cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Multiple cadherin superfamily members with unique expression profiles are produced in rat testis.

Adhesion between germ and Sertoli cells is thought to be crucial for spermatogenesis. Cadherin superfamily proteins, including classic cadherins and protocadherins, are important mediators of cell-cell adhesion. Using a degenerate PCR cloning strategy, we surveyed the expression of cadherin superfamily members in rat testis. Similar to brain, testis expressed a large number of cadherin superfamily members: 7 classic cadherins of both types I and II, 14 protocadherins, 2 protocadherin-related cadherins, and 1 cadherin-related receptor-like protein. All three protocadherin families (α, β, and γ) were found in testis. Using a semiquantitative RT-PCR assay, messenger RNA expression was determined for each cadherin superfamily member during a postnatal developmental time-course and following ablation of specific testis cell types by ethanedimethanesulfonate, methoxyacetic acid, and 2,5-hexanedione. Diverse expression patterns were observed among the cadherins, suggesting that cadherin expression is cell type-s...
T2‐weighted MR imaging of the chest: Comparison of electrocardiograph‐triggered conventional and turbo spin‐echo and nontriggered turbo spin‐echo sequences

In 22 patients with a diverse range of thoracic abnormalities, T2-weighted magnetic resonance (MR) images of the chest were obtained with electrocardiograph (ECG)-triggered turbo spin-echo (TSE), ECG-triggered conventional spin-echo (CSE), and nontriggered TSE sequences, and the images were compared. A 5-point rating scale was used by three radiologists experienced in MR imaging of the chest to independently evaluate the images for (a) freedom from ghosting, (b) clarity of heart wall and cardiac chambers, (c) clarity of mediastinal structures, (d) conspicuity of abnormalities, and (e) overall image quality. Evaluations were analyzed with statistical methods. For freedom from ghosting, clarity of heart wall and cardiac chambers, clarity of mediastinal structures, and overall image quality, the ECG-triggered TSE images were rated higher than the TSE images, which, in turn, were rated higher than the ECG-triggered CSE images at the P = .05 level of significance. No significant differences were seen between the pulse sequences in the conspicuity of abnormalities, although some differences were observed in individual cases. Our results suggest that ECG-triggered TSE imaging provides improved, time-efficient T2-weighted images of the chest.
Inverse M-matrix completions of patterns omitting some diagonal positions

Abstract Let N={1,…,n} . Which subsets Q of N×N have the property that whenever a ij for (i,j)∈Q form a “partial inverse M-matrix” (i.e., a ij ⩾0 and if L×L⊆Q , then the inverse of {a ij :i,j∈L} is an M-matrix), a ij can be defined for (i,j)∉Q so that the inverse of A=[a ij ] is an M-matrix? In terms of a digraph G with vertex set N and arcs (i,j)∈Q with i≠j , our results say (1) it is necessary that the induced subdigraph of any alternate path to an arc be a clique, (2) a cycle Γ need not be contained in a clique if (i,i)∉Q for at least one vertex i of Γ , (3) when n=4 , it is necessary and sufficient that condition (1) is true and every simple cycle has a vertex i with (i,i)∉Q , and (4) the general question can be reduced to the case in which G is strongly connected, much as it has been when Q contains (i,i) for every i∈N .
Long-term care facilities in Utah: a description of human and information technology resources applied to infection control practice.

Background Little is known about the implementation of infection control (IC) programs and information technology (IT) infrastructure in long-term care facilities (LTCFs). We assessed the IC human resources, IT infrastructure, and IC scope of practice at LTCFs in Utah. Methods All LTCFs throughout Utah (n = 80) were invited to complete a written survey in 2005 regarding IC staffing, policies and practices, and IT infrastructure and capacity. Results Responses were received from 62 facilities (77.5%). Most infection preventionists (IPs) were registered nurses (71%) with on-the-job training (81.7%). Most had other duties besides their IC work (93.5%), which took up the majority of their time. Most facilities provided desktop computers (96.8%) and all provided Internet access, but some of the infrastructure was not current. A minority (14.5%) used sophisticated software packages to support their IC activities. Less than 20% of the facilities had integrated radiology, diagnostic laboratory, or microbiology data with their facility computer system. The Internet was used primarily as a reference tool (77.4%). Most IPs reported taking responsibility for routine surveillance and monitoring tasks, but a substantial number did not perform all queried tasks. They may have difficulty with feedback of specific unit and physician infection rates (43.2% and 67.7%, respectively). Conclusions Our findings underscore what has previously been reported about LTCFs’ IC human resources and IP scope of practice. We also found that some IT infrastructure was outdated, and that existing resources were underutilized for IC purposes.
Indian Giver or Nobel Savage: Duping, Assumptions of Identity, and Other Double Entendres in Rigoberta Menchú Turn's Stoll/En Past

