cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The swelling behavior of the mouse cervix: Changing kinetics with osmolarity and the role of hyaluronan in pregnancy.

Abstract The cervical remodeling process during pregnancy is characterized by progressive compositional and structural changes in the tissues extra-cellular matrix (ECM). Appropriately timed remodeling is critical for healthy gestation and prevention of premature cervical softening leading to preterm birth (PTB). Modification of the ECM glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) content with advancing pregnancy, especially the non-sulfated GAG hyaluronan (HA), is a fundamental change associated with cervical remodeling. While GAGs have numerous physiological roles, the mechanical consequence of evolving GAG content on cervical structure-function behavior remains an open question. Additionally, an understanding of cervical swelling properties, postulated to be regulated in part by GAGs, is required for the appropriate definition of a reference configuration for mechanical tests and to enhance biological understanding. To investigate cervical swelling, osmotic loading tests are conducted on isolated wild type mouse cervices throughout pregnancy. These tests are performed in various osmolarity solutions to assess the influence of the media on swelling kinetics. A genetically altered strain of mice with depletion of cervical HA is also tested to elucidate the contribution of HA to tissue swelling. Results show ex vivo cervical swelling is significant with volume changes ranging from 20 to 100% after 3h of free swelling. The swelling kinetics depend highly on osmolarity of the media and is altered with advancing pregnancy. The contribution of HA to swelling is only significant in hypo-osmotic solution when HA cervical content is high at the end of pregnancy. In summary, it is critical to account for swelling deformation mechanisms after excision in mechanical experiments. Statement of significance The cervical extracellular matrix (ECM) undergoes drastic changes to fulfill the functional change of the cervix during pregnancy. Inappropriate timing for this transformation can result in preterm birth, a severe clinical challenge. One of the fundamental changes of the cervical ECM is the significant modification of the glycosaminoglycan content, especially hyaluronan (HA), which is thought to contribute significantly to the swelling and mechanical properties of the cervix. This study aims to measure the swelling kinetics of cervical tissue during pregnancy and to investigate the role of HA in these swelling tendencies. Results show the significant swelling of cervical tissue, which evolves as pregnancy progresses, highlighting a key material property feature of the remodeled cervix. Using a mouse strain with a cervical HA depletion, this work shows HA contributes to the swelling trends of late-term cervical tissue, in a hypo-osmotic solution.
Spectrogram: A Mixture-of-Markov-Chains Model for Anomaly Detection in Web Traffic

We present Spectrogram, a machine learning based statistical anomaly detection (AD) sensor for defense against web-layer code-injection attacks. These attacks include PHP file inclusion, SQL-injection and cross-sitescripting; memory-layer exploits such as buffer overflows are addressed as well. Statistical AD sensors offer the advantage of being driven by the data that is being protected and not by malcode samples captured in the wild. While models using higher order statistics can often improve accuracy, trade-offs with false-positive rates and model efficiency remain a limiting usability factor. This paper presents a newmodel and sensor framework that offers a favorable balance under this constraint and demonstrates improvement over some existing approaches. Spectrogram is a network situated sensor that dynamically assembles packets to reconstruct content flows and learns to recognize legitimate web-layer script input. We describe an efficient model for this task in the form of a mixture of Markovchains and derive the corresponding training algorithm. Our evaluations show significant detection results on an array of real world web layer attacks, comparing favorably against other AD approaches.
AIDS and drug abuse in rural America.

: This paper reviews the nature and extent of drug abuse-related HIV disease services in the rural United States. Issues concerning the delivery of HIV disease and substance abuse health care services in rural settings are outlined and discussed.
Simulations and Global Optimization

Let Zd be the usual d-dimensional cubic lattice. To each site i e Zd, we associate a random variable (“spin”) xi with values in a spin stable space X.
Introduction and Historical Background: Pediatric Hodgkin Lymphoma

Prior to 1960, Hodgkin lymphoma was considered a uniformly fatal cancer. Hodgkin described the disease in 1832, but most attributed its pathophysiology to an infl ammatory condition. Sternberg and Reed are credited for the fi rst defi nitive description of the histopathology (Reed 1902; Sternberg 1898). Fox later refi ned the defi nition, and noted the occurrence of this entity in young patients (Fox 1926). However, little was known about its etiology and/or epidemiology. Th ere was neither a uniform histopathologic classifi cation, nor consistently used workup or staging system. Th e clinical assessment, largely by observation and palpation, was gradually supplemented by laboratory studies that characterized specifi c abnormalities. Imaging studies lacked precision, and staging was not precise. Th erapy was largely symptomatic. Early aft er Roentgen’s discovery of the X-ray in 1896, Pusey fi rst used X-rays to treat a young man with a presumed lymphoma; he noted dramatic shrinkage of enlarged neck adenopathy aft er 21 exposures to the X-rays (Pusey 1902). He soon used the X-ray treatment on a 4-year-old boy with bilateral cervical swelling from Hodgkin lymphoma and reported the swollen glands were “reduced to the size of an almond” within 2 months. During the time period from 1920 to 1940, there was some interest in the use of radical surgery followed by postoperative radiotherapy for the treatment of localized lymphoma. Th e good results from the X-ray treatment, and the cosmetic disfi gurement from the extensive surgery, led most surgeons to consider that radical surgery was not indicated in the treatment of this disease. As a byproduct of the World War II development of mustard gases, investigators observed nitrogen musIntroduction and Historical Background: Pediatric Hodgkin Lymphoma
A new step in the solution of the Szökefalvi-Nagy problem

A description of vector systemsH?Rd that satisfy the condition mdH=2 is given. With the help of this description the main result is obtained. It consists in a listing of all compact, 2-Helly-dimensional, convex bodiesM?Rd. The listing is made in terms of polar bodiesM*.
Use of aldosterone antagonists in resistant hypertension.

