cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
WAI-YEE LI. THE READABILITY OF THE PAST IN EARLY CHINESE HISTORIOGRAPHY

This book is, as the author says in her introduction, “a systematic study of Zuo zhuan,” a “vast repertory of narratives and speeches spanning the 255 years from 722 to 468 BCE.” This text, which, in the form known to us, is tentatively dated by most to the fourth century b.c.e., is where Chinese historical writing begins. As the author also notes, this work “has been accorded a truth status that eludes many other early Chinese texts.” I would suggest that this status arises from 1) the great masses of minute and seemingly factual detail that occur throughout its narratives and 2) its freedom from the obvious anachronisms and absurdities that afflict all other early Chinese historical works, including the all-but-universally venerated Shi ji, or Records of the Historian.
Perceptions of engineering identity: Diversity and EWB-USA

Currently, the engineering community faces shortages. These shortages can be conceptualized as both literal shortages of numbers, particularly females, and a more conceptual shortage of engineers who are trained and qualified to handle the transitioning global context of the profession. With its rapid growth, high female involvement, and global vision, Engineers Without Borders-USA (EWB-USA) stands as a prime research model for the larger engineering field. During a series of five regional EWB-USA workshops, participants were asked to respond to six open-ended questions dealing with identity and gains from their involvement. Thousands of unique responses were coded into emergent themes to identify the most common responses and to compare response themes across questions. Results suggest that EWB-USA members identify strongly with the organization, which may increase their identity with and motivation to remain in the profession. Results also show that EWB-USA members are filling significant education gaps from their organizational involvement and are gaining the desirable global engineering qualities required within the field. These results help unpack the motivations driving EWB-USA members and gains from their membership that may help, through future curriculum development, attract and retain a diverse engineering population able to handle future challenges required by the profession.
Chandra ACIS and XMM-Newton EPIC observations of the X-ray-luminous SN 1978K in NGC 1313

We describe an observation of the X-ray-luminous SN 1978K in NGC 1313 using the ACIS detector on board Chandra and an archival XMM-Newton EPIC observation. The models that provided good fits to the ASCA SIS and GIS and the ROSAT PSPC spectra no longer do so for the ACIS and EPIC spectra. The best-fit models to the ACIS and EPIC spectra are dual hot plasma models (VMEKAL); one component is soft (T = 0.61 keV, 90% errors), and the other is harder (T = 3.16 keV). For the varying abundances permitted within the model, only the Si abundance of the soft component differs from solar, with a value n/n = 3.20 (90% errors). From a ratio of the low- and high-T model fits to the Chandra and XMM-Newton spectra, we infer an exponent n of the ejecta density distribution, ρejecta ∝ r-n, of ~5.2, adopting a circumstellar matter distribution exponent of s = 2 (ρcs ∝ r-s). The 0.5-2 keV light curve shows essentially no decline; the 2-10 keV light curve, comprised of only the ASCA, XMM-Newton, and Chandra observations, shows a drop of 1.5 from the ASCA epoch. The hard-band decline, together with the apparently enhanced Si emission, signal the start of the X-ray decline of SN 1978K.
Observations of the north polar water ice annulus on Mars using THEMIS and TES

Abstract The Martian seasonal CO 2 ice caps advance and retreat each year. In the spring, as the CO 2 cap gradually retreats, it leaves behind an extensive defrosting zone from the solid CO 2 cap to the location where all CO 2 frost has sublimated. We have been studying this phenomenon in the north polar region using data from the THermal EMission Imaging System (THEMIS), a visible and infra-red (IR) camera on the Mars Odyssey spacecraft, and the Thermal Emission Spectrometer (TES) on Mars Global Surveyor. Recently, we discovered that some THEMIS images of the CO 2 defrosting zone contain evidence for a distinct defrosting phenomenon: some areas just south of the CO 2 cap edge are too bright in visible wavelengths to be defrosted terrain, but too warm in the IR to be CO 2 ice. We hypothesize that we are seeing evidence for a seasonal annulus of water ice (frost) that recedes with the seasonal CO 2 cap, as predicted by previous workers. In this paper, we describe our observations with THEMIS and compare them to simultaneous observations by TES and OMEGA. All three instruments find that this phenomenon is distinct from the CO 2 cap and most likely composed of water ice. We also find strong evidence that the annulus widens as it recedes. Finally, we show that this annulus can be detected in the raw THEMIS data as it is collected, enabling future long-term onboard monitoring.
Coping with sexual abuse: development and evaluation of a videotape intervention for nonoffending parents.

