cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Identification of a second protein (M2) encoded by RNA segment 7 of influenza virus

Abstract Recent analyses of the nucleotide sequences of RNA segment 7 of influenza virus from two strains of infuenza A virus (PR/8/34 and Udorn/72) have shown that in addition to the reading frame coding for the membrane protein (M1) there is a second overlapping open reading frame that could code for 97 amino acids [ Winter and Fields (1980). Nucleic Acids Res.8, 1965–1974; Allen et al. (1980). Virology107, 548–551; Lamb and Lai (1981). Virology112, 746–751 ]. We have identified such a protein (M2) in infected cells and shown that it is synthesized from a separate mRNA. Hybrid-arrested translation experiments and the use of recombinant viruses of defined genome composition have demonstrated by both biochemical and genetic approaches that protein M2 is coded for by RNA segment 7. Peptide mapping studies have shown that M1 and M2 are distinct proteins, and the peptide maps can be correlated with the nucleotide sequences coding for M1 and M2.
The influence of depositional environments on coal petrographic composition of the Lower Kittaning seam, western Pennsylvania

Abstract Lateral variations in maceral composition of the Lower Kittanning seam can be explained in terms of differential preservation of plant materials, which is influenced by the pH/Eh of water within the peat swamp and by the rate of subsidence. Within the central part of the basin, high telocollinite contents are observed; this type of vitrinite represents large, well-preserved pieces of woody tissue whose preservation was favored by rapid burial. Towards the margins of the basin, high desmocollinite contents are seen; slower burial, combined with the influx of neutral, oxygenated fresh water permitted decomposition of the precursor materials, producing this highly degraded type of vitrinite. Vertical variations in telocollinite and desmocollinite content can also be related to burial rates and pH/Eh conditions within the swamp. Throughout the basin, high telocollinate contents observed in the lower part of the seam resulted from rapid burial under relatively low pH conditions. Continued high rates of subsidence led to an influx of neutral pH, oxidizing waters associated with the encroaching marine environment. Under these new conditions, more degradation of plant tissues occurred, producing the high desmocollinite contents observed in the upper part of the seam. This effect was most pronounced in the center of the basin. An alternative explanation would be a change in vegetation type in response to the changing conditions; the high desmocollinite content would then reflect a shift to a community dominated by smaller, possibly herbaceous, plants. In addition to a change in vitrinite type towards the top of the seam, a decrease in total vitrinite content, and increases in total liptinite and inertinite contents are observed. The increase in liptinite content is due to either (1) the higher resistance to decomposition of liptinite precursor materials (when compared to vitrinite precursors) in the more neutral conditions, or (2) a change from a dominantly arborescent vegetation to a more herbaceous one. The increase in inertinite results from an increase in transported material (inertodetrinite) and/or an increase in the formation of inertinite macerals, such as degrado-fusinite, possibly in response to the encroaching marine conditions. An additional control on maceral composition is the level of metamorphism of the coal. Total liptinite content decreases towards the southeast; in this area, the coal has attained a sufficiently high rank that the reflectance of liptinite macerals approaches that of vitrinite, thus making their identification difficult.
Applying Discriminatively Optimized Feature Transform for HMM-based Off-Line Handwriting Recognition

Feature extraction is an important step in off-line handwriting recognition systems to represent raw handwriting in a low-dimensional, tractable feature space. Traditionally, linear feature transforms such as Principle Component Analysis (PCA), Linear Discriminative Analysis (LDA) are commonly used. The assumptions they make, however, usually cannot be satisfied in practice and thus the best performance is not obtained. In this paper, we apply the Region-Dependent non-linear feature Transform (RDT) to handwriting recognition. RDT is one type of non-linear feature transforms which captures the discriminating power much better than traditional linear ones. We justify the effectiveness of RDT on handwriting features using an HMM-based handwriting recognition system on an Arabic handwriting dataset, which consists of 38K pages of handwriting, over 3M handwritten words. Experimental results show that RDT is able to decrease the word error rates (WERs) relatively by 4% to 7% with statistical significance, comparing to two LDA-based baseline systems.
Patients' and therapists' expectations and evaluations of hospital treatment: satisfactions and disappointments.

Abstract Patients' and therapists' views of 14 treatment modalities were obtained at the beginning and end of treatment. Comparison across groups indicated that patients rated the modalities more favorably than therapists at both time points. Comparison of admission and discharge ratings within groups indicated that patients' expectations for the modalities were generally met, whereas therapists' expectations, particularly for the primary treatment modalities, were not met. Further, both patients and therapists were satisfied with the restful aspects of hospitalization and viewed them as having been as helpful as the primary treatment modalities.
Transabdominal cerclage after comprehensive evaluation of women with previous unsuccessful transvaginal cerclage.

