cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Reciprocal regulation of extracellular signal regulated kinase 1/2 and mitogen activated protein kinase phosphatase-3

Mitogen activated protein kinase phosphatase-3 (MKP-3) is a putative tumor suppressor. When transiently overexpressed, MKP-3 dephosphorylates and inactivates extracellular signal regulated kinase (ERK) 1/2. Little is known about the roles of endogenous MKP-3, however. We previously showed that MKP-3 is upregulated in cell lines that express oncogenic Ras. Here we tested the roles of endogenous MKP-3 in modulating ERK1/2 under conditions of chronic stimulation of the Ras/Raf/MEK1/2/ERK1/2 pathway by expression of oncogenic Ras. We used two cell lines: H-ras MCF10A, breast epithelial cells engineered to express H-Ras, and DLD-1, colon cancer cells that express endogenous Ki-Ras. First, we found that MKP-3 acts in a negative feedback loop to suppress basal ERK1/2 when oncogenic Ras stimulates the Ras/Raf/MEK1/2/ERK1/2 cascade. ERK1/2 was required to maintain elevated MKP-3, indicative of a negative feedback loop. Accordingly, knockdown of MKP-3, via siRNA, increased ERK1/2 phosphorylation. Second, by using siRNA, we found that MKP-3 helps establish the sensitivity of ERK1/2 to extracellular activators by limiting the duration of ERK1/2 phosphorylation. Third, we found that the regulation of ERK1/2 by MKP-3 is countered by the complex regulation of MKP-3 by ERK1/2. Potent ERK1/2 activators stimulated the loss of MKP-3 within 30 min due to an ERK1/2-dependent decrease in MKP-3 protein stability. MKP-3 levels recovered within 120 min due to ERK1/2-dependent resynthesis. Preventing MKP-3 resynthesis, via siRNA, prolonged ERK1/2 phosphorylation. Altogether, these results suggest that under the pressure of oncogenic Ras expression, MKP-3 reins in ERK1/2 by serving in ERK1/2-dependent negative feedback pathways.
Time without end: Physics and biology in an open universe

Quantitative estimates are derived for three classes of phenomena that may occur in an open cosmological model of Friedmann type. (1) Normal physical processes taking place with very long time-scales. (2) Biological processes that will result if life adapts itself to low ambient temperatures according to a postulated scaling law. (3) Communication by radio between life forms existing in different parts of the universe. The general conclusion of the analysis is that an open universe need not evolve into a state of permanent quiescence. Life and communication can continue for ever, utilizing a finite store of energy, if the assumed scaling laws are valid.
Relationship between patterns of visual field loss and retinal nerve fiber layer thickness measurements.

Purpose To investigate the association between patterns of visual field (VF) loss and retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness measurements. Design Observational cross-sectional study. Methods One hundred twenty-one glaucoma patients and 65 healthy subjects from the Diagnostic Innovations in Glaucoma Study (DIGS) were included. All glaucoma patients had repeatable abnormal VFs and scanning laser polarimetry (SLP) RNFL thickness measurements. RNFL measurements were obtained from 16 equal parapapillary sectors. Patterns of VF loss were classified as arcuate, partial arcuate, nasal step, or paracentral in each VF hemifield. Logistic regression analysis was performed to determine which RNFL sectors were associated with each VF pattern. The ability of SLP to discriminate between eyes with different VF patterns and healthy eyes using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analyses also was investigated. Results VF patterns in the superior hemifield were significantly associated with RNFL sectors in the temporal inferior hemiretina ( P P Conclusions Parapapillary RNFL thickness was topographically related to patterns of VF loss. SLP can differentiate between apparently unaffected VF hemifields in glaucoma eyes and normal VF hemifields in healthy eyes.
Significance of absorption features in Io's IR reflectance spectrum

This paper shows that the presence of SO2 may have important implications for Io's atmosphere and transient phenomena. It is suggested that any abundant metal-containing compounds, such as halides or sulfides, are spectrally bland in the wavelength region from 2.0 to 5.0 microns.
Socio-Political Context of Sikh Militancy in India

This paper explores the social and political context of the recent conflict and militancy of the Sikhs in India and seeks to test Brass' theory that such (ethnic) conflicts are not "givens" but are socio-political constructions. Following a brief sketch of the history of the Sikhs as a religious minority in India, the paper brings into focus the inevitable conflict between the demand by a militant wing of the Sikh community for an independent state based on religion and the principle of secularism as enshrined in the Indian Constitution. Political maneuvering by both sides of the divide and using each other for temporary advantages is seen as rampant. Random acts of terrorism by the militants in pursuit of their goal(s) and some desperate, often indecisive, governmental responses are highlighted. Additional perspectives are brought to bear by way of interpretation and specification.
SPECIES COMPOSITION AND DYNAMICS IN TWO HARDWOOD STANDS IN VERMONT : A DISTURBANCE HISTORY

