cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Giant monopole strength in 58 Ni

The strength distribution of the giant monopole resonance in ${}^{58}\mathrm{Ni}$ has been measured from ${E}_{x}=10$ to 35 MeV using small-angle scattering of 240-MeV \ensuremath{\alpha} particles. $E0$ strength corresponding to ${74}_{\ensuremath{-}12}^{+22}%$ of the $E0$ EWSR was found between ${E}_{x}=12.0$ and 31.1 MeV with a centroid of ${20.30}_{\ensuremath{-}0.14}^{+1.69}\mathrm{MeV}.$
7 α -Substituted androstenediones as effective in vttro and invivo inhibitors of aromatase

Abstract Research efforts over the past several years have focused on the synthesis of competitive and irreversible aromatase inhibitors and examination of these inhibitors in microsomal preparations, in cell culture, and in vivo . Several 7α-substituted androstenediones have demonstrated high affinity for placental aromatase, with apparent Ki's ranging from 1 to 30 nM. Inactivation of aromatase occurred following incubation with alkylating and enzyme-activated irreversible inhibitors. 7α-(4'-Amino)phenylthio-4-androstene-3,17-dione (7α-APTA) exhibits potent inhibitory activity of aromatase in the MCF-7 human mammary carcinoma cell line with an ED50 of approximately 25 nM. The inhibitor did not bind to the estrogen receptor of the cells in vitro nor induce levels of progesterone receptors in intact cells. In vivo studies of 7α-APTA in the DMBA-induced rat mammary carcinoma model resulted in 80% of the tumors responding completely or partially at doses of 25 and 50 mg/kg body wt/day. Thus, these 7α-substituted steroidal aromatase inhibitors are effective medicinal agents and may be useful for the treatment of estrogen-dependent breast cancer.
Transitioning from a computerized provider order entry and paper documentation system to an electronic health record: expectations and experiences of hospital staff.

Abstract Objectives To examine healthcare worker's perceptions, expectations, and experiences regarding how work processes, patient-related safety, and care were affected when a quaternary care center transitioned from one computerized provider order entry (CPOE) system to a full electronic health record (EHR). Methods The I-SEE survey was administered prior to and 1-year after transition in systems. The construct validity and reliability of the survey was assessed within the current population and also compared to previously published results. Pre- and 1-year post-implementation scale means were compared within and across time periods. Results The majority of respondents were nurses and personnel working in the acute care setting. Because a confirmatory factor analysis indicated a lack of fit of our data to the I-SEE survey's 5-factor structure, we conducted an exploratory factor analysis that resulted in a 7-factor structure which showed better reliability and validity. Mean scores for each factor indicated that attitudes and expectations were mostly positive and score trends over time were positive or neutral. Nurses generally had less positive attitudes about the transition than non-nursing respondents, although the difference diminished after implementation. Conclusions Findings demonstrate that the majority of responding staff were generally positive about transitioning from CPOE system to a full electronic health record (EHR) and understood the goals of doing so, with overall improved ratings over time. In addition, the I-SEE survey, when modified based on our population, was useful for assessing patient care and safety related expectations and experiences during the transition from one CPOE system to an EHR.
Effect of reinforcement morphology on high-speed sliding friction and wear of PEEK polymers

Abstract Advanced engineering polymeric materials such as poly-ether-ether-ketone (PEEK) are increasingly being used for challenging tribological application. Some of these applications involve severe contact conditions. Reinforcing materials such as carbon fiber are often incorporated into polymeric materials to improve mechanical and thermal properties. In the present study the friction and wear behaviour was evaluated for various PEEK disc materials in high-speed (up to 65 m/s) sliding contact with 440C stainless steel balls using a 3 ball-on-flat contact configuration. Two of the tested PEEK materials were reinforced, one with long woven fiber and one with short, randomly oriented fibers, in addition to a base PEEK with no reinforcement. In general, at high sliding speeds, the friction and wear behaviour is related to the morphology of the reinforcement through the mechanisms of polymer transfer layer formation, abrasive wear rate of the steel ball, and thermal management of frictional heat generation. Under the current test conditions it is shown that the material with long woven reinforcement exhibits the lowest wear rate and lowest friction at high sliding speeds.
Reply to “Comment on ‘An Upper Bound on Rg to Lg Scattering Using Modal Energy Conservation’ by Jeffry L. Stevens, Heming Xu, and G. Eli Baker” by Howard Patton and Indra N. Gupta