Objective The purpose of this study was to assess the outcome after transabdominal-cerclage placement during pregnancy in women with previous unsuccessful transvaginal cerclage. Study Design We conducted a retrospective case series that described pregnancy outcome in women who were treated with transabdominal cerclage between 1994 and 2006. Results Seventy-five women with negative evaluation for recurrent pregnancy loss and ≥1 previous unsuccessful transvaginal cerclage procedures were treated with transabdominal cerclage. The median gestational age at the time of cerclage placement was 13 weeks, and the median gestational age at delivery was 36 weeks. Seventy-two women delivered after 24 weeks of gestation, and 3 women delivered ≤24 weeks of gestation. The fetal-salvage after transabdominal cerclage was 96%. Conclusion Our findings suggest that, in women with a history of ≥1 failed transvaginal cerclage, transabdominal cerclage is an effective procedure.
Systematics and anomalies

Abstract Systematics is a powerful tool and anomalies thereof are extremely helpful in our comprehension of the behaviors of the rare earth elements and in particular, the lanthanides. It is shown that a greater knowledge of the lanthanide elements is obtained if information is available on the corresponding Sc and Y compounds, and these are also included in the systematic evaluation of the property, than if the lanthanide data are used by themselves. Initially, the behaviors of the pure elements are examined, and then in turn systematics is applied to solid solution alloys (especially H in R), the melting behavior and heats (free energies) of formation of rare earth compounds, and finally aqueous solutions (stability constants of complexes). All of these data indicate that 4f hybridization with the valence electrons (5d, 6s) of the lanthanide and the non-rare earth element in an alloy or compound occurs. The most striking evidence for 4f bonding is seen in the H dissolved in R solid solution alloys. A new method for predicting heats (free energies) of formation of the lanthanide element compounds from the known values of the corresponding Sc, Y and La compounds has been developed. The estimated values are believed to be correct within ±20%.
Sex Differences in Dream Recall and Components of Imaginal Life

The Cognitive Processes Survey was presented and described in terms of standardization data and factor analysis. The instrument was used to assess sex differences in dream recall as a function of degree of imaginal life, orientation toward imaginal life, degree of suppression of feelings and number of dreams recalled weekly. Using a sample of 45 men and 45 women matched on age, family income, and grade point average in college, t tests indicated that women scored higher than men in all categories except suppression of feelings on which there was no difference. Point biserial correlations showed a similar pattern of significance. The findings support the hypothesis that there is continuity of some imaginal processes between waking and sleep. Sex differences on the variables tested were attributed to cultural and attitudinal factors. It was predicted that as sex-role stereotypes diminish, there should be a concomitant decrease in sex differences in dream recall and imaginal processes.
PACAP-mediated ATP release from rat urothelium and regulation of PACAP/VIP and receptor mRNA in micturition pathways after cyclophosphamide (CYP)-induced cystitis.

Pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating peptide (PACAP) peptides are expressed in micturition pathways, and PACAP expression is regulated by urinary bladder inflammation. Previous physiological studies have demonstrated roles for PACAP27 and PACAP38 in detrusor smooth muscle (DSM) contraction and a PAC1 receptor antagonist reduced cyclophosphamide (CYP)-induced bladder hyperreflexia. To gain insight into PACAP signaling in micturition and regulation with cystitis, receptor characterization by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction and physiological assays were performed. PACAP receptors were identified in tissues of rat micturition pathway, including DSM, urothelium (U), and dorsal root ganglia (DRG) after acute (4 h), intermediate (48 h) or chronic (8 days) CYP-induced cystitis. PAC1 messenger RNA expression significantly (p ≤ 0.05) increased in U and DSM after 48 h and chronic CYP-induced cystitis after an initial decrease at 4 h. VPAC1 and VPAC2 transcripts increased in U and DSM after acute and intermediate CYP-induced cystitis followed by a decrease in VPAC2 expression with chronic cystitis. Application of PACAP27 (100 nM) to cultured urothelial cells evoked adenosine triphosphate (ATP) release that was blocked by the PAC1 specific antagonist, M65 (1 μM). PACAP38 (100 nM) also evoked ATP release from cultured urothelial cells, but ATP release was less than that observed with PACAP27. PACAP transcripts were increased in the U with intermediate and chronic cystitis, whereas vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP) expression in both tissues was very low and showed no regulation with cystitis. Regulation of PACAP, galanin, and substance P transcripts expression was observed in lumbosacral DRG, but no regulation for VIP was observed. The current data demonstrate PACAP and PAC1 regulation in micturition pathways with inflammation and PACAP-mediated ATP release from urothelium.
Separation of human and animal seismic signatures using non-negative matrix factorization

Seismic footstep detection based systems can be employed for homeland security applications such as perimeter protection and the border security. This paper reports an approach based on non-negative matrix factorization (NMF) for seismic footstep signal separation for a single channel recording. A supervised NMF technique is employed to separate the human footstep signatures from the horse footstep signatures. The proposed algorithm is applied on the spectrogram of human footstep signals and horse footstep signals. The spectrograms of these signals are presented as a sum of components, each having a fixed spectrum and time-varying gain. The main benefit of the proposed technique is its ability to decompose a complex signal automatically into objects that have a meaningful interpretation. In this paper, a sparsity-based NMF algorithm is developed and implemented on seismic data of human and horse footsteps. The performance of this method is very promising and is demonstrated by the experimental results.
Nanoscale neuro-integrative coatings for neural implants.

