cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
3,5 DIIODOTHYROACETIC ACID MOBILIZATION OF RAT LIVER LIPID AND RELATIVE TOXICITY OF ORAL TRIAC AND TRIPROP.

SummaryMaximal mobilization of previously elevated liver cholesterol and total lipid depots was achieved by feeding 5 mg% 3,5 diodothyroacetic acid (diac) in a 30% casein diet. An increase from 19% to 30% casein enhanced the lipid mobilization rate, but reduction of the fat content from 26% to 5% lard had little effect when diac was given. Plasma cholesterol concentrations were reduced slightly by diac feeding, but did not reach those levels seen in chow controls. Triac and triprop were found to be more calori-genically active and more toxic than thyrox-ine when fed in a high fat-cholesterol diet whereas they are known to be only 20% and 10% as active as thyroxine when injected subcutaneously into rats on a chow diet. Both route of administration and composition of the diet with respect to the existence of naturally occurring antithyrotoxic factors may be important in determining the relative calori-genic and cholesterol reducing activities of various thyroxine analogues.
Serum and liver concentrations of tumor necrosis factor α and interleukin-1β following administration of carbon tetrachloride to male rats

Abstract Inflammatory cytokines are recognized as early mediators of tissue damage and repair. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of carbon tetrachloride administration on tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin 1β (IL-1β) concentrations in serum and liver of rats. Administration of 0.2 ml/kg, i.p., of CCl4 to male Fischer 344 rats caused modest increases in serum levels of both cytokines; elevations of TNF-α were statistically significant at 4 and 12 h, and elevations of IL-1β were statistically significant at 24 h. Although CCl4 produced substantial increases in liver IL-1β concentrations (more than 3-fold), levels of TNF-α were not affected. Treatment with 0.1, 0.32 or 1.0 ml/kg of CCl4 produced dose-dependent increases in serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and sorbitol dehydrogenase (SDH) activities, but serum cytokine concentrations were not dose-dependent and did correspond with serum ALT and SDH activities. The results suggest that IL-1β production in rat liver is stimulated by hepatotoxic doses of CCl4. Production of TNF-α may also be induced, but the source of TNF-α in serum could be a tissue or organ other than liver.
Considering the nature of scientific problems when designing science curricula

A recurring theme of science education reform has been the creation of classroom opportunities that allow students to develop insights into the professional practice of scientists. The posing and solving of problems of a variety of types, a process central to scientific practice, provides a useful framework for structuring such opportunities for students. Most problems that students encounter can be characterized as model–data fit problems, in which solvers fit available data to an appropriate explanatory model. Although these problems are important, we argue that it is essential to expand the range of problems students encounter to include those that require solvers to confront the conceptual coherence of their explanatory models and to examine the relationship of those models to other scientific models, methodological norms, and common worldviews. In this article, we describe the nature and existence of both model–data fit and conceptual problems in science and then examine two curricular projects, one in genetics and one in evolutionary biology, that attempt to integrate these problems into classroom instruction. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Sci Ed85:207–222, 2001.
Use of Teaching Machines as a Study Aid in an Introductory Psychology Course: A Reply to Bullock:

Bullock's (1961) comment on my teaching machine study (Oakes, 1960) raises chree questions concerning the interpretation of the results. In that study it was found that the use of teaching machines as a study aid by students in the experimental group did not influence their performance on the regular class examinations to a significant extent. Bullock's chree points are in need of some clarification, and will be discussed in order. In his first point he suggests that we could better interpret the data if we knew how effective the program was, judging from the frequency with which smdents made errors in responding to the program. He states that it is generally assumed that a low frequency of errors is associated wich an effective program. It is true that Skinner did originally suggest that the steps in a program should be small-so small, in fact, that S would rarely make an error (Skinner, 1958). He later revised that, however, and adopted the position that the optimal size of step is an empirical question (Skinner, 1959), presumably to be answered by finding that size of step which maximizes learning and retention-which would, of course, have to be evaluated through the use of other criteria. In other words, the effectiveness of a teaching machine program is judged not by how many errors students make in responding to the program, but rather on the basis of some outside criterion-such as test scores, as in the study under discussion, for example. Other writers discussing the matter have not been willing to assume chat a low frequency of errors is necessarily associated with an effective program. Carr (1960, p. 560), for example, suggests that this is clearly a matter for further research, as does Lumsdaine (1960, p. 534). At any rate, these writers have been concerned wich programs which were designed to teach a course entirely by machine. In the study under discussion, where the machine is used only as a study aid, the number of errors made in responding to the program would certainly be a function of the amount of outside study the student has engaged in. The more the students have studied their text before using the machine, the fewer errors they would make in responding to the program, and, surely, the higher score they would make on the tests used as a criterion. In view of these considerations, it is certainly questionable whether knowledge of the per cent of errors made by students in responding to the teaching machine program would permit a better interpretation of the data, as Bullock suggests.
Cloning and deduced amino acid sequence of human nicotinamide nucleotide transhydrogenase.