I address the emotional debate over David Stoll's claims that parts of Nobel Laureate Rigoberta Menchu Turn's testimonial are untrue. Rather than arguing for or against either "side", I negotiate the double entendre of "Indian giver" and the assumptions that structure the arguments that make up the debate. I track how such assumptions of identity involve a detour through gendered, ethnic, and transnational difference. Transactions such as gifting, joking, and stereotyping are ecstatic and pleasurable, and vacillate with threatening to suggest that the vacillation itself, the exchange, is essential to identification and that the empiricist promise of being "nonduped" is an error. [identity, violence, globalization, consciousness, Mayan organizing, gender, U.S. anthropology]
Ladder Polymers as New Polymeric Conductors

Abstract Electrical conductivity of heteroaromatic ladder polymers of the benzimidazobenzophenanthrolin type, BBL and BBB, and the phenothiazine type, PTL, was investigated. Doping studies of initially insulating BBL and BBB polymer films were carried out using various electron donors and acceptors. PTL polymer showed unexpectedly high conductivity (σ =10–5 ohm-1 cm-1); doping with ASF, brought about a minor increase in conductivity. With BBL and BBB polymers, a negligible doping effect was observed with halogens, a significant effect with AsF5 and a marked effect with SO3 (σ =1 × 10–2 ohm-1 can-1) and H2SO4 (σ =2 ohm-1 cm-1). A large increase of the thickness and the weight in the doped film is probably due to the planar layered structure of the polymers. The room temperature conductivity of potassium metal-doped (at 300–500°C) BBL film was 2 × 10–1 ohm-1 cm-1, while the potassium naphthalide-doped sample had a conductivity of 1 ohm-1 cm-1. In the acceptor-dopd samples, band broadening was observed in th...
Canada's housing bubble: A rhetorical analysis

The recent (2009) housing market collapse in the United States, as a result of the sub-prime mortgage crisis, is well known and documented. Canada, while closely linked to the United States economically, remained somewhat protected although it, too, experienced a housing bubble. Investment services company Edward Jones issued a report on the housing bubble, warning real estate investors to prepare for the possible impact of a housing economic downturn. While Edward Jones was not the first to warn of a possible housing bubble collapse, since being made public on 27 August 2010 the report is one of the most widely cited in the popular press. This paper looks at targeted economic information communication through the lens of the Edward Jones report, and will be of particular interest to those professional communicators and others involved in developing, and communicating, sustainable economic policy.
Incorporating a Hybrid Blog for the Medical Library into a Hospital Intranet Web Site

Hospital librarians need a mechanism for sharing up-to-date information with the staff they serve. The reasons will vary but can include announcing newly acquired print and online materials, explaining new services, providing updates on electronic resources, sharing quality online health information links, and generally being a means of distributing frequent bits of information. Having a Web page on the hospital's intranet is an important means of sharing static information that is updated only occasionally. But for more frequent communication, another means is needed, one that is under the control of the librarian. Blogs are an incredible tool for sharing information and are expanding in many arenas. This article explains the research effort by a hospital librarian at a mid-sized regional medical center to work with the information technology (IT) Web specialists to create a means of incorporating a blog into the organization's intranet system. The resultant hybrid blog has some of the characteristics of...
Regulation of bovine mammary growth by peptide hormones: involvement of receptors, growth factors and binding proteins

Abstract Involvement of the somatotropin (ST)/prolactin(PRL)/placental lactogen (PL) family and their mediators in regulating mammary growth in cattle was evaluated using both in vitro and in vivo models. Mitogenic activity of bovine mammary epithelial cells (BMEC) was not increased by ST, PRL or PL in vitro. Direct infusion of ST but not PRL into mammary glands of late pregnant beef cows increased mammary DNA. Exogenous treatment of steroid-primed dairy heifers with PL increased mammary DNA while PRL treatment resulted in lactogenesis but no detectable increase in mammary DNA. Insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) directly increased BMEC DNA synthesis in vitro and infusion of IGF-I into mammary glands of late pregnant beef cows increased mammary growth. Epidermal growth factor and transforming growth factor-alpha increased the mitogenic response to IGF-I and are likely involved in paracrine regulation of mammary growth. IGF binding proteins are produced and secreted by BMEC and may be autocrine regulators of growth. Collectively, these data indicate that lactogenic hormone receptors are not involved in regulation of mammary growth in cattle. Increased mammary growth following ST and PL treatment was apparently mediated through local production or uptake of IGFs and/or alteration of IGF binding protein concentrations. Presently, it is not clear whether ST and PL act through local as well as distant somatotrophic receptors to alter availability and uptake of IGFs.
Structure of the singularity inside a realistic rotating black hole

We present the structure and results of an analysis of the asymptotic behavior of nonlinear, asymmetric, metric perturbations near the Cauchy horizon inside a Kerr black hole. This analysis suggests that metric perturbations, to all orders in the perturbation expansion, are finite and small at the Cauchy horizon, even though their gradients (and the curvature) diverge there. Accordingly, objects which fall into a realistic rotating black hole a long time after the collapse will not be crushed by a tidal gravitational deformation as they approach the curvature singularity.
Behavior of T c of high temperature superconducting films and a determination of their parameters