Recent clinical trials indicate that resistant hypertension, defined as uncontrolled hypertension despite concomitant use of three or more antihypertensive agents, is common, affecting 20%-30% of the different study populations. Such clinical outcome studies provide our best estimates of the true frequency of resistant hypertension because they employed an intensive treatment regimen mandating drug titrations if blood pressure remained elevated, medications were provided at no charge, and adherence was closely monitored with pill counts. Given the size and diversity of the study population, the Antihypertensive and Lipid-Lowering Treatment to Prevent Heart Attack Trial (ALLHAT)[1] may provide the best estimation of the prevalence of resistant hypertension. In ALLHAT, more than 33,000 subjects aged 55 years or older with a history of hypertension and one other cardiovascular risk factor were randomized to chlorthalidone, amlodipine, or lisinopril. The dose of the randomized medication was titrated first; nonstudy antihypertensive medications were then added as long as blood pressure remained above 140/90 mm Hg. After 5 years of follow-up, 34% of subjects had not achieved goal blood pressure and overall, 27% of subjects were receiving three or more medications.[1]
Novel Mechanism of Escherichia coli Porin Regulation

A novel mechanism of Escherichia coli porin regulation was discovered from multicopy suppressors that permitted growth of cells expressing a mutant OmpC protein in the absence of DegP. Analyses of two suppressors showed that both substantially lowered OmpC expression. Suppression activities were confined to a short DNA sequence, which we designated ipeX for inhibition of porin expression, and to DNA containing a 3'-truncated ompR gene. The major effect of ipeX on ompC expression was exerted posttranscriptionally, whereas the truncated OmpR protein reduced ompC transcription. ipeX was localized within an untranslated region of 247 base pairs between the stop codon of nmpC-a remnant porin gene from the cryptic phage qsr' (DLP12) genome-and its predicted Rho-independent transcriptional terminator. Interestingly, another prophage, PA-2, which encodes a porin similar to NmpC, known as Lc, has sequences downstream from lc identical to that of ipeX. PA-2 lysogenization leads to Lc expression and OmpC inhibition. Our data show that the synthesis of the lc transcript, whose 3' end contains the corresponding ipeX sequence, inhibits OmpC expression. Overexpression of ipeX RNA inhibited both OmpC and OmpF expression but not that of OmpA. ompC-phoA chimeric gene constructs revealed a 248-bp untranslated region of ompC required for ipeX-mediated inhibition. However, no sequence complementarity was found between ipeX and this region of ompC, indicating that inhibition may not involve simple base pairing between the two RNA molecules. The effect of ipeX on ompC, but not on ompF, was independent of the RNA chaperone Hfq.
Probing mid-mantle heterogeneity using PKP coda waves

Abstract We investigate the utility of PKP coda waves for studying weak scattering from small-scale heterogeneity in the mid-mantle. Coda waves are potentially a useful probe of heterogeneity in the mid-mantle because they are not preferentially scattered near the CMB, as PKP precursors are, but are sensitive to scattering at all depths. PKP coda waves have not been used for this purpose historically because of interference with other late-arriving energy due to near-surface resonance and scattering. Any study of deep mantle scattering using coda waves requires the removal of near-surface effects from the data. We have analyzed 3624 recordings of PKP precursors and coda made by stations in the Incorporated Research Institutions for Seismology (IRIS) Global Seismographic Network (GSN). To study the range and time dependence of the scattered waves, we binned and stacked envelopes of the recordings. We have considered precursors that arrive within a 20 s window before PKP and coda waves in a 60 s window after PKP. The PKP scattered waves increase in amplitude rapidly with range as predicted by scattering theory. At ranges below ∼125°, we predict and observe essentially no scattered energy preceding PKP. Coda amplitudes at these ranges are independent of range and provide an estimate of energy due to near-surface effects that we can expect at all ranges. We use the average coda amplitude at ranges from 120 to 125° to correct coda amplitudes at other ranges. PKP coda waves show a strong dependence on time and range and are clearly influenced by scattering in the lower mantle. PKP coda waves, however, do not provide a tighter constraint on the vertical distribution of mantle heterogeneity than is provided by precursors. This is due, in part, to relatively large scatter in coda amplitudes as revealed by a resampling analysis. Modeling using Rayleigh–Born scattering theory and an exponential autocorrelation function shows that PKP coda amplitudes are not highly sensitive to the vertical distribution of heterogeneity in the mantle. To illustrate this we consider single-scattering in two extreme models of mantle heterogeneity. One allows heterogeneity just at the CMB; the other includes heterogeneity throughout the mantle. The amplitudes of precursors are tightly constrained by our stack and support our earlier conclusion that small-scale heterogeneity is uniformly distributed throughout the lower mantle. The best-fit model includes 8 km scale length heterogeneity with an rms velocity contrast throughout the mantle of 1%.
Endothelial and epithelial cell adhesion molecules