Rg scattering has often been suggested as the source of the regional Lg phase generated by explosions (e.g., Patton and Taylor, 1995; Gupta and Wagner, 1998). The main point of our paper (Stevens et al. , 2009) was that it is very difficult to get enough energy out of Rg to generate the observed Lg and that direct generation of S by the source or pS conversion are likely to be stronger sources of Lg than Rg scattering. To compare the contributions of each mechanism, we derived an upper bound on the possible size of Rg -to- Lg scattering by assuming that 100% of Rg is scattered very quickly into Lg with no energy loss or conversion to other phases. This is almost certainly much more Rg -to- Lg scattering than actually occurs, and we showed that even this upper bound is only comparable to or less than direct generation of Lg or of Lg generated by P -to- S conversion at the free surface. Patton and Gupta (2009) disagreed with this analysis and made five specific points, which we subsequently address. We have summarized each of their points, followed by our response. 1. Stevens et al. ’s (2009) equations (19) and (21) for the spectrum of converted higher modes can be expressed as a convolution between Rg source excitation and higher-mode response for a surface load, mediated by an energy transfer function (ETF) for plane-layered velocity models. Yes, it can. Patton and Gupta’s (2009) equation 5 is identical to Stevens et al. ’s (2009) equation 19 for a step function explosion source (Patton and Gupta [2009] also include a Mueller–Murphy source spectral shape, so results will differ slightly for larger events). It should be remembered, however, that this is an upper bound based on 100% energy conversion, not a prediction for the actual …
Economic Analysis of Quarterly Household Expenditures on Apparel

This study provides an updated view of factors affecting U.S. clothing demand. The effects of various socioeconomic and demographic variables on household expenditures for apparel were examined. A theoretical model explicitly acknowl edging the durable nature of clothing was presented. In addition, quarterly ex penditures over a one-year period were examined, accounting for variations due to seasonality. Data from the 1980–81 Consumer Expenditure Survey were used to estimate the expenditure functions. Income, the age and sex composition of the household, marital status, education, occupation, and sewing activity were found to significantly affect household apparel expenditures.
Knowledge of drug names determines associations to drug names more than habits for the drugs

Abstract Verbal habits and knowledge of the names for a large variety of drugs were determined in 76 male heroin addicts by the use of two multiple-choice association tests. Heroin addicts knew more names for heroin and had a greater verbal habit for heroin than for drug names in 12 other categories: alcohol, cigarettes, cocaine, “pep pills” (stimulants), solvents, “goofballs” (barbiturates), minor tranquilizers, major tranquilizers, hallucinogens, blanks, mixed drugs and miscellaneous drugs. The subjects had a greater verbal habit for heroin than marijuana. However, contrary to another study by Haertzen et al. (J. Consult. Clin. Psychol., 47 (1979) 592–594), their knowledge of heroin names did not exceed that of marijuana names. Names for drugs appear to be more specifically learned and partly independent of drug habits, since associations which arise from the knowledge of a drug name generally surpassed those associations based on verbal habits. An exception was found for opiates other than heroin which appeared to be related to certain peculiarities of the opiate response options. Generic drug names (examples, hydromorphone, meperidine, diazepam) were generally less well known than the corresponding trade names (Dilaudid, Demerol, Valium). There are exceptions such as methadone which was more well known than Dolophine. Words referring to a general classification were more frequently known than names of specific drugs within a class, but there are many exceptions such as heroin. The tests designed for this study are presumed to be partial indicators of exposure to specific drug-taking subcultures measured by accurate knowledge of drug names and conditioned verbal drug habits measured by associations of drug-relevant words with drugs. Differential knowledge of drug words has implications for the use of these words in questionnaire studies.
Cretaceous Lithoclasts in Modern Beach and River Sands, Veracruz, Mexico: ABSTRACT

Abundant Cretaceous carbonate lithoclasts have been found in modern volcanic beach and river sands between Tecolutla and Punta Delgada, Veracruz, Mexico. The major rivers (Rio Nautla and Rio Misantla) drain a volcanic terrane which also has outcrops of Lower Cretaceous cherty micrite (Tamaulipas Formation). The stream sediments are composed primarily of volcanic rock fragments and quartz except just downstream from the carbonate outcrop where lithoclasts may make up 50% of the stream sediment. The lithoclast content then drops to 10% at the river mouth. Micritic lithoclasts make up 35-60% of the beach sands, the rest being volcanic rock fragments and quartz. The lithoclast content increases irregularly from south to north, but drops to 20% or less at the river mouths. Volcanic rock fragment trends are opposite. Wind concentrates the lithoclasts in dunes and the upper beach backslope. The lithoclast percentage is directly proportional to grain size. The lithoclasts probably were delivered to the coast at a time when the gradient was steeper and/or the climate drier. They are presently being mixed with volcanic debris brought in by the river system and a northward-flowing longshore current. End_of_Article - Last_Page 364------------
A table to aid in the computation of fisher's “t” function for comparison of two means

A table to facilitate the computation of Fisher'st function for the comparison of two means is presented. The derivations leading to the construction of the table, and the necessary instructions for its use, are given.
Prostacyclin mediates splanchnic vascular response to norepinephrine in portal hypertension.

