cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Fronto-temporal mapping and connectivity using NIRS for language-related paradigms

Abstract NIRS studies were performed on 15 normal right-handed adults to understand the hemodynamic response of the fronto-temporal cortex in response to language paradigms. A 32-channel NIRS system (Imagent ISS Inc.) was used to perform NIRS studies in response to word expression and word reception language paradigms. Activation, functional connectivity, and lateralization analyses were carried out and correlated across all subjects and for each paradigm/stimuli. It was observed that Broca's region plays a major role and Wernicke's region plays a supporting role when responding to word expression paradigm (as observed in past NIRS studies). On the contrary, it is the right homolog of Wernicke's (and partly right homolog of Broca's region) that plays a major role during word reception of comprehensible text (as observed from f MRI studies). This is the first NIRS study that images the entire fronto-temporal regions to understand language from various analyses, towards future work in epileptic/schizophrenic populations.
A double take on bivalent promoters

Histone modifications and chromatin-associated protein complexes are crucially involved in the control of gene expression, supervising cell fate decisions and differentiation. Many promoters in embryonic stem (ES) cells harbor a distinctive histone modification signature that combines the activating histone H3 Lys 4 trimethylation (H3K4me3) mark and the repressive H3K27me3 mark. These bivalent domains are considered to poise expression of developmental genes, allowing timely activation while maintaining repression in the absence of differentiation signals. Recent advances shed light on the establishment and function of bivalent domains; however, their role in development remains controversial, not least because suitable genetic models to probe their function in developing organisms are missing. Here, we explore avenues to and from bivalency and propose that bivalent domains and associated chromatin-modifying complexes safeguard proper and robust differentiation.
Morphological systems: slope transforms and max-min difference and differential equations

Abstract Linear time-invariant systems are well understood in the time domain either as convolutions with their impulse response or by describing their dynamics via linear differential equations. Their analysis in the frequency domain using their exponential eigenfunctions and related frequency response is also greatly facilitated via Fourier transforms. Attempting to extend such ideas to nonlinear systems, we present in this paper a theory for a broad class of nonlinear systems and a collection of related analytic tools, which parallel the functionality of and have many conceptual similarities with ideas and tools used in linear systems. These nonlinear systems are time-invariant dilations or erosions, in continuous and discrete time, and obey a supremum- or infimum-of-sums superposition. In the time domain, their equivalence with morphological dilation or erosion by their impulse response is established, and their causality and stability are examined. A class of nonlinear difference did differential equations based on max-min operations is also introduced to describe their dynamics. After finding that the affine signals αt + b are eigenfunctions of morphological systems, their slope response is introduced as a function of the slope α, and related slope transforms for arbitrary signals are developed. These ideas provide a transform (slope) domain for morphological systems, where dilation and erosion in time corresponds to addition of slope transforms. Recursive morphological systems, described by max-min difference equations, are also investigated and shown to be equivalent to dilation or erosion by infinite-support structuring elements. Their analysis is significantly aided by using slope transforms. These recursive morphological systems are applied to the design of ideal-cutoff slope-selective filters which are useful for signal envelope estimation.
A comparative study of the scalability of alternative metamodelling techniques

Metamodels, also known as surrogate models, can be used in place of computationally expensive simulation models to increase computational efficiency for the purposes of design optimization or design space exploration. The accuracy of these metamodels varies with the scale and complexity of the underlying model. In this article, three metamodelling methods are evaluated with respect to their capabilities for modelling high-dimensional, nonlinear, multimodal functions. Methods analyzed include kriging, radial basis functions, and support vector regression. Each metamodelling technique is used to model a set of single output functions with dimensionality ranging from fifteen to fifty independent variables and modality ranging from one to ten local maxima. The number of points used to train the models is increased until a predetermined error threshold is met. Results show that kriging metamodels perform most consistently across a variety of functions, although radial basis functions and support vector regress...
Proposal for a free electron laser driven by the National Bureau of Standards' CW microtron

Abstract We propose a free electron laser (FEL) driven by the racetrack microtron (RTM) which is under development at the National Bureau of Standards (NBS). The design of the NBS RTM has many exceptional properties: (i) normalized transverse emittance of better than 10 mm mrad, comparable to a storage ring, (ii) axial emittance The wavelength of the fundamental radiation from the FEL can span from 0.25 to 10 μm, and harmonics will be produced in the UV spectral region. Because of the wavelength range, tunability, high average power, continuous beam, and the ability to generate picosecond pulses, this FEL will be suitable for a wide range of applications.
High-throughput micro-computed tomography imaging as a method to evaluate rat and rabbit fetal skeletal abnormalities for developmental toxicity studies.

