cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Object Closure Conversion

Abstract An integral part of implementing functional languages is closure conversion—the process of converting code with free variables into closed code and auxiliary data structures. Closure conversion has been extensively studied in this context, but also arises in languages with first-class objects. In fact, one variant of Java's inner classes are an example of objects that need to be closure converted, and the transformation for converting these inner classes into Java Virtual Machine classes is an example of closure conversion. This paper argues that a direct formulation of object closure conversion is interesting and gives further insight into general closure conversion. It presents a formal closure-conversion translation for a second-order object language and proves it correct. The translation and proof generalise to other object-oriented languages, and the paper gives some examples to support this statement. Finally, the paper discusses the well known connection between function closures and single-method objects. This connection is formalised by showing that an encoding of functions into objects, object closure conversion, and various object encodings compose to give various closure-conversion translations for functions.
Performance of line-scanning confocal microscopy in human skin: investigation of potential for clinical translation

Line-scanning, using 8-10 optical components, linear-array detectors and custom-FPGA electronics, may enable smaller, simpler and lower-cost confocal microscopes to accelerate translation to the clinic. The adaptability of commercially available low-cost array detectors for confocal microscopy is being investigated. Measurements of optical sectioning and lateral resolution showed good agreement with theory, and are comparable to that of point-scanning systems. LSFs through full thickness of human epidermis show a two-fold degradation in sectioning performance. Imaging of human epidermis in vivo demonstrates nuclear and cellular detail down to the basal layer with a bench top setup and also a compact clinical prototype. Blood flow in oral mucosa can be imaged using the clinical prototype. However, speckle and background noise degrade contrast and resolution of the image.
Collective efficacy : A neglected construct in the study of schools and student achievement

A theoretical analysis is advanced that discusses social cognitive theory at the group level to explain the formation and impact of collective efficacy. The study used student- and school-level data from a sample of urban elementary schools. Consistent with social cognitive theory, mastery experience was found to be a significant predictor of differences between schools in teachers' collective efficacy perceptions. In addition, after controlling for student demographic characteristics and prior achievement, collective efficacy was positively and significantly related to differences among schools in student achievement. Finally, the amount of consensus among faculty members regarding collective efficacy perceptions was not a significant predictor of student achievement, nor was it significantly related to school socioeconomic status or minority concentration.
The journey of a foreign-trained physician to a United States residency: controversies surrounding the impact of this migration to the United States.

v t t n 7 h s s A o t U i t ealth care shortages in the United States and other develped countries profoundly impact the health care workorce in many other nations around the world. Physicians re recruited in large numbers by developed countries, raining physician resources from developing nations. Inernational medical graduates (IMGs) typically immigrate o developed countries to complete their residencies and any stay on in clinical practice. A recent review pubished by our group detailed the difficulties associated with he migration of IMGs to the United States. From the MG’s perspective, this process is an uphill battle, both xpensive and time-consuming. Within the United States, ome consider that the presence of IMGs in this country is ssential to cover the health care needs of medically undererved areas (MUAs). Many others hold a diametrically ifferent view. There is a feeling that IMGs, despite the lmost prohibitive costs that they incur to access US ME, probably still pay quite a bit less than their US ounterparts; that taxpayer money should not be used to rain IMGs; that IMGs compete with US medical gradutes (USMGs) for fewer and fewer jobs; that the basic prelinical training level of IMGs is inferior; and that cultural arriers particular to IMGs can adversely shape medical ncounters and diminish quality of care. This article aims to describe the five most important ontroversies concerning the migration of foreign-trained hysicians to a US residency.
Some Three-Dimensional Characteristics of Low-Frequency Current Fluctuations near the Oregon Coast

Abstract An analysis is presented of the low-frequency fluctuations [ω<0.6 cycle per day (cpd)] of the currents near the Oregon coast, based on the 1972 and 1973 measurements from moored current meters in CUE-1 and CUE-2. Let u and v denote the eastward (approximately onshore) and northward (approximately alongshore) components of the currents. The mean alongshore velocity v has the structure of a baroclinic coastal jet, whose maximum speed occurs near the surface at a distance of about 15–20 km from the shore, whereas the fluctuating part of v has the structure of a roughly barotropic coastal jet whose maximum occurs very near (<4 km) the shore. The standard deviation of v is approximately depth-independent whereas that of u decreases with depth. As one approaches the coast, the standard deviation of u decreases whereas that of v rises steeply, consistent with the behavior expected of coastally trapped wave motion. A scatter plot of the velocity fluctuations in a hodograph plane indicates that the fluctu...
The presence of humanistic psychologists in the academy

Abstract This paper contemplates the place that humanistic psychologists have established for themselves within the academic institution of American psychology. This includes a characterization of the movement's changing relationship to the academy as a whole, a consideration of its representation within formal academic publications, and an outline of the institutional contexts within which humanistic psychologists have positioned themselves to pursue their pedagogical and research goals. The paper concludes with a look toward the future of humanistic psychology.
Ross' measure of risk aversion and portfolio selection

