cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Abstract 4995: Glucose-regulated protein 78 regulates crosstalk between apoptosis and autophagy to determine antiestrogen responsiveness

Proceedings: AACR 103rd Annual Meeting 2012‐‐ Mar 31‐Apr 4, 2012; Chicago, IL While over 70% of breast cancers express estrogen receptor α (ER+), drugs targeting these receptors such as Tamoxifen (TAM) or Faslodex (fulvestrant, ICI) often fail to cure these patients. Many ER+ patients fail to respond (de novo resistance) or lose drug responsiveness (acquired resistance), making endocrine resistance a major clinically relevant problem. The molecular mechanisms of endocrine therapy resistance still remain unclear. We show that antiestrogen resistant cells with an acquired resistant phenotype overexpress glucose-regulated protein 78 (GRP78), which is not observed in de novo resistance. Moreover, we show increased expression of GRP78 in MCF7/LCC9 (estrogen independent, ICI resistant, TAM cross-resistant) when compared to the MCF7/LCC1 (estrogen independent, TAM and ICI sensitive) breast cancer cells and tumors. These data reflect the response of aromatase inhibitor resistant breast cancers to second line antiestrogen therapy, and further support the hypothesis that antiestrogen resistance and estrogen independence are separate phenotypes. Targeting GRP78 with RNAi restored antiestrogen sensitivity in endocrine therapy resistant cells (MCF7-RR and MCF7/LCC9), whereas expressing GRP78 cDNA conferred resistance on antiestrogen sensitive breast cancer cells (MCF7 and MCF7/LCC1). We show that GRP78 integrates cellular signaling to inhibit apoptosis (as determined by cleaved caspase-7, cleaved PARP, and annexin V staining) and stimulate prosurvival autophagy (as determined by LC3-II, p62, and GFP-LC3 punctate). Moreover, GRP78-stimulated autophagy is dependent on TSC2/AMPK-mediated mTOR inhibition. Endocrine resistance induced by GRP78 overexpression is prevented through an inhibition of autophagy by ATG5 knockdown, while caspase inhibition prevented GRP78 RNAi-mediated therapy resensitization. Furthermore, knockdown of GRP78 and beclin 1 (BECN1) synergistically restores antiestrogen sensitivity in resistant cells. The use of GRP78 to integrate the cellular functions of apoptosis and autophagy to control cell fate raises the provocative question that this signaling may be widely applicable and represent a major stress response that explains how many different cell types could respond to stressors and acquire resistance to therapeutic interventions. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 103rd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2012 Mar 31-Apr 4; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2012;72(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 4995. doi:1538-7445.AM2012-4995
THE GALACTIC PLANE INFRARED POLARIZATION SURVEY (GPIPS)

The scientific motivation, data collection strategy, data reduction, and analysis methods are presented for the Galactic Plane Infrared Polarization Survey (GPIPS). The chief goal for the Survey was to reveal the nature of the magnetic field threading the Galactic disk, in particular through regions of low to moderate extinction (1-20 mag of A{sub V} ) and star formation in the cool interstellar medium. The Survey region spans 76 deg{sup 2} of the northern Milky Way disk, from l = 18 Degree-Sign to 56 Degree-Sign and b =-1 Degree-Sign to +1 Degree-Sign . Linear polarimetric imaging observations began in 2006 in the near-infrared H band (1.6 {mu}m) using the Mimir instrument on the 1.8 m Perkins telescope, located outside Flagstaff, AZ. Mimir used a cold, fixed wire grid and a rotateable cold, compound half-wave plate to obtain 'step-and-integrate' polarimetry over its full 10 Multiplication-Sign 10 arcmin field of view. The GPIPS bright and faint polarimetric limits are approximately 7th and 15th mag, respectively, set by saturation and photon noise. Polarimetric uncertainties track with stellar magnitude, from about 0.1% to 25%, on average, from the brightest to faintest stars. Across the 3237 field GPIPS region, approximately 0.5 million stars are estimated tomore » show detectable linear polarization (P/{sigma}{sub P} > 3); most of these have m{sub H} < 12. This represents many orders of magnitude improvement in the number of polarization measurements across this region. GPIPS observations are more than 90% complete and should finish in 2012.« less
Effective critical exponents in two-dimensional systems from conformal field theory

Abstract Thermal and field perturbations away from the renormalization-group fixed point are considered in 2D conformal field theory. General expressions for the effective critical exponents ν, α and δ are obtained in terms of the central charge, third moment of energy and spin correlation, temperature and external field. Apparent spin dependence expressions for the effective critical exponents are given for a high-spin system with only one fixed point. These expression may be described as critical behavior and crossover phenomena for 2D systems away from the critical points.
A simple procedure for reducing numerical integration errors near singularities

Numerical integration of functions near singularity points presents a challenge to even advanced quadrature algorithms. Often it would be advantageous to have a simple technique with which to test the accuracy of these estimates. One such technique is described. It consists of subtracting an integrable complementary function from the original integrand, which reduces the curvature of the function to be integrated. This allows simpler numerical integration techniques to be employed for verification. In addition, the technique can be used directly to improve the accuracy of the baseline quadrature. The method provides a means of estimating the order of the functional singularity, which may be unknown.
Effects of the CB1R agonist WIN-55,212-2 and the CB1R antagonists SR-141716 and AM-1387 : Open-field examination in rats

