cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The developmental pattern of androgen receptor expression in rat prostate lobes is altered after neonatal exposure to estrogen

Brief administration of estrogen to newborn rats permanently imprints adult prostatic androgen receptor (AR) expression in a lobe-specific manner. To delineate this effect, we examined the immediate effects of early estrogen exposure on the changing AR pattern in the developing ventral, dorsal, and lateral prostate lobes. Antibodies against rat AR (PG-21) were used in combination with several antibodies to cell-specific antigens for positive cellular identification by immunocytochemistry. At birth, mesenchymal cells of the ventral prostate were strongly AR positive (AR+). Epithelial cells stained only for basal cell cytokeratins and, in contrast to earlier reports, many were AR+ on day 1. Between days 3-5, periductal mesenchymal cells differentiated into smooth muscle cells which retained strong AR+ staining, whereas interductal fibroblasts exhibited a decreased incidence of AR+ cells. Between days 5-10, luminal epithelial cells first appeared, and a striking increase in AR staining intensity was noted re...
Patient-centered communication.

More than a string of words The study by Wright and colleagues in this issue of BMJ USA (p 303) presents the perspectives and experience of a small sample of patients with breast cancer as they engaged in the care process with their physicians. As the investigators note, their conclusions depart in substantial ways from current knowledge regarding the positive effects of patient-centered communication in oncology visits. In an attempt to understand how so dramatic a departure from the literature may be explained, conceptual weaknesses of the study and its interpretation of findings—rather than limitations of the established literature—have emerged. The investigators' primary conceptual errors were equating isolated segments of the medical dialogue with meaningful representations of communication skill, and further, attributing the source of perceived relationship characteristics to patients' dependency needs rather than to communication. The method of inquiry and sources of data for the study were unusual. Women with primary breast cancer, ranging in disease stage from histological diagnosis after surgery to follow-up …
Programming of hepatic histidase following prenatal administration of diethylstilbestrol.

Abstract Diethylstilbestrol was demonstrated to be a positive modulator of rat liver histidase in a manner similar to oestradiol-17β. Oral administration of diethylstilbestrol to pregnant rats at the 15th day of gestation and subsequent measurement of the sex-dependent activities of histidase in these offspring revealed no effect on histidase activities in immature male and female and adult male offspring. However, histidase activities of the adult female offspring were decreased and activities approached those of normal adult males. This masculinization of histidase activity can be reversed by exogenously administered estrogen.
Histone Deacetylase Inhibitors Repress the Transactivation Potential of Hypoxia-inducible Factors Independently of Direct Acetylation of HIF-α

Hypoxia-inducible factors (HIFs) are heterodimeric transcription factors regulating the oxygen supply, glucose metabolism, and angiogenesis. HIF function requires the recruitment of p300/CREB-binding protein, two coactivators with histone acetyltransferase activity, by the C-terminal transactivation domain of HIF-α (HIF-αCAD). Histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDAIs) induce differentiation or apoptosis and repress tumor growth and angiogenesis, hence being explored intensively as anti-cancer agents. Using combined pharmacological, biochemical, and genetic approaches, here we show that HDAIs repress the transactivation potential of HIF-αCAD. This repression is independent of the function of tumor suppressors von Hippel-Lindau or p53 or the degradation of HIF-α. We also demonstrate the sufficiency of low concentrations of HDAIs in repression of HIF target genes in tumor cells. We further show that HDAIs induce hyperacetylation of p300 and repress the HIF-1α·p300 complex in vivo. In vitro acetylation analysis reveals that the p300CH1 region, but not HIF-αCAD, is susceptible to acetylation. Taken together, our data demonstrate that a deacetylase activity is indispensable for the transactivation potential of HIF-αCAD and support a model that acetylation regulates HIF function by targeting HIF-α·p300 complex, not by direct acetylating HIF-α. The demonstration that HDAIs repress both HIF-1α and HIF-2α transactivation potential independently of von Hippel-Lindau tumor suppressor and p53 function indicates that HDAIs may have biological effects in a broad range of tissues in addition to tumors.
Confinement and transverse standing acoustic resonances in free-standing membranes

Brillouin light scattering (BLS) reveal standing wave acoustic resonances in unsupported 100 and 200 nm thick, SiN membranes. In contrast to supported thin films where discrete high frequency (GHz) longitudinal standing wave excitations were recently reported, transverse standing resonances are observed by light scattering in an unsupported laminar structure. Due to the boundary conditions imposed by the free upper and lower surfaces, the standing wave resonances are quantized in frequency. The resonances provide for a direct, nondestructive, measure of all principal elastic constants ${(C}_{11}{,C}_{44})$ that completely characterize the mechanical properties of the membrane. In addition, the two lowest order Lamb waves (dilational and flexural modes) of the membrane are observed. The results are compared to BLS performed on nitride films atop a Si underlayer when it is found that all standing resonances transform to leaky modes leading to featureless light scattering spectra.
When I look into your eyes

