cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Sampling of Multiple 320-Gb/s Channels by Single Parametric Gate

All-optical multicasting of a 320-Gb/s intensity-modulated return-to-zero signal with subsequent simultaneous sampling by a single parametric gate is experimentally demonstrated. The architecture used a two-pump broadband fiber-optic parametric amplifier for multicasting, and a single 40-GHz optical parametric sampling gate in a highly nonlinear fiber. Using this architecture, we demonstrate parallel demultiplexing of four 320-Gb/s tributary channels. All demultiplexed channels were measured with a Q-factor better than 15 dB.
The Facilitation of ESP Through Hypnosis

Studies related to possible relationships between hypnosis and ESP are reviewed. The hypothesis is advanced that successful ESP scoring will be demonstrated in hypnosis if there is a close meaningful relationship between S and the hypnotist, if there has been prior preparation of S to develop vivid trance imagery and if the ESP stimuli possess some personal significance for S.
Outlet dysfunction constipation

The diagnosis of outlet dysfunction constipation in patients with idiopathic constipation that responds poorly or not at all to conservative measures, such as fiber supplements, fluids, and stimulant laxatives, is based upon diagnostic testing. These tests include colonic transit of radio-opaque markers, anorectal manometry or electromyography, barium defecography, and expulsion of a water-filled balloon. The literature suggests that conditions such as pelvic floor dyssynergia exist but may be over-diagnosed as a laboratory artifact. In our laboratory, we screen patients with balloon expulsion studies, and then test for dyssynergia only if the result of the balloon expulsion test is abnormal. In my opinion, anal sphincter electromyogram and manometry are equivalent in establishing the diagnosis. Barium defecography is helpful in making a diagnosis of a rectocele, but I prefer to document that vaginal pressure on the rectocele significantly improves rectal evacuation. Manometry also helps to establish the presence of megarectum, hypotonia, and weak expulsion efforts. Conceptually, biofeedback training, which incorporates simulated defecation, is the most logical approach to pelvic floor dyssynergia. It incurs no risk and benefits 60% to 80% of patients. The drawbacks are the time-intensive nature of the therapy and the short-term costs, which are offset if there is sustained benefit. There is no evidence that biofeedback is helpful in children with constipation. Habit training has established benefits, but recurrences are frequent and long-term reinforcement is helpful to maintain success. Laxatives and enemas are adjunctive therapies in both habit training and biofeedback. Surgery is effective in those uncommon patients with physiologically significant rectoceles, but surgical division of the puborectalis muscle is risky and unproven. Likewise, botulinum toxin injection into the puborectalis is unproven, but the effects are rarely permanent should incontinence occur. Diagnostic measures and therapeutic success are enhanced when patients are seen in centers experienced with the evaluation of these disorders.
RLINE: A line source dispersion model for near-surface releases

Abstract This paper describes the formulation and evaluation of RLINE, a Research LINE source model for near-surface releases. The model is designed to simulate mobile source pollutant dispersion to support the assessment of human exposures in near-roadway environments where a significant portion of the population spends time. The model uses an efficient numerical integration scheme to integrate the contributions of point sources used to represent a line-source. Emphasis has been placed on estimates of concentrations very near to the source line. The near-surface dispersion algorithms are based on new formulations of horizontal and vertical dispersion within the atmospheric surface layer, details of which are described in a companion paper ( Venkatram et al., 2013 ). This paper describes the general formulations of the RLINE model, the meteorological inputs for the model, the numerical integration techniques, the handling of receptors close to the line source, and the performance of the model against developmental data bases and near-road concentrations from independent field studies conducted along actual highway segments.
Mitochondrial localization of p53 during adenovirus infection and regulation of its activity by E1B-19K

Recent results have revealed that the p53 tumor suppressor protein possesses a direct transcription-independent apoptotic activity. During apoptosis induced by genotoxic stress, a small fraction of p53 is targeted to mitochondria where it initiates apoptosis by causing mitochondrial dysfunction. In adenovirus-infected cells, the expression of E1A protein enhances the accumulation of p53 during early phases of infection and during late times after infection, it is targeted for degradation by the combined action of E1B-55K and E4-orf6 proteins. The functional significance of E1A-mediated accumulation of p53 during early phases of viral replication is not known. Our studies with isogenic epithelial cell lines that differ only on the status of p53 indicate that Ad infection induces apoptosis by p53-dependent and -independent pathways and both pathways are suppressed by E1B-19K. We show that during early phase of Ad infection, a fraction of p53 is targeted to the mitochondria. In virus infected cells, a large fraction of the viral antiapoptosis protein E1B-19K is also localized in mitochondria during early and late phases of infection. Coimmunoprecipitation analysis has revealed that p53 and E1B-19K form a complex in mitochondria. The interaction of 19K involves two noncontiguous regions located around amino-acid residues 14-15 and 123-124. On p53, the mutations within the DNA-binding domain reduce interaction with E1B-19K. Our studies also suggest that 19K may additionally complex with the multidomain mitochondrial proapoptotic protein BAK, thereby reducing the level of p53 interaction with BAK. We suggest that p53-induced apoptosis may be important for efficient cell lysis and viral spread and that E1B-19K may neutralize the apoptotic activity of p53 at multiple levels.
Potent tetrapeptide enkephalins.