Abstract Stand composition and structure utilizing stem analysis was studied in two hardwood stands in Vermont. In a mixed hardwood stand with some white pine and hemlock, a major entry of new trees in the main canopy seems associated with harvesting coincident with land exchange. More recent partial cuttings have promoted establishment of new seedlings or development of suppressed advanced-growth shade-tolerant beech, ( Fagus grandifolia , Ehrh.), hophornbeam ( Ostrya virginiana , (Mill) K. Koch), and striped maple ( Acer pensylvanicum , L.). Very few sugar maple and red oak seedlings and saplings are present. In a northern hardwood stand some red spruce ( Picea rubens , Sarg.), that were 240 to 306 years old, became established before any known harvest, and exhibited release following harvests of the mid-1800s. This major harvest, coupled with the differential growth between spruce and hardwoods, and seed/seedling availability, resulted in a major change in stand composition. Trees now in the main canopy of sampled stands appear to have either been released or newly established following various harvests. Harvests have been of such frequency that natural disturbances seem insignificant. Many of the competitive understory species have become abundant following harvests of the 1960s and 1980s and may have been present as advanced growth and responded to the release. Following the harvest of 1981–1982, abundant yellow birch became established on skid trails. Elsewhere in the stand, yellow birch seedlings and saplings are only in great abundance in areas that were possibly sizable gaps following earlier harvesting. The dynamics of tree entry and growth in gaps of small or large size probably occur in a similar way in many other stands of the region. Though the sampling of this study is limited, there is no suggestion of continuous tree establishment at any particular location, the new age classes seem associated with either a gap or stand replacing disturbance attributed to harvesting.
Acquiescence as a Function of Test Type and Subject Uncertainty

Empirical studies have shown that attitude items are loaded more highly on a general acquiescence factor than are personality-type items. These results have been explained by postulating that two different psychological processes underlie acquiescent responses to attitude and personality measures—the first, a general proclivity for agreeing, and the second, an impulsive tendency to endorse item content as being self-descriptive. A more parsimonious explanation, consistent with the conceptualization of acquiescence as a tendency to agree when uncertain, suggests that these results are artifacts of the measurement procedures used, and that content may confound the comparison of responses to attitude and personality items by unequally reducing subjects' uncertainty across measures. This alternative conceptualization also suggests that instructions reduce uncertainty. To test these questions, 160 undergraduate students at the University of Washington were given a "content free" passage to read. At random, stu...
Integration of low k organic flowable SOG in a non-etchback/CMP process

As devices continuously shrink to deep sub-half micron, the requirements of multilevel interconnect technology become more stringent. A series of device experiments presented here evaluate the integration issues and electrical performance of both logic and SRAM chips fabricated using a low k spin-on material by a non-etchback process. Non-etchback processing is known for it's advantage of reduced cycle time and associated cost saving. Allied Signal's Accuspin 218, a flowable methylsilsesquioxane known for its stable dielectric constant of 2.7, is used throughout the study. Subsequent to SOG coating, several process modifications are implemented to enhance film uniformity and to reduce risks associated with via poisoning. These modifications include a non-conventional two-step baking sequence to enhance film uniformity and a vacuum cure in conjunction with an arsenic implant step to improve via resistance. CMP of the oxide deposited on top of SOG layer is used to provide the required global planarization. CVD tungsten plug process is chosen to test the SOG layer's ability to retain its low dielectric constant after exposure to high temperatures. To insure that photoresist and any polymeric residues are completely removed from the vias, device wafers are subjected to wet stripping and double oxygen plasma ashing. Electrical tests of 0.5 micrometers to 0.35 micrometers vias treated in this manner show that no via poisoning occurs anywhere in the devices. Reliability data from testing of 0.4 micrometers SRAMs is also satisfactory. These results suggest that this low k organic SOG non-etchback process, combined with CMP, is a viable IMD solution for 0.35 micrometers devices.
Experimental and Numerical Study on Torsional Behavior of Precast Concrete Screw Pile Body

Precast concrete screw pile is a new kind of pile foundation. Because the pile bears very large torsion in construction, the torsional properties of pile body including cracking torsion, ultimate torsion and torsional deformation were studied in this paper in order to improve the anti-torsional ability of precast concrete screw pile. Experimental method and numerical method are used to research the torsional behavior of precast concrete pile body. Experimental and numerical results of cracking torsion, ultimate torsion and relationship between torsion and angle of twist per unit length of different specimens are obtained. In addition, five factors of strength level of concrete, degree of prestress, distance of spiral hoop, concrete cover and diameter of spiral hoop influencing on torsional behavior of precast concrete pile body are researched by orthogonal numerical test. The rational finite element model and solution method are concluded for calculating the torsional behavior of concrete pile. Moreover, the rational pile type and design parameters of precast concrete screw pile are obtained.
Wavelength division multiplexed confocal microscopy using supercontinuum

We investigate both theoretically and experimentally wavelength division multiplexed confocal imaging by using white light supercontinuum. We show that with the optimized pinhole diameter an axial resolution of 0.75 μm and detection efficiency of 80% can be achieved. In addition, we applied the axial WDM confocal system to 3D surface measurement and the result agreed well with that measured by commercially available surface profilometer. The measured sensitivity of the system is 3.25 nm. Finally, we demonstrated lateral confocal imaging by using supercontinuum. An effective lateral scanning range of 130 μm was obtained.
Caregiver person-centeredness and behavioral symptoms during mealtime interactions: Development and feasibility of a coding scheme

