cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The transcription factor Sox6 controls renin expression during renal artery stenosis

Background: Renal artery stenosis (RAStenosis) or renal artery occlusion is an intractable problem affecting about 6% of people over 65 and up to 40% of the people with coronary or peripheral vascular disease in the Unites States. In RAStenosis, the renal renin angiotensin aldosterone system (RAAS) plays a key role, with renin recognized as the disease driver. Renin is mainly produced in the kidney and in this study, we will determine a new function for the transcription factor Sox6 in the control of renal renin during RAStenosis. Method: We hypothesize that knocking out Sox6 in Ren1d positive cells will protect mice against renovascular hypertension, and kidney injury. To test our hypothesis, we used a new transgenic mouse model the Ren1dcre/Sox6fl/fl (Sox6 KO). In this mouse, Sox6 is knockout in renin expressing cells. We used a modified two kidney one clip (2K1C) Goldblatt mouse model to induce RAStenosis and renovascular hypertension. Blood pressure was measured with tail-cuff method. Renin, prorenin, Sox6, and N-GAL expressions levels were measured with Western blot, in situ hybridization, and immunohistochemistry. Creatinine levels were measured with colorimetric assay. Results: Systolic blood pressure was significantly lower in Sox6 KO two weeks after RAStenosis compared to Sox6 WT (Ren1dcre/Sox6wt/wt). When stenosed kidneys were compared, renin, prorenin, and N-GAL expressions levels in the kidney were lower in Sox6 KO compared to Sox6 WT mice. Furthermore, creatinine clearance was preserved in Sox6 KO compared to Sox6 WT mice. Conclusions: Our data indicate that Sox6 controls renal renin and prorenin expression and as such has a new function in renovascular hypertension induced by RAStenosis. These results point to a novel transcriptional regulatory network controlled by Sox6.
Blood Flow Restriction Training for the Shoulder: A Case for Proximal Benefit.

Background:Although blood flow restriction (BFR) is becoming increasingly popular in physical therapy and athletic training settings, little is known about the effects of BFR combined with low-inte...
Impedance-based measures of muscle mass can be used to predict severity of hepatic steatosis in pediatric nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.

Abstract Objectives The objective of this study was to investigate the association between measures of body composition based on bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) and histologic severity of liver disease in a pediatric cohort with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Methods This was a cross-sectional study of patients Results Of the 79 children included (27% female, 73% male; 38% Hispanic; median age, 13 y; median body mass index Z-score, 2.43), the median NAFLD Activity Score was 4 (interquartile range, 3–5). In multivariable regression analyses, the skeletal muscle mass index was negatively associated with hepatic steatosis after controlling for confounders (odds ratio, 0.76; 95% confidence interval, 0.62–0.93). Similarly, the appendicular muscle mass index was negatively associated with severity of hepatic steatosis severity (odds ratio, 0.69; 95% confidence interval, 0.53–0.90). In contrast, percentage body fat was not associated with hepatic steatosis. NAFLD Activity Score, lobular inflammation, ballooning scores, and fibrosis stage were not associated with measures of body composition. Conclusions There is an inverse association between BIA-based measures of muscle mass and severity of hepatic steatosis in children with NAFLD. BIA data could further inform clinical decision making in this context.
Should Patients With Non-Muscle-Invasive Bladder Cancer Discontinue Fibrin Clot Inhibitors During BCG?

OBJECTIVE Previous reports attempting to evaluate the clinical efficacy of intravesical bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) therapy in patients taking fibrin clot inhibitors (FCI) have yielded conflicting results and are primarily based on patient cohorts treated with only induction BCG. As a result, patients may receive conflicting instructions about whether or not to stop FCIs prior to BCG therapy. We aim to determine the impact of FCI use on oncological outcomes in a large contemporary cohort of patients with non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) treated with adequate BCG. PATIENTS AND METHODS We performed an institutional review board-approved review of patients with NMIBC treated with adequate intravesical BCG, at our institution between 2000 and 2018. Fibrin clot inhibitor use at the time of BCG therapy was recorded for each patient. Patients were stratified according to use of FCI medication. Recurrence- and progression-free survival were analysed using Kaplan-Meier methods and Cox proportional hazard models. RESULTS Overall, 226 of 526 patients (43.0%) used a FCI: aspirin (n=205), clopidogrel (n=38), warfarin (n=18) and novel oral anticoagulant (NOAC; n=7). The use of FCIs did not adversely affect either recurrence- or progression-free survival (p=0.385 and p=0.131 respectively). These results did not change when the impact of aspirin, clopidogrel or warfarin/NOAC use on recurrence and progression was evaluated separately. On multivariate analysis, FCI use was neither associated with tumour recurrence nor progression. CONCLUSION The use of fibrin clot inhibitors was not associated with adverse oncological outcomes in a large contemporary cohort of patients receiving adequate intravesical BCG for non-muscle invasive bladder cancer. Based on these results, fibrin clot inhibitors may be safely continued during BCG immunotherapy.
Divergence of Opinion, Uncertainty, and the Quality of Initial Public Offerings

