cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Inbreeding depression in line 1 Hereford cattle population using pedigree and genomic information

This study aimed at assessing inbreeding and its effect on growth and fertility traits using the longtime closed line 1 Hereford cattle population. Inbreeding was estimated based on pedigree (FPED) and genomic information. For the latter, three estimates were derived based on the diagonal elements of the genomic relationship matrix using estimated (FGRM) or fixed (FGRM0.5) minor allele frequencies or runs of homozygosity (ROH) (FROH). A pedigree containing 10,186 animals was used to calculate FPED. Genomic inbreeding was evaluated using 785 animals genotyped for 30,810 SNP. Traits analyzed were birth weight (BWT), weaning weight (WWT), yearling weight (YWT), ADG, and age at first calving (AFC). The number of ROH per animal ranged between 6 and 119 segments with an average of 83. The shortest and longest segments were 1.36 and 64.86 Mb long, respectively, reflecting both ancient and recent inbreeding occurring in the last 30 to 40 generations. The average inbreeding was 29.2%, 16.1%, 30.2%, and 22.9% for FPED, FGRM, FGRM0.5, and FROH, respectively. FROH provided the highest correlations with FPED (r = 0.66). Across paternal half-sib families, with minimal variation in FPED, there were substantial variations in their genomic inbreeding. Inbreeding depression analyses showed that a 1% increase in an animal's FPED resulted in a decrease of 1.20 kg, 2.03 kg, and 0.004 kg/d in WWT, YWT, and ADG, respectively. Maternal inbreeding showed significantly negative effects on progeny growth performance. AFC increased by 1.4 and 0.8 d for each 1% increase in FPED of the cow and her dam, respectively. Using genomic inbreeding, similar impact on growth traits was observed although the magnitude of the effect varied between methods. Across all genomic measures, WWT, YWT, and ADG decreased by 0.21 to 0.53 kg, 0.46 to 1.13 kg, and 0.002 to 0.006 kg/d for each 1% increase in genomic inbreeding, respectively. Four chromosomes (9, 12, 17, and 27) were identified to have a significant association between their homozygosity (FROH-CHR) and growth traits. Variability in genomic inbreeding could be useful when deciding between full and half-sib selection candidates. Despite the high level of inbreeding in this study, its negative impact on growth performance was not as severe as expected, which may be attributed to the purging of the deleterious alleles due to natural or artificial selection over time.
Voice outcomes following medialization laryngoplasty with and without arytenoid adduction.

OBJECTIVE Voice outcomes following medialization laryngoplasty (ML) for unilateral vocal fold paralysis (UVFP) were compared to those who underwent ML plus arytenoid adduction (AA) (ML+AA). METHODS Single institution retrospective review of patients with UVFP undergoing ML and ML+AA (2009-2017). Demographic information and history of laryngeal procedures were collected. Preoperative and postoperative Voice Handicap Index-10 (VHI-10) and Consensus Perceptual Auditory Evaluation of Voice (CAPE-V) were assessed. RESULTS Of 236 patients, 119 met study criteria. Of those, 70 (59%) underwent ML and 49 (41%) underwent ML+AA. Significant differences between groups at baseline were found for age at time of thyroplasty (P = 0.046), VHI-10 scores (P < 0.001), and CAPE-V scores (P = 0.007). Baseline VHI-10 scores for ML+AA (28 ± 7) were greater than those for ML alone (24 ± 7). At 12 months, overall VHI-10 scores improved compared to baseline for both groups (ML+AA = 9 ± 7, ML = 16 ± 9); however, there was greater improvement for the ML+AA group compared to ML group (P = 0.001). CAPE-V scores at 3 or 12 months improved, but differences between the groups were not statistically significant once controlled for covariates. CONCLUSION Based on current findings, patients who undergo ML+AA likely have greater voice handicap at baseline compared to those undergoing ML alone. Patients selected for ML+AA improve as much or more than those who underwent ML alone. This highlights the importance of appropriate selection of candidates for AA. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE 4 Laryngoscope, 129:1876-1881, 2019.
Drug Design Liability: Farewell to Comment K

Half a century ago the reporter for the Second Restatement of Torts, William Prosser, drafted Comment k to § 402A, defining the liability of drug companies for defective prescription products. Prosser’s attempt to shelter drugs from design defect liability has confused courts and commentators alike. Courts at first interpreted Comment k to immunize drug manufactures from design-based liability; more recently, a growing number have begun to interpret the Comment to allow such actions. However, there is wide disagreement regarding the conditions under which courts should permit drug design claims. Courts have articulated no fewer than eight different tests, all relying on Comment k. This article examines the historical origins of Comment k and explains why it has confused so many judges and academics. The authors argue that the tests adopted by courts in reliance on Comment k are seriously flawed. In its stead, the article advocates that a drug manufacturer should held liable for defective drug design only when the drug is not fit for use by any class of patients. All other drug-related claims should be based on findings that the drug either contained a manufacturing defect or was marketed with inadequate warnings.
An examination of the Kuleshov effect using still photographs.