This article shows that if Ross' definition of riskier is replaced by a more traditional definition, such as a mean-preserving spread or second-degree stochastic dominance, then the application of Ross's stronger measure of risk aversion to the portfolio problem may no longer produce the desired result. It is also shown that the stronger measure may not perform satisfactorily when applied to exponential utility functions.
The Nefarious Former Authorities: Name Change in Trieste, 1918–22

To Liberate Me from the detestable yoke of foreignness,… I implore you to change my surname,” Umberto Terchig begged Italian authorities in Venezia Giulia, Italy's new northeastern border territory incorporated in the wake of the Habsburg collapse. In Venezia Giulia, comprised of several of the provinces of the former Austrian Adriatic littoral, some 1,000 individuals in the population of approximately 350,000 requested surname changes over the period from the end of World War I in 1918 to the Fascist takeover in 1922. Most petitioners hailed from Trieste and the city's immediate surroundings. Their level of education and relative sophistication varied. Nonetheless, these individuals shared a particular “nationality consciousness” that led them to choose name change as a means to establish national belonging in Italy. Former Habsburg subjects, like Umberto Terchig, living throughout the successor states sought to rearticulate ethnic and national identities to reflect personal affinities and ambitions consistent with institutional arrangements and associations in emerging state frameworks.
On the stability of the minimal design problem

A necessary condition for obtaining stable solutions to the minimal design problem is presented. The condition is shown to be sufficient for insuring the stability of solutions which need not be minimal. The results are based on the recently developed notion of minimal bases of rational vector spaces, and an example is employed to illustrate and clarify the procedure.
Predictors of successful outcome after cholecystectomy for biliary dyskinesia

Abstract Purpose Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is accepted therapy for children with ill-defined abdominal pain and impaired gallbladder emptying (biliary dyskinesia). Follow-up shows poor clinical response in many of these patients. The purpose of this report is to identify clinical and radiographic predictors of successful outcome after cholecystectomy for biliary dyskinesia. Methods The authors retrospectively reviewed records of 51 children after laparoscopic cholecystectomy for biliary dyskinesia (1990 to 2003). Clinical symptoms, radiographic findings, and pathology were evaluated. Subjective clinical improvement is stratified using an established patient satisfaction score. Logistic regression analysis determines statistically independent predictors of successful outcome. Results Thirty-eight of 51 (75%) patients were available for follow-up. Twenty-seven of 38 (71%) patients reported complete resolution of symptoms. Nausea was the only symptom predictive of successful outcome by univariate analysis (odds ratio, 5.00). A cholecystokinin-stimulated, gallbladder ejection fraction less than 15% also predicts successful outcome (odds ratio, 8.00). Children with an ejection fraction greater than 15% did not have predictable resolution of symptoms. When present with pain and nausea, gallbladder emptying less than 15% has a positive predictive value of 93% and a negative predictive value of 81%. Conclusions Together, nausea, pain, and decreased gallbladder emptying (
Bathymetric reconstructions of the Miocene-age ``calcari aLucina'' (northern Apennines, Italy) from oxygen isotopes and benthic Foraminifera

Two independent methods of paleobathymetry, applicable to hydrocarbon-derived carbonates, are explored in this study. The oxygen isotope method exploits the temperature decline with depth that leaves a measurable imprint on theδ18O composition of pristine products of venting comprised of aragonites and dolomites. The other method makes use of the bathymetric preferences of benthic foraminiferal taxa entrapped in the carbonate buildups. These two methods were tested on the “calcari aLucina” limestones hosted in turbidites and mudstones infilling the Miocene-age Marnoso-arenacea basin. The limestone blocks, rich in fossils of chemosymbiotic-like fauna, preserve a 10-Ma record of hydrocarbon venting from Langhian to lower Messinian times. Our results indicate that carbonate accretion and lithification occurred at upper bathyal depths in waters not shallower than 200–250 m. Theδ18O of venting products contains the imprints of profound hydrographic changes that occurred in the ancient Mediterranean basin from the lower Serravallian to the lower Messinian.
An Obligatory Heterodimer of 14-3-3β and 14-3-3ϵ Is Required for Aldosterone Regulation of the Epithelial Sodium Channel

Increased distal nephron sodium absorption in response to aldosterone involves Nedd4-2 phosphorylation, which blocks its ability to ubiquitylate ENaC and increases apical membrane channel density by reducing its endocytosis. Our prior work (Liang, X., Peters, K. W., Butterworth, M. B., and Frizzell, R. A. (2006) J. Biol. Chem. 281, 16323–16332) showed that aldosterone selectively increased 14-3-3 protein isoform expression and that the association of 14-3-3β with phospho-Nedd4-2 was required for sodium transport stimulation. The knockdown of 14-3-3β alone nearly eliminated the response to aldosterone, despite the expression of other 14-3-3 isoforms in cortical collecting duct (CCD) cells. To further examine this marked effect of 14-3-3β knockdown, we evaluated the hypothesis that phospho-Nedd4-2 binding prefers a heterodimer composed of two different 14-3-3 isoforms. We tested this concept in polarized CCD cells using RNA interference and assays of sodium transport and of the interaction of Nedd4-2 with 14-3-3e, a second aldosterone-induced isoform. As observed previously for 14-3-3β knockdown, small interfering RNA-induced reduction of 14-3-3e markedly attenuated aldosterone-stimulated ENaC expression and sodium transport and increased the interaction of Nedd4-2 with ENaC toward prealdosterone levels. After aldosterone induction, 14-3-3β and 14-3-3e were quantitatively co-immunoprecipitated from CCD cell lysates, and the association of both isoforms with Nedd4-2 increased. Finally, the knockdown of either 14-3-3β or 14-3-3e reduced the association of Nedd4-2 with the other isoform. We conclude that the two aldosterone-induced 14-3-3 isoforms, β and e, interact with phospho-Nedd4-2 as an obligatory heterodimer, blocking its interaction with ENaC and thereby increasing apical ENaC density and sodium transport.
Eye movements on restaurant menus: a revisitation on gaze motion and consumer scanpaths.