Abstract Introduction Fetal skeletal assessments are routinely conducted as a part of preclinical safety studies to support the development of novel therapeutic agents. Alizarin red staining with visual inspection of fetal skeletons is the gold standard in evaluating skeletons for the presence of developmental abnormalities. X-ray based micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) imaging has been used to evaluate small skeletal structures, both in vivo and ex vivo . Recent technological advances have reduced micro-CT image acquisition time making this technology practical for routine fetal skeletal evaluations. Herein we report on the use of micro-CT imaging as a method to perform high-throughput assessment of fetal skeletons. Methods Micro-CT imaging of rat and rabbit fetal skeletons was conducted under a variety of conditions, including, in vivo , contrast-enhanced in vivo , and ex vivo . To increase throughput, micro-CT imaging was employed using custom designed polystyrene foam fetal holders to image entire litters of ex vivo fetuses. After micro-CT imaging, fetuses were routinely stained with alizarin red to compare micro-CT imaging results with traditional alizarin red staining. Results Fetal skeletons could be visualized using in vivo micro-CT imaging; however, due to crowding, specific identification of individual fetuses was deemed not practical. Administration of a routine contrast agent to pregnant females highlighted maternal vascular structures including the placenta, but unfortunately, did not cross the placenta and did not highlight any fetal soft tissue structures. Ex vivo fetal imaging provided the best image quality of fetal skeletons and allowed for specific fetal identification. The fetal holders allowed for micro-CT imaging of ~ 400 rat fetuses or ~ 140 rabbit fetuses per hour. Micro-CT image skeletal findings and alizarin red findings were comparable. The very few discrepancies between the two methods involved the smallest skeletal elements with minimal ossification. Discussion In conclusion, micro-CT ex vivo imaging can provide a reliable high-throughput method to assess fetal skeletal abnormalities for developmental toxicity studies.
The results of thinking small

The Nature of Matter. Edited by J.H. Mulvey. Pp.200. ISBN 0-19-8151151-5. (Clarendon/Oxford University Press: 1981.) £8.95, $15.95.
An issue of the next generation of problem-solving environments

This paper discusses the development of a next-generation problem-solving language. The example language discussed represents a shift from a strong (or precise) specification language toward a weak (or imprecise) one. The shift toward a weak language introduces the problem of ambiguity in the specification. A synthesis method that handles the ambiguity for an integrated program specification is the focus of this paper. A more precise understanding of ambiguity is discussed and disambiguating heuristics for the example synthesis environment are presented.
Postinfection therapy of arbovirus infections in mice.

Most antiviral agents are efficacious prophylactically in vivo, and a few are efficacious for postinfection (p.i.) therapy. To explore possibilities for p.i. therapy of encephalogenic Banzi virus (BZV) and Semliki Forest virus infections in mice, we evaluated candidate antiviral therapies after development of the first clinical signs of infection. The earliest clinical indication of BZV viremia in mice is a rise in core body temperature beginning on day 3 p.i. BZV-infected mice showing elevated core body temperatures (greater than or equal to 37.3 degrees C) on days 3 and 4 p.i. were treated intraperitoneally with the interferon inducer poly(ICLC) (80 micrograms per mouse) and/or specific antiserum. Combined therapy on day 3 of a BZV infection protected over 75% of mice showing clinical evidence of viral disease before treatment. Protection against early brain infection must occur on day 4 p.i., since by that day BZV has started multiplying in the brains of the mice. Significant protection occurred with antiserum alone and increased with poly(ICLC). Similar protection was obtained during Semliki Forest virus viremia, but this infection is so rapid that the first clinical signs are reliably detectable only after viremia.
College Students with ADHD: Current Issues and Future Directions

Approximately 2 to 8% of the college population reports clinically significant levels of ADHD symptomatology and at least 25% of college students with disabilities are diagnosed with ADHD. A comprehensive review of the literature was conducted with findings consistently indicating academic deficits associated with ADHD in college students. It is less clear whether this disorder significantly impacts social, psychological, and neuropsychological functioning. Although several self- and parent-report measures have been developed for this population, very few studies of assessment methods have been conducted. Similarly, no controlled studies of psychopharmacological, psychosocial, or educational interventions have been completed in samples of college students with ADHD. Non-prescribed use (i.e., diversion) of stimulant medication is a growing problem with approximately 7% of college students reporting this behavior. Studies, to date, are limited by lack of controlled investigations, use of small samples, and lack of confirmation of diagnostic status. Comprehensive and methodologically sound investigations are needed, especially regarding treatment, to promote the success of students with ADHD in higher education settings.
Is string interaction the origin of quantum mechanics

Abstract String theory was developed by demanding consistency with quantum mechanics. In this paper we wish to reverse the reasoning. We pretend that open string field theory is a fully consistent definition of the theory – it is at least a self-consistent sector. Then we find in its structure that the rules of quantum mechanics emerge from the non-commutative nature of the basic string joining/splitting interactions. Thus, rather than assuming the quantum commutation rules among the usual canonical variables we derive them from the physical process of string interactions. Morally we could apply such an argument to M-theory to cover quantum mechanics for all physics. If string or M-theory really underlies all physics, it seems that the door has been opened to an explanation of the origins of quantum mechanics from the physical processes point of view.
Fetal tooth development and adult replacement in Dermophis mexicanus (Amphibia: Gymnophiona): Fields versus clones