This study examined the open-field (O-F) effects in rats of the cannabinoid 1 receptor (CB1R) agonist WIN-55,212-2 (WIN; 1 to 5.6 mg/kg) and its interaction with the CB1R antagonist/inverse agonist SR-141716 (1 to 5.6 mg/kg). Additionally, separate studies examined the O-F effects of SR-141716 (1 to 10 mg/kg) and a newly synthesized CB1R selective antagonist/inverse agonist AM-1387 (3 and 10 mg/kg) when these ligands were administered alone. Both antagonists are characterized in vitro by decreased of GTPgammaS binding and increased cAMP accumulation (inverse agonism). WIN dose dependently reduced ambulation (horizontal activity) and rearing (vertical activity); SR-141716 completely (WIN 3 mg/kg) or partially (WIN 5.6 mg/kg) normalized these behaviors. WIN alone resulted in circling and in an increased latency to leave the start area of the O-F, effects blocked by all doses of SR-141716. Both the increased scratching and grooming, associated with SR-141716 administration, were attenuated but not abolished by WIN. SR-141716 alone tended to reduce ambulation (significant at 10 mg/kg) and rearing (non-significant), had no effect on latency, and increased scratching and grooming (both frequency and duration), at doses of 3 mg/kg and up. At the doses examined, AM-1387 had no effect on ambulation, rearing, latency but significantly increased scratching (10 mg/kg); there was also a trend for increased grooming (both frequency and duration). The O-F profile of WIN suggests more similarity with the effects of THC rather than methanandamide (and presumably also anandamide). Intrinsic activity (scratching and grooming) by SR-141716 was re-affirmed and seemed to be associated with administration of AM-1387 as well. AM-1387 was less potent than SR-141716.
Specific MIF release by rat lymphocytes following incubation with syngeneic anti-tumor “Immune” RNA☆

Abstract Other investigators have previously shown that normal nonimmune lymphoid cells, after incubation with “Immune” RNA, will release MIF when these cells are incubated with the specific antigen used to immunize the RNA donor. This conversion can be detected with the macrophage migration inhibition assay. These observations have been confirmed in a system involving the transfer of immune response to tumor associated antigens with syngeneic “Immune” RNA. Syngeneic “Immune” RNA was extracted from the spleens of Fischer 344/N rats bearing growing transplants of one or another of two syngeneic chemically induced sarcomas. Normal, nonimmune Fischer 344/N spleen cells were incubated with these RNA preparations. When these RNA-incubated spleen cells were exposed to solubilized antigens from that particular tumor used to immunize the RNA donor, MIF was released. RNAse treatment of the “Immune” RNA abrogated the response, while DNAse or pronase treatment did not.
UTILIZATION OF DESINEWED BEEF CONNECTIVE TISSUE GEL IN REDUCED‐FAT BOLOGNA

This study determined temperature (50, 60, 70 and 80 C) and time (0.5, 1.0, 1.5 and 2.0 h) parameters that improved the water binding ability of desinewed beef connective tissue (BCT); the functionality of added water (AW, 100–600%, wt/wt) BCT gels; and attributes of bologna containing 10–30% addition of 100–400% AW BCT gels. Heating (70C) BCT for 0.5 h increased its water binding ability, allowing development of BCT gels (100–600% AW). Addition of water increased (P<0.05) BCT gel moisture content, while decreasing fat, protein, melting points, collagen content, and hardness. Incorporation of BCT gels in reduced-fat bologna decreased (P<0.05) product hardness and increased juiciness, indicating the potential of BCT gels as water-binders and texture-modifying agents in reduced-fat comminuted meat products.
Comprehensive evaluation of the estrogen receptor α gene reveals further evidence for association with type 2 diabetes enriched for nephropathy in an African American population

We previously investigated the estrogen receptor alpha gene (ESR1) as a positional candidate for type 2 diabetes (T2DM), and found evidence for association between the intron 1-intron 2 region of this gene and T2DM and/or nephropathy in an African American (AA) population. Our objective was to comprehensively evaluate variants across the entire ESR1 gene for association in AA with T2DM and end stage renal disease (T2DM-ESRD). One hundred fifty SNPs in ESR1, spanning 476 kb, were genotyped in 577 AA individuals with T2DM-ESRD and 596 AA controls. Genotypic association tests for dominant, additive, and recessive models, and haplotypic association, were calculated using a chi(2) statistic and corresponding P value. Thirty-one SNPs showed nominal evidence for association (P < 0.05) with T2DM-ESRD in one or more genotypic model. After correcting for multiple tests, promoter SNP rs11964281 (nominal P = 0.000291, adjusted P = 0.0289), and intron 4 SNPs rs1569788 (nominal P = 0.000754, adjusted P = 0.0278) and rs9340969 (nominal P = 0.00109, adjusted P = 0.0467) remained significant at experimentwise error rate (EER) P </= 0.05 for the dominant class of tests. Twenty-three of the thirty-one associated SNPs cluster within the intron 4-intron 6 regions. Gender stratification revealed nominal evidence for association with 35 SNPs in females (352 cases; 306 controls) and seven SNPs in males (225 cases; 290 controls). We have identified a novel region of the ESR1 gene that may contain important functional polymorphisms in relation to susceptibility to T2DM and/or diabetic nephropathy.
Locomotor activity is regulated by D2-like receptors in Drosophila: an anatomic and functional analysis.