Mealtime behavioral symptoms are distressing and frequently interrupt eating for the individual experiencing them and others in the environment. A computer-assisted coding scheme was developed to measure caregiver person-centeredness and behavioral symptoms for nursing home residents with dementia during mealtime interactions. The purpose of this pilot study was to determine the feasibility, ease of use, and inter-observer reliability of the coding scheme, and to explore the clinical utility of the coding scheme. Trained observers coded 22 observations. Data collection procedures were acceptable to participants. Overall, the coding scheme proved to be feasible, easy to execute and yielded good to very good inter-observer agreement following observer re-training. The coding scheme captured clinically relevant, modifiable antecedents to mealtime behavioral symptoms, but would be enhanced by the inclusion of measures for resident engagement and consolidation of items for measuring caregiver person-centeredness that co-occurred and were difficult for observers to distinguish.
Connotative Judgements by Aphasic Patients on a Pictorial Adaptation of the Semantic Differential

Summary A modified pictorial version of the semantic differential was administered to a group of aphasic patients in order to determine their sensitivity to the connotative or expressive meanings of spoken words. The subjects' performance on this test of connotative comprehension correlated highly with their performance on tests of denotative comprehension; in addition the performance of the various subject groups on the test of connotation was consistent with established findings about the extent of comprehension deficits in various forms of aphasia. Contrary to earlier findings, comprehension of the connotation of abstract nouns was as well-preserved as comprehension of the connotation of concrete nouns. There was, however, an unexpectedly anomalous performance on the part of a small group of righthemisphere brain-damaged subjects. The complex nature of connotative meaning and the relationship between comprehension of denotation and connotation is considered.
Seed harvester ants (Pogonomyrmex rugosus) as “pulse” predators

Abstract Seed harvesting ants, Pogonomyrmex rugosus, collected grass cicadas at a high rate (>5 min−1 taken into the nest) at one location where cicada emergence exceeded 3 m−2. Dry conditions in the winter-spring resulted in no annual plants in the northern Chihuahuan Desert. P. rugosus colonies were inactive in areas where grass cicada emergence was less than 1 m−2. P. rugosus initiate intense predatory activity in response to pulse of large numbers of prey. This study demonstrates that predatory behavior of seed harvesting ants is not limited to incidental encounters with prey during seed harvesting activities. Pulse predation demonstrates the importance of protein to seed harvester ant colonies.
Endoscopic Confocal Microscopy: Imaging to Facilitate the Dawn of Endoluminal Surgery

Endoscopic confocal microscopy is a new imaging modality that rapidly is gaining applicability in gastrointestinal endoscopy. Confocal microscopy has been used in the biological sciences since 1961 when the concept of optical sectioning of a biological specimen was introduced. Rather than a composite 2-dimensional view of a cell, one could obtain a horizontal section of the cell in a specific x–y plane. This has found application in laboratories where the technology often is combined with fluorescence imaging to resolve the intracellular location of fluorescent markers. In this issue of Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology, 2 articles highlight the 2 applications that this technology can bring to gastroenterologists.1,2 Several features of endoscopic confocal microscopy are being developed. The practicing gastroenterologist should be aware of the different approaches utilized.3
Intensity covariance of a point source in a random medium with a Kolmogorov spectrum and an inner scale of turbulence

The intensity covariance of a point source of waves propagating in a random medium is calculated by using the asymptotic theory (strong-scattering regime) and a Kolmogorov refractive-index spectrum with an inner-scale cutoff. The variance and small-scale correlation scale are both larger than predicted for zero inner scale. The behavior of the small-scale structure is dominated by irregularities near the receiver, whereas the behavior of the large-scale structure is dominated by irregularities near the transmitter. The theoretical predictions are compared with experimental results. Higher terms in the asymptotic theory are required for intensity covariance to be predicted adequately. Saturation of intensity fluctuations (variance of unity) is unlikely for laser propagation in typical atmospheric conditions. The calculation of intensity covariance in an extended medium cannot be simplified by substituting an equivalent thin screen in the midpoint of the propagation path.
An economical tonal display for interactive graphics and image analysis data

Abstract The use of tonal displays in image analysis and interactive graphics has always dictated the use of expensive refresh memories for the display output device. This has involved the use of high speed digital drums, multiple head discs, and analog storage tubes. Recently, the introduction of very long shift registers has allowed the designer to consider their use for refresh memories. A prototype display using 1024 bit MOS static shift registers has been developed. It has been shown that a reasonable cost versus performance tradeoff can be obtained. The first efforts has resulted in a 128 × 128 × 4 bit (64k) memory; it is now in the process of being expanded to 256 × 256 × 8 bits (512k). This memory is cost competitive with digital disc memories and both cost and performance competitive with storage tube scan converters.
The effect of certain solar radiations on the lower ionosphere

Abstract An electron density distribution in the D and E regions of the ionosphere is computed. Lyman alpha, Lyman beta, the Lyman continuum and X-radiations are considered. The resulting electron distribution is used to compute parameters which may then be compared with data from rocket and long wave radio experiments. In general, there is good agreement between experimental results and the values predicted by the model.
Crystal structure of ATP-bound Get3-Get4-Get5 complex reveals regulation of Get3 by Get4.