Pyridine nucleotide transhydrogenases (E.C.1.6.1.1) are integral proteins of the inner mitochondrial membrane. These enzymes are part of the energy-transfer system of the respiratory chain and specifically catalyze the transfer of a hydride ion between nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide, NAD(H), and oxidized nicotinamide dinucleotide phosphate, NADP(H). Here we report the sequence of a full-length cDNA clone containing the coding sequence for human mitochondrial nicotinamide nucleotide transhydrogenase. The characterized cDNA contains an insert of 4,232 base pairs with a 91% sequence identity to a previously characterized bovine transhydrogenase cDNA. The deduced human polypeptide sequence displays a high degree of sequence similarity, 97%, to the bovine polypeptide and a comparison of the two sequences is presented.
Giant Spigelian hernias.

We read with interest the recent report by Topal et al. 2007 on a giant Spigelian hernia (SH) that may have been due to abdominal wall injury (Hernia 11:67–69). The study reports a hernia defect in the internal oblique and transversus abdominis muscles occurring 45 days after blunt abdominal trauma. An open onlay repair with polyWlamented mesh was performed leading to a sound repair at 18 months. Topal et al. did not specify the clinical size of the hernia, but termed it “giant” because the muscular defect measured 10 cm in diameter. Unfortunately, the group provided no literature review on very large SHs and thus did not help the reader to put their Wnding in perspective. A 1992 French series from Gabon reported much larger SHs than the one in the Topal study [1]. We are skeptical about the suggestion by Topal et al. that SHs can be post-traumatic. Spigelian hernia is deWned as spontaneous ventral hernia. Recent MEDLINE and PUBMED searches on SH and handlebar hernia reveal many patients whose hernias were located at or near the junction of the semilunar and semicircular lines, the typical SH site; the designations “Spigelian hernia” and “traumatic hernia” are used interchangeably in many of these reports. The occurrence of a traumatic hernia at the typical SH site follows a random injury, and has been similarly described in other anatomic regions. Traumatic hernias, which are by deWnition post-traumatic rather than spontaneous, should therefore be excluded from SH statistics, even when they occur at sites often associated with SH. Conversely, some of these so-called traumatic hernias may actually be preexisting hernias which only come to light when closer attention is paid to the now-traumatized area. Unfortunately, Topal et al. did not discuss what inXuenced their choice of prosthetic mesh (polyWlamented vs. monoWlamented), and also why the prosthetic screen was placed on top of the external oblique aponeurosis. A large number of clinical studies demonstrate that multiWlamented meshes show the highest infection percentages, which constitutes a signiWcant risk factor for hernia recurrence [2]. When mesh is placed as an onlay (i.e., over the external oblique aponeurosis or the rectus sheath) it can be displaced outward by intraabdominal pressure; intermuscular or retromuscular mesh placement works better in this respect [3]. In a study comparing tissue reactions to polypropylene mesh, the best healing occurred when mesh was placed between muscles, rather than under the skin or on the peritoneum [4]. Topal et al. are to be commended for their conclusions regarding a high index of suspicion, early diagnosis, and mandatory treatment, and their suggestion of using prosthetic mesh is an excellent alternative to primary repair. A recent prospective, randomized controlled trial suggests that extraperitoneal laparoscopy oVers the best results in the elective treatment of this condition, with lower morbidity rates and shorter hospital stays [5], although Topal et al. used an open approach based upon their patient’s preference.
Animal models of breast cancer: Their diversity and role in biomedical research

Animal models of breast cancer have been widely used to study various aspects of breast cancer biology, and are remarkably diverse, encompassing chemically and virally induced tumors, human tumor xenografts, and transgenic mouse models. Several novel models have become available during the past few years, including tumors induced by polyomavirus and adenovirus, and a series of human cell line variants. The several following articles describe, in some detail, the characteristics of these models and their relevance to the human disease. Descriptions of each of the major models, e.g., 7,12-dimethylbenz(a)anthracene-induced, MMTV-associated, and human breast cancer cell line xenografts, also are included. The limitations and advantages of several of these models, and some issues relating to the choice of models, are briefly discussed in this overview.
Planned Herbivory in the Management of Wildfire Fuels

Grazing is most effective at treating smaller diameter live fuels that can greatly impact the rate of spread of a fire along with the flame height. DOI:10.2458/azu_rangelands_v29i5_nader
The CheZ Binding Interface of CheAS Is Located in α-Helix E

Specific CheA-short (CheAS) residues, L123 and L126, were identified as critical for CheZ binding. In the CheAS ′P1-CheZ nuclear magnetic resonance structure, these residues form an interaction surface on α-helix E in the ′P1 domain. Both L123 and L126 are buried in CheA-long (CheAL), providing an explanation for why CheAL fails to bind CheZ.
c-KIT signaling is targeted by pathogenic Yersinia to suppress the host immune response