The goal of the present study was to examine whether the effect of visual context on the interpretation of facial expression from an actor’s face could be produced using isolated photographic stills, instead of the typical dynamic film sequences used to demonstrate the effect. Two-photograph sequences consisting of a context photograph varying in pleasantness and a photograph of an actor’s neutral face were presented. Participants performed a liking rating task for the context photograph (to ensure attention to the stimulus) and they performed three tasks for the face stimulus: labeling the emotion portrayed by the actor, rating valence, and rating arousal. The results of the labeling data confirmed the existence of a visual context effect, with more faces labeled as “happy” after viewing pleasant context and more faces labeled “sad” or “fearful” after viewing unpleasant context. This effect was demonstrated when no explicit connection between the context stimulus and face stimulus was invoked, with the contextual information exerting its effect on labeling after being held in memory for at least 10 seconds. The results for ratings of valence and arousal were mixed. Overall, the results suggest that isolated photograph sequences produce a Kuleshov-type context effect on attributions of emotion to actors’ faces, replicating previous research conducted with dynamic film sequences.
Impact of pathologic lymph node–positive renal cell carcinoma on survival in patients without metastasis: Evidence in support of expanding the definition of stage IV kidney cancer

BACKGROUND Stage III renal cell carcinoma (RCC) encompasses both lymph node-positive (pT1-3N1M0) and lymph node-negative (pT3N0M0) disease. However, prior institutional studies have indicated that among patients with stage III disease, those with lymph node disease have worse oncologic outcomes and experience survival that is similar to that of patients with American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) stage IV disease. The objective of the current study was to validate these findings using a large, nationally representative sample of patients with kidney cancer. METHODS Patients with AJCC stage III or stage IV RCC were identified using the National Cancer Data Base (NCDB). Patients were categorized as having lymph node-positive stage III (pT1-3N1M0), lymph node-negative stage III (pT3N0M0), or stage IV metastatic (pT1-3 N0M1) disease. Cox proportional hazards models compared outcomes while adjusting for comorbidities. Kaplan-Meier estimates illustrated relative survival when comparing staging groups. RESULTS A total of 8988 patients met the inclusion criteria, with 6587 patients classified as having lymph node-negative stage III disease, 2218 as having lymph node-positive stage III disease, and 183 as having stage IV disease. Superior survival was noted among patients with lymph node-negative stage III disease, but similar survival was noted between patients with lymph node-positive stage III and stage IV RCC, with 5-year survival rates of 61.9% (95% confidence interval [95% CI], 60.3%-63.4%), 22.7% (95% CI, 20.6%-24.9%), and 15.6% (95% CI, 11.1%-23.8%), respectively. CONCLUSIONS Current RCC staging systems group pT1-3N1M0 and pT3N0M0 disease as stage III disease. However, the results of the current validation study suggest the need for further stratification and even placement of patients with pT1-3N1M0 disease into the stage IV category. Staging that accurately reflects oncologic prognosis may help clinicians better counsel and select patients who might derive the most benefit from lymphadenectomy, adjuvant systemic therapy, more rigorous imaging surveillance, and clinical trial participation.
Genetic and Molecular Aspects of the Aging Auditory System

Age-related hearing loss (AHL), or presbycusis, is the gradual loss of hearing and is characterized by poor speech comprehension in noisy conditions, impaired temporal resolution, and central auditory processing deficits. The major sites of age-related cochlear pathology typically include inner hair cells (IHCs) and outer hair cells (OHCs), spiral ganglion neurons (SGNs), and stria vascularis. The IHCs are the sensory receptors that relay their electrical response to the central auditory system through the SGNs. Postmitotic hair cells and SGNs are particularly susceptible to injury from a combination of noise exposure and oxidative damage. The blood vessels in the stria vascularis are essential for transporting oxygen into the cochlea. Therefore, age-related degeneration of one or more of these cochlear cells plays a major role in the development of AHL in both humans and animals. This chapter reviews the current literature on genetic and molecular aspects of the aging auditory system, particularly focusing on mouse genetic research from major auditory neuroscience and genetic journals.
TRPC1-mediated Ca 2+ signaling enhances intestinal epithelial restitution by increasing α4 association with PP2Ac after wounding

Gut epithelial restitution after superficial wounding is an important repair modality regulated by numerous factors including Ca2+ signaling and cellular polyamines. Transient receptor potential canonical-1 (TRPC1) functions as a store-operated Ca2+ channel in intestinal epithelial cells (IECs) and its activation increases epithelial restitution by inducing Ca2+ influx after acute injury. α4 is a multiple functional protein and implicated in many aspects of cell functions by modulating protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) stability and activity. Here we show that the clonal populations of IECs stably expressing TRPC1 (IEC-TRPC1) exhibited increased levels of α4 and PP2A catalytic subunit (PP2Ac) and that TRPC1 promoted intestinal epithelial restitution by increasing α4/PP2Ac association. The levels of α4 and PP2Ac proteins increased significantly in stable IEC-TRPC1 cells and this induction in α4/PP2Ac complexes was accompanied by an increase in IEC migration after wounding. α4 silencing by transfection with siRNA targeting α4 (siα4) or PP2Ac silencing destabilized α4/PP2Ac complexes in stable IEC-TRPC1 cells and repressed cell migration over the wounded area. Increasing the levels of cellular polyamines by stable transfection with the Odc gene stimulated α4 and PP2Ac expression and enhanced their association, thus also promoting epithelial restitution after wounding. In contrast, depletion of cellular polyamines by treatment with α-difluoromethylornithine reduced α4/PP2Ac complexes and repressed cell migration. Ectopic overexpression of α4 partially rescued rapid epithelial repair in polyamine-deficient cells. These results indicate that activation of TRPC1-mediated Ca2+ signaling enhances cell migration primarily by increasing α4/PP2Ac associations after wounding and this pathway is tightly regulated by cellular polyamines.
Use of Drosophila in the investigation of sleep disorders