Abstract Small peptides with opiate-like activity have generally had structures closely resembling that of the opioid pentapeptide enkephalin: Tyr-Gly-Gly-Phe-Met-COOH. Single deletions of any one of the amino acids has been demonstrated to reduce opiate activity drastically. In this work we show that the potency losses resulting from the removal of glycine 3 can be fully attenuated by substitution of D-alanine in position two and derivatization of the acid to the amide. This tetrapeptide (Tyr-DAla-Phe-Met-NH 2 ) has narcotic activity similar to the parent pentapeptide in the guinea pig ileum and mouse tail-flick tests. This enhanced potency, relative to the unaltered tetrapeptide, is theorized to arise from increased resistance to enzymatic destruction. the data presented show that a five amino acid sequence is not mandatory for the expression of opiate activity in enkephalin analogs.
Technical Change and the Evolution of Class Conscious Norms

Abstract Using a variant of the Michl-Baldani (2000) model of technical change as a strategic choice, this paper describes alternative foundations for the achievement of “positive class consciousness” The first is based on the Folk Theorem(s) of repeated games, while the second views the robust establishment of certain norms as the prerequisite for such conciousness.
Adaptations in the mesoaccumbens dopamine system resulting from repeated administration of dopamine D1 and D2 receptor-selective agonists : relevance to cocaine sensitization

The mesoaccumbens dopamine (DA) system is intricately involved in sensitization to the locomotor stimulant effects of cocaine. Among the adaptations implicated in cocaine sensitization are transient subsensitivity of impulse-regulating DA D2 autoreceptors on ventral tegmental area (VTA) DA neurons leading to hyperactivity of the mesoaccumbens DA pathway, and persistently enhanced DA D1 receptor responses of nucleus accumbens (NAc) neurons. We have tested the hypothesis that both of these adaptations are necessary to produce cocaine sensitization. We injected rats twice daily for 2 weeks with the selective DA D1 class receptor agonist SKF 38393, the DA D2 class receptor agonist quinpirole, or both. We then used single-cell recording procedures to determine possible alterations in VTA DA autoreceptor sensitivity and NAc D1 receptor sensitivity at three withdrawal times: 1 day, 1 week and 1 month. We also tested whether these treatments produced cross-sensitization to cocaine at each withdrawal time. Repeated quinpirole treatment produced a reduction in VTA autoreceptor sensitivity and cross-sensitization to cocaine, but these effects lasted for less than 1 week. Repeated SKF 38393 treatment produced enhanced NAc D1 responses which lasted for 1 week and cross-sensitization to cocaine which was only evident after 1 week of withdrawal. Repeated treatment with the combination of the two agonists transiently down-regulated autoreceptor sensitivity, enhanced and prolonged D1 receptor supersensitivity (lasting 1 month), and produced enduring cross-sensitization to cocaine. These results suggest that neuroadaptations within both the VTA and NAc may be necessary for the induction of enduring cocaine sensitization.
Benign clear cell tumor of the lung: a cautionary tale

A solitary pulmonary nodule removed from an asymptomatic 64-year-old man was thought to represent a benign clear cell tumor (BCCT); the patient was followed with serial urograms for over 1 1/2 years, at which time a renal carcinoma became obvious. The concept of BCCT is discussed in the context of this case. An aggressive diagnostic approach is indicated to rule out renal carcinoma when such a lesion is discovered.
Inoculum potential of Verticillium species in crop and weed residues overwintering in infested soil

Viable propagules ofVerticillium albo-atrum were recovered from roots and stems of naturally infected weeds and sunflower cultivars before or after burial in the field and from stems and roots of certain non-infested crops after burial in the field for seven months.Verticillium dahliae was recovered less frequently, then only from the roots ofSolanum nigrum (black nightshade). Survival of these pathogens after burial for 7 months varied considerably, ranging from 38 to 58% in sunflower stems and from 19 to 235% in roots of weeds. In stems of weeds and crops which did not contain propagules ofV. albo-atrum before burial, the fungus was recovered consistently after burial, indicating that saphophytic colonization probably occurred during interment.
Schizophrenia: an existential approach.

Existential Psychiatry concerns itself with man's total life experience--the problem of life's meaning, changing seasons, and the significance of suffering and death. Existential Psychiatry regards not only man's relationship to himself, his intrapsychic conflicts, his Eigenwelt, but also man's relation to his fellow men, his Mitwelt, and his environment, his Urnwelt. 1 What man lives by, his beliefs, life philosophy and his mode of being-in-the-world are also considered. In his search for the divine Thou, for the You of human relationships, the I may relate in a reciprocal manner or may use or abuse the You, the world, reducing them to Its, objects. 2 Regarding man neither solely as a biological unit nor a stimulus-response automaton, Existentialists insist that man searches for meaning and higher values and is capable of transcendence. Frankl, pioneer in Existential Psychiatry and Logotherapy, has again documented from his own experience and observations under extreme conditions of suffering, such as those that existed in the Nazi Concentration Camps, that man can choose to transcend his biological determinants. 3 Man's relation to the world, to the Universal, implies that he is also bound by moral laws and ethical principles. Fundamentally different from classical psychoanalytical and psychological theories, the Existential view claims that man owes something to the world; he is bound by the bonds of duty to the realities of his destiny. Again diverging from classical theories, which attribute the derivation of the superego to parental influences and social pressures, most Existentialists consider the conscience to be an innate, inherent endowment. Existentialists also insist on the intentionality of man's actions, for which he is responsible. "Man is what he purposes to be and places the entire responsibility for his existence squarely upon his own shoulders. There is no reality except in man's actions, these are fundamental principles of Existentialism, ''4 writes Sartre, who goes on to say that "even feelings are formed by the deeds one does."
Reduced-Order Modeling of Energy Harvesters

