cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Acute and Chronic T Cell Dynamics in the Livers of Simian Immunodeficiency Virus-Infected Macaques

The mucosal immune system, particularly the gastrointestinal tract, is critically involved in the pathogenesis of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. Since the liver drains most of the substances coming from the intestinal tract, it may also play a role in the pathogenesis of HIV infection. Here we examined the percentages and absolute numbers of T cell subsets in the liver in normal and simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV)-infected macaques. Most of the T cells in the liver were CD8+ memory cells, and most of these had an effector memory (CD95+ CD28−) phenotype. CD4+ T cells constituted approximately 20% of the liver T cell population, but the vast majority of these were also memory (CD95+) CCR5+ cells, suggesting they were potential targets for viral infection. After SIV infection, CD4+ T cells were markedly reduced, and increased proliferation and absolute numbers of CD8+ T cells were detected in the liver. These data suggest that the liver is a major source of antigenic stimulation for promoting CD8+ T cells and possibly a source for early CD4+ T cell infection and destruction.
Comparative methods for distinguishing flakes from geofacts: a case study from the Wenas Creek Mammoth site

Archaeologists have long struggled with distinguishing lithic materials modified by humans (artifacts) from natural objects (e.g., geofacts or zoofacts). This problem is especially difficult for finds of small numbers of flake-like lithic specimens, and particularly for very old finds. We attempt to address the artifact versus geofact problem at a paleontology site by employing three systematic and objective tests on the two recovered possible artifacts. First, they are compared with debitage attributes typically expected of artifacts and geofacts based on published experimental and actualistic data. Second, they are compared in terms of nine of these attributes with a toolstone sample from the site excavation matrix. Third, the two possible artifacts are scored for these nine attributes and graphed against the toolstone matrix sample and two samples of flintknapped debitage assemblages. In all three comparisons, the two specimens are more like artifacts than geofacts. While this does not prove the specimens are artifacts, it at least shows they cannot be easily dismissed as the sort of geofacts typically expected in the site matrix. We argue that this distinction is an important first step in the evaluation of possible lithic artifacts.
Broadside and Skewed-Load Tests Under Primary Input Constraints

Tester limitations may impose certain constraints on the primary input vectors applicable as part of a two-pattern test for delay faults. Under these constraints, the primary input vectors may be held constant, or the second primary input vector of a test may be obtained by a single shift of a scan chain relative to the first. The goal of this brief is to study the differences in achievable transition fault coverage between various primary input constraints that are similar to the commonly used ones of holding or shifting primary input vectors. This brief also studies the possibility of combining the constraints in order to increase the transition fault coverage. The combination requires a fixed and circuit-independent hardware structure similar to the case where shifting of primary input vectors is used. This study is done using test sets that consist of both broadside and skewed-load tests in order to maximize the transition fault coverage.
Structure of the calcium-rich signature domain of human thrombospondin-2.

Thrombospondins (TSPs) are a family of five secreted multimodular metallo/glycoproteins that have diverse roles involving interactions between cells and the extracellular matrix{Adams, 2004 #3568}. For TSP-2, these functions are critical for such processes as synaptogenesis{Christopherson, 2005 #3578}, megakaryocytopoiesis{Kyriakides, 2003 #3576}, and the foreign body reaction{Kyriakides, 2001 #3588}. All TSPs contain a highly conserved “signature domain” consisting of tandem epidermal growth factor-like (EGF-like) modules, aspartate-rich repeats, and a lectin-like module at their C-termini ( Fig. 1a). These modules are conserved with remarkable fidelity as is evidenced by a 458-residue stretch of fly TSP and human TSP-2 in the signature domain that are 60% identical without an insertion or deletion{Adams, 2003 #3571;LaBell, 1993 #340}. The signature domain contains the sites of polymorphisms and mutations linked to familial coronary artery disease and two skeletal disorders, pseudoachondroplasia (PSACH) and multiple epiphyseal dysplasia (EDM1){Topol, 2001 #3537;Kennedy, 2005 #3585;Posey, 2004 #3579}. Figure 1 Structure of human TSP-2. (a) Schematic diagram of TSP-2. Each TSP-2 monomer is composed of a N-terminal module (N), an oligomerization domain (O), a procollagen module (C), and type-1 or properdin modules (P123) followed by the signature domain common ... Here, we describe the 2.6 A resolution crystal structure of the complete glycosylated signature domain of human TSP-2, which includes three epidermal growth factor-like (EGF-like) modules, 13 aspartate-rich repeats, and a lectin-like module, along with 30 bound Ca2+ ions. The structure reveals the highly intertwined nature of the signature domain that includes major interactions among the different parts of the molecule. The structure furthermore establishes a molecular explanation of how known genetic alterations of TSPs result in disease.
Structural changes induced in thionins by chloride anions as determined by molecular dynamics simulations