Using a sample of 2,025 initial public offerings (IPOs) from 1993-1996, we examine the relation between the divergence of opinion among investors and the long-run performance of IPOs. We focus on three opening-day proxies for the uncertainty about an IPO: opening bid-ask spread, the time of first trade, and the flipping ratio. After controlling for issue quality, we find all three variables provide significant predictive ability to explain long-run IPO returns. Specifically, a large opening spread, a late opening trade, and a high flipping ratio are associated with poor long-run returns. Our findings are consistent with Miller (1977), who demonstrates that divergence of opinion leads to both short-run overvaluation and long-run underperformance of IPOs.
Abstract PR14: PTEN-Long and gemcitabine combination treatment as a therapeutic for pancreatic cancer

PTEN is the second most frequently altered tumor suppressor found in human cancer, and is downregulated in a majority of pancreatic tumors. PTEN-Long is an endogenously expressed translational variant of this tumor suppressor that is identical to PTEN with the exception of an additional N-terminal region that gives this variant the ability to cross the cell membrane. Purified PTEN-Long can be used therapeutically to restore lost PTEN function, and has provoked profound regressions in PTEN null xenograft models. Here we explore the effect of PTEN-Long therapy in pancreatic cancer, both in the presence and absence of endogenous PTEN. In preliminary data, we found that combining PTEN-Long with chemotherapy extended overall survival in a clinically predictive genetically engineered mouse model of PDA (K-ras LSL.G12D/+ ; p53 LSL.R172H/+ ;PdxCre, called KPC). To explore PTEN-Long’s ability to enter various tissues we performed pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic experiments. We also utilized a surgical biopsy technique to obtain paired pre- and post-treatment tumor samples. These experiments demonstrated that PTEN-Long is able to alter canonical PTEN/PI3K signaling within pancreatic tumor tissues. Finally, we treated PTEN deficient mice (K-ras LSL.G12D/+ ; PTEN Flox/+ ; PdxCre) with PTEN-Long in an attempt to model the therapeutic response of the ~5% of human pancreatic tumors that are genetically PTEN null. Longitudinal ultrasound imaging of the first of these mice suggests that these mice have more significant and prolonged regressions compared to KPC mice following PTEN-Long treatment. This abstract is also presented as Poster A86. Citation Format: Roshan Ara Ahmed, Benjamin Hopkins, Carmine Palermo, Steve A. Sastra, Zachary Rapp, Ramon Parsons, Kenneth P. Olive. PTEN-Long and gemcitabine combination treatment as a therapeutic for pancreatic cancer. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference on Pancreatic Cancer: Innovations in Research and Treatment; May 18-21, 2014; New Orleans, LA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2015;75(13 Suppl):Abstract nr PR14.
New Antimicrobials in Ophthalmology

This article discusses the newest antibiotics, antivirals, and antifungals and their application in ophthalmology. The literature is reviewed to present the latest research on topical antibiotics, with particular attention to the newest classes of fluoroquinolones, new oral and topical antifungals, and new oral antivirals. Data comparing in vitro susceptibilities and minimum inhibitory concentrations of the antibiotics and antifungals are presented in tabular form.
The Pacific quasi‐decadal oscillation (QDO): An important precursor toward anticipating major flood events in the Missouri River Basin?

Measurements taken by the Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment satellites indicated a continued water storage increase over the Missouri River Basin (MRB) prior to the 2011 flood event. An analysis of the major hydrologic variables in the MRB, i.e., those of soil moisture, streamflow, groundwater storage, and precipitation, show a marked variability at the 10–15 year time scale coincident with the water storage increase. A climate diagnostic analysis was conducted to determine what climate forcing conditions preceded the long-term changes in these variables. It was found that precipitation over the MRB undergoes a profound modulation during the transition points of the Pacific quasi-decadal oscillation and associated teleconnections. The results infer a prominent teleconnection forcing in driving the wet/dry spells in the MRB, and this connection implies persistence of dry conditions for the next 2 to 3 years.
Influence of Prior Deformation and Composition on Continuous Cooling Sensitization of AISI 304 Stainless Steel

Abstract This paper addresses the question of the combined effect of carbon content and prior cold work on the sensitization of AISI 304 stainless steel (SS). It was found that prior.cold work increased the critical cooling rate required to produce sensitization (i.e., made it easier) for steels containing from 0.017 to 0.077 wt% C. Both A262 practice A and practice E tests were used. The A262A test revealed sensitization at higher cooling rates than the A262E test (for all heats studied). The influence of peak temperature was also studied. Sensitization was found to be most rapid when the peak temperature was in the 700 to 800 C range, with the exact temperature depending upon the carbon content.
Electrochemical studies of octadecanethiol and octanethiol films on variable surface area mercury sessile drops

