cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Phenotypic variation among populations of Atherinops affinis(Atherinopsidae) with insights from a geometric morphometric analysis

Morphological character variation was examined in Atherinops affinis, a temperate marine silverside with a broad geographic range and presumed limited powers of dispersal. Populations of this species were sampled from three California mainland sites, one Channel Island site and one site in the upper Gulf of California. A geometric morphometric analysis yielded higher resolution in the assessment of phenotypic divergence among the four Pacific coast populations than either body measurement or meristic analysis, and it showed that most of the shape variation among these populations occurs in the head region and body depth of the fish. All three analyses supported the hypothesis that populations of A. affinis from central and southern California coastal waters and from Santa Catalina Island are morphologically distinct from each other; the Santa Catalina Island population was found to be the most divergent. On the basis of meristic characters alone, the population of a. affinis from the upper Gulf of California was different from A. affinis populations along the Pacific coast of California. The analyses revealed variation in several morphological characters, e.g. body depth and meristics, known to vary in association with environmental conditions. Given that A. affinis appears to have low among-population genetic variation, this species may be phenotypically plastic in response to the environmental conditions of the habitat of each population.
Physical Approaches to Masking Bitter Taste: Lessons from Food and Pharmaceuticals

Many drugs and desirable phytochemicals are bitter, and bitter tastes are aversive. Food and pharmaceutical manufacturers share a common need for bitterness-masking strategies that allow them to deliver useful quantities of the active compounds in an acceptable form and in this review we compare and contrast the challenges and approaches by researchers in both fields. We focus on physical approaches, i.e., micro- or nano-structures to bind bitter compounds in the mouth, yet break down to allow release after they are swallowed. In all of these methods, the assumption is the degree of bitterness suppression depends on the concentration of bitterant in the saliva and hence the proportion that is bound. Surprisingly, this hypothesis has only rarely been fully tested using a combination of adequate human sensory trials and measurements of binding. This is especially true in pharmaceutical systems, perhaps due to the greater experimental challenges in sensory analysis of drugs.
Home bias in foreign investment decisions

We analyze the US equity holdings of more than 3000 non-US-based mutual funds from 22 countries and find robust evidence that fund managers strongly prefer to invest in stocks of US firms that have presence in their home country. This “home bias” is independent of the degree of global involvement and visibility of these US firms. While these firms have significantly greater exposure to local equity markets, their local presence offers little information advantage to local fund managers. Our findings suggest that the lack of international diversification is more serious than currently documented in the literature.
Microsporidiosis in a Daphnia pulex population

The impact of parasitism by Thelohania sp., an intracellular microsporidian, on Daphnia pulex inhabiting a vernal pond was studied for three years. Three issues were considered: the distribution of parasites among hosts, the effect of parasites on individuals, and the impact of parasitism on population growth. Each year, Thelohania infected members of at least half of the generations of Daphnia produced in the pond. When the frequency of infection was low, parasites were found only in large adults. As infection frequency increased, parasitism spread downward through host size classes. However, parasites were rarely found in juveniles. Parasitism reduced clutch size drastically, increased mortality to a variable extent, had little impact on egg size or on per instar growth and none on molt frequency. Interaction with other stresses, such as food limitation, exacerbated some of these effects. Parasitism reduced instantaneous birth rate much more than it elevated instantaneous death rate. Population growth was reduced significantly but it is unlikely that Thelohania alone regulates the growth of this Daphnia population.
Regulation of Synaptic Extracellular Matrix Composition Is Critical for Proper Synapse Morphology

Synapses are surrounded by a layer of extracellular matrix (ECM), which is instrumental for their development and maintenance. ECM composition is dynamically controlled by proteases, but how the precise composition of the ECM affects synaptic morphology is largely unknown. Through an unbiased forward genetic screen, we found that Caenorhabditis elegans gon-1, a conserved extracellular ADAMTS protease, is required for maintaining proper synaptic morphology at the neuromuscular junction. In gon-1 mutants, once synapse formation is complete, motor neuron presynaptic varicosities develop into large bulbous protrusions that contain synaptic vesicles and active zone proteins. A concomitant overgrowth of postsynaptic muscle membrane is found in close apposition to presynaptic axonal protrusions. Mutations in the muscle-specific, actin-severing protein cofilin (unc-60) suppress the axon phenotype, suggesting that muscle outgrowth is necessary for presynaptic protrusions. gon-1 mutants can also be suppressed by loss of the ECM components collagen IV (EMB-9) and fibulin (FBL-1). We propose that GON-1 regulates a developmental switch out of an initial “pro-growth” phase during which muscle arms grow out and form synapses with motor neuron axons. We postulate that this switch involves degradation or reorganization of collagen IV (EMB-9), whereas FBL-1 opposes GON-1 by stabilizing EMB-9. Our results describe a mechanism for regulating synaptic ECM composition and reveal the importance of precise ECM composition for neuronal morphology and synapse integrity.
OBSERVATION OF PROXIMITY RESONANCES IN A PARALLEL-PLATE WAVEGUIDE