Abstract Portal hypertension is characterized by increased splanchnic blood flow. This hyperemia may be related to the documented in vitro impaired sympathetic response in portal hypertension. Because prostacyclin (PGI 2 ) has been shown to be elevated in portal hypertensive rabbits, we studied whether PGI 2 could mediate the reduced sympathetic response. We measured the change in the superior mesenteric artery resistance ( R SMA ) to norepinephrine infusion in chronic portal vein ligated (PHT) and normotensive rabbits, in both portal hypertensives and normals following cyclooxygenase blockade with 8 mg/kg indomethacin, and finally in portal hypertensive, cyclooxygenase-blocked rabbits with a constant IV infusion of PGI 2 at 200 or 300 ng/kg/min. Dose-response curves were obtained and statistical comparisons were based on the dose of norepinephrine producing 50% of maximal R SMA response (ED 60 ). Portal hypertensive rabbits had significantly higher ED 50 (310 ± 4.1 mg/kg) than normotensive rabbits (150 ± 4.1 mg/kg, P 50 in both groups and ablated the difference between normotensive and PHT rabbits (20 ± 2.4 and 20 ± 2.8 mg/kg/min, respectively). Prostacyclin infusion at 200 ng/kg/min increased the ED 50 (80 ± 2.5 mg/kg) and PGI 2 infusion at 300 ng/kg/min increased the ED 50 further (160 ± 7.5 mg/kg/min, P in vivo evidence of reduced splanchnic sensitivity to norepinephrine in portal hypertension and demonstrate that PGI 2 will cause a dose-related decrease in sympathetic response. Also, cyclooxygenase blockade will ablate the differences between normal and portal hypertensive animals, an effect reversed by exogenous PGI 2 . We conclude that PGI 2 is one of the modulators of sympathetic vascular response in portal hypertensive and normal rabbits and that the diminished response in portal hypertension may be related to higher endogenous prostacyclin.
Viral evolution and escape during primary human immunodeficiency virus-1 infection: implications for vaccine design.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW The ability of human immunodeficiency virus to mutate rapidly to evade host immune pressures is a key hurdle limiting the control of human immunodeficiency virus-1 by cellular immune responses. Viral escape from CD8 T-cell recognition continues to be studied extensively, and emerging data provide greater appreciation of the affect of these mutations on the virus. These data may help identify key immune responses capable of suppressing viral replication. This goal remains critical, as current vaccines are unlikely to produce protective T-cell immunity. RECENT FINDINGS Recent studies provide greater understanding of the propensity for transmitted mutations to revert, and of the ability of CD8 T-cell escape mutations to impact viral replication capacity and protein structure. These observations reveal important constraints on virus evolution and sequence diversity. Data are also accumulating for the ability of the immune system to mount de-novo CD8 T-cell responses against escape variants, revealing an underappreciated complexity of the process of viral escape. SUMMARY Understanding the limits of sequence variation and the impact of immune escape mutations on viral fitness, particularly during acute infection, will be critical to guide the design of contemporary vaccines or therapeutics attempting to force human immunodeficiency viruses to become less fit.
Integration of PCA and JPEG2000 for hyperspectral image compression

In this paper, we report our recent investigation on principal components analysis (PCA) and JPEG2000 in hyperspectral image compression, where the PCA is for spectral coding and JPEG2000 is for spatial coding for principal component (PC) images (referred to as PCA+JP2K). We find out such an integrated scheme significantly outperforms the commonly used 3-dimensional (3D) JPEG2000 (3D-JP2K) in rate-distortion performance, where the discrete wavelet transform (DWT) is used for spectral coding. We also find out that the best rate-distortion performance occurs when a subset of PCs is used instead of all the PCs. In the AVIRIS experiments, PCA+JP2K can bring about 5-10 dB increase in SNR compared to 3D-JP2K, whose SNR in turn is about 0.5dB greater than other popular wavelet based compression approaches, such as 3D-SPIHT and 3D-SPECK. The performance on data analysis using the reconstructed data is also evaluated. We find out that using PCA for spectral decorrelation can provide better performance, in particular, in low bitrates. The schemes for low-complexity PCA are also presented, which include the spatial down-sampling in the estimation of covariance matrix and the use of data with non-zero mean. The compression performance on both radiance and reflectance data are also compared. The instructive suggestions on practical applications are provided.
Formal concept analysis for investigation of normal accidents

Formal concept analysis (FCA) is a theory of data analysis that identifies conceptual structures among datasets. A strong feature of FCA is its capability of producing graphical visualizations of the inherent structures among data. High-risk systems have some special characteristics that result in inevitable accidents. This research utilizes FCA to investigate vessel accidents on the lower Mississippi river. FCA identifies the concepts that are vital indicators of a special type of accident, a collision. It is possible to analyze navigation environments and thereby gain a better understanding of these accidents. Such accidents may not be completely eliminated, though it is beneficial to identify when they were most likely to occur and take appropriate control measures. Furthermore, identification of the most dangerous environments might suggest specific safety regimens and regulatory control designs. The FCA suggests three groups of policy decisions, representing a series of increasingly dangerous situat...
Hidden Slavic and Eastern European Materials at the Folger Shakespeare Library

This is a brief sampling of the various types of Slavic and Eastern European materials “hidden” in the Folger Shakespeare library. Not widely considered a source for such materials, there are treasures to be found in this collection. Beyond translations of Shakespeare's works into Slavic and Eastern European languages, the Folger houses diverse slavic materials including etchings by Wenceslaus Hollar, early books and manuscripts, and modern prompt books and theatrical memorabilia.
Growth of human renal cortical tissue on collagen gel.

