cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Neuronal-associated tumor necrosis factor (TNFα): its role in noradrenergic functioning and modification of its expression following antidepressant drug administration

Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF alpha) and the alpha 2-adrenergic agonist clonidine regulate norepinephrine (NE) release from noradrenergic nerve terminals in the central nervous system (CNS). In the present study, superfusion and electrical field stimulation were applied to a series of rat hippocampal brain slices in order to investigate the regulation of [3H]-NE release. NE release had been previously determined to be decreased by TNF alpha in a concentration-dependent manner, an effect which was potentiated by the alpha 2-adrenergic antagonist idazoxan. Presently, we demonstrate that similar to alpha 2-adrenergic activation, TNF alpha regulation of NE release in a region of the brain rich in noradrenergic nerve terminals, is dependent upon the frequency of electrical stimulation applied to the hippocampal slice. Furthermore, immunoperoxidase staining has verified our previous findings of constitutive TNF alpha protein in the rat brain. Staining for TNF alpha appears to be largely localized to neurons and neuronal processes, further substantiating the proposal that TNF alpha is either synthesized de novo or is accumulated in and released by neurons. After administration of the tricyclic antidepressant desipramine, tissue sections obtained from the rat hippocampus and locus coeruleus are devoid of neuronal-associated TNF alpha immunoreactivity. TNF alpha localization in neurons and its modification of NE release comparable to alpha 2-adrenergic receptor activation, explains a functional role for the cytokine as a neuromodulator in the CNS.
The Influence of Heritage Language and Public Schools on Chinese American Children's Biliteracy Development

This article investigated four Chinese American students' biliteracy development in two contexts: their heritage language school and public school. Data were collected through participant observations, audio-recorded classroom interactions, student work samples, and semistructured interviews. Findings demonstrated how literacy instruction across languages and contexts helped to pave a path to biliteracy development. In addition, this study explored the influence of literacy instruction across languages and contexts and their effect on the focal students' biliteracy development. The study illustrated how cultural factors shaped literacy instruction across languages and contexts. Finally, pedagogical implications were also discussed.
Navigation accuracy analysis for the Halley flyby phase of a dual comet mission using ion drive

A dual comet (Halley Flyby/Tempel 2 Rendezvous) mission, making use of the solar electric propulsion system, is under consideration for a 1985 launch. This paper presents navigation accuracy analysis results for the Halley flyby phase of this mission. Orbit determination and guidance accuracies are presented for the baseline navigation strategy, along with the results of a number of sensitivity studies involving parameters such as data frequencies, data accuracies, ion drive thrust vector errors, comet ephemeris uncertainties, time lags associated with data processing and command sequence generation, probe release time, and navigation coast arc duration.
Characterization of the work–time relationship during cross-country ski ergometry

The purpose of this study was to examine the validity and reliability of estimated parameters of the work-time relationship during cross-country ski ergometry using the traditional multi-trial critical power (CP) test and a 3 min 'all-out' test (3MT). Fourteen recreationally active male participants (mean ± SD; age: 22.14 ± 2.85 yrs; height: 177.09 ± 6.57 cm; weight: 85.68 ± 13.56 kg) completed three testing visits. All testing was conducted using an upper-body ergometer (SkiErg, Concept2, Inc., Morrisville, VT). A graded exercise test was used to determined maximal oxygen uptake (VO2peak). Two separate 3MT sessions were used to determine oxygen uptake (VO23MT), end-test power (EP), work above end-test power (WEP) and end stroke rate (ESR). Additionally, three time trials completed in a single day at simulated distances of 300 m, 650 m and 1000 m were used to estimate CP, W' and critical stroke rate (CSR). VO2peak (3.65 ± 0.50 l · min(-1)) and VO23MT (3.59 ± 0.4 l · min(-1)) were not significantly different (p = 0.162). Intraclass correlation coefficients for EP, WEP and ESR were 0.809, 0.611 and 0.783, respectively. EP (148 ± 33 W) and CP (157 ± 49 W), were not significantly different between the testing methodologies (p = 0.290) and were highly correlated (r = 0.780). WEP (8.4 ± 3.0 kJ) and W' (8.3 ± 3.0 kJ) were similar (p = 0.947) but not related (r = 0.119), while ESR (45 ± 7 spm) and CSR (47 ± 7 spm) values were not significantly different (p = 0.238) and moderately correlated (r = 0.498). The 3MT using ski ergometry was shown to produce concurrently valid results with the traditional multi-trial CP test for CP and CSR, but not W', and elicited similar maximal oxygen uptake values when compared to a graded exercise test.
Husbandry and breeding of the Pampas cat Oncifelis colocolo at Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden

In 1972 Cincinnati Zoo received a pair of Pampas cats Oncifelis colocolo from Paraguay, and in 1981 a second ♂ was transferred to the Zoo. Since 1974 31 kittens (10.6.15) have been born at the Zoo in 23 litters. Because ♀♀ appear to be particularly sensitive to disturbances when rearing, a management protocol for the seclusion of ♂ cats has been developed. A pair is housed in the exhibit for 65 days, after which the ♂ is transferred to an off-exhibit enclosure for the next 90 days. This paper describes the husbandry, enclosure, diet and veterinary care of the species at the Zoo and details the management and behaviour of breeding pairs.
Selective Gas Adsorption in the Flexible Metal–Organic Frameworks Cu(BDTri)L (L=DMF, DEF)

Use of the ditopic ligand 1,4-benzenedi(1H-1,2,3-triazole) (H2BDTri) enabled isolation of two new three-dimensional metal–organic frameworks of formulae Cu(BDTri)L in which L=DMF (1) and diethylformamide (DEF; 2). These compounds have the same primary structure, featuring one-dimensional channels with the bridging DMF or DEF molecules pointing into the cavity. Upon exposure to solvent vapors, both display a reversible flexibility, as characterized by single-crystal to single-crystal phase transitions in 1. The O{sub 2} adsorption isotherms for the compounds show a two-step adsorption behavior associated with a permanent microporosity and a pore-opening process. In the case of N2 adsorption, only 1 exhibits a two-step adsorption isotherm, whereas 2 does not present any pore opening, demonstrating that design of a flexible framework cavity can control the pore opening and thereby possibly enhance O{sub 2}/N{sub 2} separation.
Microdata Simulation Modeling After Twenty Years.

This article describes and assesses the development of a major evaluation and policy research tool-microdata simulation modeling-over the past two decades. The method of microdata simulation modeling is described and its reliance on the development of large, nationally weighted household surveys is noted. After a brief tracing of the history of this evaluation method from the first-generation static models to dynamic models, to models with economic behavior imbedded in them, and to applied general equilibrium models, the problems and prospects of the technique are assessed. The analytic gains in richness and reliability are cited, as are the offsetting problems of cost, complexity, and the reliability of the underlying microdata and behavioral response junctions. The discussion concludes with an examination of the effect of this War on Poverty-stimulated research method on the development of the social sciences.
Numerous isoforms of Fgf8 reflect its multiple roles in the developing brain

Soluble growth factors play an important role in the coordination and integration of cell proliferation, differentiation, fate determination, and morphogenesis during development of multicellular organisms. Fibroblast growth factors (FGFs) are a large family of polypeptide growth factors that are present in organisms ranging from nematodes to humans. RNA alternative splicing of FGFs and their receptors further enhances the complexity of this ligand-receptor system. The mouse Fgf8 gene produces eight splice variants, which encode isoform proteins with different N-termini and distinct receptor-binding affinity and biological activity. In this article, we review the roles of Fgf8 in vertebrate development and summarize the recent findings on the in vivo function of different Fgf8 splice variants. We propose that multiple Fgf8 isoform proteins act in concert to regulate the overall function of Fgf8 and account for the diverse and essential role of Fgf8 during vertebrate development.
Nomenclatural changes in some intermountain penstemons (Scrophulariaceae)