We have observed proximity resonances in a two dimensional system consisting of dielectric scatterers in a parallel plate waveguide. A numerical solution to the scattering problem supports the analysis of the experimental data.
A low-noise low-offset capacitive sensing amplifier for a 50-/spl mu/g//spl radic/Hz monolithic CMOS MEMS accelerometer

This paper describes a CMOS capacitive sensing amplifier for a monolithic MEMS accelerometer fabricated by post-CMOS surface micromachining. This chopper stabilized amplifier employs capacitance matching with optimal transistor sizing to minimize sensor noise floor. Offsets due to sensor and circuit are reduced by ac offset calibration and dc offset cancellation based on a differential difference amplifier (DDA). Low-duty-cycle periodic reset is used to establish robust dc bias at the sensing electrodes with low noise. This work shows that continuous-time voltage sensing can achieve lower noise than switched-capacitor charge integration for sensing ultra-small capacitance changes. A prototype accelerometer integrated with this circuit achieves 50-/spl mu/g//spl radic/Hz acceleration noise floor and 0.02-aF//spl radic/Hz capacitance noise floor while chopped at 1 MHz.
A Parametric Linear Complementarity Technique for the Computation of Equilibrium Prices in a Single Commodity Spatial Model.

This paper presents a parametric linear complementarity technique for the computation of equilibrium prices in a single commodity spatial model. We first reformulate the model as a linear complementarity problem and then apply the parametric principal pivoting algorithm for its solution. This reformulation leads to the study of an “arc—arc weighted adjacency matrix” associated with a simple digraph having weights on the nodes. Several basic properties of such a matrix are derived. Using these properties, we show how the parametric principal pivoting algorithm can be greatly simplified in this application. Finally, we report some computational experience with the proposed technique for solving some large problems.
Delayed neutron detection methods applied to the detection and location of reactor fuel element failures

A method has been developed and demonstrated to detect and locate reactor fuel element failures by means of primary coolant delayed neutron (DN) activity measurements. The initial development, done at the Knolls Atomic Power Laboratory,? applied to a high-temperature, pressurized, recirculating water-cooled reactor system. However, it can be applied to a variety of other types of reactor systems, including air-cooled types. By this method, the state of reactor fuel integrity can be continuously and simply monitored. The actual location of fuel element failures can also be determined; in some instances this location can be accomplished without the necessity of shutting down the reactor.
Substrate Enantioselective and Product Stereoselective Metabolism of Racemic 2-Hydroxy-3-methylcholanthrene by Rat Liver Microsomes

Abstract Racemic 2-hydroxy-3-methylcholanthrene (rac-2-OH-3MC) is a potent carcinogen and 2S-OH-3MC is the most abundant metabolite formed in the metabolism of 3-methylcholanthrene (3MC) by rat liver microsomes. Eighteen identifiable metabolites were formed in the metabolism of rac-2-OH-3MC by liver microsomes prepared from phenobarbital-treated rats. Metabolites were separated by sequential use of reversed-phase and normal-phase high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and characterized by ultraviolet-visible absorption, mass, and circular dichroism spectral, and chiral stationary phase (CSP) HPLC analyses. Identified metabolites were: 2-OH-3MC 7,8-dihydrodiol (enriched in 7R,8R enantiomer), 2-OH-3MC 9,10-dihydrodiol (2S,9R,10R:2R,9S,10S ≈ 27:73 and 2R,9R,10R:2S,9S,10S ≈ 81:19), 2-OH-3MC 11,12-dihydrodiol (2R,11R,12R:2S,11S,12S ≈ 5:95 and an essentially optically pure 2S,11R,12R enantiomer), 3MC trans-1,2-diol (1S,2S:1R,2R ≈ 68:32), 3MC cis-1,2-diol (1S,2R:1R,2S ≈ 18:82), 2-OH-3-hydroxymethyl-cholan...
Accurate and ergonomic method of registration for image-guided neurosurgery

There has been considerable interest in the development of frameless stereotaxy based upon scalp mounted fiducials. In practice we have experienced difficulty in relating markers to the image data sets in our series of 25 frameless cases, as well as inaccuracy due to scalp movement and the size of the markers. We have developed an alternative system for accurately and conveniently achieving surgical registration for image-guided neurosurgery based on alignment and matching of patient forehead contours. The system consists of a laser contour digitizer which is used in the operating room to acquire forehead contours, editing software for extracting contours from patient image data sets, and a contour-match algorithm for aligning the two contours and performing data set registration. The contour digitizer is tracked by a camera array which relates its position with respect to light emitting diodes placed on the head clamp. Once registered, surgical instrument can be tracked throughout the procedure. Contours can be extracted from either CT or MRI image datasets. The system has proven to be robust in the laboratory setting. Overall error of registration is 1 - 2 millimeters in routine use. Image to patient registration can therefore be achieved quite easily and accurately, without the need for fixation of external markers to the skull, or manually finding markers on the scalp and image datasets. The system is unobtrusive and imposes little additional effort on the neurosurgeon, broadening the appeal of image-guided surgery.© (1994) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Lowering the Barrier to Systems-level Networking Projects