The pathogenic Yersinia species exhibit a primarily extracellular lifestyle through manipulation of host signaling pathways that regulate pro-inflammatory gene expression and cytokine release. To identify host genes that are targeted by Yersinia during the infection process, we performed an RNA interference (RNAi) screen based on recovery of host NF-κB-mediated gene activation in response to TNF-α stimulation upon Y. enterocolitica infection. We screened shRNAs against 782 genes in the human kinome and 26 heat shock genes, and identified 19 genes that exhibited ≥40% relative increase in NF-κB reporter gene activity. The identified genes function in multiple cellular processes including MAP and ERK signaling pathways, ion channel activity, and regulation of cell growth. Pre-treatment with small molecule inhibitors specific for the screen hits c-KIT and CKII recovered NF-κB gene activation and/or pro-inflammatory TNF-α cytokine release in multiple cell types, in response to either Y. enterocolitica or Y. pestis infection. We demonstrate that pathogenic Yersinia exploits c-KIT signaling in a T3SS-dependent manner to downregulate expression of transcription factors EGR1 and RelA/p65, and pro-inflammatory cytokines. This study is the first major functional genomics RNAi screen to elucidate virulence mechanisms of a pathogen that is primarily dependent on extracellular-directed immunomodulation of host signaling pathways for suppression of host immunity.
WIC and breastfeeding support services: Does the mix of services offered vary with race and ethnicity?

Abstract Objective: The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) nutrition services provides supplemental nutrition and counseling to more than 50% of families with young children in the United States. Given the program's significant reach, as well as large differences in rates of breastfeeding among whites, African Americans, and Hispanics, we explored the associations among breastfeeding initiation, the availability of WIC-based breastfeeding support, and the racial/ethnic composition of WIC clients in North Carolina. Methods: An electronic survey gathered data on ongoing breastfeeding support activities from local WIC directors in North Carolina. North Carolina Pregnancy and Nutrition Surveillance System data provided racial/ethnic composition and breastfeeding initiation rates. Linear and logistic regression models were used to examine county-level associations among (1) racial/ethnic composition of clients, (2) breastfeeding initiation, an...
Angiotensin-(1–7) attenuates angiotensin II-induced cardiac remodeling associated with upregulation of dual-specificity phosphatase 1

Chronic hypertension induces cardiac remodeling, including left ventricular hypertrophy and fibrosis, through a combination of both hemodynamic and humoral factors. In previous studies, we showed that the heptapeptide ANG-(1–7) prevented mitogen-stimulated growth of cardiac myocytes in vitro, through a reduction in the activity of the MAPKs ERK1 and ERK2. In this study, saline- or ANG II-infused rats were treated with ANG-(1–7) to determine whether the heptapeptide reduces myocyte hypertrophy in vivo and to identify the signaling pathways involved in the process. ANG II infusion into normotensive rats elevated systolic blood pressure >50 mmHg, in association with increased myocyte cross-sectional area, ventricular atrial natriuretic peptide mRNA, and ventricular brain natriuretric peptide mRNA. Although infusion with ANG-(1–7) had no effect on the ANG II-stimulated elevation in blood pressure, the heptapeptide hormone significantly reduced the ANG II-mediated increase in myocyte cross-sectional area, interstitial fibrosis, and natriuretic peptide mRNAs. ANG II increased phospho-ERK1 and phospho-ERK2, whereas cotreatment with ANG-(1–7) reduced the phosphorylation of both MAPKs. Neither ANG II nor ANG-(1–7) altered the ERK1/2 MAPK kinase MEK1/2. However, ANG-(1–7) infusion, with or without ANG II, increased the MAPK phosphatase dual-specificity phosphatase (DUSP)-1; in contrast, treatment with ANG II had no effect on DUSP-1, suggesting that ANG-(1–7) upregulates DUSP-1 to reduce ANG II-stimulated ERK activation. These results indicate that ANG-(1–7) attenuates cardiac remodeling associated with a chronic elevation in blood pressure and upregulation of a MAPK phosphatase and may be cardioprotective in patients with hypertension.
Nursing Presence As Real as a Milky Way Bar

Data sets from three individual studies on nursing judgment were reviewed from a wider perspective. This yielded meanings and phenomena not readily identified in the individual studies, and it was ...
Collapsing K × I

Zeeman(5) once bravely made the following conjecture: Conjecture. Suppose K is a contractible 2-complex and I is the unit interval [0, 1]. Then K × I collapses. This conjecture is interesting since it trivially implies the Poincare conjecture. For if C is a homotopy 3-cell, then it has a contractible 2-dimensional spine, so that C × I would be a collapsible 4-manifold. But then C × I would be a 4-cell, with C = C × 0 in its 3-sphere boundary, and the PL Schoenfliess theorem shows that C is a 3-cell.
Reconceptualizing the Nurse‐Patient Relationship

Purpose: To review assumptions inherent in the nurse-patient relationship as historically described and practiced, and to propose an alternate framework for nurse-patient interaction that is congruent with current health care environments. Organizing Constructs: The theory of human relatedness and the nurse-patient relationship. Methods: Analysis of assumptions inherent in the current theoretical and empirical literature on nurse-patient relationships and evidence from observation of nurses engaged in practice. Proposal and discussion of the theory of human relatedness as an alternative model for conceptualizing nurse-patient relationships. Conclusions: The theory of human relatedness framework provides new insights and opportunities for assessment, intervention, and research within the context of nurse-patient relationships.
Instability in oblique C-type shocks