Computational analysis of two membrane-permeabilizing peptides, barley α-hordothionin and wheat β-purothionin, revealed that anions can trigger dynamic and structural changes in the thionin antiparallel double α-helix core. Analysis of the molecular dynamics simulations demonstrated that anions induced unfolding of the α2 and α1 helices at the carboxyl ends which are located on the opposite ends of the α-helix core. An internalized water molecule was observed inside the unfolded α2 C-end. Strong interactions of anions with the R30 regulating network or simultaneous interactions of anions with the phospholipid-binding site and the R30 hydrogen bonding network triggered unfolding of the α2 C-end. An increase of anion density for two residues of the phospholipid-binding site (K1, R17, and Q22) or R17 and R19 and a preceding unfolding of the α2 C-end were necessary for unfolding of the α1 C-end. Anions interacted primarily with residues of the phospholipid-binding site and the R30 network while the α1/α2 hydrophobic region was void of anions. However, during strong interactions of anions with the R30 network and phospholipid-binding site, the α1/α2 hydrophobic region attracted anions which interacted with conserved residues of the α1 C-end. Analysis of anion-induced rearrangements pointed to auxiliary residues of the R30 network and the phospholipid-binding site. Induction of conformational changes on the opposite ends of the α-helix core by interactions of anions with the phospholipid-binding site may be relevant to a mechanism of membrane-permeabilizing activity.
Development of Panagrellus redivivus (Nematoda: Rhabditidae) in chemically defined media

Abstract Larvae of Panagrellus redivivus (L.) grew slowly and did not mature in the unsupplemented, chemically defined media 199, NCTC 109, and EM I. The addition of linoleic acid, linolenic acid, ethyl arachidonate, and RNA from yeast promoted growth in all media, but maturation occurred only in EM I. Limited reproduction occurred only when both fatty acids and RNA were added to EM I.
Do consumers have brand attitudes

Abstract Theory and empirical evidence suggest that although the consumer is likely to hold attitudes towards stands on familiar social issues, attitudes are less likely to be held towards familiar branded products. In light of the pivotal role that attitudes have played in explaining consumer brand choice behavior, some theoretical implications of the nonattitude findings are discussed.
DEPOSITION OF PIGMENT IN THE SPARROW′S BILL IN RESPONSE TO DIRECT APPLICATIONS AS A SPECIFIC AND QUANTITATIVE TEST FOR ANDROGEN11

THE BLACKENING of the sparrow′s bill in response to androgens has been recognized since its discovery by Keck (1933; 1934) as a reaction probably adaptable to the bio-assay of male hormone sub-stances. Among the desirable attributes of this test are the require-ment (Witschi, 1936) of a lower daily dose of androgen than the standard capon test, a degree of specificity shown by the failure of es-trogens and gonadotropins to elicit the response (Pfeiffer and Kirsch-baum, 1941), and its low cost. Unfortunately, when androgens are administered by the usual subcutaneous or intramuscular injections the bill responds by becoming a fairly diffuse gray, then blue-black, and finally jet black. This sequence of color changes is of such char-acter that it is extremely difficult to identify minimum responses and to recognize precise end-points in degree of reaction. Consequently the test has been reliable only as a qualitative indicator of androgens.
Lower bounds for additive Schwarz methods with mortars

Abstract We establish lower bounds for the condition number of overlapping additive Schwarz algorithms for elliptic problems discretized by mortar finite elements. These bounds coincide, up to constants, with the classical upper bounds from the literature. The optimality of the condition number estimates is thus established. To cite this article: D. Stefanica, C. R. Acad. Sci. Paris, Ser. I 339 (2004).
Neurologic manifestations of compressive radiculopathy of the first thoracic root

Neurologic deficits in the first thoracic (T1) root distribution are uncommon and not easily defined. Myotomal charts indicate that distal arm and hand muscles receive significant contributions from both the C8 and T1 roots. A patient with focal T1 radiculopathy is presented who demonstrated motor axon loss isolated to the abductor pollicis brevis muscle. This finding provides another source of evidence that the abductor pollicis brevis is the primary T1 motor structure in the upper extremity, improving precision in clinical and electromyographic diagnosis.
Decreased placental X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis protein in an ovine model of intrauterine growth restriction.

Objective The objective of the study was to assess placental apoptosis at both midgestation and near term in an ovine model of placental insufficiency (PI) and intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR). Study Design At 40 days' gestational age (dGA), 2 groups of 4 ewes were exposed to hyperthermic conditions for either 55 days or 80 days to induce IUGR with necropsies at 95 (midgestation) and 130 dGA (term = 140 dGA), respectively. Blood gases were assessed and placental tissues obtained for apoptosis analyses. Results PI-IUGR pregnancies showed: (1) a decrease in fetal O 2 saturation and pO 2 ( P P P Conclusion Placental villous apoptosis is increased at midgestation and near term in our ovine model of IUGR, and this increase is associated with a significant decrease in XIAP protein in the cotyledon of IUGR animals.
Gaussian Estimates and Instantaneous Blowup

For L a second order linear elliptic differential operator on $${\mathbb{R}}^N$$ , one is usually interested in finding positive solutions of the heat equation $$\frac{\partial u}{\partial {t}}=Lu+Vu,$$ where V is a nonnegative potential. But for L the Laplacian, it was discovered by [BG] in 1984 that positive solutions may not exist if V is too singular. We use Gaussian estimates to extend this result to the case when L is not symmetric.
Unsteady transonic wing flow computations using field-boundary element methods