This review will discuss a number of specific cell adhesion molecules present on the surface of endothelial and epithelial cells in the lung. Molecules such as integrins, proteoglycans, and the hyaluronic acid receptor, CD44, are found on the abluminal or basement membrane side of the cell and function as cell-substratum receptors. Cadherins, integrins, and platelet-endothelial cell adhesion molecule-1 (PECAM-1) are present at the cell-cell borders of adjacent endothelial and/or epithelial cells and function to initiate or maintain cell-cell adhesion. Finally, a number of inducible cell adhesion molecules such as endothelial-leukocyte adhesion molecule-1 (ELAM-1), granule-associated membrane protein 140 (GMP140), intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) are expressed on the luminal surfaces of these cells during inflammation and function as cell-cell adhesion molecules important in white blood cell, platelet, or tumor cell adhesion. These adhesion molecules likely play important roles in maintaining the normal structure and function of the lung, as well as participating in pulmonary processes such as inflammation, wound healing, and the development and spread of malignant disease.
A charge-storage diode Vidicon camera tube

A theory is given for the design of junction diodes which can simultaneously exhibit high photosensitivity and a reverse-biased dark charge-storage time greater than 1/30 second with calculations specifically carried out for silicon and germanium photo-junctions. The charge-storage problem associated with the use of narrower bandgap materials as vidicon targets is thus overcome, and a microarray of such junctions can be used as the photosensitive target at room temperature. Experimental data are presented for single element photo junctions in silicon, constructed according to the theoretical specifications for obtaining long time dark state charge storage. It is established that present state-of-the-art microelectronic technology is applicable to the production of the mosaic junction arrays necessary for constructing a completed camera tube.
The paratrigeminal nucleus. I. Neurons and synaptic organization.

The paratrigeminal nucleus, a diffuse collection of neurons on the lateral medullary surface, lies embedded in the fibres of the restiform body, ascending spinocerebellar tract and the spinal tract of the trigeminal nerve. Its rostrocaudal extent is approximately 1500–2000μm in the rat, 2800–3500 μm in the rhesus monkey, and 5000–6000/μm in the human, where it is a well-defined nucleus. In Golgi preparations the neuronal somata are generally fusiform, ranging from 8–15 μm in width and 15–25/μm in length. Electron microscope studies show that their polar dendritic processes are thick and long and they intertwine in bundles among islands of cells or myelinated fibres. The perikarya have a high nucleus to cytoplasm ratio and the scanty cytoplasm is conspicuous for its paucity of organelles and its plethora of polysomal arrays. The neuropil is complex and contains a heterogeneous population of axonal varicosities displaying markedly different axoplasmic structures. Many different types of large granular vesicle-containing axons prevail. These axons engage in axo—somatic, axo—dendritic, axo—spinous and axo—axonic synapses with the processes of the cells within the nucleus.
Amateur Hour? Experience and Faculty Qualifications in U.S. Intelligence Courses

As intelligence studies programs and courses continue to grow in the United States, the demand for qualified faculty to service these activities also continues to grow. However, the paucity of graduate programs in the field and the specialized nature of the instruction has the potential to lead to staffing challenges. This article reviews the findings of an empirical survey of intelligence faculty at U.S. civilian colleges and universities. It is found that most faculty who teach courses in intelligence have prior work experience in the field of intelligence. Indeed, many come with a substantial background in the craft, as well as some pedagogical training. However, a large proportion of these faculty are employed in an adjunct capacity, raising questions about the development of such programs in the future. This article is available in Journal of Strategic Security: http://scholarcommons.usf.edu/jss/vol6/iss3/3
Neurotransmitter/sodium symporter orthologue LeuT has a single high-affinity substrate site

Neurotransmitter/sodium symporters (NSSs) couple the uptake of neurotransmitter with one or more sodium ions, removing neurotransmitter from the synaptic cleft. NSSs are essential to the function of chemical synapses, are associated with multiple neurological diseases and disorders, and are the targets of therapeutic and illicit drugs. LeuT, a prokaryotic orthologue of the NSS family, is a model transporter for understanding the relationships between molecular mechanism and atomic structure in a broad range of sodium-dependent and sodium-independent secondary transporters. At present there is a controversy over whether there are one or two high-affinity substrate binding sites in LeuT. The first-reported crystal structure of LeuT, together with subsequent functional and structural studies, provided direct evidence for a single, high-affinity, centrally located substrate-binding site, defined as the S1 site. Recent binding, flux and molecular simulation studies, however, have been interpreted in terms of a model where there are two high-affinity binding sites: the central, S1, site and a second, the S2 site, located within the extracellular vestibule. Furthermore, it was proposed that the S1 and S2 sites are allosterically coupled such that occupancy of the S2 site is required for the cytoplasmic release of substrate from the S1 site. Here we address this controversy by performing direct measurement of substrate binding to wild-type LeuT and to S2 site mutants using isothermal titration calorimetry, equilibrium dialysis and scintillation proximity assays. In addition, we perform uptake experiments to determine whether the proposed allosteric coupling between the putative S2 site and the S1 site manifests itself in the kinetics of substrate flux. We conclude that LeuT harbours a single, centrally located, high-affinity substrate-binding site and that transport is well described by a simple, single-substrate kinetic mechanism.
Two-way shuttlebox avoidance conditioning in three DAB rat stocks