Existence of the proximity layer in Nb and NbN films leads to a peculiar dependence of the critical temperature upon the film thickness. Expressions describing T c for S_{\alpha}-S_{\beta} and S_{\alpha}-N_{\beta} proximity systems are obtained. The theory allows to explain the dependence T c (L) which has been observed experimentally. Measurements of T c can be used in order to determine the electronic density of states in the surface layer.
Thalamic modulation of high-frequency oscillating potentials in auditory cortex

Perhaps the most widely recognized but least understood electrophysiological activity of the cerebral cortex is its characteristic electrical oscillations. Recently, there have been efforts to understand the mechanisms underlying high-frequency gamma oscillations(approximately 40 Hz) because they may coordinate sensory processing between populations of cortical cells. High-resolution cortical recordings show the gamma oscillations are constrained to sensory cortex, that they occur independently in auditory and somatosensory cortex, and that they are phase-locked between primary and secondary sensory cortex. As yet, the mechanism of their neurogenesis is unknown. Whereas cortical neurons can produce gamma oscillations without subcortical input, they may also be modulated by the thalamus and basal forebrain. Here we report that the neural generator of gamma oscillations in auditory cortex seems to be intracortical, serving to synchronize interactions between the primary and secondary areas. The acoustic thalamus directly modulates these oscillations, which are inhibited by stimulation of the dorsal and ventral divisions of the medial geniculate nucleus (MGd and MGv) and evoked by stimulation of the adjacent posterior intralaminar nucleus (PIL).
REMOTE SENSING AND GIS TECHNOLOGY FOR STUDYING LITHOSOPHERIC PROCESSES IN A MOUNTAIN ENVIRONMENT

Abstract Analysis of relationships between uplift and denudation in complex mountain environments requires integrated approaches using remote sensing and geographic information systems (GIS) analyses in combination with field investigations. We present multidisciplinary research focusing on the Nanga Parbat Himalaya of northern Pakistan. Remote sensing of the subsurface includes radio‐echo sounding to investigate glaciers, magnetotelluric sounding, and seismic tomography to investigate shallow to deep aspects of the lithosphere. Remote sensing of the landscape includes satellite image acquisition, multispectral analysis, geomorphometric analysis of a satellite‐derived digital elevation model (DEM), and the application of GIS and pattern recognition procedures to analyze topographic complexity and the geomorphology of the mountain massif. Detailed mapping requires topographic normalization of satellite imagery using the non‐Lambertian model. Radar measurement of thicknesses of glacier ice, coupled with ass...
Rapid decay of dolichos [Lablab purpureus (L.) Sweet] residue leads to loss of nitrogen benefit to succeeding maize (Zea mays L.)

The traditional natural fallows are no longer practicable in sub-Saharan Africa and technologies to replace them are being popularised through management of short fallow systems. Dolichos [Lablab purpureus (L.) Sweet] is among the legumes used to improve such fallows and its residues are incorporated to improve yield of succeeding cereal. Two field studies were conducted to determine dolichos residue mineralisation schedule and response of maize to timing of the residue incorporation, to establish if the current residue incorporation practice maximises nutrient benefit to succeeding cereal. Dolichos residue was applied at 2 t/ha in litterbags, buried in the field at 15-cm depth and retrieved after 1, 2, 4, 8 and 16 weeks, and the remaining debris analysed for loss of weight, N, P and K. A parallel split-plot experiment was set up to determine response of maize to time of residue incorporation, with or without fertiliser nitrogen supplementation. The main plot treatments were nitrogen fertiliser applied at 0, 30 and 60 kg/ha at sixth fully opened leaf in maize. The subplot treatments were residue management regimes, which included four residue incorporation times of 2, 4, 6, and 8 weeks before sowing maize, residue removal off the field, residue mulched on surface and traditional weedy fallow. Results show rapid loss of N, with 50% being released within the first 2–4 weeks after burying. Residue incorporated at 2 and 4 weeks before sowing improved maize yield, while residue removal off-field reduced yield comparably with the traditional weedy fallow. However, there were no statistical differences among the timing of the dolichos residue incorporation. These results reflect poor synchrony of mineralised N and uptake by succeeding maize as currently practiced and suggest residue incorporation closer to sowing maize to benefit the cereal.
Comprehensive evaluation of energy R&D strategies

A comprehensive national energy research and development (ER&D) program must include many practical considerations which are intertwined with each other. The relevance of various concepts and techniques in system theory to these considerations, individually and collectively, is discussed. For the purpose of including most of these considerations in the comprehensive evaluation of ER&D strategies, a tentative procedure for integrating a number of relevant system theory techniques is presented. These techniques include multiattribute utility analysis, decision analysis, time and state dependent preference analysis, and portfolio analysis.
Formation of a Carcinogen in Human Skin irradiated with Ultraviolet Light