OBJECTIVE: The aims of the study were: (1) to develop, apply, and evaluate a videotape intervention that targeted the development of supportive behaviors in mothers of children who were being examined because of suspected molestation; and (2) to examine the relationship between mothers' reported responses to and beliefs about the molestation and their children's perceptions of support. METHOD: Mothers (N = 87) who had children 4 to 12 years of age were recruited and randomly assigned to view either a treatment or control videotape during the time when their child was being examined. Observers who were blinded to this assignment observed and rated parent-child interactions in the waiting room prior to and again after the mothers viewed the videotape. One week after this brief intervention, 64 of the mothers and 30 of the children (8- to 12-years-old) were interviewed. RESULTS: Mothers who viewed the treatment tape were more likely to engage in supportive behaviors with their child immediately after viewing the tape, and were able to identify more supportive behaviors at the 1-week followup. In addition, mothers' reports of how they responded to the molestation (including perceived blame) was related to child perceptions of parental support. CONCLUSIONS: The findings indicate that children who have been sexually molested are sensitive to the initial reactions of their nonoffending parent to the disclosure. In addition, there is some evidence that we can design and deliver cost-effective interventions during the early disclosure period that promote more positive (or supportive) responses by the nonoffending parent. Language: en
Beyond reading alone: The relationship between aural literacy and asthma management

Abstract Objectives To examine the relationship between literacy and asthma management with a focus on the oral exchange. Methods Study participants, all of whom reported asthma, were drawn from the New England Family Study (NEFS), an examination of links between education and health. NEFS data included reading, oral (speaking), and aural (listening) literacy measures. An additional survey was conducted with this group of study participants related to asthma issues, particularly asthma management. Data analysis focused on bivariate and multivariable logistic regression. Results In bivariate logistic regression models exploring aural literacy, there was a statistically significant association between those participants with lower aural literacy skills and less successful asthma management (OR: 4.37, 95%CI: 1.11, 17.32). In multivariable logistic regression analyses, controlling for gender, income, and race in separate models (one-at-a-time), there remained a statistically significant association between those participants with lower aural literacy skills and less successful asthma management. Conclusion Lower aural literacy skills seem to complicate asthma management capabilities. Practice implications Greater attention to the oral exchange, in particular the listening skills highlighted by aural literacy, as well as other related literacy skills may help us develop strategies for clear communication related to asthma management.
The Adrenalin Binding Site on Human Platelets

Using 3H-adrenalin the quantity and characteristics of the adrenalin receptors on human platelets were evaluated. Maximum adrenalin binding by intact platelets from eight normal subjects averaged 3.2 ng adrenalin/10(8) platelets, equivalent to 105 000 binding sites per platelet. Bound 3H-adrenalin could be dissociated or binding could be inhibited by an excess of unlabelled adrenalin, noradrenalin, isoproterenol or dopamine; phentolamine or propanalol had no effect on 3h-adrenalin binding, even in concentrations 10 000-fold greater. These studies show that the epinephrine binding site can be detected and quantitiated on human platelets and that its characteristics differ from those classically attributed to either alpha or beta adrenergic receptors.
Urinary Diversion Results in Marked Decreases in Proliferation and Apoptosis in Fetal Bladder

Purpose: We sought to determine if bladder cycling is required for remodeling during fetal development.Materials and Methods: For this study 5 fetal sheep bladders were harvested after 2 weeks of urinary diversion, initiated at approximately 90 days of gestation. Six unoperated sheep bladders of approximately 105 days of gestational age were used as controls. Dividing cells and cells undergoing apoptosis were quantified by using Ki-67 antibody and TUNEL (terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated deoxyuridine triphosphate nick end labeling) assay, respectively. In addition, expression of the antiapoptosis gene, Bcl2, and cell division control protein 42 were quantified by real-time polymerase chain reaction.Results: The thickness of bladder tissue layers is dramatically altered as a consequence of urinary diversion (defunctionalization). The percentage of Ki-67 and TUNEL positive cells in control bladders was 5.8% and 47.1%, respectively. However, in diverted bladders apoptosis and cell mitosis were s...
Bifurcation of Solutions of the Power Flow Equation

The qualitative properties of the power flow equation can be studied from its local and global aspects. These properties determine to a considerable extent the transient and steady state behavior of the power system. Although knowledge of local aspects has increased considerably, understanding of global properties continues to be primitive.
Magnesium in Acute MI Timing Is Critical

It is an axiom of coronary care medicine that infarct size is a pivotal determinant of the prognosis of patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI). When one is able to limit the size of an AMI, one is rewarded with a reduction in the number of potentially life-threatening complications such as pulmonary edema, cardiogenic shock, ventricular septal defects, papillary muscle rupture, and ventricular tachyarrhythmias.1 Salvage of even a rim of epicardial tissue as the wave front of necrosis spreads from the endocardium might prevent infarct expansion, ventricular remodeling, and congestive heart failure.2 3 Reperfusion that is sufficiently early (within 15 to 20 minutes) after AMI may prevent ischemic zones of myocardium from progressing to infarction. However, with the possible exceptions of an AMI that develops during cardiac catheterization, of patients who receive prehospital thrombolysis, or of the rare patient who occludes a coronary artery in the Emergency Department or coronary care unit and receives extraordinarily prompt and successful thrombolysis, reperfusion in cases of human AMI results in a mixture of necrotic and salvaged myocytes. The amount of myocardium that is irreversibly damaged (area of necrosis divided by area at risk) is directly related to the duration of occlusion. Interventions that delay cell death (eg, β-blockers) may help to protect ischemic myocytes and leave a greater quantity of viable cells that can subsequently be rescued by reperfusion. More than a decade ago, Braunwald and Kloner2 emphasized that reperfusion therapy, while beneficial in terms of myocardial salvage, may come at a cost because of a process referred to as reperfusion injury. Four aspects of reperfusion injury have been recognized4 : (1) lethal reperfusion injury (reperfusion-induced death of cells that were still viable at the moment of restoration of blood flow), (2) vascular reperfusion injury (no-reflow phenomenon and loss …
Nomadism and desertification in Africa and the Middle East