Abstract Silicon microelectrode arrays (Si MEAs) have great potential in enabling chronic in vivo recording of neural activity, but this potential has been hampered by scar tissue formation at the site of implantation. In this study, we report the fabrication and characterization of nanoscale coatings that have the potential of enhancing the biocompatibility of Si electrodes. We use electrostatic layer-by-layer (LbL) assembly to prepare nanoscale bioactive coatings on silicon substrates. We use the response of chick cortical neurons to these coatings to assess potential improvement in biocompatibility in vitro. The coatings are built on oxide covered silicon wafers by alternating polycations, polyethyleneimine (PEI) or chitosan (CH), with polyanions, either gelatin or laminin (LN). We use quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) to characterize the coatings. Our analysis confirms that we achieved ∼30–110 A scale coatings via LbL assembly. In contrast to bare oxide covered silicon, coated substrates had significantly enhanced chick cortical neuron adhesion and differentiation, with multilayers of PEI–LN showing the greatest improvement. The multilayers of PEI–LN were stable for at least 7 days in physiological conditions, as determined by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). In addition, impedance spectroscopy confirmed that multilayers of PEI and LN did not increase the magnitude of impedance of Si MEAs at the biologically relevant frequency of 1 kHz. Our study demonstrates that electrostatic LbL assembly enables nanoscale bioactive coatings, and that PEI–LN multilayers significantly enhance cortical neuronal attachment and differentiation in vitro with no deleterious effects on impedance of the electrodes. Such well-controlled nanoscale coatings have the potential to significantly impact the compatibility and performance of Si MEAs in vivo.
Improved Early Outcomes Using a T Cell Replete Graft Compared with T Cell Depleted Haploidentical Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation

Haploidentical stem cell transplantation (SCT) has been generally performed using a T cell depleted (TCD) graft; however, a high rate of nonrelapse mortality (NRM) has been reported, particularly in adult patients. We hypothesized that using a T cell replete (TCR) graft followed by effective posttransplantation immunosuppressive therapy would reduce NRM and improve outcomes. We analyzed 65 consecutive adult patients with hematologic malignancies who received TCR (N = 32) or TCD (N = 33) haploidentical transplants. All patients received a preparative regimen consisting of melphalan, fludarabine, and thiotepa. The TCR group received posttransplantation treatment with cyclophosphamide (Cy), tacrolimus (Tac), and mycophenolate mofetil (MMF). Patients with TCD received antithymocyte globulin followed by infusion of CD34+ selected cells with no posttransplantation immunosuppression. The majority of patients in each group had active disease at the time of transplantation. Outcomes are reported for the TCR and TCD recipients, respectively. Engraftment was achieved in 94% versus 81% (P = NS). NRM at 1 year was 16% versus 42% (P = .02). Actuarial overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) rates at 1 year posttransplantation were 64% versus 30% (P = .02) and 50% versus 21% (P = .02). The cumulative incidence of grade II-IV acute graft-versus-host disease (aGVHD) was 20% versus 11% (P = .20), and chronic GVHD (cGVHD) 7% versus 18% (P = .03). Improved reconstitution of T cell subsets and a lower rate of infection were observed in the TCR group. These results indicate that a TCR graft followed by effective control of GVHD posttransplantation may lower NRM and improve survival after haploidentical SCT.
Protein Binding and the Biological Activity of Corticosteroids: In Vivo Induction of Hepatic and Pancreatic Alanine Aminotransferases by Corticosteroids in Normal and Estrogen-Treated Rats1

A new hypothesis concerning the physiological role of corticosteriod-binding proteins is proposed: These proteins increase the specificity of the adrenocortical system by determining the distribution of corticosteroid signals. Increases in the levels of the binding proteins are postulated to distribute adrenocortical hormonal signals toward organs with proteinpermeable vascular beds. The hypothesis was found to have physicochemical consistency by computer simulation of the multiple mass action and transport equations involved. Liver and pancreas of the rat appear to be members of 2 different classes of corticosteroid-sensitive target tissues. The enzyme alanine aminotransferase (AAT) is corticosteroid-inducible in both tissues, yet when transcortin levels and the total corticosteronecorticosterone concentration are both increased by prolonged estrogen treatment, only the hepatic enzyme responds with increased activity. Hepatic and pancreatic AAT were also induced in both sexes by dexamethasone, a syntheti...
Lateralized finger-tapping interference produced by block design activities☆

Dual task procedures were used to examine hemispheric specialization for nonmanual block design activities. College subjects performed a finger-tapping task with each hand; on some trials concurrent WISC block design solutions were required. Patterns of lateralized interference in tapping under dual-task conditions indicated more left- than right-hemispheric involvement for males, while more bilateral involvement was shown for females.
Paths to Financial Policy Diffusion: Statist Legacies in Latin America's Globalization