A sequence of steady, oblique, C-type shock waves differing in the angle between the ambient magnetic field and the direction of shock propagation, θ s , are examined for stability to small perturbations in the plane containing the fluid velocities and the magnetic field. As θ s is reduced the steady shocks become stronger and the growth rate and wavenumber of the fastest growing mode increase
Site occupancy of foraging bats on landscapes of managed pine forest

The ability to fully evaluate potential relationships between forest management and bats is limited without information from relevant spatial scales. Further, knowledge of bat ecology in intensively managed forests is fairly limited even though these forests are a substantial portion of the forested landscape in the southeastern U.S. Therefore, we used occupancy models to examine influence of small-scale vegetation characteristics and large-scale spatial features on foraging patterns of bats within 6 managed-pine (Pinus spp.) forest landscapes in the southeastern U.S. Coastal Plain. We conducted repeated acoustic surveys to determine species presence/non-detection and evaluated a priori models relating detection probability and occupancy to site- and landscape-level metrics for 6 species/genera. Detection of big brown (Eptesicus fuscus) and eastern red (Lasiurus borealis)/Seminole (L. seminolus) bats (eastern red and Seminole bats combined) decreased with increasing basal area, and detection of big brown and Brazilian free-tailed bats (Tadarida brasiliensis) increased over the summer sampling period. Relationships between occupancy and habitat metrics were species-specific but consistent with previous studies. Occupancy for most bat species was lower at sampling sites with higher vegetation clutter and higher basal area. In contrast to most previous studies, occupancy of all bat species investigated was unrelated to or negatively influenced by distance to water. Although site- and landscape-level features influenced occupancy, our results indicate that site-specific features (vegetation clutter and basal area) influenced most species. Therefore, stand-level management activities that decrease vegetation structure, such as thinning intermediate-aged stands and/or controlling midstory vegetation (e.g., fire or herbicide applications), likely will maintain or increase suitability of managed pine forest stands and landscapes for many bat species in the southeastern Coastal Plain. The forest mosaics that we sampled, consisting primarily of managed pine stands intermingled with non-production habitat types, supported a large proportion of the bat community associated with forests of the Coastal Plain which suggests the compatibility of timber production and bat conservation objectives.
Medial axis based statistical shape model (MASSM): Applications to 3D prostate segmentation on MRI

In this paper, we present a novel methodology for computing statistical shape models (SSM's) by leveraging the medial axis model to determine shape variations between objects. Landmark based SSM's (LSSM's) are a popular approach to describing valid shape variation in an object of interest by applying principal component analysis to a set of landmarks on the surface of the object. However, defining landmarks which capture important shape variations can be difficult. Additionally, establishing landmark correspondences across different shapes is a challenging problem. In this work we utilize the medial axis to define the shape of the object, thereby enabling superior characterization of the underlying shape variations compared to the landmark based approach. Locations on the medial axis (medial atoms) are utilized to generate a SSM, one that we refer to as a medial axis based SSM (MASSM). The aim of the MASSM is to capture variations in the local symmetry of an object across different studies. We show analytically that reconstructing a shape using medial atoms yields a lower average error compared to reconstructing a shape using triangulations of landmarks on the boundary of a 2D object. We experimentally validate the ability of the MASSM to better reconstruct a 3D prostate volume, and to better segment that prostate compared to an LSSM on 34 3D T2-weighted endorectal Magnetic Resonance images. The accuracy of the LSSM in reconstructing the prostate was highly dependent on the number of landmarks N, while the accuracy of the MASSM was quite robust to the number of medial atoms N. In addition, in a segmentation test, the results showed an average Dice overlap of 0.93 for the MASSM while the LSSM showed an average Dice overlap of 0.88.
Stratospheric ozone variations in the equatorial region as seen in Stratospheric Aerosol and Gas Experiment data

An analysis is made of equatorial ozone variations for 5 years, 1984-1989, using the ozone profile data derived from the Stratospheric Aerosol and Gas Experiment II (SAGE II) instrument. Attention is focused on the annual cycle and also on interannual variability, particularly the quasi-biennial oscillation (QBO) and El Nino-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) variations in the lower stratosphere, where the largest contribution to total column ozone takes place. The annual variation in zonal mean total ozone around the equator is composed of symmetric and asymmetric modes with respect to the equator, with maximum contributions being around 19 km for the symmetric mode and around 25 km for the asymmetric mode. The persistent zonal wavenumber 1 structure observed by the total ozone mapping spectrometer over the equator is almost missing in the SAGE-derived column amounts integrated in the stratosphere, suggesting a significant contribution from tropospheric ozone. Interannual variations in the equatorial ozone are dominated by the QBO above 20 km and the ENSO-related variation below 20 km. The ozone QBO is characterized by zonally uniform phase changes in association with the zonal wind QBO in the equatorial lower stratosphere. The ENSO-related ozone variation consists of both the east-west vacillation and the zonally uniform phase variation. During the El Nino event, the east-west contrast with positive (negative) deviations in the eastern (western) hemisphere is conspicuous, while the decreasing tendency of the zonal mean values is maximum at the same time.
Altruistic task allocation despite unbalanced relationships within Multi-Robot Communities