Teeth of fetuses of a caecilian, Dermophis mexicanus (Amphibia: Gymnophiona), show ontogenetic variation in crown structure from small, multidenticulate, and non-pedicellate to larger, spoon-shaped, pedicellate teeth with a single apical spike. Number of denticles decreases as enamel-secreting cells mature. Numbers of teeth and of tooth rows increase ontogenetically. A fetal vomeropalatine set of teeth is present in D. mexicanus but absent in species previously examined. Teeth transitional to the adult shape and arrangement appear shortly before birth. The transition is correlated with birth, not fetal size. There is relatively little increase in numbers of teeth during the juvenile period. The pattern of development does not fully agree with either morphogenetic field theory or with clone theory, both as defined by Osborn ('78). Sequence of initiation is appropriate to either. Tooth shape changes agree with aspects of clone theory. Multiple rows of fetal teeth and the transition to adult follow field theory. Clone theory holds that patterns of development and shape are self-regulated, field theory that they are controlled extrinsically. I suggest that substances regulating differentiation mediate early development, and hormones later development, including inception of adult teeth, and are comparable to "field substances" influencing primordia that originate according to clone theory. Components of both theories are appropriate to analyzing tooth development phenomena.
Electric polarization in carbon fiber-reinforced cement

Abstract Electric polarization induced an increase of the measured electrical resistivity of carbon fiber-reinforced cement paste during resistivity measurement. The effect was diminished by increasing the conductivity of the cement paste through the use of carbon fibers that were more crystalline, the increase of the fiber content, or the use of silica fume instead of latex as an admixture. Intercalation of crystalline fibers further increased the conductivity of the composite, but it increased the extent of polarization. Voltage polarity switching effects were dominated by the polarization of the sample itself when the four-probe method was used, but were dominated by the polarization at the contact–sample interface when the two-probe method was used. Polarization reversal was faster and more complete for the latter.
Optoacoustic imaging using thin polymer étalon

Optical detection of ultrasound is a promising technique for high frequency imaging arrays. Detection resolution approaches the optical resolution, which can be on the order of the optical wavelength. We describe here an optical technique for ultrasound detection based on a thin (10μm) Fabry–Perot etalon optimized for high resolution imaging. The signal to noise ratio (SNR) approaches that of an ideal piezoelectric transducer over a 100MHz bandwidth. Array functionality is demonstrated by scanning a probe beam along a line. Thermoelastic excitation was applied to generate acoustic waves in a test phantom containing a single “pointlike” source. An image of the source was reconstructed using signals acquired from the etalon detector array.
Historical events as transformations of structures: Inventing revolution at the Bastille

Just as the taking of the Bastille led to a cascade of further events, so the theoretical reflections touched off by my analysis of that event has led to a cascade of further reflections. And as the analyst must draw an arbitrary boundary to establish analytical closure to an event, so must I bring to a close an article that still seems to me radically open and unfinished. I believe I have written enough to establish that thinking about historical events as I do here - that is, treating them as sequences of occurrences that result in durable transformations of structures - is potentially fruitful. Precisely how fruitful can only be determined by future work on other historical events.
Literature and Leadership: From Connections to Contributions

The Symposium on Literature and Leadership concludes with a review and reassessment of the relationship between these two distinct but related fields. They reflect different yet related cultures. The evolution of the ties between them shows that their relationship is more than a series of interesting but isolated connections of ideas. The value of administratively oriented analyses of literature as a contribution to our understanding of leadership is demonstrated by a meta-analysis that develops three "realizations" from the symposium essays and prior similar studies. Insights emerge on the contradictory nature of leadership, the uncertainty of its transformational powers, and its problems with sexism.
Enhancement and inhibition by 2′-O-hydroxyethyl residues of gene targeting mediated by triple helix forming oligonucleotides

Reagents that recognize and bind specific genomic sequences in living mammalian cells would have great potential for genetic manipulation, including gene knockout, strain construction, and gene therapy. Triple helix forming oligonucleotides (TFOs) bind specific sequences via the major groove, but pyrimidine motif TFOs are limited by their poor activity under physiological conditions. Base and sugar analogues that overcome many of these limitations have been described. In particular, 2'-O-modifications influence sugar pucker and third strand conformation, and have been important to the development of bioactive TFOs. Here we have analyzed the impact of 2'-O-hydroxyethyl (2'-HE) substitutions, in combination with other 2' modifications. We prepared modified TFOs conjugated to psoralen and measured targeting activity in a gene knockout assay in cultured hamster cells. We find that 2'-HE residues enhance the bioactivity of TFOs containing 2'-O-methyl (2'-OMe) modifications, but reduce the bioactivity of TFOs containing, in addition, 2'-O-aminoethyl (2'-AE) residues.
Cigarette smoke oxidation of human plasma constituents