Octadecanethiol (ODT) and octanethiol (OT) films at the mercury-electrolyte interface are examined using cyclic voltammetry and differential capacitance measurements at a single frequency. A mercury flow-system is used to alter the volume, and therefore, the surface area and surface pressure of the mercury electrode. Manipulation of the mercury electrode's volume enables the introduction and removal of defects in the insulating thiol films. OT and ODT film behavior are contrasted under conditions of expansion and contraction. ODT forms extremely impermeable layers that allow 1000 time less redox probe current than seen on uncoated drops. Expansion of the mercury electrode to increase the electrode surface area produces defects and pinholes in the thiol film. These defects are almost completely removed when the drop is compressed back to its initial surface area. OT also forms insulating films on mercury sessile drops, however these films contain more defects than ODT films. While expansion of an OT-coated mercury drop increases redox probe current, recompression of the drop does not return the film to its initial condition. Pinholes and defects in the OT and ODT films can also be produced by cycling to negative potentials, which produce abrupt stripping peaks.
Cardiac Tamponade and Constrictive Pericarditis Complicating Endoscopic Sclerotherapy

• We report a case of suspected esophageal perforation with injection of a sclerosing agent into the pericardium during endoscopic sclerotherapy of esophageal varices. Immediately after the procedure, the patient developed fever and a pericardial friction rub. Eight months later, he presented with cardiac tamponade and constrictive pericarditis. This complication should be considered whenever a patient presents with inadequate cardiac output, venous congestion, and a pulsus paradoxus following sclerotherapy. ( Arch Intern Med 1987;147:2169-2170)
THE FLORAL MORPHOLOGY OF THE POLEMONIACEAE

THE POLEMONIACEAE, comprising twelve genera and about three hundred species, while clearly defined as a natural order of plants, show unusual difficulties in the determination of generic relationships. The entire group is so closely interrelated that absolute characters, which could serve as a basis to separate genera and species taxonomically, are lacking. Since the time of Jussieux (1789) this family has presented an interesting but baffling problem for systematists. Authors have differed widely in their definition of genera. This uncertainty of status is reflected in the confusion of nomenclature existing today, as well as in the wide variations of opinions regarding the merging or segregation of genera and species. Not only have problems arisen within the family, but differences of opinion on derivation and origin are met with on every hand. The uncertainty extends from the suggestion of Rendle (1925) that the Polemoniaceae came from a sympetalous type akin to the Rosales, to that of Hutchinson (1926), who assigns their derivation to the Geraniales. Moreover, Hallier (1905) and Bessey (1915) have considered the family to be an advanced type derived from the Primulaceae. Recent investigations in floral anatomy have demonstrated the fallibility of interpreting floral structures on general morphological features alone. In view of this fact, a careful study of the vascular structure of the flowers and fruits of the Polemoniaceae, together with representative forms of the Caryophyllaceae and Geraniaceae, was made to determine, if possible, the relationships existing both within and without the group. The writer wishes to express her gratitude to Dr. Arthur J. Eames of Cornell University for his assistance and kindly criticisms in this study. Her grateful thanks go to several contributors of material, among them Dr. David Keck of the Carnegie Institution at Washington, Dr. John Thomas Howell of the California Academy of Sciences, Dr. P. A. Munz of Pomona College, Dr. Fred Emerson of the New Mexico Normal University at Las Vegas, New Mexico, Mr. George Peranian of Utah Agricultural College at Logan, Utah, Dr. A. J. Sharp of the University of Tennessee at Knoxville, Tepnnessee, and to Dr. Minna Koch for her many helpful suggestions. The taxonomic treatment used as a basis was that of A. Brand in Engler's " Das Pflanzenreich" (1907). Representatives from each of the twelve genera, including about 125 species, were examined. For this purpose flowers and fruits in various stages of development were prepared by fixing in 70 per cent alcohol and embedding in paraffin. Complete serial sections were then cut 12 ,. in thickness and stained with crystal violet and erythrosin (1926). FLORAL STRUCTURE.-The Polemoniaceae, a family comprised of annual, biennial, and perennial herbs,
A Ramsey Theorem in Boyer-Moore Logic

We use the Boyer-Moore Prover, Nqthm, to verify the Paris-Harrington version of Ramsey's theorem. The proof we verify is a modification of the one given by Ketonen and Solovay. The theorem is not provable in Peano Arithmetic, and one key step in the proof requires e0 induction.
Received signal strength-based sensor localization in spatially correlated shadowing

Wireless sensor localization using received signal strength (RSS) measurements is investigated in this paper. Most studies for RSS localization assume that the shadowing components are uncorrelated. However in this paper, we assume that the shadowing is spatially correlated. Under this condition, it can be shown that the localization accuracy can be improved if the correlation among links is taken into consideration. Avoiding the maximum likelihood (ML) convergence problem, we derive a novel semidefinite programming (SDP) approach by converting the corresponding noncovex ML estimator into a convex one. The performance of the proposed SDP estimator is compared with the ML estimator and previously considered estimators. Computer simulations show that the proposed SDP estimator outperforms the previously considered estimators in both uncorrelated and correlated shadowing environments.
New catalysts and reactor designs for the hydrogen economy