Abstract An unsteady integral equation (or called field-panel, field-boundary element) scheme for solving the full-potential equation for transonic unsteady wing flows has been developed. The unsteady full-potential equation has been written in a moving frame of reference, in the form of the Poisson's equation. Compressibility and unsteadiness have been treated as non-homogeneity. The integral equation solution in terms of velocity field is obtained by the Green's theorem. The solution consists of a wing surface (boundary elements) integral term of vorticity distribution, a wake surface (boundary elements) integral term of free-vortex sheet and a volume (field-elements) integral term of compressibility and unsteadiness over a small limited domain around the wing. Numerical solutions are obtained by a time-marching, iterative procedure. Time-derivative term is calculated by a second-order backward finite-difference scheme. To be consistent with the mixed-nature of flows, the Murman-Cole type-difference scheme is used to compute the derivatives of the density. The present scheme is applied to flows around a rectangular wing at transonic speed undergoing acceleration motion and transient pitching motion, respectively. The time history of wing surface pressure distributions has been presented.
Influences of appearance-behaviour congruity on memory and social judgements

Prior work shows that appearance-behaviour congruity impacts memory and evaluations. Building upon prior work, we assessed influences of appearance-behaviour congruity on source memory and judgement strength to illustrate ways congruity effects permeate social cognition. We paired faces varying on trustworthiness with valenced behaviours to create congruent and incongruent face-behaviour pairs. Young and older adults remembered congruent pairs better than incongruent, but both were remembered better than pairs with faces rated average in appearance. This suggests that multiple, even conflicting, valenced cues improve memory over receiving fewer cues. Consistent with our manipulation of facial trustworthiness, congruity effects were present in the strength of trustworthiness-related but not dominance judgements. Subtle age differences emerged in congruity effects when learning about others, with older adults showing effects for approach judgements given both high and low arousal behaviours. Young adults had congruity effects for approach, prosociality and trustworthiness judgements, given high arousal behaviours only. These findings deepen our understanding of how appearance-behaviour congruity impacts memory for and evaluations of others.
Synthesis of Conformationally Locked l-Deoxythreosyl Phosphonate Nucleosides Built on a Bicyclo[3.1.0]hexane Template

Two conformationally locked versions of l-deoxythreosyl phosphonate nucleosides (2 and 3) were synthesized to investigate the preference of HIV reverse transcriptase for a conformation displaying either a fully diaxial or fully diequatorial disposition of substituents. Synthesis of the enantiomeric 4-(6-amino-9H-purin-9-yl)bicyclo[3.1.0]hexan-2-ol carbocyclic nucleoside precursors (diaxially disposed) proceeded straightforwardly from commercially available (1R,4S)-4-hydroxy-2-cyclopent-2-enyl-1-yl acetate employing a hydroxyl-directed Simmons-Smith cyclopropanation that culminated with a Mitsunobu coupling of the purine base. For the more complicated 1-(6-amino-9H-purin-9-yl)bicyclo[3.1.0]hexan-3-ol carbocyclic nucleoside precursors (diequatorially disposed), the obligatory linear approach required the syntheses of key 1-aminobicyclo[3.1.0.]hexan-3-yl benzoate precursors that were assembled via the amide variant of the Kulinkovich reaction involving the intramolecular cyclopropanation of a substituted δ-vinylamide. Completion of the purine ring was achieved by conventional approaches but with much improved yields through the use of a microwave reactor. The syntheses of the phosphonates and the corresponding diphosphates were achieved by conventional means. None of the diphosphates, which were supposed to act as nucleoside triphosphate mimics, could compete with dATP even when present in a 10-fold excess.
Molecular Sites of Regulation of Expression of the Rat Cationic Amino Acid Transporter Gene

Cat-1 is a protein with a dual function, a high affinity, low capacity cationic amino acid transporter of the y+ system and the receptor for the ecotropic retrovirus. We have suggested that Cat-1 is required in the regenerating liver for the transport of cationic amino acids and polyamines in the late G1 phase, a process that is essential for liver cells to enter mitosis. In our earlier studies we had shown that the cat-1 gene is silent in the quiescent liver but is induced in response to hormones, insulin, and glucocorticoids, and partial hepatectomy. Here we demonstrate that cat-1 is a classic delayed early growth response gene in the regenerating liver, since induction of its expression is sensitive to cycloheximide, indicating that protein synthesis is required. The peak of accumulation of the cat-1 mRNA (9-fold) by 3 h was not associated with increased transcriptional activity of the cat-1 gene in the regenerating liver, indicating post-transcriptional regulation of expression of this gene. Induction of the cat-1 gene results in the accumulation of two mRNA species (7.9 and 3.4 kilobase pairs (kb)). Both mRNAs hybridize with the previously described rat cat-1/2.9-kb cDNA clone. However, the 3′ end of a longer rat cat-1 cDNA (rat cat-1/6.5-kb) hybridizes only to the 7.9-kb mRNA transcript. Sequence analysis of this clone indicated that the two mRNA species result from the use of alternative polyadenylation signals. The 6.5-kb clone contains a number of AT-rich mRNA destabilizing sequences which is reflected in the half-life of the cat-1 mRNAs (90 min for 7.9-kb mRNA and 250 min for 3.4-kb mRNA). Treatment of rats with cycloheximide superinduces the level of the 7.9-kb cat-1 mRNA in the kidney, spleen, and brain, but not in the liver, suggesting that cell type-specific labile factors are involved in its regulation. We conclude that the need for protein synthesis for induction of the cat-1 mRNA, the short lived nature of the mRNAs, and the multiple sites for regulation of gene expression indicate a tight control of expression of the cat-1 gene within the regenerating liver and suggest that y+ cationic amino acid transport in liver cells is regulated at the molecular level.
Self-consistent dynamics of a light composite scalar Higgs boson.