Abstract Menu designers have based design tactics on roughly applied psychological foundations. In particular, attention and memory-based design placement strategies are founded upon assumptions which necessitate a clear idea of consumer eye movement sequences across restaurant menus. The aim of this paper is twofold. First, a review of academic and practitioner literature is presented to frame the current discussion on gaze motion patterns as applied to restaurant menus. Second, the results of an eye-tracker study are presented as an empirical and more quantitatively analyzed replication of past restaurant gaze-motion studies. Results offer an average menu scanpath, show that observed consumer scanpaths differ from those anecdotally espoused by industry, and suggest traditional menu “sweet spots” may not exist.
Effect of concentration on restriction and diffusion of albumin in the excised rat diaphragm

In tissue samples of rat diaphragm mounted between two chambers, we measured the flow of albumin solution (0-5 g/dl) containing radioactive tracer (125)I-albumin in response to a driving pressure of 20 cmH(2)O. The ratio of the albumin concentration of the output solution to that of the input (sieving ratio, C(out)/C(in)) was measured from solution radioactivity. C(out)/C(in) increased monotonically from 0.5 with the flow of approximately 0 g/dl albumin solution (tracer) to 0.9 with the flow of 5 g/dl albumin solution. We modeled the tissue as a membrane subjected to flows of high Peclet No. with a reflection coefficient sigma = 1 - C(out)/C(in). Values of sigma decreased from 0.5 with Ringer solution to 0.1 with 5 g/dl albumin solution. Hydraulic conductivity measured with the flow of Ringer solution increased with the flow of 5 g/dl albumin solution. Wet-to-dry weight ratio and radioactivity of tissue samples immersed in 0.01-5 g/dl albumin solutions indicated a 40% increase in tissue water, associated with an albumin volume fraction of 0.3 measured at 0.5-2 h. The slower rate of albumin uptake occurring up to 20-30 h indicated intracellular diffusion that was equal with 1 and 5 g/dl albumin solution but reduced with a 0.01 g/dl albumin solution. The results suggest that interstitial pores increase in size in response to an increase in albumin concentration. We postulate a two-pore model made of intracellular pores that coalesce into a set of larger pores by osmotic flow.
Memory effects in optically active CdSe nanocrystal doped MOS structures

Abstract We present a first study of the synthesis of CdSe nanocrystals embedded in 50 nm thick thermally grown SiO 2 on p-type silicon by sequential ion implantation of Cd (30 keV) and Se (26 keV) followed by a rapid thermal annealing step. A metal-oxide-semiconductor (MOS) capacitor structure was fabricated by evaporation of an optically transparent thin Au gate electrode on top of the nanocluster doped SiO 2 layer. The observed band edge emission of CdSe is fully intensity tuneable by applying a high electric field over the MOS structure. Strong hysteretic electric field enhancement and quenching of the photoluminescence (PL) was observed when sweeping the electric field strength between ±1 MV/cm. Further an electro optical memory effect was observed in this device and investigated upon its long time stability. Possible mechanisms for this behavior are discussed.
Chaney and Ruiz Revilla: Sampling Methods: Comment 1

The following comments pertain to “Sampling Methods and Interpretation of Correlation: A Comparative Analysis of Seven Cross-Cultural Samples,” Richard P. Chaney and Rogelio Ruiz Revilla, AA 71:597–633.
Chapter 30 The genetic evolution of Arctic North America and Greenland and implications for petroleum systems

Abstract The sedimentary basins of Arctic North America and Greenland are diverse in their genesis. This diversity controls petroleum systems within these basins as well as their exposure to post-accumulation destructive forces. The Canadian Shield has been a significant influence on basin development due to its 60 km thick core of well-annealed, highly buoyant continental crust. This large, stable craton facilitated the deposition of multiple Early Palaeozoic source rocks and resisted subsequent collisions which could have been destructive to petroleum systems. The Ellesmerian collision quickly segregated the Sverdrup Basin from the Franklinian platform. The Ellesmerian–Caledonian suture attempted to rift numerous times. These failed rifts were conducive to source rock accumulation with lacustrine and marine (Kimmeridgian) sources being deposited. Opening of the Arctic Basin in the Early Cretaceous provided a restricted locus for the deposition of high organic carbon sediments throughout the Cretaceous. The movement of the High Arctic Large Igneous Province from the Arctic in the Cretaceous into the North Atlantic drove rifting to the east side of Greenland. Cenozoic opening of the Atlantic, with abundant associated volcanism, propagated into the Arctic with the opening of the Eurasian Basin. Atlantic rifting drove Greenland into the Sverdrup Basin producing the Eurekan Orogeny which initiated maturation and trap formation as well as some trap breaching. Pacific subduction generated the Western Cordillera and the Brooks Range. Associated forelands began to be rapidly loaded with Cretaceous–Cenozoic sediment driving all source rocks into maturity. The Cenozoic draining of the continent produced the Mackenzie Delta, which entered an inside corner of the transform rift margin and has been constantly ‘forced’ by ongoing Cordilleran tectonics, resulting in significant trap rupture in the Western Mackenzie Delta. Cenozoic deltaic sediments contain ‘coaly’ source rocks responsible for the offshore petroleum systems in that area.
Early learning as ontogenetic adaptation for ingestion by rats