Correct localization of membrane proteins is essential to all cells. Chaperone cascades coordinate the capture and handover of substrate proteins from the ribosomes to the target membranes, yet the mechanistic and structural details of these processes remain unclear. Here we investigate the conserved GET pathway, in which the Get4–Get5 complex mediates the handover of tail-anchor (TA) substrates from the cochaperone Sgt2 to the Get3 ATPase, the central targeting factor. We present a crystal structure of a yeast Get3–Get4–Get5 complex in an ATP-bound state and show how Get4 primes Get3 by promoting the optimal configuration for substrate capture. Structure-guided biochemical analyses demonstrate that Get4-mediated regulation of ATP hydrolysis by Get3 is essential to efficient TA-protein targeting. Analogous regulation of other chaperones or targeting factors could provide a general mechanism for ensuring effective substrate capture during protein biogenesis.
Obsessive-compulsive disorder and separation anxiety co-morbidity in early onset panic disorder.

Background. This study was undertaken to examine the relationship between anxiety co-morbidity and age of onset of panic disorder. Methods. Age of onset of panic disorder and co-morbid anxiety disorders were assessed among 201 panic disorder probands with childhood separation anxiety disorder, obsessive–compulsive disorder, obsessive–compulsive symptoms, social phobia and specific phobia as part of a clinician-administered lifetime diagnostic interview. A generalized linear model was used to test the association between each anxiety co-morbidity and age of panic disorder onset while simultaneously controlling for the potential confounding effects of sociodemographic characteristics and other psychiatric co-morbidity. Results. Earlier onset of panic disorder was found in patients with co-morbid obsessive–compulsive disorder, obsessive–compulsive symptoms and separation anxiety disorder, but not simple phobia or social phobia. Patients with both childhood separation anxiety disorder and obsessive–compulsive disorder had an even earlier panic onset than those with either childhood separation anxiety disorder or obsessive–compulsive disorder. Conclusions. The association between anxiety co-morbidity and earlier onset of panic disorder is specific to obsessive–compulsive disorder and childhood separation anxiety disorder.
Multiscale finite element for problems with highly oscillatory coefficients

In this paper, we study a multiscale finite element method for solving a class of elliptic problems with finite number of well separated scales. The method is designed to efficiently capture the large scale behavior of the solution without resolving all small scale features. This is accomplished by constructing the multiscale finite element base functions that are adaptive to the local property of the differential operator. The construction of the base functions is fully decoupled from element to element; thus the method is perfectly parallel and is naturally adapted to massively parallel computers. We present the convergence analysis of the method along with the results of our numerical experiments. Some generalizations of the multiscale finite element method are also discussed.
Local versus basin-scale limitation of marine nitrogen fixation.

Nitrogen (N) fixation by diazotrophic plankton is the primary source of this crucial nutrient to the ocean, but the factors limiting its rate and distribution are controversial. According to one view, the ecological niche of diazotrophs is primarily controlled by the ocean through internally generated N deficits that suppress the growth of their competitors. A second view posits an overriding limit from the atmosphere, which restricts diazotrophs to regions where dust deposition satisfies their high iron (Fe) requirement, thus separating N sources from sinks at a global scale. Here we use multiple geochemical signatures of N2 fixation to show that the Fe limitation of diazotrophs is strong enough to modulate the regional distribution of N2 fixation within ocean basins—particularly the Fe-poor Pacific—but not strong enough to influence its partition between basins, which is instead governed by rates of N loss. This scale-dependent limitation of N2 fixation reconciles local observations of Fe stress in diazotroph communities with an inferred spatial coupling of N sources and sinks. Within this regime of intermediate Fe control, the oceanic N reservoir would respond only weakly to enhanced dust fluxes during glacial climates, but strongly to the reduced fluxes hypothesized under anthropogenic climate warming.
Optical Properties of Single-Crystal Films of Cd Cr 2 S 4

We report on the preparation and optical properties of single-crystal films of Cd${\mathrm{Cr}}_{2}$${\mathrm{S}}_{4}$. The present data show no large blue shift associated with magnetic ordering near the Curie temperature contrary to that previously observed in bulk Cd${\mathrm{Cr}}_{2}$${\mathrm{S}}_{4}$ data. A large red shift correlated to the magnetic ordering is observed for a peak in the highly absorbing region. The weakness and narrowness of this absorption is inconsistent with that expected for band-to-band transitions resulting in unbound electrons and holes. We suggest an exciton model to explain this absorption.
Occurrence of mutagens in canned foods

Mutagens are shown to be present in a variety of commercially heat-processed foods. Since these substances are not present in the unheated raw material, it appears that they are produced during processing. Canned salmon and beef broth showed the highest mutagenicity while other canned beef and fish products yielded lower but detectable levels. These findings are significant not only because of the large proportion of the food supply which is processed by canning, but also because the mutagens in these foods exhibit chemical behaviors and Salmonella strain specificity similar to mutagens in grilled foods which have been shown to be mammalian carcinogens.
Exponential Temperature Dependence of Young's Modulus for Several Oxides

