cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Factor XIII-induced crosslinking in solutions of fibrinogen and fibronectin

Abstract In solutions containing fibrinogen and fibronectin, factor XIIIa catalyzes the formation of two types of crosslinked polymers: hybrid oligomers consisting of equimolar amounts of fibrinogen and fibronectin, and fibrinogen oligomers. The two types of oligomers are produced in amounts proportional to the starting concentration of fibronectin and fibrinogen in the reaction mixture. Increasing the fibronectin concentration relative to the fibrinogen concentration results in the production of more hybrid and less fibrinogen type oligomers. The lowest molecular weight hybrid oligomer, a dimer, is formed by ligation of one molecule of fibrinogen and fibronectin. The Aα-chain of fibrinogen and one fibronectin subunit participate in the crosslinking. Larger size hybrid oligomers form by the joining of two hybrid dimers to each other via γ-chain dimerization in the fibrinogen moiety of the dimers. In fibrinogen oligomer formation, fibrinogen molecules are ligated by γ-chain dimerization in a step-wise fashion producing fibrinogen dimers, trimers, tetramers, etc. without Aα-chain crosslinking. The hybrid type and the fibrinogen type of oligomer grow in size and eventually become crosslinked to each other yielding large molecular weight complexes that interact to form a gel network.
Are adolescents who report prior sexual abuse at higher risk for pregnancy

Adolescents who report prior sexual abuse are at increased risk for adolescent pregnancy. This may result from earlier, more frequent, less well-protected sexual activity or from a greater desire to conceive. To determine the relative contribution of these two possible explanations to the reported association between sexual abuse and adolescent pregnancy, we studied the reproductive and sexual histories of 200 sexually active 13–18 year old females in relation to self-reported sexual abuse. Anonymous questionnaires revealed that 40 (20%) of the 200 subjects reported sexual abuse. Analyses revealed no group differences in the median age of first voluntary intercourse, the frequency of sexual intercourse, or the consistency of birth control use. Compared to their nonabused peers, however, teenagers reporting abuse were more likely to be trying to conceive (35% vs. 14% p < .01), to have boyfriends pressuring them to conceive (76% vs. 44% p < .01), and to have fears about infertility (38% vs. 16% p < .01). Our findings suggest that childhood sexual abuse may increase the risk of adolescent pregnancy by fostering the desire to conceive. Further study is needed to determine why a disproportionate number of sexually abused adolescents desire pregnancy. The efficacy of adolescent pregnancy prevention programs may be improved by identifying previously abused adolescents and by designing educational interventions that specifically address their desire to conceive.
Some Causes of Automobile-Motorcycle Collisions

Motorcycles are overrepresented in fatal motor-vehicle accidents. In the attempt to reduce the frequency of automobile-motorcycle collisions, numerous studies have manipulated motorcycle and motoryclist characteristics to enhance conspicuity. In this paper, we review of studies that have examined the effectiveness of these measures. Furthermore, we identify factors yet to be considered in the empirical research in this area that may contribute to collisions between cars and motorcycles. These include information-processing failures at the identification and decision stage, as well as relatively stable and volatile factors potentially responsible for different information-processing failures.
Kinterm Usage and Hierarchy in Thai Children's Peer Groups

This article examines Northern Thai children's language socialization into the elder sibling/younger sibling relationship, including the communicative practices for inhabiting it, through routinized person-referring practices in their peer groups. Notwithstanding a strong cultural emphasis on hierarchy in this community, children's unmarked practices for self and other reference reflect and create an egalitarian and intimate social space. When children invoke the hierarchical elder/junior relationship through their use of person reference—especially kinterms—it is done as a means of seeking compliance within these play groups. It is argued children's practices of kinterm usage socialize them into the affective and social dimensions of their relationships with siblings and friends.
Landowner motivations for watershed restoration: lessons from five watersheds

Collaborative watershed management initiatives have increased tremendously over the past decade. One of the critical questions for these initiatives is how to influence private land management practices to improve watershed health. This article researches landowner motivations and preferences for watershed restoration efforts in five watersheds in Western Oregon. Based on a survey of 446 landowners and 80 personal interviews, the research revealed that landowner perspectives vary by socio-economic, cultural, and land use characteristics. They are strongly motivated by a concern for future generations and interpersonal influence is particularly important. Finances, time, and unfamiliarity were all significant barriers to the adoption of conservation practices. The findings also revealed considerable variation among landowners as to their trusted sources of information and preferred outreach methods. Beyond the findings in Oregon, the research suggests that watershed initiatives need to understand landowner...
Late Weichselian and Holocene relative sea-level history of Bröggerhalvöya, Spitsbergen