Typical Multi-Robot Systems consist of robots cooperating to maximize global fitness functions. However, in some scenarios, the set of interacting robots may not share common goals and thus the concept of a global fitness function becomes invalid. This work examines Multi-Robot Communities (MRC), in which individual robots have independent goals. Within the MRC context, we present a task allocation architecture that optimizes individual robot fitness functions over long time horizons using reciprocal altruism. Previous work has shown that reciprocating altruistic relationships can evolve between two willing robots, using market-based task auctions, while still protecting against selfish robots aiming to exploit altruism. As these relationships grow, robots are increasingly likely to perform tasks for one another without any reward or promise of payback. This work furthers this notion by considering cases where an imbalance exists in the altruistic relationship. The imbalance occurs when one robot can perform another robot's task, thereby exhibiting altruism, but the other robot cannot reciprocate since it is physically unable (e.g. lack of adequate sensors or actuators). A new altruistic controller to deal with such imbalances is presented. The controller permits a robot to build altruistic relationships with the community as a whole (one-to-many), instead of just with single robots (one-to-one). The controller is proven stable and guarantees altruistic relationships will grow, if robots are willing, while still minimizing the effects of selfish robots. Results indicate that the one-to-many controller performs comparable to the one-to-one on most problems, but excels in the case of an unbalanced altruistic relationship.
Impact of manufacturing variation on the reliability/quality of an Opto-BGA system in package

This paper investigates the manufacturing variation in an Opto-BGA system in package (SIP) and its impact to the reliability and quality. Both the 3D finite element analysis (FEA) modeling and the reliability TMCL test on the opto-BGA manufacturing variation are studied. In the FEA model, the hyper-elastic behavior of the opto-coupling material is considered. In the reliability test, the samples are made in two groups, one is the typical case and the other is the worst case manufacturing variation in which the bond wire loop goes beyond the opto-coupling dome into the outer glob top coat layer. The modeling results show that in the typical design case, the die stress is too small to damage the opto-BGA. The peel stress in die attach is also very small. While in the worst case, the die stress is ten times greater than the typical case. The peel stress in die attach is much higher than the typical case when temperature increase to 125C. From the result of TMCL reliability test, actual test data is found to correlate in failure location and mechanism with the modeling/simulation, for both typical and worst case manufacturing variation.
Soft-switched PFC boost rectifier with integrated ZVS two-switch forward converter

A soft-switched continuous-conduction-mode boost PFC front-end converter with an integrated zero-voltage-switched two-switch forward second-stage converter is introduced. In the proposed approach, a single transformer is commonly used by the two stages to provide isolation of the power supply and soft switching of all semiconductor switches including a controlled di/dt turn-off rate of the boost rectifier. The performance of the proposed approach was evaluated on a 150-kHz, 430-W/12-V, universal-line range prototype converter
Addressing non-homogeneities in a ubiquitous P2P platform for context exchange

We propose mechanisms to combat the congestion caused by non-homogeneities in the distribution of information, the peers' locations, and the demand for information in a peer-to-peer system for exchanging context. We propose two novel mechanisms for adapting the topology formed by the peers to the underlying traffic: our first mechanism employs virtual locations for the peers while the second modifies the edges connecting them. The positive effect of our mechanisms is evaluated experimentally. Our key metric is the average query delay, a critical performance indicator in a prototypical system we have already presented, expected to be used by mobile users for exchanging contextual information.
Cloned, stably expressed parathyroid hormone (PTH)/PTH-related peptide receptors activate multiple messenger signals and biological responses in LLC-PK1 kidney cells

PTH elicits multiple second messenger signals in target cells. This signaling diversity may reflect coupling of a single species of PTH receptors to multiple effectors, the action of different subtypes of PTH receptors, or both. We recently reported the expression cloning, from rat and opossum cells, of closely related cDNAs encoding receptors for PTH [and PTH-related peptide (PTHRP)]. To determine if these cloned PTH/PTHRP receptors can activate multiple intracellular effectors when present at near-physiological levels in intact target cells, we have stably expressed the rat and opossum PTH/PTHRP receptor cDNAs in LLC-PK1 porcine renal epithelial cells. These cells lack endogenous PTH/PTHRP receptors, but do express abundant calcitonin receptors and many features of a proximal tubular phenotype. Subclones of transfected LLC-PK1 cells exhibited high affinity binding (Kd, 1-5 nM) of [Nle8.18,Tyr34]bovine PTH-(1-34)amide (PTH) and dose-dependent activation by PTH of both cAMP accumulation (EC50, 1 nM) and i...
Biometric and developmental gene–environment interactions: Looking back, moving forward