Abstract New catalyst and reactor designs are necessary to meet the expanding use of low temperature hydrogen based fuel cells. Residential and commercial power generation requires the reformer integrated to the fuel cell must be sufficiently small given that space is often a premium in many of these applications. Precious metal washcoated monolithic structures, similar to those successfully used since 1975 in automobile catalytic converters [1] , provide high activity per unit reactor volume, low pressure drop and greater structural stability than traditional base metal catalysts in packed beds and thus are well suited for distributed hydrogen applications, New precious metal catalysts, with high activity densities, have been formulated for hydrogen generation since traditional base metal oxides have much lower activities per unit mass and thus are not sufficiently active when used in limited amounts as washcoats. The higher cost of precious metals is mitigated by savings due to reduced system size and existing metal recycling operations. Catalytic fuel processing, of infrastructure fuels (e.g. natural gas and LPG), are being reformed for the fuel cell to power homes, commercial and residential buildings, schools, hospitals. Such systems must operate safely and reliably in the user facilities while unattended. This brief review will illustrate the application of automotive washcoating technology to reformers for distributed hydrogen applications.
A new hydroxyethylamine class of HIV-1 protease inhibitors with high antiviral potency and oral bioavailability

Abstract A new hydroxyethylamine class of inhibitors was designed combining features from our clinical candidate, L-735,524, along with small heterocyclic P 2 -ligands developed in these laboratories. Highly potent inhibitors possessing subnanomolar IC 50 's have been identified, which exhibit good antiviral potency in cell culture. L-738,872, a representative inhibitor in this class, showed 34% oral bioavailability in dogs.
The tyranny of here and now

About fifteen years ago, a prominent economic historian told me it was time for sociologists to perform the same coup in social history that economists had brought off in economic history: sociologists should reorganize the historical discipline's theory and practice as their own special province of applied social science. By then economic historywhich had previously included a great deal of description, much institutional analysis, but little formal modeling-had become an intensely technical field, with a large number of its arguments coming directly from neoclassical economics. My interlocutor thought sociologists should try a similar revamping of social history. It didn't happen. Since then sociologists have strongly influenced the ideas and practices of social historians; talk of social mobility, of life tables, of log-linear modeling has crept into social historians' journals, meetings, and yarn-swapping. Yet social history has not dissolved into sociology. Social history has survived-even thrived. These days, in fact, social historians often consort with anthropologists, and sometimes dare to turn their backs on sociologists as uncouth, crass, and insensitive to meaning. How could a discipline with so little visible intellectual fiber resist the analytic power of sociology? Answer: the fiber was invisible, but tough. And the analytic power of sociology, when applied to the serious problems of social history, often turned out to be illusory. Social history, as usually practiced, examines the connections between the lives of ordinary people and very large structures and processes. Social historians commonly ask these sorts of questions: how do relations between parents and children change with the expansion of markets for wage-labor? In what ways do the work experiences of landholding peasants, serfs, and free agricultural laborers differ? What is it like to live through a revolution? These questions normally apply to a particular era and locality, although the era and locality are sometimes as broad as, say, the western world since the year 1000. In that perspective, a large part of what we call sociology resembles a
War is not Healthy for Children and Other Living Things

War systematically destroys physical environments and ecosystems. Although the Machel Study contributed much to our understanding about the psychosocial impacts of war on children, the Study did not link their suffering to the habitat destruction always caused by armed conflict. This article extends the Machel Study by discussing the ways that damaged environments lead to children's physical and psychological harm, especially through disease, displacement, landmines, and soldiering. The devastating effects of war on physical environments are discussed in both historical and contemporary eras, and implications for psycho-ecological healing are addressed.
On the non-local aspects of stress in a viscoelastic medium∗

Abstract After adopting the constitutive equations of the viscoelastic non-local media in the form of Kroener-Eringen-Ahmadi, and making use of the Fourier exponential transformation, fundamental equations for the propagation of plane longitudinal harmonic waves in the Voigt-Kelvin and the Maxwell media are established. In each case the wave dispersion is examined, and the associated equation found to be non-linear. A more detailed analysis of the results obtained is given, and two simple numerical examples are solved, and illustrated by a graph.
Moderator Variables in Social Work Research

Moderator variables are "third variables" that affect the size or nature of the relationship between an independent and dependent variable. Because of this role, such expressions as specification, contingency, conditional, and qualification have been used in reference to moderator variables. In classical experimental research in psychology, moderator variables have been referred to as involved in "interaction effects" with the independent variable. Considering their important role in specifying under what conditions and for what subgroups variables will have significant effects, surprisingly little attention has been awarded moderator variables in social work research. This paper reviews the history of moderator variable applications in the related disciplines and exemplifies recent applications in the study of gender discrimination and research on stress, strain, and social support. Special attention is given to the comparison of correlations and slopes, factorial analysis of variance, and moderated regr...
Evaluating methods for predicting indoor residential volatile organic compound concentration distributions.