Radiocarbon-dated whalebones from raised beaches record a relative sea-level history for Broggerhalvoya, western Spitsbergen that suggest a two-step deglaciation on Svalbard at the end of the late Weichselian glaciation. The late Weichselian marine limit was reached at about 13,000 yr B.P. and was followed by relatively slow emergence until about 10,000 yr B.P. either in response to ice unloading in the Barents Sea, initial retreat of local fjord glaciers, or some combination of the two. Rare whale skeletons dating between 13,000 and 10,000 yr B.P. indicate that the Norwegian Sea was at least seasonally ice free during that interval. Deglaciation of Spitsbergen is recorded by the rapid emergence of Broggerhalvoya after 10,000 yr B.P. This was followed by a transgression during the mid-Holocene, here named the Talavera Transgression, and another in modern times. Raised beach morphologies suggest striking differences in nearshore depositional processes before and after 10,000 yr B.P. that are probably related to changes in the rate of uplift and in sea-ice conditions.
Some statistical and conceptual issues in the detection of low-level environmental pollutants

With increasing concern over chemicals that are potential health hazards at low levels, determination of limits of detection have undergone considerable scrutiny. Most traditional detection limit estimators suffer from extensive statistical and/or conceptual limitations. In this paper, traditional detection limit estimators are described and critically evaluated. Using the terminology of Currie (1968), methods are categorized into decision limits versus detection limits. The methods are further categorized into single concentration design versus calibration design methodologies. While the single concentration design methods are useful for fixing ideas and clarifying definitions, they are shown to be extremely limited in practice since dependence of variability on concentration can neither be estimated or incorporated. Calibration-based detection limit estimators are described, compared and contrasted. Generalizations to non-constant variance, multiple future detection decisions and simultaneous control of Type I and II errors are provided. The various calibration-based methods are illustrated using real data and experimental design issues for detection limit studies discussed.
Revisiting the thermal inertia of Iapetus: Clues to the thickness of the dark material

Abstract The energy balance at the surface of an airless planetary body is strongly influenced by the bolometric Bond albedo and the surface thermal inertia. Both of these values may be calculated through the application of a thermal model to measured surface temperatures. The accuracy of either, though, increases if the value of the other is better constrained. In this study, we used the improved global bolometric Bond albedo map of Iapetus derived from Cassini VIMS and ISS and Voyager ISS data in conjunction with Cassini CIRS temperature data to reevaluate surface thermal inertia across Iapetus. Results showed the thermal inertia of the dark terrain varies between 11 and 14.8 J m −2 K −1 s −1/2 while the light material varies between 15 and 25 J m −2 K −1 s −1/2 . Using an approximation to the thermal properties of the dark overburden derived from our thermal inertia results, we can implement our thermal model to provide estimates on the dark material thickness, which was found to lie between 7 cm and 16 cm. In order to develop an accurate global thermal model, a weighted function that approximates the surface thermal inertia across Iapetus was developed and verified via our measurements. The global bolometric Bond albedo map, surface thermal inertia map, and the thermal model are then used to synthesize global temperature maps that may be used to study the stability of volatiles.
The transfer of a biologically active irradiation product from cell to cell.

Abstract Some product exists in a lysogenic organism after ultraviolet irradiation which can be transferred during conjugation to an unirradiated cell wherein it duplicates the effects of direct irradiation. The product is stable in the cold, unstable at 37° and is unstable to illumination by visible light. The nature of the irradiated product is unknown but it is apparently not the prophage.
Emergency department visits--a statewide survey.

In a review by questionnaire of the emergency visits to 185 Florida hospitals, the number of annual estimated visits appears to exceed national estimates. In addition, the concept that in excess of 75 % of patients are not true emergencies is not borne out. In spite of changes in the emergency medical services system, only 10 % of patients came by ambulance or rescue vehicle. These patients were more likely to be seriously ill as attested to by the fact that 50 % required hospitalization. Definitive care was provided for 80 % of patients. Some 40 % of Florida's emergency departments have full-time emergency physicians. Although nearly 70 % of the emergency patients were seen by these physicians, 2.4 % were seen by interns only, and a total of 10 % were seen by house officers only. There was a great variety of referral patterns among the Health Service Agencies.
High-spin excitations in the rotating frame and sudden approximations

The rotating frame approximation and the sudden limit are compared to exact calculations for nuclear collisions that excite high-spin states.
Construction of a Chimeric Biosynthetic Pathway for the De Novo Biosynthesis of Rosmarinic Acid in Escherichia coli

Hydroxycinnamic acid esters (HCEs) are widely-distributed phenylpropanoid-derived plant natural products. Rosmarinic acid (RA), the most well-known HCE, shows promise as a treatment for cancer and neurological disorders. In contrast to extraction from plant material or plant cell culture, microbial production of HCEs could be a sustainable, controlled means of production. Through the overexpression of a six-enzyme chimeric bacterial and plant pathway, we show the de novo biosynthesis of RA, and the related HCE isorinic acid (IA), in Escherichia coli. Probing the pathway through precursor supplementation showed several potential pathway bottlenecks. We demonstrated HCE biosynthesis using three plant rosmarinic acid synthase (RAS) orthologues, which exhibited different levels of HCE biosynthesis but produced the same ratio of IA to RA. This work serves as a proof-of-concept for a microbial production platform for HCEs by using a modular biosynthetic approach to access diverse natural and non-natural HCEs.
Discovery of a novel submicromolar inhibitor of the lymphoid specific tyrosine phosphatase