A model system for 3-dimensional “native-state” culture of tissues on collagen gels (Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 86:2013–2017; 1989) has been applied in this study to histologically normal human renal cortical tissue from 11 patients undergoing nephrectomy for renal cell carcinoma elsewhere in the kidney. Microbial contamination occurred in 12/90 cultures, the rest (78) were studied by visual inspection, histology, immunohistochemical analysis for pankeratin (epithelial cell origin), vimentin (mesenchymal cell origin), andp-glycoprotein (associated with proximal tubules), transmission electron microscopy (EM), incorporation of tritiated thymidine (3HTdR). In the first 10 days, explants showed3HTdR-labeled cells in tubule structures. The surrounding gel was invaded by cells forming tubule structures, sometimes with basement membrane. Some of these cells showed labeling by3HTdR and immunostaining positive for pankeratin andp-glycoprotein. EM showed well-polarized epithelial cells in tubule structures with tight junctions, interdigitating lateral processes, and microvilli characteristic of proximal and distal convoluted tubules.3HTdR-labeled cells in tubule structures were observed even 2 mo. after Passage 1, 6 mo. after the initial explantation. Tubule growth was most active and fibroblast proliferation was negligible from 2 to 4 wk postexplantation. The proliferation of tubulelike cells and formation of tubulelike structures in this system represents an opportunity to study human renal cortical tissue in vitro, under conditions more closely resembling in vivo circumstances than are present in other in vitro systems suitable for long-term study. This model has potential use for in vitro toxicology studies and studies of renal physiology.
A membrane-bound precursor β-lactamase in strains of Moraxella catarrhalis and Moraxella nonliquefaciens that produce peripiasmic BRO-1 and BRO-2 β-lactamases

By employing the non-ionic detergent Triton X-100, a membrane-bound beta-lactamase was extracted from strains of Moraxella (Branhamella) catarrhalis and Moraxella nonliquefaciens that produce BRO-1 and BRO-2 beta-lactamases. Unlike BRO-1 and BRO-2, which exhibit multiple major bands on isoelectric focusing (IEF), the membrane-bound enzyme focused as a single IEF band at a pI of 6.20, which was not present with either of the other two enzymes. The membrane-bound beta-lactamase could be extracted from all strains producing BRO-1 and BRO-2, including recombinant strains constructed by transformation or conjugation. The enzyme was also recovered from Escherichia coli strain HB101 carrying vector plasmid pLQ521 into which the BRO-1 beta-lactamase gene from M. catarrhalis had been cloned. All three beta-lactamases were indistinguishable by inhibitor profiles with clavulanic acid, BRL 42715, sulbactam and tazobactam. These data suggested that all three beta-lactamases were the product of a single gene in Moraxella spp., and that the membrane-bound beta-lactamase serves as a precursor of both BRO-1 and BRO-2. Species differences in cellular processing of the membrane-bound enzyme could explain the minor differences in IEF patterns that occurred with BRO-1 and BRO-2 beta-lactamases when present in different species.
Subclinical myocardial necrosis and cardiovascular risk in stable patients undergoing elective cardiac evaluation

Objective— The presence of subclinical myocardial necrosis as a prodrome to longer-term adverse cardiac event risk has been debated. The debate has focused predominantly within patients with acute coronary syndrome, and on issues of troponin assay variability and accuracy of detection, rather than on the clinical significance of the presence of subclinical myocardial necrosis (ie, “troponin leak”) within stable cardiac patients. Herein, we examine the relationship between different degrees of subclinical myocardial necrosis and long-term adverse clinical outcomes within a stable cardiac patient population with essentially normal renal function. Methods and Results— Sequential consenting patients (N=3828; median creatinine clearance, 100 mL/min/1.73m 2 ) undergoing elective diagnostic coronary angiography with cardiac troponin I (cTnI) levels below the diagnostic cut-off for defining myocardial infarction ( P P Conclusion— In stable cardiology patients, prodromal subclinical myocardial necrosis is associated with substantially higher long-term risk for major adverse cardiovascular events. The underlying mechanisms contributing to this minimal troponin leak phenomenon warrants further investigation.
Ultrastructural studies of spore walls of Acaulospora morrowiae and A. scrobiculata

Morphological and ultrastructural studies were used to determine spore wall structure in two Acaulospora species: A. morrowiae and A. scrobiculata . The spore wall of A. morrowiae is divided in three zones (A, B, C), each of which in broken spores separate into layers. Many features, such as a series of regularly distributed fibrillar layers of arched-appearing fibrils were clearly distinguishable. In A. scrobiculata , two zones were distinct in the wall: an outer zone, ornamented with deep round-bottomed depressions which extended into several of the arched-like layers, and an inner zone formed by three distinct layers. The first layer of the inner zone had a radial arrangement of fibrils; the two other layers were formed apparently by amorphous material. Arched and radial fibrils have been found in spores of other Glomales but not in those of other groups of fungi. Spores of Acaulospora are similar to those of certain other glomalean fungi. These and other data indicate the uniqueness of spore walls in the Glomales.
Magnetic susceptibility anisotropy of mylonites from the Brevard Zone, North Carolina, U.S.A.