A history of research on gene-environment interaction (G x E) is provided in this article, revealing the fact that there have actually been two distinct concepts of G x E since the very origins of this research. R. A. Fisher introduced what I call the biometric concept of G x E (G x EB), whereas Lancelot Hogben introduced what I call the developmental concept of G x E (G x ED). Much of the subsequent history of research on G x E has largely consisted of the separate legacies of these separate concepts, along with the (sometimes acrimonious) disputes that have arisen time and again when employers of each have argued over the appropriate way to conceptualize the phenomenon. With this history in place, more recent attempts to distinguish between different concepts of G x E are considered, paying particular attention to the commonly made distinction between "statistical interaction" and "interactionism," and Michael Rutter's distinction between statistical interaction and "the biological concept of interaction." I argue that the history of the separate legacies of G x EB and G x ED better supports Rutter's analysis of the situation and that this analysis best paves the way for an integrative relationship between the various scientists investigating the place of G x E in the etiology of complex traits.
Complex field coded MIMO systems: performance, rate, and trade-offs

The quest for reliable high-rate wireless links motivates fading-resilient and bandwidth-efficient communication systems capable of capitalizing on available forms of diversity. This tutorial focuses on linear complex field (LCF) coding—a powerful tool that complements the traditional Galois field (GF) coding, in enabling diversity transmissions over single- and multi-antenna fading channels. Performance and capacity analyses are provided, along with systematic guidelines for constructing LCF encoders, and options available to the designer for selecting LCF decoders. Emphasis is placed on high-performance and high-rate designs, and the emerging performance-rate-complexity trade-offs. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Msx2 controls ameloblast terminal differentiation

Late tooth morphogenesis is characterized by a series of events that determine cusp morphogenesis and the histodifferentiation of epithelial cells into enamel-secreting ameloblasts. Mice lacking the homeobox gene Msx2 exhibit defects in cusp morphogenesis and in the process of amelogenesis. To better understand the basis of the Msx2 mutant tooth defects, we have investigated the function of Msx2 during late stages of tooth morphogenesis. Cusp formation is thought to be under the control of the enamel knot, which has been proposed to act as an organizing center during this process (Vaahtokari et al. [ 1996] Mech. Dev. 54:39–43). Bone morphogenetic protein-4 (BMP4) has been suggested to mediate termination of enamel knot signaling by means of regulation of programmed cell death (Jernvall et al. [ 1998] Development 125:161–169). Here, we show that Bmp4 expression in the enamel knot is Msx2-dependent. We further show that during amelogenesis Msx2 is required for the expression of the extracellular matrix gene Laminin 5 alpha 3, which is known to play an essential role during ameloblast differentiation. This result thus provides a paradigm for understanding how transcription factors and extracellular matrix can be integrated into a developmental pathway controlling cell differentiation. Developmental Dynamics 231:758–765, 2004. © 2004 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Polarimetric characterization of debris and faults in the highway environment at millimeter-wave frequencies

In this paper, measurements and models for the polarimetric backscatter response of various paint targets on roads and road surface faults are presented. Of particular interest are debris and faults that could lead to fatal accidents and damage of property. A desired safety feature for automotive radar sensors is the capability of detecting such debris and faults. The detectability of a point target is evaluated by comparing its RCS value with the RCS threshold value defined by the backscatter response of the road surface. Extensive backscatter measurements at W-band were conducted to obtain the backscatter response of typical debris and faults on asphalt surfaces at near grazing incidence angles (76/spl deg/-86/spl deg/). On the other hand, theoretical models, based on diffraction from impedance wedges and scattering from impedance cylinders, respectively, as well as physical optics approximation, were developed to predict the backscatter response of road surface faults and targets with planar facets on road surfaces. Experimental results indicate that detectability in all cases is a function of target size, its azimuthal angle with respect to radar boresight, and the polarization state of the system. The measured backscatter response is used to verify the validity of the theoretical models. Angular polarimetric backscatter measurements of targets defining roadside boundaries such as a concrete curb, a guardrail, and a pebble surface are also presented. The results of these measurements could be used to alert fatigued drivers should their vehicles be heading sideward.
Reduction of Mitochondria–Endoplasmic Reticulum Interactions by Acetylcholine Protects Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells From Hypoxia/Reoxygenation Injury

Objective—We explored the role of endoplasmic reticulum (ER)–mitochondria Ca2+ cross talk involving voltage-dependent anion channel-1 (VDAC1)/glucose-regulated protein 75/inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptor 1 complex and mitofusin 2 in endothelial cells during hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R), and investigated the protective effects of acetylcholine. Approach and Results—Acetylcholine treatment during reoxygenation prevented intracellular and mitochondrial Ca2+ increases and alleviated ER Ca2+ depletion during H/R in human umbilical vein endothelial cells. Consequently, acetylcholine enhanced mitochondrial membrane potential and inhibited proapoptotic cascades, thereby reducing cell death and preserving endothelial ultrastructure. This effect was likely mediated by the type-3 muscarinic acetylcholine receptor and the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/Akt pathway. In addition, interactions among members of the VDAC1/glucose-regulated protein 75/inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptor 1 complex were increased after ...
Interrater Variability of a Severity-of-Illness Score in Critically Ill Adults