Abstract Ontogenetic adaptation is an “ecological” concept in which mammalian maturation is seen as a coordinated sequence of specializations (stages) that enables the infant to survive within a sequence of distinct niches created by the parent(s) and the rest of the environment. Natural selection is presumed to operate at each point in development. The development of ingestive behavior in the rat pup as a series of ontogenetic adaptations enabling the infant while in the nursing niche to obtain and utilize mother's milk and progress gradually into the feeding niche in which a variety of solid foods must either be obtained or avoided is discussed. Data to show that learning is an integral part of these ontogenetic adaptations for ingestion are reviewed and interpreted. Preweanling rats that are capable of learning and remembering toxiphobic food aversions do not display an aversion to a flavor conditioned stimulus (CS) paired with illness if the CS is presented during suckling. In contrast, 20-day-old pups (weanlings) trained identically do show conditioned taste aversions under these conditions. A perspective of ontogenetic adaptations to this phenomenon of “blockade of toxiphobia by suckling” and its dissolution at weaning is applied. The generality of the blockade phenomenon and its mechanisms are explored, and it is shown that feeding experience regulates the stage-appropriate learning strategies used by the pups.
Combination treatment with azidothymidine and granulocyte colony-stimulating factor in children with human immunodeficiency virus infection.

Bone marrow suppression is the major dose-limiting toxic effect of zidovudine (azidothymidine; AZT) in children with human immunodeficiency virus infection. We evaluated the effect of subcutaneously administered granulocyte colonystimulating factor (G-CSF) in pediatric patients whose absolute neutrophil count was less than 0.8×10 9 /L during AZT therapy despite dosage reductions to 120 mg/m 2 every 6 hours. Nineteen patients between 6 months and 20 years of age were treated with AZT and G-CSF and monitored for 2 to 12 months. All had previously shown improvement while receiving AZT but had required dosage reduction or discontinuation. By using a silding dosing schedule of G-CSF, we attempted to maintain the absolute neutrophil count between 1.5 and 5.0×10 9 /L. Administration of G-CSF resulted in a significant increase in the median leukocyte count (2.0×10 9 /L to 4.14×10 9 /L; p =0.004), and the median absolute neutrophil count (1.02×10 9 /L to 2.96×10 9 /L; p =0.0006). G-CSF was well tolerated, but mild thrombocytopenia developed in nine children. Administration of G-CSF and AZT was discontinued in two patients because of continuing neutropenia. With doses of G-CSF ranging from 1 to 20 μg/kg per day, 17 of 19 patients were able to tolerate AZT at a dose of 120 to 180 mg/m 2 every 6 hours. We conclude that G-CSF therapy enables patients who have had AZT-related neutropenia to receive therapeutic doses of AZT.
Chemisorption of Acetone on Carbon Nanotubes

Temperature-programmed desorption experiments show that acetone chemisorbs on nanotubes while physisorption occurs on graphite. Computed high binding energies for chemisorption using hybrid quantum mechanical and semiempirical calculations are in good agreement with the experimental thermal desorption data. The strong chemical interactions between acetone and the nanotube surface are established as being due to the effects of curvature and topological defects.
Oscillator strengths of neutral yttrium (Y i) from hook-method measurements in a furnace

Relative oscillator strengths for 33 neutral yttrium (Y i) transitions between 2723 and 4761 A have been measured by the hook method. The data have been analyzed and placed on an absolute scale by using a numerical procedure developed by Cardon, Smith, and Whaling and the published absolute lifetimes of Beer, and Andersen, Ramanujam, and Bahr. The z2F5/2° level lifetime of Beer is found to be in error. The absolute lifetime of the level y2P3/2° is determined to be 36 ± 4 ns. The total uncertainties in the absolute oscillator strengths are between 9% and 14%.
The Effect of Molecular Size on Molecular Mobility in Amorphous Oligosaccharides