Young's modulus was measured over the temperature range 77\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}-850\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K by an accurate resonance technique. Data are presented for single crystals of aluminum oxide with various orientations of the crystallographic axes and for polycrystalline aluminum oxide, thorium oxide, and magnesium oxide. The results show that the range of validity of a ${T}^{4}$ temperature dependence predicted by theory must be quite small. The temperature dependence is very well described over the whole temperature range by $T\mathrm{exp}(\ensuremath{-}\frac{{T}_{0}}{T})$, where ${T}_{0}$ is an empirical parameter.
Human Rights for the Digital Age

Human rights are those legal and/or moral rights that all persons have simply as persons. In the current digital age, human rights are increasingly being either fulfilled or violated in the online environment. In this article, I provide a way of conceptualizing the relationships between human rights and information technology. I do so by pointing out a number of misunderstandings of human rights evident in Vinton Cerf's recent argument that there is no human right to the Internet. I claim that Cerf fails to recognize the existence of derived human rights. I argue further that we need to consider what other human rights are necessitated by the digital age. I suggest we need a Declaration of Digital Rights. As a step toward the development of such a declaration, I suggest a framework for thinking through how to ensure the human rights are satisfied in digital contexts.
Some recent methods for establishing universality limits

Abstract We survey some recent methods for establishing universality limits for random matrices in the unitary case. These include Levin’s method using a Markov–Bernstein inequality, a comparison inequality of the author, and a method based on complex analysis and reproducing kernels. We focus on the bulk of the spectrum for measures with compact support, but the methods may also be used at the soft or hard edge, and for measures with unbounded support.
NEGATIVE CONTRAST PERITONEOGRAPHY IN THE HORSE

A method of negative contrast peritoneography using CO2 peritoneal insufflation technique was investigated in adult horses. Radiographic visualization of anatomic structures in the dorsal abdomen, including the kidneys, portions of the spleen and liver, dorsal stomach and mesenteric root region, was enhanced. Visualization of ventral abdominal structures was not enhanced. Negative contrast peritoneography allowed reduction in the radiographic technique from 140 kVp and 40 mAs before insufflation to 100 kVp and 5–10 mAs following insufflation. The technique was easily and safely performed with minimal patient discomfort and risk.
How teen mothers are faring under welfare reform

We examine socioeconomic and psychological well-being among 88 low-income minor mothers. Half of the young mothers receive cash welfare assistance and face new policy mandates regarding coresidence status and school attendance. Although most appear to be “complying” with the requirements of the new welfare rules and are satisfied with their current living arrangements, many are faring poorly on dimensions of psychological well-being and life stress. Receipt of cash welfare is not a significant correlate of school success, parenting stress, or economic strain. Teen coresidence with their mothers does not appear to buffer against the experience of child care problems, depressive symptoms, or domestic violence. We discuss the implications of the results forresearch, policy, and services for teen parent families.
U-La-La, What's Happened to Our California Right of Publicity?

In 1971, the California Legislature first enacted California Civil Code section 3344 to protect the economic interest of celebrities by banning the use of the name, likeness, voice and image of celebrities without authorization. While the statute originally gave broad protection to the rights of celebrities (as well as non-celebrities) to protect the economic interest their fame generates, the courts have had to balance the broad rights of the statute against the interests of the First Amendment.
Representative skylines using threshold-based preference distributions

The study of skylines and their variants has received considerable attention in recent years. Skylines are essentially sets of most interesting (undominated) tuples in a database. However, since the skyline is often very large, much research effort has been devoted to identifying a smaller subset of (say k) “representative skyline” points. Several different definitions of representative skylines have been considered. Most of these formulations are intuitive in that they try to achieve some kind of clustering “spread” over the entire skyline, with k points. In this work, we take a more principled approach in defining the representative skyline objective. One of our main contributions is to formulate the problem of displaying k representative skyline points such that the probability that a random user would click on one of them is maximized.
Submicrosecond speed variable optical attenuator using acoustooptics

A novel variable optical attenuator (VOA) is introduced that can provide high dynamic range and high-resolution all at fast submicrosecond speeds. The VOA design exploits an in-line one-to-one imaging optical architecture operating with Bragg-mode acoustooptic Bragg cells. Optical attenuation is achieved via frequency and drive voltage control of the Bragg cells, leading to flexible and precise attenuation-level settings. VOA demonstrated a 45-dB dynamic range with a 175-ns switching time. Other measured parameters include 1.14-dB/MHz resolution, 1.56-dB polarization dependent loss, and an excess loss of 3.55 dB.
Angiographic evidence that reciprocal ST-segment depression during acute myocardial infarction does not indicate remote ischemia: Analysis of 23 patients