THE role of ultraviolet light and sunlight in the aetiology of certain types of human skin cancer is now well established1. The mechanism(s) by which light induces such changes, however, are not understood. One explanation2,3 of the induction of skin cancers by ultraviolet light and sunlight is that steroids in the skin are converted photochemically to carcinogenic materials, but failure to obtain such compounds by irradiation of naturally occurring sterols in biological systems has cast doubt upon the validity of such a hypothesis. Although Blum has argued against this hypothesis4, he has recently described the induction by ultraviolet radiation of a diffusible substance that mediates hyperplasia5. Here we provide evidence for the formation of a cholesterol-derived carcinogenic photoproduct in human skin.
Pathogenicity of morbilliviruses for terrestrial carnivores

Many different species of the order Carnivora are susceptible to canine distemper and the mortality rate varies greatly between species. Ailuridae, Canidae, Hyaenidae, Mustelidae, Procyonidae, Ursidae, Viverridae and now Felidae have been reported to be susceptible to canine distemper virus infection. Although distemper outbreaks in dogs, fur farms and in zoo carnivores have been greatly reduced in recent years due to vaccination, there are still regular outbreaks in free-living carnivores. Unexpected outbreaks of canine distemper have occurred in exotic felids in a California wildlife park and in the Serengeti in Tanzania as well as in javelinas (collared peccaries, Tayassu tajacu) in Arizona. Although safe and efficacious in dogs, modified live canine distemper virus vaccines may be dangerous for a variety of zoo and wildlife carnivores, especially red pandas (Ailurus fulgens) and black footed ferrets (Mustela nigripes).
The contextual nature of the family structure/delinquency relationship

Abstract It is well established that growing up in a nontraditional family represents a risk factor for delinquent behavior; however, the understanding of whether this effect is universal remains imperfect. The present study examined whether the link between nontraditional family structure and delinquency varies according to six distinct circumstances: gender, race, age, SES, family size, and place of residence. Regression analysis of a nationally representative sample of adolescents between the ages of twelve and seventeen (n = 3,499) suggests that gender, race, SES, and place of residence do not condition the family structure/delinquency relationship. Significant interactions, however, were discovered with respect to age and family size. Generally, living in a nontraditional family is more criminogenic for older adolescents, and for those from larger families. The theoretical and practical implications of the findings are discussed.
Elementary School Foreign Languages and English Reading Achievement: A New View of the Relationship

ABSTRACT The authors examined English reading scores of students of varying levels of intelligence who had and had not extended a third and fourth grade introduction to Spanish to a full one to two years of Spanish instruction in grades five and six. An especially significant relationship between high scores in reading and extending foreign language study from a minimal introduction to a larger scale instructional program was found in the cases of children of average intelligence. It was concluded that children of average intelligence may be the one group that profits most from extending foreign language study. The results of the observation favor more widespread enrollment in elementary school foreign language classes.
The structure of suspended matter in Lake Baikal according to the data of measurements of light scattering functions

By using light scattering functions measured in Lake Baikal, we compute the characteristics of suspended matter, such as the mass concentration and the number of particles of the mineral and biological fractions, their mean radius, and the parameter of dispersion of mineral particles. The data on the vertical distributions of the characteristics of suspended matter are obtained for various regions of the lake in the summer period. We compare the characteristics of suspended matter in the zones of upwelling and downwelling of waters in Lake Baikal and in the Indian Ocean, which reveals its identical specific composition in these waters.
Unicompartmental Knee Arthroplasty with Use of Novel Patient-Specific Resurfacing Implants and Personalized Jigs

This paper describes the surgical technique with a patient-specific resurfacing unicompartmental knee arthroplasty. The patient-specific implant is currently designed on the basis of data from preoperative computed tomography. The implant is provided with a set of patient-specific, disposable cutting jigs. Biomechanical and anatomic axes are factored into jigs from a scan obtained through the hip, knee, and ankle, effectively achieving pre-navigation of the cut planes without the need for a navigation system. The surgical technique is reduced to five simple, reproducible steps. After removing the articular cartilage, the knee is balanced to determine the correct amount of tibial resection; this is followed by femoral preparation, verification of balancing and tibial preparation, and trial and cementing of the implant. The introduction of personalized three-dimensional image-derived resurfacing implants, as well as personalized single-use instrumentation, has the potential to change the common surgical practice of unicompartmental knee arthroplasty. Patient-specific resurfacing implants enable a femoral bone-preserving approach and enhance cortical bone support on the tibia, overcoming critical design limitations of commercial off-the-shelf implants. Patient-specific resurfacing implants can restore normal anatomy, the position of the joint line, and normal joint function, with the potential to result in more normal knee kinematics.
Characterization of lysosomal hydrolases that are elevated in Gaucher's disease