Gender differences in communication styles have been observed in subjects of all ages, in many cultures. This study was designed to see whether such gender differences persist in happily married couples. Observers coded the nonverbal behaviors of 40 happily married US couples who were videotaped discussing commitment in marriage. Although these couples showed no significant sex differences in marital satisfaction (as measured by the MARQ of Russell and Wells) or in verbal statements regarding commitment, robust sex differences in the following nonverbal behaviors emerged: smiling, laughing, and average length of look at spouse (t-test for matched pairs, p <0.01). Wives looked significantly longer, as if listening attentively; husbands used shorter glances at wives, suggesting a monitoring function. Results were consistent across age and length of marriage. Experimenter effects were seen, in that husbands were more likely to speak first with a male experimenter, and discussions went on longer with a female...
One-dimensional topography underlies three-dimensional fibrillar cell migration

Current concepts of cell migration were established in regular two-dimensional (2D) cell culture, but the roles of topography are poorly understood for cells migrating in an oriented 3D fibrillar extracellular matrix (ECM). We use a novel micropatterning technique termed microphotopatterning (μPP) to identify functions for 1D fibrillar patterns in 3D cell migration. In striking contrast to 2D, cell migration in both 1D and 3D is rapid, uniaxial, independent of ECM ligand density, and dependent on myosin II contractility and microtubules (MTs). 1D and 3D migration are also characterized by an anterior MT bundle with a posterior centrosome. We propose that cells migrate rapidly through 3D fibrillar matrices by a 1D migratory mechanism not mimicked by 2D matrices.
Stabilizing the dual inverted pendulum

Abstract A classical control approach to stabilizing a dual inverted pendulum system with linear control is presented, along with measured results of the completed system. The emphasis of this work is on both the system's implementation details and its role in a feedback course at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. The control method includes a variety of techniques that makes this system not only an ideal lecture demonstration but also an excellent source of examples for theoretical discussion.
The Transmembrane Domain of Glycoprotein Ibβ Is Critical to Efficient Expression of Glycoprotein Ib-IX Complex in the Plasma Membrane

Lack of expression of glycoprotein (GP) Ib-IX-V complex in platelets often results from mutations in its three subunits: GP Ibalpha, GP Ibbeta, or GP IX. The requirement of all three subunits in the efficient surface expression of the receptor complex has been reproduced in Chinese hamster ovary cells. Here, we probed the role of the transmembrane domains in expression of the GP Ib-IX complex and potential interactions between these domains. Replacing the transmembrane domains of either GP Ibalpha or GP Ibbeta, but not that of GP IX, with unrelated sequences markedly diminished surface expression of the GP Ib-IX complex in transiently transfected Chinese hamster ovary cells. Replacement of the Ibbeta transmembrane domain produced the largest effect. Furthermore, several single-site mutations in the Ibbeta transmembrane domain were found to significantly decrease overall expression as well as surface expression of GP Ibalpha, probably by perturbing the interaction between the Ibalpha and Ibbeta transmembrane domains and in turn reducing the stability of GP Ibalpha in the cell. Mutations S503V and S503L in the Ibalpha transmembrane domain partly reversed the expression-decreasing effect of mutation H139L, but not the others, in the Ibbeta transmembrane domain, suggesting a specific interaction between these two polar residues. Together, our results have demonstrated the importance of the Ibbeta transmembrane domain, through its interaction with the Ibalpha counterpart, to the proper assembly and efficient surface expression of the GP Ib-IX complex.
Improved Generalized Space-Shift Keying via Power Allocation

We investigate the power allocation in generalized space-shift keying (GSSK) multiple-input-multiple-output (MIMO) systems. The maximum-likelihood detection with full channel state information (CSI) at the receiver is considered. The goal of the design is to allocate transmit power on GSSK antennas to minimize the symbol error rate (SER) under the total power constraint. An upper bound of SER conditioned on CSI is presented. We propose an algorithm, called the Euclidean distance-based power allocation scheme, to minimize the SER upper bound. Simulation results demonstrate the performance superiority in the proposed scheme compared with prior space-shift-keying-type schemes and the conventional MIMO schemes.
Leucocytic emigration from inflamed capillaries.

THE precise manner in which margination and emigration of leucocytes occur in acute inflammation has not been elucidated despite numerous careful studies with the light microscope. Utilizing electron microscopy we have observed the emigration of leucocytes from capillaries in areas of acute inflammation in dog pancreas. Capillary endothelial cells react to injury by forming intra-lumenal finger-like projections of cytoplasm. These projections insinuate themselves around, and envelop, adjacent leucocytes, and, in this manner, draw the latter into the capillary wall (Fig. 1). This intramural localization of leucocytes is equivalent to ‘margination’ as seen by light microscopy and would appear to occur by a process similar to that of phagocytosis. The leucocytes are then extruded through the antiluminal border of the endothelial cell where they are separated from the extravascular space only by the basement membrane of the endothelial cell. After separation of leucocyte and endothelial cell by as much as 300 A., new basement membrane forms between them and is continuous with the old. Simultaneously old basement membrane adjacent to the leucocyte becomes smudged and frayed and gradually melts away, releasing the leucocyte into the extravascular space.
Pyrazine compounds in canned sweet corn flavour