Genetic underpinnings for sleep disorders in humans remain poorly identified, investigated and understood. This is due to the inherent complexity of sleep and a disruption of normal sleep parameters in a number of neurological disorders. On the other hand, there have been steady and remarkable developments in the investigation of sleep using model organisms such as Drosophila. These studies have illuminated conserved genetic pathways, neural circuits and intra-cellular signaling modules in the regulation of sleep. Additionally, work in model systems is beginning to clarify the role of the circadian clock and basal sleep need in this process. There have also been initial efforts to directly model sleep disorders in flies in a few instances where a genetic basis has been suspected. Here, we discuss the opportunities and limitations of studying sleep disorders in Drosophila and propose that a greater convergence of basic sleep research in model organisms and human genetics should catalyze better understanding of sleep disorders and generate viable therapeutic options.
Orofacial manifestations of Melkersson-Rosenthal syndrome: A study of 42 patients and review of 220 cases from the literature

We investigated orofacial manifestations in 42 patients with Melkersson-Rosenthal syndrome who were examined at our institution between 1965 and 1990. Patient histories and histologic and clinical findings were reviewed in detail. These data were compared with the oral findings in 220 cases that were reported in the literature between 1965 and 1990. There were 28 females in our study. The age at onset of signs and symptoms varied widely with a mean of 33.8 years. Most frequent initial signs were labial edema, facial swelling, and Bell's palsy. During the course of the disease, 75% of all patients had labial swelling, 50% had facial edema, and 33% had Bell's palsy. Swelling, erythema, or painful erosions that affected the gingiva, buccal mucosa, palate, or tongue were common intraoral symptoms. A comparison with patients reported in the literature revealed a similar frequency of extraoral symptoms but more prevalent intraoral symptoms in our patients.
Returns to scale from variable and total cost functions

Abstract Estimates of the returns to scale from a variable cost function, evaluated at the actual and optimal capital stocks, and a total cost function are presented. The estimates generally differ, depending in part upon the output at which they are evaluated.
Multi Scale Characterization of SiC/SiC Composite Materials

SiC fiber-reinforced SiC matrix composites (SiC/SiC) are under consideration as a structural material for a range of nuclear applications. While these materials have been studied for decades, recently new small scale materials testing techniques have emerged which can be used to characterize SiC/SiC materials from a new perspective. In this work cross section nanoindentation was performed on SiC/SiC composites revealing that both the hardness and Young’s modulus was substantially lower in the fiber compared to the matrix despite both being SiC. Using a Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) it was observed that the grain growth of the matrix during formation was radially out from the fiber with a changing grain structure as a function of radius from the fiber center. Focused ion beam machining was used to manufacture micro-cantilever samples and evaluate the fracture toughness and fracture strength in the matrix as a function of grain orientation in the matrix.
Applications of Maxent to Quantum Monte Carlo

We consider the application of maximum entropy methods to the analysis of data produced by computer simulations. The focus is the calculation of the dynamical properties of quantum many-body systems by Monte Carlo methods, which is termed the “Analytic Continuation Problem.” For the Anderson model of dilute magnetic impurities in metals, we obtain spectral functions and transport coefficients which obey “Kondo Universality.”
The Effect of Contraceptive Knowledge Source upon Knowledge Accuracy and Contraceptive Behavior

(1985). The Effect of Contraceptive Knowledge Source upon Knowledge Accuracy and Contraceptive Behavior. Health Education: Vol. 16, No. 3, pp. 41-44.
Contemporary controversies in the definition of death

Human death is a unitary phenomenon that physicians can determine in two ways: (1) showing the irreversible cessation of all brain clinical functions; or (2) showing the permanent cessation of circulatory and respiratory functions. Over the last 40 years the determination of human death using neurological tests ("brain death") has become an accepted practice throughout the world but has remained controversial within academic circles. Brain death has a rigorous biophilosophical basis by defining death as the irreversible loss of the critical functions of the organism as a whole. The criterion best fulfilling this definition is the irreversible cessation of all clinical functions of the brain. Competing definitions, such as those within the higher brain, brain stem, and circulation formulations, all have deficiencies in theory or practice. Among physicians, the area of greatest controversy in death determination now is the use of circulatory-respiratory tests, particularly as applied to organ donation after circulatory death. Circulatory-respiratory tests are valid only because they produce destruction of the whole brain, the criterion of death. Clarifying the distinction between the permanent and irreversible cessation of circulatory and respiratory functions is essential to understanding the use of these tests, and explains why death determination in organ donation after circulatory death does not violate the dead donor rule.
Synthesis, Transport, and Assembly of Chloroplast Proteins