We apply a simple approximate relativistic amplitude-unitarization generalization of nonrelativistic Schroedinger-equation dynamics to the scattering of longitudinal mass-degenerate [ital W] and [ital Z] gauge bosons. The strong energy dependence of our amplitude near the [ital WW] threshold then makes possible a nonperturbative self-consistent nonelementary neutral Higgs scalar bound state ([ital H]) just below this threshold. We must, however, include a constant term approximating high-energy inelastic effects in addition to [ital H] exchange. Everything, including the [ital H] mass, can then be determined in terms of the small phenomenological [ital WWH] coupling and [ital W] mass, which serves to set the energy scale of the problem; this is the same number of arbitrary parameters as in the underlying electroweak theory. The partial-wave amplitude containing the [ital H] is then in approximate agreement at zero energy with the one given by the perturbative crossing-symmetric [ital H]-pole-only tree-graph amplitude. We find unacceptable zero-energy disagreement, however, if, instead of an inelasticity term, we insert a subtraction constant approximating the effect of short-range high-mass exchanges to obtain our [ital H]. Similar self-consistent [ital H] bound-state solutions can also arise near the [ital t[bar t]] threshold in [ital t[bar t]] scattering with [ital H] exchange.
First bivalent palladium and platinum cyanoximates: synthesis, characterization, and biological activity.

A series of five cyanoximes (compounds having the general formula NC−C(NOH)−R, where R is an amide or carboxylic ester group) have been synthesized and spectroscopically and structurally characterized. These are 2-cyano-2-isonitrosoacetamide (later HACO), 2-cyano-2-isonitrosothioacetamide (HTCO), 2-cyano-2-isonitrosoethylacetate (HECO), 2-cyano-2-isonitroso-N-piperidinylacetamide (HPiPCO), and 2-cyano-2-isonitroso-N-morpholinylacetamide (HMCO). A high yield method of synthesis was developed for the last two previously unknown amidocyanoximes. Variable temperature 13C NMR studies in DMSO-d6 solutions allowed the determination of rotational energy barriers for these two new cyanoximes. The HPiPCO and HMCO oxime molecules adopt a trans-anti configuration in the solid state according to X-ray analysis. Reactions between aqueous solutions of K+L- (L = cyanoximate anions: TCO-, PiPCO-, and MCO-) and K2[MCl4] (M = Pd, Pt) resulted in the formation of ML2 complexes. The crystal structure of Pd(MCO)2·DMSO was det...
Bilateral choroidal osteoma in three siblings

Three siblings (a sister and two identical-twin brothers) had bilateral choroidal osteomas. The sister was seen at 11 years of age, and the tumor showed significant growth two years later. The twin brothers' tumors were diagnosed at 9 years of age, and their conditions remained stable over two years except for a new, isolated lesion that occurred in one eye of one brother. The siblings' mother had a yellow mottling situated nasal to the disk in each eye that was similar in appearance to that in one eye of one of the twins. She showed no evidence of calcium on ultrasonography. The appearance of osteomas in three siblings suggests a choristoma as the cause of this tumor.
Straight Thinking About Sovereignty

Captives of Sovereignty. By Havercroft Jonathan . Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2011. 276 pp., $89.10 hardcover (ISBN13-978-1-107-01287-5). Rather than relying on a sovereign, ultimate authority is better vested in a political community that rests on a set of common linguistic norms and the everyday mutual self-regard and communality among persons that such norms engender. This is the central thesis of Captives of Sovereignty , an erudite, carefully argued, and well-written survey of how a certain “picture” of sovereignty has come to entrance political theory in general and international relations theory in particular since the sixteenth century but should be challenged because of its fatal embrace of a centralized “truth” decider whose despotic power is based in an unexamined acceptance of epistemological skepticism. In fact, the book is part of a long tradition of works engaged in the critique of domination. Its novelty lies in identifying the origins of our collective captivity in the epistemological skepticism about the possibility of mutual agreement about moral and political purposes without a central fount of authority found in such early modern philosophers as Hobbes and Spinoza. The first part of the book is taken up with showing how much today's doctrine of state sovereignty is traceable to imputing the sovereign as the decider of truth “in such diverse areas as epistemology, ethics, and religion by determining what the truth is and using its coercive power to compel subjects to …
Neutron diffuse-scattering intensities in niobium

New neutron diffuse-scattering data on "pure" Nb and on Nb doped with N impurities are presented and compared to the results shown previously by Chang and Colella. The new data show that the effects previously observed in nominally pure Nb can be explained as arising from small concentrations of O or N impurities.
Recombinant chromosome 7 in a mosaic 45,X/47,XXX patient