In mammals, dopamine 2-like receptors are expressed in distinct pathways within the central nervous system, as well as in peripheral tissues. Selected neuronal D2-like receptors play a critical role in modulating locomotor activity and, as such, represent an important therapeutic target (e.g. in Parkinson's disease). Previous studies have established that proteins required for dopamine (DA) neurotransmission are highly conserved between mammals and the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster. These include a fly dopamine 2-like receptor (DD2R; Hearn et al. PNAS 2002 99(22):14554) that has structural and pharmacologic similarity to the human D2-like (D2R). In the current study, we define the spatial expression pattern of DD2R, and functionally characterize flies with reduced DD2 receptor levels. We show that DD2R is expressed in the larval and adult nervous systems, in cell groups that include the Ap-let cohort of peptidergic neurons, as well as in peripheral tissues including the gut and Malpighian tubules. To examine DD2R function in vivo, we generated RNA-interference (RNAi) flies with reduced DD2R expression. Behavioral analysis revealed that these flies show significantly decreased locomotor activity, similar to the phenotype observed in mammals with reduced D2R expression. The fly RNAi phenotype can be rescued by administration of the DD2R synthetic agonist bromocriptine, indicating specificity for the RNAi effect. These results suggest Drosophila as a useful system for future studies aimed at identifying modifiers of dopaminergic signaling/locomotor function. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Develop Neurobiol, 2007
Enzyme inhibitors XXI Hydrophobic and hydroxylic binding sites of adenosine deaminase

Recent studies have shown that the ortho and para-isomers of 9-(bromoacetamido-benzyl)adenine are good irreversible inhibitors of adenosine deaminase. In an attempt to prepare other types of irreversible inhibitors of this enzyme, a series of 9-(ω-bromoacetoxyalkyl)adenines were synthesized. However, none of these compounds were active as irreversible inhibitors although they were reversible inhibitors of this enzyme. Thus, it appears that the alkyl chain of the 9- (ω-bromoacetoxy-alkyl)adenines does not complex with the enzyme in a manner identical to the 9-substituent of 9-(p- or o-bromoacetamidpbenzyl)adenine. When the 9-(ω-hydroxy-alkyl)adenines were evaluated as reversible inhibitors of adenosine deaminase, it was found that as the alkyl chain was lengthened, the compounds became initially more potent inhibitors, then less potent, and finally more potent again as the alkyl chain was lengthened to octyl. These results can be rationalized by assuming two different modes of binding. The short chain compounds bind to a hydroxyl binding site whereas the long chain compounds bind to a hydrophpbic region which based on other data appears to extend approximately seven or eight carbons from the 9-position of adenine.
Negativity in political perception

The tendency for negative information to have more weight than equally extreme or equally likely positive information appears in a variety of cognitive processing tasks, but has rarely been documented empirically in politics. This paper provides evidence for two types of negativity effects in electoral behavior: negativity in the formation of impressions (of Humphrey and Nixon in 1968, of McGovern and Nixon in 1972, and of Carter and Reagan in 1980), and negativity as a consequence of impressions (in the 1974 and 1978 congressional elections). Both post hoc rationalization and the nonequivalence of the positive and negative information were examined and ruled out as artifactual explanations for these results. Discussion centered around two possible explanations for negativity, a cost-orientation hypothesis (which holds that people are more strongly motivated to avoid costs than to approach gains) and a figure-ground hypothesis (which holds that negative information stands out against a general positive background).
The money value of citations to single-authored and multiple-authored articles

This note presents evidence for the surprising conclusion that a citation to a multiple-authored article is worth more to its author than a citation to a single-authored article.
An efficient access control model for schema-based relational storage of XML documents

Very few research works have been done on XML access control over relational databases despite the fact that there is an undeniable amount of XML data stored in RDBMS. Moreover, the proposed algorithms in the literature have performance drawbacks. In this paper, we propose an efficient and well-defined XML access control model for schema-based relational storage of XML documents which overcomes the shortcomings of existing work. We also present the challenges of translating XML access control rules to relational access control rules and define an efficient and sound algorithm for this task.
Compressive Dual Photography

The accurate measurement of the light transport characteristics of a complex scene is an important goal in computer graphics and has applications in relighting and dual photography. However, since the light transport data sets are typically very large, much of the previous research has focused on adaptive algorithms that capture them efficiently. In this work, we propose a novel, non-adaptive algorithm that takes advantage of the compressibility of the light transport signal in a transform domain to capture it with less acquisitions than with standard approaches. To do this, we leverage recent work in the area of compressed sensing, where a signal is reconstructed from a few samples assuming that it is sparse in a transform domain. We demonstrate our approach by performing dual photography and relighting by using a much smaller number of acquisitions than would normally be needed. Because our algorithm is not adaptive, it is also simpler to implement than many of the current approaches.
Dupes and Demagogues: Caroline Krout's Narrative of Civil War Disloyalty

(1999). Dupes and Demagogues: Caroline Krout's Narrative of Civil War Disloyalty. The Historian: Vol. 61, No. 3, pp. 621-638.
On the determination of pollution matrices.