This work addresses the accuracy and convergence of reduced-order models (ROMs) of energy harvesters. Two types of energy harvesters are considered, a magnetostrictive rod in axial vibrations and a piezoelectric cantilever beam in traverse oscillations. The partial differential equations (PDEs) and associated boundary conditions governing the motion of these harvesters are obtained. The eigenvalue problem is then solved for the exact eigenvalues and modeshapes. Furthermore, an exact expression for the steady-sate output power is attained by direct solution of the PDEs. Subsequently, the results are compared to a ROM attained following the Rayleigh-Ritz procedure. It is observed that the eigenvalues and output power near the first resonance frequency are more accurate and has a much faster convergence to the exact solution for the piezoelectric cantilever beam. In addition, it is shown that the convergence is governed by two dimensionless constants, one that is related to the electromechanical coupling and the other to the ratio between the time constant of the mechanical oscillator and the harvesting circuit. Using these results, conclusions are drawn with regards to the design values for which the common single-mode ROM is accurate.Copyright © 2009 by ASME
Narrative as an index of communicative competence in mildly mentally retarded children

This study compared the narrative abilities of mildly mentally retarded and nonretarded children. Twenty mildly mentally retarded children and 20 nonretarded children, matched on mental age, PPVT-R scores, and SES were audiotaped while narrating a wordless picture book story. Results showed no differences between the groups in narrative length, use of tense and conjunctions, and use of narrative devices. However, there were significant differences in use of reference, with the mildly retarded children using more definite article + noun character introductions, showing more pronoun confusion, and more often pronominalizing all references to the story protagonist. Control of reference in narrative is discussed as presenting a particularly challenging set of discourse abilities because it requires the child to integrate knowledge across a number of linguistic and nonlinguistic domains.
A review of very-high-temperature Nb-silicide-based composites

The temperatures of airfoil surfaces in advanced turbine engines are approaching the limits of nickel-based superalloys. Innovations in refractory metal-intermetallic composites (RMICs) are being pursued, with particular emphasis on systems based on Nb-Si and Mo-Si-B alloys. These systems have the potential for service at surface temperatures >1350 °C. The present article will review the most recent progress in the development of Nb-silicide-based in-situ composites for very-high-temperature applications. Nb-silicide-based composites contain high-strength silicides that are toughened by a ductile Nb-based solid solution. Simple composites are based on binary Nb-Si alloys; more complex systems are alloyed with Ti, Hf, Cr, and Al. In higher-order silicide-based systems, alloying elements have been added to stabilize intermetallics, such as Laves phases, for additional oxidation resistance. Alloying schemes have been developed to achieve an excellent balance of room-temperature toughness, high-temperature creep performance, and oxidation resistance. Recent progress in the development of composite processing-structure-property relationships in Nb-silicide-based in-situ composites will be described, with emphasis on rupture resistance and oxidation performance. The Nb-silicide composite properties will be compared with those of advanced Ni-based superalloys.
Pituitary growth hormone response in rats during a 24-hour infusion of growth hormone-releasing factor.

The pituitary GH response during a 24-h iv infusion of GH-releasing factor (hpGRF-44; 15 μg/h) and to a subsequent bolus injection of hpGRF-44 (2 μg) was studied in conscious, freely moving male rats pretreated with antiserum against somatostatin. Within 2 h of the initiation of the hpGRF-44 infusion, plasma GH concentrations rose from 169 ± 16 to 2465 ± 307 (±se) ng/ml. By 6 h, plasma GH concentrations began to fall. They decreased slowly and reached a nadir of 490 ± 107 ng/ml by 12 h. Rats infused for 24 h with hpGRF-44 failed to respond to a 2-μg bolus injection (iv) of hpGRF-44, whereas rats infused for 24 h with saline responded with a normal increase in plasma GH. The pituitary GH content of rats treated with saline was significantly greater than that of rats treated with hpGRF-44. These results demonstrate that the capacity of the pituitary to respond to GRF can be exhausted after the chronic administration of hpGRF-44 and that this lack of response appears to be due, in part, to a depletion of pit...
Identifying potential “dropouts” from college physics classes