BACKGROUND Critically ill patients often require sedation and analgesia. Scales have been developed to provide clinicians with sedation targets. Daily interruption of continuous infusions of sedatives and sedation protocols improve patients' outcomes. However, perceived instability of a patient's condition can prevent implementation of appropriate sedation targets and daily interruption of sedation. OBJECTIVE To evaluate the interrater variability of a severity-of-illness score developed to help nurses determine patient-specific sedation targets and identify candidates for daily interruption of sedation. METHODS The severity-of-illness score was implemented as part of an institutional protocol, and bedside nurses in the medical intensive care unit were taught how to determine and use the score. Bedside nurses recorded the score daily in patients' medical records. For study purposes, a study nurse who made rounds with the medical team and a pulmonary/critical care fellow physician also independently determined the score. RESULTS A total of 38 assessments of severity-of-illness scores in 10 different patients were made during the study period. For the 24 assessments made by all 3 observers, the kappa coefficient for agreement for the severity-of-illness score was 0.58. CONCLUSIONS The severity-of-illness score had good interrater variability as a tool for determining sedation targets and identifying candidates for daily interruption of sedation. Future study on how use of the score affects sedative dosing and outcomes is needed.
An approach to simultaneous control of trajectory and interaction forces in dual-arm configurations

An approach to the control of constrained dynamic systems such as multiple arm systems, multifingered grippers, and walking vehicles is described. The basic philosophy is to utilize a minimal set of inputs to control the trajectory and the surplus input to control the constraint or interaction forces and moments in the closed chain. A dynamic control model for the closed chain is derived that is suitable for designing a controller in which the trajectory and the interaction forces and moments are explicitly controlled. Nonlinear feedback techniques derived from differential geometry are then applied to linearize and decouple the nonlinear model. These ideas are illustrated through a planar example in which two arms are used for cooperative manipulation. Results from a simulation are used to illustrate the efficacy of the method. >
Hereditary Upper Tract Urothelial Carcinoma: Lynch Syndrome, Hereditary Nonpolyposis Colorectal Cancer Syndrome (HNPCC)

Genetics and environment clearly both play a role in the pathogenesis of upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC). This malignancy is heterogeneous in its phenotypical presentation among geographical locations in its sporadic forms, which both vary from it’s hereditary form in Lynch Syndrome (LS), also known as hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC) (Table 9.1). Lynch syndrome is among the most common Mendelian disorders and the population incidence of LS carriers is believed to be 1:370 in the United States [14]. This autosomal dominant cancer syndrome is characterized by germline mutations in DNA mismatch repair (MMR) genes, particularly MSH-2, MLH-1, MSH-6 and PMS-2. Currently, it is estimated that LS is the responsible etiology for 2.4–3.7 % of all colorectal cancer (CRC) cases and 1.8–3.9 % of all endometrial cancer (EC) cases. The lifetime penetrance of LS genetic mutations for CRC is 25–70 % and for EC is 30–70 % [15]. Variation exists due to different penetrance rates for the possible MMR gene mutations for a given cancer type. UTUC as well as various other malignancies involving the small bowel, stomach, biliary tract, brain and skin (sebaceous neoplasms) have been shown to be part of the extra-colonic tumor spectrum in LS. LS trait carriers and patients with known MSH-2 mutations have a relative risk of 75 for UTUC development compared to the general population [16]. In addition, our group and others have observed UTUC in families with MSH-6 and MLH-1 mutations albeit less often relative to those with alterations in MSH-2. Identification of these patients and affected family members is a high priority since they ultimately may benefit from early and frequent surveillance protocols.
Roles of 5-HT receptors in the release and action of secretin on pancreatic secretion in rats

5-Hydroxytryptamine (serotonin, 5-HT) is a hormone and neurotransmitter regulating gastrointestinal functions. 5-HT receptors are widely distributed in gastrointestinal mucosa and the enteric nervo...
Organizing for Innovation: Knowledge Integration in the Idea Innovation Network

In recent years, research organizations have placed greater emphasis on fostering better integration between basic and applied research. This paper suggests that organizational efforts to foster greater integration face two important challenges: cognitive distance among researchers and structural differentiation in the idea innovation network. We discuss these two challenges and suggest the necessity of developing a diverse, but integrated knowledge community. Through a discussion of recent literature and a historical case study of the Institut Pasteur, we highlight a number of key mechanisms that can help foster the development of a knowledge community.
Low-lying resonant states in F-16 using a O-15 radioactive ion beam

A 120 MeV $^{15}\mathrm{O}$ radioactive ion beam with an intensity on target of $4.5\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{10}^{4}$ pps has been developed at the 88-Inch Cyclotron at the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory. This beam has been used to study the level structure of $^{16}\mathrm{F}$ at low energies via the $p$($^{15}\mathrm{O}$, $p$) reaction using the thick target inverse kinematics method on a polyethylene target. The experimental excitation function was analyzed using $R$-matrix calculations. Significantly improved values for the level widths of the four low-lying states in $^{16}\mathrm{F}$ are reported. Good agreement with the theoretical spectroscopic factors is also obtained.
Supervisors of the World Unite! The NLRB Tells Nurses and Professionals Which Side They Are On (Commentary)

