRLH LW-TL under both common- and differential-mode excitations but with orthogonal polarizations when operating in the fast-wave region. As a result, a dual polarized CRLH LW-TL is obtained.
A Test of the Measurement Validity of the Resistance to Change Scale in Russia and Ukraine

The authors developed a Russian-language version of Oreg’s (2003) Resistance to Change (RTC) Scale, a multidimensional dispositional measure of an individual’s tendency to avoid or resist change, a...
Small reductions in forest cover weaken terrestrial‐aquatic linkages in headwater streams

Summary 1. We assessed the impacts of deforestation on the energy base of headwater food webs in seven headwater streams in the Upper Chattahoochee basin, GA, U.S.A where percentage forest in catchments ranged from 82 to 96%. We measured terrestrial organic matter standing crop and determined consumer (crayfish and insectivorous fish) dependence on terrestrial versus aquatic energy sources via gut content and stable isotope analyses. 2. Standing crop of coarse particulate organic matter (CPOM) declined with deforestation at large scales (i.e. catchment deforestation and riparian deforestation at the entire stream network scale). Terrestrial plant matter, the dominant component of crayfish guts, declined in crayfish guts with reductions in CPOM standing crop and with deforestation. 3. Crayfish and insectivorous fish δ13C showed enrichment trends with deforestation, indicating isotopic divergence from CPOM, the most 13C-depleted basal resource, with reductions in catchment and riparian forest cover. Crayfish δ13C also exhibited enrichment with decreased instream CPOM standing crop. 4. A concentration-dependent mixing model was used to calculate the relative dependence of crayfish and fish on terrestrial versus aquatic basal resources. Results suggested that both allochthonous CPOM and autochthonous production were important basal resources. Consumer dependence on CPOM decreased with reductions in canopy cover. 5. Our data suggest the importance of forest cover to headwater food webs at multiple scales, and that relatively low levels of riparian deforestation along headwater streams can lead to reductions in stream food web dependence on terrestrial subsidies.
Issue-Based Negativity and Candidate Assessment

Citizens are exposed to a great deal of information during election campaigns, much of which takes the form of cues about candidates� positions on issues. This research examines how citizens respond to information cues embedded in negative messages made by candidates about their opponents. Specifically, I examine how such cues influence citizens� views of both the target and the sponsor of the attack. Data from a survey experiment show that citizens use these cues in two ways: (1) they assess the target of the message as holding more extreme ideological positions than the ones the attacker actually espouses; while (2) their assessments of the attack�s sponsor shift in the opposite direction.
Characterization of 5'-regulatory region of human myostatin gene: regulation by dexamethasone in vitro.

We cloned and characterized a 3.3-kb fragment containing the 5′-regulatory region of the human myostatin gene. The promoter sequence contains putative muscle growth response elements for glucocorti...
Accelerator-System Solutions for Broad-Beam Ion Sources

Over 300 space-charge-flow solutions were obtained on a digital computer for an electron-bombardment ion source. Results are presented in both tabular and generalized graphical form for a wide range of geometries and operating conditions. solutions had been obtained by Lathem2'3 and Nudd and Amboss.4 The present study includes over 300 additional solutions, thereby sub- stantially increasing the number of published solutions. The digital computer program of Bogart and Richley5 was used in the present study, together with the plasma sheath condition of Hyman et al.6 and the closure surface technique of Pawlik et al. 7 The use of one computer program and one iteration procedure hopefully avoids some of the scatter that would otherwise be introduced. Although some advantages have been shown for conical hole shapes,l only cylindrical holes were used herein because of their ease of fabrication and widespread use. Method of Solution A screen-hole radius corresponding to 10 mesh squares was used throughout. A larger number of squares would have given greater accuracy, but the required computer time in- creases at least as the second power of the number of squares in a radius for otherwise similar configurations. Inasmuch as well over 100 hr of computer time were used in this study, any substantial increase in the time per solution would have resulted in a reduction in the number of solutions in- vestigated. The upstream plasma sheath was assumed to consist of 10 straight-line segments, with the segments corresponding in location to the 10 mesh squares of radius. This sheath position was iterated to give an ion-current density uniform to better than ± 5%. For the closure surface of the deceleration region, a simple plane surface was used.t This plane was oriented normal to the mean ion-beam direction. The ions have high velocities in the vicinity of the closure surface and are therefore only slightly perturbed by the approximation of the actual complex shape by a plane surface. The procedure for locating the closure surface used the radius from the axis of the beam (from a single hole) within which half the ion-beam current passed. The axial location of the plane closure surface was then selected to give zero electric field at this radius. Most solutions were iterated to find this axial location within one mesh square. The fraction of open screen area was not found
A test of enhancing model accuracy in high-throughput crystallography.