Hudson and Rottman (1981) established that mathematics ability is probably a secondary factor influencing dropout from college physics courses. Other factors remain to be found for predicting who will drop out or at least have difficulty with the course. When mathematics ability is coupled with general indicators of performance (total GPA and ACT natural science), prediction of performance for those who complete the course is substantially improved. Moreover, discriminant analyses reveal who will have at least some difficulty, but not who will drop out. The problem of isolating specific weaknesses of students who have difficulty persists. Physics achievement appears to depend on mathematics ability only to the extent that students possess the ability to utilize mathematics knowledge for solving physics problems. Identification of the specific aspects of this ability as well as the specific deficiencies leading to dropout should be the object of future research. For the present, interviews might be more revealing than group testing methods.
Soluble Adenylyl Cyclase Defines a Nuclear cAMP Microdomain in Keratinocyte Hyperproliferative Skin Diseases

Cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) is a nearly ubiquitous signaling molecule important for numerous signaling pathways in human skin. We studied a novel class of mammalian adenylyl cyclase, the soluble adenylyl cyclase (sAC). We examined sAC localization in normal human skin and found it to be present in keratinocytes, melanocytes, mononuclear cells, eccrine ducts, and nerves. In normal skin, sAC keratinocyte staining was evenly distributed throughout the cell. However, in certain hyperproliferative disorders of the skin, including psoriasis, verruca vulgaris, and SCCIS on sun-damaged skin, sAC keratinocyte staining was predominantly nuclear. In contrast, in other hyperproliferative disorders, such as basal cell carcinoma, sAC staining was similar to normal human skin. Using a model of epithelial differentiation, we established that sAC migrates into the nucleus when differentiated cells are induced to reenter the cell cycle. Previous work had determined that nuclear sAC activates the cAMP-response-element-binding (CREB) transcription factor, and we found that in psoriasis lesions, nuclear sAC occurs concomitantly with activation of CREB. Hence, sAC may play a role in the pathogenesis of certain hyperproliferative skin disorders via modulation of gene expression.
Which depressive symptoms remain after response to cognitive therapy of depression and predict relapse and recurrence

Background Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) is highly prevalent, severely debilitating, and often recurrent. Greater residual depressive symptoms after acute phase treatment predict greater relapse and recurrence. It is unknown, however, which specific depressive symptoms remain and are most predictive.
Protection of soluble benzodiazepine receptors from heat inactivation by gabaergic ligands

Benzodiazepine receptors were solubilized from calf brain cortex by the ionic detergent deoxycholate and by the nonionic detergent Triton X-100. Approximately 90% of the soluble benzodiazepine receptors of both preparations were heat inactivated within 30 min at 55 degrees C. 100 microM of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) protected 80% of Triton X-100 solubilized benzodiazepine receptors and 56% of the deoxycholate soluble benzodiazepine receptors from heat inactivation. Time course of heat inactivation showed that the deoxycholate soluble receptors are more sensitive to heat than the Triton X-100 soluble receptors.
Image-space particle emission

Particle systems are visualized by rendering some fixed number of particles per frame, where particle information is sampled from emitters represented by a location, and a range of potential initial particle parameters, such as origin, size, etc. For some complicated effects, especially for such effects where there are many potential emitters, where the location of the emitter is not well-defined, or when particle origins or other parameters can not be easily defined by an analytic boundary, the problem of generating new particle samples becomes difficult. One concrete example of such a scenario is the modelling of rain or hail splattering from visible objects as particles, where every point on a surface that can receive rain is a potential emitter. Another example comes in the form of a large-scale detailed forest fire simulation, where each leaf (or portion of leaf) that is burning is an emitter of flame particles, and there are potentially thousands of leaves visible at any given time.
Oxytocin antagonist blocks the vasodepressor but not the vasopressor effect of neurohypophysial peptides in chickens

Abstract Cockerels with permanent cannulas in the brachial artery and vein were put into isolated slings. Arterial pressure and heart rate were continuously recorded. Following habituation, tests were initiated. In each cockerel 2 nmol/kg of the tested neurohypophysial peptide (NPs) or analogue was IV injected six times at 6-min intervals. Arginine vasotocin (AVT) caused an immediate vasodepressor (VDP) effect and tachycardia. These subsided within 20–30 s and were followed by a vasopressor (VP) response and bradycardia. On repeated injections of AVT, the VDP response declined and bradycardia intensified. Arginine vasopressin (AVP), oxytocin (OT), and mesotocin (MT) had short-lasting VDP effect in the following order of potency: OT = MT > AVT > AVP . Only AVT and, more effectively, AVP, caused a VP response. The VDP effect of MT and OT declined on repeated injections. When AVT was injected after three injections of MT, it had mostly an immediate VP effect. Although the V1 agonist is VP in chickens, at the dose used the V1 antagonist, [d(CH2)5,O-Me-Tyr2]AVP, had no effect on cardiovascular responses to AVT. Pretreatment with OT antagonist, [d(CH2)5-O-Me-Tyr2,Thr4,Tyr9,Orn8]VT, abolished the VDP effect of all NPs. Thus, MT had no effect on blood pressure, whereas AVP and, more effectively, AVT, had a marked immediate VP action. In chickens the VDP effect of NPs is probably mediated by an OT/MT-like receptor, wherein the peptide's ring structure, shared by AVT, OT, and MT, is important. The VP effect is mediated by a receptor only partially similar to the mammalian V1 receptor, where arginine in position 8, shared only by AVT and AVP, is necessary for action, and the native AVT is more effective than the mammalian AVP. This receptor reacts to the V1 agonist but probably not to the V1 antagonist.
Surgical repair of aneurysms involving the suprarenal, visceral, and lower thoracic aortic segments: Early results and late outcome