Avoidance conditioning in FH rats, characterized by a peripheral serotonin deficiency, was compared with that in two stocks presumed to be their ancestors, Long-Evans (LE) and Wistars (W). Escapes, conditional avoidance response (CAR), and activity (locomotion) of the animals were studied in a two-way shuttlebox. FH females made fewer escapes and more CAR's, and were more active than both LE and W females. The behavioral differences among the males of the three stocks were not statistically significant. A CNS serotonin deficiency may be involved in the conditioning and activity differences among the females of the three stocks. Possible variation between sexes should be considered in investigating levels of CNS serotonin in FH rats, as well as other stocks.
Subconjunctival Topotecan in Fibrin Sealant in the Treatment of Transgenic Murine Retinoblastoma

PURPOSE. To test the effects of subconjunctival topotecan (TPT) in fibrin sealant (FS) in transgenic murine retinoblastoma (RB). METHODS. Growth inhibitory, apoptotic, and cell cycle effects of TPT were assayed in human RB cell lines. In a dose-escalation study, eight groups of three 10- to 14-week-old wild-type mice were treated bilaterally with a single 30-L injection of subconjunctival TPT in FS (0.025, 0.05, 0.1, 0.2, 0.4, 0.8, 1.6, or 3.2 mg/mL). Two groups of twenty 10-week-old LH-Tag transgenic mice were then treated in the right eye only with TPT in FS (3.2 mg/mL in 30 L; 0.1-mg total dose) or with FS only. The contralateral eye in each group was left untreated to serve as an internal control. After 3 weeks, ocular tumor burden was determined by histologic examination. RESULTS. At 48 hours, IC50 values of TPT in Y79 and Weri-Rb1 RB cell lines were 35 nM and 50 nM, respectively. Growth inhibitory effects were correlated with increased apoptosis and accumulation of cells in G2. Cytotoxicity of TPT was comparable in aqueous media and in FS. In the dose-escalation study, no histopathologic evidence of ocular toxicity was observed at any dose. Clinical toxicities (mild enophthalmos and eyelid alopecia) were observed only at the highest dose tested (3.2 mg/mL). In the treatment study, both eyes of TPT-treated mice demonstrated significant reduction in tumor burden compared with both eyes of mice treated with FS only (59% reduction; P 0.04). In mice treated with TPT, tumor burden in TPTtreated eyes and in untreated contralateral eyes did not differ significantly. CONCLUSIONS. Subconjunctival administration of TPT in FS to one eye allows the formation of a TPT depot sufficient for an effect to occur 3 weeks after treatment. This effect—bilateral reduction in tumor burden without a significant difference in treated versus untreated eyes—suggests that the major route of drug delivery in this system is hematogenous rather than transscleral. (Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci. 2008;49:490‐496)
Studies on the antiviral activity of amantadine hydrochloride.

Tissue culture techniques. HeLa cells were infected with strains of parainfluenza viruses, types 2 (Greer) or 3 (C 243), obtained from R. M. Chanock, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Md. The LLC-MK2 line of monkey kidney cells6 was used for parainfluenza 3 and the WM strain of rubella v i r u ~ e s . ~ Other studies with rubella virus involved the chronically infected line previously described.8 The Long strain of respiratory syncytial virus, obtained from the American Type Culture Collection and grown in the H-L line of human epithelial cells, and the Japan 305 strain of influenza virus grown in primary calf kidney cells, were also used. Virus was detected by hemagglutination of guinea pig erythrocytes, by titration of infectivity, or by cytopathogcnic effect, depending on the particular cell-virus system. Antiviral activity was evaluated either by comparison of virus yield from treated and control cultures when measured by relative cytopathology, hemagglutination, or infectivity titrations, or by calculation of a therapeutic index? In vivo techniques. Swiss Webster mice or yearling ferrets were infected with influenza virus by a 30-minute exposure to aerosols of diluted suspensions of infected mouse lungs. The WR strain of vaccinia virus was given to mice intranasally. Disease was evaluated either by lung lesion scores10 or by mean survival times.' X-ray was given as previously described.11
Cellular DNA replication in infections with cytocidal RNA viruses