Intact chloroplasts of higher plants have three separate compartments: envelope, stroma, and thylakoids. These three subchloroplastic compartments may be purified, with minimal cross-contamination, by fractionation of a lysed chloroplast preparation on discontinuous sucrose gradients (cf. Douce and Joyard 1979). Electrophoretic analysis by SDS polyacrylamide gels reveals that each subchloroplastic fraction contains a distinctive set of constituent polypeptides (Pineau and Douce 1974; Joy and Ellis 1975; Morgenthaler and Mendiola-Morgenthaler 1976). During the last decade, studies carried out in several laboratories have demonstrated that only three envelope polypeptides, 1–3 stromal polypeptides, and 10–15 thylakoid membrane polypeptides are synthesized inside the organelle (cf. Ellis 1977). The great majority of chloroplast polypeptides are synthesized on cytosolic ribosomes and must be imported into the organelle in order to reach their final location. Our laboratory is interested in the biosynthetic pathways of this particular group of polypeptides. Here, we summarize recent results on the sequence of events surrounding the cytosolic synthesis of chloroplast polypeptides and their subsequent transport into the organelle. Results of earlier work can be found in a previous review dealing with the same topic (Chua and Schmidt 1979).
Vibrational analysis of benitoite (BaTiSi3O9) and the Si3O9 ring.

The normal modes of vibration and their frequencies are calculated for benitoite, a mineral whose crystal structure (space group ${\mathit{D}}_{3\mathit{h}}^{2}$) consists of three-membered silicate rings (${\mathrm{Si}}_{3}$${\mathrm{O}}_{9}$) linked by ${\mathrm{Ba}}^{2+}$ and ${\mathrm{Ti}}^{4+}$ ions. Factor-group analysis dictates that certain normal modes involve the motion of only the ring atoms. On the assumption that mode mixings and splittings due to inter-ring interactions are small, the normal frequencies of the isolated ring of ${\mathit{C}}_{3\mathit{h}}$ symmetry are determined by fitting to suitable averages of selected frequencies in the Raman spectra. A valence force potential consisting of only central interactions between nearest neighbors and bond-bending interactions centered at the silicon atoms is used. This potential is then extended to the full crystal structure by including interactions involving the ${\mathrm{Ba}}^{2+}$ and ${\mathrm{Ti}}^{4+}$ ions. The frequencies obtained are in excellent agreement with the infrared and Raman spectra, requiring only minor adjustment of the force constants obtained for the isolated ring. The identification of normal modes characteristic of three-membered silicate rings may prove to be a valuable guide in the interpretation of the infrared and Raman spectra of amorphous silicates, potentially leading to new information on the ring statistics of these materials.
Influence of loperamide on the internal anal sphincter in the opossum

The objective of this study was to examine the influence of the commonly used antidiarrheal agent loperamide on the internal anal sphincter of anesthetized opossums. Loperamide caused a rise in internal anal sphincter pressures, and a decrease in the rectal distention-induced internal anal sphincter relaxation. To define the mechanism of decrease in the rectal distention response of the internal anal sphincter, we examined the effects of sacral efferent nerve stimulation, local intramural stimulation, and ganglionic stimulant (which acts at the postganglionic inhibitory neuron). Loperamide caused a significant decrease in the internal anal sphincter relaxation caused by sacral nerve stimulation, but not in that caused by local intramural stimulation and nicotine. These effects of loperamide on the internal anal sphincter were antagonized by naloxone. These findings suggest that the therapeutic effects of loperamide on the internal anal sphincter as an antidiarrheal agent are due to a rise in the tone of the sphincter and the inhibition of its relaxation in response to rectal distention. Both of these actions are mediated by activation of opioid receptors. The inhibition of internal anal sphincter relaxation induced by rectal distention (which mimicks recto-anal reflex) is due to inhibition of release of neurotransmitter from the preganglionic sacral nerve fibers.
Sociology in Times of Crisis: Chen Da, National Salvation and the Indigenization of Knowledge

Chen Da was one of the foremost sociologists of China from the 1920s to the 1940s. His intellectual habitus took shape from the long crisis that defined Chinese intellectual life from the mid-19 th to mid-20 th centuries, a period of continuous imperial assault on Chinese sovereignty. As China integrated into the capitalist world-system, neo-Confucian structures of knowledge came into question. Intellectuals took up sociology to guide China’s transition from an empire to a nation-state. Through his studies on labor, migration, and population, Chen Da contributed to the institutionalization of sociology in China. Chen sought to craft a theory of Chinese development that followed universal trajectories of progress but was also attuned to the complexity of Chinese society on the ground. Through his efforts to indigenize sociology, Chen developed a non-Marxist historical materialism, a deterritorialized and pluralistic conceptualization of China as a nation, and a theory of eugenic transformation centered on the concept of “mode of living.” The questions which Chen Da confronted are emblematic of the predicament faced by Chinese social scientists today, who again struggle with the dynamics of a deterritorialzied “Greater China,” rising social fragmentation, and refigured eugenic discourses and policies that aim to craft the Chinese people into ideal national subjects fit for post-socialist development.
Mylohyoid insertion at the mid-belly of a combined geniohyoid via a fibrous pseudo-hyoid: An observation with implications for submental flap surgery

