cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
DIFFERENTIAL DIAGNOSIS OF DEMENTIA: The Clinical Process

Dementia is a syndrome characterized by deterioration in clear consciousness of multiple cognitive functions, which together constitute intelligence. 66 Dementia may be acute as after stroke, subacute as in prion diseases (such as Creutzfeldt-Jacob disease) or immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), or chronic as in Alzheimer's disease or hydrocephalus. In most cases, social function is affected, but some patients maintain their role because of assistance from family or friends. Dementia is differentiated from delirium, mental retardation, and specific cognitive impairments. Mental retardation is lifelong impairment. Delirium is cognitive impairment with an alteration of consciousness. Focal impairments include the amnestic disorders (e.g., Korsakoff's psychosis), in which memory is impaired out of proportion to other cognitive defects; and aphasia, a disorder of language comprehension and expression. This article discusses the clinical process by which a diagnosis is reached. For Alzheimer's disease, as it is the most common dementia disorder, this article discusses the several ways in which it can present depending on how far advanced it is, and whether or not various noncognitive symptoms and additional medical or psychiatric conditions also are present. The process of the differential diagnosis of dementia varies with geographic location, as it is affected by the prior probability or prevalence of any condition at a particular site. Several autopsy series from the United States indicate that most cases of dementia are caused by Alzheimer's disease, with vascular disease next. Ten percent or less of cases are reversible. 70 Through the use of modern techniques of imaging, the diagnostic accuracy of Alzheimer's disease during life is approximately 85%. 61 Although a treasured medical rule of differential diagnosis is to look for a "horse" not a "zebra" at the "sound of hoofbeats," a doctor whose practice is in the African plains might very well diagnose a "zebra" and be right. Furthermore, if there were special value to identifying a "zebra," as in the case of uncovering a rare but curable disease, "zebras" should always be considered even if unlikely. In addition to the clinical process, the physician must differentiate those cases that fall into particular social designations such as "disabled" or not, 55 "competent" or not, 51 "responsible" or not, and "requiring hospitalization" or not. 13,28 These judgments depend largely on the presence of a particular syndrome, its severity, and the accompanying behaviors that affect the person's social function, not on the basis of pathology or etiology.
Lack of Effect of Salt Intake on Urinary Uric Acid Excretion

AbstractAlthough it has been established that acute expansion of the extracellular fluid volume results in enhanced uric acid clearance, the effect of chronic volume expansion by a high salt diet on urinary uric acid excretion has not been examined. Eleven normal subjects were placed on a constant diet containing 10mEq. sodium per day for 10 days, followed by 240mEq. sodium daily for another 10 days. Measurements were performed on the final 3 days of each phase. Urinary sodium increased from 9 plus or minus 3 standard error to 221 plus or minus 9mEq. per day (p less than 0.001), and uric acid clearance increased from 5.9 plus or minus 0.4 to 7.1 plus or minus 0.6ml. per minute (p less than 0.01). However, serum uric acid decreased from 6.4 plus or minus 0.4 to 5.5 plus or minus 3mg./dl. (p less than 0.001). Total urinary excretion of uric acid did not change (533 plus or minus 24 to 535 plus or minus 26mg. per day). A high salt diet does not result in sustained hyperaricosuria, although it may predispose ...
Sleep, Diet, and Cardiometabolic Health Investigations: a Systematic Review of Analytic Strategies

Poor sleep is a risk factor for cardiometabolic morbidity. The relationship of sleep and cardiometabolic health could be confounded, mediated, or modified by diet, yet the incorporation of diet in sleep-cardiometabolic health studies is inconsistent. This rapid systematic literature review evaluates the conceptualization of diet as a confounder, mediator, or effect modifier within sleep-cardiometabolic health investigations, and the statistical approaches utilized. Of 4692 studies identified, 60 were retained (28 adult, 32 pediatric). Most studies included diet patterns, quality, or energy intake as confounders, while a few examined these dietary variables as mediators or effect modifiers. There was some evidence, mostly in pediatric studies, that inclusion of diet altered sleep-cardiometabolic health associations. Diet plays a diverse role within sleep-cardiometabolic health associations. Investigators should carefully consider the conceptualization of diet variables in these relationships and utilize contemporary statistical approaches when applicable.
TRIM28 protects TRIM24 from SPOP-mediated degradation and promotes prostate cancer progression

TRIM24 is an effector substrate of the E3 ubiquitin ligase adaptor SPOP and becomes stabilized in prostate cancer (PCa) with SPOP mutations. However, how TRIM24 protein is regulated in the vast majority of SPOP-wildtype PCa is unknown. Here we report TRIM28 as a critical upstream regulator of TRIM24. TRIM28 protein interacts with TRIM24 to prevent its ubiquitination and degradation by SPOP. Further, TRIM28 facilitates TRIM24 occupancy on the chromatin and, like TRIM24, augments AR signaling. TRIM28 promotes PCa cell proliferation in vitro and xenograft tumor growth in vivo. Importantly, TRIM28 is upregulated in aggressive PCa and associated with elevated levels of TRIM24 and worse clinical outcome. TRIM24 and AR coactivated gene signature of SPOP-mutant PCa is similarly activated in human PCa with high TRIM28 expression. Taken together, this study provides a novel mechanism to broad TRIM24 protein stabilization and establishes TRIM28 as a promising therapeutic target.
Patients of Our Own: Defining "Ownership" of Clinical Care in Graduate Medical Education.