Developing systems-level networking software to implement switches, routers, and middleboxes is challenging, rewarding, and arguably an essential component for developing a deep understanding of modern computer networks. Unfortunately, existing techniques for building networked system software use low-level and error-prone tools and languages, making this task inaccessible for many undergraduates. Moreover, working at such a low-level of abstraction complicates debugging and testing and can make assessment difficult for instructors and TAs. We describe a Python-based environment called Switchyard that is designed to facilitate student projects for building and testing software-based network devices like switches, routers, and middleboxes. Switchyard exposes a networking abstraction similar to a \textit{raw socket}, which allows a developer to receive and send Ethernet frames on specific network ports, and provides a set of classes to simplify parsing and construction of packets and packet headers. Systems-level software created using Switchyard can be deployed on a standard Linux host or in an emulated environment like Mininet. Perhaps most importantly, Switchyard provides facilities for test-driven development by transparently allowing the underlying network to be replaced with a test harness that is specifically designed to help students through the development and debugging process. We describe experiences with using Switchyard in an undergraduate networking course in which students created an Ethernet learning switch, a fully functional IPv4 router, a firewall with rate limiter, and a deep-packet inspection middlebox device.
Using DNA microarray data to understand the ionizing radiation resistance of Deinococcus radiodurans

In a recent paper, Liu et al. documented the changes in gene expression as stationary phase Deinococcus radiodurans cultures recover from acute exposure to gamma radiation. Given that the biochemical details of the response of D. radiodurans to ionizing radiation are poorly understood, this work represents an important first step towards achieving an understanding of the ionizing radiation resistance in this species.
Debris/Ice/Tps Assessment and Integrated Photographic Analysis of Shuttle Mission Sts-105

The Debris Team has developed and implemented measures to control damage from debris in the Shuttle operational environment and to make the control measures a part of routine launch flows. These measures include engineering surveillance during vehicle processing and closeout operations, facility and flight hardware inspections before and after launch, and photographic analysis of mission events. Photographic analyses of mission imagery from launch, on-orbit, and landing provide significant data in verifying proper operation of systems and evaluating anomalies. In addition to the Kennedy Space Center Photo/Video Analysis, reports from Johnson Space Center and Marshall Space Flight Center are also included in this document to provide an integrated assessment of the mission.
Application of a Discontinuous Galerkin Method to 1-D Liquid Sloshing

A discontinuous Galerkin method is applied to the shallow water equations written in a rotating frame of reference. Linear approximating functions are employed on each element. A minmod slope limiter is incorporated to ensure non-linear total variation bounded (TVB) stability. The method is first applied to the dam breaking problem with zero rotation to validate the numerical implementation. A rotating tank is then investigated with sinusoidal rotation. Results are computed with and without slope limiting to investigate the effect of slope limiting on the solution. The DG method is also compared to a first order Godunov method and to experimental data.Copyright © 2003 by ASME
Veterans Affairs general surgery service: the last bastion of integrated specialty care

Abstract Background In a time of increasing specialization, academic training institutions provide a compartmentalized learning environment that often does not reflect the broad clinical experience of general surgery practice. This study aimed to evaluate the contribution of the Veterans Affairs (VA) general surgery surgical experience to both index Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) requirements and as a unique integrated model in which residents provide concurrent care of multiple specialty patients. Methods Institutional review board approval was obtained for retrospective analysis of electronic medical records involving all surgical cases performed by the general surgery service from 2005 to 2009 at the Nashville VA. Over a 5-year span general surgery residents spent an average of 5 months on the VA general surgery service, which includes a postgraduate year (PGY)-5, PGY-3, and 2 PGY-1 residents. Surgeries involved the following specialties: surgical oncology, endocrine, colorectal, hepatobiliary, transplant, gastrointestinal laparoscopy, and elective and emergency general surgery. The surgeries were categorized according to ACGME index requirements. Results A total of 2,956 surgeries were performed during the 5-year period from 2005 through 2009. Residents participated in an average of 246 surgeries during their experience at the VA; approximately 50 cases are completed during the chief year. On the VA surgery service alone, 100% of the ACGME requirement was met for the following categories: endocrine (8 cases); skin, soft tissue, and breast (33 cases); alimentary tract (78 cases); and abdominal (88 cases). Approximately 50% of the ACGME requirement was met for liver, pancreas, and basic laparoscopic categories. Conclusions The VA hospital provides an authentic, broad-based, general surgery training experience that integrates complex surgical patients simultaneously. Opportunities for this level of comprehensive care are decreasing or absent in many general surgery training programs. The increasing level of responsibility and simultaneous care of multiple specialty patients through the VA hospital systems offers a crucial experience for those pursuing a career in general surgery.
Functional lung imaging: emerging methods to visualize regional pulmonary physiology1