We report here a class of thiazolidine-2,4-diones and 2-thioxothiazolidin-4-ones as potent inhibitors of the lymphoid specific tyrosine phosphatase (Lyp) identified from high throughput screens. Chemical modification by incorporating the known phosphotyrosine (pTyr) mimics led to the discovery of a salicylate-based inhibitor with submicromolar potency.
How a unique provision in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act set a foundation for the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute

In 2003, Tunis, Stryer and Clancy promoted the need for pragmatic clinical studies targeted to answer important clinical questions so that healthcare decision-makers could make informed choices among treatment options [1]. The call for greater emphasis on research that examines real-world clinical questions resulted in large part from frustration that traditional clinical research often excluded patients who have multiple conditions, are either young or old, live in hard-to-reach areas or are gender or racially diverse. The concept of ‘stakeholder-driven’ pragmatic research began to take hold as a rational approach to expand a research enterprise that sometimes seemed at odds with the needs of patients, their families, clinicians and payers. The Congressional Budget Office in 2007 issued a report that discussed the benefits of research comparing medical treatments, or comparative effectiveness research (CER) [2]. This report, along with the 2009 American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA), provided an extraordinary platform for conducting and building infrastructure for research that was explicitly designed to help healthcare decision-makers. ARRA provided an opportunity, never before realized, to develop research and a research platform that was stakeholder driven, pragmatically focused and targeted toward practical questions. ARRA dedicated an unprecedented US$1.1 billion to this effort, collectively involving the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ), the NIH and the Office of the Secretary, Department of Health and Human Services. Many aspects of the legislation served as important foundations for the efforts of the future Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI). One particular investment made by ARRA was to support the convening of an IOM committee to prioritize topics for CER. With the input of thousands of patients and other stakeholders, this committee issued a report, identifying and prioritizing 100 key CER topics, that continues to be a touchstone for identifying major topics for c omparative research. The legislation also created the Federal Coordinating Council for Comparative Effectiveness Research (FCCCER), which defined CER and developed a framework to guide the federal ARRA investment. One of FCCCER’s most notable outcomes was a broadening of CER to include prevention, delivery systems and behavioral change. This broadening was also apparent in the IOM 100 priority topics. CER is not, however, an entirely new concept. Well before ARRA, both NIH and AHRQ could point to important examples of comparative effectiveness studies. AHRQ in particular had begun implementing its mandate to fund CER by developing a stakeholder-driven, transparent research program. These efforts helped spark a movement for greater engagement of patients, caregivers, clinicians and other healthcare stakeholders in research. They not only formed a baseline for PCORI, but also an expectation that future clinical research would engage SPECIAL FOCUS y The ARRA investment in CER
Temperature dependence of silicon luminescence due to splitting of the indirect ground state

The temperature dependence of the ratio of LO- to TO-phonon-assisted recombination luminescence of the indirect exciton in silicon is reported. The ratio is found to differ from that observed in absorption and to vary from ∼ 0.3 at 2°K to ∼ 0.1 at 13°K. The variation of the ratio with temperature is shown to be due to the splitting of the ground state of the exciton by several tenths of a meV. The relevance of these results to the recombination from the electron-hole condensate in silicon is discussed.
A clinically relevant liver injury grading system by CT, preliminary report

Current computed tomography (CT) grading scales are anatomic and do not reliably identify those liver injuries requiring intervention (surgery or angioembolization). We propose a clinically relevant CT grading system that could predict need for intervention. CT scans of 11 patients with hepatic injury were reviewed to establish criteria that correspond with intervention. Five features were identified that were associated with intervention: laceration in greater than or equal to three segments, laceration extending into the hilum, hemoperitoneum, active extravasation, and sentinel clot. Radiologists then evaluated the predictability of these criteria by analyzing 24 CT scans. Inter-observer agreement of the American Association for the Surgery of Trauma (AAST) grading system was compared to this new system. In the analysis of 24 CT scans, active extravasation and sentinel clot demonstrated the highest specificity for intervention. This new grading system had superior inter-observer agreement (k=0.56) as compared to the AAST grading system (k=0.47). Active extravasation and the presence of sentinel clot should form the foundation of a new liver grading system.
Structural Studies of the Stable Tyrosine Radical, YD+ in Photosystem II

Photosystem II contains two redox active tyrosines, YD and YZ (1). YZ acts as an electron conduit between the manganese cluster, where water oxidation occurs, and the primary donor of photosystem II, P680 + (2).The other redox-active tyrosine, YD, forms a stable radical and is oxidized and reduced by the manganese (3,4). These two radicals give rise to identical EPR spectra. Site-specific mutagenesis has recently demonstrated that YD + is tyrosine-160 of the D2 polypeptide (5,6) and that YZ + is tyrosine-161 of the D1 polypeptide (7,8).
Repair of lesser tuberosity osteotomy for shoulder arthroplasty: biomechanical evaluation of the Backpack and Dual Row techniques.