Abstract Dimethyl pyrazine and dimethylethyl pyrazine were identified in canned sweet corn as important aroma compounds formed during thermal processing.
The unwavering commitment of regulatory T cells in the suppression of autoimmune encephalomyelitis: Another aspect of immune privilege in the CNS

FoxP3 + regulatory T (Treg) cells accumulate in the central nervous system (CNS) during experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis and have been shown to limit the extent of neuroinflammation and to facilitate clinical recovery. The recent demonstration that Treg cells lose FoxP3 expression and assume effector cell characteristics upon stimulation with proinflammatory cytokines has raised questions about their stability in the inflamed CNS. In this issue of the European Journal of Immunology, O’Connor et al. [Eur. J. Immunol. 2012. 42: 1164‐1173] show that CNS-infiltrating Treg cells maintain their suppressor phenotype by downregulating the IL-6 receptor. This commentary discusses the finding particularly with relevance to therapy of multiple sclerosis.
Changements démographiques et religieux chez les hispaniques des Etats-Unis

L'auteur analyse le debat sur l'appartenance religieuse des hispaniques aux Etats-Unis. Selon les sources, l'adhesion au catholicisme parmi la population hispanique vivant aux Etats-Unis varie entre 77 et 50%. Apresavoir releve les limites des etudes anterieures, l'auteur se fonde sur l'enquete nationale HCAPL (Hispanic Churches in American Public Life; n = 2060) pour analyser six changements demographiques qui affectent l'appartenance religieuse des populations d'origine hispanique aux Etats-Unis: (1) les defections parmi les catholiques; (2) les conversions massives au protestantisme; (3) le recul du protestantisme "traditionnel"; (4) la montee du pentecotisme et la "pentecotisation" du christianisme chez les hispaniques; (5) la poussee des traditions chretiennes alternatives; et (6) l'avancee des "religions du monde", des traditions metaphysiques et du non-confessionnalisme. En subdivisant le protestantisme hispanique en ses variantes "traditionnelles", evangeliques et pentecotistes, l'auteur remet en question la theorie selon laquelle les conversions des hispaniques seraient motivees par des espoirs d'ascension sociale. Les glissements observes semblent indiquer que le futur paysage religieux hispanique aux Etats-Unis restera catholique, mais sera de plus en plus marque par le courant pentecotiste/charismatique, les mouvements chretiens alternatifs et les courants "heterodoxes" et non confessionnels.
Sensitivity of the mature lateral geniculate nucleus to components of monocular paralysis

Abstract Immobilization of the globe by tenotomization of the extrinsic muscles of one eye reduces the encounter rate for X-latency cells in the contralateral dorsal lateral geniculate nucleus (LGN) of adult cats. The reduction in the relative encounter rate for X-latency cells after tenotomy was comparable to that previously observed in the adult cat following concurrent paralysis of the extrinsic and intrinsic muscles of one eye by transection of cranial nerves III, IV, and VI. Paralysis of the intrinsic muscles alone by atropinization, on the other hand, had no detectable effect upon this aspect of LGN physiology. It appears, therefore, that monocular paralysis by cranial nerve section has its effects on LGN X-latency cells through its paralysis of the extrinsic eye muscles. Furthermore, the reduction in the relative encounter rate for X-latency cells produced by tenotomy occurred in spite of early, incomplete return of mobility of the globe. Thus, unilaterally diminished mobility of the globe, in contrast to the complete, sustained immobility characteristic of monocular paralysis, appears sufficient to alter this aspect of LGN physiology in adult cats. The general observation that sensory modifications, in the adult cat, are capable of inducing shifts in the relative recording probabilities for X- and Y-latency cells in the LGN has been repeatedly made. Further, recent, independent observations have provided confirmation for the phenomenon of X/Y ratio shifts in the LGN following adult-onset stimulus modification.
Heterogeneity of glomerular size in normal donor kidneys : Impact of race

Glomerular size has been the subject of many studies and, in a number of settings, has a direct association with the development of glomerular sclerosis. However, the normal distribution of glomerular size has not been thoroughly evaluated in the general population in the United States. To address this issue, we analyzed the baseline biopsy specimens of 103 human donor kidneys to determine the maximal planar area (MPA) of the glomerular tuft in a heterogeneous human population. The MPA of each glomerulus was determined by measurement of sections through the vascular pole and/or origin of the proximal tubule, and was determined on each section by two methods: point counting and computer planimetry. There was very high agreement between these two methods. Multivariate analysis was used to identify significant correlates with MPA. Overall, younger donors had smaller glomeruli (P < 0.0001). Black donors had a larger MPA (23.4+/-8.6 mm2 x 10(-3)) than white donors (17.9+/-6.7 mm2 x 10(-3); P < 0.001), independent of donor age. MPA was not significantly different between genders. This heterogeneity in glomerular size may confound clinical studies if not recognized and may help explain differences in glomerular structure and function in response to injurious processes.
An experimental investigation of Lewis acid-base interactions of liquid carbon dioxide using Fourier Transform Infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy

Presented here is an investigation into the solvent properties of liquid carbon dioxide by means of FT-IR spectroscopy. A high-pressure, circulation-type apparatus was designed and built specifically for this study. The spectra for the combination bands for carbon dioxide show that there are interactions between methanol and carbon dioxide. However, the spectra of the fundamental O-D vibration of deuterated methanol in liquid carbon dioxide indicate that there is no hydrogen bonding. Therefore. we conclude that the interactions between carbon dioxide and methanol are Lewis acid-base interactions rather than hydrogen bonding. This conclusion is supported by experiments where acetone is introduced into the CO2/methanol-d binary system. FT-IR measurements show that acetone hydrogen bonds with deuterated methanol.
Effects of narcotic antagonists on L-dopa reversal of reserpine-induced catalepsy and blepharoptosis in mice

Abstract Reserpine (1 mg/kg, i.p.) induced catalepsy and blepharoptosis in mice which were readily reversed by the administration of L-dopa (300 mg/kg, i.p.). The administration of the pure narcotic antagonists naloxone (10 mg/kg, i.p.) and naltrexone (1 mg/kg, i.p.) significantly potentiated L-dopa reversal of reserpine-induced catalepsy. Lower doses of the narcotic antagonists did not significantly alter this reversal. The L-dopa reversal of blepharoptosis was not significantly altered by either naloxone or naltrexone. These results indicate that while opiate receptors may be involved in L-dopa reversal of catalepsy, they may not have a role in the alteration of blepharoptosis.
An Integrated Model-Driven Approach for Mechatronic Systems Testing

Mechatronic systems integrate mechanical, electrical and software subsystems. They are increasingly important in mission-critical infrastructures in different domains including automotive, healthcare, energy and transportation sectors. As such, the adequate testing and validation of such infrastructures are of prime importance. Mechatronic systems testing has been supported by different isolated industrial and research approaches including automated test infrastructures, model-based testing, and test execution engines. While these approaches have individual benefits, they are usually applied in isolation, suffering from different weaknesses. This paper reports on an integrated model-driven approach for mechatronic systems testing, where existing approaches are combined and enhanced. The result is unprecedented levels of automation and testability. We discuss the design and implementation of our approach, illustrating its use with a hybrid calculator example.
Estimating Gross Photosynthesis Using Satellite and Ancillary Data: Approach and Preliminary Results

Abstract Observations by space-borne sensors can provide photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) intercepted by a canopy (IPAR), which, together with radiation use efficiency (RUE), can be used to estimate carbon assimilation by terrestrial plant communities. Evaluation of biological and environmental factors determining variability of RUE for daily total gross photosynthesis within and among species suggests a biophysically based approach for estimating daily total gross photosynthesis using satellite and ancillary data. Calculations have been done using leaf photosynthesis and canopy characteristics derived from field measurements for six cultivated herbaceous and 12 uncultivated (herbaceous and needle leaf and broadleaf woody) species, and mixed species stands of temperate deciduous forest and tropical moist and dry forests. These data are for 65 canopies, divided about equally between cultivated and uncultivated species, and the leaf area index varies between 0.6 and 9.5. A model for instantaneous canopy photosynthesis, considering sunlit and shaded leaves, variation of maximum rate of leaf photosynthesis within the canopy, and a solution of the radiative transfer equation for propagation of direct and diffuse PAR, is numerically integrated in space (angular variation of radiances and depth within the canopy) and time (diurnal variation) to obtain daily total gross photosynthesis and IPAR for varied incident irradiances. The results show that the maximum rate of leaf photosynthesis and magnitudes of direct and diffuse irradiance incident on the canopy are the major factors determining RUE for unstressed conditions. Also, while woody species on the average have lower RUE, they are found to utilize diffuse radiation more efficiently than cultivated species. Comparison of calculated RUE with observations for 10 cultivated species in varied environment gave differences of −23% to +11% for individual species, but aggregately they have almost equal coefficient of variation (∼25%) and their averages differ by −6% (underestimation). Monthly and annual gross photosynthesis determined using satellite and ancillary data are obtained for rain forest (in Brazil), boreal forest (in Canada), and cropland (in the United States). Annual photosynthesis calculated using satellite data for the three biomes differed from that determined from field measurements by −29% to +15%, averaging to +6%. The above error estimates for RUE and photosynthesis are obtained without calibrating any model parameter.
Gap Junction Coupling and Calcium Waves in the Pancreatic Islet