Fifteen new combinations and one new binomial inPenstemon, to be used in a floristic treatment of the genus in theIntermountain Flora, are published herewith.
Stock-based incentives and investment decisions: A comment

Abstract Bizjak, Brickley, and Coles (1993) study how asymmetric information affects investment decisions when firms use stock-based compensation. A model is developed where suboptimal investment results from compensation plans overemphasizing current stock return. Empirical results show that companies with higher information asymmetries have CEO compensation emphasizing equity ownership relative to salary and bonus incentives. Surprisingly, they also show that CEO compensation in firms with higher information asymmetries is more weakly associated with stock performance than compensation in lower asymmetry firms. In my comments, I identify concerns about the model, the empirical tests, and the relation between the two.
Modeling of high velocity impact of spherical particles

Abstract A systematic analysis of a single copper particle impacting a semi-infinite copper substrate was carried out for initial impact velocities ranging between 100 m/s and 700 m/s by using the finite element method. Capability of and various issues related to: modeling in a Lagrangian reference frame; modeling using adaptive remeshing in an ALE reference frame; and, modeling considering material failure in a Lagrangian reference frame, are discussed. The Lagrangian approach with material failure is found effective in describing material behavior under high deformations and preventing excessive distortion of the mesh. It is found that at fast impact velocities the particle–substrate interface continuously undergoes shear failure as the particle penetrates into substrate. A lip which mostly contains failed material is formed as a result of localized deformation. Plastic deformation is confined to a small volume around the impact zone. Maximum strain is developed at the surface of particle and substrate. Compressive residual stresses are generated below the impact site after particle rebound, and higher impact velocities result in deeper compressive layers and somewhat larger stresses. A notable similarity in deformation patterns is observed between the impacts of 50 μm and 5 mm particles. Smaller particles are found to behave slightly stiffer than larger particles because of the strain-rate effects.
Cancer incidence patterns among adolescents and young adults in the United States

Objective The purpose of this study was to examine age-specific cancer incidence patterns among adolescents and young adults (ages 15–49).
Accessibility of Nucleosomal DNA to V(D)J Cleavage Is Modulated by RSS Positioning and HMG1

B and T cell receptor gene assembly by V(D)J recombination is tightly regulated during lymphoid development. The mechanisms involved in this regulation are poorly understood. Here we show that nucleosomal DNA is refractory to V(D)J cleavage. However, the presence of HMG1, a chromatin-associated nonhistone DNA-binding protein, stimulates V(D)J cleavage of nucleosomal templates. This HMG1 stimulation is differentially affected by the rotational or translational positioning of the recombination signal sequence on the histone octamer, with cleavage of the 12 bp spacer RSS showing sensitivity to rotational position and the 23 bp spacer RSS affected by its displacement from the dyad. These results suggest that V(D)J recombination can be modulated by controlling substrate accessibility and cleavage at the level of an individual nucleosome.
Patency of the ductus arteriosus in adults