The physical properties and especially the molecular mobility of amorphous carbohydrate matrixes directly influence the stability of foods, feeds, and pharmaceuticals and the dessication tolerance of animals and plants during anhydrobiosis. Phosphorescence of the sodium salt of erythrosin B was used to investigate the local molecular mobility in pure amorphous solids of a homologous series of malto-oligosaccharides (maltose, G2; maltotriose, G3; maltotetraose, G4; maltopentaose, G5; maltohexaose, G6; and maltoheptaose, G7); sucrose and maltodextrin DE18 (a hydrolytic fraction of starch) were investigated for comparison. Measurements of the temperature-dependence of the phosphorescence emission energy, an indicator of the extent of local dipolar relaxation, and the phosphorescence emission lifetime, an indicator of the rate of collisional quenching of the excited state by matrix molecules, demonstrate that the local matrix molecular mobility increases with molecular size, and thus, with an increase in T g, in these glucose oligosaccharides. Master curves of the spectroscopic measures of matrix mobility for each oligosaccharide, plotted against T–T g, were not superimposable, suggesting that local properties of the amorphous sugar matrixes, rather than T g per se, influence local matrix mobility. Indicators of spectral heterogeneity also varied with molecular size, indicating that dynamic site heterogeneity also increased with molecular size and thus, T g. These results emphasize the importance of additional research in developing appropriate “molecular rules” for designing amorphous matrix systems with better long-term stability for foods, feeds, or pharmaceuticals.
Laser injection optics for high-intensity transmission in multimode fibers

An increasing number of applications are requiring fiber transmission of high-intensity laser pulses. Our particular interest have led us to examine carefully the fiber transmission of Q-switched pulses from multimode Nd:YAG lasers at their fundamental wavelength. The maximum pulse energy that can be transmitted through a particular fiber is limited by the onset of laser-induced breakdown and damage mechanisms. Laser breakdown at the fiber entrance face is often the first limiting process to be encountered, but other mechanisms can results in catastrophic damage at either fiber face, within the initial entry segment of the fiber, and at other internal sites along the fiber path. In the course of our studies we have examined a number of factors that govern the relative importance of different mechanisms, including laser characteristics, the design and alignment of injection optics, fiber end-face preparation, and fiber routing. The present study emphasizes the important criteria for injection optics in high-intensity fiber transmission, and illustrates the opportunities that now exist for innovative designs of optics to meet these criteria. Our consideration of diffractive optics to achieve desired began in 1993, and we have evaluated a progression of designs since that time. In the present study, two recent designs for injection optics are compared by testing a sufficient number of fibers with each design to establish statistics for the onset of laser-induced breakdown and damage. In this testing we attempted to hold constant other factors that can influence damage statistics. Both designs performed well, although one was less successful in meeting all injection criteria and consequently shows a susceptibility to a particular damage process.
Inhibition of myogenesis by Notch: Evidence for multiple pathways

Notch signaling is critical for skeletal muscle development and regeneration, permitting the expansion of progenitor cells by preventing premature differentiation. We have interrogated the pathways through which ligand-mediated signaling inhibits myogenesis by identifying Notch target genes and assessing their impact on differentiation in vitro. Notch activation led to the robust induction of the transcriptional repressors Hey1 and HeyL in myoblasts, but only constitutive expression of Hey1 blocked myogenesis. siRNA-mediated knockdown of Hey1 had no effect on Notch's ability to inhibit differentiation, suggesting the existence of additional, possibly redundant pathways. We identified 82 genes whose expression was activated when C2C12 myoblasts were cultured in the presence of the Notch ligand Dll4. One of these, MyoR, is a novel Notch-responsive gene, whose protein product is known to repress myogenesis in vitro. siRNA-mediated knockdown of MyoR alone, or in combination with Hey1, was also ineffective at rescuing differentiation in the presence of Dll4. Our data support a model in which Notch signaling inhibits myogenesis through multiple pathways, two of which are defined by the Notch target genes Hey1 and MyoR.
Enhancement of Radiation Along the Ground Plane From a Horizontal Dipole Located Close to It

Artificial magnetic conductor as a ground plane realized by split ring resonators is proposed to improve the strength of the radiating fields along the ground plane from a horizontally oriented dipole antenna placed close to it. Simulation results show that although the gain along the ground plane can be improved, but its performance is valid over an extremely narrow bandwidth. However, the gain of the dipole is much higher than when it is operating in free space. Hence, in the design of such systems attention must be paid in the tradeoff between the gain and bandwidth of the dipole operating over an artificial magnetic conductor.
How Does Leadership Affect Student Achievement? Results from a National US Survey.

Using survey responses from a national sample of US teachers, this paper provides insight into 2 questions: (1) Do 3 specific attributes of leadership behavior – the sharing of leadership with teachers, the development of trust relationships among professionals, and the provision of support for instructional improvement – affect teachers' work with each other and their classroom practices? and (2) Do the behaviors of school leaders contribute to student achievement? We tie this investigation of school leader behaviors to 2 additional factors that have also received increasing attention in research because they have been shown to be related to student achievement: professional community and the quality of classroom instruction. Our analysis provides an empirical test of the notion that leadership variables are positively related to student learning. It also suggests that both shared and instructionally focused leadership are complementary approaches for improving schools.
Animal Models to Study Environmental Epigenetics

