cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Model Organisms Retain an “Ecological Memory” of Complex Ecologically Relevant Environmental Variation

ABSTRACT Although tractable model organisms are essential to characterize the molecular mechanisms of evolution and adaptation, the ecological relevance of their behavior is not always clear because certain traits are easily lost during long-term laboratory culturing. Here, we demonstrate that despite their long tenure in the laboratory, model organisms retain “ecological memory” of complex environmental changes. We have discovered that Halobacterium salinarum NRC-1, a halophilic archaeon that dominates microbial communities in a dynamically changing hypersaline environment, simultaneously optimizes fitness to total salinity, NaCl concentration, and the [K]/[Mg] ratio. Despite being maintained under controlled conditions over the last 50 years, peaks in the three-dimensional fitness landscape occur in salinity and ionic compositions that are not replicated in laboratory culturing but are routinely observed in the natural hypersaline environment of this organism. Intriguingly, adaptation to variations in ion composition was associated with differential regulation of anaerobic metabolism genes, suggesting an intertwined relationship between responses to oxygen and salinity. Our results suggest that the ecological memory of complex environmental variations is imprinted in the networks for coordinating multiple cellular processes. These coordination networks are also essential for dealing with changes in other physicochemically linked factors present during routine laboratory culturing and, hence, retained in model organisms.
Nutritional status, glutathione levels, and ototoxicity of loop diuretics and aminoglycoside antibiotics

Chinchillas deprived of food for 48 h prior to the administration of a combined dose of ethacrynic acid (10 mg/kg) and kanamycin (100 mg/kg) suffered a profound hearing loss. Fed animals did not demonstrate any hearing loss at the same dose levels. Drug metabolism may be the common pathway by which ototoxic agents interact, by a mechanism which is common to both the cochlea and the kidney. Glutathione (GSH) is a tripeptide which is involved in several pathways in the detoxification of active oxygen and reactive species formed during xenobiotic metabolism. The enhanced auditory dysfunction was paralleled by one-third decline in hepatic glutathione levels in the food-deprived animals. Manipulation of endogenous GSH levels may mitigate the toxicities of many of these drugs, which otherwise limit their clinical usefulness. These results also indicate that nutritional status may have important clinical implications during drug therapy.
A Comprehensive Analytic Model of Accumulation-Mode Mosfet's in Polysilicon Thin Films

The performance of MOSFET’s fabricated in LPCVD polysilicon thin films and operating in accumulation mode is modeled analytically. The model quantitatively explains reported device characteristics. Specifically, measured temperature coefficient of current, drive and leakage current, transconductance, drain admittance and ON/OFF current ratio are described in terms of inherent structural and electronic properties of polysilicon. The role of grain boundary hydrogenation in effecting the device performance is highlighted and Quantified.
Estimation of the size of a closed population when capture probabilities vary among animals

SUMMARY A model which allows capture probabilities to vary by individuals is introduced for multiple recapture studies on closed populations. The set of individual capture probabilities is modelled as a random sample from an arbitrary probability distribution over the unit interval. We show that the capture frequencies are a sufficient statistic. A nonparametric estimator of population size is developed based on the generalized jackknife; this estimator is found to be a linear combination of the capture frequencies. Finally, tests of underlying assumptions are presented.
Refining the notion of distinctive feature

Abstract Chomsky and Halle in The sound pattern of English consider the enumeration of the distinctive features to be a condition on the form of grammars. One of the purposes of such a condition is to limit the set of all possible grammars. However, the notion of distinctive feature itself is still not narrowly enough defined in the sense that almost any imaginable vocal quality may qualify as a distinctive feature. Also, there is no formal constraint to keep several qualities from being lumped together into one feature. In addition, it is not clear whether binary or scalar features are to be preferred. This paper presents arguments in favor of more narrowly limiting the set of distinctive features by precisely defining what a distinctive feature may be, thus limiting the set of possible grammars. The concept of distinctive feature that arises out of this discussion is “a distinctive feature defines every point on one and only one closed continuum, such that there are no more than two relevant points on any such continuum.”
Exchange-Degenerate Λ-Trajectory Interpretation of K + p Backward Elastic Scattering Data

A baryon Regge exchange model for ${K}^{+}p$ backward elastic scattering is constructed in accordance with the requirements of duality and the absence of $Y=+2$ baryons. The dominant exchange-degenerate amplitude is associated with the ${\ensuremath{\Lambda}}_{\ensuremath{\alpha}} (1115, {\frac{1}{2}}^{+})$ and ${\ensuremath{\Lambda}}_{\ensuremath{\gamma}} (1520, {\frac{3}{2}}^{\ensuremath{-}})$ particles. Recent data on $\frac{d\ensuremath{\sigma}}{\mathrm{du}}$ (${K}^{+}p$) from 2 to 7 GeV/c are successfully reproduced.
The Beehive and the Stew: Prostitution and the Politics of Risk in Bernard Mandeville’s Political Thought