Abstract Objective: The purpose of this study is to review our experience with surgical repair of lower thoracoabdominal and suprarenal aortic aneurysms to determine early and late survival rates and identify factors influencing morbidity and survival among these patients. Materials: From 1989 through 1998, 165 consecutive patients underwent repair of 108 thoracoabdominal (55 group III and 53 group IV) and 57 suprarenal aneurysms. The study group consisted of 109 men and 56 women with a mean age of 70 years (median, 70 years; range, 29-89 years). Mean aneurysm diameter was 6.9 cm (median, 6.5 cm; range, 4-12 cm). There were 125 aneurysms (76%) repaired electively; 40 repairs (24%) were nonelective. The cause of 12 aneurysms (7%) was chronic aortic dissection; the remaining 153 (93%) were degenerative aneurysms. Results: The early postoperative (30-day) mortality rates were 7% (9/125) for elective and 23% (9/40) for nonelective operations ( P =.016). For both elective and urgent procedures, early mortality was 1.8% (1/57) for suprarenal aneurysm repair, 11% (6/53) for group IV thoracoabdominal aneurysms, and 20% (11/55) for group III thoracoabdominal aneurysms ( P =.013, suprarenal vs group III). Spinal cord ischemia occurred after 6% (10/165) of aneurysm repairs (4% paraplegia, 2% paraparesis). None of the 57 suprarenal aneurysm repairs were complicated by spinal cord ischemia, whereas it occurred in 2% (1/53) of group IV thoracoabdominal aneurysms and 16% (9/55) of group III thoracoabdominal aneurysms ( P =.001, suprarenal vs group III; P =.016, group IV vs group III). Three (25%) of the 12 patients with dissection developed spinal cord ischemia; this compared with seven (5%) of 153 patients with degenerative aneurysms ( P =.027). The cumulative 3-year survival rate for the entire series was 71% (95% CI, 64%-79%), and 5-year survival was 50% (95% CI, 40%-60%). Conclusions: Aneurysms involving the suprarenal, visceral, and lower thoracic aorta may be repaired with acceptable perioperative mortality and late survival rates. The risk of spinal cord ischemia is increased for patients with aortic dissection and may be stratified according to the proximal extent of the aneurysm. (J Vasc Surg 2000;31:851-62.)
Establishing agribusiness research priorities and coordinating agribusiness research

Improved agribusiness research priorities could help to expand research in this area and produce other benefits, but it will be difficult to channel agribusiness research into one or a few priority areas. This is so since considerations relating to usefulness and feasibility call for maintaining agribusiness research in a number of distinct areas. US and Canadian researchers propose to establish an agribusiness research coordinating committee which will emphasize research on competitiveness. Prescriptions for coordinating the competitiveness research and other agribusiness research are discussed together with commandments for carrying out agribusiness research effectively.
Fast computer calculation of ESR and nonlinear spin response spectra from the fast motion to the rigid lattice limits

Abstract Fast computer simulation of the electron spin resonance and adiabatic rapid passage spectra of spin labels characterized by rotational correlation times ranging from the fast motion to the rigid lattice limits is demonstrated. Calculations are based upon a modification of the stochastic Liouville equation for the density matrix which explicitly includes interaction of the spins with applied radiation and modulation fields. Several mathematical simplifications of previous calculations are demonstrated, permitting computation with core and CPU requirements compatible with small computers.
Voltage harmonic control of weak utility grid through distributed energy systems

This paper proposes a closed loop control method to reduce the voltage harmonics of the weak utility grid through distributed energy systems (DES). It is desired to have uniform voltage and frequency around grid. The grid voltage gets distorted due to the nonlinear behavior of the distributed loads and sources. It is possible to correct the distorted utility grid locally at the point of connection with the DES. The proposed method adds to the responsibility of the DES in estimating the grid voltage harmonics and injecting additional current to rectify the grid voltage pollution. Recursive Least Squares Estimation (RLSE) technique has been implemented to estimate the grid voltage harmonics, which works harmoniously with closed loop harmonic voltage controller. DES with the proposed control technique reduces the voltage harmonic in addition to providing the sustainable energy to the utility grid. The results are verified with the simulation and experimental tests on a 5 kW utility interactive energy conversion system.
Mouse Genome-Wide Association and Systems Genetics Identify Asxl2 As a Regulator of Bone Mineral Density and Osteoclastogenesis