In vitro exposure of fresh human plasma to cigarette smoke (CS) was used as a model for reactions that could be occurring in CS-exposed respiratory tract lining fluids (RTLFs) and lung parenchyma. The central focus of this model was to characterize the consumption of endogenous plasma antioxidants in relationship to the appearance of oxidized proteins and lipids as a consequence of exposure to CS, or to aldehydes present in CS. The amelioration of CS-induced protein and lipid oxidation in plasma by the addition of selective exogenous antioxidants was also assessed. We found that: (i) exposure of human plasma to gas phase CS causes both lipid peroxidation and protein oxidation, and endogenous ascorbic acid protects against lipid, but not protein, oxidation; (ii) whole CS causes protein oxidation, but does not induce lipid peroxidation; (iii) addition to plasma of aldehydes known to be present in CS causes protein damage, but does not induce either lipid peroxidation or oxidation of ascorbic acid; and (iv) exogenously added dihydrolipoic acid (DHLA) preserves ascorbic acid levels in plasma exposed to the gas phase of CS, and protects, to some extent, against lipid peroxidation; DHLA also protects against protein oxidation, whereas added glutathione (GSH) only protects against protein, but not lipid, oxidation.
Sensitivity to Methylene Blue and Final Acidity of Non-Hemolytic Streptococci.

The results of the present study may be briefly summarized as follows. Acid production and sensitivity to methylene blue of 55 strains of methemoglobin-forming streptococci from various sources were studied to determine whether it is possible on the basis of these reactions to differentiate strains of human, bovine, and dairy origin. Twelve strains were isolated from human infections, 6 from bovine mastitis, and 37 from dairy products. The final hydrogen ion concentrations of all cultures in dextrose broth regardless of the sources from which the strains originated, covered the range pH 5.2 to 4.1. There appeared, therefore, to be no correlation between the amount of acid produced by a given strain and the source from which it was originally derived. Low acid production, a characteristic of hemolytic streptococci of the human type, was not a distinguishing mark of the green producing organisms from human infection, and high acid production was not limited to strains from bovine and dairy sources. Differences between saprophytic and parasitic strains in their sensitivity to methylene blue in milk were not so sharply defined as were those previously demonstrated for the hemolytic streptococci. Of 18 strains of human and bovine infections, 14 showed neither reduction nor growth in the presence of a 1.5000 concentration of methylene blue. Of the 38 strains from dairy products 32 reduced the dye and grew in this concentration. The results with the non-hemolytic streptococci indicate that the saprophytic strains have a greater tolerance for the dye than have the strains of parasitic origin. The significance of these results in the differentiation of streptococci of human, bovine and dairy origin is discussed.
Oppressive pasts and desired futures: Re-imagining India

Abstract Univocal notions of sovereign nationality have reached a dead-end in the Indian subcontinent. The fixation of state elites in preserving national security and the territorial integrity of their countries has unleased a spiral of state and societal violence that is unparallelled even in the subcontinent. This fixation with such exclusivist notions of nationality and sovereignty has its origins in a particular rendering of past Indian history. This interpretation of the past has also locked the dominant vision of the future in directions that can only compound the violence. Re-imagining the future thus involves re-creating the past in more enabling ways. Perhaps the time has come to traverse paths not taken and explore alternatives that were sidelined in the tumultous times of partition and independence in 1947.
Concepts: Where Cognitive Science Went Wrong

1. Philosophical Introduction: The Background Theory. 2. Unphilosophical Introduction: What Concepts Have To Be. 3. The Demise of Definitions, Part I: The Linguist's Tale. 4. The Demise of Definitions, Part II: The Philosopher's Tale. 5. Prototypes and Compositionality. (Appendix 5A: Meaning Postulates. Appendix 5B: The 'Theory Theory' of Concepts.) 6. Innateness and Ontology, Part I: The Standard Argument. (Appendix 6A: Similarity.) 7. Innateness and Ontology, Part II: Intentional Laws and Natural Kinds. (Appendix 7A: Round Squares.) Bibliography Index
Climate Change Is “a Defining Issue of Our Time,” Joint Report States

Noting that “climate change is one of the defining issues of our time,” a 26 February report jointly issued by the U.S. National Academy of Sciences (NAS) and the Royal Society in the United Kingdom aims to provide a clearly written reference document for policy makers, educators, and others about the current state of climate change science.
Pediatric Brain Death: Updated Guidelines

Logan, a 5-year-old boy, was riding his bike with his 7-year-old brother when he was struck from behind by a car traveling at approximately 40 mph. The driver indicated that she did not see the riders until she hit Logan, who was not wearing a helmet at the time of the accident. Logan was thrown from his bike and was found at the side of the road, unresponsive and posturing. Although he was uninjured, Logan's brother witnessed the incident.Emergency medical services arrived and placed Logan on a backboard with a c-collar. Because he was not protecting his airway, he was intubated and then given sodium chloride fluids and brought to the pediatric emergency department. Upon arrival, his Glasgow Coma Scale score was 5, and his right pupil was 6 mm and not reactive.Logan's initial head computed tomographic scan showed diffuse brain edema, with early downward transtentorial brain herniation. The pediatric neurosurgeon determined that no operative management was appropriate for Logan. Besides a small laceration on his forehead, Logan had no other injuries. At this time, he was taking a few spontaneous respirations and had occasional posturing of his extremities.
Temporal variation of aerosol properties at a rural continental site and study of aerosol evolution through growth law analysis