This article examines two discussions of prostitution by eighteenth-century social theorist Bernard Mandeville and argues that how a society perceives and names risk reflects less about concrete dangers than about desires to preserve social order. Mandeville addresses his writings to anxious members of a commercial society who were specifying risk and assigning blame against a backdrop of widespread corruption. His calls for the legalization of prostitution expose the pervasive moral uncertainty and vice that animate a commercial society and raise questions about the purported social benefits yielded by the persecution of prostitutes, who Mandeville represents as simply one class of vicious commercial actors among many. His work suggests that the public designation of prostitution as a moral risk is a feeble attempt both to soothe generalized fear about the immorality of commerce and to buttress a cherished social order. Mandeville’s writings thus can be interpreted as an early engagement with the politics of risk and blame.
Local Dependence Latent Structure Models.

A local independence latent structure model, which assumesm latent classes, requires a minimum of 2m-1 items for the solution of the 2m 2 latent parameters. If one adds 3 items to the test and if one assumes local “dependence” between pairs of items, thereby adding $$\left( {\begin{array}{*{20}c} {2m + 2} \\ 2 \\ \end{array} } \right)$$ additional latent parameters, ξ ij , representing the association between itemsi andj, then it is possible to obtain estimates for all of the latent parameters: latent class frequencies latent probabilities, and measures of association between pairs of items. The solution consists of (1) forming (m + 1) × (m + 1) matrices of manifest data, which are singular, (2) solving for the ξ ij in equations that result from the singularity of the data matrices, (3) “correcting” the manifest data by removing the “contamination” due to local dependence, and (4) estimating the remaining latent parameters from the corrected data, using methods outlined in earlier literature.
Empathy in medical students as related to specialty interest, personality, and perceptions of mother and father

Abstract This study was designed to examine relationships between empathy, specialty interest, personality and perceptions of mother and father. Participants were 422 first-year medical students who completed the Jefferson Scale of Physician Empathy (JSPE), and the Zuckerman–Kuhlman Personality Questionnaire (ZKPQ, short form). They also reported their specialty interest and their perceptions of early relationships with their parents. Results showed that women outscored men on the empathy scale. Also, we found that higher scores on the JSPE were associated with students’ interest in people-oriented specialties (as opposed to procedure- and technology-oriented specialties), higher level of satisfaction with early maternal relationship, higher sociability and lower aggressive-hostility scores. Controlling for gender and social desirability did not change the general pattern of findings.
Nucleic‐acid‐based methods for monitoring the performance of in situ bioremediation

Over the last decade, major advancements have occurred in the application of nucleic-acid-based methods to detect and determine the levels of catabolic genes in environmental samples. Studies have focused on validating methods in microcosms, studying changes in the structure and expression of microbial communities in response to contaminants, and improving the sensitivity of the methods. Only in the last few years have these methods transitioned from development and validation to efforts to apply these methods for monitoring in situ bioremediation. Methods that analyse nucleic acids extracted from environmental samples are of value to bioremediation because they allow analysis independent of the artefacts that can arise from laboratory biodegradative potential assays and laboratory culture-based enumerations and from the inability to culture a large proportion of the micro-organisms in the environment In theory, these methods enable a more comprehensive perspective, and a more defensible interpretation, of the microbial community response to intrinsic and engineered bioremediation processes. Results from the first studies applying nucleic-acid-based methods to intrinsic or engineered bioremediation indicate that these methods have both potential and limitations. The rapidly increasing number of cloned and sequenced catabolic genes, methodological advancements such as the ability to track specific micro-organisms without prior sequence data, and the potential use of bioaugmentation in the field suggest that the utility of these methods for in situ bioremediation will increase in the coming years.
The cytokine network in asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are very common inflammatory diseases of the airways. They both cause airway narrowing and are increasing in incidence throughout the world, imposing enormous burdens on health care. Cytokines play a key role in orchestrating the chronic inflammation and structural changes of the respiratory tract in both asthma and COPD and have become important targets for the development of new therapeutic strategies in these diseases.
The nucleotide sequence of the promoter region of hisS, the structural gene for histidyl-tRNA synthetase.

Abstract A plasmid has been constructed which carries hisS, the structural gene for histidyl-tRNA synthetase of E. coli, on a 1.6-kb fragment bounded by PvuII and BstEII sites. The DNA sequence of both ends of this fragment was determined. The amino-terminal sequence of histidyl-tRNA synthetase was also determined to locate the promoter proximal coding region and the frame in which it is read. Three promoters were identified by consensus criteria. The region surrounding these promoters contains extensive twofold symmetry.
G-quadruplex structure and stability illuminated by 2-aminopurine phasor plots