Abstract The problem of the determination of a pollution matrix by experimental means and its use as a practical method of surveillance of the pollution of an atmosphere is studied.
The acute toxicity of drugs acting at cholinoceptive sites and twenty-four hour rhythms in brain acetylcholine.

Acetylcholine (ACh) levels were determined in rat midbrain and caudate nucleus and mouse whole brain in mature animals adapted 3 weeks to a programmed lighting schedule (08:00 to 20:00 h light; 20:00 to 08:00 dark). Peak ACh levels in the rat occurred at 24:00 h; in the mouse the peak at 06:00 h did not differ significantly from values obtained at 24:00 and 12:00 h. Significant trough values occurred at 12:00 h in rat midbrain and at 18:00h in rat caudate nucleus and mouse brain. In mice toxicity of I.V. and I.P. administered ACh is maximal during the dark. Neostigmine, pilocarpine and oxotremorine have toxicity patterns similar to ACh. Carbachol toxicity peaked at 12:00 and 24:00 h. With physostigmine, a tertiary anticholinesterase, peak and trough occurred during the dark. The atropine (I.P.) toxicity rhythm is a mirror image of the cholinomimetic rhythm (except for carbachol). I.V. scopolamine and atropine methyl nitrate patterns resemble atropine's but are less clear-cut. Atropine methyl nitrate pretreatment reduced ACh and physostigmine toxicity but did not alter the overall pattern. Cholinomimetic toxicity and brain ACh patterns are similar, peaking when metabolic activity is maximal. An inverse relationship holds for the anticholinergic drugs. The relationship to central ACh is uncertain.
Fractures in infants: A sign of child abuse

Fractures occurring in children under one year of age were reviewed retrospectively. Forty-nine such patients presented to the emergency department at Children's Hospital of Michigan in 1978. Twenty-two of these fractures were thought to represent physical abuse. Physical abuse was considered when: 1) the history was incompatible, discrepant, variable or unexplained; 2) associated physical findings were present; 3) unusual fractures were present; 4) there was a known history of previous abuse/neglect; 5) there had been delay in seeking medical aid. A suggested method of dealing with this particular type of patient is presented.
The Aspenization of Telluride: Coming of Age and Mythologizing Change in Ski Country, 1945-1985

"Aspenization" is an inherently political term that by the 1980s had evolved into a code word for "selling out" in the American West and elsewhere, yet it is as much a refection of changes that happened to ski bums as they "grew up," or came of age, as it is a refection of growth in a resort community. When we look at the Aspenization of Aspen itself, or of Telluride, we are looking at stories about places that change, but we are also exploring how some people might change, too, as they both grow older and conceptualize and re-conceptualize what particular ages mean when associated with mountain-town lifestyles.
A modification of the time-geographic framework to support temporal flexibility in ‘fixed’ activities

The time-geographic distinction between fixed and flexible activities is widely acknowledged to be a somewhat arbitrary dichotomy but is still the current modus operandi for time-geographic calculations. This paper proposes a modification of the classic time-geographic framework to support temporal flexibility in ‘fixed’ activities. This modification is crucial for time-geographic calculations on public transit networks with a low frequency of service, which would otherwise return unstable results.
A Novel Drosophila Model of Nerve Injury Reveals an Essential Role of Nmnat in Maintaining Axonal Integrity

Summary Axons damaged by acute injury, toxic insults, or during neurodegenerative diseases undergo Wallerian or Wallerian-like degeneration, which is an active and orderly cellular process, but the underlying mechanisms are poorly understood [1–3]. Drosophila has been proven to be a successful system for modeling human neurodegenerative diseases [4, 5]. In this study, we established a novel in vivo model of axon injury using the adult fly wing. The wing nerve highlighted by fluorescent protein markers can be directly visualized in living animals and be precisely severed by a simple wing cut, making it highly suitable for large-scale screening. Using this model, we confirmed an axonal protective function of Wld S and nicotinamide mononucleotide adenylyltransferase (Nmnat) [3]. We further revealed that knockdown of endogenous Nmnat triggered spontaneous, dying-back axon degeneration in vivo. Intriguingly, axonal mitochondria were rapidly depleted upon axotomy or downregulation of Nmnat. The injury-induced mitochondrial loss was dramatically suppressed by upregulation of Nmnat, which also protected severed axons from degeneration. However, when mitochondria were genetically eliminated from axons, upregulation of Nmnat was no longer effective to suppress axon degeneration. Together, these findings demonstrate an essential role of endogenous Nmnat in maintaining axonal integrity that may rely on and function by stabilizing mitochondria.
Octoblepharum pocsii (Calymperaceae), a recently described African moss species new to Laos and Asia

The genus Octoblepharum Hedwig (1801: 50), consisting of 18 accepted species, is mainly distributed in the tropical and subtropical regions of the world, with four species in Africa, one in Asia, and the majority of the species in the Neotropics; it is seldom found in temperate latitudes (Eddy 1990, Salazar-Allen 1991, Magill & Allen 2013).
Effects of α-methyltyrosine on spontaneous and caudate-induced electroencephalographic activity and regional catecholamine concentrations in the cat brain ☆ ☆☆