AbstractPhenomenon: Learning to assume ownership of patient care is a critical objective of medical training. However, little is known about how ownership is best defined and measured or about its ...
Hydroxide transport and chemical degradation in anion exchange membranes: a combined reactive and non-reactive molecular simulation study

Investigating the structural and dynamical properties, charge transport and membrane degradation in anion exchange membranes (AEMs) using atomistic-scale simulations provides a guideline for the design of new high-performance membrane fuel cells. In this work, we demonstrate a multiscale simulation strategy that combines molecular dynamics simulations using non-reactive polarizable (APPLE&P) and reactive (ReaxFF) force fields. From the comparison of APPLE&P and ReaxFF results for four model AEMs with different functional groups, we show the significance of the Grotthuss mechanism for the OH− diffusion, as well as for water self-diffusion in high OH− concentration environments. With the incorporation of proton hopping into ReaxFF, the OH− diffuses much easier through the bottlenecks in the water channels, without losing some coordinating water molecules. Furthermore, investigation of the chemical degradation selectivity in different membranes with ReaxFF indicates that AEMs with cations connected to large hydrophobic groups have better chemical stability. Considering the balance of transport and stability properties of AEMs, we propose a potential candidate for high performance membranes.
Alcohol and Central Glutamate Activity: What Goes Up Must Come Down?

Abstract Alcohol use disorders (AUD) are a serious public health concern. Clinical and preclinical research indicates that glutamate activity in the reward neurocircuitry of the central nervous system (CNS) is critical for the development and maintenance of AUD. Both ionotropic and metabotropic glutamate receptors, as well as associated transporters, are located in tripartite synapses throughout the CNS. Acute alcohol exposure functionally antagonizes glutamatergic activity and its receptors. Chronic alcohol exposure downregulates glutamate transporters, which leads to excessive glutamate levels and activity. Excessive glutamate activity, in turn, can lead to excitotoxicity/neurotoxicity. In addition, this excessive CNS glutamate activity alters synaptic plasticity, learning, memory, and stimulus conditioning associated with the development of alcohol and substance use disorders. These neuroplastic changes occur in multiple brain regions that mediate learning and memory. Research into alcohol’s effects on the glutamatergic system has provided initial glutamate-associated pharmacotherapies and novel molecular targets to treat AUD. Continued research in this area has identified, and will continue to identify, promising mechanisms to treat substance use disorders in general.
Strategies for improving performance of evolutionary biclustering algorithm EBIC

Biclustering is a growing in popularity machine learning technique which searches for patterns in subsets of rows and subsets of columns. One of the recent advances in biclustering was the development of EBIC, a multi-GPU method based on evolutionary computation, which was demonstrated to outperform some of the leading methods in the field. In this short paper, we evaluate a couple of potential improvements to the method.
Text Semantic Similarity, with Applications

In this paper, the authors present a knowledge-based method for measuring the semantic-similarity of texts. Through experiments performed on two different applications: (1) paraphrase and entailment identification, and (2) word sense similarity, the authors show that this method outperforms the traditional text similarity metrics based on lexical matching.
Association of Fish Oil and Physical Activity on Mobility Disability in Older Adults.

Purpose This study aimed to examine whether long-term fish oil (FO) supplementation is associated with a lower risk of mobility disability and enhances benefits of physical activity (PA). Methods A total of 1635 sedentary adults age 70 to 89 yr from the Lifestyle Interventions and Independence for Elders single-blinded randomized, multicenter clinical trial, which compared a structured PA program to a health education program. Primary outcome was incident major mobility disability (MMD), defined by loss of ability to walk 400 m, measured every 6 months for an average of 2.6 yr. Secondary outcomes included persistent mobility disability, Short Physical Performance Battery, 400-m walk speed, and grip strength. Results A third of participants reported using FO at baseline (456 (28%); mean age, 78.5 yr; 70.5% women). MMD was experienced by 131 participants (28.7%) in the FO group and 405 (34.4%) participants in the nonuser group. After adjusting for confounders, FO supplementation was associated with a lower risk (HR, 0.78; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.64-0.96) of incident MMD. However, there was no interaction (P = 0.19) between FO supplementation and PA intervention for MMD. For the secondary outcome of persistent mobility disability, the intervention association differed by supplementation (P = 0.002) with PA intervention associations of (HR, 1.36; 95% CI, 0.83-2.23) for users and (HR, 0.61; 95% CI, 0.46-0.81) for nonusers. Changes in physical performance outcomes were not modified by baseline FO supplementation or combination with PA. Conclusions FO supplementation was associated with a lower risk of MMD in low to moderate functioning older adults. However, supplementation did not enhance the benefit of PA on risk of mobility disability. These results are hypothesis generating and need to be confirmed in randomized trials.
Random matrix models for datasets with fixed time horizons