Background Subscapularis dysfunction following total shoulder arthroplasty can result in permanent loss of function. The lesser tuberosity osteotomy (LTO) has been proposed as a method which utilizes bone-to-bone healing to improve subscapularis function. This study evaluates the biomechanical properties of two described techniques for LTO repair. We hypothesized that a Dual Row repair would be stronger and demonstrate less cyclic displacement than a Backpack repair. Materials and methods Ten matched pairs of cadaveric humeri were dissected, leaving the subscapularis intact, and a lesser tuberosity osteotomy was performed. Matched shoulders were randomized to either a Backpack repair or a Dual Row repair. Repairs were subjected to cyclic loading to 180 N for 500 cycles, followed by ramp-up loading to ultimate failure. Clinical failure was defined as displacement >5 mm after 500 cycles. Results Displacement after 500 cycles was significantly greater for the Backpack repair (6.9 mm) than for the Dual Row repair (4.6 mm) ( P = .007). Most displacement occurred on the first cycle (Backpack, 4.6 mm; Dual Row, 2.1mm) ( P P = .01). Conclusion The Dual Row technique is significantly stronger and demonstrates less cyclic displacement than the Backpack technique. Clinical studies are needed to determine the impact of LTO repair technique on subscapularis function following shoulder arthroplasty.
Xerostomia and its predictors following parotid-sparing irradiation of head-and-neck cancer

Abstract Purpose: To assess long-term xerostomia in patients receiving parotid-sparing radiation therapy (RT) for head-and-neck cancer, and to find the patient and therapy-related factors that affect its severity. Patients and Methods: From March 1994 through January 2000, 84 patients received comprehensive bilateral neck RT using conformal and multisegmental intensity-modulated RT (IMRT) aiming to spare the major salivary glands. Before RT and periodically through 2 years after the completion of RT, salivary flow rates from each of the major salivary glands were selectively measured. At the same time intervals, each patient completed an 8-item self-reported xerostomia-specific questionnaire (XQ). To gain a relative measure of the effect of RT on the minor salivary glands, whose output could not be measured, the surfaces of the oral cavity (extending to include the surface of the base of tongue) were outlined in the planning CT scans. The mean doses to the new organ (“oral cavity”) were recorded. Forty-eight patients receiving unilateral neck RT were similarly studied and served as a benchmark for comparison. Factors predicting the XQ scores were analyzed using a random-effects model. Results: The XQ was found to be reliable and valid in measuring patient-reported xerostomia. The spared salivary glands which had received moderate doses in the bilateral RT group recovered to their baseline salivary flow rates during the second year after RT, and the spared glands in the unilateral RT group, which had received very low doses, demonstrated increased salivary production beyond their pre-RT levels. The increase in the salivary flow rates during the second year after RT paralleled an improvement in xerostomia in both patient groups. The improvement in xerostomia was faster in the unilateral compared with the bilateral RT group, but the difference narrowed at 2 years. The major salivary gland flow rates had only a weak correlation with the xerostomia scores. Factors found to be independently associated with the xerostomia scores were the pre-RT baseline scores, the time since RT, and the mean doses to the major salivary glands (notably to the submandibular glands) and to the oral cavity. Conclusion: An improvement over time in xerostomia, occurring in tandem with rising salivary production from the spared major salivary glands, suggests a long-term clinical benefit from their sparing. The oral cavity mean dose, representing RT effect on the minor salivary glands, was found to be a significant, independent predictor of xerostomia. Thus, in addition to the major salivary glands, sparing the noninvolved oral cavity should be considered as a planning objective to further reduce xerostomia.
A supramolecularly templated catenane initiator and a controlled ring expansion strategy

We report the first synthesis of a catenated polymer via a ring-expansion strategy, which is based on a supramolecularly templated initiator. The high yielding synthesis and simple isolation method will enable the investigation and development of this unique polymer system for further applications.
ANT VENOMS: CHEMICAL AND PHARMACOLOGICAL PROPERTIES

AbstractStinging ants are now recognized as being of considerable public health significance in both temperate and tropical regions. Many species of ants produce venoms that contain powerful algogens and these secretions may cause severe systemic reactions as well. Venoms of fire ants (Solenopsis species) are fortified with unique necrotoxins that produce conspicuous lesions at the sting sites. The diverse pharmacological properties of ant venoms are mirrored by the varied biological activities that these secretions possess.The poison gland products of selected ant venoms are cytotoxic and hemolytic against a variety of red blood cells. Some venoms are potently bactericidal and fungicidal against a variety of microorganisms. Venoms of Solenopsis and Monomorium species are highly effective contact insecticides and repellents as well. In addition, these secretions can also inhibit enzymes (e.g., Na+ ATPase), uncouple oxidative phosphorylation, reduce mitochondrial respiration, and release histamine from mas...
Multi-Component Diffusion With Application to Computational Aerothermodynamics