Accurate modeling of exposure to volatile organic compounds (VOCs) over a large study population depends on proper characterization of concentrations in the indoor residential environment. However, owing to the high expense of field sampling campaigns for determining indoor air concentrations, such studies have only been conducted for limited populations. Therefore, there is a need to determine the degree to which results can be extrapolated to unstudied settings through the use of models, the most appropriate information required to do so and the potential errors associated with the use of sub-optimal information. The goal of this analysis is to evaluate three different source indicators used to predict indoor VOC concentration distributions for a new study population. Data from two field studies are used. For each data set, source strength, indoor–outdoor (I–O) difference and indoor/outdoor (I/O) ratio, collectively referred to as source indicators, are calculated and fit with distributions. These distributions, as well as distributions for air exchange, volume and outdoor concentrations for the new study population, are used for predicting indoor concentrations using Monte Carlo simulations, which are then compared with actual distributions. As expected, the source strength often provides the most effective predictions (11 out of 20 instances), but is slightly outperformed by, although is still comparable with, the I–O difference on some occasions (4 out of 20). The I/O ratio generally has the greatest prediction errors, given its dependence on outdoor concentrations, but performs optimally in a limited number of cases (5 out of 20). When deciding between the source strength and I–O difference, one must consider the availability and fidelity of both current and future data. On the basis of our findings, exposure-monitoring studies should report the distribution statistics for I–O differences and, if the data are available, for source strengths.
Cloning and chromosomal mapping of mouse seminal vesicle protein F.

Seminal vesicle proteins (SVPs) are made by male rodents, and form the copulatory plug following mating. Here we report a partial nucleotide sequence of a mouse clone homologous to rat SVP F. Unexpectedly, we found that SVP F-related transcripts are expressed at high levels in mouse skeletal muscle. We mapped mouse SVP F to mouse chromosome 15 using somatic cell hybrid lines. © 1993 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Alternatives to the Randomized Controlled Trial

Public health researchers are addressing new research questions (e.g., effects of environmental tobacco smoke, Hurricane Katrina) for which the randomized controlled trial (RCT) may not be a feasible option. Drawing on the potential outcomes framework (Rubin Causal Model) and Campbellian perspectives, we consider alternative research designs that permit relatively strong causal inferences. In randomized encouragement designs, participants are randomly invited to participate in one of the treatment conditions, but are allowed to decide whether to receive treatment. In quantitative assignment designs, treatment is assigned on the basis of a quantitative measure (e.g., need, merit, risk). In observational studies, treatment assignment is unknown and presumed to be nonrandom. Major threats to the validity of each design and statistical strategies for mitigating those threats are presented.
An evaluation of the relaxation component of induced anxiety

The efficacy of two induced anxiety procedures on high and low trait-anxious individuals was investigated. Twenty-four males and 24 females were selected by A-Trait scores and randomly assigned to one of the two induced anxiety procedures or to a no-treatment control. Results indicated that the relax-induce-no relax-discuss variant of induced anxiety was superior to the standard procedure of relax-induce-relax-discuss. An extinction model of the effects of induced anxiety was proposed.
Scaled-down genetic analysis of myotonic dystrophy type 1 and type 2

Types 1 and 2 myotonic dystrophy are neuromuscular disorders caused by genomic expansions of simple sequence repeats. These mutations are unstable in somatic cells, which leads to an age-dependent increase of expansion length. Studies to determine whether changes in repeat size may influence disease severity are limited by the small amount of DNA that can be recovered from tissue biopsies samples. Here we used locked nucleic acid oligonucleotide probes and rolling circle amplification to determine length of the expanded repeat in sub-microgram quantities of genomic DNA. These methods can facilitate genetic analysis in cells and tissues obtained from individuals with myotonic dystrophy.
RELATIVELY LOW PREJUDICE IN A RACIALLY ISOLATED GROUP

Summary.-This study compared the social distance scores of 84 rural high school smdents attending dl-white high schools in an all-white section of Alabama with the scores of 224 students attending an integrated school in a small city. The students from the all-white schools expressed more favorable attitudes toward Negroes (t = 5.27, df = 1/385, fi < .001). It was not possible to arrange a re-test at the integrated school, but a re-test at the all-white schools about 6 mo. later involving 91 smdents showed that atdmdes at these schools had improved significantly (i = 3.68, df = 1/385, fi < .001). This study compared attitudes at two all-white high schools in an all-white section of rural Alabama with attitudes in an integrated high school in a small city in Alabama. Such a comparison seems relevant to the hypothesis that racial isolation leads ro poor attit~des and that racial contact reduces prejudice. It seems llkely that most psychologists would agree with this hypothesis and that they support school integration, in part, because they believe it will improve racial attitudes. Much opinion and research can be cited in support of the hypothesis. Pettigrew (1969a, p. 50) stated that those who experience only segregated education are more likely to reflect separatist behavior and attimdes as adults and that racial separatism is a cumulative process which feeds on itself and leads its victims to prefer continued separation. He stated that white and Negro children who had been to school with each other prefer interracial friends and interracial schools ( 1969b). Any number of investigations focused on specific instances of integration have indicated favorable consequences. Deutsch and Collins (1951) reported impressive decreases in prejudice as a function of residence in integrated housing. Also very impressive nre data from survey studies which show large improvements in attitudes as an apparent function of the integration efforts of recent years. The Coleman Report (1966, p. 333) indicated that whites attending integrated public schools were less likely to prefer segregated classrooms and were less likely co refuse blacks as close friends. The United States Commission on Civil Rights (1967) found that adults who had attended interracial schools were more likely to have positive attitudes toward the other race. The U. S. Deparunent of Health, Education, and Welfare (1969) sampled 1230 persons in 13 school districts in Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, South Carolina, and Tennessee. The report concluded that integration goes more smoothly as time goes on and generally improves the feelings of those involved. Schwartz (1967) reviewed a number of public opinion polls to verify a general longrange trend toward more favorable attitudes. Improvement in attitudes as an
Simultaneous liquid scintillation determination of239Pu and241Am in tissue