Desertification in areas where traditional pastoral nomadism was common is a phenomenon of this century. Nomads possessed institutions and management practices that avoided excess concentrations of people and animals, rotated grazing pressure seasonally between major pasture zones, protected dry season resources that were critical to their survival, and limited access to pastoral resources. These systems of management and control have broken down and degradation of pastoral lands has been the result. The pressures promoting desertification include agricultural expansion into pastoral zones, the loss of critical dry season pasture, sedentarization of former nomads, the impacts of war and civil conflict, nationalization of pastoral resources, the collapse of traditional common property resource management systems, and social change and economic intensification. These processes have concentrated pastoral pressures into more limited spaces and increased the stress placed on natural resources to the point where land degradation takes place. These adverse changes can be avoided and desertification arrested if principles of proper management are applied. By planning holistically, using the ethnoscientific wisdom of nomadic pastoralists as a basis for development, protecting zones critical to the survival of pastoralists, retaining mobility and flexibility in contemporary pastoral systems, and strengthening common property systems developed by nomadic pastoralists, land degradation in dryland rangelands can be halted.
Noninvasive probing of inhibitory effects of cylindrospermopsin and microcystin-LR using cell-based impedance spectroscopy.

In an effort to develop a noninvasive method for assessment of cyanobacterial toxins in drinking water, plausible cytotoxicity/inhibition of microcystin-LR and cylindrospermopsin was evaluated by c...
Survivin Expression in Juvenile-Onset Recurrent Respiratory Papillomatosis

Recurrent respiratory papillomatosis (RRP), caused by the human papillomavirus, is characterized by unregulated growth of wartlike neoplasms on laryngeal mucosa. Apoptosis is important in normal cellular homeostasis, and dysregulation of this process is thought to govern the behavior of certain neoplasms. This study evaluates the expression of several pro-apoptotic and anti-apoptotic factors in papillomas of patients with RRP, with a specific interest in survivin, a cell cycle-regulated anti-apoptotic factor. Three anti-apoptotic and 6 pro-apoptotic messenger RNA (mRNA) species were quantified by ribonuclease protection assay in 11 RRP papilloma specimens and 5 normal laryngeal specimens. Anti-apoptotic and pro-apoptotic mRNA ratios were quantified by normalizing to the ribosomal protein L32 and compared between specimens. Protein expression of survivin in tissue samples was also evaluated. The mean (±SD) expression of survivin was almost fivefold greater in the RRP papillomas than in normal tissue (14.2% ± 2.5% versus 3.0% ± 0.8% of L32, p = .003). The RRP specimens also had greater expression of XIAP, Fas, and p53 than did the normal tissue. Survivin protein was differentially expressed in the papilloma specimens, and was greatest in a papilloma that underwent malignant transformation. Survivin was absent in all normal laryngeal tissue tested. Apoptotic factors in general appear to be upregulated in papillomatous tissue as compared to normal laryngeal tissue and may suggest a higher proliferation rate and cell turnover. Survivin is abundant in papillomas and absent in normal laryngeal tissue. Dysregulation of apoptosis as determined by abnormal expression of anti-apoptotic factors like survivin and XIAP probably favors papilloma growth and survival. Such factors may represent potential targets in the treatment of this disease.
Quantizations of Flag Manifolds and Conformal Space Time

In this paper we work out the deformations of some flag manifolds and of complex Minkowski space viewed as an affine big cell inside G(2,4). All the deformations come in tandem with a coaction of the appropriate quantum group. In the case of the Minkowski space this allows us to define the quantum conformal group. We also give two involutions on the quantum complex Minkowski space, that respectively define the real Minkowski space and the real euclidean space. We also compute the quantum De Rham complex for both real (complex) Minkowski and euclidean space.
Contemporary management of aniseikonia

The diagnosis and management of aniseikonia has become a lost art. Refractive surgery and intraocular lens implantation has created a new patient population of anisometropia. Measurement of aniseikonia through instrumentation such as the space eikonometer is not readily available. Therefore, estimating the degree of aniseikonia based on the dioptral differences between the two eyes may be the most practical approach. The optical principles of spectacle magnification can be translated by the prescribing eye doctor to reduce ocular image disparity. Contemporary lens designs, such as hi-index and aspherics, allow the practitioner to modify shape and power factors to achieve higher levels of aniseikonic correction in a cosmetically fashionable pair of spectacles.
An array of monolithic FBAR-CMOS oscillators for mass-sensing applictions