The use of time-resolved fluorescence measurements in studies of telomeric G-quadruplex folding and stability has been hampered by the complexity of fluorescence lifetime distributions in solution. The application of phasor diagrams to the analysis of time-resolved fluorescence measurements, collected from either frequency-domain or time-domain instrumentation, allows for rapid characterization of complex lifetime distributions. Phasor diagrams are model-free graphical representations of transformed time-resolved fluorescence results. Simplification of complex fluorescent decays by phasor diagrams is demonstrated here using a 2-aminopurine substituted telomeric G-quadruplex sequence. The application of phasor diagrams to complex systems is discussed with comparisons to traditional non-linear regression model fitting. Phasor diagrams allow for the folding and stability of the telomeric G-quadruplex to be monitored in the presence of either sodium or potassium. Fluorescence lifetime measurements revealed multiple transitions upon folding of the telomeric G-quadruplex through the addition of potassium. Enzymatic digestion of the telomeric G-quadruplex structure, fluorescence quenching and Forster resonance energy transfer were also monitored through phasor diagrams. This work demonstrates the sensitivity of time-resolved methods for monitoring changes to the telomeric G-quadruplex and outlines the phasor diagram approach for analysis of complex time-resolved results that can be extended to other G-quadruplex and nucleic acid systems.
Comparison of short term low, moderate, and high severity fire impacts to aquatic and terrestrial ecosystem components of a southern USA mixed pine/hardwood forest

Historically fire was an important natural disturbance shaping the structure and composition of pine-dominated forests in the southern United States. Longstanding fire suppression policies have resulted in structural and compositional changes, notably accumulation of heavy fuel loads and reduction in vegetation species diversity. Primary goals of forest management through prescribed burning include fuel load reduction and mimicking ecosystem impacts of historically natural wildfires. In addition to the influences of fire frequency and season, the influence of fire severity on ecosystem responses is currently of interest. In this study we sought to quantify the impacts of low, moderate, and high severity fires, and their interaction with prior forest management practices, to several aquatic and terrestrial ecosystem components of a southern U.S. mixed pine/hardwood forest using a before–after, control-impact (BACI) approach. The ecosystem components we assessed were water quality, community composition of aquatic arthropods (wildfire impacts only), forest structure characteristics, community composition of understory vegetation, and community composition of ground-dwelling arthropods. We found that increasing fire severity increased aquatic nutrient levels and productivity, but the magnitude of effects increased with severity. Low and moderate severity fires had weak effects on forest structure characteristics, community composition of understory vegetation, and community composition of ground-dwelling arthropods in the initial years following burns. In contrast, high severity fires dramatically reduced fine and large fuel loads, increased diversity of understory vegetation, and influenced community composition of ground-dwelling arthropods. Further, wildfire severity was reduced in areas with a prior moderate severity prescribed burn, but not in areas with a prior low severity prescribed burn. Our results provide quantitative evidence for the role of fire severity as a primary factor influencing responses of ecosystems to fire, and indicate that forest management practices influence the impact of high severity fires on ecosystems.
Epidemiology of gastrointestinal helminthiasis of rift valley goats under traditional husbandry system in Adami Tulu District, Ethiopia

The prevalence, mean intensity, relative density of helminth species and the effects of environmental factors, sex and maturity of host on seasonal dynamics in relative density of helminthes ova in Rift Valley goats were investigated from July 1997 to June 1998. Ten nematode and three cestode species were identified. Haemonchus contortus was the most prevalent followed by Strongloides papillosus and Trichostrongylus sp. with prevalence rate of 66.5%, 36.1% and 30.4% and mean intensities and relative densities of 1139.9, 503.7, 434.8 and 344.9, 82.8, 60.1, respectively. Moniezia expansa showed 32.2% prevalence rate and 545.2 and 79.6 mean intensity and relative density, respectively. Mixed infestation was common to Rift Valley goats. About 2.8%, 6.2%, 15.8%, 21.6% and 23.7%, of the examined goats harbored multiple infestations varying from five to one species, respectively. Maturity and sex of hosts influenced seasonal variations in relative density of helminthes species. Female hosts harbored higher relative densities (p Key words/phrases: Eggs, epidemiology, mean intensity, relative density, Rift Valley goats, traditional husbandry SINET: Ethiopian Journal of Science Vol.25(1) 2002: 35-44
Teacher Quality and Student Achievement

Using data from a 50-state survey of policies, state case study analyses, the 1993-94 Schools and Staffing Surveys (SASS), and the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), this study examines the ways in which teacher qualifications and other school inputs are related to student achievement across states. The findings of both the qualitative and quantitative analyses suggest that policy investments in the quality of teachers may be related to improvements in student performance. Quantitative analyses indicate that measures of teacher preparation and certification are by far the strongest correlates of student achievement in reading and mathematics, both before and after controlling for student poverty and language status. State policy surveys and case study data are used to evaluate policies that influence the overall level of teacher qualifications within and across states. This analysis suggests that policies adopted by states regarding teacher education, licensing, hiring, and professional development may make an important difference in the qualifications and capacities that teachers bring to their work. The implications for state efforts to enhance quality and equity in public education are discussed.
Surface electromyographic estimates of recruitment/rate coding of masseteric motor units.