Individuals with pericentric inversions are at risk for producing offspring with chromosomal gains and losses, while those carrying paracentric inversions usually produce unviable gametes [Madan, 1995]. In this current study, we present a newborn with dysmorphic features and malformations, whose karyotype showed an abnormal copy of chromomosome 7 described at first as add(7)(q32) as well as mos 45,X/47,XXX. Array comparative genomic hybridization (CGH) revealed an interstitial deletion in the long arm of chromosome 7 involving bands q35 to q36.3 but retaining the 7q subtelomere. The patient's deletion is believed to be due to meiotic recombination in the inversion loop in the phenotypically normal father who seems to carry two paracentric inversions in the long arm of chromosome 7, which was described as rec(7)(7pter- > q35::q36.3- > 7qter)pat. The abnormal copy of chromosome 7 in the father has been described as: der(7)(7pter- > q22.1::q36.3- > q35::q22.1- > q35::q36.3- > 7qter). This is a unique karyotype that to our knowledge has not been previously reported in the literature and predisposes to meiotic recombination that can result in deletions or duplications of 7q35–36. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
On the application of "a plausible model" of allosteric proteins to the receptor for acetylcholine.

Abstract The application of the allosteric model of Monod, Wyman & Changeux (1965) to the receptor for acetylcholine results in a description which accounts for observed slopes of the Hill plot of the response greater than 1, for recently observed changes in this slope after treatment of the responding cells with certain reagents, for activators with different intrinsic activities, and which provides criteria for differentiating allosteric and competitive inhibitors.
Seed removal patterns in burned and unburned desert habitats: Implications for ecological restoration

Abstract In desert ecosystems, selective foraging by seed consumers affects distribution and composition of soil seed banks, influencing plant population dynamics. However, the roles of consumers in burned habitats where direct seeding is used during ecological restoration to replenish depleted seed banks have not been well established. We evaluated seed removal for nine seed species over 12 months in burned and unburned shrublands in the Mojave Desert, USA. Percentage of total seed removed was highest during spring (16% of offered seed) and summer (21%). Rodents removed much of the large-seeded Coleogyne ramosissima in both burned and unburned habitats, while seed removal of this species by ants was low in burned and moderate in unburned habitats. Ants removed the greatest amount of small-seeded species (Penstemon bicolor, Encelia farinosa, and Sphaeralcea ambigua) in unburned habitat, indicating that ants can exploit different seed masses. Seed removal imposes limitations on seed availability, particularly for large-seeded species, as both rodents and ants selected seeds of C. ramosissima. Successful restoration seeding projects in arid lands may require protecting seed from granivore pressure, and seed species selection and season of seeding warrant consideration to reduce seed loss.
CFD Builder: A Library Builder for Computational Fluid Dynamics

Computational Fluid Dynamics is an important area in scientific computing. The weak scaling of codes is well understood with about two decades of experiences using MPI. As a result, per-node performance has become very crucial to the overall machine performance. However, despite the use of multi-threading, obtaining good performance at each core is still extremely challenging. The challenges are primarily due to memory bandwidth limitations and difficulties in using short SIMD engines effectively. This work is about the techniques and a tool to improve in-core performance. Fundamental to the strategy is a hierarchical data layout made of small cubical structures of the problem states that can fit well in the cache hierarchy. The difficulties in computing the spatial derivatives (also called near neighbor computation in the literature) in a hierarchical data layout are well known, hence, such a data layout has rarely been used in finite difference codes. This work discusses how to program relatively easily for such a hierarchical data layout, the inefficiencies in this programming strategy, and how to overcome the inefficiencies. The key technique to eliminate the overheads is called pipeline-for-reuse. It is followed by a storage optimization called maximal array contraction. Both pipeline-for-reuse and maximal array contraction are highly tedious and error-prone. Therefore, we built a source-to-source translator called CFD Builder to automate the transformations using directives. The directive based approach leverages domain experts' knowledge about the code, and eliminates the need for complex analysis before program transformations. We demonstrated the effectiveness of this approach using three different applications on two different architectures and two different compilers. We see up to 6.92 performance improvement using such an approach. We believe such an approach could enable library and application writers to build efficient CFD libraries.
Mu-opioid receptor densities are depleted in regions implicated in agonistic and sexual behavior in male European starlings (Sturnus vulgaris) defending nest sites and courting females

Social status and resource availability can strongly influence individual behavioral responses to conspecifics. In European starlings, males that acquire nest sites sing in response to females and dominate other males. Males without nest sites sing, but not to females, and they do not interact agonistically with other males. Little is known about the neural regulation of status- or resource-appropriate behavioral responses to conspecifics. Opioid neuropeptides are implicated in birdsong and agonistic behavior, suggesting that opioids may underlie differences in the production of these behaviors in males with and without nest sites. Here, we examined densities of immunolabeled mu-opioid receptors in groups of male starlings. Males that defended nest boxes dominated other males and sang at higher rates when presented with a female than males without nest boxes, independent of testosterone concentrations. Multiple regression analyses showed nest box ownership (not agonistic behavior or singing) predicted the optical density of receptor labeling in the medial bed nucleus of stria terminalis, paraventricular nucleus, ventral tegmental area and the medial preoptic nucleus. Compared to males without nest boxes, males with nest boxes had lower densities of immunolabeled mu-opioid receptors in these regions. Singing additionally predicted the area covered by labeling in the ventral tegmental area. The results suggest that elevated opioid activity in these regions suppresses courtship and agonistic behavioral responses to conspecifics in males without nest boxes. The findings are consistent with a dynamic role for opioid receptors in adjusting social behavior so that it is appropriate given the resources available to an individual.
Haemoglobin levels are associated with bone mineral density in the elderly: a population-based study.