The dominant approaches to the study of capital account liberalization have highlighted institutional barriers to reform and have also demonstrated an impor- tant role for interdependence, or the diffusion of a policy innovation from one coun- try to another, as a causal force+ Our approach contrasts with the institutional approach and seeks to clarify the political mechanisms of international policy diffusion+ Spe- cifically, we develop and test hypotheses that posit that structural economic legacies of the pre-reform era both condition the way in which international diffusion oper- ates, and create the societal and economic interests that help produce varying capital account policy outcomes in the domestic political sphere+ Analysis of capital account liberalization strategies in post-debt-crisis Latin America ~1983-2007! reveals that capital account opening and the channels through which this innovation diffuses are conditioned by the legacy of a country's pre-debt crisis economic development model+ Specifically, the degree to which advanced import-substituting industrialization was pursued prior to the reform era affects capital account policy by shaping both the relevant international peer groups through which policy models diffuse, and the sorts of domestic interests that are likely to influence the liberalization process+ Inter- national diffusion also varies in its impact depending on domestic political and eco- nomic conditions+
Developing a bivariate spatial association measure: An integration of Pearson's r and Moran's I

This research is concerned with developing a bivariate spatial association measure or spatial correlation coefficient, which is intended to capture spatial association among observations in terms of their point-to-point relationships across two spatial patterns. The need for parameterization of the bivariate spatial dependence is precipitated by the realization that aspatial bivariate association measures, such as Pearson's correlation coefficient, do not recognize spatial distributional aspects of data sets. This study devises an L statistic by integrating Pearson's r as an aspatial bivariate association measure and Moran's I as a univariate spatial association measure. The concept of a spatial smoothing scalar (SSS) plays a pivotal role in this task.
QUANTITATIVE CYTOLOGICAL STUDIES OF THE ANTERIOR LOBE OF THE HYPOPHYSIS OF FETUSES AND CHILDREN, CORRELATED WITH SEXUAL AND SKELETAL DEVELOPMENT1

The increasing interest in the hypophysis cerebri has resulted in a demand gor a more accurate knowledge of the cytology of this gland during fetal life and infancy. In the White House Conference Report on the Growth and Development of the Child (1) Hoskins states in this connection “that many more autopsy studies, with special attention to cytological technique are needed.” In making quantitative cytological studies on normal adult male and female pituitaries, Rasmussen (2, 3) noted a significant difference between the sexes, and concluded that “the next step would be to see at what age period this sex difference arises.” The present study was undertaken with this purpose in mind. In addition to establishing a norm, an attempt has been made to correlate the relative percentages of the three cell types with sex, body length, and body weight. There are isolated references in the literature to the fetal and infant pituitary, but to our knowledge no quantitative study of this problem has ever been made. Coop...
Comparison between the geometric and electronic structures and reactivities of [FeNO]7 and [FeO2]8 complexes: a density functional theory study.

In a previous study, we analyzed the electronic structure of S = 3/2 {FeNO}7 model complexes [Brown et al. J. Am. Chem. Soc. 1995, 117, 715−732]. The combined spectroscopic data and SCF-Xα-SW electronic structure calculations are best described in terms of FeIII (S = 5/2) antiferromagnetically coupled to NO- (S = 1). Many nitrosyl derivatives of non-heme iron enzymes have spectroscopic properties similar to those of these model complexes. These NO derivatives can serve as stable analogues of highly labile oxygen intermediates. It is thus essential to establish a reliable density functional theory (DFT) methodology for the geometry and energetics of {FeNO}7 complexes, based on detailed experimental data. This methodology can then be extended to the study of {FeO2}8 complexes, followed by investigations into the reaction mechanisms of non-heme iron enzymes. Here, we have used the model complex Fe(Me3TACN)(NO)(N3)2 as an experimental marker and determined that a pure density functional BP86 with 10% hybrid c...
Recombinant Human Tumor Necrosis Factor Administered as a 24-Hour Intravenous Infusion. A Phase I and Pharmacologic Study

Abstract Recombinant human tumor necrosis factor (rH-TNF) is a cytokine with direct antitumor properties. In a phase I trial we continuously infused rH-TNF for 24 hours. We gave a total of 115 courses of therapy to 50 patients. Doses ranged from 4.5 to 645 micrograms of rH-TNF/m2. Systemic toxicity, including fever, chills, fatigue, and hypotension, increased with the dose of rH-TNF administered. Doses greater than 454 micrograms/m2 frequently caused severe lethargy and fatigue, which precluded hospital discharge of the patient at the completion of therapy. The dose-limiting toxicity was hypotension, and five patients treated at the two highest dose levels required dopamine treatment. Other organ-specific toxicity was modest and spontaneously resolved after 48 hours. The 24-hour infusions of rH-TNF were associated with significant decreases in serum cholesterol and high-density lipoprotein levels. Pharmacokinetic studies using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay demonstrated peak plasma rH-TNF levels of 90-900 pg/mL. Despite continuous infusion of rH-TNF, no steady-state level was achieved. The recommended phase II dose for rH-TNF as a 24-hour continuous infusion is 545 micrograms/m2.
Preoperative serum TA90-IC as an adjunct to serum CA 19-9 in the diagnosis of pancreatic malignancy: a pilot study.