Summary Surface electromyographic (EMG) recordings were obtained from the masseter muscles in healthy subjects performing brisk maximum voluntary teeth clenching (MVC) for about 1s. During the onset (0–600 ms) of ballistic MVC activity, the peak amplitude of the EMG interference patterns showed a consistent and significant increase, on examination for 0–200 ms, 200–400 ms, and 400–600 ms of MVC activity. The peak (maximum) and median (centroid) frequencies of power spectrum density functions of the raw surface EMGs (interference patterns) showed an absence of consistent and significant changes during 0–600 ms of ballistic MVC activity. However, the estimated total energy contents (peak amplitude × peak frequency) of the surface interference patterns showed a consistent and significant increase from 0 to 600 ms of ballistic MVC activity, and this was interpreted as global recruitment/rate coding of masseteric motor units.
“Do They See Nothing Wrong with This?”: Bullying, Bystander Complicity, and the Role of Homophobic Bias in the Tyler Clementi Case:

Despite intense national and international media coverage, surprisingly little attention has been paid to the role of the many bystanders in the bullying and suicide of Rutgers University student, Tyler Clementi. This article examines the case as an exemplar for careful review of the discrepancy between academic literature and popular understanding of the role of bystanders in bullying processes, integrating research on bystander effect, bullying, and homophobia. The case reveals a process in which bystanders come to disavow their complicity by either denying the harm done or scapegoating the bully after the fact. Both processes may inhibit future educational efforts and bystander interventions. Implications for clinical social work practice in schools, university settings, and communities are discussed.
Minimum dominating cycles in outerplanar graphs

Adominating cycle of a graph lies at a distance of at most one from all the vertices of the graph. The problem of finding the minimum size of such a cycle is proved to be difficult even when restricted to planar graphs. An efficient algorithm solving this problem is given for the class of two-connectedouterplanar graphs, in which all vertices lie on the exterior face in a plane embedding of the graph.
An Empirical Examination of a Multinational Ethical Dilemma: The Issue of Child Labor

ABSTRACT Today's global marketplace presents a variety of ethical dilemmas for multinational corporations. This ethical decision-making process becomes particularly challenging when the ethical standards in the company's home country are higher than those in host markets. One global ethical issue that has received significant attention in international research is that of child labor, particularly the minimum age of employment. This article examines the issue of corporate ethical policies on the minimum age for child labor in emerging markets by using the universalist versus relativist ethical framework. Study results show that while both home and host consumers overwhelmingly prefer the universalist approach, the relativist option is acceptable only when the context of the host country is explained to both groups.
A multiloop generalization of the circle criterion for stability margin analysis

In order to provide a theoretical tool well suited for use in characterizing the stability margins (e.g., gain and phase margins) of multiloop feedback systems, multiloop input-output stability results generalizing the circle stability criterion are considered. Generalized conic sectors with "centers" and "radii" determined by linear dynamical operators are employed to enable an engineer to specify the stability margins which he desires as a frequency-dependent convex set of modeling errors-including nonlinearities, gain variations, and phase variations-which the system must be able to tolerate in each feedback loop without instability. The resulting stability criterion gives sufficient conditions for closed-loop stability in the presence of such frequency-dependent modeling errors, even when the modeling errors occur simultaneously in all loops; so, for example, stability is assured as loop gains and phases vary throughout a "set of nonzero measure" whose boundaries are frequency-dependent. The stability conditions yield an easily interpreted scalar measure of the amount by which a muitiloop system exceeds, or falls short of, its stability margin specifications.
ORGANIZATIONAL CONTEXT FOR AIRCRAFT MAINTENANCE AND INSPECTION

Improving and maintaining the airworthiness of the aircraft relied on by today's U.S. commercial carriers requires cooperation among organizational entities. A rapid but systematic assessment of ma...
Perceptions and behaviors of Hispanic workers: a review

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to summarize research about Hispanic workers in the USA and identifies directions for future research. Design/methodology/approach – The paper identifies, analyze, and summarize 112 peer reviewed publications that deal with Hispanic workers in the USA. Findings – The findings are grouped into major categories that deal with prejudice, discrimination, and diversity; job-related attitudes and behaviors; job search and careers; the interface with gender, sexual harassment and work/family issues. The paper report the 53 most prevalent and well-supported findings. Research limitations/implications – Given the paucity of research about Hispanics in the workplace, the conclusions derived from this literature review should be interpreted with caution. Originality/value – A literature review of Hispanic workers in the USA has not been conducted to date. This review sets identifies the need for several areas of research in relation to Hispanic workers in the USA.
Early evaluation of compound QT prolongation effects: a predictive 384-well fluorescence polarization binding assay for measuring hERG blockade.