Abstract Although Gaucher's disease occurs in three distinct forms with greatly varying degrees of severity, there is no correlation between the clinical course of the disease and levels of residual glucocerebrosidase, the fundamental enzymatic deficiency. In an effort to study secondary changes which might contribute to the pathology of Gaucher's disease, homogenates of spleen, liver, and brain tissue, as well as serum from patients with Gaucher's disease were analyzed for their content of a number of lysosomal enzymes. Extracts of 8 Gaucher spleens contained 3- to 4-fold increases in acid phosphatase activity as well as 5-to 10-fold increases in galactocerebrosidase 5 activity. The marked elevation in galactocerebrosidase activity in Gaucher spleen was documented using various [ 3 H]galactose labeled galactocerebrosides as substrates and with [ 3 H]galactose labeled lactocerebroside under the “lactosylceramidase I” 5 assay conditions established by Suzuki (Tanaka, H., and Suzuki, K., 1975, J. Biol. Chem. , 250 , 2324–2332) that measure galactocerebrosidase activity specifically in the presence of G mi -ganglioside β-galactosidase. Acid phosphatase determinations using extracts of liver from a case of infantile, neuropathic Gaucher's disease revealed a 2-fold elevation in this activity, whereas brain acid phosphatase activity in this case was similar to that of control tissue. Separation of hexosaminidase A and B activities on DEAE-Sephadex columns indicated increases in both forms of the enzyme in Gaucher tissue with the major increase occurring in the hexosaminidase B component. Glucuronidase and nonspecific esterase were observed to be elevated approximately 2-fold. However, not all lysosomal enzyme activities were increased. Levels of splenic arylsulfatase A and B, α-arabinosidase, sphingomyelinase, α-mannosidase, and G mi -ganglioside β-galactosidase activities in Gaucher spleen were unremarkable. G mi -ganglioside β-galactosidase was measured using 4-methylumbelliferyl-β- d -galactopyranoside and [ 3 H]galactose labeled lactocerebroside under the specific assay conditions described by Suzuki for the determination of “lactosylceramidase II” activity. Although levels of arylsulfatase A and B in Gaucher spleen were similar to those of control tissue, arylsulfatase A activity was markedly reduced (20% of control) in homogenates of brain from the case of infantile (type 2) Gaucher's disease. The metabolic and pathologic consequences of these changes in lysosomal enzymes in Gaucher's disease are discussed.
Radii-changing effect on the coupling efficiency between a silica waveguide and a planar photonic crystal

In this paper, we designed different structures for PPC tapered waveguide to enhance the coupling between silica waveguide (SWG) and planar photonic crystal (PPC). The designed structures are based on changing the radii of the inner PPC tapered waveguide's crystals before and after adding extra defects. We found that above 88% transmission efficiency is possible by using extra defects followed by radii changes. We also found that changing the operating wavelength from 1.55μm to 1.558μm increases the transmission efficiency to 90% since the field is more confined at the later wavelength.
Self-perceptions of reactions to doing well or poorly: The roles of stability and level of self-esteem.

Abstract We examined how individual differences in stability and level of self-esteem relate to self-perceptions of reactions to evaluative events. After exposure to either positive or negative mood-inducing stimuli, participants indicated the likelihood that they would react in reasonable, defensive/aggrandizing, and self-deprecating ways to doing well or poorly at something. Compared to stable high self-esteem individuals (stable high SEs), unstable high SEs reported a greater likelihood of reactions that appear to reflect fragile feelings of self-worth (e.g. more defensive/aggrandizing reactions). Fewer differences as a function of stability of self-esteem emerged among low SEs. Mood interacted with the self-esteem variables in the prediction of several reaction categories. These findings lend support for a multifaceted conceptualization of self-esteem and its role in psychological functioning.
Remote sensing applications in African agriculture and natural resources: Highlighting and managing the stress of increasing population pressure

Abstract Given current population trends and projections in sub-Saharan Africa, it is anticipated that substantial intensification of agricultural cropland is certain within the next decades. In the absence of adoption of improved technologies poor rural populations in this region will continue to degrade and mine the natural resources to ensure their survival. All these actions will have far-reaching implications for environmental quality and human health. However, only through the integration of environment and development concerns with greater attention to these link can we achieve the goal of fulfilling the basic needs, improved living standards for all, better protected and managed eco-systems and a safer, more prosperous future. The paper reviews case studies and provides examples of the integration, analysis, and visualization of information from remotely sensed, biophysical and socioeconomic information to assess the present situation hindering agricultural development in sub-Saharan Africa. These studies show the interactions between socio-economic and environmental factors that can help governments and policy-makers assess the scope of the problems, examine alternatives and decide on a course of action. Sound decisions depend on accurate information, yet most African countries face severe competing demands for the financial and human commitments necessary to staff an information system equal to its policy-making requirements. The role of international data centers is reviewed in terms of their abilities to develop and maintain information systems that bring together available accumulated knowledge and data. This permits comparative studies, which make it possible to develop a better understanding of the relationships among demographic dynamics, technology, cultural behavioral norms, and land resources and hence better decision making for sustainable development.
Benchmarking Retail Productivity Considering Retail Pricing and Format Strategy