Epigenetics provides a means of understanding how environmental factors might alter heritable changes in gene expression without changing DNA sequence, and hence the origin, of some diseases that are not explained by conventional genetic mechanisms. Various animal models have been described, most notably the agouti viable yellow (A(vy)) and axin 1 fused (Axin1(Fu)) mice, which lend themselves particularly well to studying this link between epigenetics and development abnormalities, because particular changes in DNA methylation patterns can be linked to a broad spectrum of heritable pathologies in the mice. In addition, there are specific examples, both in mice and other animal species, where nonmutagenic, environmental insults to either parent, such as those caused by consumption of endocrine-disrupting chemicals, can cause unexpected transgenerational phenotypic changes in offspring. Animals derived by somatic cell nuclear transfer also frequently exhibit pathologies that can be linked to inappropriate nuclear reprogramming during early embryo development and provide another means to study a link between epigenetics and disease. This review will consider how all of these animal models might help elucidate the epigenetic basis for a wide range of phenotypes.
31P NMR and IR characterization of enantioselective olefin and arene hydrogenation catalysts containing a rhodium–chiral phosphine complex tethered on silica

Abstract Rhodium complexes of the chiral chelating phosphine (2S,4S)-4-(diphenylphosphino)-2-(diphenylphosphinomethyl)pyrrolidine (X-PPM) tethered on silica (SiO2), tethered on silica with supported palladium (Pd-SiO2), and in solution were characterized by 31 P NMR and IR spectroscopies. These studies show that the (X-PPM)Rh(COD)+ complex, which is highly enantioselective for the hydrogenation of the prochiral olefin methyl-α-acetamidocinnamate (MAC), retains its composition in the tethered catalysts regardless of its mode of preparation or the presence of Pd on the silica surface. These investigations also show that the chiral diphosphine ligand remains coordinated to the rhodium during the reaction. Both the tethered and solution catalysts are moderately air sensitive prior to use, giving the free phosphine oxide of X-PPM, which is no longer coordinated to the rhodium. During and after use in catalytic reactions, the tethered rhodium complexes are extremely air-sensitive, but were characterized by 31 P NMR and IR spectra of their carbon monoxide derivatives. Finally, the catalysts were examined for their arene hydrogenation activity. It was established that Pd in the (X-PPM)Rh(COD)+/Pd-SiO2 catalyst causes the reduction of any uncomplexed Rh to metallic species during the hydrogenation reactions. It was these metallic Rh species that were responsible for the toluene hydrogenation activity of these tethered (X-PPM)Rh(COD)+/Pd-SiO2 catalysts.
The Neurobiology of the Meibomian Glands

This article compiles research regarding the neuroanatomy of the meibomian glands and their associated blood vessels. After a review of meibomian gland morphology and regulation via hormones, a case for innervation is made based on anatomical findings whereby the nerves lack a myelin sheath and Schwann cells. The localization and co-localization of dopamine beta-hydroxylase, tyrosine hydroxylase, neuropeptide Y, vasoactive intestinal polypeptide, calcitonin gene-related peptide, and substance P are explored with emphasis on differences that exist between species. The presence of the various neuropeptides/neurotransmitters adjacent to the meibomian gland versus the vasculature associated with the meibomian gland is documented so that conclusions can be made with regard to direct and indirect effects. Research regarding the presence of receptors and receptor proteins for these neuropeptides is documented. Evidence supporting the influence of certain neurotransmitters and/or neuropeptides on the meibomian gland is given based on research that correlates changes in meibomian gland morphology and/or tear film with changes in neurotransmitter and/or neuropeptide presence. Conclusions are drawn related to direct and indirect regulation and differences between the various nervous systems.
Heart Failure and Protein Quality Control

The heart is constantly under mechanical, metabolic, and thermal stress, even at baseline physiological conditions, and cardiac stress may increase as a result of environmental or intrinsic pathological insults. Cardiomyocytes are continuously challenged to efficiently and properly fold nascent polypeptides, traffic them to their appropriate cellular locations, and keep them from denaturing in the face of normal and pathological stimuli. Because deployment of misfolded or unfolded proteins can be disastrous, cells, in general, and cardiomyocytes, in particular, have developed a multilayered protein quality control system for maintaining proper protein conformation and for reorganizing and removing misfolded or aggregated polypeptides. Here, we examine recent data pointing to the importance of protein quality control in cardiac homeostasis and disease.
THE ROLE OF MONOCLONAL ANTIBODY IN THE MANAGEMENT OF PROSTATE ADENOCARCINOMA

AbstractPurpose: A study using monoclonal antibody ProstaScint* was conducted to determine the role of radioscintigraphy for evaluation of patients with adenocarcinoma of the prostate. Previous evaluations determining sensitivity and toxicity for this agent were conducted in a multicenter study.Materials and Methods: ProstaScint scans were used for preoperative staging in patients presumed to be candidates for total prostatectomy and a subsequent study was performed for the detection and localization of recurrent prostate cancer following definitive therapy.Results: The monoclonal antibody scan detected localized recurrent cancer in 43 patients who were possible candidates for external beam radiation therapy.Conclusions: The monoclonal antibody conjugate ProstaScint provides additional information in detection and localization of recurrent prostate cancer and would be helpful in the selection of patients for subsequent external beam radiation therapy.
Effects of acetaminophen on preimplantation embryo glutathione concentration and development in vivo and in vitro.