The accuracy and complexity of solving multi-component gaseous diffusion using the detailed multi-component equations, the Stefan-Maxwell equations, and two commonly used approximate equations have been examined in a two part study. Part I examined the equations in a basic study with specified inputs in which the results are applicable for many applications. Part II addressed the application of the equations in the Langley Aerothermodynamic Upwind Relaxiation Algorithm (LAURA) computational code for high-speed entries in Earth''s atmosphere. The results showed that the presented iterative scheme for solving the Stefan-Maxwell equations is an accurate and effective method as compared with solutions of the detailed equations. In general, good accuracy with the approximate equations cannot be guaranteed for a species or all species in a multi-component mixture. "Corrected" forms of the approximate equations that ensured the diffusion mass fluxes sum to zero, as required, were more accurate than the uncorrected forms. Good accuracy, as compared with the Stefan-Maxwell results, were obtained with the "corrected" approximate equations in defining the heating rates for the three Earth entries considered in Part II.
Atomic Coherence Effects in Resonant Four-Wave Mixing Spectroscopy of Sodium

This paper presents preliminary experimental and theoretical results on two new aspects of sub-Doppler spectroscopy using resonant four-wave mixing and cw tunable dye lasers. The first technique uses degenerate four-wave mixing (DFWM) to study optically induced Zeeman coherences while the second technique uses nondegenerate FWM to study excited atomic states.
Seepage of artesian and surface water into drain tubes in stratified soil

The problem of the simultaneous upward seepage of water from an artesian basin, and downward seepage of water from a ponded surface source into drain tubes, is analyzed for a soil consisting of two horizontally stratified layers, each of different, but uniform permeability, overlying the artesian gravel. Theoretical formulas for the hydraulic head, the drain flow, and the surface inflow distribution are obtained for two cases: (1) the drains are in the upper layer; and (2) the drains are in the lower layer. Flow nets are presented and compared with some obtained by other investigators in sand tank models. The agreement is satisfactory.
Ventricular Structure and Function in Hypertensive Participants With Heart Failure and a Normal Ejection Fraction: The Cardiovascular Health Study

Objectives The purpose of this study was to evaluate left ventricular (LV) size and structure in elderly subjects with hypertension (HTN) and heart failure who have a normal ejection fraction (HFNEF) in a large population-based sample. Background The pathophysiology of HFNEF is incompletely understood but is generally attributed to LV diastolic dysfunction with normal or reduced LV diastolic chamber size despite greater than normal filling pressures. Methods In the Cardiovascular Health Study (n = 5,888), demographic and clinical characteristics and ventricular structure and function were compared in healthy normal subjects (healthy; n = 499), subjects with HTN but not heart failure (HTN; n = 2,184), and subjects with HTN and HFNEF (HFNEF; n = 167). Results Subjects with HFNEF were older, more obese, and more often African American than healthy and HTN subjects and had a higher prevalence of diabetes, coronary heart disease, and anemia than HTN subjects. Serum creatinine and cystatin-C were increased in HFNEF subjects. Average LV diastolic dimension was significantly increased in HFNEF subjects (5.2 ± 0.8 cm) compared with healthy (4.8 ± 0.6 cm) and HTN (4.9 ± 0.6 cm) subjects. As a result, average calculated stroke volume (89 ± 25 ml vs. 78 ± 20 ml and 80 ± 20 ml) and cardiac output (6.0 ± 2.0 l/min vs. 4.8 ± 1.3 l/min and 5.1 ± 1.4 l/min) were increased in HFNEF compared with healthy and HTN subjects, respectively. Conclusions As a group, HFNEF subjects have increased LV diastolic diameter and increased calculated stroke volume. They also have increased prevalence of multiple comorbidities, including anemia, renal dysfunction, and obesity, that can cause volume overload. These data suggest that extracardiac factors, via volume overload, may contribute to the pathophysiology of HFNEF in the elderly.
e-Learning, Online Learning, and Distance Learning Environments: Are They the Same?.

article i nfo Article history: Accepted 15 October 2010 It is not uncommon that researchers face difficulties when performing meaningful cross-study comparisons for research. Research associated with the distance learning realm can be even more difficult to use as there are different environments with a variety of characteristics. We implemented a mixed-method analysis of research articles to find out how they define the learning environment. In addition, we surveyed 43 persons and discovered that there was inconsistent use of terminology for different types of delivery modes. The results reveal that there are different expectations and perceptions of learning environment labels: distance learning, e-Learning, and online learning.
An inverse relation between the rate of cell division and RNA synthesis per cell in developing frog embryos