Abstract This study presents the results of magnetic susceptibility anistropy measurements on mylonites from the Brevard Zone of the southern Appalachians. The Brevard Zone is a major crustal mylonite zone and the samples analyzed for this study represent the progressive increase of mylonitization (decrease in grain size) of the Henderson Gneiss with increasing proximity to the Brevard Zone. Our results suggest that magnetic fabric measurements in mylonites are at least qualitatively significant with respect to the strain history of mylonites. The orientations of the principal susceptibilities are parallel to rock fabric elements indicating that the magnetic fabric is a deformationally induced phenomenon. Although the Henderson Gneiss appears to undergo a smooth progressive mylonitization with increasing proximity to the Brevard fault zone, our magnetic measurements suggest that strain states do not increase smoothly as the Brevard Zone is approached. However, the magnetic measurements do suggest that at some sites the strain is very high. The highest site mean anisotropy [(max-min)/mean × 100] we have measured is 120% (cgs) which could, based on strain to magnetic susceptibility anisotropy (MSA) correlations by other workers, indicate strain ratios (1 +e 1 ) (1 +e 3 ) of between 186 and 1.4 × 1017. Because we cannot correlate our magnetic fabric measurements with strain in these rocks, we cannot prove that such high strain states in fact exist in the Brevard mylonites. However, these appear to the highest magnetic anisotropies yet recorded. Our data also indicate that the susceptibility ellipsoid is severely flattened with k values commonly lower than than 0.1. We also observe an inverse relationship between k values and anistropy. Similar relationships have been observed in other shear zones and suggest that mylonites follow a strain path of increasing departure from plane strain (k = 1).
Improving the access time for random access files

Clustering in the key set is decreased by smoothing the key-to-address transformation, and by adding shadow buckets to an open chaining file. The keys are pre-hashed before the address division, to remove the effect of sequential properties in the key set. Shadow buckets in the key search sequence reduce the effect of nonuniformity in file loading, and decrease the number of maximum probes needed to locate a record. The combined effects of these techniques lead to improved file performance for secondary storage devices, as shown by empirical studies.
Numerical Investigation of Bouncing Vibrations of an Air Bearing Slider in Near or Partial Contact

Near or partial contact sliders are designed for the areal recording density of I Tbit/in. 2 or even higher in hard disk drives. The bouncing vibration of an air bearing-slider in near or partial contact with the disk is numerically analyzed using three different nonlinear slider dynamics models. In these three models, the air bearing with contact is modeled either by using the generalized Reynolds equation modified with the Fukui-Kaneko slip correction and a recent second order slip correction for the contact situation, or using nonlinear springs to represent the air bearing. The contact and adhesion between the slider and the disk are considered either through an elastic contact model and an improved intermolecular adhesion model, respectively, or using an Ono-Yamane multi-asperity contact and adhesion model (2007, "Improved Analysis of Unstable Bouncing Vibration and Stabilizing Design of Flying Head Slider in Near-Contact Region," " ASME J. Tribol., 129, pp. 65-74.). The contact friction is calculated by using Coulomb's law and the contact force. The simulation results from all of these models show that the slider's bouncing vibration occurs as a forced vibration caused by the moving microwaviness and roughness on the disk surface. The disk surface microwaviness and roughness, which move into the head disk interface as the disk rotates, excite the bouncing vibration of the partial contact slider. The contact, adhesion, and friction between the slider and the disk do not directly cause a bouncing vibration in the absence of disk microwaviness or roughness.
The Synergism of Biology and Culture

ABSTRACT Zooarchaeology, by its very nature, requires the melding of two disciplines, zoology and archaeology. As the name for this discipline suggests, the former often has primary emphasis. Practitioners have employed a wide variety of methods and theories that were first developed in the biological sciences. However, human cultural behavior does not always match that of other animals. We, therefore, need to modify the methods and theories to emphasize the cultural component of our inquiries. The present paper addresses a number of these issues in the context of the articles written for this publication as well as those presented in the symposium. Finally, the issue of whether or not there is need for an “Island Zooarchaeology” within the recognized subfield of “Island Archaeology” is considered.
Characterization of three growth hormone-responsive transcription factors preferentially expressed in adult female liver