Abstract Purpose Because TA90, a 90-kDa immunogenic tumor-associated antigen, is expressed by pancreatic cancer cells, we hypothesized that the serum level of its immune complex with IgG (TA90-IC) might be a useful marker for diagnosis of pancreatic malignancy. We also wanted to compare TA90-IC with CA 19-9 in the diagnosis of pancreatic cancer. Methods We undertook a retrospective study of prospectively collected sera from patients with histopathologically proven pancreatic malignancies. Patient sera were analyzed for TA90-IC and CA 19-9. Sera of sex-matched and age-matched healthy volunteers (controls) were analyzed for TA90-IC. The study was conducted at a tertiary medical center. Twenty-one patients with pancreatic malignancies and 29 controls, from whom sera had been obtained and cryopreserved, were included. A positive TA90-IC level was defined as an optical density ≥ 0.410 at 405 nm following an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay based on a murine monoclonal antibody. CA 19-9 levels were determined by immunoradiometric assay performed at outside laboratories (normal range, 0 to 37 U/mL). Results Of the 21 patients, 14 had positive TA90-IC levels and 18 had increased CA 19-9 levels (67% vs 86%; p = 0.157). The TA90-IC levels were significantly higher in the cancer group than in the control group (p = 0.0003). Of the 3 patients with normal CA 19-9 levels, 2 had positive TA90-IC levels. The combination of both markers identified 95% of patients with pancreatic malignancy, a significantly higher diagnostic rate than that of either marker alone (p = 0.014). TA90-IC sensitivity was higher for stage II and III disease than for stage IV disease (82% vs 50%). Conclusions TA90-IC assay may improve the prediction of pancreatic malignancy when used in combination with CA 19-9 levels. Because TA90-IC appears to have improved diagnostic accuracy with smaller tumor burden, the role of TA90-IC as an adjunct to CA 19-9 in screening and monitoring progression of early disease warrants further investigation.
Audit fee premium and auditor change: the effect of Sarbanes‐Oxley Act

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to provide more comprehensive analysis of the effects of Sarbanes‐Oxley (SOX) Act on both audit fee premium and auditor change in the US audit market.Design/methodology/approach – The audit fee premium model is employed to track the trend in audit fee premium between 2000 and 2006 for small accelerated filers compared with large accelerated filers and non‐accelerated filers and how the change in auditor affected such trend around the enactment of SOX.Findings – The results indicate a significant shift in audit fee premium during early years of SOX compliance especially for small accelerated filers compared with large accelerated filers or non‐accelerated filers. Such shift started to wind down during 2006 after the initial application of SOX requirements. Although clients who switched from big to non‐big auditors have experienced a slower increase in their audit fees, these fee savings are lower for small accelerated filers during 2004 and 2005 with the increasing de...
A method for screening workers in high exposure environments for early lead intoxication

Summary 1. A protocol is presented whereby workers in lead industries can be conveniently and efficiently screened to detect dangerous levels of exposure. A combination of blood lead, urine coproporphyrin, and blood hemoglobin values are used. For subjects constantly exposed to lead, simple measurements of lead levels in body fluids are inadequate. 2. This protocol can be used to monitor clinical improvement after removal of the subject from the high exposure environment. Data is presented from experience gained from workers in a battery manufacturing company.
Resistance Gene Analog Polymorphism (RGAP) Markers Co-Localize with Disease Resistance Genes and QTL in Common Bean

Resistance (R) genes containing nucleotide-binding site (NBS)-leucine rich repeats (LRR) are the most prevalent types of R gene in plants. The objective of this study was to develop PCR-based R-gene analog polymorphism (RGAP) markers for common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L). Twenty degenerate primers were designed from the conserved kinase-1a (GVGKTT) and hydrophobic domains (GLPLAL) of known NBS-LRR type R-genes and from EST databases. Sixty-six of the 100 primer combinations tested yielded polymorphism. Thirty-two RGAP markers were mapped in the BAT 93/Jalo EEP558 core mapping population for common bean. The markers mapped to 10 of 11 linkage groups with a strong tendency for clustering. In addition, the RGAP markers co-located, on six linkage groups, with 15 resistance gene analogs (RGAs) that were previously mapped in other populations of common bean. The distance between the priming sites in NBS-LRR type R-genes is around 500 bp. Of the 32 RGAP markers, 19 had sizes larger and 13 less than 500 bp. RGAP markers mapped close to known R-genes on B11, and to QTLs for resistance on B1, B2, B6, B7, B8, B10, and B11. RGAP appears to provide a useful marker technique for tagging and mapping R-genes in segregating common bean populations, discovery of candidate genes underlying resistance QTL, and future cloning of R-genes in common bean.
Normal protein composition of synapses in Ts65Dn mice: a mouse model of Down syndrome