We present a monolithic, solidly-mounted CMOS-FBAR oscillator array for mass sensing applications. Thin-film bulk acoustic resonators (FBAR) are an affective platform for sensitive biological and chemical detection, where their high operating frequencies make them many times more sensitive than a quartz crystal microbalance. By monolithic integration with CMOS drive circuitry, we aim to overcome the spatial limiations of externally-coupled resonators to build dense sensor arrays without specialized fabrication techniques. The sensors in this work are constructed in a 6 × 4 array atop a 0.18µm CMOS active substrate, and mass sensitivity comparable to off-chip FBAR sensors is demonstrated.
STAP II - Advanced concepts

Space-time adaptive processing (STAP) is an advanced signal processing methodology for the Ground Moving Target Indication (GMTI) mode of airborne and space borne surveillance radar systems. It is used to mitigate motion-induced spread-Doppler clutter that interferes with the echo from ground targets. The course will develop and clearly illustrate the GMTI problem from first principles, showing the need for STAP processing. Traditional STAP processing solutions will be derived from a detection probabilistic perspective - the most pertinent metric for radar. Additionally, the course covers state-of-the-art STAP techniques that address many of the limitations of traditional (ideal) STAP solutions, offering insight into future research trends.
MR Water Quantitative Priors Improves the Accuracy of Optical Breast Imaging

Magnetic resonance (MR) guided optical breast imaging is a promising modality to improve the specificity of breast imaging, because it provides high-resolution quantitative maps of total hemoglobin, oxygen saturation, water content, and optical scattering. These properties have been shown to distinguish malignant from benign lesions. However, the optical detection hardware required for deep tissue imaging has poor spectral sensitivity which limits accurate water quantification; this reduces the accuracy of hemoglobin quantification. We present a methodology to improve optical quantification by utilizing the ability of Dixon MR imaging to quantitatively estimate water and fat; this technique effectively reduces optical crosstalk between water and oxyhemoglobin. The techniques described in this paper reduce hemoglobin quantification error by as much as 38%, as shown in a numerical phantom, and an experimental phantom. Error is reduced by as much 20% when imperfect MR water quantification is given. These techniques may also increase contrast between diseased and normal tissue, as shown in breast tissue in vivo. It is also shown that using these techniques may permit fewer wavelengths to be used with similar quantitative accuracy, enabling higher temporal resolution. In addition, it is shown that these techniques can improve the ability of MRI to quantify water in the presence of bias in the Dixon water/fat separation.
Cow-Path Games in dynamic environments: Strategic search algorithms for a changing world

This work investigates multi-vehicle systems in which vehicles compete, among themselves, to capture targets. In line with previous formulations, vehicles have minimal sensing capabilities and limited prior knowledge of target locations. That is, vehicles must actively scour the workspace to find targets. However, the games featured herein have the distinguishing feature of unfolding in dynamic environments whereby targets repopulate the workspace over time. For a variety of such games, we characterize persistent search strategies that enable vehicles to plan trajectories that, in the long-run, prove efficient in the face of inter-vehicle competition and an everchanging world.
Comparison between DNA melting thermodynamics and DNA polymerase fidelity.

Abstract The relation between DNA polymerase fidelity and base pairing stability is investigated by using DNA primer-template duplexes that contain a common 9-base template sequence but have either correct (A.T) or incorrect (G.T, C.T, T.T) base pairs at the primer 3' terminus. Thermal melting and enzyme kinetic measurements are compared for each kind of terminus. Analysis of melting temperatures finds that differences between the free energy changes upon dissociation (delta delta Go) are only 0.2, 0.3, and 0.4 kcal.mol-1 (1 cal = 4.18 J) for terminal A.T compared to G.T, C.T, and T.T mispairs, respectively, at 37 degrees C. We show that enthalpy changes are directly correlated with entropy changes for normal and abnormal base pairs in DNA in aqueous solution and that delta delta Go values are small because of near cancellation of corresponding enthalpy and entropy components. The kinetics of elongating primer termini are measured with purified Drosophila DNA polymerase alpha. The matched A.T terminus is found to be extended approximately 200 times faster than a G.T mismatch and 1400 and 2500 times faster than C.T and T.T mismatches, respectively. Enzymatic discrimination against elongating mismatched termini is based mainly on Km rather than Vmax differences. From Km at 37 degrees C, we find delta delta Go values of 2.6-3.7 kcal.mol-1, about an order of magnitude greater than indicated by melting data. A similar measurement of nucleotide insertion kinetics has previously found rates of forming A.T base pairs to be 500 times greater than G.T mispairs and 20,000 times greater than C.T and T.T mispairs. Here also, Km differences are mainly responsible for discrimination and indicate even larger delta delta Go values (4.3-4.9 kcal.mol-1). Thus, free energy differences between correct and incorrect base pairs in the active site cleft of polymerase appear to be greater than 10 times as large as in aqueous medium. We explore the idea that a binding cleft that snugly fits correct base pairs and excludes water at the active site may amplify base-pair free energy differences by reducing entropy differences and increasing enthalpy differences sufficiently to account for nucleotide insertion and extension fidelity.
Psychological factors and treatment in CRPS