Plasma GH profiles regulate the sexually dimorphic expression of cytochromes P450 and many other genes in rat and mouse liver; however, the proximal transcriptional regulators of these genes are unknown. Presently, we characterize three liver transcription factors that are expressed in adult female rat and mouse liver at levels up to 16-fold [thymus high-mobility group box protein (Tox)], 73-fold [tripartite motif-containing 24 (Trim24)/transcription initiation factor-1alpha (TIF1alpha)], and 125-fold [cut-like 2 (Cutl2)/cut homeobox 2 (Cux2)] higher than in adult males, depending on the strain and species, with Tox expression only detected in mice. In rats, these sex differences first emerged at puberty, when the high prepubertal expression of Cutl2 and Trim24 was extinguished in males but was further increased in females. Rat hepatic expression of Cutl2 and Trim24 was abolished by hypophysectomy and, in the case of Cutl2, was restored to near-female levels by continuous GH replacement. Cutl2 and Trim24 were increased to female-like levels in livers of intact male rats and mice treated with GH continuously (female GH pattern), whereas Tox expression reached only about 40% of adult female levels. Expression of all three genes was also elevated to normal female levels or higher in male mice whose plasma GH profile was feminized secondary to somatostatin gene disruption. Cutl2 and Trim24 both responded to GH infusion in mice within 10-24 h and Tox within 4 d, as compared with at least 4-7 d required for the induced expression of several continuous GH-regulated cytochromes P450 and other female-specific hepatic genes. Cutl2, Trim24, and Tox were substantially up-regulated in livers of male mice deficient in either of two transcription factors implicated in GH regulation of liver sex specificity, namely, signal transducer and activator of transcription 5b (STAT5b) and hepatocyte nuclear factor 4alpha (HNF4alpha), with sex-specific expression being substantially reduced or lost in mice deficient in either nuclear factor. Cutl2 and Trim24 both display transcriptional repressor activity and could thus contribute to the loss of GH-regulated, male-specific liver gene expression seen in male mice deficient in STAT5b or HNF4alpha. Binding sites for Cutl1, whose DNA-binding specificity is close to that of Cutl2, were statistically overrepresented in STAT5b-dependent male-specific mouse genes, lending support to this hypothesis.
Recovery of spermatogenesis following pelvic irradiation for Hodgkin's disease.

Abstract Spermatogenesis of 18 male patients who underwent pelvic irradiation for Hodgkin's disease was assessed. All patients had supplemental testicular shielding to limit the testicular dose. The total calculated gonadal dose ranged from 28 to 135 rad, delivered in 22 to 29 fractions, whereas the adjacent lymph nodes were treated to 3750–4500 rad. Sperm concentration of 20 million per ml or greater was considered fertile. Oligospermic and azoospermic determinations were considered subfertile. Whereas only one of six patients (17%) was fertile when tested less than 18 months following pelvic radiotherapy, four of six (66%) were fertile when tested between 18 and 26 months following therapy. Seven of eight patients (88%) were fertile when tested more than 26 mo following completion of treatment. The results are compared to other reports in the literature. Our data support the concept of a time-dependent recovery of spermatogenesis following irradiation. The observed relatively short duration of temporary sterilization should encourage the use of meticulous pelvic shielding, including supplemental testicular shielding to minimize the absorbed gonadal dose.
Time to Take Stock: A Meta‐Analysis and Systematic Review of Analgesic Treatment Disparities for Pain in the United States

Background The recent Institute of Medicine Report assessing the state of pain care in the United States acknowledged the lack of consistent data to describe the nature and magnitude of unrelieved pain and identify subpopulations with disproportionate burdens. Objectives We synthesized 20 years of cumulative evidence on racial/ethnic disparities in analgesic treatment for pain in the United States. Evidence was examined for the 1) magnitude of association between race/ethnicity and analgesic treatment; 2) subgroups at an increased risk; and 3) the effect of moderators (pain type, setting, study quality, and data collection period) on this association. Methods United States studies with at least one explicit aim or analysis comparing analgesic treatment for pain between Whites and a minority group were included (SciVerse Scopus database, 1989-2011). Results Blacks/African Americans experienced both a higher number and magnitude of disparities than any other group in the analyses. Opioid treatment disparities were ameliorated for Hispanics/Latinos for "traumatic/surgical" pain (P = 0.293) but remained for "non-traumatic/nonsurgical" pain (odds ratio [OR] = 0.70, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.64-0.77, P = 0.000). For Blacks/African Americans, opioid prescription disparities were present for both types of pain and were starker for "non-traumatic/nonsurgical" pain (OR = 0.66, 95% CI = 0.59-0.75, P = 0.000). In subanalyses, opioid treatment disparities for Blacks/African Americans remained consistent across pain types, settings, study quality, and data collection periods. Conclusion Our study quantifies the magnitude of analgesic treatment disparities in subgroups of minorities. The size of the difference was sufficiently large to raise not only normative but quality and safety concerns. The treatment gap does not appear to be closing with time or existing policy initiatives. A concerted strategy is needed to reduce pain care disparities within the larger quality of care initiatives.
The hazards of fancy backtracking

There has been some recent interest in intelligent backtracking procedures that can return to the source of a difficulty without erasing the intermediate work. In this paper, we show that for some problems it can be counterproductive to do this, and in fact that such "intelligence" can cause an exponential increase in the size of the ultimate search space. We discuss the reason for this phenomenon, and we present one way to deal with it.
Butler, Missouri - An iron meteorite with extremely high germanium content.