A liquid scintillation counting method for the simultaneous determination of Pu and Am, with a two-phase cocktail, has been applied to the analysis of a tissue sample from an accidental exposure incident. The sample contained239Pu,241Pu, and241Am. In addition to analysis by two liquid scintillation counting techniques, analysis of the sample was performed by α-spectroscopy and ZnS scintillation techniques, and the results were compared. The presence of241Pu interfered with the liquid scintillation determination of241Am when the two-phase cocktail was used, but the results were in agreement sufficient to be useful in determining what course of treatment, if any, might be necessary for the patient.
Effects of Increased Glucokinase Gene Copy Number on Glucose Homeostasis and Hepatic Glucose Metabolism

The relationship between glucokinase (GK) gene copy number and glucose homeostasis was studied in transgenic mice with additional copies of the entire GK gene locus (Niswender, K. D., Postic, C., Jetton, T. L., Bennett, B. D., Piston, D. W., Efrat, S., and Magnuson, M. A. (1997) J. Biol. Chem.272, 22564–22569). The plasma glucose concentration was reduced by 25 ± 3% and 37 ± 4% in mice with one or two extra copies of the gene locus, respectively. The basis for the hypoglycemic phenotype was determined using metabolic tracer techniques in chronically cannulated, conscious mice with one extra GK gene copy. Under basal conditions (6-h fasted) transgenic mice had a lower blood glucose concentration (−12 ± 1%) and a slightly higher glucose turnover rate (+8 ± 3%), resulting in a significantly higher glucose clearance rate (+21 ± 2%). Plasma insulin levels were not different, suggesting that increased glucose clearance was due to augmented hepatic, not islet, GK gene expression. Under hyperglycemic clamp conditions the transgenic mice had glucose turnover and clearance rates similar to the controls, but showed a lower plasma insulin response (−48 ± 5%). Net hepatic glycogen synthesis was markedly elevated (+360%), whereas skeletal muscle glycogen synthesis was decreased (−40%). These results indicate that increased GK gene dosage leads to increased hepatic glucose metabolism and, consequently, a lower plasma glucose concentration. Increased insulin secretion was not observed, even though the transgene is expressed in islets, because hypoglycemia causes a down-regulation in islet GK content (Niswender, K. D., Postic, C., Jetton, T. L., Bennett, B. D., Piston, D. W., Efrat, S., and Magnuson, M. A. (1997) J. Biol. Chem. 272, in press).
Block of persistent late Na+ currents by antidepressant sertraline and paroxetine

Antidepressants, such as traditional tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs), are the first-line treatment for various pain syndromes. Available evidence indicates that TCAs may target Na+ channels for their analgesic action. In this report, we examined the effects of contemporary antidepressants sertraline and paroxetine on (1) neuronal Na+ channels expressed in GH3 cells and (2) muscle rNav1.4 Na+ channels heterologously expressed in Hek293t cells. Our results showed that both antidepressants blocked Na+ channels in a highly state-dependent manner. The 50% inhibitory concentrations (IC50) for sertraline and paroxetine ranged approximately 18-28 microM: for resting block and approximately 2-8 microM: for inactivated block of neuronal and rNav1.4 Na+ channels. Surprisingly, the IC50 values for both drugs were about 0.6-0.7 microM: for the open channel block of persistent late Na+ currents generated through inactivation-deficient rNav1.4 mutant Na+ channels. For comparison, the open channel block in neuronal hNav1.7 counterparts yielded IC50 values around 0.3-0.4 microM: for both drugs. Receptor mapping using fast inactivation-deficient rNav1.4-F1579A/K mutants with reduced affinities toward local anesthetics (LAs) and TCAs indicated that the F1579 residue is not involved in the binding of sertraline and paroxetine. Thus, sertraline and paroxetine are potent open channel blockers that target persistent late Na+ currents preferentially, but their block is not mediated via the phenylalanine residue at the known LA/TCA receptor site.
ESTIMATES OF INTRAGAMETOPHYTIC SELFING AND INTERPOPULATIONAL GENE FLOW IN HOMOSPOROUS FERNS