Abstract 1. 1. Brief notes are given on 57 adults, with post-mortem examinations, who had simple, typical patency of the ductus arteriosus. A few data are presented on 10 adults with atyical patency of the ductus arteriosus. 2. 2. Case reports are presented on four adult patients, with post-mortem examinations, who had simple patency of the ductus arteriosus. 3. 3. In simple patency of the ductus arteriosus the cause of death was subacute bacterial endarteritis in over 40 per cent of the cases; 28 per cent died of congestive failure. Death resulted from rupture of a pulmonary aneurysm in two cases (3.3 per cent). 4. 4. After the age of 17 years, patency of the ductus arteriosus was associated with an average reduction of life expectancy of about 25 years; this is about half the life expectancy of the general population. In the majority of cases the patient's life is fairly normal while it lasts. 5. 5. Both right- and left-sided cardiac hypertrophy occurred in these cases, but there was no enlargement in at least 10 per cent. Pulmonary aneurysms occurred in about 15 per cent. Atheromata and calcareous plaques occurred frequently, and the aorta was involved almost as often as the pulmonary artery. 6. 6. In these adults the ductus was usually short, and, in some cases, was represented by a fistula-like communication between the aorta and pulmonary artery. Difficult or even inoperable conditions occurred in about 17 per cent of the cases. The aortic orifice is usually larger than the pulmonary orifice. 7. 7. A correct diagnosis of patency of the ductus can generally be made without great difficulty, but in some cases the condition cannot be recognized because of the complete absence of any murmur. 8. 8. Among adults with simple patency of the ductus arteriosus, women predominate, representing about three-fourths of the cases. In atypical patency, however, this sex ratio seems to be reversed. 9. 9. From analysis of the available data it is concluded that an attempt at ligation of the ductus is justifiable in spite of the absence of signs of decreasing adjustment to the defect. In must be expected that, in adults, difficult or impossible operative conditions will occur frequently.
Whole-rock/groundmass differentiation trends of rare earth elements in high-silica rhyolites

Abstract Whole-rock/groundmass differentiation trends of three series of high-silica rhyolites from northern Mexico and west Texas contrast with that of the Bishop Tuff of California. Together, the four rock series cover a complete spectrum of trends from one where all REE increase with differentiation (peralkaline series of the Chinati Mountains, Texas) to one where all except Ce decrease with fractionation (Batopilas, Mexico). The various differentiation trends reflect different accessory mineral assemblages and different apparent partition coefficient patterns of major mafic phenocrysts. The light REE decrease during differentiation in rock series where mafic phenocrysts and accessory phases are relatively enriched in the light REE ( e.g. , metaluminous series of the Chinati Mountains and the Bishop Tuff). In series that lack light REE-enriched accessory minerals and contain minerals with maxima in their partition coefficient patterns in the middle and heavy REE ( e.g. , zircon, apatite, and hornblende), the middle and heavy REE in the rock series decrease with fractionation ( e.g. , Batopilas). Finally, in rock series that lack abundant REE-enriched accessory minerals and that have relatively small partition coefficients for the major mafic minerals, the REE increase with differentiation ( e.g. , peralkaline series of the Chinati Mountains).
The learning classifier system: an evolutionary computation approach to knowledge discovery in epidemiologic surveillance

The learning classifier system (LCS) integrates a rule-based system with reinforcement learning and genetic algorithm-based rule discovery. This investigation reports on the design, implementation, and evaluation of EpiCS, a LCS adapted for knowledge discovery in epidemiologic surveillance. Using data from a large, national child automobile passenger protection program, EpiCS was compared with C4.5 and logistic regression to evaluate its ability to induce rules from data that could be used to classify cases and to derive estimates of outcome risk, respectively. The rules induced by EpiCS were less parsimonious than those induced by C4.5, but were potentially more useful to investigators in hypothesis generation. Classification performance of C4.5 was superior to that of EpiCS (P<0.05). However, risk estimates derived by EpiCS were significantly more accurate than those derived by logistic regression (P<0.05).
Ion dependence of the tarsal sugar receptor of the blowfly Phormia regina