This is a particularly exciting era for thoracic imaging. Rapidly evolving technical advances in CT and MR are enabling increasingly sophisticated capabilities for pulmonary functional imaging. Such functional methods were formerly largely limited to radionuclide scanning. A great advantage of these imaging techniques is their ability to provide information on regional lung function, including ventilation/perfusion, spirometric, and biomechanical parameters. The ability of these imaging techniques to spatially map these functional parameters throughout each lung individually represents a significant advantage over traditional pulmonary function tests (PFTs), which are limited to more global measures of total lung function. Moreover, the new imaging methods, which provide high spatial and temporal resolution, allow for direct correlation of regional lung function with the underlying morphologic changes. Included in this issue of Academic Radiology is a collection of articles on pulmonary functional imaging, selected from presentations given at the First International Workshop on Pulmonary Functional Imaging, which was held in June, 2002 in Philadelphia. This workshop brought together a multi-disciplinary group of researchers and clinicians from pulmonary medicine, thoracic surgery, radiology, nuclear medicine, anesthesiology, pharmacol-
Isolated proteinuria in asymptomatic patients

Presentation of the Forum is made possible by grants from Smith Kline & French Laboratories, Hoechst-Roussel Pharmaceuticals Inc., CIBA Pharmaceutical Company, GEIGY Pharmaceuticals, and Boehringer Ingelheim Ltd.
DERIVATIONAL COMPLEXITY AND ITEM DIFFICULTY IN A SENTENCE REPETITION TASK

This paper reports the results of an analysis to determine whether derivational complexity is a determinant of item difficulty in a sentence repetition task. Fifty ESL subjects took a 26 item sentence repetition test. It was possible to estimate Rasch item difficulty indices for 18 items. The high-difficulty items were derivationally more complex than the low-difficulty items; however, predictions made in the early derivational complexity research about passive, negative, and interrogative sentences were not confirmed in this research. A linguistic analysis of the most difficult items suggests that this sample of ESL subjects experienced difficulties in processing adverbials, compounding and reduction of clauses, and the non-finite verbals.
Regeneration of plants from mesophyll protoplasts of Solanum species of the Etuberosa group

Abstract Using the techniques developed for Solanum tuberosum cv. Russet Burbank, plants were regenerated from mesophyll-derived protoplasts of three non-tuberous species of the Etuberosa series of the genus Solanum . Sixty percent of the p -calli (protoplast-derived calli) produced from S. etuberosum protoplasts produced plants. Five percent of the p -calli derived from S. brevidens and S. fernandezianum also regenerated plants. The significance of this finding for the synthesis of somatic hybrids between S. tuberosum and these intractable species is considered.
The rate of convergence in law of the maximum of an exponential sample

Summary We derive a uniform rate of convergence of (1–n-1x)n to e-x(x < 0). It provides a uniform rate of convergence for the distribution of the largest order statistic in a sample from an exponential distribution to the “double exponential” extreme value distribution. It likewise provides a rate of convergence for the distribution of the smallest order statistic from a uniform distribution.
Development of the optical conductivity with doping in single-domain YBa2Cu3O6+x.

Optical studies of single-domain crystals of ${\mathrm{YBa}}_{2}$${\mathrm{Cu}}_{3}$${\mathrm{O}}_{6+\mathit{x}}$ allow us to separate the ${\mathrm{CuO}}_{2}$-plane and CuO-chain contributions to the optical conductivity as a function of doping between 0.025 and 5.5 eV. We find several interesting consequences of doping on the optical conductivity of ${\mathrm{YBa}}_{2}$${\mathrm{Cu}}_{3}$${\mathrm{O}}_{6+\mathit{x}}$: the 4.1-eV transition in tetragonal ${\mathrm{YBa}}_{2}$${\mathrm{Cu}}_{3}$${\mathrm{O}}_{6.1}$ is split into a- and b-axis-polarized components by CuO-chain formation; oscillator strength associated with the charge-transfer band of insulating ${\mathrm{YBa}}_{2}$${\mathrm{Cu}}_{3}$${\mathrm{O}}_{6.1}$ is redistributed to low frequencies; and the low-frequency conductivity in the ${\mathrm{CuO}}_{2}$ planes evolves into a non-Drude response comprised of a single resolvable component. The CuO-chain conductivity, by contrast, is dominated by a midinfrared absorption band.
Husbands and sons in the United States and Japan: Cultural expectations and caregiving experiences

Abstract In the United States and Japan, social and demographic changes are placing pressure on men to become involved in elder care. In Japan, 15 percent of caregivers to the elderly are men compared with 28 percent in the United States. This qualitative study uses in-depth interviews with 15 Japanese and 30 American men to compare their daily caregiving experiences and examine the impact of culture on their roles. We identify common elements as well as differences in husbands' and sons' motivations to take on this role, the tasks they perform, the impact on their lives, and societal responses. Culture is a factor in the social shaping of the caregiving experience through different societal expectations about the roles, coupled with different family structure, different caregiving ideals, different views on dependency, and different views on self-expression and on the need to maintain harmonious relationships.
The incidence of regional taxes in a general equilibrium framework

Abstract A six-region, general equilibrium model of the United States is presented and used to evaluate the incidence of state-local business taxes. Because this formulation allows for labor and capital mobility, the provision of public goods, distinctions between household and business-level taxes, and the interaction of state-local and federal tax systems, numerical analysis is particularly appropriate. Simulations show that capital improvements generally bear the average economy-wide burden of business taxes levied on them, regardless of whether a multilateral or unilateral policy change is considered or whether the alternative tax is imposed on immobile resources or household income. However, for other factors of production, both mobile andimmobile, the effects vary across scenarios, a demonstration that incidence should not be thought of as a single outcome or value.
Structural and conformational modifications of α-MSH/ACTH4–10 provide melanotropin analogues with highly potent behavioral activities