Aerosol size distributions were measured by a Scanning Mobility Particle Sizer (SMPS) onboard the CIRPAS Twin Otter aircraft during 16 flights at the Southern Great Plains (SGP) site in northern central Oklahoma as part of the Aerosol Intensive Operation period in May, 2003. During the same period a second SMPS was deployed at a surface station and provided continuous measurements. Combined with trace gas measurements at the SGP site and back-trajectory analysis, the aerosol size distributions provided insights into the sources of aerosols observed at the SGP site. High particle concentrations, observed mostly during daytime, were well correlated with the sulfur dioxide (SO2) mixing ratios, suggesting nucleation involving sulfuric acid is likely the main source of newly formed particles at the SGP. Aerosols within plumes originating from wildfires in Central America were measured at the surface site. Vertically compact aerosol layers, which can be traced back to forest fires in East Asia, were intercepted at altitudes over 3000 meters. Analyses of size dependent particle growth rates for four periods during which high cloud coverage was observed indicate growth dominated by volume controlled reactions. Sulfate accounts for 50% to 72% of the increase in aerosol volume concentration; the rest of the volume concentration increase was likely due to secondary organic species. The growth law analyses and meteorological conditions indicate that the sulfate was produced mainly through aqueous oxidation of SO2 in clouds droplets and hydrated aerosol particles.
HLA-specific antibodies are associated with high-grade and persistent-recurrent lung allograft acute rejection.

Abstract Background The impact of HLA-specific antibodies is not well established in the acute rejection of lung allografts. Acute rejection represents the most important risk factor for the development of chronic lung allograft dysfunction. Methods We analyzed the pattern of HLA antibodies before and after transplantation in 54 patients, and correlated our data with the presence and frequency of high-grade and persistent-recurrent acute rejection, during the first 18 post-operative months. The diagnosis of acute rejection was based on histologic International Society for Heart and Lung Transplantation (ISHLT)-published criteria. Results Ten of 54 patients had a positive enzyme-linked immunoassay (ELISA) post-transplantation. In 90% of ELISA-positive patients, the presence of HLA antibodies was associated with persistent-recurrent acute rejections, compared with 34% in the ELISA-negative group ( p p Conclusions ELISA-based screening for the development of HLA antibodies is a reliable method that can identify lung transplant recipients at increased risk for high-grade and persistent-recurrent acute rejection. Although bronchiolitis obliterans appears as a point of no return in the evolution of lung-transplanted patients, early detection of risk factors for acute rejection could indirectly decrease the incidence of bronchiolitis obliterans. These lung-transplanted patients may benefit from an altered strategy of immunosuppression.
Asymptotic behavior of polynomials satisfying three-term recurrence relations

Abstract Sufficient conditions are given to ensure that lim n→∞ B 2 z n+1 =e γz for all zϵC , where the B n ( z ) are defined by three-term recurrence relations B −1 (z):=0,B 0 (z):=1, B n (z):=(1+β n z)B n−1 (z) + α n z λ B n−2 (z), n ⩾ 1 and hence are n th denominators of continued fractions α 1 z lambda; 1+β 1 z + α 2 z λ 1+β 2 z + α 3 z λ 1+β 3 z +⋯, λ=1 or 2,0≠α n ϵC,β n ϵC . Here γ :=(2 − λ ) α + β , where α :=lim α n and β := lim β n . In addition to proving uniform convergence on compact subsets of C , we obtain explicit information on the order of convergence of the sequences {B n ( z (n+ 1))} and { p k ( n )} n =1 ∞ , where ∑ k =0 d n P k ( n ) z k := B n ( z /( n + 1)) Important types of continued fractions subsumed under the above class include regular C-fractions, general T-fractions, and associated continued fractions, all three of which have their approximants in Pade tables. Since J-fractions are essentially equivalent to associated continued fractions, many of our results describe the asymptotic behavior of orthogonal polynomial sequences.
Spin-lattice relaxation by translational diffusion. Correlation times from off-resonance T1ϱ measurements in glycerol and camphene

Abstract The results of a T1ϱ off resonance experiment for glycerol at −20°C are reexamined under the assumption that isotropic translational diffusion is the main relaxation process for this system. The method, which consists of measuring the signal intensities in the presence of an off-resonance field, is also applied to camphene at 26°C. In both systems the translational correlation time obtained from the measurements is in good agreement with previously published values.
Hepatitis C virus-induced oxidative stress suppresses hepcidin expression through increased histone deacetylase activity.