Significant advances have been made in the discovery of genes affecting bone mineral density (BMD); however, our understanding of its genetic basis remains incomplete. In the current study, genome-wide association (GWA) and co-expression network analysis were used in the recently described Hybrid Mouse Diversity Panel (HMDP) to identify and functionally characterize novel BMD genes. In the HMDP, a GWA of total body, spinal, and femoral BMD revealed four significant associations (−log10P>5.39) affecting at least one BMD trait on chromosomes (Chrs.) 7, 11, 12, and 17. The associations implicated a total of 163 genes with each association harboring between 14 and 112 genes. This list was reduced to 26 functional candidates by identifying those genes that were regulated by local eQTL in bone or harbored potentially functional non-synonymous (NS) SNPs. This analysis revealed that the most significant BMD SNP on Chr. 12 was a NS SNP in the additional sex combs like-2 (Asxl2) gene that was predicted to be functional. The involvement of Asxl2 in the regulation of bone mass was confirmed by the observation that Asxl2 knockout mice had reduced BMD. To begin to unravel the mechanism through which Asxl2 influenced BMD, a gene co-expression network was created using cortical bone gene expression microarray data from the HMDP strains. Asxl2 was identified as a member of a co-expression module enriched for genes involved in the differentiation of myeloid cells. In bone, osteoclasts are bone-resorbing cells of myeloid origin, suggesting that Asxl2 may play a role in osteoclast differentiation. In agreement, the knockdown of Asxl2 in bone marrow macrophages impaired their ability to form osteoclasts. This study identifies a new regulator of BMD and osteoclastogenesis and highlights the power of GWA and systems genetics in the mouse for dissecting complex genetic traits.
Co-occurrence Patterns of the Dengue Vector Aedes aegypti and Aedes mediovitattus, a Dengue Competent Mosquito in Puerto Rico

Aedes aegypti is implicated in dengue transmission in tropical and subtropical urban areas around the world. Ae. aegypti populations are controlled through integrative vector management. However, the efficacy of vector control may be undermined by the presence of alternative, competent species. In Puerto Rico, a native mosquito, Ae. mediovittatus, is a competent dengue vector in laboratory settings and spatially overlaps with Ae. aegypti. It has been proposed that Ae. mediovittatus may act as a dengue reservoir during inter-epidemic periods, perpetuating endemic dengue transmission in rural Puerto Rico. Dengue transmission dynamics may therefore be influenced by the spatial overlap of Ae. mediovittatus, Ae. aegypti, dengue viruses, and humans. We take a landscape epidemiology approach to examine the association between landscape composition and configuration and the distribution of each of these Aedes species and their co-occurrence. We used remotely sensed imagery from a newly launched satellite to map landscape features at very high spatial resolution. We found that the distribution of Ae. aegypti is positively predicted by urban density and by the number of tree patches, Ae. mediovittatus is positively predicted by the number of tree patches, but negatively predicted by large contiguous urban areas, and both species are predicted by urban density and the number of tree patches. This analysis provides evidence that landscape composition and configuration is a surrogate for mosquito community composition, and suggests that mapping landscape structure can be used to inform vector control efforts as well as to inform urban planning.
A Formulation for Water Waves over Topography

Many interesting free-surface flow problems involve a varying bottom. Examples of such flows include ocean waves propagating over topography, the breaking of waves on a beach, and the free surface of a uniform flow over a localized bump. We present here a formulation for such flows that is general and, from the outset, demonstrates the wave character of the free-surface evolution. The evolution of the free surface is governed by a system of equations consisting of a nonlinear wave-like partial differential equation coupled to a time-independent linear integral equation. We assume that the free-surface deformation is weakly nonlinear, but make no a priori assumption about the scale or amplitude of the topography. We also extend the formulation to include the effect of mean flows and surface tension. We show how this formulation gives some of the well-known limits for such problems once assumptions about the amplitude and scale of the topography are made.
Reduced cerebral blood flow with orthostasis precedes hypocapnic hyperpnea, sympathetic activation, and postural tachycardia syndrome.

Hyperventilation and reduced cerebral blood flow velocity can occur in postural tachycardia syndrome (POTS). We studied orthostatically intolerant patients, with suspected POTS, with a chief complaint of upright dyspnea. On the basis of our observations of an immediate reduction of cerebral blood flow velocity with orthostasis, we hypothesize that the resulting ischemic hypoxia of the carotid body causes chemoreflex activation, hypocapnic hyperpnea, sympathetic activation, and increased heart rate and blood pressure in this subset of POTS. We compared 11 dyspneic POTS subjects with 10 healthy controls during a 70° head-up tilt. In POTS subjects during initial orthostasis before blood pressure recovery; central blood volume and mean arterial pressure were reduced ( P P P 2 ( P P 2 and resulted in an increase in heart rate ( P P P P
Achievable uniform rates for ad hoc networks

Ad hoc networks are self-organizing wireless networks without any centralized control. A fundamental property of such networks is the achievable rate per node under uniform traffic conditions. It has been shown by Gupta et. al. that for ad hoc networks without mobility, the throughput per node decreases exponentially as the number of nodes (n) increases without bound. We simulate the communication scheme proposed to achieve this rate, model the rate as K/((n log n)/sup m/) and find K and m for finite n. The behavior of the function is studied for different path-loss exponents and for different routing strategies.
The role of DNA in the pathogenesis of SLE.