Abstract Introduction A large number of drugs from a variety of pharmacological classes have been demonstrated to cause adverse effects on cardiac rhythm, including the life-threatening arrhythmia Torsades de Pointes . These side effects are often associated with prolongation of the QT interval and are mediated via blockade of the human ether-a-go-go related gene (hERG) encoded potassium channel. In order to manage this risk in the pharmaceutical industry it is desirable to evaluate QT prolongation as early as possible in the drug discovery process. Methods Here we describe the development of a 384-well fluorescence polarization (FP) binding assay compatible with high-throughput assessment of compound blockade of the hERG channel during the lead optimisation process. To characterise the fluorescent ligand that was developed, competition binding studies, kinetic studies and electrophysiology studies were performed. Furthermore, to validate the assay as a key screening method a series of competition binding studies were performed and correlated with functional data obtained via patch-clamp. Results Evaluation of the assay indicates that high quality data is obtained ( Z ′ > 0.6), that the K i values determined are equivalent to more traditional radiometric methods and that it is predictive for functional hERG blockade as assessed by patch clamp. Discussion Whilst FP assays, utilizing a variety of fluors, have become well established for the evaluation of G-protein-coupled receptor (GPCRs) and kinase ligand interactions, this technique has not been applied widely to the study of ion channels. Therefore, this represents a novel assay format that is amenable to the evaluation of thousands of compounds per day. Whilst other assay formats have proven predictive or high throughput, this assay represents one of few that combines both attributes, moreover it represents the most cost effective assay, making it truly amenable to early assessment of hERG blockade.
Does Diet Offset the Effect of Veiling on Bone Mineral Density of premenopausal Indian women

Objective: To determine the effect of veiling on bone mineral density (BMD) and to evaluate its association with Vitamin D, Vitamin B12, and folate status. Materials and Methods: Design: Cross-sectional observational study. Subjects : Two hundred and forty-seven women in the perimenopausal stage in the age range between 40 and 50 years were evaluated by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry for BMD status of the spine, femur, and forearm. Serum calcium, phosphorus, alkaline phosphatase, 25 (OH) D, Vitamin D, Vitamin B12 and folate were estimated. This study group was segregated into veiled and unveiled depending upon the coverage during day time with a dark cloth. Sunlight exposure and levels of physical activity were assessed by a questionnaire. Biochemical variables and BMD at various sites across the skeleton were compared. Results: The veiled group had significant hypovitaminosis D as compared to the unveiled. The Vitamin D in the veiled group was 11.3 ± 17.2 ng/ml versus 19.9 ± 27.6 ng/ml (P < 0.001) in the unveiled. Women in the veiled group had less sunlight exposure and were less physically active (P < 0.001 and 0.05 respectively). The basic biochemical parameters were comparable in both groups. Vitamin B12 was higher in the veiled group, and folate levels were higher in the unveiled group the difference being statistically significant. Homocysteine levels were minimally higher in the veiled group. The BMD across the different skeletal sites did not differ, though the unveiled group had a slightly higher BMD at all sites apart from the trochanter. Conclusions: BMD is affected by multiple factors, and its complex interaction may explain the normal biochemical parameters of bone metabolism even in the presence of hypovitaminosis D in the veiled group.
Three-Phase Model Harmonizes Estimates of the Maximal Suppression of Parathyroid Hormone by 25-Hydroxyvitamin D in Persons 65 Years of Age and Older

The concentration or threshold of 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] needed to maximally suppress intact serum parathyroid hormone (iPTH) has been suggested as a measure of optimal vitamin D status. Depending upon the definition of maximal suppression of iPTH and the 2-phase regression approach used, 2 distinct clusters for a single 25(OH)D threshold have been reported: 16-20 ng/mL (40-50 nmol/L) and 30-32 ng/mL (75-80 nmol/L). To rationalize the apparently disparate published results, we compared thresholds from several regression models including a 3-phase one to estimate simultaneously 2 thresholds before and after adjusting for possible confounding for age, BMI, glomerular filtration rate, dietary calcium, and season (April-September vs. October-March) within a single data set, i.e. data from the Tufts University Sites Testing Osteoporosis Prevention/Intervention Treatment study, consisting of 181 men and 206 women (total n = 387) ages 65-87 y. Plasma 25(OH)D and serum iPTH concentrations were (mean +/- SD) 22.1 +/- 7.44 ng/mL (55.25 +/- 18.6 nmol/L) and 36.6 +/- 16.03 pg/mL (3.88 +/- 1.7 pmol/L), respectively. The 3-phase model identified 2 thresholds of 12 ng/mL (30 nmol/L) and 28 ng/mL (70 nmol/L); similar results were found from the 2-phase models evaluated, i.e. 13-20 and 27-30 ng/mL (32.5-50 and 67.5-75 nmol/L) and with previous results. Adjusting for confounding did not change the results substantially. Accordingly, the 3-phase model appears to be superior to the 2-phase approach, because it simultaneously estimates the 2 threshold clusters found from the 2-phase approaches along with estimating confidence limits. If replicated, it may be of both clinical and public health importance.
Microinjection of antibodies and expression vectors into living myocardial cells. Development of a novel approach to identify candidate genes that regulate cardiac growth and hypertrophy.