Abstract In L cells infected with reovirus, mengovirus, or Newcastle disease virus, three viruses that inhibit cellular DNA synthesis, segments of DNA synthesized during a 30-min pulse with thymidine-3H are of the same length as those made in uninfected cells. As measured by the technique of DNA autoradiography, the modal length of newly synthesized pulse-labeled segments of DNA is 10–20 μ both in infected and control cells. L cells treated with puromycin synthesize DNA strands of similar length, in spite of a marked reduction in the amount of DNA made. These results, taken with earlier observations on DNA chain elongation by sedimentation analysis, suggest that all three viruses and puromycin inhibit cellular DNA synthesis by inhibiting multifocal initiation of DNA replication. Minor changes in the rate of DNA chain elongation in virus-infected or puromycin-treated cells cannot be excluded.
Elasticity, crystal structure and phase transitions

Abstract It is demonstrated that in many cases the ratio of elastic velocities of polymorphs of a material depends primarily on the crystal structures involved, and only secondarily on the composition. Crucial to this demonstration is the use of estimates, from the Hashin-Shtrikman bounds, of the elastic properties of mixtures of simple oxides isochemical to particular compounds. Normalization to the oxide mixture properties displays the interrelationships between the densities and velocities of different crystal structures. A wide range of velocity-density trends through possible phase transitions is found. Transitions involving increases of Si coordination from 4 to 6 tend to have lower slopes. Velocity-density correlations are reasonably consistent with the average trends through phase transitions. Comparison of models of the transition zone with the characteristics of the olivine-spinel-oxides transitions indicates that in some studies the lower mantle density may have been underestimated or the mean atomic weight of the lower mantle overestimated. The transition zone of Model B1 of Jordan and Anderson, which was derived entirely from seismic data, is consistent, overall, with the olivine-oxides transition and uniform composition, but the individual discontinuities are not consistent with the olivine-spinel and spinel-oxides transitions.
Crystal chemistry and structure refinement of five hydrated calcium borates

Abstract The crystal structures of the five known members of the series Ca 2 B 6 O 11 ·xH 2 O (x = 1, 5, 5, 7, 9, and 13) have been refined by full-matrix least-squares techniques, yielding bond distances and angles with standard errors of less than 0·01 A and 0·5°, respectively. The results illustrate the crystal chemical principles that govern the structures of hydrated borate compounds. The importance of hydrogen bonding in the ferroelectric transition of colemanite is confirmed by more accurate proton assignments.
Small meteoroids' major contribution to Mercury's exosphere.

Abstract The contribution of the meteoroid population to the generation of Mercury’s exosphere is analyzed to determine which segment contributes most greatly to exospheric refilling via the process of meteoritic impact vaporization. For the meteoroid data, a differential mass distribution based on work by Grun et al. (Grun, E., Zook, H.A., Fechtig, H., Giese, R.H. [1985]. Icarus 62(2), 244–272) and a differential velocity distribution based on the work of Zook (Zook, H.A. [1975]. In: 6th Lunar Science Conference, vol. 2. Pergamon Press, Inc., Houston, TX, pp. 1653–1672) is used. These distributions are then evaluated using the method employed by Cintala (Cintala, M.J. [1992]. J. Geophys. Res. 97(E1), 947–974) to determine impact rates for selected mass and velocity segments of the meteoroid population. The amount of vapor created by a single meteor impact is determined by using the framework created by Berezhnoy and Klumov (Berezhnoy, A.A., Klumov, B.A. [2008] Icarus, 195(2), 511–522). By combining the impact rate of meteoroids with the amount of vapor a single such impact creates, we derive the total vapor production rate which that meteoroid mass segment contributes to the Herman exosphere. It is shown that meteoroids with a mass of 2.1 × 10−4 g release the largest amount of vapor into Mercury’s exosphere. For meteoroids in the mass range of 10−18 g to 10 g, 90% of all the vapor produced is due to impacts by meteoroids in the mass range 4.2 × 10−7 g ⩽ m ⩽ 8.3 × 10−2 g.
The effect of vertically resolved soil biogeochemistry and alternate soil C and N models on C dynamics of CLM4

Soils are a crucial component of the Earth system; they comprise a large portion of terrestrial carbon stocks, mediate the supply and demand of nutrients, and influence the overall response of terrestrial ecosystems to perturbations. In this paper, we develop a new soil biogeochemistry model for the Community Land Model, version 4 (CLM4). The new model includes a vertical dimension to carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) pools and transformations, a more realistic treatment of mineral N pools, flexible treatment of the dynamics of decomposing carbon, and a radiocarbon ( 14 C) tracer. We describe the model structure, compare it with site-level and global observations, and discuss the overall effect of the revised soil model on Community Land Model (CLM) carbon dynamics. Site-level comparisons to radiocarbon and bulk soil C observations support the idea that soil C turnover is reduced at depth beyond what is expected from environmental controls for temperature, moisture, and oxygen that are considered in the model. In better agreement with observations, the revised soil model predicts substantially more and older soil C, particularly at high latitudes, where it resolves a permafrost soil C pool. In addition, the 20th century-C dynamics of the model are more realistic than those of the baseline model, with more terrestrial C uptake over the 20th century due to reduced N downregulation and longer turnover times for decomposing C.
What can we learn from the oral intake of prions by sheep