Abstract The mylohyoid is a triangular, sheet-like muscle that typically attaches at the mylohyoid line of the mandible, the body of the hyoid, and a median raphe, which stretches from the mandibular symphysis anteriorly to the hyoid bone posteriorly. Few cases have ever documented anatomical variation of the mylohyoid outside of the common mylohyoid boutonniere. Dissection of the suprahyoid musculature of an 88-year-old Caucasian male revealed mylohyoid musculature that did not insert at the hyoid, but rather inserted firmly at the mid-belly of the geniohyoid musculature at a tough fibrous ‘pseudo-hyoid.' This case report is the first to ever document a mylohyoid inserting firmly to the geniohyoid musculature midway between the chin and hyoid. The case described herein lends support to the exclusion of musculature from the submental artery flap. Inclusion of a mylohyoid, as described in this report, in the submental artery flap may lead to surgical confusion and unintentional damage to the mylohyoid and geniohyoid musculature as well as surrounding structures.
Activation of a delayed-early gene encoding MHR3 by the ecdysone receptor heterodimer EcR-B1-USP-1 but not by EcR-B1-USP-2.

MHR3, a homolog of the retinoid orphan receptor (ROR), is a transcription factor in the nuclear hormone receptor family that is induced by 20-hydroxyecdysone (20E) in the epidermis of the tobacco hornworm, Manduca sexta. Its 2.7-kb 5* flanking region was found to contain four putative ecdysone receptor response elements (EcREs) and a monomeric (GGGTCA) nuclear receptor binding site. Activation of this promoter fused to a chloramphenicol acetyltransferase (CAT) reporter by 2 mg of 20E per ml in Manduca GV1 cells was similar to that of endogenous MHR3, with detectable CAT by 3 h. When the ecdysone receptor B1 (EcR-B1) and Ultraspiracle 1 (USP-1) were expressed at high levels under the control of a constitutive promoter, CAT levels after a 3-h exposure to 20E increased two- to sixfold. In contrast, high expression of EcR-B1 and USP-2 caused little increase in CAT levels in response to 20E. Moreover, expression of USP-2 prevented activation by EcR-B1‐USP-1. Deletion experiments showed that the upstream region, including the three most proximal putative EcREs, was responsible for most of the 20E activation, with the EcRE3 at 2671 and the adjacent GGGTCA being most critical. The EcRE1 at 2342 was necessary but not sufficient for the activational response but was the only one of the three putative EcREs to bind the EcR-B1‐USP-1 complex in gel mobility shift assays and was responsible for the silencing action of EcR-B1‐USP-1 in the absence of hormone. EcRE2 and EcRE3 each specifically bound other protein(s) in the cell extract, but not EcR and USP, and so are not EcREs in this cellular context. When cell extracts were used, the EcR-B1‐USP-2 heterodimer showed no binding to EcRE1, and the presence of excess USP-2 prevented the binding of EcR-B1‐USP-1 to this element. In contrast, in vitro-transcribed-translated USP-1 and USP-2 both formed heterodimeric complexes with EcR-B1 that bound ponasterone A with the same Kd (7 3 10 210 M) and bound to both EcRE1 and heat shock protein 27 EcRE. Thus, factors present in the cell extract appear to modulate the differential actions of the two USP isoforms. Insect molting and metamorphosis are controlled by ecdysteroids and juvenile hormone (JH), with the ecdysteroids initiating and orchestrating the molt and with JH preventing
Noninvasive measurement of hydrogen and potassium ion flux from single cells and epithelial structures

This review introduces new developments in a technique for measuring the movement of ions across the plasma membrane. With the use of a self-referencing ion-selective (Seris) probe, transport mechanisms can be studied on a variety of preparations ranging from tissues to single cells. In this paper we illustrate this versatility with examples from the vas deferens and inner ear epithelium to large and small single cells represented by mouse single-cell embryos and rat microglia. Potassium and hydrogen ion fluxes are studied and pharmacological manipulation of the signals are reported. The strengths of the self-referencing technique are reviewed with regard to biological applications, and the expansion of self-referencing probes to include electrochemical and enzyme-based sensors is discussed.
Microdroplet-based synthesis and centrifuge-free retrieval of nanoparticles via a continuous flow micropost array railing system

Microfluidic droplet-based microreactors offer significant advantages for the synthesis of nanoparticles, including high control of reagent loading and mixing. One limitation, however, is that retrieving synthesized nanoparticles from microdroplets typically requires laborious and time-consuming “off-chip” procedures (e.g., droplet collection, centrifugication and nanoparticle resuspension). To bypass these issues, here we introduce a continuous flow microfluidic system to enable the rapid and autonomous droplet-based generation and retrieval of nanoparticles. Specifically, we utilize a micropost array railing technique in order to passively: (i) generate microdroplets in which nanoparticles are synthesized, (ii) guide the particle-containing droplets into an oil-phase wash solution (i.e., to remove surfactant), and (iii) “lyse” the microdroplets to release the nanoparticles into the water flow. Experimental results demonstrated the successful synthesis and retrieval of magnetic iron-oxide nanoparticles, which can be employed for applications including bioseparation, biotagging and imaging.
An activator of protein kinase C (phorbol-12-myristate-13-acetate) augments 2-chloroadenosine-elicited accumulation of cyclic AMP in guinea pig cerebral cortical particulate preparations.