With increased competitive pressures in the grocery retailing industry, managers have greater interest in measuring the productivity of the stores of their own chain relative to the other similar stores. In this paper, we measure and compare the inefficiencies of major grocery retailers across various formats and pricing strategies using stochastic frontier (SF) methodology. Using a unique dataset covering 2500 stores across 50 chains, we find that the average inefficiency was about 28.59 percent. Kroger and Wal-Mart are found to be the least inefficient chains with inefficiencies of 2.18 percent and 3.06 percent respectively. With respect to pricing strategy, EDLP and hybrid stores are found to do better than HiLo stores in generating weekly sales and with respect to format strategy, supercenters are found to do better than supermarkets and limited assortment stores. Using SF analysis, we also find that stores could potentially reduce the proportion of inputs such as selling area, number of checkout counters, number of employees and store features without threatening outcomes (i.e., by holding the output level constant).
Coordination in humanitarian relief chains: Practices, challenges and opportunities

Humanitarian relief environments engage a large number and variety of actors, each with different missions, interests, capacity, and logistics expertise. While coordination mechanisms within the domain of commercial supply chain management have been well studied, coordination in humanitarian relief chains is still in its infancy. In this study, we review the challenges in coordinating humanitarian relief chains and describe the current and emerging coordination practices in disaster relief. We also examine some widely practiced supply chain coordination mechanisms and evaluate their adaptability to the unique relief environment.
RGS family members: GTPase-activating proteins for heterotrimeric G-protein α-subunits

Signaling pathways using heterotrimeric guanine-nucleotide-binding-proteins (G proteins) trigger physiological responses elicited by hormones, neurotransmitters and sensory stimuli. GTP binding activates G proteins by dissociating G alpha from G beta gamma subunits, and GTP hydrolysis by G alpha subunits deactivates G proteins by allowing heterotrimers to reform. However, deactivation of G-protein signalling pathways in vivo can occur 10- to 100-fold faster than the rate of GTP hydrolysis of G alpha subunits in vitro, suggesting that GTPase-activating proteins (GAPs) deactivate G alpha subunits. Here we report that RGS (for regulator of G-protein signalling) proteins are GAPs for G alpha subunits. RGS1, RGS4 and GAIP (for G alpha-interacting protein) bind specifically and tightly to G alphai and G alpha0 in cell membranes treated with GDP and AlF4(-), and are GAPs for G alphai, G alpha0 and transducin alpha-subunits, but not for G alphas. Thus, these RGS proteins are likely to regulate a subset of the G-protein signalling pathways in mammalian cells. Our results provide insight into the mechanisms that govern the duration and specificity of physiological responses elicited by G-protein-mediated signalling pathways.
STRUCTURAL COVARIATES OF U.S. COUNTY HOMICIDE RATES: INCORPORATING SPATIAL EFFECTS*

Spatial analysis is statistically and substantively important for macrolevel criminological inquiry. Using county-level data for the decennial years in the 1960 to 1990 time period, we reexamine the impact of conventional structural covariates on homicide rates and explicitly model spatial effects. Important findings are: (1) homicide is strongly clustered in space; (2) this clustering cannot be completely explained by common measures of the structural similarity of neighboring counties; (3) noteworthy regional differences are observed in the effects of structural covariates on homicide rates; and (4) evidence consistent with a diffusion process for homicide is observed in the South throughout the 1960–1990 period.
Mountain Pine Beetle Voltinism and Life History Characteristics across Latitudinal and Elevational Gradients in the Western United States

Substantial genetic variation in development time is known to exist among mountain pine beetle (Dendroctonus ponderosae Hopkins) populations across the western United States. The effect of this variation on geographic patterns in voltinism (generation time) and thermal requirements to produce specific voltinism pathways have not been investigated. The influence of voltinism on fitness traits, body size, and sex ratio is also unclear. We monitored mountain pine beetle voltinism, adult body size, sex ratio, and air temperatures at sites across latitudinal and elevational gradients in the western United States. With the exception of two sites at the coolest and warmest locations, the number of days required to complete a generation was similar. Thermal units required to achieve a generation, however, were significantly less for individuals at the coolest sites. Evolved adaptations explain this pattern, including developmental rates and thresholds that serve to synchronize cohorts and minimize cold-sensitive life stages in winter. These same adaptations reduce the capacity of mountain pine beetle at the warmest sites to take full advantage of increased thermal units, limiting the capacity for bivoltinism within the current realized distribution. Temperature was not correlated with adult size and sex ratio, and size was greatest in host trees other than lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta Dougl.). Our results provide baseline information for evaluating population responses in a changing climate.
Relative contribution of obesity and body fat distribution to alterations in glucose insulin homeostasis: predictive values of selected indices in premenopausal women