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a prototypic autoimmune disease characterized by antibodies to DNA. These antibodies serve as markers of diagnosis and prognosis as well as serological markers of disease pathogenesis. While designated as autoantibodies, SLE anti-DNA target sites that are widely conserved among DNA of both self and foreign origin. This crossreactivity, a feature that appears common among SLE antinuclear antibodies, raises the possibility that immune responses to DNA may arise from stimulation by foreign DNA. This possibility has gained credence from observations that DNA from bacteria has potent immunological properties. These properties include polyclonal B cell activation and induction of cytokines such as IL-12. Furthermore, sera of normal human subjects contain anti-DNA antibodies which selectively bind to DNA from certain bacterial species. Immunization experiments in mice fully support the possibility that bacterial DNA can initiate or sustain SLE anti-DNA production. Recently, studies in mice have demonstrated that self DNA has immunological activity and is not inert as has been widely assumed. As shown in in vitro experiments, DNA from mammalian species including human and bovine, can inhibit cytokine production induced by bacterial DNA and, in certain, systems, the cytokine response to LPS. As such, self DNA may play a regulatory role in immunity, inhibiting response in settings of tissue inflammation or destruction where self antigens are released from cells. These considerations suggest that anti-DNA responses in SLE could result from a crossreactive response to foreign DNA or an aberrant response to self DNA in which the inhibitory signals of mammalian DNA are insufficient or overcome. In either instances, models of SLE must take into account that DNA plays an active role in immune responses and, depending upon species and base composition, may be stimulatory or inhibitory.
PLANT UPTAKE OF INORGANIC AND ORGANIC NITROGEN: NEIGHBOR IDENTITY MATTERS

The importance of interspecific competition as a cause of resource partitioning among species has been widely assumed but rarely tested. Using neighbor removals in combination with 15N tracer additions in the field, we examined variation among three alpine species in the uptake of 15N-NH4+, 15N-NO3-, and 15N-13C-[2]-glycine in intact neighborhoods, when paired with a specific neighbor, and when all neighbors were removed. Species varied in the capacity to take up 15N-labeled NH4+, NO3-, and glycine in intact neighborhoods and in interspecific pairs. When interspecific neighbor pairs were compared with no neighbor controls, neighbors reduced 15N uptake in target species by as much as 50%, indicating competition for N. Furthermore, neighbor identity influenced the capacity of species to take up different forms of N. Thus, competition within interspecific neighbor pairs often caused reduced uptake of a particular form of N, as well as shifts to uptake of an alternative form of N. Such shifts in resource use as a result of competition are an implicit assumption in studies of resource partitioning but have rarely been documented. Our study suggests that plasticity in the uptake of different forms of N may be a mechanism by which cooccurring plants reduce competition for N.
Control of the freezing interface morphology in solidification processes in the presence of natural convection

This paper presents a methodology for the solution of an inverse solidification design problem in the presence of natural convection. In particular, the boundary heat flux q0 in the fixed mold wall, δΩ0, is calculated such that a desired freezing front velocity and shape are obtained. As the front velocity together with the flux history qms on the solid side of the freezing front play a determinant role in the obtained cast structure, the potential applications of the proposed methods to the control of casting processes are enormous. The proposed technique consists of first solving a direct natural convection problem of the liquid phase in an a priori known shrinking cavity, ΩL(t), before solving an ill-posed inverse design conduction problem in the solid phase in an a priori known growing region, ΩS(t). The direct convection problem is used to evaluate the flux qml in the liquid side of the freezing front. A front tracking deforming finite element technique is employed. The flux qml can be used together with the Stefan condition to provide the freezing interface flux qms in the solid side of the front. As such, two boundary conditions (flux qms and freezing temperature θm) are especified along the (known) freezing interface δΩI(t). The developed design technique uses the adjoint method to calculate in L2 the derivative of the cost functional, ∥θm – θ(x, t; q0)∥, that expresses the square error between the calculated temperature θ(x, t; q0) in the solid phase along δΩI(t) and the given melting temperature. The minimization of this cost functional is performed by the conjugate gradient method via the solutions of the direct, sensitivity and adjoint problems. A front tracking finite element technique is employed in this inverse analysis. Finally, an example is presented for the solidification of a superheated incompressible liquid aluminium, where the effects of natural convection in the moving interface shape are controlled with a proper adjustment of the cooling boundary conditions.
Measuring Engineering Design Self‐Efficacy

Background Self-concept can influence how an individual learns, but is often overlooked when assessing student learning in engineering. Purpose (Hypothesis) To validate an instrument designed to measure individuals' self-concepts toward engineering design tasks, three research questions were investigated: (a) how well the items in the instrument represent the engineering design process in eliciting the task-specific self-concepts of self-efficacy, motivation, outcome expectancy, and anxiety, (b) how well the instrument predicts differences in the self-efficacy held by individuals with a range of engineering experiences, and (c) how well the responses to the instrument align with the relationships conceptualized in self-efficacy theory. Design/Method A 36-item online instrument was developed and administered to 202 respondents. Three types of validity evidence were obtained for (a) representativeness of multi-step engineering design processes in eliciting self-efficacy, (b) the instrument's ability to differentiate groups of individuals with different levels of engineering experience, and (c) relationships between self-efficacy, motivation, outcome expectancy, and anxiety as predicted by self-efficacy theory. Results Results indicate that the instrument can reliably identify individuals' engineering design self-efficacy (α = 0.967), motivation (α = 0.955), outcome expectancy (α = 0.967), and anxiety (α = 0.940). One-way ANOVA identified statistical differences in self-efficacy between high, intermediate, and low experience groups at the ρ < 0.05 level. Self-efficacy was also shown to be correlated to motivation (0.779), outcome expectancy (0.919), and anxiety (—0.593) at the ρ < 0.01 level. Conclusions The study showed that the instrument was capable of identifying individuals' self-concepts specific to the engineering design tasks.
The influence of parasites on faecal glucocorticoid metabolite levels in raccoons: an experimental assessment in a natural setting.