Abstract Subacute treatment with α-methyltyrosine has been found to cause marked depression of spontaneous electroencephalographic activity in paralyzed, conscious cats. In addition, the duration of electroencephalographic activation produced by stimulation of the mesencephalic reticular formation was greatly reduced. At the same time the induction of electroencephalographic slowing and “spindling” by stimulation of the caudate nucleus was markedly enhanced and suppression of this activity by stimulation of the mesencephalic reticular formation was essentially blocked. The norepinephrine and dopamine content of the cortex, caudate and hypothalamus were determined in these animals. The depleting effects of α-methyltyrosine were found to vary between regions and dopamine was most severely affected. The results suggest that this amine is implicated in the electroencephalographic effects of α-methyltyrosine but at some site other than caudate nucleus.
Maternal concentration of polychlorinated biphenyls and dichlorodiphenyl dichlorethylene and birth weight in Michigan fish eaters: a cohort study

Studies on maternal exposure to polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) reported inconsistent findings regarding birth weight: some studies showed no effect, some reported decreased birth weight, and one study found an increase in weights. These studies used different markers of exposure, such as measurement of PCBs in maternal serum or questionnaire data on fish consumption. Additionally maternal exposures, such as dichlorodiphenyl-dichloroethylene (DDE), which are related to PCB exposure and may interfere with the PCB effect, were rarely taken into account. Between 1973 and 1991, the Michigan Department of Community Health conducted three surveys to assess PCB and DDE serum concentrations in Michigan anglers. Through telephone interviews with parents, we gathered information on the birth characteristics of their offspring, focusing on deliveries that occurred after 1968. We used the maternal organochlorine (OC) measurement closest to the date of delivery as the exposure. Although one mother may have contributed more than one child, serum concentrations derived from measurements in different surveys could vary for different children from the same mother. The maternal DDE and PCB serum concentrations were categorized as follows: 0 -< 5 microg / L, 5 -< 15 microg / L, 15 -< 25 microg / L, ≥25 microg / L. Using repeated measurement models (Generalized Estimation Equation), we estimated the adjusted mean birth weight controlling for gender, birth order, gestational age, date of delivery as well as maternal age, height, education, and smoking status. We identified 168 offspring who were born after 1968 and had maternal exposure information. We found a reduced birth weight for the offspring of mothers who had a PCB concentration ≥25 microg / L (adjusted birth weight = 2,958 g, p = 0.022). This group, however, was comprised of only seven observations. The association was not reduced when we excluded preterm deliveries. The birth weight of offspring was increased in women with higher DDE concentrations when controlling for PCBs; however, this association was not statistically significant. Our results contribute to the body of evidence that high maternal serum PCB concentration may reduce the birth weight in offspring. However, only a small proportion of mothers may actually be exposed to PCB concentrations ≥25 microg / L.
Virtual Electrode–Induced Phase Singularity: A Basic Mechanism of Defibrillation Failure

Delivery of a strong electric shock to the heart remains the only effective therapy against ventricular fibrillation. Despite significant improvements in implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) therapy, the fundamental mechanisms of defibrillation remain poorly understood. We have recently demonstrated that a monophasic defibrillation shock produces a highly nonuniform epicardial polarization pattern, referred to as a virtual electrode pattern (VEP). The VEP consists of large adjacent areas of strong positive and negative polarization. We sought to determine whether the VEP may be responsible for defibrillation failure by creating dispersion of postshock repolarization and reentry. Truncated exponential biphasic and monophasic shocks were delivered from a bipolar ICD lead in Langendorff-perfused rabbit hearts. Epicardial electrical activity was mapped during and after defibrillation shocks and shocks applied at the plateau phase of a normal action potential produced by ventricular pacing. A high-resolution fluorescence mapping system with 256 recording sites and a voltage-sensitive dye were used. Biphasic shocks with a weak second phase ( 70%) produced VEPs of reversed polarity. Both of these waveforms resulted in extra beats and arrhythmias. However, biphasic waveforms with intermediate second-phase voltages (20% to 70% of first-phase voltage) produced no VEP, because of an asymmetric reversal of the first-phase polarization. Therefore, there was no substrate for postshock dispersion of repolarization. Shocks producing strong VEPs resulted in postshock reentrant arrhythmias via a mechanism of phase singularity. Points of phase singularity were created by the shock in the intersection of areas of positive, negative, and no polarization, which were set by the shock to excited, excitable, and refractory states, respectively. Shock-induced VEPs may reinduce arrhythmias via a phase-singularity mechanism. Strong shocks may overcome the preshock electrical activity and create phase singularities, regardless of the preshock phase distribution. Optimal defibrillation waveforms did not produce VEPs because of an asymmetric effect of phase reversal on membrane polarization.
Sensitivity of three-component 3D finite-difference elastic seismic modeling to inclusion parameters in HTI and TTI media with high inclusion density