Obesity and fat topography are risk factors for hyperinsulinemia, insulin resistance, and diabetes mellitus. The relative contribution of obesity and body fat distribution indices to fasting and oral glucose-stimulated C peptide, insulin, and glucose concentrations were determined in 33 healthy premenopausal women. Obesity level was assessed by hydrostatic weighing and fat topography by computerized tomography-derived intraabdominal fat area, waist to hip ratio, subscapular skinfold thickness and the ratio of subscapular to triceps skinfold thickness. Both fat mass and regional fat distribution indices were associated closely with changes in insulin secretion. Fat topography indices were more closely correlated (p less than 0.001) to insulin response than were fat mass indices (p less than 0.01). The subscapular skinfold thickness had the greatest integrity for reflecting fat mass and fat distribution as they relate to the metabolic profile. The subscapular skinfold thickness may help identify individuals at risk for noninsulin dependent diabetes mellitus.
On Science-Practice Integration in Everyday Life: A Plea for Theory

Counseling psychologists generally agree that science-practice integration is a good thing. However, most discussions of this topic are less clear about how to actually apply scientific findings to an individual client case. In this article, the author attempts to describe a philosophy for applying research to practice in counseling psychology that requires using theory as the bridge between science and practice.
The growth and gaps of genetic data sharing policies in the United States

The 1996 Bermuda Principles launched a new era in data sharing, reflecting a growing belief that the rapid public dissemination of research data was crucial to scientific progress in genetics. A historical review of data sharing policies in the field of genetics and genomics reflects changing scientific norms and evolving views of genomic data, particularly related to human subjects' protections and privacy concerns. The 2013 NIH Draft Genomic Data Sharing (GDS) Policy incorporates the most significant protections and guidelines to date. The GDS Policy, however, will face difficult challenges ahead as geneticists seek to balance the very real concerns of research participants and the scientific norms that propel research forward. This article provides a novel evaluation of genetic and GDS policies' treatment of human subjects' protections. The article examines not only the policies, but also some of the most pertinent scientific, legal, and regulatory developments that occurred alongside data sharing policies. This historical perspective highlights the challenges that future data sharing policies, including the recently disseminated NIH GDS Draft Policy, will encounter.
Measurement of changes in empathy during dental school.

Empathy in the health care setting is the ability to understand a patient’s experiences and feelings and the capability to communicate this understanding. Although empathy has been shown to play an important role in the dentist-patient relationship and is a core competence for dentists, no measure of empathy has been validated in the dental setting. Further, little is known about changes in empathy during dental school. We examined the psychometric properties of a measure of empathy applied to the dental school setting and compared levels of empathy in dental students across their four years of training. One hundred and thirty students completed a survey including the Jefferson Scale of Physician Empathy (JSPE). The JSPE was found to be both a reliable and valid empathy measure for dental students with similar psychometric properties to those found in medical students, residents, and physicians. Further, first-year dental students had significantly higher empathy scores than students in any subsequent year. Consistent with the literature in medical settings, the timing of the decline in empathy levels corresponded to increases in patient exposure. We suggest that training students in the interpersonal skills designed to enhance the dentist-patient relationship should continue throughout dental school training.
Persistence of Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. kurstaki in Urban Environments following Spraying

Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. kurstaki is applied extensively in North America to control the gypsy moth, Lymantria dispar. Since B. thuringiensis subsp. kurstaki shares many physical and biological properties with Bacillus anthracis, it is a reasonable surrogate for biodefense studies. A key question in biodefense is how long a biothreat agent will persist in the environment. There is some information in the literature on the persistence of Bacillus anthracis in laboratories and historical testing areas and for Bacillus thuringiensis in agricultural settings, but there is no information on the persistence of Bacillus spp. in the type of environment that would be encountered in a city or on a military installation. Since it is not feasible to release B. anthracis in a developed area, the controlled release of B. thuringiensis subsp. kurstaki for pest control was used to gain insight into the potential persistence of Bacillus spp. in outdoor urban environments. Persistence was evaluated in two locations: Fairfax County, VA, and Seattle, WA. Environmental samples were collected from multiple matrices and evaluated for the presence of viable B. thuringiensis subsp. kurstaki at times ranging from less than 1 day to 4 years after spraying. Real-time PCR and culture were used for analysis. B. thuringiensis subsp. kurstaki was found to persist in urban environments for at least 4 years. It was most frequently detected in soils and less frequently detected in wipes, grass, foliage, and water. The collective results indicate that certain species of Bacillus may persist for years following their dispersal in urban environments.
Basic issues of computing with granular probabilities

Discuss some basic issues involved in computing with probability granules, including the construction of probability granules for given linguistic probabilities, manipulation of probability granules using constrained fuzzy arithmetic and linguistic approximation of fuzzy probabilities.
Penetrating neck trauma in children: a reappraisal.