Relatively little information is available on mating systems and interpopulational gene flow in species of homosporous pteridophytes. Because of the proximity of antheridia and archegonia on the same thallus, it has long been maintained that intragametophytic selfing is the predominant mode of reproduction in natural populations of homosporous ferns and other homosporous plants. Furthermore, quantitative estimates of interpopulational gene flow via spore dispersal are lacking. In this paper, we examine five species of homosporous ferns (Botrychium virginianum, Polystichum munitum, P. imbricans, Blechnum spicant, and Dryopteris expansa) and present estimates of 1) rates of intragametophytic selfing, 2) levels of interpopulational gene flow, and 3) interpopulational genetic differentiation (FST). Our data demonstrate that mating systems vary among species of ferns, just as they do among species of seed plants. The data also suggest that levels of interpopulational gene flow are generally high. The FST values indicate little genetic divergence among populations for all species except Dryopteris expansa, which exhibits significant levels ofinterpopulational genetic differentiation. Patterns ofgenetic diversity in the five species examined are related to the mating system and rate of interpopulational gene flow in each species. The FST values for all species except Botrychium virginianum are in close agreement with those predicted for an island model of population structure.
Metamorphosis of the transistor into a laser

Based on the invention and operation of the transistor, the alloy diode laser, the quantum-well diode laser and the high-speed heterojunction bipolar transistor (HBT), we have invented and realized now a transistor laser (TL). The transistor laser is a three-terminal technology providing coupling and the coherent light emission in the transistor. The quantum-well (QW) heterojunction bipolar transistor laser, inherently a fast switching device, operates by transporting a small minority base charge density over a nanoscale base thickness in picoseconds. The TL, owing to its fast recombination speed, its unique three-terminal configuration, and complementary nature of its optical and electrical collector output signals, enables resonance-free base current and collector voltage modulation. It is a compact source of electro-optical applications such as nonlinear signal mixing, frequency multiplication, negative feedback, and optoelectronics logic gates.
The effect of smoking on DNA methylation of peripheral blood mononuclear cells from African American women

Background Regular smoking is associated with a wide variety of syndromes with prominent inflammatory components such as cancer, obesity and type 2 diabetes. Heavy regular smoking is also associated with changes in the DNA methylation of peripheral mononuclear cells. However, in younger smokers, inflammatory epigenetic findings are largely absent which suggests the inflammatory response(s) to smoking may be dose dependent. To help understand whether peripheral mononuclear cells have a role in mediating these responses in older smokers with higher cumulative smoke exposure, we examined genome-wide DNA methylation in a group of well characterized adult African American subjects informative for smoking, as well as serum C-reactive protein (CRP) and interleukin-6 receptor (IL6R) levels. In addition, complementary bioinformatic analyses were conducted to delineate possible pathways affected by long-term smoking.
Genome-wide analysis of the omega-3 fatty acid desaturase gene family in Gossypium

Background: The majority of commercial cotton varieties planted worldwide are derived from Gossypium hirsutum, which is a naturally occurring allotetraploid produced by interspecific hybridization of A- and D-genome diploid progenitor species. While most cotton species are adapted to warm, semi-arid tropical and subtropical regions, and thus perform well in these geographical areas, cotton seedlings are sensitive to cold temperature, which can significantly reduce crop yields. One of the common biochemical responses of plants to cold temperatures is an increase in omega-3 fatty acids, which protects cellular function by maintaining membrane integrity. The purpose of our study was to identify and characterize the omega-3 fatty acid desaturase (FAD) gene family in G. hirsutum, with an emphasis on identifying omega-3 FADs involved in cold temperature adaptation. Results: Eleven omega-3 FAD genes were identified in G. hirsutum, and characterization of the gene family in extant A and D diploid species (G. herbaceum and G. raimondii, respectively) allowed for unambiguous genome assignment of all homoeologs in tetraploid G. hirsutum. The omega-3 FAD family of cotton includes five distinct genes, two of which encode endoplasmic reticulum-type enzymes (FAD3-1 and FAD3-2) and three that encode chloroplast-type enzymes (FAD7/8-1, FAD7/8-2, and FAD7/8-3). The FAD3-2 gene was duplicated in the A genome progenitor species after the evolutionary split from the D progenitor, but before the interspecific hybridization event that gave rise to modern tetraploid cotton. RNA-seq analysis revealed conserved, gene-specific expression patterns in various organs and cell types and semi-quantitative RT-PCR further revealed that FAD7/8-1 was specifically induced during cold temperature treatment of G. hirsutum seedlings. Conclusions: The omega-3 FAD gene family in cotton was characterized at the genome-wide level in three species, showing relatively ancient establishment of the gene family prior to the split of A and D diploid progenitor species. The FAD genes are differentially expressed in various organs and cell types, including fiber, and expression of the FAD7/8-1 gene was induced by cold temperature. Collectively, these data define the genetic and functional genomic properties of this important gene family in cotton and provide a foundation for future efforts to improve cotton abiotic stress tolerance through molecular breeding approaches.
Equilibrium Charges of Fission Fragments in Gases

A magnetic analysis method was used to measure the equilibrium charges of median-mass light and heavy fission fragments in ${\mathrm{H}}_{2}$, He, air, and A, and mass-97 fragments in He for wide ranges of fragment velocity and gas pressure. The data for the fragments in ${\mathrm{H}}_{2}$, air, and A showed pressure effects on the equilibrium charge which yield estimates of the mean radiative lifetime of excited ionized fragments which agree within 25%, in contrast with previous estimates differing by a factor of 10. An experimental test of the Bohr assumption, that the equilibrium charge of a heavy ion is equal to the number of electrons whose orbital velocities are lower than the translational velocity of the ion, showed the assumption to be only a rough approximation. Measurements of equilibrium charge as a function of atomic number of the stopping gas agree with previous measurements.
The Induced Radioactivity of Krypton and Xenon.