The pancreatic islet is a highly coupled, multicellular system that exhibits complex spatiotemporal electrical activity in response to elevated glucose levels. The emergent properties of islets, which differ from those arising in isolated islet cells, are believed to arise in part by gap junctional coupling, but the mechanisms through which this coupling occurs are poorly understood. To uncover these mechanisms, we have used both high-speed imaging and theoretical modeling of the electrical activity in pancreatic islets under a reduction in the gap junction mediated electrical coupling. Utilizing islets from a gap junction protein connexin 36 knockout mouse model together with chemical inhibitors, we can modulate the electrical coupling in the islet in a precise manner and quantify this modulation by electrophysiology measurements. We find that after a reduction in electrical coupling, calcium waves are slowed as well as disrupted, and the number of cells showing synchronous calcium oscillations is reduced. This behavior can be reproduced by computational modeling of a heterogeneous population of β-cells with heterogeneous levels of electrical coupling. The resulting quantitative agreement between the data and analytical models of islet connectivity, using only a single free parameter, reveals the mechanistic underpinnings of the multicellular behavior of the islet.
Mycobacterial Infections and the Inflammatory Seesaw

Eicosanoids can have either proinflammatory effects or anti-inflammatory effects. Tobin and colleagues use a forward genetic screen in zebrafish to identify a key eicosanoid enzyme, leukotriene A(4) hydrolase (LTA(4)H), that controls susceptibility to mycobacterial infection. They also demonstrate that polymorphisms in LTA(4)H are associated with susceptibility to mycobacteria in humans.
Dialysis of Complement Against 1.0 Normal Sodium Chloride.

SummaryDialysis against 1.0 N NaCl at 4.5°C does not remove a dialyzable component from the guinea-pig complement. The gradual loss of activity noted may be accounted for on the basis of changes within the protein-molecule.
Nondestructive Characterization Of MOCVD-Grown GaInAs/GaAs Using Rocking Curve And Topography

Partially relaxed GaInAs layers grown on (001) GaAs substrates by Metalorganic Chemical Vapor Deposition are studied using x-ray rocking curve (XRC) and double crystal topography, energy dispersive x-ray analysis (EDAX), and Nomarski phase contrast microscopy. Epilayers of 1 - 7 gm thickness are grown on various buffer layers. Epilayers grown on a plain GaAs buffer layer and on a graded GaInAs buffer layer contain many line defects (LD) and show cross-hatched patterns on the surface. The layer grown on a strained layer superlattice buffer layer is free of LD's and of the cross-hatched patterns. All the layers are relaxed by differing amounts along the two directions. The XRC and EDAX measurements of the ternary layer compositions agree reasonably well. The mean spacing of misfit dislocations from XRC and the LD spacing from topography agree in the order of magnitude with the electron microscopy measurements by others. The XRC data on x-ray strain, elastic strain, and the misorientation angle between the epilayer and substrate are also presented.
Inter-calibration of meteorological satellite sensors in the visible and near-infrared

Abstract A simple technique for the inter-calibration of meteorological satellite sensors in the visible and near-infrared is described. The technique is based on using inter-relationships established using model simulations of the radiation measured at the top of the atmosphere by the reference and candidate sensors to transfer the calibration of the former to the latter, using a radiometrically stable desert calibration site as a calibration transfer platform. The application of the technique is illustrated with examples of the inter-calibration of the visible and near-infrared channels of the Advanced Very High Resolution Radiometer (AVHRR), the GOES Imager, the Along-Track Scanning Radiometer-2 (ATSR-2), and the Moderate-resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS).
Advance Care Planning and End-of-Life Care for Hospitalized Nursing Home Residents

OBJECTIVES: To describe advance care planning (ACP) and end-of-life care for nursing home residents who are hospitalized in the last 6 weeks of life. DESIGN: Constant comparative analysis of deceased nursing home resident cases. SETTING: A not-for-profit Jewish nursing home. PARTICIPANTS: Forty-three deceased residents hospitalized within the last 6 weeks of life at a tertiary medical center. MEASUREMENTS: Trained nurse reviewers abstracted data from nursing home records and gerontological advanced practice nurse field notes. Clinical and outcome data from the original study were used to describe the sample. Data were analyzed using the constant comparative method and validated in interviews with a gerontological advanced practice nurse and social worker. RESULTS: The analysis revealed distinct characteristics and identifiable transition points in ACP and end-of-life care with frail nursing home residents. ACP was addressed by social workers as part of the nursing home admission process, focused primarily on cardiopulmonary resuscitation preference, and reviewed only after the crisis of acute illness and hospitalization. Advance directive forms specifying preferences or limitations for life-sustaining treatment contained inconsistent language and vague conditions for implementation. ACP review generally resulted in gradual limitation of life-sustaining treatment. Transition points included nursing home admission, acute illness or hospitalization, and decline toward death. Relatively few nursing home residents received hospice services, with most hospice referrals and palliative care treatment delayed until the week before death. Most residents in this sample died without family present and with little documented evidence of pain or symptom management. CONCLUSION: Limiting discussion of advance care plans to cardiopulmonary resuscitation falsely dichotomized and oversimplified the choices about medical treatment and care at end-of-life, especially palliative care alternatives, for these older nursing home residents. Formal hospice services were underutilized, and palliative care efforts by nursing home staff were often inconsistent with accepted standards. These results reinforce the need for research and program initiatives in long-term care to improve and facilitate individualized ACP and palliative care at end of life.
Vibrational frequencies and structural determination of the perfluorocyclopropenyl cation

Abstract The normal mode frequencies and corresponding vibrational assignments of the perfluorocyclopropenyl cation in D 3 h symmetry are examined theoretically using the Gaussian98 set of quantum chemistry codes. All normal modes were successfully assigned to one of three types of motion (C–C stretch, C–F stretch, and C–F bend) predicted by a group theoretical 1analysis. By comparing the vibrational frequencies with IR and Raman spectra available in the literature, a set of scaling factors is derived. Molecular orbitals and bonding are examined.
Peroxidase and Catalase in Saliva.