BACKGROUNDMicroinjection approaches in the cardiac cell context have allowed delivery of various calcium dyes and monitoring of short-term physiological responses. However, unlike other cell types, it has proved difficult to microinject myocardial cells without the concomitant loss of long-term cell viability.METHODS AND RESULTSAn analysis of experimental variables was conducted to adapt microinjection techniques to the neonatal rat ventricular cell context. Among the variables optimized were the selection of culture dishes, plating substrate, microinjection parameters, and a variety of maneuvers to inhibit myocyte hypercontracture, injury, and consequent death after micropuncture. With the modified technique, the percentage of injected cells that maintained long-term viability (48 hours) increased from less than 1% to 30%. Similarly, an increased efficiency of gene transfer and expression (measured as the percentage of injected cells that express the delivered gene) was obtained after either cytoplasmic ...
Vampires: Social Constructivism, Realism, and Other Philosophical Undead

Books reviewed in this article: Andre Kukla, Social Constructivism and the Philosophy of Science Ian Hacking, The Social Construction of What?
Design and demonstration of hybrid Lyot coronagraph masks for improved spectral bandwidth and throughput

Coronagraph focal-plane occulting masks have generally been described in terms of attenuation profiles free of any phase shift. However, phase shifts are expected and observed in physical occulting masks, with significant effect at billion-to-one coronagraph contrast levels in spectrally broa d light, as required for the direct imaging and spectroscopy of nearby exoplanet systems. We report progress in the design and fabrication of hybrid focal-plane masks for Lyot coronagraphy. These masks, composed of thickness-profiled metallic and dielectric thin films superimposed on a glass substrate, are in principle band-limited in both the real and imaginary parts of the occu lter characteristics. Together with a deformable mirror for control of wavefront phase, these masks offer Lyot coronagraph contrast performance better than 10
Placental synthesis of estrogens at parturition and during placental retention in the cow

Abstract Nine cows were submitted to lutectomy at 250 or 270 d of pregnancy and catheters were implanted in the jugular, carotid, uterine artery and uterine vein to determine endocrine changes following lutectomy and throughout parturition. Blood samples were collected at 8-h intervals and assayed for estrogens. Fetal and maternal placental tissues were also collected at parturition and 3 d postpartum for incubation studies on estrogen synthesis. Based on plasma concentrations, the uterus is able to secrete considerable quantities of unconjugated and conjugated estrone (E1) and estradiol 17 μ (E2α) at both 250 and 270 d of gestation. In vitro conversion of androstendione to total estrogens averaged 32.4% and 16.8% for fetal and maternal tissues at parturition, respectively. Incubation of placental tissues collected from animals with placental retention on Day 3 postpartum resulted in conversion of 3.2 and 4.6% of androstendione by fetal and maternal tissues, respectively. One cow which retained the placenta was sampled until 3 d postpartum and assay of the plasma estrogen content indicated that there was always a higher concentration of estrogen in the uterine vein than in the uterine artery, supporting the in vitro incubation data.
Viable diatoms and chlorophylla in continental slope sediments off Cape Hatteras, North Carolina

Abstract Continental slope sediments off Cape Hatteras, North Carolina, were sampled by ☐ coring in late summer, 1992. The chlorophylla concentrations measured in sediments from 16 sites at depths ranging from 530 to 2003 m averaged 19.9 mg chla m−2, a concentration much higher than observed elsewhere on the eastern U.S. continental slope, indicating high depositional rates for microalgal material. The variability in the chlorophylla values suggests strong environmental heterogeneity at both small and large spatial scales in this slope habitat, probably a consequence of both topography and bioturbation. Viable diatoms were found in sediment samples across the range of depths sampled, and up to 14 cm deep in sediments, indicating high rates of deposition and bioturbation. Bulk sediment samples contained planktonic, tychopelagic and benthic diatoms, indicating that both phytoplankton and benthic microalgae from the continental shelf may be sources of organic matter for these slope sediments.
Nasopharyngeal carcinoma with brain metastasis: A case report

We report a case of nasopharyngeal carcinoma with brain metastasis of a 69-year-old man. The patient presented with blindness and a huge mass over right upper neck. The magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed right nasopharyngeal tumor and metastatic lesion in bilateral occipital regions. The bony x-ray showed diffuse osteoblastic metastases. The brain lesion was pathology-proven through the computed-tomographic guidance stereotactic biopsy.
Effect of topography on SAR calibration

During normal SAR processing, a flat earth is assumed when performing radiometric corrections such as antenna pattern and scattering element size removal. Here we examine the effects of topographic variations on these corrections. Local slopes will cause the actual scattering element size to be different from that calculated using the flat earth assumption. It is shown that this effect, which is present for both airborne and spaceborne SAR data, may easily cause calibration errors on the order of a dB. In the case of airborne systems, the errors introduced by assuming a flat earth during antenna pattern removal are also significant; errors of several dB can easily result. The effect of topography on antenna pattern removal is expected to be negligible for spaceborne SARs.
Riemann curvature tensor in nonholonomic coordinates and non-Riemannian space-times