This paper examines the use of random matrix theory as it has been applied to model large financial datasets, especially for the purpose of estimating the bias inherent in Mean-Variance portfolio a...
Improving State Regulation Of Homeowners Insurance: The Essential Protections For Policyholders Project

Homeowners insurance provides financial security for 70 million American households and stability to the communities in which they live — but only when it works. Homeowners insurance only works because it is supported and regulated by state law. This article describes the Essential Protections for Policyholders project, which aims to make state regulation and therefore homeowners insurance itself work better. As a project of the Rutgers Center for Risk and Responsibility at Rutgers Law School in cooperation with United Policyholders, Essential Protections for Policyholders draws on academic research, an extensive survey of state law, and practical experience. The Essential Protections for Policyholders project addresses market conduct regulation, focusing on key elements of the relationship between insurance companies and their policyholders. It aims to improve the market for insurance, to address deficiencies in the market, and to provide effective means of validating the insurance relation in case of loss. In each area, the project identifies a series of general principles that motivate the particular analysis and recommendations. Then the principles are given more detail in recommendations about the direction state regulation should take. In most cases, recommended statutory language is included. The recommendations are based on a discussion of the issue and a survey of current law. A unique feature of the project is that it rests on an extensive national database of state law regulating homeowners insurance. The database of law in the fifty-one jurisdictions also provides a basis for comparing and evaluating individual states’ current systems of regulation. Part of the project is to prepare scorecards comparing states’ homeowners protections on a variety of issues.
Partial Discharge in Medium-voltage Motor Winding Insulation Exposed to Two-level PWM Waveforms

Medium-voltage motor systems with adjustable- speed drives are employed in a wide range of applications. The adoption of medium-voltage Silicon Carbide (SiC) devices in motor drives can improve motor system’s efficiency, power density, and dynamic response. But the high switching dv/dt (short rise time) produced by SiC devices increases the stress on the motor winding insulation and leads to partial discharges. This paper studies the partial discharge in the medium-voltage motor winding subjected to two-level PWM waveforms produced by medium-voltage SiC devices. Partial discharge inception voltages (PDIVs) and repetitive partial discharge inception voltages (RPDIVs) of the motor winding at various rise time, switching frequencies and modulation index are tested. Statements on PD behaviors are analyzed based on the test results.
CHRONIC OBSTRUCTIVE PULMONARY DISEASE IS ASSOCIATED WITH INCREASED MORTALITY IN PATIENTS UNDERGOING MITRACLIP THERAPY: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW AND META-ANALYSIS

In patient with severe mitral regurgitation with high surgical risk, percutaneous mitral valve repair with MitraClip system has emerged as a treatment of choice. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is highly prevalent in patients undergoing MitraClip with up to 29% reported. Nonetheless,
Exploring family nurse practitioner professional identity formation at rural health care facilities.

Background Nurse practitioners (NPs) are being used to meet the increased demand for rural primary care. Purpose The purpose of this study was to explore the perceptions and experiences of rural NPs while they transitioned from being registered nurses to family NPs (FNPs). In addition, the study examined if and how new FNPs experienced their professional identity formation in their first year of rural primary care practice. Methodological orientation A qualitative phenomonological research design was used. Sample A sample of 12 FNPs who graduated from one of three Midwestern university programs, worked, and provided primary care at a rural health care facility located in one of four full-practice states were used within the study. Conclusions Participants experienced new nurse practitioner professional identity formation beginning in their education programs, which continued throughout their first year of practice. Four themes emerged from the data analysis: learning new knowledge, skills, roles, and responsibilities; interactions with patients, providers, and interprofessional team members; incentive to learn and practice in rural health care; and professional identity formation. Implications for practice The emerging model, The Process of Professional Identity Formation for Rural Family NPs, shows potential for use as a framework to guide rural NP curriculum and professional development programs. Policy makers must also continue the push to increase the number of states allowing NPs full independent practice. These efforts could promote rural NP support, recruitment, and retention that will be key to meeting the primary care needs of rural and vulnerable populations.
Genome-wide Identification of Disease Resistance Genes (R Genes) in Wheat