ABSTRACTPsychologic interventions for patients with persistent CRPS may be beneficial and may deserve further study.
Applications of linear hyperbolic partial differential equations: predator-prey systems and gravitational instability of nebulae

Abstract Existing mathematical models and linear stability analyses of their appropriate exact solutions relevant to the paradox of enrichment and Jeans' criterion , respectively, are reviewed. The former is concerned with the outcome of a laboratory predator-prey mite system on oranges, in which a stable limit-cycle situation was destabilized upon tripling the food supply of the herbivorous mite, resulting in the extinction of both mite species due to overexploitation; while the latter can be used to predict the mean distance between adjacent condensations for chains of gravitational instabilities occurring in the outer regions of spiral nebulae. Each problem involves a linear hyperbolic partial differential equation: a first-order McKendrick-Von Foerster equation for the ecological phenomenon and a second-order wave-type equation for the cosmological one. The results of both analyses are then compared with observables of the phenomena under examination. Finally, the chronological development of the mathematical models and the global implications of linear stability theory in these two instances are discussed.
Chemotherapy for Gynecologic Cancer

Chemotherapy, either used alone or with surgery and/or radiation, plays an important role in the treatment of patients with gynecologic cancer. Common chemotherapy agents used in this group of patients are classified into groups based on pharmacological mechanisms. While many of them share the similar toxicities such as myelosuppression, each agent has its own toxicity profiles. It is often challenging for new providers to understand how these agents are used in different chemotherapy regimens and how to monitor and manage associated toxicities.
HLA class II and TNF genes in African Americans from the Southeastern United States: regional differences in allele frequencies.

Abstract Knowledge of population major histocompatibility complex gene frequencies is important for construction of organ donor pools and for studies of disease association. Human leukocyte antigen DRB1 (HLA-DRB1), HLA-DQB1, and TNFa-308 (G-A) promoter genetic typing was performed in 112 healthy, unrelated African Americans (AAs) from the southeastern United States. Allele frequencies were compared with published frequency data from other AA populations. Our AA population had the highest frequency of HLA- DRB1*09 (6.7%) reported in any AA population. The frequency of the TNFa m308A polymorphism was also high (14.4%), when compared with published frequencies in AAs. Significant regional differences in the distribution of most HLA-DRB1 and HLA-DQB1 alleles were observed in all AA populations examined. The AA HLA-DRB1 and -DQB1 frequencies also differed from published Caucasian frequencies. This is the first report describing the distribution of TNFa promoter alleles in the Southeastern United States. The high DRB1*09 and TNFa m308A allele frequencies of our population most resemble the frequencies of these alleles in certain West African populations. These varying major histocompatibility complex gene frequencies may reflect different regional population structures among AAs in the United States, which may be due to differences in ancestral origins, migration, and racial admixture.
The Impact of Class Schedule on Student Performance in a Financial Management Course

Abstract To further research in the area of student performance in college courses, this article examines the impact of class schedule on student performance in a financial management course, as measured by average course grades, withdrawal rates, and nonpassing grade rates. The study analyzes student performance in classes scheduled 1 day a week, 2 days a week, and 3 days a week. The results indicate that students have a better chance of passing the course when a class schedule meets more than once a week.
Cooperation, sociality, and human systems design

Substantial new trends in social sciences, organizational studies, and human evolution provide ever-finer mapping of the diversity of human motivations, and the substantial, stable deviations of actual human beings, in actual social settings from the predictions of rational self-interest that underlay traditional mechanism design. These findings and theoretical developments suggest the need for explicit integration of these important insights into collaborative systems design, and recommend the development of a generalized approach to cooperative human systems design.
Single blood drop diagnostic activation test (DAT) for food allergies

Background Quantitative measurement of basophil cell surface markers, CD63 and CD203c, by flow cytometry has been developed as useful tool for the diagnosis of IgE mediated allergies. Available methods require large volume of blood and include extra steps such as prior cell purification, priming with IL-3, stopping cell activation and fixing. We have developed a new basophil based test which can be performed with small amount of whole blood directly from skin prick or from small amount of the whole blood where multiple allergens can be tested at the same time for high-throughput testing.
Reduced striatal acetylcholine efflux in the R6/2 mouse model of Huntington's disease: An examination of the role of altered inhibitory and excitatory mechanisms