Chronic hepatitis C is characterized by iron accumulation in the liver, and excessive iron is hepatotoxic. However, the mechanism by which hepatitis C virus (HCV) regulates iron metabolism is poorly understood. Hepcidin plays a pivotal role as a negative regulator of iron absorption. The aim of the current study was to elucidate the mechanisms that govern hepcidin expression by HCV. Huh 7 cells, Huh7.5 cells, full-length HCV replicon cells established from Huh7.5 cells, and adenoviruses expressing HCV-core or HCV nonstructural proteins 3 through 5 (NS3-5) were used. Hepcidin expression was significantly lower in HCV replicon cells and in HCV core– expressing Huh7 cells. The expression was inversely correlated with the amount of reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. Anti-oxidants restored hepcidin expression in HCV replicon cells and Huh7 cells expressing HCV core. In HCV replicon cells, histone deacetylase (HDAC) activity was elevated at baseline and after exposure to hydrogen peroxide. Anti-oxidants reduced HDAC activity in a dose-dependent manner. HDAC inhibition increased hepcidin expression without affecting ROS production in HCV replicon cells. HCV-induced ROS stabilized the expression of two negative hepcidin regulators, HIF1 and HIF2, and its expression was decreased by a HDAC inhibitor or an anti-oxidant. HCV-induced ROS also caused hypoacetylation of histones and inhibited binding of two positive regulators, C/EBP and STAT3, to the hepcidin promoter, whereas anti-oxidant treatment of cells recovered C/EBP and STAT3 binding to the hepcidin promoter. In addition, an HDAC inhibitor restored their binding to the hepcidin promoter via acetylation of histones. Conclusion: HCV-induced oxidative stress suppresses hepcidin expression through increased HDAC activity. (HEPATOLOGY 2008;48:1420-1429.)
The influence of the family environment on personality accounting for sibling differences

Findings from behavioral genetics indicate that environment affects personality but that siblings are not alike. This has been interpreted as challenging the idea that child rearing and family events are important. Research from behavioral genetics and developmental psychology is reviewed
Lazos que Atan: The Influence of Normative Gender Beliefs on Sexual Risk Behaviors of Latino Men and Women

Not all Latino men and women conform to proscribed gender roles. Nonetheless, their sexual risk taking may well be influenced by traditional beliefs concerning these roles. We explored the relationship between gender beliefs that are normative in Latino culture, and the sexual risk behaviors of 152 Latino men and women who participated in a behavioral rapid needs assessment survey in Houston, TX. Path—analytic results indicate that normative gender beliefs are influenced by respondents' sex and their levels of acculturation and that these 2 variables influence sexual risk behaviors, including unprotected sex and multi partnerism. Our results suggest that beliefs about gender influence sexual behavior and, therefore, are an important factor that should be considered in understanding sexual risk taking among Latinos.
N-Methyl-d-Aspartate Receptor Channel Blocker–Like Discriminative Stimulus Effects of Nitrous Oxide Gas

Nitrous oxide (N2O) gas is a widely used anesthetic adjunct in dentistry and medicine that is also commonly abused. Studies have shown that N2O alters the function of the N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA), GABAA, opioid, and serotonin receptors among others. However, the receptors systems underlying the abuse-related central nervous system effects of N2O are unclear. The present study explores the receptor systems responsible for producing the discriminative stimulus effects of N2O. B6SJLF1/J male mice trained to discriminate 10 minutes of exposure to 60% N2O + 40% oxygen versus 100% oxygen served as subjects. Both the high-affinity NMDA receptor channel blocker (+)-MK-801 maleate [(5S,10R)-(+)-5-methyl-10,11-dihydro-5H-dibenzo[a,d]cyclohepten-5,10-imine maleate] and the low-affinity blocker memantine partially mimicked the stimulus effects of N2O. Neither the competitive NMDA antagonist, CGS-19755 (cis-4-[phosphomethyl]-piperidine-2-carboxylic acid), nor the NMDA glycine-site antagonist, L701-324 [7-chloro-4-hydroxy-3-(3-phenoxy)phenyl-2(1H)-quinolinone], produced N2O-like stimulus effects. A range of GABAA agonists and positive modulators, including midazolam, pentobarbital, muscimol, and gaboxadol (4,5,6,7-tetrahydroisoxazolo[4,5-c]pyridine-3-ol), all failed to produce N2O-like stimulus effects. The μ-, κ-, and δ-opioid agonists, as well as 5-hydroxytryptamine (serotonin) 1B/2C (5-HT1B/2C) and 5-HT1A agonists, also failed to produce N2O-like stimulus effects. Ethanol partially substituted for N2O. Both (+)-MK-801 and ethanol but not midazolam pretreatment also significantly enhanced the discriminative stimulus effects of N2O. Our results support the hypothesis that the discriminative stimulus effects of N2O are at least partially mediated by NMDA antagonist effects similar to those produced by channel blockers. However, as none of the drugs tested fully mimicked the stimulus effects of N2O, other mechanisms may also be involved.
Developing Talents Among High-Potential Students From Low-Income Families in an Out-of-School Enrichment Program