Down syndrome (DS) is the most prevalent form of intellectual disability caused by the triplication of ∼230 genes on chromosome 21. Recent data in Ts65Dn mice, the foremost mouse model of DS, strongly suggest that cognitive impairment in individuals with DS is a consequence of reduced synaptic plasticity because of chronic over-inhibition. It remains unclear however whether changes in plasticity are tied to global molecular changes at synapses, or are due to regional changes in the functional properties of synaptic circuits. One interesting framework for evaluating the activity state of the DS brain comes from in vitro studies showing that chronic pharmacological silencing of neuronal excitability orchestrates stereotyped changes in the protein composition of synaptic junctions. In the present study, we use proteomic strategies to evaluate whether synapses from the Ts65Dn cerebrum carry signatures characteristic of inactive cortical neurons. Our data reveal that synaptic junctions do not exhibit overt alterations in protein composition. Only modest changes in the levels of synaptic proteins and in their phosphorylation are observed. This suggests that subtle changes in the functional properties of specific synaptic circuits rather than large-scale homeostatic shifts in the expression of synaptic molecules contribute to cognitive impairment in people with DS.
Effect of Ginkgo biloba on Blood Pressure and Incidence of Hypertension in Elderly Men and Women

Background Accumulating evidence suggests that Ginkgo biloba is cardioprotective, in part, through its vasodilatory and antihypertensive properties. However, definitive data on its blood pressure (BP)-lowering effects in humans is lacking. Methods We determined the effects of G. biloba extract (240 mg/day) on BP and incident hypertension in 3,069 participants (mean age, 79 years; 46% female; 96% white) from the Ginkgo Evaluation of Memory (GEM) study. We also examined whether the treatment effects are modified by baseline hypertension status. Results At baseline, 54% of the study participants were hypertensive, 28% were prehypertensive, and 17% were normotensive. Over a median follow-up of 6.1 years, there were similar changes in BP and pulse pressure (PP) in the G. biloba and placebo groups. Although baseline hypertension status did not modify the antihypertensive effects of G. biloba, it did influence the changes in BP variables observed during follow-up, with decreases in hypertensives, increases in normotensives, and no changes in prehypertensives. Among participants who were not on antihypertensive medications at baseline, there was no difference between treatment groups in medication use over time, as the odds ratio (95% confidence interval (CI)) for being a never-user in the G. biloba group was 0.75 (0.48-1.16). The rate of incident hypertension also did not differ between participants assigned to G. biloba vs. placebo (hazard ratio (HR), 0.99, 95% CI, 0.84-1.15). Conclusions Our data indicate that G. biloba does not reduce BP or the incidence of hypertension in elderly men and women.
Bibliography of cytogenetic studies of platyrrhini

We present a bibliographic review of karyological studies on New World monkeys which is current to July 1983. The cytogenetic information reported includes the diploid number and the chromosomal banding techniques utilized. The cytotaxonomic classification and nomenclature for the species are the ones used by L. E. M. De Boer (1974) (ref.14) cited by Ardito (1974) .
Summary and review

Abstract A subjective assessment is made of the major ideas and results presented during the five days of the 4th International Conference on Amorphous and Liquid Semiconductors. Of the 150 papers dealing with theory, structure of disordered systems, devitrification kinetics, optical, electrical, and thermal properties, with phonon spectra, switching and memory devices, only a small part could be discussed in this review.
Social Power in the Classroom: Student Attributions for Compliance

This study assessed university students’ attributions for compliance after envisioning their instructors attempting to influence them through the use of social power. Differences in student attributions were hypothesized based on student gender, region of residence within the United States, and class standing (i.e., lower vs. upper division). Participants (N= 326) completed a modified version of Raven, Schwarzwald, and Koslowsky’s (1 998) Interpersonal Power Inventory. The power dynamic between teachers and students differs from that of a more traditional supervisor-subordinate relationship. Support was not obtained for the hypothesis regarding student gender, while full support was obtained for the hypotheses regarding region of residence and class standing. Implications for instructors are discussed, as well as implications for future social power research. According to Russell (1938), “The fundamental concept in social science is Power, in the same sense in which Energy is the fundamental concept in Physics” (p. lo). At its core, the utilization of social power consists of a powerholder (typically a supervisor) who is trying to achieve compliance from another individual, the target (typically a subordinate). For the current research, the powerholdertarget dynamic will be such that the powerholder is a university faculty member and the target is a university student.
Performance analysis of a focused hospital unit: The case of an integrated trauma center