Although reciprocal ST-segment depression from the remote noninfarcting ventricular wall during acute myocardial infarction (MI) is a common clinical finding, the significance of this electrocardiographic pattern is unclear. Previous retrospective studies have suggested that these findings may reflect either remote wall ischemia, multivessel coronary artery disease (CAD), extensive MI or a benign electrical phenomenon. Prior studies have lacked angiographic data obtained at the time of these acute electrocardiographic changes. In this study we prospectively evaluated 23 patients with acute MI. Left ventricular wall motion, coronary anatomy and the ECG were all assessed over a short period during the acute phase of the MI. Segmental wall motion was used as a sensitive indicator of ischemia. Seventeen patients had acute anterior MI, of whom 47% had reciprocal ST-segment depression; 6 patients had inferior MI, with 3 showing reciprocal ST depression. The mean degree of ST-segment elevation from the infarcting wall tended to be greater in patients with reciprocal ST-segment depression than in those without such reciprocal ST depression (2.8 +/- 0.4 vs 1.9 +/- 0.3 mm, p = 0.06). Patients with and without reciprocal ST-segment depression had similar degrees of segmental dysfunction in the infarct wall. However, no abnormalities in segmental wall motion in the remote wall were seen regardless of the presence or absence of remote wall ST-segment depression. In addition, the presence or absence of ST-segment depression did not predict the extent or degree of CAD.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Defecatory Function Following Local Excision of Rectal Masses

Local excision is currently playing a greater role in the treatment of benign and early stage malignant lesions. In addition to achieving good oncologic results with minimal morbidity and mortality, it is important to maintain good rectal function. This chapter reviews defecatory function following traditional transanal excision as well as transanal endoscopic microsurgery. Factors which affect anorectal function in association with local excision are pre-surgical function, surgical technique, the length of surgery, the amount of rectal wall excised, and perhaps most importantly, the use of adjuvant radiation therapy. The vast majority of individuals who undergo local excision of rectal masses with either standard techniques or transanal endoscopic microsurgical resection will have little impairment of anorectal function following surgery.
Direct Reduction of Iron Ore

In the search for a pure, available iron source, steelmakers are focusing their attention on Directly Reduced Iron (DRI). This material is produced by the reaction of a low gangue iron ore with a hydrocarbonaceous substance. Commercially, DRI is generated in four different reactors: shaft (moving-bed), rotary kiln, fluidized bed, and retort (fixed-bed). Annual worldwide production capacity approaches 33 million metric tons. Detailed assessments have been made of the uses of DRI, especially as a substitute for scrap in electric furnace (EF) steelmaking. DRI is generally of a quality superior to current grades of scrap, with steels produced more efficiently in the EF and containing lower levels of impurities. However, present economics favor EF steel production with scrap. But this situation could change within this decade because of a developing scarcity of good quality scrap.
Interventional Therapies for Painful Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy

Painful diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) is a common finding in diabetic patients with disease of long duration and is a significant cause of increased morbidity and mortality in this patient population. It is estimated that 50 % of diabetic patients with long duration disease will develop DPN and of those with DPN, half will develop painful neuropathic symptoms [1]. First-line oral pharmacotherapy for painful DPN involves the use of anticonvulsants, tricyclic antidepressants, and/or serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors [1]. Unfortunately, these medications don’t work in many patients and provide only modest improvement in painful symptoms in those patients who do get benefit. Some patients who do receive benefit ultimately discontinue therapy due to side effects. As a result, pain specialists have turned to more aggressive and invasive therapies for patients who are refractory to medical management. As with other sources of chronic non-malignant pain these therapies are reserved for more severe cases and may require more careful screening to ensure the risk versus benefit ratio is favorable for each individual patient. In the treatment of painful DPN there are primarily three interventional treatments that have been employed. These include dorsal column spinal cord stimulation, the application of a capsaicin 8 % topical patch, and intrathecal drug delivery via an implantable pump system.
Synthesis of (18F)Perchloryl Fluoride and its Reactions with Functionalized Aryl Lithiums

Abstract [ 18 F]Perchloryl fluoride ( 18 FClO 3 ) has been synthesized by the reaction of [ 18 F]F 2 with KClO 3 and its synthetic utility demonstrated by the successful syntheses of [ 18 F] labeled 2-fluoroaniline, 2-fluoroanisole, 2-fluorobenzaldehyde and 3-fluoroveratrole by reaction with their respective ortho-lithiated aromatic precursors in 24, 34, 3 and 21% yields, respectively.
Age-related differences in Tai Chi gait kinematics and leg muscle electromyography: a pilot study