The activity of the tarsal sugar receptor is greatly reduced following prolonged water exposure. The animal's behavior, which characteristically reflects receptor input, also shows decreased acceptance of sucrose solutions following prolonged tarsal immersion in deionized water. Long exposure of the tarsi to Bodenstein's saline instead of water does not produce as large a decrement in the acceptance response as does water exposure. Recovery of the behavioral response occurs spontaneously after a few hours. The original response level can also be restored immediately if a moderate concentration (0.05 to 0.2 M) of KCl or NaCl is added to the sucrose stimulus. The effect of LiCl is ambiguous: it inhibits the normal sucrose response, thereby tending to mask any restorative effects. The electrophysiological data show that the cellular response level is also restored when Na+ or K+ ions are present in the stimulus. The above data are interpreted to mean that the effect of tarsal water exposure is to slowly leach out ions in the effective extracellular fluid surrounding the receptor membrane, thus lowering the membrane potential and deceasing the receptor potential upon stimulation. The fact that Na+ and K+ when supplied in the stimulating solution temporarily restore the original response level suggests that these extrinsically added ions can be used as current carrying ions to depolarize the cell. The data suggest that the sensillum contains three functional compartments interconnected by partial diffusion barriers: (1) a ‘receptor compartment’ (2) an axial cylinder which contains the dendrites and functions as the immediate extracellular ion source, and (3) a larger axial cylinder which serves as an ion reservoir. A method for statistically analyzing behavioral acceptance data is presented.
Excimer laser deposition of hydroxyapatite thin films.

Abstract We have demonstrated a new and simple in situ method to fabricate adherent and dense hydroxyapatite (HA) coatings at relatively low deposition temperatures (500–600°C). Under optimum processing conditions, the HA coatings possess a nominal Ca:P ratio of 1.65 and exhibit a fully crystalline single-phase structure. This deposition technique is based on the application of a pulsed excimer laser (wavelength A = 248 nm, pulse duration τ = 25 × 10−9 s) to ablate a dense stoichiometric HA target. The HA target was prepared by standard ceramic coprecipitation techniques followed by cold pressing and further sintering at 1200°C in air. High substrate temperatures (⪰600°C) during film deposition led to phosphorus deficient coatings because of re-evaporation of phosphorus during the deposition process. The stabilization of various calcium and phosphorus phases in the film was controlled by a number of process parameters such as substrate temperature, chamber pressure and presence of water vapour in the chamber. This is particularly advantageous for production of HA coatings, since it is known that HA decomposes at high temperatures due to the uncertainty in the starting material stoichiometry. Rutherford backscattering spectrometry, energy dispersive X-ray analysis, transmission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction techniques were employed to determine the structure-processing relationships. Qualitative scratch measurements were conducted to determine the adhesion strength of the films.
Effects of Guided Programming Instruction on the Transfer of Analogical Reasoning

This study investigated two effects of using guided programming instruction to train analogical reasoning within a classroom setting. The first effect investigated the far transfer of such instruction on general analogical reasoning development, as measured by a test associated with general analogical reasoning. The second effect investigated the near transfer of such instruction on a related computer programming skill—the reuse of subprocedures between programming problems. To provide general analogical reasoning training within a guided programming environment, the study incorporated Swan and Black's suggested pedagogical components for the effective transfer of cognitive skills from programming, and Sternberg's component processes of analogical reasoning. Far transfer results indicated significant interaction between a student's college year and the experimental treatment, with guided programming instruction facilitating the performance of college freshman, and hindering the performance of college juni...
Gender, Self-Employment, and Earnings The Interlocking Structures of Family and Professional Status

Using data from the 1979 to 1998 waves of the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth, the author explores how gender, family, and class alter the impact of self-employment on earnings. Fixed-effect regression results show that while self-employment positively influences men’s earnings, not all women similarly benefit. Professionals receive the same self-employment earnings premium, regardless of gender. However, self-employment in nonprofessional occupations negatively affects women’s earnings, with wives and mothers incurring the greatest penalties. The high concentration of nonprofessional self-employed women in child care accounts for much of these penalties. Results are robust despite inclusion of controls for human capital and labor supply, job characteristics, occupational and industrial gender segregation, and demographic characteristics. The compensating differentials argument, that women with greater family responsibilities trade earnings for the family-friendly aspects of self-employment, is disc...
Social Class and Labor Process in the Determination of a 'Peasantry' in Northern Mexico:

Description des transformations du travail et de la production agricole des annees 1880 a 1980 dans la communaute paysanne de Namiquipa (Chihuahua, Nord du Mexique). Enumeration des caracteristiques des categories sociales de travailleurs agricoles. Puis, en tenant compte de l'organisation culturelle, des procedes de production agricole, l'A. defie certaines conclusions de l'hypothese dualiste fonctionnelle.
Escherichia coli aminodeoxychorismate synthase: analysis of pabB mutations affecting catalysis and subunit association.