This study investigated the effects of high doses of acetaminophen (APAP) on preimplantation embryos. Previous studies indicate that cleavage-stage embryos cannot synthesize reduced glutathione (GSH) de novo and may be sensitive to GSH-depleting toxicants. Alternatively, there may be maternal mechanisms that protect the embryos from the adverse effects of these toxicants. To address these possibilities, we cultured two-cell stage embryos in 0, 375, 750, or 1500 mM APAP and evaluated GSH concentration and development. APAP depressed embryo development to the morula and blastocyst stages in vitro, but a decrease in embryo GSH concentration was not detected. Furthermore, administration of 800 or 1430 mg/kg APAP to female mice 12 h prior to embryo collection on day 2 of gestation, or administration of 800 mg APAP/kg/day from day ‐ 8 to day 1 or day 3 of gestation, did not significantly affect ovary or embryo GSH concentration or embryo development. Liver GSH, however, was significantly decreased. Moreover, no adverse effects on embryo development to term were observed after treatment of female mice with 1430 mg APAP/kg/day from day ‐ 8 to day 3 of gestation. In summary, in vitro embryos were adversely affected, in terms of development, by APAP. In vivo, large doses of APAP depleted liver GSH but did not affect development of preimplantation embryos. In conclusion, preimplantation embryos appear to be protected from GSH-depleting toxicants such as APAP in vivo.
Restriction Maps of Five Autographa californica MNPV Variants, Trichoplusia ni MNPV, and Galleria mellonella MNPV DNAs with Endonucleases SmaI, KpnI, BamHI, SacI, XhoI, and EcoRI.

The restriction sites of Autographa californica nuclear polyhedrosis virus (Ac M NPV) E2 DNA were mapped for the endonucleases Sma I, Kpn I, Bam HI, Sac I, Xho I, and Eco RI. The restriction maps of four other Ac M NPV variants, Trichoplusia ni (Tn M NPV), and Galleria mellonella (Gm M NPV) genomes were determined and compared to the endonuclease cleavage maps of Ac M NPV E2 DNA. The viral structural polypeptides of Ac M NPV variants S3, E2, S1, M3, and R9 were the same when analyzed by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. The major structural polypeptides of Gm M NPV and Tn M NPV had the same pattern in polyacrylamide gels as did Ac M NPV structural polypeptides. Gm M NPV and Tn M NPV had several minor structural protein differences as compared with Ac M NPV. Ac M NPV variants, Tn M NPV, and Gm M NPV were distinct but with very similar genomes and protein structures. Images
Serum and Glucocorticoid-regulated Kinase Modulates Nedd4-2-mediated Inhibition of the Epithelial Na+Channel

The epithelial Na+ channel (ENaC) forms the pathway for Na+ absorption across epithelia, including the kidney collecting duct, where it plays a critical role in Na+ homeostasis and blood pressure control. Na+ absorption is regulated in part by mechanisms that control the expression of ENaC at the apical cell surface. Nedd4 family members (e.g. Nedd4, Nedd4-2) bind to the channel and decrease its surface expression by catalyzing its ubiquitination and degradation. Conversely, serum and glucocorticoid-regulated kinase (SGK), a downstream mediator of aldosterone, increases the expression of ENaC at the cell surface. Here we show that SGK and human Nedd4-2 (hNedd4-2) converge in a common pathway to regulate epithelial Na+ absorption. Consistent with this model, we found that SGK bound to hNedd4-2 and hNedd4. A PY motif in SGK mediated the interaction and was required for SGK to stimulate ENaC. SGK phosphorylated hNedd4-2 (but not hNedd4), altering hNedd4-2 function; phosphorylation reduced the binding of hNedd4-2 to αENaC, and hence, the hNedd4-2-mediated inhibition of Na+ absorption. These data suggest that SGK regulates epithelial Na+ absorption in part by modulating the function of hNedd4-2.
Sampling biases in network path measurements and what to do about it

We show that currently prevalent practices for network path measurements can produce inaccurate inferences because of sampling biases. The inferred mean path latency can be more than a factor of two off the true mean. We present the Broom toolkit that has three methods to correct for this bias. Broom places no burden on the measurement process itself and can be applied post hoc to any measured data set. Our evaluation finds that two of the methods are particularly effective. One of them estimates missing path samples by embedding the nodes in a low-dimensional coordinate space. For realistic sampling rates, the quality of its estimates for path latency approximates ideal, unbiased sampling. The other method is based on a view of network paths as being composed of source-specific, destination-specific, and shared components. It reduces bias for a wide range of path properties, such as latency, hop count and capacity. Applying Broom to data from a real measurement study leads to substantial changes in the resulting inferences. For some networks, the post-correction estimate is 30% higher than the original.
Effects of multiple injections of hypertonic dextrose in the rabbit carpal tunnel: a potential model of carpal tunnel syndrome development

Background This study investigated the effects of a series of four hypertonic dextrose injections on the subsynovial connective tissue (SSCT) and median nerve within the carpal tunnel of a rabbit model.
Assessment of the Reliability of Pediatric Screening: A Tool for Occupational or Physical Therapists