ABSTRACT Proteins encoded by plant resistance genes (R genes) detect pathogenic effectors and initiate immune responses. Although R genes in many plant genomes are identified, they are yet to be identified in wheat. The major objectives of this project were to conduct genome-wide identification of the NB-ARC-encoding R genes in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) and assess their genomic architecture and potential functional divergence. Wheat protein sequences were obtained from the Ensembl Genomes database, and genes were identified using interpro program. Chromosomal locations of the R genes were determined and syntenic analyses were performed. Altogether, 2151 wheat NB-ARC-encoding genes were identified, among which 1298 genes formed 547 gene clusters. Many of these gene clusters included highly similar genes likely formed by tandem duplications. Among the NB-ARC-encoding genes, 1552 (∼72%) encode Leucine-Rich Repeats (LRRs), 802 are Coiled-Coil (CC) domain-encoding CC-NBS-LRR (CNL) genes and three are Resistance to Powdery mildew 8 (RPW8) domain-encoding RPW8-NBS-LRR (RNL) genes. Surprisingly, five of the NB-ARC-encoding genes encoded a Toll/Interleukin-1 Receptor (TIR), with no LRR, known as TN genes. CNL clades formed similar nesting patterns with a large expansion of CNL-C group like previously reported findings in wheat relatives. Comparisons of the wheat genome with barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) and Tausch’s goatgrass (Aegilops tauschii Coss.), showed similar locations for homologous NB-ARC-encoding genes. These results showed that R genes in wheat have diversified through duplication to encode receptors that recognize rapidly evolving pathogenic effectors. Identified R genes in this study have implications in plant breeding, as a source of resistance for crop improvement.
A decision theoretic approach for waveform design in joint radar communications applications

In this paper, we develop a decision theoretic approach for radar waveform design to maximize the joint radar communications performance in spectral coexistence. Specifically, we develop an adaptive waveform design approach by posing the design problem as a partially observable Markov decision process (POMDP), which leads to a hard optimization problem. We extend an approximate dynamic programming approach called nominal belief-state optimization to solve the waveform design problem. We perform a numerical study to compare the performance of the proposed POMDP approach with the commonly used myopic approaches.
The Beloved Community

“Dr. King’s Beloved Community is a global vision, in which all people can share in the wealth of the earth. In the Beloved Community, poverty, hunger and homelessness will not be tolerated because international standards of human decency will not allow it. Racism and all forms of discrimination, bigotry and prejudice will be replaced by an all-inclusive spirit of sisterhood and brotherhood. In the Beloved Community, international disputes will be resolved by peaceful conflict-resolution and reconciliation of adversaries, instead of military power. Love and trust will triumph over fear and hatred. Peace with justice will prevail over war and military conflict.” This chapter features an essay written by Samuel Darko, a student in my English 200: Advanced Composition class, about King’s beloved community. This chapter offers readers the opportunity to share an important moment with an MCC student as he reflects on vitally important issues related to civil rights, American ideals, and social justice.
Whistler Mode Radiation from a Dipole Antenna in Cold Magnetized Plasma

We treat whistler mode radiation from a dipole antenna in a cold magnetized plasma based on the Fresnel zone construction theory. Radiated waves from the antenna with different propagation directions interfere in space. Regions of enhanced waves are formed when the interference is predominantly constructive at the observing point. The coherently enhanced wave propagates at the group velocity. If the antenna is perpendicular to the background magnetic field, the regions of strong waves form two back-to-back Fresnel zones that are parabolic-shaped cones along the background magnetic field from the antenna. The power within each cone drops with distance at a rate of 1/r much more slowly than the 1/r2 thinning of a spherical wave as in vacuum. The total radiation can be approximately derived by the total energy flux integrated over the Fresnel zone. The derived radiation resistance is much greater than that in vacuum. It is proportional to frequency as 1/f2 and proportional to the antenna length as d2. To radiate more power a longer antenna is preferred, a result that is opposite to some previous theoretical studies.
Analytical Applications of Scanning Ion Conductance Microscopy: Measuring Ions and Electrons

Applications of SICM extend well beyond topographic imaging. Opportunities to measure ion concentrations or electron transfer reactions with SICM probes have proven particularly powerful approaches. Electrochemical imaging applications of SICM have advanced rapidly and benefit from simplicity in probe (electrode) design, advanced methods of feedback, and developments in instrumentation for imaging. Here we consider select analytical applications of the scanning ion conductance microscope, considering first methods to measure ions, and second methods to measure electrons. Special attention is paid to the design of the probe and analytical caveats considered in such measurements.
In vitro activity of new cephalosporins against multi-resistant gramnegative bacteria

The in vitro sensitivities of 47 multi-resistant gram-negative bacilli against six third generation cephalosporins were investigated. Overall, moxalactam was the most active compound and cefoperazone the least active. Ceftizoxime and ceftazidime were very active against Enterobacteriaceae. Ceftriaxone and ceftizoxime were active against Escherichia coli and Klebsiella spp., but were inactive against Pseudomonas spp.; Achromobacter sp. was resistant to all drugs, while Citrobacter freundii was sensitive to every antibiotic tested. These drugs may be clinically useful in infections with multi-resistant gram-negative bacteria.
Therapy-related AML