The calculation of the Riemann Curvature from the deviation of a vector undergoing parallel transport around a closed loop takes a very simple form when expressed in generalized geometrical notation. The parallel transport of a vector and the type of closed loop used in the calculation are discussed. The method generalizes similar work of Morganstern (1977) to nonholonomic coordinates and non-Riemannian space-times.
Grapevine powdery mildew resistance and susceptibility loci identified on a high-resolution SNP map

Improved efficacy and durability of powdery mildew resistance can be enhanced via knowledge of the genetics of resistance and susceptibility coupled with the development of high-resolution maps to facilitate the stacking of multiple resistance genes and other desirable traits. We studied the inheritance of powdery mildew (Erysiphe necator) resistance and susceptibility of wild Vitis rupestris B38 and cultivated V. vinifera ‘Chardonnay’, finding evidence for quantitative variation. Molecular markers were identified using genotyping-by-sequencing, resulting in 16,833 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) based on alignment to the V. vinifera ‘PN40024’ reference genome sequence. With an average density of 36 SNPs/Mbp and uniform coverage of the genome, this 17K set was used to identify 11 SNPs on chromosome 7 associated with a resistance locus from V. rupestris B38 and ten SNPs on chromosome 9 associated with a locus for susceptibility from ‘Chardonnay’ using single marker association and linkage disequilibrium analysis. Linkage maps for V. rupestris B38 (1,146 SNPs) and ‘Chardonnay’ (1,215 SNPs) were constructed and used to corroborate the ‘Chardonnay’ locus named Sen1 (Susceptibility to Erysiphe necator 1), providing the first insight into the genetics of susceptibility to powdery mildew from V. vinifera. The identification of markers associated with a susceptibility locus in a V. vinifera background can be used for negative selection among breeding progenies. This work improves our understanding of the nature of powdery mildew resistance in V. rupestris B38 and ‘Chardonnay’, while applying next-generation sequencing tools to advance grapevine genomics and breeding.
Survey of Thermal Energy Dissipation and Pigment Composition in Sun and Shade Leaves

A survey was conducted of the magnitude of energy dissipation in photosystem II (expressed as nonphotochemical quenching of chlorophyll fluorescence, NPQ) as well as leaf carotenoid composition of a wide range of different plant species growing in deep shade and/or full sun. Consistently higher levels of the reversible component of NPQ as well as higher degrees of rapidly attainable de-epoxidation of the xanthophyll cycle (VAZ) pool were observed in sun leaves compared to deep shade leaves. It is concluded that these altered features of the xanthophyll cycle allowed sun leaves to dissipate excess energy more effectively over the short term. In addition to the rapid increase in reversible NPQ, shade leaves exhibited a slow further, and sustained, increase in NPQ. In contrast to these deep shade leaves experimentally exposed to high PFDs, understory leaves experiencing highly variable PFD in their natural environment appeared to be able to dissipate excess excitation energy adequately via xanthophyll cycle-dependent thermal dissipation. Furthermore, very consistent trends across plant species were observed for changes in carotenoid composition (pools of carotenes, VAZ, and other xanthophylls) in response to light environment, as long as it is assumed that in some species /^-carotene can be replaced by a-carotene and in a few plant species lutein can be replaced by lactucaxanthin. Sun leaves consistently exhibited much greater levels of VAZ than shade leaves but very similar levels of lutein and neoxanthin (all on a Chi basis) as well as an only slightly higher ratio of total carotenes to the pool of all xanthophylls.
A CD3+ count-based thymoglobulin induction regimen permits delayed introduction of calcineurin inhibitors in kidney transplantation

Background Withholding calcineurin inhibitors (CNIs) can be considered when graft function is inadequate following kidney transplantation (KT). Thymoglobulin (rATG) can be used to prevent acute rejection while CNIs are being withheld. Here, we report our results of a novel CNI-sparing induction protocol, which utilizes a CD3+ cell count-based rATG treatment regimen when delayed graft function (DGF) develops in the immediate postoperative period. Methods In a cohort of 153 consecutive deceased-donor KT recipients, all received a single intraoperative dose of basiliximab; 84 subsequently developed DGF and therefore received rATG (rATG+ group), while 69 demonstrated immediate graft function and received CNIs (rATG− group). Results In the rATG+ group, mean duration of therapy was 8.5 ± 6.0 d, permitting CNI initiation to be delayed until postoperative day 10.3 ± 6.2. Cumulative dose of rATG was only 5.1 ± 4.5 mg/kg while targeting CD3+ counts of ≤30 cells/mm3. CD3+ counts were reduced to a mean of 16.7 ± 17.0 cells/mm3 during therapy. At one yr, patient and graft survival rates were 97.6% and 92.9%, respectively, while the frequency of infections and malignancies were not significantly increased compared to the rATG− group. Conclusion A unique induction regimen successfully delayed CNI initiation by using modest doses of rATG to deplete CD3+ cells, while yielding excellent long-term graft outcome without increased risk of infection or malignancy.
Hypertension-associated hospitalizations and costs in the United States, 1979-2006.