The central nervous system is the ultimate target of prions, the agents responsible for fatal neurodegenerative diseases known as transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSEs). The neuro-invasive phase and its related clinical signs take place after a long incubation period. During this asymptomatic phase, however, active transport and replication of the infectious agent take place in peripheral sites. The oral infection route has been extensively studied because of its implication in the recent epidemic of bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) in cattle and of the resulting human cases of variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (vCJD). Rodent models have been useful in studying some aspects of this pathogenesis. Now, new data on the initial steps of oral infection have been obtained in sheep. This species is naturally infected with scrapie by horizontal transmission and there is strong evidence implicating the oral route. Furthermore, the existence of resistant and susceptible genotypes offers the possibility of comparative studies. The data were obtained using surgical and biochemical procedures to modulate the efficiency of oral infection and show that, in sheep, the abnormal prion protein (PrP) associated with the infectious agent crosses the intact intestinal barrier at the level of the enterocytes and then passes rapidly into lymph. These steps are identical in susceptible and resistant sheep. Thereafter, replication takes place in lymphoid structures. Other results in the same study indicate that alimentary fluids almost completely degrade the PrP of the inoculum. Though not directly transposable to human diseases, in which it is not possible to study these early stages, these data allow the elaboration of a simplified concept for the pathogenesis of TSEs. They also suggest that human contamination at the level of the oral cavity might be more important than previously suspected.
Quantitative trait analysis in sequencing studies under trait-dependent sampling

It is not economically feasible to sequence all study subjects in a large cohort. A cost-effective strategy is to sequence only the subjects with the extreme values of a quantitative trait. In the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute Exome Sequencing Project, subjects with the highest or lowest values of body mass index, LDL, or blood pressure were selected for whole-exome sequencing. Failure to account for such trait-dependent sampling can cause severe inflation of type I error and substantial loss of power in quantitative trait analysis, especially when combining results from multiple studies with different selection criteria. We present valid and efficient statistical methods for association analysis of sequencing data under trait-dependent sampling. We pay special attention to gene-based analysis of rare variants. Our methods can be used to perform quantitative trait analysis not only for the trait that is used to select subjects for sequencing but for any other traits that are measured. For a particular trait of interest, our approach properly combines the association results from all studies with measurements of that trait. This meta-analysis is substantially more powerful than the analysis of any single study. By contrast, meta-analysis of standard linear regression results (ignoring trait-dependent sampling) can be less powerful than the analysis of a single study. The advantages of the proposed methods are demonstrated through simulation studies and the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute Exome Sequencing Project data. The methods are applicable to other types of genetic association studies and nongenetic studies.
Subjective response to cigarette smoking following airway anesthetization

Abstract Subjective response to cigarette smoking was assessed after partial blockade of upper and lower airway sensations by the topical application of lidocaine. Pack-a-day smokers were given one cigarette after each of four conditions: (1) mouth anesthesia, obtained by rinsing the mouth with 2% lidocaine; (2) mouth and pharyngeal anesthesia, in which subjects rinsed their mouths and gargled with 2% lidocaine; (3) upper and lower airway anesthesia, in which subjects rinsed their mouths and gargled with a 2% lidocaine solution, and inhaled a mist containing 4% lidocaine (60 breaths); and (4) saline control, in which all solutions (rinse, gargle and inhalation) were saline. A significant linear decline in cigarette craving occured with increasing anesthesia, and desirability ratings over the first several puffs were also reduced by anesthesia. These results suggest that sensory cues are important factors in smoking satisfaction, and their influence can be analyzed with the use of local anesthetics.
On the flexibility of municipal boundaries

Abstract In models of systems of communities, the assumptions concerning the ease with which boundaries, once drawn, can be adjusted play a central role. Even in a system with many jurisdictions, flexibility of boundaries is a key factor in determing how land rents get allocated within and across communities. We argue that, of the variety of observed types of boundary change, only landowner-initiated detachments (removal of land from existing jurisdictions) are likely to correspond to the type of flexibility needed for Tiebout-like outcomes. We show that detachments are empirically rare in the United States and that institutional rules governing boundary change tend to make detachment difficult. Thus, neither the evidence on the frequency of detachments nor the evidence on institutional rules governing boundary change supports the flexible-boundaries hypotheses.
“Why is Marriage So Difficult?”: A Psychoanalyst's Perspective

Abstract A psychoanalytic experience with Herb Strean is described as facilitating the author's personal evolution of competencies required for a successful marriage. Rather than focusing on the familiar difficulties that often beset marriage, eight core competencies (capacity for commitment, emotional maturity, tolerance for imperfections, unconscious wisdom, mature dependence, capacity for oedipal success, capacity to face existential realities, and capacity for humor and playfulness) are delineated. Many people develop these competencies from fortunate internalizations of effectively loving parental couples. Others are able to do this via supplemental mentoring experiences. The author's mentoring was received during the course of two psychoanalyses with Herb Strean.
Improvement of interfacial contacts for new small-molecule bulk-heterojunction organic photovoltaics.