Abstract Previous studies have identified the (4–10) heptapeptide sequence as the central core of α-MSH/ACTH peptides required for mediation of important biological activities. In the present study, the structure-activity relationships of Nle 4 -substituted and tsqbCys 4 , Cys 10 -bridged cyclic α-MSH analogues, which were previously shown to exhibit a wide range of melanotropic potencies from weak agonism to super potency, were examined for grooming behavioral activity in the rat following intracerebroventricular injections. The results showed that stepwise C-terminal elongation of the linear Nle 4 -substituted Ac-α-MSH 4–10 -NH 2 increased grooming potencies of the peptides in a manner similar to their actions on melanocytes. The most interesting finding was the observation that cyclization of the inactive linear “central (4–10) core” of α-MSH (Ac-α-MSH 4–10 ) to form Ac-[ tsqbCys 4 , Cys 10 ]-α-MSH 4–10 -NH 2 resulted in a super potent agonist in the grooming assay. However, while cyclization of the (4–10) heptapeptide produced potent agonists on grooming behavior, the structure-activity relationships were different than the frog skin bioassay. These findings support the hypothesis that appropriate structural and confirmational modifications of α-MSH-related peptides can produce profound effects on the bioactivities of the peptides, and suggest that different structural-conformational requirements exist for α-MSH interactions with its various receptors.
Temperature dependence of the i.r. spectra of liquid crystalline p-heptoxybenzoic acid and p-octoxybenzoic acid

Abstract The infrared spectra of liquid crystalline p -heptoxybenzoic acid (HOBA) and p -octoxybenzoic acid (OBA) were measured as a function of temperature and a direct correlation was obtained between the phases and the type and extent of hydrogen bonding. New bands were observed at ∼3550 and 1730 cm −1 at the smectic—nematic transition; these were assigned to the monomer. Bands due to a cyclic dimer wore observed at ∼2900 and 1675 cm −1 in all phases, whereas bands due to an open dimer were observed at ∼3300 and ∼1680 cm −1 in the spectra of the nematic and isotropic phases. The spectra of both liquid crystals in dilute CCl 4 solution were measured as a function of concentration and temperature. Bands due to the OH and CO stretching vibrations of the monomer and cyclic dimer were observed in the spectra of the dilute solutions. In addition, Δ H ∘ and Δ S ∘ values were obtained from the solution spectra.
The transient response of quasi-two-dimensional semiconductors under hot electron conditions

Abstract In calculating the transport properties of semiconductors in the presence of high electric fields, one must consider the effects of both the momentum, energy, and population-transfer relaxation times of the individual valleys, or quantum levels in a quasi-two-dimensional system. In recent calculations of hot electron microwave conductivities of quasi-two-dimensional silicon 〈100〉 samples it was found that the microwave conductivity at a fixed bias electric field showed non-monotonic behavior when plotted as a function of frequency, and has a conductivity peak in the high frequency region. To further clarify this conductivity peak and its implications for velocity overshoot, we have carried out transient response solutions to the electron transport for both large-signal and small-signal conditions. In this paper, the results of these calculations for electrons in a 〈100〉 inversion layer are reported. The response of the electron gas to a large dc field step and to a small step applied upon a large dc bias field are calculated. Much of the velocity overshoot and ac conductivity peaking are related to the differential repopulation among the inequivalent valley sub-bands.
Oxysterol Regulation of Steroidogenic Acute Regulatory Protein Gene Expression STRUCTURAL SPECIFICITY AND TRANSCRIPTIONAL AND POSTTRANSCRIPTIONAL ACTIONS

Oxysterols exert a major influence over cellular cholesterol homeostasis. We examined the effects of oxysterols on the expression of steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR), which increases the delivery of cholesterol to sterol-metabolizing P450s in the mitochondria. 22(R)-hydroxycholesterol (22(R)-OHC), 25-OHC, and 27-OHC each increased steroidogenic factor-1 (SF-1)-mediated StAR gene transactivation by ∼2-fold in CV-1 cells. In contrast, cholesterol, progesterone, and the 27-OHC metabolites, 27-OHC-5β-3-one and 7α,27-OHC, had no effect. Unlike our findings in CV-1 cells, SF-1-dependent StAR promoter activity was not augmented by 27-OHC in COS-1 cells, Y-1 cells, BeWo choriocarcinoma cells, Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells, and human granulosa cells. Studies examining the metabolism of 27-OHC indicated that CV-1 cells formed a single polar metabolite, 3β-OH-5-cholestenoic acid from radiolabeled 27-OHC. However, this metabolite inhibited StAR promoter activity in CV-1, COS-1 and CHO cells. Because 7α,27-OHC was unable to increase SF-1-dependent StAR promoter activity, we examined 27-OHC 7α-hydroxylase in COS-1 and CHO cells. COS-1 cells contained high 7α-hydroxylase activity, whereas the enzyme was undetectable in CHO cells. The hypothesis that oxysterols act in CV-1 cells to increase StAR promoter activity by reducing nuclear levels of sterol regulatory element binding protein was tested. This notion was refuted when it was discovered that sterol regulatory element binding protein-1a is a potent activator of the StAR promoter in CV-1, COS-1, and human granulosa cells. Human granulosa and theca cells, which express endogenous SF-1, contained more than 5-fold more StAR protein following addition of 27-OHC, whereas StAR mRNA levels remained unchanged. We conclude that 1) there are cell-specific effects of oxysterols on SF-1-dependent transactivation; 2) the ability to increase transactivation is limited to certain oxysterols; 3) there are cell-specific pathways of oxysterol metabolism; and 4) oxysterols elevate StAR protein levels through posttranscriptional actions.
Geometric aspects of the simplicial discretization of Maxwell's equations : Abstract