Enrichment programs can provide various social and academic benefits for high-potential learners. However, students from low-income families receive fewer opportunities for academic enrichment than students from higher income backgrounds. This qualitative study examined the experiences and perceptions of high-potential students from low-income families who received financial support in order to attend an out-of-school enrichment program. Interviews and observations revealed four major benefits: positive experiences; new, above-grade-level concepts; interactive learning; and social support. In addition, descriptive results from student evaluations comparing students from low-income families to the rest of the participants indicated that both groups had similar perceptions of their classroom activities, concepts, and teachers. Findings suggested when they are provided with opportunities to participate in classes that interest them, high-potential students from low-income families can successfully perform in...
Postfire Communications: The Influence of Site Visits on Local Support

The prevalence of large wildfires has increased in recent years. In many cases, agency personnel have little prior experience to draw from to organize their postfire response to uncharacteristically large events. However, local residents look to resource managers to provide the necessary leadership to work through these difficult decisions. In particular, methods to create meaningful discussion of management priorities with local citizens are essential. This article reports results from a telephone survey of participants in a US Forest Service-led tour after the Booth and Bear Butte Complex Fires in central Oregon. Findings indicate that the tour provided local residents with useful information and contributed to improved understanding of potential actions. Participants also expressed a high level of support for active management to restore forest conditions. The most striking outcome was the substantial goodwill generated by the tour among participants. Responses showed a high level of appreciation for and improved confidence in local US Forest Service personnel.
Why do host‐deprived seed beetles ‘dump’ their eggs?

If host seeds are absent, females of the seed beetle Callosobruchus maculatus sometimes 'dump' eggs on unsuitable substrates, which causes complete larval mor- tality and decreases female lifespan. To understand the possible function of this behav- iour, the present study examines genetic variation in dumping behaviour between and within populations. When deprived of hosts, females from an African population are much more prone to dump eggs than Asian females, most of which dump no eggs over their lifetimes. Egg dumping therefore cannot be explained as a simple, species- wide constraint imposed by the accumulation of mature oocytes. A transfer experi- ment tested the hypothesis that dumping eggs improves a female's ability to exploit the subsequent availability of seeds, perhaps by preventing a disruption of oocyte mat- uration. Contrary to prediction, the number of eggs laid after females are transferred to seeds is inversely related to the number dumped during deprivation. Two bidirec- tional selection experiments revealed heritable variation in egg-dumping behaviour within the African population. Deprived females from the dumper line dump more than twice as many eggs as do females from the nondumper line. Pre-adult develop- ment time is significantly longer in the nondumper line, which suggests that trade-offs with other fitness components could maintain variation in egg-laying behaviour within populations. The divergent responses to host availability by African and Asian females may represent a pleiotropic effect of similarly divergent responses to host quality.
A new color contrast enhancement algorithm for robotic applications

In this paper, we introduce a new spatial domain color contrast enhancement algorithm based on the alpha weighted quadratic filter. The goal of this work is to utilize the characteristics of the nonlinear filter to enhance contrast while recovering the color information. Automatic parameter selection is also important for autonomous robot systems. Therefore, we also present a modified image contrast measure Global logAMEE to incorporate the global image information in regular logAMEE. The new measure helps to choose the optimal parameters and to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method. Experimental results show that the proposed algorithm can enhance the contrast and color efficiently and effectively, even in the presence of noise. Thus, the algorithm is suitable for use in real time robotic applications. Comparison with existing algorithms will be also presented.
FLASH FLOODS AND AQUATIC INSECT LIFE‐HISTORY EVOLUTION: EVALUATION OF MULTIPLE MODELS

In disturbance ecology there is a tension between ecological and evolutionary viewpoints, because while disturbances often cause mortality in populations (an ecological effect), populations may also evolve mechanisms that ameliorate mortality risk (an evolutionary effect). Flash floods cause high mortality in the juvenile aquatic stage of desert stream insects, but these ecological effects may be mitigated by the evolution of life-history strategies that allow the terrestrial adult stage to avoid floods. Life-history theory predicts that, to balance trade-offs between juvenile growth and mortality risk from floods, (1) most individuals should emerge before the peak of the flood season, (2) optimal body size at emergence should decline as flood probability increases, and (3) a second decline in body size at emergence should occur as the reproductive season ends. These predictions were tested with data on body mass at and timing of emergence of the caddisfly Phylloicus aeneus measured in three montane Chihuahuan Desert (Arizona, USA) streams over two years. P. aeneus that had not reached the adult stage were eliminated from site-years that experienced flash floods, suggesting that timing of emergence is an important fitness component. On average 86% of emergence occurred before the long-term (∼100 yr) mean arrival date of the first seasonal flood, supporting prediction 1. The presence of two consecutive declines in body mass at emergence in most site-years was congruent with predictions 2 and 3. To test whether the two declines were associated with increasing flood probability and end of the reproductive season, respectively, maximum-likelihood methods were used to compare five body-size models: a null model that contains no parameters related to flood regime or reproductive season, a seasonal model that incorporates a reproductive time constraint, and three disturbance models that incorporate both reproductive time constraints and flood dynamics. The disturbance models outperformed the other models, suggesting that at least some of the body-mass pattern was influenced by flood dynamics. The timing of the first flood of the season was the most important determinant of observed emergence patterns. Overall, this study demonstrates that aquatic insects can compensate for flash floods by using state-dependent emergence strategies that are synchronized with long-term flood dynamics.
Electroencephalogram Monitoring in Critically Ill Children: Indications and Strategies