The National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) issued the long awaited Oakwood Healthcare, Inc. decision, holding that registered nurses who nominally coordinate and guide the work of other nurses or health care workers are supervisory personnel who fall outside the coverage of the National Labor Relations Act. Oakwood Healthcare is a seminal NLRB decision, articulating a remarkably expansive rule for determining whether or not an employee is a supervisor. By radically redefining who is a worker and who is a boss, Oakwood Healthcare has the potential to do what no other single case in the history of the NLRB has ever done -- deprive more than eight million professionals and skilled workers of their right to join a labor union. If Oakwood Healthcare is not reversed by the federal courts or undermined by statutory labor law reform, as many as eight million professional employees and skilled workers will join the 32 million members of the U.S. workforce -- one out of four workers -- who, according to the General Accounting Office, do not have the legal right to join unions. As dissenting Board member Wilma Liebman ominously noted, Oakwood Healthcare creates a class of workers existing in a legal limbo "hav(ing) neither the genuine prerogatives of management, nor the statutory rights of ordinary employees."
Soil Colloid Release Affected by Dissolved Organic Matter and Redox Conditions

Mobilization of soil colloids has attracted much research attention because of colloids’ potential to facilitate transport of strongly sorbing constituents (e.g., contaminants, pesticides, and nutrients). In redox-dynamic soils or sediments, colloid mobility is largely controlled by Fe3+ dissolution, shifts in pH and ionic strength, and interactions with organic matter (OM). We investigated the complex interplay of colloid release, OM content, and redox conditions via batch experiments to quantify and characterize soil colloid release after the addition of dissolved OM (DOM). Under aerobic conditions, the concentration of released colloids increased from ∼1000 to ∼3000 mg L−1 as the DOM concentration increased from 0 to 20 mg C L−1, respectively. The initial concentrations of released colloids were higher under anaerobic conditions, but they decreased by ∼80 to 90% as incubation continued. In addition, unlike in the aerobic samples, the effects of the added DOM on colloid release in the anaerobic samples were minimal. Iron dissolution under anaerobic conditions coincided with the initial high level of colloid release as well as the release of indigenous DOM (DOMin), which may have led to subsequent colloid aggregation due to bridging. These results demonstrate that (i) DOM stabilized the colloids released under aerobic conditions but had minimal effects on colloids released under anaerobic conditions and (ii) high concentrations of DOMin released under anaerobic conditions decreased subsequent colloid release due to DOMin–colloid association. The findings have implications for colloid release and colloid-associated nutrient and contaminant mobilization and transport in redox-dynamic environments such as wetlands.
Laser Quality AlGaAs-GaAs Quantum Wells Grown on Low Temperature GaAs

In this work we demonstrate that photopumped quantum wellheterostructure lasers with excellent optical quality can be grown ontop of a LT GaAs buffer layer by molecular beam epitaxy. Hightemperature thermal annealing of these lasers blue-shifts the laseremission wavelengths but the presence/absence of a LT GaAs layerhad little effect on the overall laser thresholds. Also, to first order itwas not necessary to include an AlAs barrier layer to preventadverse effects (as has been necessary in the gate stack of MESFETs to prevent carrier compensation).
Liver injury following administration of alpha- and beta- longilobine.

SummaryFour closely related alkaloids-longilobine, retrorsine, α- and β-longilobine -have been compared in mice by intravenous injection. There is no significant difference in their toxicity as measured by the median lethal doses. All 4 substances produce liver damage with central necrosis as the predominating lesion.
Influence of anionic cosolutes and pH on nanoscale zerovalent iron longevity: time scales and mechanisms of reactivity loss toward 1,1,1,2-tetrachloroethane and Cr(VI).

Nanoscale zerovalent iron (NZVI) was aged over 30 days in suspension (2 g/L) with different anions (chloride, perchlorate, sulfate, carbonate, nitrate), anion concentrations (5, 25, 100 mN), and pH (7, 8). During aging, suspension samples were reacted periodically with 1,1,1,2-tetrachloroethane (1,1,1,2-TeCA) and Cr(VI) to determine the time scales and primary mode of NZVI reactivity loss. Rate constants for 1,1,1,2-TeCA reduction in Cl–, SO42–, and ClO4– suspensions decreased by 95% over 1 month but were generally equivalent to one another, invariant of concentration and independent of pH. In contrast, longevity toward 1,1,1,2-TeCA depended upon NO3– and HCO3– concentration, with complete reactivity loss over 1 and 14 days, respectively, in 25 mN suspensions. X-ray diffraction suggests that reactivity loss toward 1,1,1,2-TeCA in most systems results from Fe(0) conversion into magnetite, whereas iron carbonate hydroxide formation limits reactivity in HCO3– suspensions. Markedly different trends in Cr(VI) ...