The influence of protonation reactions between poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) and a thiadiazolo[3,4-c]pyridine small-molecule donor are reported; these result in poor solar-cell performance due to a barrier for charge extraction. The use of a NiO(x) contact eliminates such deleterious chemical interactions and results in substantial improvements in open-circuit voltage, fill factor, and an increased power conversion efficiency from 2.3% to 5.1%.
Nitrite-Induced Predisposition of Channel Catfish to Bacterial Diseases

Abstract Channel catfish, Ictalurus punctatus, continuously exposed to 6 mg/L (ppm) nitrite and intraperitoneally injected with Aeromonas hydrophila had lower bacterial median lethal doses (LD50) than control fish. The clearance rate of injected A. hydrophila was reduced in fish chronically exposed to 5 mg/L (ppm) nitrite. Flexibacter columnaris infections occurred spontaneously in channel catfish exposed to 5 mg/L (ppm) nitrite for 7 days. None of the control fish became infected with F. columnaris.
Vaporization thermodynamics of urania-neodymia mixed oxides

Abstract Langmuir vaporization mass spectrometry and inductively-coupled-plasma mass spectrometry were used to investigate the thermodynamic functions of the solid solution U y Nd 1− y O 2± x . The major metal-bearing vapor species observed were UO 2(g) , UO 3(g) and NdO (g) . The system was treated as a pseudo-binary regular solution of urania and neodymia. The interaction parameter obtained from the ion-intensity-ratio method is −27 ± 4 kJ / mol . Extension of a defect-cluster oxygen potential model of this mixed oxide to include vaporization was also investigated. Results obtained from the solution thermodynamics model agreed well with those from the defect equilibria model. Two numerical examples are presented to demonstrate practical application of the results obtained.
Evaluation and management of pediatric near-hanging injury

Abstract Introduction Children surviving a strangulation event are unique from adults in that they are at risk for significant airway compromise due to the smaller relative size of their airways. To date, no study has specifically evaluated the laryngeal findings and management of pediatric near-hanging patients. Methods A retrospective chart review was performed on all near-hangings presenting to the a tertiary care children's hospital from January 2001 until June 2010. Demographic information was compiled in addition to laryngeal findings. Results Sixteen children were identified. Four had a documented laryngeal injury, one of which was a major injury requiring a tracheotomy. Conclusion Laryngeal examination should be standard of care for any child presenting after a near-hanging event.
Bipolar III-N high-power electronic devices

We report high performance GaN-based npn heterojunction bipolar transistors (HBTs) grown by metalorganic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD) with state-of-the-art high collector current density (JC) and low knee voltage (Vknee). For HBTs grown on sapphire, the common-emitter I-V characteristics show high JC > 16 kA/cm2 with an offset voltage (Voffset) of <; 0.25V, Vknee <; 2.4 V and BVCEO = 105 V. High-temperature performance is also evaluated for InGaN HBTs grown on a free-standing GaN substrate. The device shows the peak current gain reduces from 93 at 25 C to 35 at 250C. Higher free hole concentration in the p-InGaN base is observed at elevated temperature that helps reduce the base resistance and Vknee in high-temperature InGaN HBTs operation.
A Trickster-Like Woman: Subversive Imagining and Narrating of Social Change

The rich diversity among women has long challenged feminist rhetorical study to go beyond essentialism and universalism. Current feminist rhetorical study commits itself to theoretical pluralism, political inclusiveness, and the democratic values of equality for all peoples. However, the attention to the difference-between women and the simultaneity of oppressions has also fragmented women's identity and their social-change agenda. The essay performs a rhetorical analysis of a feminist text, in which a new position of women as trickster-like figures is introduced. The essay concludes that the open and shifting locations taken by trickster-like figures warrant trickster discourse to be the dynamic, open, and radical narrative form needed for the feminist social-change agenda. As such, trickster discourse, along with trickster-like figures, can have significant implications for feminist praxis and theorizing.
Metabolic Alkalosis: A Quick Reference

This article serves as a quick reference for metabolic alkalosis. Guidelines for analysis and causes, signs, and a stepwise approach are presented.
THE EFFECT OF COUPLE-STRESSES ON SINGULARITIES DUE TO DISCONTINUOUS LOADINGS.

Abstract : The singularities induced by discontinuous normal or shearing tractions applied to a semi-infinite solid are examined within the two-dimensional linearized couple-stress theory of elastic behavior and are compared with their counterpart in the classical theory of plane strain. A finite jump in the shear loading is found to produce a logarithmic infinity at the load discontinuity in the normal stress acting parallel to the boundary according to both theories. In contrast, a finite jump in the normal loading, according to the couple -stress theory, gives rise to a logarithmic infinity at the load discontinuity in the shear stress at right angles to the boundary, although all stresses remain bounded in the corresponding classical solution; whereas the conventional theory for this loading case predicts a logarithmic singularity in tthe rotation field, the latter remains bounded in the modified solution. (Author)
GENERAL VIRASORO CONSTRUCTION ON AFFINE g