The high throughput of structure determination pipelines relies on increased automation and, consequently, a reduction of time spent on interactive quality control. In order to meet and exceed current standards in model accuracy, new approaches are needed for the facile identification and correction of model errors during refinement. One such approach is provided by the validation and structureimprovement tools of the MOLPROBITY web service. To test their effectiveness in high-throughput mode, a large subset of the crystal structures from the SouthEast Collaboratory for Structural Genomics (SECSG) has used protocols based on the MOLPROBITY tools. Comparison of 29 working-set and 19 control-set SECSG structures shows that working-set outlier scores for updated Ramachandran-plot, sidechain rotamer, and all-atom steric criteria have been improved by factors of 5- to 10-fold (relative to the control set or to a Protein Data Bank sample), while quality of covalent geometry, Rwork ,R free, electron density and difference density are maintained or improved. Some parts of this correction process are already fully automated; other parts involve manual rebuilding of conformations flagged by the tests as trapped in the wrong local minimum, often altering features of functional significance. The ease and effectiveness of this technique shows that macromolecular crystal structures from either traditional or high-throughput determinations can feasibly reach a new level of excellence in conformational accuracy and reliability.
Intrusion Detection with Neural Networks

With the rapid expansion of computer networks during the past few years, security has become a crucial issue for modern computer systems. A good way to detect illegitimate use is through monitoring unusual user activity. Methods of intrusion detection based on hand-coded rule sets or predicting commands on-line are laborous to build or not very reliable. This paper proposes a new way of applying neural networks to detect intrusions. We believe that a user leaves a 'print' when using the system; a neural network can be used to learn this print and identify each user much like detectives use thumbprints to place people at crime scenes. If a user's behavior does not match his/her print, the system administrator can be alerted of a possible security breech. A backpropagation neural network called NNID (Neural Network Intrusion Detector) was trained in the identification task and tested experimentally on a system of 10 users. The system was 96% accurate in detecting unusual activity, with 7% false alarm rate. These results suggest that learning user profiles is an effective way for detecting intrusions.
Comparative distribution of dopamine D-1 and D-2 receptors in the basal ganglia of turtles, pigeons, rats, cats, and monkeys.

The distribution and density of dopamine D-1 and D-2 receptors were studied in the basal ganglia of adult turtles, pigeons, rats, cats, and monkeys. Dopamine receptors were measured in vitro by quantitative autoradiography in alternate sections processed for D-1 and D-2 receptor subtypes and compared to adjacent sections stained for acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity. [3H]-SCH 23390 and [3H]-spiroperidol were used to label the D-1 and D-2 dopamine receptor subtypes, respectively. The anatomic distribution of both D-1 and D-2 receptors in the basal ganglia was remarkably similar across all species examined. Whereas the absolute number of D-1 and D-2 receptors in the basal ganglia varied between species, the percentage of D-1 and D-2 receptors in a region was quite similar among species. The pattern of binding to the D-1 and D-2 receptor varied among the different species. The adult turtles, pigeons, and rats demonstrated non-patchy D-1 and D-2 receptor binding in the striatum and pallidum. The adult cat and monkey caudate nucleus and putamen demonstrated mildly heterogeneous receptor binding in a pattern that differed from that seen with AChE staining, but did occasionally demonstrate similar patterns of the D-1 and D-2 receptor subtypes, The immature cat striatum was characterized by heterogeneous D-1 receptor binding that corresponded to heterogeneous AChE rich patches, whereas D-2 receptor binding was homogeneous. Heterogeneous binding was seen in other basal ganglia structures including the nucleus accumbens, olfactory tubercle, and substantia nigra pars compacta and reticulata. Complementary D-1 and D-2 receptor binding patterns were seen in the pallidum and substantia nigra of the mammals. The results of this study indicate that both D-1 and D-2 dopamine receptors are present in the basal ganglia of five different vertebrates. A common feature of dopamine receptors in the basal ganglia is their heterogeneity in distribution and density. The heterogeneity of dopamine receptors has similarities to and differences from the distribution of presynaptic dopamine and other neurotransmitter markers of the basal ganglia.
Unlocking Short Read Sequencing for Metagenomics

Background: Different high-throughput nucleic acid sequencing platforms are currently available but a trade-off currently exists between the cost and number of reads that can be generated versus the read length that can be achieved. Methodology/Principal Findings: We describe an experimental and computational pipeline yielding millions of reads that can exceed 200 bp with quality scores approaching that of traditional Sanger sequencing. The method combines an automatable gel-less library construction step with paired-end sequencing on a short-read instrument. With appropriately sized library inserts, mate-pair sequences can overlap, and we describe the SHERA software package that joins them to form a longer composite read. Conclusions/Significance: This strategy is broadly applicable to sequencing applications that benefit from low-cost highthroughput sequencing, but require longer read lengths. We demonstrate that our approach enables metagenomic analyses using the Illumina Genome Analyzer, with low error rates, and at a fraction of the cost of pyrosequencing.