Hypoxemia has been associated with low bone mineral density (BMD) in animal and human models. We assessed the association of haemoglobin levels with ultrasound-derived (UD) T score, Z score and the stiffness index in all 358 subjects aged 75+ living in Tuscania (Italy). Also, we searched for the haemoglobin cutoff levels that might best identify participants with osteoporosis. In the multivariable linear regression analysis, haemoglobin levels were associated among participants with the UD T score [β = 0.13; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.01–0.25; p = 0.030], Z score (β = 0.11; 95% CI = 0.01–0.22; p = 0.045) and stiffness index (β = 1.87; 95% CI = 0.51–3.21; p = 0.007) after adjusting for potential confounders. Haemoglobin levels <140 g/L in men and <130 g/L in women best predicted osteoporosis in linear discriminant analysis. Haemoglobin is independently associated with all UD-BMD parameters. Haemoglobin levels <140 g/L in men and 130 g/L in women might be adopted in clinical practice to identify older subjects in whom screening for osteoporosis might yield higher effectiveness.
Application of Aircraft Derivative and Heavy Duty Gas Turbines in the Process Industries

Typical applications of aircraft derivative and heavy duty gas turbines in petroleum production and refining, natural gas processing, ethylene, ammonia, LNG processing plants and offshore platforms are reviewed. Guidelines are included to illustrate how gas turbines can be applied to minimize fuel consumption and cooling water requirements and optimize space utilization.Copyright © 1979 by ASME
DNA polymerase and DNA nuclease activities in S-competent and S-incompetent nuclei from Tradescantia pollen grains.

Abstract DNA polymerase activity has been examined in partially separated preparations of generative and vegetative nuclei isolated from Tradescantia pollen grains. Although vegetative (S-incompetent) nuclei show greater activity, no clear qualitative difference between the nuclei can be demonstrated. Neither nucleus shows significant non-templated terminal addition activity. Comparable levels of endonuclease activity occur in both nuclei, but exonuclease activity cannot be detected.
Effects of Phytoestrogens and Synthetic Combinatorial Libraries on Aromatase, Estrogen Biosynthesis, and Metabolism

Approximately 60% of breast cancer patients have hormone-dependent breast cancer containing estrogen receptors and requiring estrogen for tumor growth. The extent of estrogen biosynthesis and metabolism in the breast cancer tissue microenvironment influences breast-tumor development and growth, and endogenous and exogenous agents may alter the levels of hormonally active estrogens and their metabolites. Isoflavonoid phytoestrogens such as genistein exhibit numerous biochemical activities; however, their effects on estrogen biosynthesis and metabolism in breast cancer cells have not been fully examined. MCF-7 cells (hormone-dependent) and MBA-MB-231 cells (hormone-independent) were treated with genistein (100 nM) for five days and then incubated with radiolabeled estradiol (100 nM, 2.5 microCi) for 0 to 48 h. Media were extracted with ethyl acetate, and the organic residues analyzed by reverse-phase HPLC with a radioactivity flow detector. The major metabolite formed in all cases is estrone, although differences were observed between the cell lines and the various drug treatments. The formation of estrone in untreated MCF-7 cells (approximately 9.3% of radioactivity at 24 h) is relatively limited, in contrast to untreated MDA-MB-231 cells (approximately 32.0% of radioactivity at 24 h). Treatment of MCF-7 cells with 100 nM genistein increased the conversion of estradiol to estrone up to 19.5% in 24 h. The effect of genistein on estrone formation in MDA-MB-231 cells resulted in 37.7% of the radioactivity being estrone. Thus, genistein treatment of breast cancer cells resulted in increased 17-betahydroxysteroid dehydrogenase activity and elevated formation of estrone. Increased levels of oxidative 17-betahydroxysteroid dehydrogenase activity (Type II) were confirmed by Western blots. Therefore, exposure of breast cancer cells to genistein results in elevated conversion of estradiol to estrogenically weaker or inactive metabolites. The regulation of breast-tissue aromatase by exogenous agents such as drugs and environmental agents is being investigated. The benzopyranone-ring system is a molecular scaffold of considerable interest, and this scaffold is found in flavonoid natural products that have weak aromatase inhibitory activity. Medicinal chemistry efforts focus on diversifying the benzopyranone scaffold and utilizing combinatorial chemistry approaches to construct small benzopyranone libraries as potential aro- matase inhibitors. Several compounds in the initial libraries have demonstrated moderate aromatase inhibitory activity in screening assays.
Arytenoid motion evoked by regional electrical stimulation of the canine posterior cricoarytenoid muscle

Anatomical studies have demonstrated that the posterior cricoarytenoid muscle in the dog is composed of three bellies. These bellies are termed vertical, oblique, and horizontal on the basis of their orientation. The purpose of this study was to show whether each of these bellies can move the vocal fold in different ways. Ten anesthetized dogs underwent laryngectomies while paralyzed with curare. The posterior cricoarytenoid muscles were then exposed by dissecting the overlying esophageal mucosa. Electrical stimulation was applied to each belly, and the motion of the arytenoid cartilage was measured. Because the oblique belly overlies the vertical belly, they were usually stimulated together. It was found that the vertical and oblique bellies rock the arytenoid backwards while sliding it laterally, thus causing a maximal dilation of the airway. The horizontal belly caused a swiveling motion of the arytenoid. It is proposed that the vertical and oblique bellies normally cause vocal fold abduction during respiration, while the horizontal belly primarily is used to adjust finely the position of the vocal process during phonation. Because the human posterior cricoarytenoid is also composed of separate bellies it, too, may have distinct functions.
Correlation of bacterial radiosensitivity and DNA base composition.