Abstract Wu G. Age-related differences in Tai Chi gait kinematics and leg muscle electromyography: a pilot study. Objective To compare the biomechanic features of Tai Chi gait by elders with those by young adults, and with those of normative gait. Design Cross-sectional study. Setting Laboratory-based testing. Participants Young (n=6; 3 women) and old (n=6; 5 women) Tai Chi practitioners. Intervention All subjects had practiced Tai Chi for at least 4 months. Main Outcome Measures Spatial, temporal, and leg muscle electromyography during Tai Chi gait and normative gait. Results The primary age-related differences in Tai Chi gait were during single stance, with elders having significantly shorter single-stance time (−50%), less lateral displacement (–30%), knee flexion (–42%), hip flexion (–39%), activation time in the tibialis anterior (–13%), soleus (–39%), and tensor fascia lata (TFL) (–21%), activation magnitude in the tibialis anterior (–39%), and coactivation time of the tibialis anterior and soleus (–47%). Compared with normative gait, elders during Tai Chi gait had significantly larger knee (139%) and hip (66%) flexions, longer duration (90%–170%) and higher magnitude (200%–400%) of the tibialis anterior, rectus femoris, and TFL muscle activities, and longer duration of coactivation of most leg muscle pairs (130%–380%). Conclusions The elders practice Tai Chi gait in higher posture than younger subjects. The Tai Chi gait poses significantly higher challenges to elder's balance and muscular system than does their normative gait.
BLADE TENDERIZATION OF STEER, COW AND BULL BEEF

A study was conducted to determine the extent to which blade tenderization could be used to make beef from mature cow and bull carcasses comparable in tenderness and overall palatability to that from the most commonly occurring kind (U.S. Choice and U.S. Good, A maturity steer) of block beef. Biceps femoris (BF), semimembranosus (SM) and longissimus (LD) muscles were obtained from each of 30 hindquarters (10 steers, 10 bulls and 10 cows). Steaks removed from each muscle prior to blade tenderization were used as control (0x) samples; steaks removed after one pass (1x) or two passes (2x) through a blade tenderizer were used as treated samples. Neither BF nor SM muscles from cows or bulls could be made as tender (based on shear force values) as control (0x) muscles from steer carcasses by blade tenderization. Although shear force values suggested that blade tenderization could make LD muscles from cows and bulls as tender as control (0x) LD muscles from steer carcasses, sensory panel ratings did not support such a conclusion for cow samples. Based on organoleptic evaluations of tenderness and overall palatability it is doubtful that beef from mature cow and bull carcasses can be improved enough by blade tenderization to make it comparable to beef from slaughter steer carcasses.
Editorial: special issue on the 2014 Robotics: Science & Systems conference

Welcome to this special edition of Autonomous Robots (AURO) that features some of the papers from the tenth Robotics: Science & Systems (RSS) conference. The conference was held in June 2014 at the University of California, Berkeley. The papers were carefully selected for this edition out of the conference papers that had already gone through a highly competitive selection process. We hope that readers will enjoy this edition as these papers illustrate some of the most advanced research in Robotics. In addition, the reader of this edition is encouraged to look at the special issue of The International Journal of Robotics Research (IJRR) that assembles the second set of papers from RSS 2014. There are thirteen papers in this edition. These papers can roughly be split into five different topics:
Fa'a Samoa

In Samoa there are two markers of identity that everyone carries- name and village. Name and village are so closely tied that if you told someone your name, that person would be able to tell what village you come from. It's very eerie when an older person asks your name and then proceeds to call out all of your relatives- even your parents. I asked Mom once how people could know your lineage just by knowing your name, but like all cultural questions I asked, she just brushed them off.
Mood Disorders and Immunity

Depression is a common comorbid condition in substance abuse disorders. In particular, comorbidity between alcoholism and depression occurs with extremely high prevalence in the general population. Early studies investigating this dual diagnosis issue reported alcohol abuse to occur in almost a quarter of patients with affective disorders [1, 2]. Prevalence rises as high as 32 % if other substance abuse disorders are included [2]. These findings made it clear that enormous challenges lie ahead in tracing the individual etiology of substance abuse and depression, let alone their interaction. Clearly, this dilemma was to produce further difficulties in providing adequate and appropriate treatment for sufferers.
Membrane Fragmentation and Ca++-Membrane Interaction : Potential Mechanisms of Shape Change in the Senescent Red Cell

Speculation concerning the mechanisms responsible for normal erythrocyte destruction dates back at least to Ponfick’s observations [18] of damaged cells. The systematic studies by Rous [22] clearly implied progressive intrinsic alteration of the cell as an important determinant in the normal fate of the erythrocyte and confirmed the earlier suggestion that the spleen was of particular importance in erythrocyte destruction. Currently it is considered that the normal erythrocyte’s life span is a function of time dependent changes of the erythrocyte which adversely affect its capacity to survive severe flow requirements of the microcirculation and the phagocytic elements of the reticuloendothelial system.
Antioxidant resveratrol restores renal sodium transport regulation in SHR.