Abstract Huntington's disease (HD) is a genetic neurodegenerative disorder that is characterized by the progressive onset of cognitive, psychiatric, and motor symptoms. In parallel, the neuropathology of HD is characterized by progressive loss of projection neurons in cortex and striatum; striatal cholinergic interneurons are relatively spared. Nonetheless, there is evidence that striatal acetylcholine (ACh) function is altered in HD. The present study is the first to examine striatal ACh function in awake, behaving animals, using the R6/2 mouse model of HD, which is transgenic for exon 1 of the mutant huntingtin gene. Physiological levels of extracellular striatal ACh were monitored in R6/2 mice and wild type controls using in vivo microdialysis. Results indicate that spontaneous ACh release is reduced in R6/2 mice relative to controls. Intrastriatal application of the GABAA antagonist bicuculline methiodide (10.0 μM) significantly elevated ACh levels in both R6/2 mice and wild type controls, while overall ACh levels were reduced in the R6/2 mice compared to the wild type group. In contrast, systemic administration of the D1 dopamine receptor partial agonist, SKF-38393 (10.0 mg/kg, IP), elevated ACh levels in control animals, but not R6/2 mice. Taken together, the present results suggest that GABA-mediated inhibition of striatal ACh release is intact in R6/2 mice, further demonstrating that cholinergic interneurons are capable of increased ACh release, whereas D1 receptor-dependent activation of excitatory inputs to striatal cholinergic interneurons is dysfunctional in R6/2 mice. Reduced levels of extracellular striatal ACh in HD may reflect abnormalities in the excitatory innervation of cholinergic interneurons, which may have implications ACh-dependent processes that are altered in HD, including corticostriatal plasticity.
Developing best practices for treasury management

What best practices have “world class” companies used in treasury management? © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Lamination of the dorsal lateral geniculate nucleus in carnivores of the weasel (Mustelidae), Raccoon (Procyonidae) and Fox (Canidae) families

The laminar structure of the dorsal lateral geniculate nucleus was studied in carnivores of the weasel, raccoon and fox families. All have the same basic pattern of laminar organization in their lateral geniculate nuclei. Laminae A and C receive a contralateral projection from the retina and laminae A1 and C1 receive an ipsilateral projection. It is not known whether lamina C2 receives a retinal projection. There are some variations to the basic pattern of laminar organization. Thus, in the mink and weasel laminae A and A1 are each subdivided into a pair of separate but similar leaflets. In the ferret and coatimundi these laminae are only partly subdivided. In the skunk, raccoon, ringtailed cat and fox there is only one lamina A and one lamina A1 in each lateral geniculate nucleus. There is some variation of the C laminae also. The C laminae are best displayed in the fox, where all three laminae — C, C1 and C2 — can be recognized in Nissl sections. In other carnivores, for example the mink and ferret, the C laminae cannot be distinguished from each other in normal brains and are described on the basis of the degeneration that is seen in Nauta and Fink-Heimer sections after a unilateral enucleation. In the raccoon lamina C can be identified but lamina C1 may be missing. The perigeniculate nucleus is variable in structure in carnivores. In the weasel and raccoon family the perigeniculate nucleus is a thick layer containing many large cells while in the cat and fox, it is a thin and rather diffuse group of cells. The perigeniculate nucleus may receive a direct retinal projection but if so, it is only a very sparse one.
Effect of infliximab on short-term complications in patients undergoing operation for chronic ulcerative colitis.

Background Total proctocolectomy and ileal pouch anal anastomosis (IPAA) is the preferred operation for patients with chronic ulcerative colitis (CUC) refractory to medical therapy. Infliximab (IFX), an antitumor necrosis factor−α antibody, has demonstrated efficacy in medical management of CUC. The aim of this study is to determine if IFX before IPAA impacts short-term outcomes. Study Design A prospective institutional database was retrospectively reviewed for short-term complications after IPAA for CUC. Postoperative outcomes were compared between patients who received pre-IPAA IFX and those who did not. Results Between 2002 and 2005, 47 patients received IFX before IPAA, and 254 patients received none. There were no gender (p = 0.16) or body mass index (p = 0.07) differences between groups. IFX patients were younger than non-IFX patients (mean age 28.1 to 39.3 years) (p Conclusions CUC patients treated with IFX before IPAA have substantially increased the odds of postoperative pouch-related and infectious complications. Additional prospective studies are required to determine if IFX alone or other factors contribute to the observed increases in infectious complications.
A SUGGESTED REVISION OF NOMENCLATURAL PROCEDURE IN ANIMAL TAXONOMY

Nomenclatural procedures in animal taxonomy, especially the application of priority rules in the vast entomological literature, are oppressively inefficient and becoming more so with the passage of time. The authors suggest that the problem be solved in a simple but radical way, by the device of officially recognizing selected monographs as the "new Linnaeus" of the group treated by the monograph. No publication prior to the monograph could then affect nomenclatural usage in the group, but a new monograph could supplant it.
Patterned Ligand Surfaces Reveal F-Actin and Integrin Organization at EGF and IgE Receptor Signaling Complexes