Several bacterial species known to exhibit a wide range of desoxyribonucleic acid (DNX) base composition were studied with respect to x ray and ultraviolet sensitivity. Dose-log survival curves were obtained from Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, micrococcus pyogenes, Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus cereus, and Serratia marcescens exposed to x radiation under closely controlled pre- and postirradiation culture conditions. Limited ultraviolet radiation exposures were also carried out. Survival was calculated from the colony counts at each dose level as a fraction of the colony counts of an unirradiated aliquot. Results were compared with data on the guanine-cytosine content of each species. It was concluded that a correlarion exists between x ray sensitivity and DNA base composition of these bacterial species under aerobic and anaerobic conditions. (C.H.)
Formation, Consolidation, and Diversification of the Ethnic Elite: The Case of the Chinese Immigrant Community in the United States

The Chinese immigrant community in the United States has gone through several historically significant periods: unrestricted immigration, Chinese exclusion, immigration on restricted quotas, and immigration on equal basis. Each historical period marks a unique pattern of immigrant adaptation and community development, which influences the formation, consolidation, and diversification of the elite. The aim of this article is to illuminate these processes within the greater Chinese immigrant community in the US. Members of the old elite are powerful to the extent that they are not assimilated; yet they remain powerless in the larger society because of their lack of participation. Members of the new elite groups, in contrast, achieve power by integrating themselves economically and socially into the larger society; yet their very integration, often at the expense of ethnic cohesiveness, subjects them to allegation of inferiority from the ethnic hierarchy. Thus they are powerless because they are too assimilated.
Sum rules for collisional processes

We derive level-to-configuration sum rules for dielectronic capture and for collisional excitation and ionization. These sum rules give the total transition rate from a detailed atomic level to an atomic configuration. For each process, we show that it is possible to factor out the dependence on continuum-electron wave functions. The remaining explicit level dependence of each rate is then obtained from the matrix element of an effective operator acting on the bound orbitals only. In a large class of cases, the effective operator reduces to a one-electron monopole whose matrix element is proportional to the statistical weight of the level. We show that even in these cases, nonstatistical level dependence enters through the dependence of radial integrals on continuum orbitals. For each process, explicit analytic expressions for the level-to-configuration sum rules are given for all possible cases. Together with the well-known J-file sum rule for radiative rates [E. U. Condon and G. H. Shortley, The Theory of Atomic Spectra (University Press, Cambridge, 1935)], the sum rules offer a systematic and efficient procedure for collapsing high-multiplicity configurations into ``effective'' levels for the purpose of modeling the population kinetics of ionized heavy atoms in plasma.
Outcomes of Salvage Autologous Versus Allogeneic Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation for Relapsed Multiple Myeloma After Initial Autologous Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation

Background: Standard therapy for multiple myeloma (MM) includes initial autologous hematopoietic cell transplantation (autoHCT1) but this is not curative and most patients will relapse. Role of salvage autoHCT2 or allogeneic HCT (alloHCT2) is undefined. Methods: MM patients who relapsed after autoHCT1 and had salvage autoHCT2 (N = 27) or alloHCT2 (N = 19) between 1995 - 2011 at our institution were studied retrospectively. Results: Complete and very good partial remission (CR/VGPR) improved from 7% to 56% after autoHCT2 and from 26% to 37% after alloHCT2. Nonrelapse mortality (NRM) at 3 years was 3.7% for autoHCT2 and 5.3% for alloHCT2 (P = 0.901). Median progression free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) for autoHCT2 (19 months, 23 months) and alloHCT2 (6 months, 19 months) were not significantly different. On multivariate analysis, time from autoHCT1 to relapse ≥ 1year (HR 24.81, 95% CI 2.4 - 249.9) and maintenance therapy after autoHCT2 (HR 12.19, 95% CI 2.5 - 249.9) impacted OS after autoHCT2. Time from autoHCT1 to relapse < 1 year vs. ≥ 1 year (HR 18.55, 95% CI 2.28 - 150.57) impacted PFS after autoHCT2. For alloHCT2, no factors impacted NRM, PFS or OS. For those with relapse from autoHCT1 < 1 year vs. ≥ 1 year undergoing autoHCT2, median OS was 15 months (range, 1 - 53) vs. not yet reached at 143 months and median PFS was 5 months (range, 1 - 49) vs. not yet reached at 88 months. Conclusions: Salvage autoHCT2 and alloHCT2 are both feasible for post autoHCT1 MM relapse. Relapse ≥ 1 year from autoHCT1 predicts for better PFS and OS after autoHCT2. Maintenance therapy after autoHCT2 is beneficial. doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.4021/jocmr1274w
How Unions Affect Minority Representation in Building Trades Apprenticeship Programs