Parasites and glucocorticoid hormones interact and affect a variety of processes within vertebrates, such as immune system function and reproduction. The nature of the relationship between parasite infection and glucocorticoid levels has received relatively little attention among free-ranging animals and results of experimental research in natural settings are equivocal. We conducted a parasitereduction experiment to determine if reductions in nematodes or ectoparasites affect levels of faecal glucocorticoid metabolites (FGM) in adult raccoons. Individual raccoons were randomly assigned to a parasite-reduction treatment (ivermectin injection and Frontline Plus s application) or control group (saline injection) and recaptured within 30 days to assess treatment-related differences in parasitism and FGM levels. Treated animals had reduced nematode and ectoparasite communities. The most common and energetically expensive ectoparasite of raccoons in the region, the American dog tick, was reduced five-fold from an average of 19.3 � 2.5 (SE) to 3.4 � 8 ticks per animal, and was unable to feed to repletion on treated animals. The prevalence of four out of seven nematode species was significantly lower in treated versus control animals; prevalence of these four nematodes ranged from 0 to 19% among treated animals and from 21 to 55% among control animals. The parasite infracommunity was also significantly reduced; the average number of nematode species per individual was 2.5 � 0.3 in treated animals and 1.1 � 0.2 in control animals, and the average number of ectoparasite species per individual was 2.3 � 0.1 on treated animals and 1.1 � 0.12 on control animals. No differences in FGM values were observed within individuals or between treatment and control groups following parasite-reduction treatments, indicating that the observed reductions in nematodes and ectoparasites had no effect on FGM levels of raccoons across the time frame of this study.
FURTHER NOTES ON THE FILTRATION OF THE VIRUS OF VACCINIA

1. A very active filtrate can be obtained from vaccinia lesions by grinding up the fresh tissue with glass fragments, emulsifying in hormone broth, centrifuging the emulsion and filtering the supernatant fluid through a Berkefeld V filter. 2. The sterile filtrate so obtained has been shown by comparative titration on rabbits to have about one-sixteenth of the activity of the non-sterile emulsion used in human vaccination. 3. Centrifugation of such a filtrate shows a partial concentration of the virus in the lowermost layer. 4. The virus survives for a long time, if the filtrate is kept near the freezing point, and probably will survive indefinitely if kept frozen. The addition of glycerine is not necessary.
Adaptive click-and-cross: an interaction technique for users with impaired dexterity

Computer users with impaired dexterity face difficulties with traditional pointing methods, particularly on small, densely packed user interfaces. Past research in software-based solutions can usually be categorized as one of two approaches. They either modify the user interface to fit the users' needs or modify the user's interaction with the cursor. Each approach, however, has limitations. Modifying the user interface increases the navigation cost of some items by displacing them to other screens, while enhanced area cursors, a pointing technique for small, densely packed targets, require users to perform multiple steps to acquire a target. This study aims to minimize the costs of these two approaches through a new interaction technique, Adaptive Click-and-Cross. The technique was found to lower error rates relative to traditional pointing (8.5% vs 16.0%) with slightly faster acquisition times compared to two other techniques for modifying the user interface or cursor.
Left atrial volume predicts cardiovascular events in patients originally diagnosed with lone atrial fibrillation: three-decade follow-up

Aims The objectives of this study were to determine the long-term outcome and the predictors of adverse events in patients originally diagnosed with lone atrial fibrillation (AF). Methods and results This population-based historical cohort study comprised 46 residents of Olmsted County, MN, USA, with well-documented, clinically defined lone AF and a complete two-dimensional echocardiographic examination. The original echocardiographic videotape recordings were analysed in a blinded fashion for left atrial volume (LAV) and left ventricular ejection fraction. With 1296 person-years of follow-up, the median duration of AF was 27 (first quartile=24, third quartile=33) years. Twenty-three (50%) patients developed events. Cerebral infarction occurred in seven patients, myocardial infarction in 11, and congestive heart failure in 16. In a multivariable analysis, patients with indexed LAV ≥32 mL/m2 had a significantly worse event-free survival (adjusted HR, 4.46; 95% CI, 1.56–12.74; P =0.005). All cerebral infarctions occurred in patients with an indexed LAV >32 mL/m2. Conclusion Patients originally diagnosed with benign lone AF follow divergent courses based on LAV. Those originally diagnosed with lone AF and normal sized atria had a benign clinical course throughout the long-term follow-up. Patients with increased LAV at diagnosis or later during the follow-up experienced adverse events.