We use patterned surfaces to investigate the spatial relationship of ligand-engaged cell surface receptors to their downstream signaling assemblies and consequent cellular responses. We are examining two different receptor systems: the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) on NIH-3T3 cells and the IgE receptor (FceRI) on RBL mast cells. Arrays of micron-sized features with EGF or IgE hapten, 2,4-dinitrophenyl (DNP), are prepared with lithographic processes and chemical modification. Cells settle on these surfaces, and fluorescence imaging (confocal and TIRF) is used to visualize cellular proteins concentrating at regions of patterned ligand. Radial fluorescence analysis quantifies the intensity of labeled cellular components on and off patterned features and evaluates intensity distributions across different cell areas (e.g., middle vs. peripheral). In NIH-3T3 cells stably expressing EGFR, we find EGFR recruitment to patterned EGF is accompanied by stimulated tyrosine phosphorylation while F-actin and endogenous β1-containing integrins also concentrate, but with differential spatial localizations. F-actin accumulation is phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PIP2)-dependent: it is inhibited by pharmacological inhibitors of PIP2 synthesis and by acute recruitment of a phosphoinositide 5′-phosphatase to the plasma membrane using a rapamycin strategy. Our previous investigations of IgE-FceRI signaling used patterned lipid bilayers to present DNP. We now find that these surfaces yield more uniform accumulation of IgE-FceRI and recruited signaling components than patterned DNP-conjugated proteins. This distinction suggests mast cells engaging antigen bound to other immune cells can undergo differences in membrane reorganization: larger, more dense clusters of IgE-FceRI form when bound to mobile ligand patterns, whereas IgE-FceRI concentrates at the edges of immobilized ligand patterns. Ongoing work aims to evaluate regulatory roles for F-actin and integrins in RBL mast cells with regard to functional outcomes for spatially localized interactions between activated FceRI and downstream signaling partners.
Topology Optimization for Cellular Material Design

Topology optimization is a systematic, computational approach to the design of structure, defined as the layout of materials (and pores) across a domain. Typically employed at the component-level scale, topology optimization is increasingly being used to design the architecture of high performance materials. The resulting design problem is posed as an optimization problem with governing unit cell and upscaling mechanics embedded in the formulation, and solved with formal mathematical programming. This paper will describe recent advances in topology optimization, including incorporation of manufacturing processes and objectives governed by nonlinear mechanics and multiple physics, and demonstrate their application to the design of cellular materials. Optimized material architectures are shown to (computationally) approach theoretical bounds when available, and can be used to generate estimations of bounds when such bounds are unknown.
In vitro enzymatic activity of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 reverse transcriptase mutants in the highly conserved YMDD amino acid motif correlates with the infectious potential of the proviral genome.

Reverse transcriptases contain a highly conserved YXDD amino acid motif believed to be important in enzyme function. The second amino acid is not strictly conserved, with a methionine, valine or alanine occupying the second position in reverse transcriptases from various retroviruses and retroelements. Recently, a 3.5-A (0.35-nm) resolution electron density map of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) reverse transcriptase positioned the YMDD motif within an antiparallel beta-hairpin structure which forms a portion of its catalytic site. To further explore the role of methionine of the conserved YMDD motif in HIV-1 reverse transcriptase function, we have substituted methionine with a valine, alanine, serine, glycine, or proline, reflecting in some cases sequence motifs of other related reverse transcriptases. Wild-type and mutant enzymes were expressed in Escherichia coli, partially purified by phosphocellulose chromatography, and assayed for the capacity to polymerize TTP by using a homopolymeric template [poly(rA)] with either a DNA [oligo(dT)] or an RNA [oligo(U)] primer. With a poly(rA).oligo(dT) template-primer, reverse transcriptases with the methionine replaced by valine (YVDD), serine (YSDD), or alanine (YADD) were 70 to 100% as active as the wild type, while those with the glycine substitution (YGDD) were approximately 5 to 10% as active. A proline substitution (YPDD) completely inactivated the enzyme. With a poly(rA).oligo(U) template-primer, only the activity of mutants with YVDD was similar to that of the wild type, while mutants with YADD and YSDD were approximately 5 to 10% as active as the wild-type enzyme. The reverse transcriptases with the YGDD and YPDD mutations demonstrated no activity above background. Proviruses containing the reverse transcriptase with the valine mutation (YVDD) produced viruses with infectivities similar to that of the wild type, as determined by measurement of p24 antigen in culture supernatants and visual inspection of syncytium formation. In contrast, proviruses with reverse transcriptases containing the YADD and YSDD mutations were less infectious than wild-type virus. These results point to the critical role of methionine of the YMDD motif in the activity of HIV-1 reverse transcriptase and subsequent replication potential of the virus.
Birth of normal mice after removal of the supernumerary male pronucleus from polyspermic zygotes

Each year, world wide, tens of thousands of zygotes derived from the in-vitro insemination of human oocytes undergo polyspermic fertilization. These embryos must presently be discarded because it has never been demonstrated in any mammal that polyspermic zygotes can develop normally to term after removal of the supernumerary male pronucleus. Our study was undertaken to test the developmental potential of polyspermic zygotes corrected by micromanipulation. Mouse oocytes were inseminated zona-free, and polyspermic zygotes were manipulated so as to remove one of the two male pronuclei. Surviving embryos were then observed for further development in vitro and after transfer into pseudopregnant females. Of 58 zygotes manipulated, 18 developed to the blastocyst stage and were transferred. Five animals (two male and three females) were born. The agouti coat colour marker confirmed the genotypes of the gametes. All five animals developed to normal-appearing adults, and all five produced at least 10 normal offspring. One adult founder animal was karyotyped and found to have a normal chromosome complement. These results demonstrate for the first time that a mammalian egg that has undergone polyspermic fertilization can develop normally after restoration of the diploid state by micromanipulation. Accordingly, the results provide impetus for attempting to rescue polyspermic human embryos.
Endourological management of upper tract transitional cell carcinoma