Patients who have been treated successfully with chemotherapy, radiation therapy, immunosuppressive therapy, or a combination of these modalities are at risk for long-term complications of their treatment. One of the most serious complications is the development of therapy-related myelodysplasia (t-MDS) and therapy-related acute myeloid leukemia (t-AML), which most likely result as a direct consequence of prior cytotoxic therapy. t-MDS/t-AML represent distinct clinical entities as compared to their de novo counterparts and confer a poor prognosis. A clearer understanding of the factors that predispose patients to the development of t-MDS and t-AML will help clinicians monitor patients more carefully after treatment for a primary malignancy, during long-term immunosuppression for autoimmune disease, or following solid organ transplants. Ultimately, this knowledge may influence the treatment strategies for those patients with solid tumors and those on long-term immunosuppression, groups that are at increased risk for the development of t-MDS/t-AML. This chapter will review the clinical features and treatment of these disorders, epidemiology, cytogenetic features, and the genetic pathways involved in the pathogenesis of t-MDS/t-AML.
The Greater Good or Property Rights? Resolving the Tension between Positive and Negative Rights in Eminent Domain

This paper examines the background of takings law and differing philosophical viewpoints on individual rights. It then analyzes the balance of rights in the present use of eminent domain, and proposes solutions to current problems with eminent domain and the possible impact of these solutions on the balance of positive and negative rights. Special attention is given to the status of blight and economic takings after Kelo v. City of New London, and what the jurisprudence in this area means for the balance of rights in the nation as a whole.
Do Investors Avoid Odd-Eighth Prices? Evidence from NYSE Limit Orders

We examine a large sample of electronically placed limit orders on NYSE stocks to investigate (1) what limit prices investors choose, (2) the relation between investor limit prices and stock quotes, and (3) limit order execution rates. We find that both individual and institutional investors exhibit a preference for even-eighth prices when they submit limit orders to buy and sell NYSE stocks. Clustering on even prices is a positive function of the firm?s stock rice and return volatility. Analysis of quote prices show there is a positive relation between the percentage of even-eighth limit orders and the percentage of even-eighth quotes. In addition, quoted depth is significantly higher for even-eighth quotes than for odd-eighth quotes. After decomposing the depth into the portions provided by the specialist and limit order investors, we find that both provide additional depth when the quote is even. Despite the fact that there are a greater number of even-eighth limit orders and greater depth at even quotes, the proportion of executing limit orders submitted with even-eighth prices is similar to those submitted with odd-eighth prices. Therefore, this pricing decision by investors does not appear to have a detrimental impact on limit order execution rates.
Hedgehog pathway inhibitor HhAntag691 is a potent inhibitor of ABCG2/BCRP and ABCB1/Pgp.

HhAntag691 (GDC-0449), a low-molecular weight inhibitor of the tumor-promoting hedgehog (Hh) signaling pathway, has been used to treat medulloblastoma in animal models and has recently entered clinical trials for a variety of solid tumors. Here, we show that HhAntag691 inhibits multiple ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters. ATP-binding cassette transporters are within a family of membrane proteins, the overexpression of which is associated with multidrug resistance, a major impediment to successful cancer treatment. HhAntag691 is a potent inhibitor of two ABC transporters, ABCG2/BCRP and ABCB1/Pgp, and is a mild inhibitor of ABCC1/MRP1. In ABCG2-overexpressing HEK293 cells, HhAntag691 increased retention of the fluorescent ABCG2 substrate BODIPY-prazosin and resensitized these cells to mitoxantrone, an antineoplastic ABCG2 substrate. In Madin-Darby canine kidney II cells engineered to overexpress Pgp or MRP1, HhAntag691 increased the retention of calcein-AM and resensitized them to colchicine. HhAntag691 also resensitized human non-small cell lung carcinoma cells NCI-H460/par and NCI-H460/MX20, which overexpress ABCG2 in response to mitoxantrone, to mitoxantrone, and to topotecan or SN-38. The IC 50 values of HhAntag691 for inhibition of ABCG2 and Pgp were ∼1.4 and ∼3.0 µ M, respectively. Because ABC transporters are highly expressed at the blood-brain barrier and on many tumor cells, they contribute significantly to treatment failure of many types of cancer, particularly of those within the neuraxis. In addition to its effect on Hh signaling, the ability of HhAntag691 and related compounds to inhibit two key ABC transporters could contribute to their effectiveness in treating malignancies.
Giant magnetothermopower associated with large magnetoresistance in Ag2−δTe

We have probed the temperature and magnetic-field dependence of the thermopower and resistance of a p-type silverchalcogenide,Ag_(2−δ)Te. The application of a magnetic field causes not only a large magnetoresistance but also a giant magnetothermopower effect. The maximum change of thermopower is as high as 470 μV/K in a 7 T magnetic field. Both the magnetoresistance and the magnetothermopower show a pronounced peak and nearly linear behavior near the sign change of the thermopower. Bandcrossing and quantum confinement due to disorder appear to play key roles in the heightened response to field.
Plasticity as a developing trait: exploring the implications