Previous work has shown that endoderm cells synthesize more RNA per cell, including nuclear d-RNA, than do dorsal ectoderm-mesoderm cells (Flickinger, Miyagi, Moser & Rollins, 1967; Woodland & Gurdon, 1968). Both groups found lower levels of DNA synthesis in endoderm cells compared to dorsal ectoderm-mesoderm cells. It has also been found that in developing frog embryos both LiCl and cytosine arabinoside inhibit DNA synthesis and also inhibit RNA synthesis. Since RNA synthesis is inhibited less than DNA synthesis, the levels of RNA synthesis relative to total DNA increase (Flickinger, Miyagi, Moser & Rollins, 1967). A number of investigators have demonstrated that LiCl can cause isolated amphibian gastrula ectoderm to form endoderm and mesoderm (Barth & Barth, 1962; Gebhardt & Nieuwkoop, 1964; Masui, 1966; Ogi, 1961). Such compounds as NaHCO3 (Barth & Barth, 1963) and NaCl (Barth, 1966) can induce isolated frog gastrula ectoderm to form neural tissue.
Neandertal Origin of Genetic Variation at the Cluster of OAS Immunity Genes

Analyses of ancient DNA from extinct humans reveal signals of at least two independent hybridization events in the history of non-African populations. To date, there are very few examples of specific genetic variants that have been rigorously identified as introgressive. Here, we survey DNA sequence variation in the OAS gene cluster on chromosome 12 and provide strong evidence that a haplotype extending for � 185kb introgressed from Neandertals. This haplotype is nearly restricted to Eurasians and is estimated to have diverged from the Neandertal sequence � 125kya. Despite the potential for novel functional variation, the observed frequency of this haplotype is consistent with neutral introgression. This is the second locus in the human genome, after STAT2, carrying distinct haplotypes that appear to have introgressed separately from both Neandertals and Denisova.
Populations and Genetic Architecture

In this chapter we overview additional uses of SNP markers. We extend the single SNP association analysis from the previous chapter and now fit all SNP simultaneously with SNP best linear unbiased prediction (snpBLUP). Genomic prediction using snpBLUP and gBLUP are then discussed. We then overview how to identify signatures of selection, estimate population parameters, measure linkage disequilibrium and relationships between populations. The final section illustrates a practical application for SNP genotypes: parentage testing. Most of these analyses rely on manipulation of matrices—how to work with matrices in R is also discussed.
Role of Ideas in the Survival of the Chinese Communist Party

Three major questions are raised in this paper. First, why did the Dengist leadership pursue the ‘specific’ reform policies that ultimately proved to be successful? Second, how could the Chinese Co...
TEMPERATURE INDUCES TRADE-OFFS BETWEEN DEVELOPMENT AND STARVATION RESISTANCE IN AEDES AEGYPTI (L.) LARVAE

While heightened temperature increases the development rate of mosquitoes, for Aedes aegypti, larvae that commonly experience food limitation in urban habitats, temperature effects on adult production may also be influenced by changes in the capacity of larvae to survive without food. We carried out experiments at 2°C intervals between 20 and 30°C on the growth, maturation rate and the longevity of optimally fed larvae placed in starvation. Overall, both growth rate and starvation resistance were lower in the first three larval instars (L1-L3) as compared to L4, in which greater than 75% of growth occurred. While increased temperature reduced the duration of each instar, it had a U-shaped impact the effect of initial growth on starvation resistance, which increased from L1 to L2 at 20 and 30°C, remained constant at 22 and 28°C, and decreased at 24 and 26°C. Growth from L2 to L3 significantly increased starvation resistance only from 26-30°C. Increased temperature (above 22°C) consistently reduced starvation resistance in L1. In L2-L4, 2°C increments decreased starvation resistance between 20 and 24°C, but had weaker and instar-specific effects above 24°C. These data show that starvation resistance in Ae. aegypti depends on both instar and temperature, generating a tradeoff between increased development rate and reduced starvation survival of early instar larvae, particularly in the lower and middle temperatures of the dengue endemic 20-30°C range. We suggest that anabolic and catabolic processes in larvae have distinct temperature dependencies, which may ultimately cause temperature to modify density regulation of Ae. aegypti populations.
An Analysis of Average Response Computations Based Upon Aperiodic Stimuli

Average response computation has come to be a widely-used method for the study of evoked potentials recorded from the central nervous system. A mathematical analysis of the mean and variance of the average response computation is presented here. It is shown that an average response computation based upon periodic stimuli will not effectively reduce certain forms of neuroelectric interference. It is further shown that if the stimuli are suitably aperiodic, then the interference can be suppressed.
Investigation of the design criteria for the analysis of I-Wall in New Orleans, Louisiana for flood side gap condition

The slope stability analysis of I-wall subjected to flood side gap condition during hurricane loading has gained significant attention of the geotechnical engineering community over the past couple of years after Hurricane Katrina. The criteria set forth in Hurricane and Strom Damage Risk Reduction Systems Design Guidelines (HSDRRSDG, 2008) developed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) requires the determination of gap depth only once prior to performing the stability analysis. However, the authors recently revisited the existing HSDRRSDG (2008) criteria and found that the current procedure does not result in the appropriate factor of safety for stability of I-wall when the computed factor of safety using the existing procedure is much higher than unity. In order to obtain the correct value of the factor of safety for this type of case, an iterative procedure should be adopted to get the correct factor of safety. In this paper, a new modified analysis procedure for the I-wall with gap condition is presented using an iterative procedure. A typical New Orleans I-wall was selected for this study and the numerical results are presented pertaining to this study.
Tectonic implications of postcontractional magmatism of the Alisitos arc segment of the Peninsular Ranges, Baja California, Mexico