Abstract The concept of focus [Skinner, W., 1974. The focused factory. Harvard Business Review 52 (3), 113–121], notably operationalized in manufacturing entities like cells and focused factories, has also been adopted by the health care industry. Examples include patient-focused care systems and product/service lines. Despite its longevity, there is a paucity of studies analyzing the focus concept and its link to performance, especially in health care. This research is aimed at enhancing our understanding of how a focus-based approach to organization redesign in health care affects processes and practices, and what operational, clinical, and financial outcomes result from such a change. The research setting is a single case site within a large medical center for which costs for trauma care used to exceed income. Using a structured framework, we document the design and operation of this physically and organizationally integrated Level I trauma care center and compare it to its preceding operation. Its pre- and post-conversion performance is analyzed using symmetric event windows covering three-year periods before and after the focused hospital unit (FHU) was established. Under a sizable increase in workload, we find no change in mortality, moderate improvement in length of stay, and a large improvement in net operating margins. Surprisingly, the latter stem not from reductions in cost but in sharply increased hospital reimbursements. Previous studies of hospital restructuring involving focused patient populations have not conclusively supported a positive link between focus and outcomes. However, this investigation of a specific FHU suggests, conceptually as well as quantitatively, that focus can be an attractive element in health care system design.
The Power of the Gun: The Emergence of Modern Chinese Warlordism

This detailed study offers a new interpretation of the emergence of warlordism in early twentieth-century China. Focusing on the provinces of Hunan and Hubei, Edward McCord shows how the repeated use of the military to settle disputes over the structure and allocation of political power in the early Republic ultimately thwarted the consolidation of civil authority. Warlordism flourished as military commanders took advantage of the growing militarization of politics to establish their dominance over early Republican government. McCord's study brings into sharp focus the social and political context of warlordism and is an essential bridge completing the narrative of events between two revolutionary eras. With the role of the military in modern Chinese politics receiving renewed attention today, this work is especially timely.
Existence of Bound States for a Charged Spin 1/2 Particle with an Extra Magnetic Moment in the Field of a Fixed Magnetic Monopole

Bound-state wave functions are found for a Dirac particle of spin 1/2 with an extra magnetic moment in the field of an infinitely heavy magnetic monopole.
Polarization control in silicon-on-insulator waveguides using gap plasmon polaritons

Resonant coupling to highly confined plasmonic modes in a metal-dielectric nanoscale multilayer on top of a silicon guiding core is proposed for polarization control in silicon-on-insulator waveguides.
Microstructure and Properties of Nanosemicrystalline Si3N4 Ceramics with Doped Sintering Additives: Part II. Phase Transformation and Microstructural Control

The low temperature pressureless sintering of a nanosized Si 3 N 4 powder with doped sintering additives was investigated. The microstructural evolution during sintering at different temperatures was analyzed using x-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy. The effect of using nanosized Si 3 N 4 powder as a catalyst to accelerate the α→β–Si 3 N 4 transformation of a commercial Si 3 N 4 powder with larger particle sizes was also investigated. Finally, two stage sintering was used to study the feasibility of controlling the microstructure and the mechanical properties of the nanosized silicon nitride.
Pericardial effusions in pulmonary arterial hypertension: characteristics, prognosis, and role of drainage.

Background The presence and size of a pericardial effusion in pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) and its association with outcome is unclear. Methods In this single-center cohort study of 577 patients with group 1 PAH seen between January 1, 1995, and December 31, 2005, all patients underwent transthoracic echocardiography and were followed for ≥ 5 years. Echocardiography-guided pericardiocentesis was performed as needed. Results Pericardial effusions on index echocardiography occurred in 150 patients (26%); 128 patients had small and 22 had moderate-sized or larger effusions. Most of the moderate or greater effusions occurred in patients who had connective tissue disease (82%). Mean right atrial pressure was 13.4 ± 4.4 mm Hg (no effusion), 15.1 ± 4.4 mm Hg (small effusion), and 17.0 ± 4.0 mm Hg (moderate or greater effusion) ( P Conclusions Pericardial effusions are relatively common but rarely of hemodynamic significance in patients with PAH. However, even modest degrees of pericardial fluid are associated with a significant increase in mortality and appear to reflect the presence of associated collagen vascular disease and high right atrial pressure.
Examining the Impact of Student Use of Multiple Modal Representations in Constructing Arguments in Organic Chemistry Laboratory Classes.

This study was designed to examine students’ use of multiple modal representations within their written arguments as a consequence of completing a series of investigations of an organic chemistry laboratory course. One hundred and eleven students from a major Midwestern university were involved in using the Science Writing Heuristic (SWH) approach where they are required to use the argument structure of question, claim, evidence and reflection in completing the written report for their instructor on their laboratory investigations. Results indicate that students who achieved a high score for embedded multiple modal representations in the evidence section also constructed high quality arguments. That is, students who were able to embed multiple modal representations in evidence made strong reasoned connections to support their claim(s) and construct a cohesive argument. Further, there were strong correlations between the laboratory examination score and holistic quality of argument. This study suggests there is a need to build support structures pedagogically for the individual in order to help students understanding the role and function of multiple modal representations in science.
T2 mapping of the heart with high temporal and spatial resolution using a radial double inversion fast spin-echo pulse sequence with view sharing