Summary1. Peroxidase in normal saliva is predominantly of glandular origin with a smaller amount of activity contributed by the leukocytes. Hemoglobin may be present in trace amounts. Although sali...
Homogeneity and symmetry testing when the error distribution has fat tails

Abstract The Laitinen (1978) and Meisner (1979) experiments are extended to error distributions that are fat-tailed mixtures of normal distributions.
A NEW SPECIES OF THE ANT GENUS LEPTOTHORAX FROM FLORIDA, WITH A KEY TO THE LEPTOTHORAX OF THE SOUTHEAST (HYMENOPTERA: FORMICIDAE)

A new species of myrmicine ant is described from Florida: Leptothorax palustris is known from workers and associated queens and males collected in a marsh and in frequently flooded pinelands in the Apalachicola National Forest in northwestern Florida. Nests are near the surface in root mats that extend into small open sandy hummocks. The species resembles Leptothorax texanus Wheeler, a species of adjacent well-drained sandy sites, differing primarily in the structure of the petiole and postpetiole and color. Leptothorax davisi Wheeler is synonymized with Leptothorax texanus Wheeler (new synonymy); this is based on extensive and previously unknown variability in L. texanus, even in single sites and within nest series. An illustrated key is presented for the identification of the eleven species of Leptothorax known from the Atlantic Coastal states north through North Carolina, with the addition of Alabama.
Yield–trait performance landscapes: from theory to application in breeding maize for drought tolerance

The effectiveness of breeding strategies to increase drought resistance in crops could be increased further if some of the complexities in gene-to-phenotype (G/P) relations associated with epistasis, pleiotropy, and genotype-byenvironment interactions could be captured in realistic G/P models, and represented in a quantitative manner useful for selection. This paper outlines a promising methodology. First, the concept of landscapes was extended from the study of fitness landscapes used in evolutionary genetics to the characterization of yield–trait-performance landscapes for agricultural environments and applications in plant breeding. Second, the E(NK) model of trait genetic architecture was extended to incorporate biophysical, physiological, and statistical components. Third, a graphical representation is proposed to visualize the yield–trait performance landscape concept for use in selection decisions. The methodology was demonstrated at a particular stage of a maize breeding programme with the objective of improving the drought tolerance of maize hybrids for the US Western Corn-Belt. The application of the framework to the genetic improvement of drought tolerance in maize supported selection of Doubled Haploid (DH) lines with improved levels of drought tolerance based on physiological genetic knowledge, prediction of testcross yield within the target population of environments, and their predicted potential to sustain further genetic progress with additional cycles of selection. The existence of rugged yield-performance landscapes with multiple peaks and intervening valleys of lower performance, as shown in this study, supports the proposition that phenotyping strategies, and the directions emphasized in genomic selection can be improved by creating knowledge of the topology of yield–trait performance landscapes.
Communication vs. Consultation: Two Duties We Must Pursue

I would like in this essay to delve into the subject of the radiologist’s interaction with referrers. In the preceding discussion I hinted at this obligation. What is most important about our tasks for the sake of our patients was not just the interpretation of findings but also the character and quality of the physician-to-physician transactions that followed from your observations as manifested in your reports. Moreover, our responsibility is not limited to the recognition of abnormalities. It is concerned, too, with the integration of our expertise with other elements of care. For that we needed to consult with referrers and, more to the point, to make those exchanges central to our daily work.
Kaposi's Sarcoma-Associated Herpesvirus Open Reading Frame 57 Encodes a Posttranscriptional Regulator with Multiple Distinct Activities

Open reading frame (ORF) 57 of Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) encodes a homolog of known posttranscriptional regulators that are essential for replication in other herpesviruses. Here, we examined the expression of this gene and the function(s) of its product. KSHV ORF 57 is expressed very early in infection from a 1.6-kb spliced RNA bearing several in-frame initiation codons. Its product is a nuclear protein that, in transient assays, has little effect on the expression of luciferase reporter genes driven by a variety of KSHV and heterologous promoters. However, ORF 57 protein enhances the accumulation of several viral transcripts, in a manner suggesting posttranscriptional regulation. These transcripts include not only known cytoplasmic mRNAs (e.g., ORF 59) but also a nuclear RNA (nut-1) that lacks coding potential. Finally, ORF 57 protein can also modulate the effects of the ORF 50 gene product, a classical transactivator known to be required for lytic induction. The expression from some (e.g., nut-1) but not all (e.g., tk) ORF 50-responsive promoters can be synergistically enhanced by coexpression of ORF 50 and ORF 57. This effect is not due to upregulation of ORF 50 expression but rather to a posttranslational enhancement of the transcriptional activity of ORF 50. These data indicate that ORF 57 is a powerful pleiotropic effector that can act on several posttranscriptional levels to modulate the expression of viral genes in infected cells.
Necrolytic migratory erythema without glucagonoma in patients with liver disease