Abstract p-Aminobenzoic acid (PABA), an essential component of the vitamin folic acid, is derived from the aromatic branch-point precursor chorismate in two steps. 4-Amino-4-deoxychorismate (ADC) synthase converts chorismate and glutamine to ADC and glutamate, and is composed of two subunits, PabA and PabB. While various experiments have suggested that PabA and PabB act as a complex, attempts to isolate the intact complex have failed. We report here the first successful copurification of PabA and PabB by gel filtration chromatography. The association of PabA and PabB is greatly enhanced by the presence of 5 mM glutamine, and by preincubation at 37°C. Conversely, the association is greatly reduced at cold temperatures. We also report the isolation and characterization of both chemically induced and site-directed mutations in PabB. Mutated PabB enzymes fall into three categories according to their properties: deficiency of chorismate amination coupled with failure to associate with PabA, deficiency of chorismate amination coupled with retention of PabA association, and competency of chorismate amination with failure of PabA association.
NEW ALGAL SPECIES RECORD FOR COLORADO1

SUMMARY Colonies of the alga Nostoc parmeloides Kutzing 1843, containing midge larvae, were collected from Bellows Creek in the southwestern mountains of Colorado near Creede, Mineral County, on February 27, 1970. G. W. Prescott verified the algal identification and confirmed it as a new species record for Colorado. The Nostoc-midge combination has been definitely identified in 8 other Colorado mountain streams. The streams are located in various sections of Colorado above 2333 m; distribution may be statewide.
Genomic Applications in Pharmacogenomics

Pharmacogenomics is the study of the influence of the effect of genetic variations between individuals on drug efficacy, metabolism, and toxicity. With advances in pharmacogenomics, physicians will be able to prescribe the right drug and at the correct dose based on the genomic profile of their patients, thus maximizing the efficacy while minimizing adverse effects. Genomic principles guide the design, implementation, analysis, and inference from pharmacogenomic studies. Applications of genomic principles in pharmacogenomics hold promise for personalized medicine, novel drug discovery and development, and deeper insights into the biological mechanisms.
Gene Variation of the Transient Receptor Potential Cation Channel, Subfamily M, Member 7 (TRPM7), and Risk of Incident Ischemic Stroke. Prospective, Nested, Case-Control Study

Background and Purpose— Transient receptor potential cation channel, subfamily M, member 7 (TRPM7), has been implicated in ischemic brain damage, a major source of morbidity and mortality in westernized society. We hypothesized that TRPM7 gene variation might play a role in the risk of ischemic stroke. Methods— From a group of DNA samples collected at baseline in a prospective cohort of 14 916 initially healthy American men, we assessed 16 TRPM7 tag–single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) (dbSNP: rs11854949, rs4775899, rs11635825, rs12905120, rs16973487, rs7173321, rs7163283, rs17520378, rs17520350, rs4775892, rs7174839, rs17645523, rs3109894, rs616256, rs11070795, and rs313158) from 245 white men who subsequently had an incident ischemic stroke and from 245 age- and smoking habit–matched white men who remained free of reported vascular disease during follow-up (controls). Results— All SNPs examined were in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. Overall allele, genotype, and haplotype distributions were similar betwe...
DNA polymerase β is able to repair breaks in switch regions and plays an inhibitory role during immunoglobulin class switch recombination