Summary A double inversion radial fast spin echo (DIR-RADFSE) has been developed to obtain T2 maps of the heart with high-temporal and spatial resolution from data acquired in as ingle breath hold. The method allows for the quantitative assessment of inflammation in the heart. Background While DE imaging is considered a gold standard in the evaluation of myocardial scar/viability in patients with old MI or cardiomyopathy, a few recent publications demonstrate a higher diagnostic sensitivity of T2weighted techniques in patients with Non-STEMI and myocarditis where changes in T2-weighting are due to inflammation in the myocardium leading to edema (Abdel-Aty H, JACC 53:1194, 2009; Tilak GS, Invest
Men talk: Stories in the making of masculinities

Jennifer Coates, Men talk: Stories in the making of masculinities. Oxford: Blackwell, 2003. Pp. xi, 219. Hb $59.95 Pb $29.95.It is pleasing to see the publication of a book-length study of language and masculinity, a focus of research that literally did not exist ten years ago. But although this book is rich in its presentation of data and its description of narrative, I was disappointed. The book falls short of its goal of explicating and understanding men's talk; rather, it reifies stereotypes of men without challenging or questioning why these stereotypes exist.
EFFECT OF POLYPHOSPHATES ON TENDERNESS OF HOT CUT CHICKEN BREAST MEAT

The toughening effect of cutting chicken broiler breast muscle within 1 hr after slaughter was prevented by injection of sodium polyphosphates into the muscle at 20 min postmortem. After aging, pH of polyphosphate-treated muscles averaged 6.15 compared with 5.81 for untreated muscles.
Intertidal Growth and Survival of Northern Quahogs Mercenaria mercenaria (Linnaeus 1758) and Atlantic Surf Clams Spisula solidissima (Dillwyn 1817) in Georgia

This work reports on the effects of intertidal planting heights upon the growth and survival of the northern quahog, Mereenaria mercenaria (L.) and the Atlantic sod clam, Spisula solidissima (Dillwyn), in the castal waters of Georgia. Quahogs (N = 100 per cage) at 19.5 mm in shell length were planted in replicate cages (N = 3) placed at the spring (SLW), mean (MLW), one (+1), two (+2), and three (+3) hours above mean low water mark. Surf clams (N = 200 per cage) at 41.5 mm in shell length were placed in replicate cages (N = 3) deployed, as above, in all sites except +3. Quahogs grown at the SLW mark after 15 months were significantly larger than clams planted at other tidal heights. Quahogs planted at the MLW mark were significantly greater in shell length than those planted at the +3, +2, and +1 marks. Clams at the upper three sites were not significantly different in size. An inverse relationship between clam growth and intertidal planting height was evident among surf clams. Surf clams grown at the SLW mark for six months were signplificmtly larger than those at the MLW mark which were larger than those grown at the +1 above MLW mark. No significant differences in quahog survival were detected between intertidal planting sites. There was no significant difference in surf clam survival between SLW (77.5%) and MLW (61%) marks, but there was significantly lower survival at the +1 mark (15%) and no survival at the +2 mark.
Starting Behind: A Comparative Analysis of the Academic Standing of Students Entering Charter Schools*

Objectives. The purpose of this study is to assess if students enter charter schools at an academic disadvantage compared to students who make other types of school-choice decisions, such as transferring between district schools, from a charter to a district school, or staying in the same school. We assess the demographic and academic characteristics of students prior to choosing to attend a charter school in comparison to students who made other types of school-choice decisions and broaden the operational definition of a “disadvantaged” student when exploring differences between charter and district students to include academic achievement prior to entering a school. Methods. The analysis is conducted with student-level panel data and a progressive series of ANCOVA models that were estimated using ordinary least squares (OLS) regression. This methodology allows for a comparison of the mean differences in academic achievement among students who made different types of school-choice decisions while controlling for student-level covariates. Results. Students who transferred from district to charter schools had the lowest levels of prior academic achievement compared to students who made other types of choice decisions. Conclusions. When Arizona charter authorizers face the deluge of renewal decisions that are approaching, the quality of education available to the next generation of charter school students is at stake. Renewal decisions will impact what choices are available going forward and, given the comparative academic disadvantage of charter school students prior to entering, those decisions should take into consideration the starting point for students entering charter schools.
The Production of Health and the Valuation of Medical Inputs in Wage-Amenity Models

Using a hedonic wage-amenity model, this paper examines the valuation of medical inputs into the production of health. The data used in this study include the incomes, demographics and measures of human capital for households in eastern North Carolina with county level medical input supply. These data allow an estimate of the marginal value of medical care inputs such as the physician to population ratio and the availability of specialized services in an area of the country where the lack of available medical care has been of particular concern to policy makers. Our results indicate that while health care inputs are not a significant determinant of earnings overall, they are important in counties that have been designated as medically underserved. In underserved counties each additional physician per 10,000 individuals in the county decreases earnings by about 11.6%. This suggests that physicians act as an amenity and workers are willing to accept lower wages to locate in counties with a higher physician to population ratio.