The Butler iron meteorite has been found to have a germanium concentration of 2000 parts per million, which is about five times higher than the highest concentration that has been measured previously in an iron meteorite. The gallium concentration is 87 parts per million, which is among the highest concentrations found in these objects. The nickel content is 16.0 percent, the second highest nickel concentration known in a meteorite displaying a Widman statten pattern. The high Ge/Ni ratio, as well as the association of a high nickel content with high gallium and germanium contents, make this object an exception to two geochemical generalizations regarding the iron meteorites.
Sources of Suspended Matter in Waters of the Middle Atlantic Bight

ABSTRACT Suspended matter collected in the Middle Atlantic Bight (the coastal segment of the United States between Cape Cod and Cape Hatteras) in September 1969 was predominantly organic: an average of 80% combustible organic matter in surface waters and 40)% near bottom. Total suspended concentrations decreased between the inner shelf and the shelf break by an order of magnitude in both near-surface and near-bottom waters. The noncombustible (ash) fraction of the suspended matter decreased over the same distance by one order of magnitude in the near-bottom waters and two orders of magnitude in surface waters. Recently contributed river sediment is not a significant constituent of the suspended matter in the waters of the shelf, particularly the outer shelf. Most of the inorganic material in suspension represents resuspended bottom sediments (at least some of which are relict) whose suspended concentrations are increased noticeably by storms.
Agrobacterium Germ-Line Transformation: Transformation of Arabidopsis without Tissue Culture

The Agrobacterium germ-line transformation method is a relatively new and immensely successful procedure for plant transformation. The method was originally developed by Nicole Bechtold, Jeff Ellis and Georges Pelletier [2]. Previous versions of this method have been known as ‘Agrobacterium vacuum infiltration’ or ‘In planta transformation,’ but these names are inaccurate or redundant with the names for other transformation methods. The primary reasons for the popularity of the method are its simplicity and high reliability: Minimal hands-on time is required and success can be achieved by persons who have no training in plant tissue culture techniques. Transformed plants can be obtained at such high rates that the procedure can be used not only to introduce specific gene constructs into plants, but also as a random mutagenesis method for genetagging [1]. The primary drawback of the method is that successful application has only been reported for one species: Arabidopsis thaliana.
Granular avalanches across irregular three‐dimensional terrain: 2. Experimental tests

[1] Scaling considerations indicate that miniature experiments can be used to test models of granular avalanches in which the effects of intergranular fluid and cohesion are negligible. To test predictions of a granular avalanche model described in a companion paper, we performed bench top experiments involving avalanches of dry sand across irregular basal topography that mimicked the complexity of natural terrain. The experiments employed a novel method of laser-assisted cartography to map the three-dimensional morphology of rapidly moving avalanches, thereby providing high-resolution data for comparison with model output. Model input consisted of two material properties (angles of internal and basal Coulomb friction of the sand), which were measured in independent tests, and of initial and boundary conditions that characterized the geometry of the experimental apparatus. Experimental results demonstrate that the model accurately predicts not only the gross behavior but also many details of avalanche motion, from initiation to deposition. We attribute this accuracy to a mathematical and computational formulation that conserves mass and momentum in three-dimensional physical space and satisfies the Coulomb equation in three-dimensional stress space. Our results support the hypothesis that a Coulomb proportionality between shear and normal stresses applies in moderately rapid granular flows and that complicated constitutive postulates are unnecessary if momentum conservation is strictly enforced in continuum avalanche models. Furthermore, predictions of our Coulomb continuum model contrast with those of a Coulomb point mass model, illustrating the importance of multidimensional modeling and model testing.
Silica supported ceria nanoparticles: a hybrid nanostructure to increase stability and surface reactivity of nano-crystalline ceria

The mixed oxidation state (3+/4+) of ceria nanoparticles of smaller sizes make them attractive materials for their catalytic antioxidant biological properties. However the unmodified smaller ceria nanoparticles are limited in their use due to particles agglomeration and reduced surface chemical reactivity in the solutions used to disperse the nanoparticles. This work describes an effort to stabilize small ceria nanoparticles, retaining their desired activity, on a larger stable silica support. The ceria nanoparticles attached to silica was synthesized by a solution synthesis technique in which the surface functional groups of silica nanoparticles were found to be essential for the formation of smaller ceria nanoparticles. The surface chemical and vibrational spectroscopy analysis revealed cerium–silicate (Ce–O–Si) covalent bond linkage between silica and cerium oxide nanoparticles. The colloidal properties (agglomerate particle size and suspension stability) of ceria attached to silica was significantly improved due to inherent physico–chemical characteristics of silica against random collision and gravitation settling as opposed to unmodified ceria nanoparticles in solution. The bio-catalytic activity of ceria nanoparticles in the 3+ oxidation state was not found to be limited by attachment to the silica support as measured by free radical scavenging activity in different biological media conditions.
Random stress and earthquake statistics: spatial dependence

SUMMARY We calculate the 3-D stochastic rotations of focal mechanisms (disorientations) caused by stresses arising from the presence of many small, random, point defects that may surround the tip of an earthquake fault. These random stresses can be shown to be distributed according to a Cauchy distribution; as a consequence the next episode of fracture of a fault cannot be planar. The disorientation of focal mechanisms of these new rupture episodes is closely approximated by a rotational Cauchy distribution. As observed previously, the geometry of fault systems for natural earthquakes is consistent with these observations, since it too can be modelled by the Cauchy distribution. These observations indicate how the 3-D rupture process in rocks and other materials can be modelled. We also calculate distributions of disorientations caused by a uniformly random 3-D rotation of sources. These distributions are governed by symmetry properties of earthquake focal mechanisms. To take into account the source symmetry, we compare the Cauchy distribution which is due to influence of random stresses to the distributions caused by random rotations.
Catecholamine neurones in rats modulate sleep, breathing, central chemoreception and breathing variability.