Abstract Background: Necrolytic migratory erythema (NME) is an uncommon inflammatory dermatosis with a distinct clinical and histologic appearance. NME is usually associated with glucagonoma. Only a few cases of NME in the absence of glucagonoma have been previously reported. Objective: We sought to understand further the pathogenesis of NME by analyzing data from three patients. Methods: Three patients were examined both clinically and histopathologically. Results: Each patient had an extensive erythematous scaling eruption in intertriginous, perioral, and acral areas, and a markedly red, smooth tongue. Skin biopsy specimens showed confluent parakeratosis, epidermal pallor, papillary edema, and a lymphohistiocytic infiltrate. Two patients had alcoholic liver disease and one had liver dysfunction as a result of hemochromatosis. Serum albumin level was depressed, and liver enzyme values were increased in all three patients. Glucagonoma was undetectable in these patients. Conclusion: In the absence of glucagonoma, hepatocellular dysfunction and hypoalbuminemia appear to be the most common factors associated with NME.
Direct FIR Linear Equalization of Doubly Selective Channels Based on Superimposed Training

Design of doubly-selective linear equalizers for single user frequency-selective time-varying communications channels is considered using superimposed training and without first estimating the underlying channel response. Both the time-varying channel as well as the linear equalizers are assumed to be described by a complex exponential basis expansion model (CE-BEM). A periodic (non-random) training sequence is arithmetically added (superimposed) at a low power to the information sequence at the transmitter before modulation and transmission. There is no loss in information rate. Knowledge of the superimposed training is exploited to design the FIR linear equalizer. An illustrative simulation example is presented.
Operation Wellness: A University/Community Collaboration to Enhance Adult Wellness

Operation Wellness, a 4-year collaborative university/community-based initiative for individuals in a small, rural county in Indiana, was designed to promote physical activity, improve nutrition, and implement other healthy lifestyle changes. A variety of programs and strategies were offered for children who enrolled in Wellness Preparatory (toddlers through middle school) and for adults who enrolled in Wellness University (high school through senior citizens). This article describes the adult program. Results for the 4-year program include the following: The percentage of those who reporting exercising 3–4 days per week increased from 29.7% to 37.4%; smoking or using smokeless tobacco declined from 11.2% to 10.0%, but there was no difference in the number of servings of fruits and vegetables consumed per day. One of the most cost-effective and successful programs was Dump Your PlumpTM worksite weight loss competition where 333 individuals on 52 worker-led teams lost 2,256 pounds of body weight.
Auto-steered information-decision processes for electric system asset management

The total replacement value of the US transmission lines alone (excluding land) is conservatively estimated at over $100 billion dollars [1] and triples when including transformers and circuit breakers. Investment in new transmission equipment has significantly declined over the past 15 years. Some of the equipment is well beyond intended life, yet is operated under increasing stress, as load growth, new generation, and economically motivated transmission flows push equipment beyond nameplate limits. Maintaining acceptable electric transmission system reliability and delivering electric energy at low energy prices requires innovations in sensing, diagnostics, communications, data management, processing, algorithms, risk assessment, decision-making (for operations, maintenance, and planning), and process coordination. This paper overviews a comprehensive approach to develop methods and processes in these areas, driven by the ultimate objective to develop a hardware-software prototype capable of auto-steering the information-decision cycles inherent to managing operations, maintenance, and planning of the high-voltage electric power transmission systems.
An architecture to perform NIC based MPI matching

Modern supercomputers aggregate thousands of microprocessors through a high performance network. Many of these systems place a processor on the network interface controller (NIC) to handle some portion of the MPI processing. This processing involves traversing a linked list and invoking a matching function for each item. Although this task is critical to the performance of the system, microprocessors perform it extremely poorly. Furthermore, the traditional network processor approaches of multicore and multithreading map poorly to the problem because the list is a shared data structure. While match processing can be implemented directly in hardware, hardware implementations can be extremely inflexible and lead to extremely high risk. This paper presents a novel, programmable architecture for a processor to handle the matching function. The matching engine approaches the performance of a direct hardware implementation while maintaining a high degree of flexibility and programmability. More importantly, it requires a dramatically smaller area than a conventional processor.
Fertility decline in the modern world and in the original demographic transition: testing three theories with cross-national data.