I use program-level data to compare the relative representation of blacks and Latinos in the construction industry apprenticeship programs organized with and without trade union participation. Econometric analysis shows that there are significant differences between the black and Latino experiences. The black share is higher in union-management joint programs, but the Latino share appears to be higher in the unilateral employer programs. Although both groups have lower representation in the higher status (electrical and mechanical) and higher paying occupations, the Latino share is more sensitive to earnings.
Digital relays improve protection of large transformers

High demands are imposed on power transformer protective relays. Requirements include dependability (no missing operations), security (no false trippings), and speed of operation (short fault clearing time). The operating conditions of power transformers do not make the relaying task easy. Protection of large power transformers is one of the most challenging problems in the power system relaying area. Advanced digital signal processing techniques and artificial intelligence (Al) approaches to power system protection provide the means to enhance the classical protection principles and facilitate faster, more secure, and dependable protection for power transformers. Also, it is anticipated that, in the near future, more measurements will be available to transformer relays, owing to both substation integration and novel sensors installed on power transformers. All of this will change the practice for power transformer protection. This article briefly reviews the state of the art, but is primarily devoted to discussion of new approaches and future directions in digital relaying for power transformers.
Pancreatic Cancer Stem Cells

Cellular heterogeneity in cancer was observed decades ago by studies in mice which showed that distinct subpopulations of cells within a tumor mass are capable of driving tumorigenesis. Conceptualized from this finding was the stem-cell hypothesis for cancer, which suggests that only a specific subset of cancer cells within each tumor is responsible for tumor initiation and propagation, termed tumor initiating cells or cancer stem cells (CSCs). Recent data has been provided to support the existence of CSCs in human blood cell-derived cancers and solid organ tumors of the breast, brain, prostate, colon, and skin. Study of human pancreatic cancers has also revealed a specific subpopulation of cancer cells that possess the characteristics of CSCs. These pancreatic cancer stem cells express the cell surface markers CD44, CD24, and epithelial-specific antigen, and represent 0.5% to 1.0% of all pancreatic cancer cells. Along with the properties of self-renewal and multilineage differentiation, pancreatic CSCs display upregulation of important developmental genes that maintain self-renewal in normal stem cells, including Sonic hedgehog (SHH) and BMI-1. Signaling cascades that are integral in tumor metastasis are also upregulated in the pancreatic CSC. Understanding the biologic behavior and the molecular pathways that regulate growth, survival, and metastasis of pancreatic CSCs will help to identify novel therapeutic approaches to treat this dismal disease.
Sinodendroides Chinensis: A new genus and species of fire-colored beetle (Coleoptera: Pyrochroidae: Pyrochroinae) from China

Abstract Sinodendroides chinensis, a new Asian genus and species of pyrochroine Pyrochroidae, is described. The male exhibits similarities to Dendroides Latreille with respect to the thin, strongly pectinate antennae, lack of cranial pits or other obvious cranial apparatus, and the anatomy of the genitalia. However, the smaller compound eyes, not approximate dorsally, and the far more developed genae behind the eyes of the males, together with the antennal configuration of the female, preclude placing the new taxon in any existing genus.
Thermochemistry of Tetrazete and Tetraazatetrahedrane: A High-Level Computational Study

Tetraazatetrahedrane, N4 (2), is 11.3 kJ mol-1 lower in energy than tetrazete (1) at the G2 level, in contrast to its hydrocarbon analogue, tetrahedrane (4), which has 108.9 kJ mol-1 higher energy than that of cyclobutadiene (3). The open-chain Cs structure of tetranitrogen (5) having the triplet ground state is the most stable isomer of N4, and its energy is 62.0 kJ mol-1 lower than that of tetrazete. At the G2 level, the enthalpies of formation, ΔHf298, of tetraazatetrahedrane, tetrazete, and the open-chain tetranitrogen are 732.5 ± 8.0, 746.5 ± 7.6, and 686.6 ± 7.6 kJ mol-1, respectively. The high thermodynamical instability of tetraazatetrahedrane and tetrazete toward their dissociations into molecular nitrogen may be attributed to the comparative weakness of the single NN and double NN bonds, the strengths of which are only 29.0 and 54.2% of the strength of the N⋮N bond. For the CC and CC bonds, the corresponding ratios are 38.0 and 74.8%, respectively, and consequently, cyclobutadiene is stable with...
Influence of normal-state electrical resistance on the superconducting transition temperature of ultrathin films

Recent data showing decreases in the ${T}_{c}$ of ultrathin films are reconsidered in the light of results from work on fluctuations in films, which indicate the possibility of a large "pair-breaker" in high-resistance films.
Factors affecting the adoption of fertilizers by rice farmers in Côte d'Ivoire

This paper analyzed the factors that affect the adoption of chemical fertilizers by rice farmers in Cote d'Ivoire using a Tobit model. The results show that the major factors that positively influence farmers' use of fertilizers in rice fields are cultivation of lowlands, use of mechanization, farm size, land pressure and availability of non-farm income. Factors found to negatively affect the use of fertilizer in rice fields are the distance of the field to the village, distance of the village to the major market, and if the cultivator is a female. The paper concludes with strategies for targeting soil fertility interventions on farmers' rice fields.