Aspects of the geometric discretization of electromagnetic fields are considered. The convenience of the use of differential forms to represent the field quantities through natural role as duals (cochains) of the geometric constituents of the lattice (nodes, edges, faces, volumes) is reviewed. The use of a (primary) simplicial lattice, and a barycenter subdivision to decompose the associated (barycentric) dual lattice into simplicial elements are treated briefly. Using this subdivision, lattice Hodge operators are built by defining Whitney maps on the barycentric subdivision.
Hormone therapy and the risk of stroke: perspectives 10 years after the Women's Health Initiative trials.

ABSTRACTPrincipal findings on stroke from the Women's Health Initiative (WHI) clinical trials of hormone therapy indicate that estrogen, alone or with a progestogen, increases a woman's risk of stroke. These results were not unexpected, and research during the past decade has tended to support these findings. Consistent evidence from clinical trials and observational research indicates that standard-dose hormone therapy increases stroke risk for postmenopausal women by about one-third; increased risk may be limited to ischemic stroke. Risk is not modified by age of hormone initiation or use, or by temporal proximity to menopause, and risk is similar for estrogen plus progestogen and for unopposed estrogen. Limited evidence implies that lower doses of transdermal estradiol (≤50 μg/day) may not alter stroke risk. For women less than 60 years of age, the absolute risk of stroke from standard-dose hormone therapy is rare, about two additional strokes per 10 000 person-years of use; the absolute risk is consid...
SPITZER OBSERVATIONS OF SHOCK-EXCITED HYDROGEN DEUTERIDE IN IC 443C, HH 7, AND HH 54: PROBING THE GAS-PHASE DEUTERIUM ABUNDANCE IN THE DENSE INTERSTELLAR MEDIUM

We present and analyze observations?carried out using the Infrared Spectrograph (IRS) on the Spitzer Space Telescope?of the R(3) and R(4) pure rotational lines of hydrogen deuteride (HD) detected from shock-heated material associated with the supernova remnant IC?443C and with the Herbig-Haro objects HH?7 and HH?54. Assuming a continuous temperature distribution for gas observed along the sight lines, we have constrained the gas density to be in the ~103-104?cm?3 range, using both spectroscopic data for H2, HD, and CO from IRS and from the Infrared Space Observatory (ISO), as well as photometric data from Spitzer's Infrared Array Camera. The derived HD abundance relative to H2 is quite sensitive to the assumed excitation conditions in the emitting gas. Assuming that HD accounts for all gas-phase deuterium in the emitting material, and using all the available spectroscopic data to constrain the excitation conditions, we obtained gas-phase deuterium abundances [D/H]gas of 0.95+0.54 ?0.27 ? 10?5 and 0.87+0.31 ?0.27 ? 10?5 (statistical errors only) for IC?443C and HH?54, respectively. The uncertainties in the HD?abundance are dominated by systematic effects related to the poorly known excitation conditions, and more accurate estimates of the HD abundance in shocked molecular clouds will require measurements of the emission in additional HD rotational transitions.
Adapalene for the treatment of acne vulgaris

From the Department of Dermatology, Emory University School of Medicine and Gwinnett Dermatology. Reprints are not available. (J Am Acad Dermatol 1998;39:S50-4.) Copyright © 1998 by the American Academy of Dermatology, Inc. 0190-9622/98/$5.00 + 0 16/0/91819 Adapalene, a naphthoic acid, is a synthetic retinoid that possesses some of the biologic activities of tretinoin, but with distinct physiochemical properties. The most distinctive of these properties is its increased chemical and light stability, rigidity, and high lipophilicity.1,2 In vitro and in vivo studies have shown that adapalene affects the cellular differentiation, keratinization, and inflammatory processes that are abnormally present in acne vulgaris.3,4 Recently approved by the Food and Drug Administration, adapalene is now available in a 0.1% aqueous gel formulation for the treatment of mild-to-moderate acne vulgaris. Therefore in the class of topical retinoids, adapalene represents the first alternative to tretinoin for the treatment of acne. Comparison of the 2 drugs requires analysis of their distinctive properties, clinical trials involving the agents individually, and direct comparative clinical trials between adapalene and tretinoin.
The Return of Moral Fictionalism