Previously we have shown that in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) renal angiotensin (Ang) II receptor (AT1R) upregulation leads to overstimulation of Na/K-ATPase by Ang II. There are reports that antioxidants can reduce oxidative stress and blood pressure (BP) in SHR, however the effect of these compounds on AT1R function remains to be determined. Therefore, we hypothesized that polyphenol antioxidant resveratrol would mitigate oxidative stress, normalize renal AT1R signaling, and reduce BP in SHR. SHR and wistar-kyoto (WKY) rats were treated with resveratrol for 8 weeks. Untreated SHR exhibited oxidative stress and enhanced renal proximal tubular Ang II-induced G-protein activation and Na/K-ATPase stimulation. Treatment of SHR with resveratrol mitigated oxidative stress, reduced BP, and normalized renal AT1R signaling. In SHR, nuclear expression of transcription factor NF-κB was increased while expression of Nrf2 was reduced. SHR also exhibited a significant decrease in renal antioxidant capacity and activities of phase II antioxidant enzymes. Resveratrol treatment of SHR abolished renal NF-κB activation, restored Nrf2-phase II antioxidant signaling and Ang II-mediated Na/K-ATPase regulation. These data show that in SHR, oxidative stress via activation of NF-κB upregulates AT1R–G-protein signaling resulting in overstimulation Na/K-ATPase which contributes to hypertension. Resveratrol, via Nrf2, activates phase II antioxidant enzymes, mitigates oxidative stress, normalizes AT1R–G-protein signaling and Na/K-ATPase regulation, and decreases BP in SHR.
Presidential Accountability for Wars of Choice

This paper focuses on how Congress and the American people evaluate wars of presidential choice. When it comes to whether or not to use American military power, presidential discretion is virtually unchecked (Yoo, 2005; Schlesinger, 2005; 1973). The war power is for that reason the issue that best exposes the costs of a too exclusive reliance on retrospective (as opposed to prospective) accountability. I use brief case studies of Korea, Vietnam and Iraq to show that such reliance is particularly unsatisfactory in the context of peace and war. In the runup to each of these wars, for example, Congress deferred to presidents who insisted on the need for military action (or authorization for such action) despite lack of clear provocation (e.g., an attack on the United States or some other durably convincing justification) and without a vision of the objective backed by well-specified operational plans that could stand the test of time. In each of these cases, Congress offered little serious oversight until stirred to do so by shifts in public opinion brought on by mounting costs in American blood and treasure not justified by success. Public opinion was a force to be reckoned with, as shown by its eventual impact on Congress and on the subsequent political fortunes of presidents Truman, Johnson and the second Bush. But citizens did not press Congress to act until it was too late to influence the initial decisions to send in the troops. This is a tradition that leaves presidents unsupervised at a critical stage. I close with brief notes on alternative approaches to officially assessing the pros and cons of war before it starts.
Cowpea Trypsin Inhibitor and Resistance to Cowpea Weevil (Coleoptera: Bruchidae) in Cowpea Variety ‘TVu 2027’

Seeds of cowpea, Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp, line ‘TVu 2027’ are moderately resistant to the cowpea weevil, Callosobruchus maculatus (F.). C. maculatus larvae exhibit higher mortality and take longer to develop in ‘TVu 2027’ than in more susceptible seeds. Claims have been made (Gatehouse, A.M.R., J. A. Gatehouse, P. Dobie, A. M. Kilminster & D. Boulter. 1979. Biochemical basis of insect resistance in Vigna unguiculata. J. Sci. Food Agric. 30: 948–958) that an elevated level of cowpea trypsin inhibitor (CPTI) confers resistance to ‘TVu 2027’. To test this hypothesis, we isolated and purified CPTI and evaluated its impact on cowpea weevil using an artificial seed system. CPTI at dietary levels up to 2.0% (wt/wt) caused no significant increase in mortality of cowpea weevils and only slight delays in within-seed developmental times. These results do not support the hypothesis that CPTI is the basis of resistance in ‘TVu 2027’.
Neochetina bruchi, a Biological Control Agent of Waterhyacinth: Host Specificity in Argentina

Neochetina bruchi Hustache strongly preferred waterhyacinth, Eichhornia crassipes (Mart.) Solms., in a variety of laboratory tests. Host specificity was greatest in larval feeding and pupation, slightly less in ovipositional preference, and least in adult feeding preference and survival. Adults fed and oviposited a small amount on other members of the family Pontederiaceae , preferring Reussia rotundifolia (L.f.) Castellanos, Eichhornia azurea (Swartz) Kunth, and Pontederia lanceolata Nutt. in that order, and lesser amounts on the closely related family Commelinaceae and a few other plants that grow in the same habitat with waterhyacinth. However, larval feeding and pupation restricted N. bruchi to completing its entire life cycle on E. crassipes and probably rarely on Reussia and E. azurea , which are either noxious weeds themselves or do not occur in the United States. The small amount of feeding by adults poses no threat of damage to other plants. Neochetina bruchi is sufficiently host specific to introduce into the United States to control waterhyacinth without damage to economic plants or native vegetation.
Increasing the odds of effective drug development: Elevating regulatory affairs professionals to strategic partners

AbstractIn today’s globalized drug development landscape, the need for regulatory professionals to be more seamlessly integrated into strategic decisions is evident. Whereas a few companies see the benefit of involving regulatory affairs professionals in strategic business decisions, many still lag behind. Limited literature and scholarly discussion is available on whether regulatory affairs professionals are given the stature and power to make a meaningful contribution during strategy formulation across all stages of the product development, launch, and life-cycle management. This article examines the current business environment for the regulated industries; discusses why it is important that regulatory affairs play an active and strategic role in this sector; and proposes a new educational perspective to facilitate the recognition and acceptance of regulatory affairs professionals as strategic partners.