The Alisitos arc segment is the southernmost and only part of the western Peninsular Ranges batholith accreted during the Cretaceous. Collision-related deformation is concentrated along the northern and eastern margins of the arc segment. While shortening within the Alisitos arc produced similar amounts of crustal thickening throughout the arc, suppression of parts of the lower crust of the Alisitos arc due to throw across the terrane-bounding faults varies substantially. Geobarometric change across the Main Martir thrust suggests that ~15 km of additional crust was thrust onto the central Alisitos arc. Geochemical and geochronologic data from intrusive rocks of the Alisitos arc indicate arc magmatism was active before, during, and after collision. The data suggest that all Peninsular Ranges batholith intrusive rocks within the Alisitos arc were derived from a broadly similar primitive source, lacking interaction with evolved continental lithologies. Postcollisional intrusions from the central Alisitos arc adjacent to
Muon Capture in Hydrogen

An experiment to measure the muon capture rate in liquid hydrogen was carried out using scintillation counter techniques. The experiment tests muon-electron universality in the weak interaction with a proton at a momentum transfer of 100 MeV/c. The use of ultrapure liquid hydrogen, a purified muon beam, and neutron-gamma ray discriminating detectors made possible the detection of the 5.2-MeV neutron from the relatively improbable capture reaction (${\ensuremath{\mu}}^{\ensuremath{-}}+p\ensuremath{\rightarrow}n+\ensuremath{\nu}$). Observation of the well-known pion capture reaction (${\ensuremath{\pi}}^{\ensuremath{-}}+p\ensuremath{\rightarrow}n+\ensuremath{\gamma}$) served as a check on many aspects of the experimental arrangement as well as on the neutron detector efficiency calculation. Several internal checks confirm that impurity captures were negligible. The muon capture rate in the ${(p\ensuremath{\mu}p)}^{+}$ ortho molecular state was obtained. The muon molecular formation rate was measured in an independent experiment, but the present result is relatively insensitive to it. The stability of the ortho state against transition to the para ground state for times comparable to the free muon lifetime is confirmed. The experimental result of 464\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}42 ${\mathrm{sec}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$ is to be compared with 562 ${\mathrm{sec}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$, the rate expected on the basis of muon-electron universality, the conserved vector current theory, the calculated value of the induced pseudoscalar coupling, and the axial vector and vector coupling constants as determined in the $\ensuremath{\beta}$-decay interaction.
Social norms, dual identities, and national attachment: how the perceived patriotism of group members influences Muslim Americans

ABSTRACTWhat causes individuals to express patriotism? We argue that Americans’ symbolic patriotism stems in part from social influence, with norms in relevant identity groups influencing individuals’ patriotism levels. Given that Americans identify with multiple groups – national, racial, and religious, among others – many groups are potentially influential in this regard. We focus in this article on Muslim Americans, an especially diverse group, conducting an experiment with approximately 450 Muslim Americans from across the USA. We randomly assigned participants to stimuli that portrayed either Muslim Americans or Americans in general as either highly patriotic or unpatriotic. Perceived patriotic norms among Americans and Muslim Americans strongly – and equally – influenced participants’ expressions of patriotism, although unpatriotic norms did not influence participants’ patriotism. In addition, patriotic and unpatriotic norms among fellow national and subgroup members influenced participants’ evaluat...
Regulation of proteolysis and optimal protein accretion in extremely premature newborns

Growth outcomes for extremely premature infants remain poor, and improving growth in this population will require a better understanding of how to limit proteolysis and promote protein accretion. Extremely premature infants exhibit high rates of proteolysis that are unrestrained by physiologic increases in insulin, intravenous amino acids, and full parenteral nutrition. Imbalances in current amino acid solutions may be in part responsible for the inability of parenteral nutrition to reduce proteolysis in preterm infants. However, amino acids in parenteral nutrition are effective for increasing protein synthesis in extremely preterm infants, which leads to improved protein balance. Current evidence suggests that early administration of 3 g amino acids kg(-1)d(-1) to extremely premature infants is safe and effective. Enteral nutrition may be more effective than parenteral nutrition in limiting proteolysis and producing protein accretion in preterm infants, but the protein content of current preterm formulas may be inadequate for supporting optimal growth in this population. Important areas of future research include determining whether altered intravenous amino acid solutions can better effect reductions in proteolysis, investigating the effect of enteral nutrition on proteolysis and protein accretion, and conducting a large randomized controlled trial of formula with a higher protein content.
It was(n't) me: Exercising restraint when choices appear self-diagnostic