Brainstem catecholamine (CA) neurones have wide projections and an arousal-state-dependent activity pattern. They are thought to modulate the processing of sensory information and also participate in the control of breathing. Mice with lethal genetic defects that include CA neurones have abnormal respiratory control at birth. Also the A6 region (locus coeruleus), which contains CA neurones sensitive to CO2in vitro, is one of many putative central chemoreceptor sites. We studied the role of CA neurones in the control of breathing during sleep and wakefulness by specifically lesioning them with antidopamine β-hydroxylase–saporin (DBH-SAP) injected via the 4th ventricle. After 3 weeks there was a 73–84% loss of A5, A6 and A7 tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) immunoreactive (ir) neurones along with 56–60% loss of C1 and C2 phenyl ethanolamine-N-methyltransferase (PNMT)-ir neurones. Over the 3 weeks, breathing frequency decreased significantly during air and 3 or 7% CO2 breathing in both wakefulness and non-REM (NREM) sleep. The rats spent significantly less time awake and more time in NREM sleep. REM sleep time was unaffected. The ventilatory response to 7% CO2 was reduced significantly in wakefulness at 7, 14 and 21 days (−28%) and in NREM sleep at 14 and 21 days (−26%). Breathing variability increased in REM sleep but not in wakefulness or NREM sleep. We conclude that CA neurones (1) promote wakefulness, (2) participate in central respiratory chemoreception, (3) stimulate breathing frequency, and (4) minimize breathing variability in REM sleep.
Spaced out: “Territoriality” in the Fourth Gospel

The Fourth Gospel is inordinately involved with places and spaces, valuing some, but dis-valuing others. The task of interpreting all such references is greatly aided by the use of the anthropological model of "territoriality” which shows how all peoples 1) classify space, 2) communicate this and 3) control access to or exit from this territory. The classifications might be: public-private, sacred/profane, honorable/shameful, clean/unclean, fixed/fluid, center/periphery and the like. Where appropriate, these classifications are used to interpret the Johannine data on spaces and places, particularly 1) Galilee/Judean, 2) public/in secret, 3) not on this mountain, nor in Jerusalem, 4) whence/whither, 5) in my Father’s house there are many rooms, 6) “in-dwelling” and “being-in” another; and 7) two different worlds.
Vpr- and nef-dependent induction of RANTES/CCL5 in microglial cells

Microglia are pivotal in the pathogenesis of AIDS dementia, as they serve as the major target of HIV infection in the CNS. In addition, activation of microglia correlates best with clinical dementia. Although the β-chemokine RANTES/CCL5 is important in modulating HIV infection as well as cellular activation, no information is available regarding how its expression is regulated in microglia by HIV-1. Here we report that RANTES/CCL5 expression is induced in microglia by HIV-1, but that this requires infection by HIV-1. This conclusion was supported by (1) the delayed kinetics coinciding with viral replication; (2) the lack of effect of X4 viruses; (3) inhibition by the reverse transcriptase inhibitor AZT, and (4) the lack of effect of cytokine antagonists or antibodies. Interestingly, RANTES/CCL5 production was dependent on the viral accessory protein Vpr, in addition to Nef, demonstrating a novel role for Vpr in chemokine induction in primary macrophage-type cells. Furthermore, the specific p38 MAP kinase inhibitor SB203580 augmented chemokine expression in microglia, indicating a negative role played by p38. These data suggest unique features of RANTES/CCL5 regulation by HIV-1 in human microglial cells.
CK2 Phosphorylation Inactivates DNA Binding by the Papillomavirus E1 and E2 Proteins

Papillomaviruses have complex life cycles that are understood only superficially. Although it is well established that the viral E1 and E2 proteins play key roles in controlling viral transcription and DNA replication, how these factors are regulated is not well understood. Here, we demonstrate that phosphorylation by the protein kinase CK2 controls the biochemical activities of the bovine papillomavirus E1 and E2 proteins by modifying their DNA binding activity. Phosphorylation at multiple sites in the N-terminal domain in E1 results in the loss of sequence-specific DNA binding activity, a feature that is also conserved in human papillomavirus (HPV) E1 proteins. The bovine papillomavirus (BPV) E2 protein, when phosphorylated by CK2 on two specific sites in the hinge, also loses its site-specific DNA binding activity. Mutation of these sites in E2 results in greatly increased levels of latent viral DNA replication, indicating that CK2 phosphorylation of E2 is a negative regulator of viral DNA replication during latent viral replication. In contrast, mutation of the N-terminal phosphorylation sites in E1 has no effect on latent viral DNA replication. We propose that the phosphorylation of the N terminus of E1 plays a role only in vegetative viral DNA replication, and consistent with such a role, caspase 3 cleavage of E1, which has been shown to be necessary for vegetative viral DNA replication, restores the DNA binding activity to phosphorylated E1.