We study the general Virasoro construction $L = L_{ab} _*^* J^a J^{b}{_*^*}$ on the currents of affine g, obtaining the master equation for the inverse inertia tensor Lab. Sugawara and coset constructions are only the simplest solutions of this system, as illustrated here by a class of generalized spin-orbit constructions with generically irrational central charge.
Qualitative Behavior of Local Minimizers of Singular Perturbed Variational Problems

We consider a non-convex variational problem (P) and the corresponding singular perturbed problem (Pe). The qualitative behavior of stable critical points of (Pe) depending on e and a lower order term is discussed and we prove compactness of a sequence of stable critical points as e ↘ 0. Moreover we show whether this limit is the global minimizer of (P). Furthermore uniform convergence is considered as well as the convergence rate depending on e.
The Enemy Within

The News of the Week story by D. Grimm on “Staggering toward a global strategy on alcohol abuse” (16 May, p. 862) nicely illustrates the uphill battle that the World Health Organization faces in dealing with global health issues. I was dismayed (but not surprised) to learn that several countries (including the United States) insisted that the Director General of WHO include the alcohol industry in discussions to shape global strategy concerning alcohol abuse. The alcohol industry is equivalent to the “vector” for alcohol-induced disease. Inviting this industry to the discussion table regarding attempts to curb alcohol-related deaths is analogous to inviting the mosquito to participate in discussion concerning the control of malaria.
Science for the Globe

Science and technology (S&T) can be viewed from many angles. At this year9s annual meeting of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS), which starts on 14 February in Boston, we look at them from a global perspective. Our ever-shrinking, flattening world invites a global focus on almost any issue. But in the United States, national competitiveness is often the key concern driving S&T policy, whereas the global perspective, which comes naturally to many scientists, is given short shrift. Indeed, a host of topics come to the fore when S&T are viewed globally, including international cooperation on big science projects, economic development, worldwide treatment and prevention of infectious disease, responses to climate change, and mitigation of global warming. In planning the annual meeting, it was evident that all elements had international dimensions, and the meeting reflects this reality.
High-Performance low-vcc in-order core

Power density grows in new technology nodes, thus requiringVcc to scale especially in mobile platforms where energy is critical. This paper presents a novel approach to decrease Vcc while keeping operating frequency high. Our mechanism is referred to as immediate read after write (IRAW) avoidance. We propose an implementation of the mechanism for an Intel® SilverthorneTM in-order core. Furthermore, we show that our mechanism can be adapted dynamically to provide the highest performance and lowest energy-delay product (EDP) at each Vcc level. Results show that IRAW avoidance increases operating frequency by 57% at 500mV and 99% at 400mV with negligible area and power overhead (below 1%), which translates into large speedups (48% at 500mV and 90% at 400mV) and EDP reductions (0.61 EDP at 500mV and 0.33 at 400mV).
Fusion-based, high-volume automated fingerprint identification system (AFIS)

Automated Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS) provide a means for non-manual fingerprint database searches. Future AFIS applications demand greater fingerprint match request throughput, and for larger fingerprint databases. Barriers to the implementation of a high volume AFIS are analyzed. Data-fusion methods are proposed as a method to maximize integration of fingerprint feature information with limited computational resources. Preliminary results from a prototype AFIS system are presented.© (1994) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Cerebral Edema After Temporary and Permanent Middle Cerebral Artery Occlusion in the Rat

Background and Purpose The potential of thrombolytic agents to improve outcome after ischemic stroke could be negated if recanalization of an occluded artery exacerbates cerebral edema. We examined whether infarctions associated with reperfusion have more edema than those without reperfusion and whether the time course for the development of cerebral edema varied with and without reperfusion. Methods Infarct volumes were measured 24 hours after permanent and 1, 2, and 3 hours of temporary right middle cerebral artery (MCA) occlusion in spontaneously hypertensive rats. Hemispheric volume, water, sodium, and potassium were measured 3, 6, 12, 24, 36, and 48 hours after permanent and 3 hours of temporary MCA occlusion and also determined 24 hours after permanent and 2 and 3 hours of temporary MCA occlusion. Results Minimal tissue damage occurred after 1 hour of temporary ischemia. Infarct sizes were similar after permanent and 3 hours of temporary MCA occlusion and significantly greater than after 2 hours of ...
Evidence for sodium dependent outward transport of the 3H-norepinephrine mobilized by calcium at the adrenergic synapse. Inhibition of transport by desipramine

Abstract The electrolyte content of adrenergic nerve endings in rat heart slices was manipulated by auto-dialysis. The efflux of stored 3 HNE incubated in a sodium-free (choline) medium was accelerated by previous auto-dialysis in a solution containing predominantly sodium, as compared to the efflux from slices previously auto-dialyzed in solutions containing either lithium, choline or potassium. The accelerated efflux from the slices dialyzed in the Na solution was inhibited by 3.8 × 10 −6 M desipramine. Calcium increased the rate of efflux from slices incubated in Krebs medium or sodium free choline media after previous auto-dialysis in the choline solution. It is concluded that extracellular calcium entering the pre-synaptic adrenergic nerve terminal can mobilize stored norepinephrine, which may then be transported out of the cell by means of a sodium-dependent carrier mechanism.