Abstract Norepinephrine and histamine markedly augment accumulations of cyclic AMP elicited by 2-chloroadenosine in a guinea pig cerebral cortical vesicular preparation. In addition, these biogenic amines stimulate phosphatidylinositol turnover. Phosphatidylinositol turnover is associated with mobilization of internal calcium and with stimulation of protein kinase C. Phorbol-12-myristate-13-acetate (PMA), a known activator of protein kinase C, has no effect on cyclic AMP levels alone, but in a concentration-dependent manner enhances accumulations of cyclic AMP elicited by 2-chloroadenosine. PMA, like norepinephrine, also enhances accumulations of cyclic AMP elicited by histamine. PMA has no effect on the synergistic accumulations of cyclic AMP elicited by combinations of amines and 2-chloroadenosine. PMA also augments accumulations of cyclic AMP elicited by forskolin. The results suggest that activation of, phosphatidylinositol turnover by biogenic amines may lead via stimulation of protein kinase C to enhanced responsiveness of cyclic AMP-generating systems.
The nitric oxide donor S-nitroso-N-acetylpenicillamine (SNAP) increases free radical generation and degrades left ventricular function after myocardial ischemia-reperfusion.

Abstract Background: During reperfusion of ischemic myocardium nitric oxide (NO) reacts with superoxide radicals to form cardiotoxic peroxynitrite, which causes lipid peroxidation. Our hypothesis was that infusion of a NO donor S-nitroso-N-acetylpenicillamine (SNAP) during ischemia–reperfusion would exacerbate the oxidative damage to the myocardium by increased formation of nitrogen radicals. Methods and results: In 19 open-chest dogs, left anterior descending (LAD) coronary occlusion (15 min)–reperfusion (15 min) sequences were created. Using electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR), we monitored the coronary sinus concentration of ascorbate free radical (Asc − ), a measure of free radical generation (total oxidative flux). Seven control dogs (Group 1) received intravenous saline infusion during occlusion–reperfusion, while 12 dogs received SNAP infusion (Group 2: 2.5 μg/min per kg SNAP, and Group 3: 5 μg/min per kg SNAP). Left ventricular fractional area shortening was determined by echocardiography. Dogs in Group 3 receiving a high dose of SNAP (5 μg/min per kg) demonstrated a higher Asc − concentration increase than the control group. Percent fractional area shortening in Group 1 declined from 77±4.0 (baseline) to 54±9.0% during ischemia ( P P P Conclusions: The NO donor SNAP increased free radical concentration and exacerbated myocardial oxidative damage after ischemia–reperfusion.
Security Testing of Internal Tools

As the software industry continues to mature, software companies are realizing that they must dedicate more resources to quality assurance (QA) processes. But even though security testing as part of an overall QA process for products shipped to customers is starting to gain acceptance in the software industry as a necessity, the majority of software vendors pay little to no attention to the security of the tools they use internally. In this article, the author explore why testing (security testing in particular) on internal tools should be incorporated into the QA process. In short, a responsible software company shouldn't produce insecure software, regardless of whether this software is meant for internal use only.
Intraoperative monitoring of the facial nerve

Anatomic preservation of the facial nerve, with maximal facial function, is one of the goals of acoustic neuroma surgery. Application of electrophysiologic monitoring techniques is useful in achieving this goal. Preoperative electromyography and nerve conduction studies provide important prognostic information for preservation of the nerve and postoperative function. Intraoperative electromyography alerts the surgeon to facial nerve proximity and potential injury. Direct nerve stimulation is utilized to confirm the location and integrity of the nerve. Matched-pair analysis of two groups of patients demonstrated an increased ability to preserve the facial nerve with less postoperative facial deformity.
Top-down statistical estimation on a database

The size of data sets subjected to statistical analysis is increasing as computer technology develops. Quick estimates of statistics rather than exact values are becoming increasingly important to analysts. We propose a new technique for estimating statistics on a database, a "top-down" alternative to the "bottom-up" method of sampling. This approach precomputes a set of general-purpose statistics on the database, a "database abstract", and then uses a large set of inference rules to make bounded estimates of other, arbitrary statistics requested by users. The inference rules form a new example of an artificial-intelligence "expert system". There are several important advantages of this approach over sampling methods.
Shade induced changes in flower and pod number and flower and fruit abscission in soybean.