This research tests the hypothesis that individuals exercise restraint for actions that reflect on their self-concept (i.e., self-diagnostic actions). Experiments 1 and 2 show an action framed as occurring at the beginning or end (vs. middle) of a constructed sequence is seen as more self-diagnostic. Accordingly, Experiment 3 finds more restraint in snack choices at the framed beginning or end (vs. middle). Furthermore, the degree of importance of a goal-which reflects its centrality to the self-concept-determines responses to self-diagnosticity cues such as framed positions. Specifically, participants committed to financial goals (Experiment 4) and health goals (Experiment 5) were more likely to make decisions consistent with these goals at the beginning or end, but indulged and splurged in the middle. Experiment 6 shows similar patterns for judgments of magazine subscriptions, but only when individuals are faced with a decision that poses a self-control conflict for them. These results highlight the role of the self in self-control by demonstrating that people exercise restraint when decision contexts seem more telling of the self.
Observations on the Biology of Mesidia nigra, a Parasite of Iziphya punctata

Mesidia nigra Lagace (Hymenoptera: Aphelinidae) is a parasite of the aphid Iziphya punctata Hille Ris Lambers (Homoptera: Aphididae). The parasite shows little preference as to stage of host attacked. Embryos contained within mature aphid viviparae are on occasion successfully parasitized. The female parasite is predaceous in habit in that it feeds on the body fluids of the aphid. Maturation of ovarian eggs occurs over a protracted period. The optimum rearing conditions for longevity are 65°F and 66% RH. There are apparently only 2 larval instars, and the development time from egg to adult is 12 days at 78°F and 60% RH.
Lantern Field: Exploring Participatory Design of a Communal, Spatially Responsive Installation

We gratefully acknowledge the support of the American Institute of Architects Blue Ridge Chapter; The Japan Foundation Center for Global Partnership in New York City; the Institute of Creativity, Arts, and Technology of Virginia Tech; and the School of Architecture + Design at Virginia Tech for their generous support in the development and execution of this work.
The Role of Cerebral Amyloid Angiopathy in Dementia of Alzheimer’s Type (Preliminary Results)

Material of 35 autopsy cases showing any degree, type, or distribution of CAA was divided into two groups: cases with a history of dementia (18 cases) and cases with no history of dementia (17 cases). The first group included 10 cases clinically diagnosed as Alzheimer’s disease, the remaining 7 cases had a history of slight to mild cognitive deterioration. The two groups were compared as to the degree of involvement, morphological patterns, and distribution of the CAA. No significant difference was found. Specifically, the cases of clinical Alzheimer’s dementia (10 cases of 35 did not differ from the others in the involvement by the CAA); severe CAA was encountered in two of these cases only. Of both groups together, in five cases, moderate or severe CAA was possibly responsible for cerebral hemorrhage, and in 11 for small to medium sized infarcts.
Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI)

Glossary Block Design: Experimental design for functional neuroimaging in which an attempt is made to put the subject's brain in a steady state of activity by using the same type of task for an extended period, of time (typically 20-60 seconds), and then comparing the brain activation during that block with other blocks which use a different task. BOLD (Blood Oxygen Level Dependent): Refers to a general method of MRI for detecting changes in the NMR signal that are caused by the varying concentration of deoxyhemoglobin, locally, in the blood near a part of the brain. Event Related Design: Experimental design for functional neuroimaging in which individual, brief (typically 1-2 seconds in duration) stimuli of different types are presented in random order, and where the evoked responses for many such trials of a given type are averaged together to detect a measureable response. FAIR (Flow via Alternating Inversion Recovery): Refers to a specific method of MRI for detecting changes in the NMR signal that are caused by the varying flow, locally, of blood in arteries near a part of the brain. fMRI (Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging): The use of MRI to detect changes in blood flow and blood oxygenation associated with local changes in neuronal activity in the brain. Gradient Magnets: Part of the technology of MRI used for supplying strong, operator controlled linear gradients of magnetic field to enable the generation and detection of the NMR signal associated with a specfic point in three dimensional space. Hemodynamics: Changes in the properties (volume, flow rate, chemical composition) of blood, over time. MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging): The use of a variety of operator-controlled electro-magnetic fields to generate an NMR signal that can be associated with a particular point in space. NMR (Nuclear Magnetic Resonance): The physical phenomenon of absorption and re-emission of electromagnetic energy associated with the quantum mechanical spin and magnetic field of the nuclei of some atoms. PCA (Principle Component Analysis): The re-representation of multidimensional data into a collection of components (sometimes called "eigenimages" and "eigenvectors") via an algorithm that accounts for the most variance by the first principal component, the second most by the second component, etc. Retinotopy: The regular spatial arrangement of the receptive fields of cortical neurons in many parts of the visual cortex that follows, in a systematic way, the two-dimensional spatial arrangement of the retina. Talairach Coordinates: The most widely used convention for orienting and scaling human brains, to facilitate the averaging and/or comparing of data across mulitple subjects.
Restricting mobile phone access during homework increases attainment of study goals

Recent research has reported negative consequences, such as increased anxiety, associated with restricting people’s access to their mobile phones. These findings have led researchers to suggest tha...