Parameters associated with the presence of inclusions (cracks or vugs) significantly influence seismic responses. The T-matrix method is used to define approximate anisotropic effective elastic stiffness tensors for media with inclusions. This allows 3D, three-component, eighth-order staggered-grid finite-difference modeling to simulate the seismic responses of anisotropic media with high inclusion density, various aspect ratios, spatial distributions and orientations of inclusions, and fluid content. The model parameters are chosen to represent aligned inclusions ranging from vertical cracks to vugs in a carbonate reservoir encased in clastics. The magnitude of anisotropy increases with increasing inclusion density for P- and S-waves. Cracks in a high-velocity carbonate reduce the stiffnesses and correspondingvelocities; this results in smaller contrasts with the surrounding (lower-stiffness) clastics and, hence, smaller reflection coefficients. S-wave splitting and the anisotropy of VP ∕ VS are clearly ...
On the Capacity of Multihop Slotted ALOHA Networks with Regular Structure

In this paper we investigate the capacity of networks with a regular structure operating under the slotted ALOHA access protocol. We first consider circular (loop) and linear (bus) networks and then proceed to two-dimensional networks. For one-dimensional networks we find that the capacity is basically independent of the network average degree and is almost constant with respect to network size. For two-dimensional networks we find that the capacity grows in proportion to the square root of the number of nodes in the network provided that the average degree is kept small. Furthermore, we find that reducing the average degree (with certain connectivity restrictions) allows a higher throughput to be achieved. We also investigate some of the peculiarities of routing in these networks.
Effects of Topiramate on Language Functions

Investigators at Chonbuk National University Medical School, Korea, report the effects of topiramate on language functions in 38 newly diagnosed epileptic patients, mean age 10 +/- 2 years and 8 months.
EXPLAINING THE ASSOCIATION BETWEEN RATES OF IN‐MIGRATION AND OUT‐MIGRATION

A positive association between rates of in-migration and out-migration across locations has long been observed. This apparent paradox has usually been attributed to the impact of in-migration on population composition. We argue here that the intrinsic structure of population dynamics may also induce this effect, and we develop a formal model of this process. Empirical analyses using migration data for states in the U.S. over 1955–1960, 1965–1970, and 1975–1980 show that the intrinsic mechanism may swamp the compositional effect.
High Level Test Generation via Process Composition

Specification driven design is gaining increasing popularity within the VLSI design community, mainly to contain the design complexity and capitalize on hierarchical and modular design techniques. Functional and behavioral abstraction and transformational approach to synthesis provide direct evidence to it. The notion of testing however, has not received sufficient attention in specification driven design environment. In this paper we shall introduce the notion of testing in the specification domain and investigate fault abstraction and high level test generation from abstract specifications. The approach taken by us consists of fault injection at the structural specification level, inferring the behavioral consequence of structural faults through process composition, and designing a tester process to distinguish the correct and faulty behaviors.
Rapid chiral separation methods development by cyclodextrin-mediated capillary electrophoresis for acidic and basic compounds.

Chiral separation methods development using conventional techniques such as GC or HPLC requires a lot of experience, effort, and expense, due to the wide diversity of the optically active solutes and their possible chiral selectors. Capillary electrophoresis has received increased attention as an alternative technique for chiral separation due to its inherent high efficiencies and ease of methods development. However, due to the wide variety of chiral selectors available in CE, the benefits of this technique might be diminished without an appropriate methods development scheme. In this paper detailed examples are shown for fast, efficient, and predictable chiral capillary electrophoresis separation methods development based on a new and systematic theory. Optimized separations and their parameters are presented for several enantiomeric acids and bases. All the three possible cases, such as the use of low and high pH, as well as pH = pK buffer systems are thoroughly discussed. © 1995 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Reproducibility of an Indirect Immunofluorescent-Antibody Technique for Capsular Serotyping of Klebsiella pneumoniae

Reproducibility of capsular serotypes of 55 consecutive clinical isolates of Klebsiella pneumoniae was evaluated by an indirect immunofluorescent-antibody technique previously described by Riser et al. (J. Clin. Pathol. 29: 296-304, 1976) Five colonies per specimen were examined for colony-to-colony variation, day-to-day variation, and reader-to-reader variation. Seventy-two reference strains were tested with each of 18 pools and 72 specific antisera prior to the clinical specimens to determine antiserum specificity and cross-reaction patterns. Lot-to-lot variation was examined with the reference strains. There was minimal lot-to-lot variation among the antisera tested. Ten antiserum pools required supplementation with individual antisera. The patterns of supplementation may vary from lot to lot. Colony-to-colony variation in intensity of immunofluorescence occurred, but there was no variation in serotype. These findings differ from previously reported colonial variation which occurred when API 20E biotypes were determined for individual colonies of K. pneumoniae directly from clinical specimens. Eighteen percent of clinical isolates studied gave cross-reactions when tested with the indicated specific antiserum. All but one of the cross-reactions were resolved with further dilutions. Day-to-day and reader-to-reader variations were minimal. The immunofluorescent-antibody technique is a reliable and reproducible method for capsular serotype determination. Capsular serotypes are less variable than API biotypes since colony-to-colony variation of serotype does not occur.
SEX DIFFERENCES IN PERCEPTUAL MOTOR DEVELOPMENT