AbstractBackground and objective. In the USA, the prevalence of hypertension has been high and increasing in recent decades. Even so, little is known about the changes over time in hospitalizations and the economic burden associated with this epidemic. We examined hypertension-associated hospitalizations and costs from 1979 to 2006. Methods. Using the National Hospital Discharge Survey and the costs of community hospitals in the USA, we analyzed the changes in hypertension-associated hospitalizations and costs over time. We included those hospitalizations with a primary or secondary diagnosis of hypertension among patients aged 25 years and above. We examined changes in costs by adjusting them into year 2008 dollars. The costs included hospital expenses of payroll, employee benefits, professional fees and supplies. Results. From 1979–1982 to 2003–2006, the proportion of hospitalizations that were associated with hypertension (primary or secondary diagnosis) increased from 1.9% to 5.4%. Among all hypertens...
Will future RFIC be flexible? (Invited)

Flexible electronics operating at low frequencies ranging from kilohertz to megahertz have existed for a while. The low carrier mobility of the active materials used in these electronics such as organic polymers, amorphous and polycrystalline silicon essentially limit their operation frequency. While flexible electronics have been desirable for RF for both portable gadget devices and military applications, achieving RF operation in the flexible form has been challenging. In this talk, flexible RFIC fabrication technologies will be presented to show the horizon in this emerging area. In the single-crystal Si nanomembrane-based RFIC technology, the creation and engineering of Si nanomembranes for RFIC applications will be described. The direct fabrication of large-area RF circuits on flexible substrates will be presented in detail. Using this method, over 10GHz flexible RF devices and GHz flexible RF circuits have been demonstrated. Passive RF components that are directly fabricated on plastic substrate will also be described.
Brief perfusion with diluted whole blood after global myocardial ischaemia increases reperfusion injury

Objectives: In vivo studies indicate that blood components, especially leucocytes, contribute to reperfusion injury after myocardial ischaemia. This study was designed to: (1) develop a small animal heart model of ischaemia-reperfusion that demonstrates the contribution of blood to reperfusion injury; (2) determine when the presence of blood in the heart – that is, during ischaemia or during early reperfusion – caused greater dysfunction; and (3) attempt to limit the blood contribution to reperfusion injury by leucocyte depletion. Methods: Adult rat hearts were perfused in situ with a Krebs-albumin red cell solution (K2RBC), then isolated. Cardiac pump function was assessed with an intraventricular balloon as left ventricular developed pressure and contractility (dP/dt). Group I served as a non-ischaemic control group. Group II was subjected to global, no flow ischaemia for 30 min followed by 45 min reperfusion. In group III, diluted whole blood replaced the K2RBC for five min immediately before ischaemia. In group IV, diluted whole blood was perfused during the first five min reperfusion. In group V, the hearts were reperfused with leucocyte poor diluted whole blood. Results: Pre-ischaemic pump function values were similar to other blood perfused, isolated heart models. Group I showed no increase in coronary resistance or decrease in pump function with time or in response to diluted whole blood. After 35 min reperfusion, the recovery (% control) of dP/dt in group II was 56(12), in group III it was 39(15) and in group IV it was only 19(6) (p < 0.05). Large increases in coronary vascular resistance, oedema, and contracture during reperfusion were also seen in group IV. When leucocytes were depleted from the diluted whole blood (group V), the recoveries were similar to reperfusion without diluted whole blood (group II). Conclusions: Thirty min of global, normothermic ischaemia caused significant cardiac dysfunction early during reperfusion. Perfusion with unstimulated blood for a limited period further impaired the recovery of function and enhanced myocardial oedema. Dysfunction was particularly evident when diluted whole blood was perfused during the first minutes of reperfusion. The leucocyte depletion studies suggest that leucocytes are necessary, but may not be sufficient, to demonstrate the blood contribution to reperfusion injury. Cardiovascular Research 1994; 28 :1157-1165
ATP, trehalose, glucose and ammonium ion localization in the two cell types of Dictyostelium discoideum.

Ultra-microfluorometric techniques were adapted to follow several compounds related to energy metabolism through the developmental cycle of Dictyostelium discoideum. Each compound (ATP, trehalose, glucose, and ammonium ion) was found to be present in stalk and/or spore cells. The accumulation of NH4+ was interpreted as an indication of protein degradation, a source of energy in this organism. During the early stages of differentiation NH4+ was localized only in prestalk cells. However, it accumulated in spore cells during culmination such that levels were comparable in the two cells types by the end of development. Trehalose, an energy source for germinating spores, was found in both cell types but was preferentially degraded in stalk cells late in development. Glucose, the degradation product of trehalose, was localized in prestalk cells and varied inversely with trehalose levels. ATP was not localized in a specific cell type during development. However, ATP declined in stalk cells at an earlier stage of development.