This study was conducted to determine interrater and test-retest reliability characteristics of the instrument, Pediatric Screening: A Tool for Occupational and Physical Therapists . This protocol was developed by two public school therapists to be used as a decision-making mechanism for systematically assessing the students' relative need for therapy services. The subjects were 75 children, aged 3 to 16 years, with various types and degrees of disability. Each was scored on the screening tool by three different school therapists within one week to determine interrater reliability. Each of the therapists also tested two or three of the children again several weeks later to determine test-retest reliability. Analysis of interrater reliability using the Spearman-Brown prediction formula showed total scores on the screening tool to be reliable at the .90 level. Test-retest reliability measurements using the Pearson product-moment correlation coefficients showed that total scores were highly correlated ( r = .96; p < .001). These measures indicated that the Pediatric Screening tool is a highly reliable instrument in terms of scoring between therapists and by individual therapists across time.
Burst handling of digital video traffic

Digital video traffic is inherently bursty for two reasons: the inherent motion of the objects and cameras, and artifacts of the compression algorithms. Because digital video playback requires bandwidth guarantees from the underlying I/O and network systems, the bursty nature of video traffic forces bandwidth reservations to be made at the level of the peak data rates rather than at the average data rates. This paper addresses the burstiness problem in digital video traffic by proposing changes to the MPEG compression/decompression algorithm. The resulting algorithm, called block-by-block (BBB) difference coding, successfully minimizes the difference between peak and average bit rates by a factor of 2 to 3 on average, without compromising the compression efficiency, coding speed and video quality.
Gate sizing using Lagrangian relaxation combined with a fast gradient-based pre-processing step

In this paper, we present Forge, an optimal algorithm for gate sizing using the Elmore delay model. The algorithm utilizes Lagrangian relaxation with a fast gradient-based pre-processing step that provides an effective set of initial Lagrange multipliers. Compared to the previous Lagrangian-based approach, Forge is considerably faster and does not have the inefficiencies due to difficult-to-determine initial conditions and constant factors. We compared the two algorithms on 30 benchmark designs, on a Sun UltraSparc-60 workstation. On average Forge is 200 times faster than the previously published algorithm. We then improved Forge by incorporating a slew-rate-based convex delay model, which handles distinct rise and fall gate delays. We show that Forge is 15 times faster, on average, than the AMPS transistor-sizing tool from Synopsys, while achieving the same delay targets and using similar total transistor area.
Is it zippered? Does it flare? That darn complexin clamping SNARE.

I thank Tom W. Woodbury for the artwork and Tyler Potts for help in preparing references.The title is with apologies to the Scarlet Pimpernel.
Stem cells from the hair follicle bulge contribute to skin tumor formation

AACR Annual Meeting-- Apr 12-16, 2008; San Diego, CA 5419 The purpose of this investigation was to trace skin tumor development from stem cells in the hair follicle bulge in Krt1-15CrePR1;R26R mice initiated once with 400 nmol of DMBA, treated once daily for 5 days with RU486, and promoted twice weekly thereafter with 17 nmol TPA. At intervals as early as 4 weeks of tumor promotion, blue exophytic squamous hyperplastic foci were observed to involve multiple blue hair follicles. At later intervals, many papillomas were initially blue, but as promotion progressed, appeared to become a mixture of blue and white areas. When RU486 was applied prior to DMBA, papilloma development was similar. We determined the percentage of blue cells using the Carl Zeiss Axiovision software and found an average of 32.6% blue cells (maximum of 65%, minimum of 10%) in 28 papillomas analyzed. To study the signature A to T transversion in codon 61 of the Ha-ras gene, we used laser capture microdissection followed by PCR amplification and codon 61 sequencing of captured DNA. We collected 32 blue samples and 33 non-blue samples from 24 papillomas between 9 and 20 weeks of promotion. 31.3% of the blue regions and 72.7% of the non-blue regions expressed the mutation. We also observed that multiple blue samples within the same papilloma differed in expression of the Ras signature. Our studies yielded several surprising results. First, considering that hair follicle bulge progeny are not normally observed in the epidermis or healed wounds, it is interesting that they persist in tumors. Second, we have been unable to trace nascent exophytic lesions to single hair follicles possibly supporting a polyclonal nature for papillomas. Third, despite observing that a total of 90% of tumor studied expressed the Ha-ras codon 61 mutation, we found its expression pattern was heterogeneous within each tumor. These results demonstrate that hair follicle stem cells contribute to chemically induced skin tumors, but suggest that skin tumor development may be the result of polyclonal rather than monoclonal expansion, as long believed. This work was supported by CA097957 to RJM and GC.
Cost benefit analysis and the art of software maintenance

As software maintenance requirements continue to grow, conflicting with demands for new development, managers must continually evaluate the cost effectiveness of various maintenance strategies. He shows that one can measure and use a significant benefit from maintenance-the reduction in failure risk-to evaluate maintenance strategies. The ability to measure the differential risk of failure in modules within a system can be used to design high-risk-first maintenance strategies and to motivate the effort. Moreover, maintenance's impact on failure risk can demonstrate whether it is advantageous to fix errors as soon as they are found or perform scheduled maintenance in the future. Failure risk assessments can also be used to measure the effectiveness of perfective maintenance strategies. Not only can this type of maintenance be justified, but alternative strategies can be compared to determine which will minimize failure risk. >