Individual differences in plasticity have been classically framed as genotype-by-environment interactions, with different genotypes showing different reaction norms in response to environmental conditions. However, research has shown that early experience can be a critical factor in shaping an individual's plasticity to later environmental factors. In other words, plasticity itself can be investigated as a developing trait that reflects the combined action of an individual's genes and previous interactions with the environment. In this paper I explore some implications of the idea that the early environment modulates long-term plasticity, with an emphasis on plasticity in behavioral traits. I begin by focusing on the mechanisms that mediate plasticity at the proximate level, and discussing the possibility that some traits may work as generalized mediators of plasticity by affecting the sensitivity of multiple phenol types across developmental contexts. I then tackle the complex problem of the evolution of reaction norms for plasticity. Next, I consider a number of potential implications for research on parental effects and phenotypic matching, and conclude by discussing how plasticity may become a target of evolutionary conflict between parents and offspring. In total, I aim to show how the idea of plasticity as a developing trait offers a rich source of questions and insights that may inform future research in this area.
Surfactant Effects on Skin Absorption of Model Organic Chemicals: Implications for Dermal Risk Assessment Studies

Occupational and environmental exposures to chemicals are major potential routes of exposure for direct skin toxicity and for systemic absorption. The majority of these exposures are to complex mixtures, yet most experimental studies to assess topical chemical absorption are conducted neat or in simple aqueous vehicles. A component of many industrial mixtures is surfactants that solubilize ingredients and stabilize mixtures of oily components when present in aqueous vehicles. The purpose of this series of experiments was to use two well-developed experimental techniques to assess how solution interactions present in a pure nonbiological in vitro system (membrane coated fibers, MCF) compare to those seen in a viable ex vivo biological preparation (isolated perfused porcine skin flap, IPPSF). Two widely encountered anionic surfactants, sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) and linear alkylbenzene sulfonate (LAS), were studied in 10% solutions. The rank orders of absorption were: water: pentachlorophenol (PCP) > 4-nitrophenol (PNP) > parathion > fenthion > simazine > propazine; SLS: PNP > PCP > parathion > simazine > fenthion > propazine; and LAS: PNP > PCP > simazine > parathion > fenthion > propazine. For all penetrants, absorption was greater in SLS compared to LAS mixtures, a finding consistent with smaller micelle sizes seen with SLS. For these low-water-solubility compounds, absorption was greater from aqueous solutions in nearly every case. The inert three-fiber MCF array predicted absorptive fluxes seen in the ex vivo IPPSF, suggesting lack of any biological effects of the surfactants on skin.
Analysis of exhaled breath by laser detection

The goal of our work is two fold: (1) to develop a portable rapid laser based breath analyzer for monitoring metabolic processes, and (2) predict these metabolic processes through physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) modeling. Small infrared active molecules such as ammonia, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, methane and ethane are present in exhaled breath and can be readily detected by laser absorption spectroscopy. In addition, many of the stable isotopomers of these molecules can be accurately detected, making it possible to follow specific metabolic processes. Potential areas of applications for this technology include the diagnosis of certain pathologies (e.g. Helicobacter Pylori infection), detection of trauma due to either physical or chemical causes and monitoring nutrient uptake (i.e., malnutrition). In order to understand the origin and elucidate the metabolic processes associated with these small molecules, we are employing physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) models. A PBPK model is founded on known physiological processes (i.e., blood flow rates, tissue volumes, breathing rate, etc.), chemical-specific processes (i.e., tissue solubility coefficients, molecular weight, chemical density, etc.), and on metabolic processes (tissue site and rate of metabolic biotransformation). Since many of these processes are well understood, a PBPK model can be developed and validated against the more readily available experimental animal data, and then by extrapolating the parameters to apply to man, the model can predict chemical behavior in humans.© (1996) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Buffer Amplifier with Femtofarad Input Capacity Using Operational Amplifiers

A unity-gain buffer amplifier with an input capacity below 0.01 pF and an input resistance above 10 12 ? is described. Low input capacity is achieved without the necessity of feedback adjustments by bootstrapping the entire input stage, including power sources and shielding. The amplifier is of simple design and is based around commercially available operational amplifiers.
Enhanced intraband Stark effects in stacked InAs/GaAs self-assembled quantum dots

We present a theoretical study of the electronic properties and intersubband optical transitions in vertically aligned double InAs self-assembled quantum dots (QDs) which are subject to an electric field along their growth axis. The electron properties are calculated as a function of the applied electric field by using an eight-band strain-dependent k⋅p Hamiltonian. Transitions between ground s states and excited p states are found to be almost three times stronger than in single dot, with strong field anisotropy. The system also exhibits field tunable transitions between the bonding and antibonding s states, with polarization along the growth axis. Midinfrared photodetectors consisting of vertically coupled double-quantum-dot layers are expected to exhibit enhanced sensibility and voltage tunability, compared to devices using single-quantum-dot layer.
Could Blood Pressure Phobia Go Beyond the White Coat Effect