Continuous electroencephalographic monitoring often detects nonconvulsive seizures in critically ill children, but it is resource-intense and has not been demonstrated to improve outcomes. As institutions develop clinical pathways for monitoring, they should consider how seemingly minor variations may exert substantial impacts on resource utilization and cost. In our 1-month prospective observational study, each patient in a 45-bed pediatric intensive care unit was screened for potential monitoring indications. We screened 247 patients. Minor differences in monitoring indications would exert substantial impact on resource utilization. We then calculated the number of monitoring days required each month, based on two strategies that differed in monitoring duration. The prolonged-targeted and brief-targeted strategies would have required 106 and 33 monitoring days, respectively. Based on nonconvulsive seizure occurrence data, these strategies would detect 0.14, and 0.43 patients with seizures per monitoring day performed, respectively. A brief-targeted strategy provides a high yield for nonconvulsive seizure identification, but would fail to diagnose some patients with seizures.
Activities and feeding behavior of free-ranging pregnant baboons

The activities and feeding behavior of pregnant baboons, Papio cynocephalus, were studied in two free-ranging groups in Amboseli National Park, Kenya. Both the environmental conditions and the age of their fetuses influenced females" activity budgets and feeding behavior. Females fed more and rested less during the dry season than during the wet season, and most females spent progressively more time feeding and less time grooming than expected (based upon the amount of recent rainfall) as their fetuses matured. During the wet season, females also devoted significantly greater proportions of feeding time to consumption of grass blades, leaves, and flowers and significantly smaller proportions of their feeding time to feeding upon seeds, corms, and fruit. As their fetuses became older, the proportion of time spent feeding upon seeds increased, and the proportion of time spent feeding upon grass blades and fruit declined.
Influence of Methionine Hydroxy Analog and DL-Methionine on Rumen Protozoa and Volatile Fatty Acids

Abstract Three lactating Holstein cows with rumen cannulae were used in a 3 × 3 Latin square arrangement of treatments to study effects of methionine source on ciliated protozoa numbers and volatile fatty acid concentrations in the rumen. Cows were fed total mixed diets twice daily of 60% grain mix, 21% corn silage, and 19% alfalfa hay (dry basis). Methionine hydroxy analog, DL-methione, and sodium sulfate were added on an equal sulfur basis. Experimental periods were 14 d with four rumen samples taken daily on d 13 and 14. Total ciliated protozoa were higher when cows were fed DL-methionine than when fed methionine hydroxy analog or sodium sulfate. Ruminal concentrations of butyric acid and isobutyric acid were higher for the DL-methionine treatment than for analog or sodium sulfate treatments. Isovaleric acid concentrations were also higher in fluid from cows fed methionine compared with cows fed the analog.
An AUV survey in the littoral zone: small-scale subsurface variability accompanying synoptic observations of surface currents

A survey of small-scale subsurface variability within the synoptic observational field of an ocean surface current radar (OSCR) using an autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) is described. The survey involved observation of a developing upper mixed layer in a littoral zone off southeast Florida, on the edge of a strong Florida current during the summer of 1999. Complimentary in situ observations from a bottom-mounted acoustic Doppler current profiler (ADCP), conductivity-temperature (CT) chain arrays, atmospheric measurements from a surface buoy, and CTD and ADCP observations from a surface ship provided the background to the survey. The AUV, the Ocean Explorer, equipped with a CTD, downward and upward looking ADCPs, and a small-scale turbulence package, was used to conduct a continuous 12-h survey of small-to-fine-scale variability within a few grid cells of the surface current radar field. The vehicle repeatedly sampled the same grid in a set pattern at a fixed mid-water depth. Maps of developing spatial distribution of current, salinity, temperature, and rate of dissipation have been developed using the AUV-based observations. The observed features in the current field compare well with the OSCR and the bottom-mounted ADCP measurements.
Political Parties, Public Opinion, and State Policy in the United States

When comparing states in the United States, one finds little correlation between state opinion and party control of the state legislature or between party control and state policy. Although these low correlations seeming to indicate that partisan politics is irrelevant to the representation process, the opposite is true. State opinion influences the ideological positions of state parties, and parties' responsiveness to state opinion helps to determine their electoral success. Moreover, parties move toward the center once in office. For these reasons, state electoral politics is largely responsible for the correlation between state opinion and state policy.
Commentary: Iron deficiency and hair loss: Problems with measurement of iron

Iron is involved in many critical physiologic processes within the hair follicle, suggesting that iron deficiency could disrupt hair synthesis. However, studies of iron as a cause of hair loss have produced conflicting results. Some of the discrepancies may relate to limitations of assays for iron deficiency. This commentary discusses the sensitivity and specificity of available tests for iron deficiency and presents practical guidelines for testing and supplementation.