Sitmmary.-Developmental patterns of perceptual motor functions of kindergarten-age children were studied in 16 boys and 34 girls. Perceptual motor differences found in 4%-yr.-old youngsters tend to persist at the 5-yr, level. Significant sex differences were found, with the boys maturing more rapidly during the 9-mo. interval of test-retest but never reaching the developmental levels of the girls on any perceptual tasks. Implications for educators concern planning more effectively for perceptual motor readiness as a prerequisite to the reading experience and changing the programming for boys and girls. Perceptual development in children differs in the rate of change and hierarchical organization of modalities. These differences are derived from biological, experiential, and psychological factors. Comparisons of the normal population with the brain-damaged confirm the view that elaboration of intersensory relations represents a set of developmental fiinctions, showing age specific characteristics and markedly regular curves of growth (Birch, 1964). Maturation is largely a process of integration and differentiation (Wapner & Werner, 1957). The young child has difficulry spacing figures on paper as well as perceiving and reproducing configurations (Bender, 1938). The child of five or older whose percepmal motor performance is rather primitive, i.e., the child who has trouble strucniring patterns, is the one liable to have reading problems. Estimates are that three to seven times as many boys as girls have reading and language problems (Gates, 1961). The incidence of premaruricy, brain damage, infant mortality, and death during the first year of life are higher in the male popolation (Knobloch & Pasamanick, 1963). Bayley and Schaefer ( 1964) observed that males are Inore often permanently affected than females in both the emotional and intellecn~al aspects of adjustment and growth. Our available data on sex differences tend to underestimate the problem because the intellectual tests we use are purposely designed to avoid discrimination between boys and girls, with possible bias favoring boys (Waetjen & Grambs, 1963). If in the male population, the emergence of the integrative process is even minimally delayed, the dangers would be greatest when the developn~ental en'This invesr~,qr~on is supported by Grant No. 6-8275, Dept of Health. Education, and Welfare, U. S Olf~ce of Education, Division of Handicapped Children and Youth. The data were collecred as preliminary information needed for the research. 'Data used in this study have been deposited with the American Documentation Institute, Auxiliary Publications Project, Photodupl~car~on Service, Library of Congress, Washington, D. C. 20540. Order Document No 8895, remitting $1.25 for 35-mm. microfilm or photocopies. "The author wishes to express her appreciat~on to Mr. James F. Gray, principal and to Eleanor Menatd and Mary Ransford, teachers of the Quaker Ridge School, Scarsdale, New York, and to Dr. Stanley Lieberfreund of Teachers College for his guidance.
Testosterone, Androstenedione and Dehydroepiandrosterone in Plasma During Pregnancy and at Delivery: Concentration and Protein Binding

ABSTRACT Pregnancy produces a significant (p <0.01) increase in the concentration of testosterone (T) in plasma (nonpregnant females 49 ±13; pregnant females 114 ±38 mμg/100 ml), a nonsignificant increase in the androstenedione (A) concentration (nonpregnant 181 ±59; pregnant 249 ±82 mμg/100 ml) and a nonsignificant decrease in the dehydroepiandrosterone (D) concentration (nonpregnant 502 ±88; pregnant 363 ±233 mμg/100 ml). There was no correlation between fetal sex and maternal concentration of T and D. Mothers bearing a male fetus tended to have Δ values higher than those of mothers bearing a female fetus; the difference, however, was not significant. At delivery, the plasma concentrations of Δ and D were significantly higher than those during pregnancy, while the plasma concentration of T was similar. In every instance, the concentrations of T, Δ and D in the plasma of cord vein were lower than those of the corresponding maternal plasma. There was no correlation between the sex of the newborn and the c...
A comprehensive model of mentor experiences: Perceptions, strategies, and outcomes

To date, little is understood about the mentors’ experience of mentoring at-risk youth. The current study sought to enrich this understanding by exploring how mentors within a structured mentoring community perceive their experience and determining what strategies they employ to optimally navigate their mentoring relationship. Due to the need to cultivate a deeper understanding, the present study utilized grounded theory methodology to uncover common themes within the experience. Data from focus group transcripts and written reflections of 123 mentors resulted in a comprehensive model of mentor experiences, including a largely positive experience in which mentors hold perceptions of themselves, their mentee, the mentoring relationship, and the mentoring program–Campus Corps: Therapeutic Mentoring for At-Risk Youth. Mentors described a series of strategies utilized during the experience and described potential outcomes of mentoring youth. Results hold important implications for mentors and programs struggling to recruit, support, or sustain mentors. C
Genetic diversity and population structure of Eurasian populations of reed canarygrass: cytotypes, cultivars, and interspecific hybrids