Background While it is known that excessive anxiety surrounding the measuring of blood pressure may preclude an accurate measurement, it is not known whether it could also lead to phobic avoidance behavior. Methods Self-reported information was collected on 125 individuals who made postings on 5 internet-based medical forums. Results Qualitative thematic analysis revealed that these individuals reported experiencing intense fear associated with the measuring of blood pressure, that was excessive or irrational and which contributed to avoidance of medical treatment and interference with life decisions. Conclusions Based on these preliminary observations, we are speculating that these symptoms could be considered consistent with a diagnosis of a Specific Phobia. Investigations using quantitative methods, representative samples, and standardized clinical instruments need to be conducted before definitive conclusions can be reached.
Muscular and Postural Synergies of the Human Hand

Because humans have limited ability to independently control the many joints of the hand, a wide variety of hand shapes can be characterized as a weighted combination of just two or three main patt...
A centrifugal pathway to the mouse accessory olfactory bulb from the medial amygdala conveys gender-specific volatile pheromonal signals.

We previously found that female mice exhibited Fos responses in the accessory olfactory bulb (AOB) after exposure to volatile opposite-, but not same-sex, urinary odours. This effect was eliminated by lesioning the main olfactory epithelium, raising the possibility that the AOB receives information about gender via centrifugal inputs originating in the main olfactory system instead of from the vomeronasal organ. We asked which main olfactory forebrain targets send axonal projections to the AOB, and whether these input neurons express Fos in response to opposite-sex urinary volatiles. Female mice received bilateral injections of the retrograde tracer, cholera toxin B (CTB), into the AOB, and were exposed to either same- or opposite-sex volatile urinary odours one week later. We found CTB- labeled cell bodies in several forebrain sites including the bed nucleus of the accessory olfactory tract, the rostral portion of the medial amygdala (MeA), and the posteromedial cortical nucleus of the amygdala. A significant increase in the percentage of CTB/Fos co-labeled cells was seen only in the MeA of female subjects exposed to male but not to female urinary volatiles. In Experiment 2, CTB-injected females were later exposed to volatile odours from male mouse urine, food, or cat urine. Again, a significant increase in the percentage of CTB/Fos co-labeled cells was seen in the MeA of females exposed to male mouse urinary volatiles but not to food or predator odours. Main olfactory - MeA -AOB signaling may motivate approach behaviour to opposite-sex pheromonal signals that ensure successful reproduction.
Comparison of raingage and WSR-88D Stage III precipitation data over the Texas-Gulf basin

Abstract Precipitation is one of the most important hydrologic model inputs and is characterized by spatial and temporal variability. Traditionally, raingage networks have provided precipitation data for hydrologic studies. Weather radars like the WSR-88D estimate precipitation with high spatial and temporal sampling frequencies, but radar estimates suffer from errors due to several reasons. Assessment of the quality of radar precipitation data is necessary before the application of radar data in hydrologic studies and is important for improving radar data processing algorithms. Accuracy assessment of Stage III precipitation data from the WSR-88D network over the Texas-Gulf basin was performed for the period 1995–99 using 24-h accumulations from 545 raingages. Sampling differences between point raingage measurements and areal radar estimates were ignored. WSR-88D underestimated the five-year precipitation at a vast majority of the raingages. Difference in the total precipitation depth between radar and raingage was within ±500 mm only at 42% of the raingages; the root mean squared difference was more than 10 mm at 78% of the raingages. Such large differences between both rainfall data sources will have significant implications for the hydrologic applications of WSR-88D Stage III data. Radar estimation efficiency was better than 0.50 at 71% of the First Order/FAA raingages and 41% of the cooperative observer raingages. Radar performance varied significantly over the years, and, in general, improvement in radar performance was observed, which is consistent with the on-going developments in WSR-88D data processing algorithms; however, an overestimation trend was identified during 1998–99. Evaluation of the quality of WSR-88D Stage III data and making necessary corrections are important before their application in hydrologic studies.
Sucrose uptake by sugar beet tap root tissue.

Sucrose uptake by discs of mature sugar beet root tissue incubated in [ 14 C]-sucrose exhibited nonsaturating kinetics over the concentration range of 1 to 500 millimolar. Uptake was inhibited by dinitrophenol, sodium cyanide, low O 2 , and penetrating sulfhydryl inhibitors. ATPase inhibitors, sodium fluoride, and oligomycin reduced uptake by 20 and 40%, respectively. Uptake as asymmetrically labeled sucrose ([ 14 C]glucose) occurred with approximately 80% retention of asymmetry, indicating a nonhydrolytic pathway. Uptake was against a concentration gradient and required metabolic energy. Glucose and fructose uptake exhibited typical saturation kinetics but rates of uptake were lower than that of sucrose, particularly at high concentration. Glucose strongly inhibited the uptake of sucrose and fructose but sucrose and fructose had little effect on the rate of glucose uptake. It is proposed that a major protion of the sucrose movement between its free space and vacuole occurs via a nonsaturating carrier at sites where the plasmalemma and tonoplast are appressed.
A strategic perspective on overseas Chinese networks’ decision making