Fictionalism has made a comeback over the last two decades as one of the standard responses to ontologically problematic domains. It has been applied to mathematics, modality, unobservables, identity claims, and existence claims. Moral discourse has struck many as potentially ontologically problematic, but within contemporary analytic metaethics there has been no sustained defense of moral fictionalism. Very recently moral fictionalism has also finally begun to return. On the dust cover of Richard Joyce’s new book, The Myth of Morality— a sustained defense of moral fictionalism—David Lewis writes: ‘‘Moral fictionalism is an idea whose time has come.’’ In one sense, Lewis is right: in addition to Joyce’s book there seems to be quite a bit of interest in moral fictionalism though much of it expressed merely in conversation or still in the publication pipeline. The appeal of fictionalism often lies, I suspect, in its ability to look like a relatively less problematic alternative to both traditional noncognitivism and moral realism: we can do without the noncognitivist’s problematic account of moral language and we can do without the realist’s problematic metaphysics. In this paper I will not argue that moral fictionalism cannot work. Instead I will argue (i) that a correct understanding of the dialectical situation in contemporary metaethics shows that fictionalism is only an interesting new alternative if it can provide a new account of normative content: what is it that I am thinking or saying when I think or say that I ought to do something; and (ii) that fictionalism, qua fictionalism, does not provide us with any new resources for providing such an account.
Infrared detection of active fires and burnt areas: theory and observations

We have investigated the problem of fire recognition and management using hyperspectral images remotely sensed by the multispectral infrared and visible imaging spectrometer (MIVIS). Twenty near infrared bands (between 1.99 and 2.48 μm) and ten thermal infrared (between 8.2 and 12.7 μm) MIVIS bands have been utilised. The main problems addressed in this work are the fire-front and burned-area recognition and the extraction of information useful for the management of the burned area. The paper shows data gathered by the sensor MIVIS over the fire, the data processing result and is completed with a brief theoretical discussion of the involved topics. Some hints are given about the diagnostic capabilities of other hyperspectral devices.
Improving network lifetime with mobile wireless sensor networks

Sensors are used to monitor and control the physical environment. In mobile sensor networks, nodes can self-propel via springs, wheels, or they can be attached to transporters, such as vehicles. Sensors have limited energy supply and the sensor network is expected to be functional for a long time, so optimizing the energy consumption to prolong the network lifetime becomes an important issue. In static sensor networks, if sensors are uniformly deployed, sensors near the sinks die first. This is because besides sending their own sensed data, they also participate in forwarding data on behalf of other sensors located farther away from the sink. This uneven energy consumption results in network partitioning and limitation of the network lifetime. In this paper, we survey mechanisms that utilize nodes' mobility to extend the network lifetime. We divide these mechanisms into three groups: mechanisms using mobile sinks, mechanisms using mobile sensors redeployment, and mechanisms using mobile relays. Using mobile sinks, energy is saved by using shorter multi-hop data delivery paths and the set of sensors located near a sink changes over time, thus the energy consumption is balanced in the whole network. Using mobile sensors, the initial deployment can be improved through sensor relocation such that to balance energy consumption and to extend network lifetime. Mobile nodes can also be used as relays, which can inherit the responsibilities of the co-locating static sensors or they can carry data to the sink to reduce the cost of long distance communication. We provide overviews and comparisons among different mechanisms.
Saving Persuasion: A Defense of Rhetoric and Judgment

Saving Persuasion: A Defense of Rhetoric and Judgment. By Bryan Garsten. Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press, 2006. 290p. $45.00. Bryan Garsten's Saving Persuasion is an engaging and original work of wide appeal. Garsten analyzes the formation of an antirhetorical tradition in modern political thought, investigates its rival classical tradition of rhetoric and judgment, and explores the promise that a politics of persuasion offers contemporary democratic societies.
Rangeland Ecosystem Services, Risk Management, and the Ranch Bottom Line

Rangeland Ecosystem Services, Risk Management, and the Ranch Bottom Line DOI:10.2458/azu_rangelands_v33i5_toombs
Gas Chromatographic Separation of Enantiomers it

Abstract Separation methods for the resolution of “optical isomers” (especially enantiomers) are developed to solve either of two basic problems: 1) the need to obtain, in optically pure form, one antipode or the other on a scale suitable for further chemical use-i.e.-“preparative” or 2) the analysis of the extent of racemization or “optical resolution” of a mixture of enantiomorphs on a scale sufficient for quantitative analysis-i.e.-“analytical”. The most economical, large-scale separation methods in use today are not chromatographic in nature but rather range from such common, general unit operations as recrystal1ization to very specific biological degradation.lS2 Chromatographic methods are generally limited to systems in which analytical data is the desired end product or in which only relatively small amounts of resolved material are needed.
Two MCAT elements of the SM α-actin promoter function differentially in SM vs. non-SM cells

Transcriptional activity of the smooth muscle (SM) α-actin gene is differentially regulated in SM vs. non-SM cells. Contained within the rat SM α-actin promoter are two MCAT motifs, binding sites f...
Memory Processes and Experiential Continuity

What are the memory processes that produce coherent representations of temporally discontinuous experiences? In this article, we describe the memory process of resonance, a process that provides renewed access to long-term memory information that is relevant to cues in working memory. Our experiments demonstrate parallel waxing and waning of information as a function of relevance to a current episode, a pattern of accessibility of information that contributes to the achievement of continuity across experiences.
An Efficient Method of Examining all Trees