Abstract The management of penetrating neck injuries in adults is controversial, with a trend toward selective neck exploration. These injuries are uncommon in children, and only limited information exists regarding their management. To assess the management of these injuries in the authors' geographic region, they reviewed the records of children with injuries penetrating the platysma muscle who were treated between 1980 and 1994. Forty-six children (aged 2 t0 16 years) suffered a total of 55 penetrating neck injuries. The injuries were classified according to type and location. Fifty-two percent were caused by missiles, 30% by stab wounds, and 18% by dog bites. Fifty-eight percent of injuries were in zone II, 31% in zone I, and only 11% in zone III. The diagnostic workup, including arteriography, esophagography, or endoscopy, was performed preoperatively in 10 patients. Overall, 21 patients had exploration, and the rate of negative explorations was 48%. All cases explored for bleeding or a positive diagnostic workup result were found to have significant injury. On the other hand, all neck explorations performed solely because of injury to zone II were negative. The overall morbidity and mortality rates were 31% and 7%, respectively. A more selective approach, similar to that used for adult patients, emphasizing preoperative diagnostic evaluation, is recommended to decrease the rate of negative neck explorations among children.
Complement in host defense and tissue injury: from basic biology to translational research.

The XXI International Complement Workshop (ICW) was held in Beijing, China October 22–26, 2006. The meeting was officially organized by the International Complement Society [101] with Wen-Chao Song...
Numerical investigation of ultrahigh frequency polarization self-modulation in semiconductor lasers

Numerical simulations performed show that polarization self-modulation in suitably designed semiconductor lasers into the tens of GHz frequency region should be possible. The calculations are based on a simple model developed to describe polarization self-modulation in a ring laser cavity with a traveling-wave semiconductor laser amplifier as the gain medium. A set of difference-differential equations is derived and numerically solved. Periodic oscillations in the two polarization modes are obtained as previously reported experimentally. An examination of the various parameters and their roles in maintaining this instability is also conducted. The results indicate that, in an appropriately designed semiconductor laser with a monolithically integrated intracavity TE-TM mode converter, ultrahigh frequency polarization self-modulation to at least 50 GHz should be possible. >
Bandwidth statistics from the eigenvalue moments for the Harper-Hofstadter problem

A method for studying the product of bandwidths for the Harper–Hofstader model is proposed, which requires knowledge of the moments of the midband energies. A general formula for these moments is conjectured, and the asymptotic representation for the product of bandwidths computed in the limit of a weak magnetic flux using Szeg¨o’s theorem for Hankel matrices. Then a first approximation for the edge of the butterfly spectrum is given and its connection with L´evy’s formula for Brownian motion discussed.
Site-saturation Mutagenesis is more Efficient than DNA Shuffling for the Directed Evolution of β-Fucosidase from β-Galactosidase

Protein engineers use a variety of mutagenic strategies to adapt enzymes to novel substrates. Directed evolution techniques (random mutagenesis and high-throughput screening) offer a systematic approach to the management of protein complexity. This sub-discipline was galvanized by the invention of DNA shuffling, a procedure that randomly recombines point mutations in vitro. In one influential study, Escherichia coli β-galactosidase (BGAL) variants with enhanced β-fucosidase activity (tenfold increase in kcat/KM in reactions with the novel para-nitrophenyl-β-d-fucopyranoside substrate; 39-fold decrease in reactivity with the “native” para-nitrophenyl-β-d-galactopyranoside substrate) were evolved in seven rounds of DNA shuffling and screening. Here, we show that a single round of site-saturation mutagenesis and screening enabled the identification of β-fucosidases that are significantly more active (180-fold increase in kcat/KM in reactions with the novel substrate) and specific (700,000-fold inversion of specificity) than the best variants in the previous study. Site-saturation mutagenesis thus proved faster, less resource-intensive and more effective than DNA shuffling for this particular evolutionary pathway.
Adrenal–kidney–gonad complex measurements may not predict gonad-specific changes in gene expression patterns during temperature-dependent sex determination in the red-eared slider turtle (Trachemys scripta elegans)

Many turtles, including the red-eared slider turtle (Trachemys scripta elegans) have temperature-dependent sex determination in which gonadal sex is determined by temperature during the middle third of incubation. The gonad develops as part of a heterogenous tissue complex that comprises the developing adrenal, kidney, and gonad (AKG complex). Owing to the difficulty in excising the gonad from the adjacent tissues, the AKG complex is often used as tissue source in assays examining gene expression in the developing gonad. However, the gonad is a relatively small component of the AKG, and gene expression in the adrenal-kidney (AK) compartment may interfere with the detection of gonad-specific changes in gene expression, particularly during early key phases of gonadal development and sex determina- tion. In this study, we examine transcript levels as measured by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction for five genes important in slider turtle sex determination and differentiation (AR, ERa ,E Rb, aromatase, and Sf1) in AKG, AK, and isolated gonad tissues. In all cases, gonad-specific gene expression patterns were attenuated in AKG versus gonad tissue. All five genes were expressed in the AK in addition to the gonad at all stages/temperatures. Inclusion of the AK compartment masked important changes in gonadal gene expression. In addition, AK and gonad expression patterns are not additive, and gonadal gene expression cannot be predicted from intact AKG