In this Issue, there are four mini-reviews, three of which relate to cancer of the genitourinary system. In the first of these the endourological management of upper tract TCC is described by authors from the Mayo Clinic who have a long-term experience in this area. The second and third of the mini-reviews concern prostate cancer, but in different ways. The authors from Sacramento write about the use of the artificial urinary sphincter for post-prostatectomy incontinence. Obviously this includes surgery for benign disease also, but the main emphasis is on its use after radical prostatectomy for prostate cancer. The other article is about the use of ErbB receptors as possible therapeutic targets, from the University of Leicester. Finally in this section, authors from Kingston, Ontario, have written a mini-review on hypogonadism and erectile dysfunction, relating pathophysiology to treatment and outcomes.
Designing incentives for online question and answer forums

In this paper, we provide a simple game-theoretic model of an online question and answer forum. We focus on factual questions in which user responses aggregate while a question remains open. Each user has a unique piece of information and can decide when to report this information. The asker prefers to receive information sooner rather than later, and will stop the process when satisfied with the cumulative value of the posted information. We consider two distinct cases: a complements case, in which each successive piece of information is worth more to the asker than the previous one; and a substitutes case, in which each successive piece of information is worth less than the previous one. A best-answer scoring rule is adopted to model Yahoo! Answers, and is effective for substitutes information, where it isolates an equilibrium in which all users respond in the first round. But we find that this rule is ineffective for complements information, isolating instead an equilibrium in which all users respond in the final round. In addressing this, we demonstrate that an approval-voting scoring rule and a proportional-share scoring rule can enable the most efficient equilibrium with complements information, under certain conditions, by providing incentives for early responders as well as the user who submits the final answer.
Determination of sclerotome to the cartilage fate.

When the somite first forms the cells appear to be equivalent in potential. In order to understand the lineage diversification of the somite, the determination of sclerotome cells to the cartilage fate was tested using an in vivo challenge assay in which quail sclerotome fragments were grafted into a dorsal position in a chick host. Grafts containing undetermined cells were expected to differentiate into other tissues while grafts containing determined chondrocyte precursors were expected to consistently give rise to cartilage. We found that grafted sclerotome fragments from somite stages V-XX were capable of giving rise to integrated muscle and dermis and that it was not until fragments from stage XII somites were grafted that cartilage was consistently produced in the assay. Sclerotomal tissue from embryonic day 4–6 embryos remained as morphologically unintegrated mesenchyme when grafted into an embryonic day 2 host, but formed only cartilage when placed into an identically aged host. Vertebral body cartilage from embryonic day 7 and embryonic day 8 embryos formed exclusively ectopic cartilage in an embryonic day 2 host. We conclude that cells determined to the cartilage fate do not appear until somite stage XII, but that not all sclerotome cells are determined at this time. The effect of host age on the differentiation and morphogenetic behavior of sclerotome fragment grafts in this assay indicate the existence of developmental eras within the embryo.
Theoretical analysis and experimental verification of a manipulator/sensor/environment model for force control

Models of increasing complexity are briefly discussed, and a fourth-order dynamic model composed of the manipulator, force sensor, and environment is analyzed. Study of the undamped and underdamped cases yields insight into the mode of oscillation of the system and provides the ability to extract system parameter values from the measured force values. The effect of hysteresis is considered. Experimental data for the arm and environment system under small oscillations are reported. Simulation results based on the extracted parameters closely match the experimental data, further confirming the validity of the model. >
Translocation of domains of nascent periplasmic proteins across the cytoplasmic membrane is independent of elongation.

Abstract Accessibility of nascent chains of periplasmic proteins to externally added proteinase K was used as the criterion for translocation of polypeptides across the cytoplasmic membrane of E. coli during the process of export. It is concluded for maltose-binding protein and ribose-binding protein that nascent chains carrying the signal sequence are not accessible to the proteinase while chains that have been matured span the membrane and are degraded. Translocation of polypeptides is a late event relative to extent of elongation, occurring only after maltosebinding protein has reached molecular weight 33,000 (80% of its entire length) and after ribosebinding protein has been fully elongated (molecular weight 29,000). The data presented here are inconsistent with postulated mechanisms of export requiring a strict coupling of translocation to elongation of nascent polypeptide chains. In contrast, the data support the idea that entire domains of polypeptides are transferred after their synthesis. This is the case whether the translocation of a protein is initiated post-translationally or begins before synthesis of the entire protein is completed.
Selective electro-conversion of glycerol to glycolate on carbon nanotube supported gold catalyst

Glycerol is electro-converted to glycolate with 85% selectivity on carbon nanotube supported Au catalyst (Au/CNT) in alkaline electrolyte at 1.6 V (vs. SHE) under mild reaction conditions (room temperature, atmosphere pressure, water as solvent).