This study uses aggregate data on a large number of the world's societies to test three theories of fertility decline in the modern world and in the original demographic transition. One prominent theory relates fertility decline to the changing economic value of children. With industrialization and overall modernization the economic value of children's labor shifts from positive to negative. This interpretation has been challenged by those who claim that the flow of wealth in preindustrial societies is always from parent to child rather than from child to parent. An alternative interpretation is that fertility levels reflect people's efforts to promote their reproductive success, and that this requires the careful tracking of infant and child mortality. Fertility rates are adjusted to the rate of infant and child survival, and will be high when survival rates are low and low when survival rates are high. A third theory emphasizes female empowerment. Fertility will be high when women are highly subordinated to men, but as women gain more autonomy and control over their own lives they reduce their fertility levels because, among other possibilities, higher levels of fertility present them with serious burdens. We tested all three theories through multiple regression analyses performed on two samples of societies, the first a large sample of the world's nation-states during the period between 1960 and 1990, and the second a sample of now-developed societies between 1880 and 1940. Our findings showed that infant mortality was an excellent predictor of fertility, and that female empowerment was a good predictor. However, there was only weak support for the argument that the economic value of children's labor plays an important role in fertility decisions. The findings were discussed in the context of a broader interpretation of fertility behavior in societies with high levels of industrialization and modernization.
Adverse Effects of US Jail and Prison Policies on the Health and Well-Being of Women of Color

In the past few decades, US policies have led to an unprecedented increase in the number of people behind bars. While more men than women are incarcerated, the rate of increase for women has been higher. Evidence of the negative impact of incarceration on the health of women of color suggests strategies to reduce these adverse effects. Correctional policies contribute to disparities in health between White women and women of color, providing a public health rationale for policy change. Specific roles for health professionals include becoming involved in alliances addressing alternatives to incarceration, creating programs that address the needs of women in correctional facilities, and identifying the pathways by which correctional policies damage health.
Outcomes of Endoscopic Realignment of Pelvic Fracture Associated Urethral Injuries at a Level 1 Trauma Center

Purpose: We examined the success of early endoscopic realignment of pelvic fracture associated urethral injury after blunt pelvic trauma.Materials and Methods: A retrospective review was performed of patients with pelvic fracture associated urethral injury who underwent early endoscopic realignment using a retrograde or retrograde/antegrade approach from 2004 to 2010 at a Level 1 trauma center. Followup consisted of uroflowmetry, post-void residual and cystoscopic evaluation. Failure of early endoscopic realignment was defined as patients requiring urethral dilation, direct vision internal urethrotomy, posterior urethroplasty or self-catheterization after initial urethral catheter removal.Results: A total of 19 consecutive patients (mean age 38 years) with blunt pelvic fracture associated urethral injury underwent early endoscopic realignment. Twelve cases of complete urethral disruption, 4 of incomplete disruption and 3 of indeterminate status were noted. Mean time to realignment was 2 days and mean dura...
The Mechanics of Central Bank Intervention in Foreign Exchange Markets

Central banks in developing countries, wanting to devalue the domestic currency, usually intervene in the foreign exchange market by buying up foreign currency using domestic money—often backing this up with sterilization to counter inflationary pressures. Such interventions are usually effective in devaluing the currency but lead to a build up of foreign exchange reserves beyond what the central bank may need. The present paper analyzes the ‘mechanics’ of such central bank interventions and, using techniques of industrial organization theory, proposes new kinds of interventions which have the same desired effect on the exchange rate, without causing a build up of reserves.
Chlamydia trachomatis Infections: Progress and Problems

Chalmydia trachomatis infections are the most common bacterial sexually transmitted disease in the United States. A substantial proportion of initial infections in both men and women are asymptomatic. Use of nucleic acid amplification-based diagnostic tests on first-void urine makes it possible to initiate community-based screening programs aimed at identifying asymptomatically infected men and women. Directly observed single-dose therapy with azithromycin is now available. Screening programs have been demonstrated to reduce the overall prevalence of chlamydial infection in the tested population and to reduce the incidence of subsequent pelvic inflammatory disease in previously screened women. The sequelae of chlamydial infections are likely due to immunopathologically mediated events in which both the chlamydial 60 kDa heat-shock protein and genetic predisposition of specific patients play a role. An improved understanding of immunologic events leading to upper genital tract scarring is needed to target specific interventions and facilitate development of a vaccine.
Error Detection Using Dynamic Dataflow Verification

A significant fraction of the circuitry in a modern processor is dedicated to converting the linear instruction stream into a representation that allows the execution of instructions in data dependence order, rather than program order, to extract instruction level parallelism. All errors caused by hardware faults in this circuitry - which includes the fetch and decode stages, renaming and scheduling logic, as well as the commit stage - will manifest themselves as incorrectly constructed dataflow graphs. Dynamic dataflow verification (DDFV) compares the dynamically constructed and executed dataflow graph to the expected dataflow graph of the static program binary, represented by a signature embedded in the instruction stream. The signature comparison enables comprehensive detection of transient errors, permanent errors, and design bugs in the dataflow circuitry. We show that DDFV detects errors with high probability, at a low hardware and performance cost.