In this paper, we present a techique for examining all trees of a given order. Our approach is based on the Beyer and Hedetniemi algorithm for generating all rooted trees of a given order and on the Wright, Richmond, Odlyzko and McKay algorithm for generating all free trees of a given order. In the introduction we describe these algorithms. We also give a precise evaluation of the average number of moves it takes to generate a rooted tree, which improves the upper bound given by Beyer and Hedetniemi. In the second section we present a new method of examining all trees which uses these generating algorithms. The last section contains two applications of the method introduced. The main result of the paper is that the average number of steps required by the proposed algorithm to examine a rooted tree is bounded by a constant independent of the order of a tree.
Strategies for controlling document quality

The authors offer strategies for controlling document quality. They define error in a way that is broadly applicable and useful. That is, they classify errors relative to their potential effect on documents, and identify the writing, editing, or production tasks that serve to detect errors of each class. They describe how these considerations apply in establishing priorities for document specifications, schedules, and budgets, and in evaluating products. >
Intravenous autologous bone marrow mononuclear cells for ischemic stroke

Objective: Cellular therapy is an investigational approach for stroke. Mononuclear cells (MNCs) from the bone marrow reduce neurological deficits in animal stroke models. We determined if autologous MNC infusion was feasible and safe in patients with ischemic stroke. Methods: We conducted an open-label prospective study of a bone marrow harvest followed by readministration of autologous MNCs in 10 patients, 18 to 80 years old, with acute middle cerebral artery ischemic stroke. Bone marrow was aspirated from the iliac crest, and MNCs were separated at a Good Manufacturing Practices facility and administered intravenously up to a maximum of 10 million cells/kg. The harvest and infusion had to occur between 24 and 72 hours after stroke. Patients were monitored for 6 months. Results: Bone marrow aspiration was successfully completed in all patients. Eight received 10 million cells/kg, and 2 received � 7 million cells/kg. There were no significant adverse events related to harvest or infusion. Two patients had infarct expansion between enrollment and harvest and underwent hemicraniectomy after cell infusion. One patient died at 40 days due to a pulmonary embolism related to the stroke. There were no study-related severe adverse events. Median National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score was 13 before harvest, 8 at 7 days, and 3 at 6 months. At 6 months, all surviving patients had shifted down by at least 1 point on the modified Rankin Scale compared to day 7. Seven of 10 patients achieved a Barthel Index � 90. Interpretation: This study suggests that a bone marrow harvest and reinfusion of autologous MNCs were safe and feasible in acute stroke patients. ANN NEUROL 2011;70:59–69
Predicting Postoperative Outcome

Pulmonary complications are the main source of postop erative morbidity and mortality, with respiratory failure and pneumonia resulting in 50% of postoperative deaths after lung surgery. Despite the high incidence of postop erative complications, pulmonary resection remains the only effective treatment for lung cancer. Substantial resources are ascribed for the perioperative care of these high-risk patients. Clinical experience would dic tate that predicting outcome could be of immense value in allocating resources. This review will consider the predictive value of preoperative testing, including spi rometry, split lung function, blood gas analysis, carbon monoxide diffusion capacity, pulmonary vascular resis tance, and exercise testing, as well as recent efforts to develop a combined cardiopulmonary index.
Effects of Systemic Insecticide-Nematicides on Midseason Pest and Predator Populations in Soybean

In seven field experiments conducted during 1979 and 1980, the nematicides aldicarb, BAS 263, carbofuran, carbosulfan, fenamiphos, oxamyl, phorate, and terbufos were evaluated in different formulations, rates, and methods of application for nematode control, phytotoxic effects and interactions between herbicides and new nematicides, and systemic activity against soybean pest and beneficial arthropods. Eleven treatments suppressed Cerotoma trifurcate (Forster) numbers at 21 days after planting. Aldicarb, BAS 263, and carbofuran reduced Empoasca fabae (Harris) numbers at 36 to 50 days after planting. Most treatments suppressed Sericothrips variabilis (Beach) numbers at 36 days, but not at 50 days. Geocoris spp. numbers were reduced by both aldicarb and carbofuran at 46 days after planting. In one experiment, Nabis spp. numbers were reduced by all pesticides at 44 days after planting. The use of systemic insecticide-nematicides at planting had no measurable effect on midseason pest or predator populations in soybean.
Ultrasound imaging of fetal brain abnormalities: three essential anatomical levels.

Abstract: Prenatal ultrasound evaluation of the fetal brain requires documentation of specific structures according to guidelines set by the American College of Radiology and the American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine. Among these required structures are: cerebellum, cisterna magna, lateral cerebral ventricles, choroid plexus, midline falx, and cavum septum pellucidum. All these structures can be visualized in three crucial planes of imaging that include cisterna magna/cerebellum, cavum septum pellucidum, and ventricular atria. A systematic approach can be achieved by instituting a protocol that includes these three basic levels of imaging of the fetal head. These anatomical levels should be incorporated in daily routine for complete obstetric ultrasound evaluation.