Reed canarygrass (Phalaris arundinacea L.) is an important forage crop and potential biofuel feedstock due to its wide environmental adaptation. The P. arundinacea ‘species complex’ is made up of three cytotypes, 2x, 4x, and 6x, with the 4x cytotype (P. arundinacea L.) most common. Active breeding programs have developed cultivars since the early 20th Century, but little is known about the genetics of the species complex. With the aid of DNA markers, we evaluated the population structure of 83 wild accessions collected throughout Eurasia, 24 cultivars, and the genetic relationship between 4x and 6x cytotypes. Seven subpopulations were present in Europe with a high level of admixture, suggesting that reed canarygrass germplasm has spread throughout Eurasia, either naturally or by humans for use in agriculture. Our results indicate that cultivars have incorporated much of the diversity found in wild populations, although modern low-alkaloid cultivars appear to come from a relatively small gene pool. We also found some evidence that the 6x cytotype is made up of three sub-genomes that are a combination of genomes present in 4x P. arundinacea and 4x P. aquatica, although the 6x cytotype does not appear to be a direct hybrid between the species.
COMPARISON OF RESULTS OF THE HURRICANE DEBBIE (1969) MODIFICATION EXPERIMENTS WITH THOSE FROM ROSENTHAL'S NUMERICAL MODEL SIMULATION EXPERIMENTS

Abstract Comparison of the wind-speed profiles, the outer wind envelopes, pressure changes, and possibly the temperature differences that characterized hurricane Debbie before, during, and after the Project STORMFURY seeding experiments of August 18 and 20, 1969, with those calculated in the model simulation experiments of Rosenthal reveals many similarities. Some of the excessive diminution of wind speed noted following the experiment of August 18 may have been due to the vigor and proximity of a synoptic scale trough that appeared to interfere with the upper level diffluent flow from the hurricane.
More on Q-Analysis

We go now to more applied matters. In view of much recent work on “transmutation” involving q-special functions (see e.g. [24, 25, 135, 153, 402, 403, 404, 405, 406, 411, 493], without any reference to our exten-sive theory in [76, 110, 111, 112, 113, 114], we feel obliged to look at this subject again with a view toward extending some previous work to a quantum group context. Thus we recall first some basic ideas from Section 1.1.1 and [400, 402, 411].
Carotid plaque assessment: a bumpy road to improved risk prediction.

We congratulate Nambi et al. ([1][1]) on their study of improved prediction of coronary heart disease (CHD) risk by including the information on carotid plaque presence in the ARIC (Atherosclerosis Risk In Communities) study. Inclusion of plaque in the risk prediction model reclassified over 10% of
Reputation, Incentives, and Managerial Decision

This paper reviews the biases induced by managers' incentives to build his reputation or that of his firm and the resulting distortions in investment and operating decisions. This essay argues that reputation incentives can influence the initiation and termination of projects, the degree of conservatism, the timing of resolution of uncertainty and of cash flows, and conformist versus deviant behavior.
AGE-RELATED RISK FACTORS FOR PERIPHERAL ARTERIAL DISEASE ARE NOT CREATED EQUAL

The differential weight of risk factors for peripheral arterial disease (PAD) across the age spectrum is not well established. We studied 3,509,697 U.S. adults who self-referred for PAD screening from 2003-2008 (Life Line Screening Inc., Independence, Ohio). Subjects completed a medical/lifestyle
ROOM TEMPERATURE STRENGTH AND FRACTURE OF FeAl AND NiAl.

The yield strengths (Oy) of FeA1 and NiAl of various aluminum concentrations were measured as a function of grain size, d, and the results fitted to ay = (Yo + kd- 1 / 2 . It was found that for NiAI the lattice resistance (ao) and Hall-Petch slope (k) have minima at the stoichiometric composition and increase with decreasing aluminum concentration, whereas for FeAl these parameters have maxima at the stoichiometric composition and decrease off this composition. In tension tests, iron-rich FeAl was shown to be ductile whereas the stoichiometric alloy is brittle. In contrast, stoichiometric NiAl shows ductility but off-stoichiometric compositions are brittle. The fracture modes of the FeAl and NiAl are predominantly intergranular at the stoichiometric compositions and become increasingly transgranular with decreasing aluminum concentration.
Alteration of Bone’s Nonlinear Elastic and Viscoelastic Nanomechanical Properties Is Triggered by Low Intensity Pulsed Ultrasound

Dynamic mechanotransduction, particularly under high frequency, low amplitude signals, has been proven effective in mediating bone loss and improving mechanical strength for tissues affected by estrogen deficient osteopenia. Ultrasound, which behaves as an alternating pressure wave in bone, may offer an effective, non-invasive technology for delivery of anabolic signals. In vitro, dynamic mechanical signals delivered using ultrasound have been shown to increase osteoblast proliferation [1], and in vivo studies have established ultrasound as an effective treatment for delayed and non-union fractures [2]. Previously, we showed that ultrasound signals similar to those currently used in a clinical setting for fracture healing were effective in mediating decreases in bone volume and mechanical strength at the millimeter length-scale in response to estrogen deficient osteopenia [3]. Due to bone’s inherent viscoelasticity and the dynamic nature of the applied ultrasound signals, it is particularly important to consider both elastic and viscous components of bone’s adaptive response to applied loads. In light of these findings, the goal of this study was to determine the role of therapeutic ultrasound signal intensity in modulating changes in bone’s nanoscale elastic and viscoelastic material properties associated with estrogen deficient osteopenia. We hypothesize that bone is sensitive to dynamic mechanical signals delivered via ultrasound and that bone’s tissue level nano-scale material properties, particularly nonlinear viscoelastic properties, are sensitive to ultrasound signal intensity.Copyright © 2009 by ASME