Irradiation of krypton with deuterons of 11 Mev produces krypton activities with half-lives of 102 minutes, 4.0 hours, and about 35 hours. When selenium is bombarded with 22-Mev alpha-particles, there appear krypton activities of 114 minutes and about 33 hours. The 114-minute period coincides with that reported by other investigators as due to a krypton isotope growing out of ${\mathrm{Br}}^{83}$, and hence is assigned to ${\mathrm{Kr}}^{83*}$. The 102-minute period observed in deuteron irradiation is considered to be the same activity. ${\mathrm{Kr}}^{87}$, an isotope which cannot be formed from alpha-particle reactions with selenium, is probably the source of the 4.0-hour activity. The weak 33-35 hour activity is due to ${\mathrm{Kr}}^{79}$ or ${\mathrm{Kr}}^{81}$. ${\mathrm{Kr}}^{85}$ is presumed to have an activity long or fairly short. Irradiation of xenon with deuterons produces xenon activities of 68 minutes, 9.6 hours, and 5.4 days. Of these, the last also appears in the irradiation of tellurium with alpha-particles, and is due to ${\mathrm{Xe}}^{133}$. The 9.6-hour activity is assigned to ${\mathrm{Xe}}^{135}$. ${\mathrm{Xe}}^{137}$ is the most probable source of the 68-minute activity.
Stable signal recovery from incomplete observations

A widespread problem in the applied sciences is to recover an object of interest from a limited number of measurements. Recently, a series of exciting results have shown that it is possible to recover sparse (or approximately sparse) signals with high accuracy from a surprisingly small number of such measurements. The recovery procedure consists of solving a tractable convex program. Moreover, the procedure is robust to measurement error; adding a perturbation of size e to the measurements will not induce a recovery error of more than a small constant times e. In this paper, we will briefly overview these results, describe how stable recovery via convex optimization can be implemented in an efficient manner, and present some numerical results illustrating the practicality of the procedure.
Test-Potentiated Learning: Distinguishing Between Direct and Indirect Effects of Tests

The facilitative effect of retrieval practice, or testing, on the probability of later retrieval has been the focus of much recent empirical research. A lesser known benefit of retrieval practice is that it may also enhance the ability of a learner to benefit from a subsequent restudy opportunity. This facilitative effect of retrieval practice on subsequent encoding is known as test-potentiated learning. Thus far, however, the literature has not isolated the indirect effect of retrieval practice on subsequent memory (via enhancing the effectiveness of restudy) from the direct effects of retrieval on subsequent memory. The experiment presented here uses conditional probability to disentangle test-potentiated learning from the direct effects of retrieval practice. The results indicate that unsuccessful retrieval attempts enhance the effectiveness of subsequent restudy, demonstrating that tests do potentiate subsequent learning.
Analyzing Requirements—Evolution in Engineering Design Using the Method of Problem-Reduction

Traditional requirements definition activities begin with the engineer or design team performing a needs-analysis to identify user requirements [5]. While recent studies have focused on Conceptual Design activities, research into the requirements-definition pro cess has for the most part been lacking. Needs-analysis is generally subjective, and varies according to the composition and experience of the design team. Systematic procedures for defining and ranking requirements could consolidate the foundation on which the design process is predicated and enhance its outcome by providing the designer with a consistent, reliable approach to product development [1]. Before such systematic procedures could be developed, it would be necessary to establish an understanding of the existing process by which requirements evolve, and to create a model for evaluating this process. Therefore, a pilot study was conducted at Stanford Uni versity using empirical data from an actual spaceflight experiment, sponsored by NASA ...
Property rights and coastal protection: Lucas and the U.S. Supreme Court

In 1986 David Lucas bought two oceanfront lots on the Isle of Palms near Charleston, South Carolina. Although at the time of purchase both lots were zoned for single family homes, the passage of the 1988 South Carolina Beachfront Management Act prevented Lucas from building on the lots. Lucas filed a lawsuit requesting $1.2 million in compensation under the takings clause of the Fifth Amendment, which states that private property cannot be taken for public use “without just compensation.” In June 1992, in Lucas v. South Carolina Coastal Council, (91–453), the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that the state must show in more detail why Lucas’ planned use of his property would cause public harm or show that the original title permitted the restriction. The decision has broad implications for future government restrictions on land use in general and environmental policy in particular.