Seed number per unit area is important in determining yield in soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.]. Field and greenhouse experiments were conducted to evaluate the role of flowers per plant and flower and fruit abscission in determining pod and seed numbers. Two green-house experiments were conducted with the McCall cultivar [Maturity Group (MG) 00] and four cultivars [McCall, Hardin (MG I), Harper (MG III), Essex (MG V)] were used in field experiments in 1989 and 1990. The field experiments used either 0.38-m (McCall and Hardin) or 0.76m rows (Harper and Essex) with a constant seeding rate of 26 seeds per meter. Shade cloth (63% in the greenhouse and 30 and 63% in the field) was placed over plants from R1 to maturity [...]
Insights into the Structure, Mechanism, and Regulation of Scavenger mRNA Decapping Activity

Abstract Complete removal of residual N-7 guanine cap from degraded messenger RNA is necessary to prevent accumulation of intermediates that might interfere with RNA processing, export, and translation. The human scavenger decapping enzyme, DcpS, catalyzes residual cap hydrolysis following mRNA degradation, releasing N-7 methyl guanosine monophosphate and 5′-diphosphate terminated cap or mRNA products. DcpS structures bound to m 7 GpppG or m 7 GpppA reveal an asymmetric DcpS dimer that simultaneously creates an open nonproductive DcpS-cap complex and a closed productive DcpS-cap complex that alternate via 30 A domain movements. Structural and biochemical analysis suggests an autoregulatory mechanism whereby premature decapping mRNA is prevented by blocking the conformational changes that are required to form a closed productive active site capable of cap hydrolysis.
Asymmetry in the Jovian auroral Lyman-α line profile due to thermospheric high-speed flow

[1] The presence of a fast wind in the auroral region atmosphere of Jupiter has been detected from the Doppler shift in near-IR observations of H3+ emissions. The Doppler effect also modifies auroral resonance emission line shapes. We present a new radiative transfer equation for the hydrogen Lyman-α line in the presence of a horizontal wind and solve it numerically using the Feautrier method. This model allows us to derive the theoretical profile of the Lyman-α emission line. We apply this code to long slit echelle spectra of Jupiter's auroral Lyman-α emission obtained by HST-STIS which exhibit a self-reversed and asymmetric profile. Using a simple expression for the vertical variation of the horizontal wind velocity, we find the HST-STIS observations are well reproduced by a velocity profile reaching ∼4–8 km/s near ∼10−5μbar pressure altitude (∼1500 km above the 1 bar level). The velocity is much higher than velocity derived from H3+ emission peaking at ∼550 km and consistent with an increase of the velocity with regards to altitude but reaching larger values than predicted by circulation models at ∼10−5μbar.
Photochemistry of the phototoxic polyacetylene phenylheptatriyne

— Investigation of the photochemistry of the phototoxic polyacetylene phenylheptatriyne, PHT, was undertaken to obtain further information on competing photo-oxidative type II and non-oxidative processes observed in vivo. Laser excitation (308 or 337 nm) led to the formation of a strong triplet signal with a lifetime of 28 μs in MeOH. The triplet was efficiently quenched by the triplet quencher 1,3-octadiene (kq - 1.6 × 109M-1s-1). Quenching by O2 occurred with a rate constant (1.7 × 109M-1s-1) comparable to the rate of electron transfer to methylviologen (1.4 × 109M-1 s-1). The formation of singlet oxygen established earlier (type II reaction) in the former case and the semioxidized PHT radical in the latter case are consistent with the competing phototoxic processes observed in vivo.
The land in American Religious Experience

THE LAND, THE SPACE, that is the United States of America has helped to shape the religious experience and the images of religion that Americans have formed and that have formed Americans throughout their history in this new world. This was true for the Puritans confronting the dangerous wilderness that was to be the site of God's kingdom. It was true for the Transcendentalists in the nineteenth century for whom God and nature were almost indistinguishable. And it is true again in the twentieth century as literary naturalists such as Annie Dillard, Barry Lopez, and Gretel Ehrlich turn again to nature and find there the sacred. I will look at how the images Americans have used for the land as they have attempted to define themselves have shaped their conceptions and experience of the land and, conversely, how the land has shaped the American imagination.'
Use of a signal detection paradigm to assess subjective intersection points in a target location task

Numerous tasks require individuals to assess whether two or more moving points are on a collision path. However, evidence available, on decision making in spatial manipulation tasks, is lacking. This study attempted to assess individual's ability to determine the point of intersection between two cursors. The distance between a specified target and the actual intersection point (2 levels), and the extrapolation distance (2 levels) was varied. Using a signal detection paradigm, measures of sensitivity (d') and decision criterion (B) were obtained. Therefore, 2 × 2 within subjects design was employed. Results indicated that distance between the target and actual intersection point had the greatest effects on sensitivity, while extrapolation distance differences were minimal. Conclusions based on the results are limited due to poor subject performance. Language: en
Design and modeling of a MEMS pico-Newton loading/sensing device