Researchers and managers have assumed that the overseas Chinese business networks do not conduct strategic planning. Summarizes, in general, the literature on the overseas Chinese networks’ decision‐making style and compares it with perspectives from established schools of strategic planning. Specifically enhances understanding of the overseas Chinese networks’ business style, generates awareness of the style’s strengths and weaknesses, and explores strategic implications for foreign multinational corporations that enter into alliances with, or compete against the overseas Chinese networks.
Metabolic spatial variability in electrode-respiring Geobacter sulfurreducens biofilms

In this study, we quantified electron transfer rates, depth profiles of electron donor, and biofilm structure of Geobacter sulfurreducens biofilms using an electrochemical-nuclear magnetic resonance microimaging biofilm reactor. Our goal was to determine whether electron donor limitations existed in electron transfer processes of electrode-respiring G. sulfurreducens biofilms. Cells near the top of the biofilms consumed acetate and were metabolically active; however, acetate concentration decreased to below detection within the top 100 microns of the biofilms. Additionally, porosity in the biofilms fell below 10% near the electrode surface, exacerbating exclusion of acetate from the lower regions. The dense biofilm matrix in the acetate-depleted zone acted as an electrical conduit passing electrons generated at the top of the biofilm to the electrode. To verify the distribution of cell metabolic activity, we used uranium as a redox-active probe for localizing electron transfer activity and X-ray absorption spectroscopy to determine the uranium oxidation state. Cells near the top reduced UVI more actively than the cells near the base. High-resolution transmission electron microscopy images showed intact, healthy cells near the top and plasmolyzed cells near the base. Contrary to models proposed in the literature, which hypothesize that cells nearest the electrode surface are the most metabolically active because of a lower electron transfer resistance, our results suggest that electrical resistance through the biofilm does not restrict long-range electron transfer. Cells far from the electrode can respire across metabolically inactive cells, taking advantage of their extracellular infrastructure produced during the initial biofilm formation.
Singular perturbations of linear systems with multiparameters and multiple time scales

Abstract In this paper, an alternate approach to the method of asymptotic expansions for the study of a singularly perturbed, linear system with multiparameters and multiple time scales is developed. The method consists of developing a linear, non-singular transformation that enables one to transform the original system into an upper triangular form. This process of upper triangularization will enable us to investigate (i) stability and (ii) approximation of solutions of the original system in terms of the overall reduced system and the corresponding boundary layer systems.
Bone marrow precursor cells specify serological properties of antibody

Abstract Irradiated mice of the (C3H × C57BL 10 )F 1 and C57BL 6 × DBA 2 )F 1 strains were reconstituted with an excess of syngeneic thymocytes containing antigen-reactive cells, and with graded limiting numbers of bone marrow cells containing precursors of antibody-forming cells (P-AFC), and then injected with sheep erythrocytes. The number of P-AFC and their possible specialization for serological properties of antibody were investigated by determining the titer of 2-mercaptoethanol-sensitive serum hemagglutinins and hemolysins 11 days after grafting. The limiting dilution assays gave different results in the two mouse strains, but clearly indicated that the number of detectable P-AFC per unit number of bone marrow cells was of the same order of magnitude for both antibody responses. However, agglutinins and lysins were not associated in a significant number of recipient mice receiving an average of 1 P-AFC. Hence, marrow precursor cells were restricted for serological properties of antibody reflecting structural features not equivalent to those underlying molecular class or subclass. Circumstantial evidence suggested that a subpopulation of marrow P-AFC characterized by larger burst size was detected by serum titrations, whereas more numerous P-AFC with smaller burst size were previously detected by enumeration of splenic plaque-forming cells.
Analysis of a hardware and software fault tolerant processor for critical applications

Computer systems for critical applications must be designed to tolerate software faults as well as hardware faults. A unified approach to tolerating hardware and software faults is characterized by classifying faults in terms of duration (transient or permanent) rather than source (hardware or software). Errors arising from transient faults can be handled through masking or voting, but errors arising from permanent faults require system reconfiguration to bypass the failed component. Most errors which are caused by software faults can be considered transient, in that they are input-dependent. Software faults are triggered by a particular set of inputs. Quantitative dependability analysis of systems which exhibit a unified approach to fault tolerance can be performed by a hierarchical combination of fault tree and Markov models. A methodology for analyzing hardware and software fault tolerant systems is applied to the analysis of a hypothetical system, loosely based on the Fault Tolerant Parallel Processor. The models consider both transient and permanent faults, hardware and software faults, independent and related software faults, automatic recovery, and reconfiguration.
A selective and sensitive chemosensor for Cu2+ based on 8-hydroxyquinoline

A novel 8-hydroxyquinoline derivative 3 was synthesized. Significant fluorescent quenching was found in the presence of Cu2+ and Hg2+ with notably higher selectivity for Cu2+ than Hg2+.