In this paper we present a novel MEMS force sensor that exploits the post-buckling phenomenon of slender silicon columns. The design philosophy and fabrication process is discussed and analytical expressions for the force-displacement characteristics are developed. The sensor can be used to perform quantitative and qualitative measurements in-situ in SEM, TEM or STM, where the small chamber size makes it challenging to integrate conventional force-displacement sensors. Potential applications for the sensor are characterization of carbon nanotube-polymer interfaces, nanoscale thin film testing and mechanical testing of single biological cells.
Global optimization of an accelerator lattice using multiobjective genetic algorithms

Abstract Storage ring lattice design is a highly constrained multiobjective optimization problem. The objectives can include lattice functions or derived quantities like emittance, brightness, or luminosity while simultaneously fulfilling constraints such as linear stability of the lattice. In this paper we explore the use of multiobjective genetic algorithms (MOGA) to find globally optimized lattice settings in a storage ring. Using the Advanced Light Source (ALS) for illustration, three examples of MOGA are shown and analyzed—(i) using three fit parameters to optimize the straight section betatron function and the natural emittance, (ii) using three fit parameters to optimize the photon brightness of bending magnet and insertion device source points in the lattice and (iii) a six parameter fit creating alternating high and low horizontal betatron functions in subsequent straight sections while still minimizing the natural emittance. Making use of one of the main benefits of MOGA, we also study the trade-offs in the optimization objectives between sets of optimal solutions.
Left ventricular performance during psychological stress.

Left ventricular ejection fraction, systolic blood pressure and plasma norepinephrine were measured in six normotensive and six mildly hypertensive subjects during rest and psychological stress. Compared with rest, 8 of the 12 subjects developed significant (P<0.05)changes in ejection fraction (increase in 6, decrease in 2); 10 of 12 subjects developed significant elevations of plasma norepinephrine; and all developed significant increases in systolic blood pressure.
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Is Associated with an Increased Prevalence of Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Introduction Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) affects 5–10% of reproductive-aged women. Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a chronic intestinal disorder that affects up to 20% of adults, more often women. We evaluate if there is a relationship between these common conditions.
Hydrolytic and themal decomposition studies of some 7-silanorbornadienes

Abstract The reaction of water with 2,3-bis(trifluoromethyl)-7,7-dimethyl-1,4-diphenyl-7-silanorbornadiene was investigated and found to give a benzyldimethylsilanol. The thermal elimination of dimethylsilylene was studied for five different 7-silanorbornadienes and the ease of elimination correlated to the substituents on the basal carbon atoms. In general, stability towards elimination is increased by bulky or electron withdrawing substituents. The reaction of dimethylsilylene with trichloro- and trifluoroborane was investigated and both were found to give dihalodimethylsilane instead of insertion products.
Skewed-Load Test Cubes Based on Functional Broadside Tests for a Low-Power Test Set

A low-power test generation procedure that was developed earlier merges broadside test cubes that are derived from functional broadside tests in order to generate a low-power broadside test set. This has several advantages, most importantly, that test cubes, which are derived from functional broadside tests, create functional operation conditions in subcircuits around the sites of detected faults. These conditions are preserved when a test cube is merged with other test cubes. This brief applies a similar approach to the generation of a low-power skewed-load test set. The main challenge that this paper addresses is the derivation of skewed-load test cubes from functional broadside tests. The paper also considers the percentages of values that should be unspecified in the skewed-load test cubes in order to balance the need to create functional operation conditions with the need for test compaction.
Increased adiposity does not exacerbate impaired vasodilation in rats exposed to eucapnic intermittent hypoxia.

Background: Although there often is a clinical co-incidence of increased adiposity and obstructive sleep apnea, each factor is independently associated with elevated oxidative stres
Modelling and Analysis of Shale Gas Production With a Skin Effect

Many hydraulically fractured horizontal wells in shale gas reservoirs have been observed to exhibit transient linear behaviour. This transient linear behaviour is characterized by a one-half slope on a log-log plot of rate against time. This transient linear flow regime is expected to be caused by transient drainage of low-permeability matrix blocks into adjoining fractures. This transient flow regime is the only flow regime available for analysis in many wells. In this paper, a linear dual-porosity model is used to approximate the shale gas completions with a horizontal well and multiple hydraulic fractures. Five flow regions are identified with this model. It seems that field production data exhibit Region 4 behaviour, which is primarily transient drainage from the matrix. However, a skin effect for Region 4 is observed in many wells. This modifies the shape of the log-log rate plot and the square root of time plot. A new analytical equation is presented to model the effect of skin on linear flow behaviour. The resulting curve shapes are somewhat surprising and tend to explain the early curve shapes of actual wells. A procedure is presented in this paper to analyze field data.
Detection of objects buried in soil using microwave heating

Microwave heating of soil offers the potential to enhance infrared signatures of buried objects such as landmines. In uniform soil, with no vegetation and a flat surface, images can be obtained showing the shape of the objects, to aid in their identification. Combined with other subsurface imaging modalities, this promises a reduced false alarm rate, leading to more effective demining operations. However, in the presence of rough ground, non-uniform soil, vegetation, and solar heating, the signatures become much more complicated. In this work, we examine some of these issues, based on outdoor experiments and a two-dimensional model.