Immunoglobulin (Ig) class switch recombination (CSR) is initiated by activation-induced cytidine deaminase (AID), which converts cytosines to uracils in switch (S) regions. Subsequent excision of dU by uracil DNA glycosylase (UNG) of the base excision repair (BER) pathway is required to obtain double-strand break (DSB) intermediates for CSR. Since UNG normally initiates faithful repair, it is unclear how the AID-instigated S region lesions are converted into DSBs rather than correctly repaired by BER. Normally, DNA polymerase β (Polβ) would replace the dC deaminated by AID, leading to correct repair of the single-strand break, thereby preventing CSR. We address the question of whether Polβ might be specifically down-regulated during CSR or inhibited from accessing the AID-instigated lesions, or whether the numerous AID-initiated S region lesions might simply overwhelm the BER capacity. We find that nuclear Polβ levels are induced upon activation of splenic B cells to undergo CSR. When Polβ−/− B cells are activated to switch in culture, they switch slightly better to IgG2a, IgG2b, and IgG3 and have more S region DSBs and mutations than wild-type controls. We conclude that Polβ attempts to faithfully repair S region lesions but fails to repair them all.
A mild, osmium tetraoxide-catalyzed method for the oxidation of sulfides to sulfones

Abstract Osmium tetraoxide has been demonstrated to be a highly efficient catalyst for the chemoselective oxidation of a variety of sulfides to the corresponding sulfones. Tertiary amine catalysis appears to play a key role in the reaction.
Truthful Self-Nurturing: A Grounded Formal Theory of Women's Addiction Recovery

This grounded formal theory study was designed to develop a midrange theory of women's addiction recovery from multiple substantive reports. Ten research reports from diverse contexts were analyzed using theoretical sampling and constant comparison. The basic problem of addiction was found to be self-destructive self-nurturing. The basic process of recovery was truthful self-nurturing, which required a painful awareness shift in which addiction gained meaning as a problem. Subsequent recovery involved three areas of social-psychological change: abstinence work, self-work, and connection work. Consequences were enjoying simple pleasures, growing self-understanding, self-acceptance, and sense of belonging, and empowered connectedness. The theory was supported by findings of other qualitative studies of the same phenomenon.
Influence of Hormones on Food Intake and Lipid Deposition in Castrated Pheasants

Abstract MALE ring-necked pheasants undergo an annual cycle in body weight with loss of weight occurring during spring, i.e. the breeding season; weight gain occurs subsequent to regression of the testes and is accompanied by hyperphagia, molt (Nagra et al., 1962), and adrenal involution (Kirkpatrick, 1944). Prolactin causes atrophy of the testes (Breneman, 1942) and stimulates molt (Juhn and Harris, 1958) in chickens. Therefore, it is conceivable that a postnuptial elevation in output of this peptide hormone might elicit a state of anabolism in the pheasant. Adrenal steroids are lipogenic and induce hyperphagia in chickens (Baum and Meyer, 1960; Meyer and Baum, 1960), and assuming the above mentioned seasonal fluctuation in adrenal weight among male pheasants reflects an alternation in secretory condition, one might surmise that this gland also plays a role in evoking the postnuptial increase in body weight. Because of these data it became of interest to determine whether…
POWER, PATRIARCHY, AND GENDER CONFLICT IN THE VIETNAMESE IMMIGRANT COMMUNITY

Based on an ethnographic study of women's social groups and networks in a community of Vietnamese immigrants recently settled in the United States, this article explores the effects of migration on gender roles and power. The women's groups and networks play an important role in the exchange of social and economic resources among households and in the mediation of disputes between men and women in the family. These community forms are an important source of informal power for women, enabling them to cope effectively with male authority in the family. Yet, despite their increased power and economic resources, these women supported a patriarchal social structure because it preserved their parental authority and promised greater economic security in the future.
Cytomegalovirus in the Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid of Patients with AIDS

This study investigated the significance of detecting cytomegalovirus in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid of patients with human immunodeficiency virus infection. Bronchoscopy with BAL was performed on all patients. Lavage was examined for CMV by cytology, culture, and immunofluorescence. The lavage results were compared to clinical status at the time of bronchoscopy and the outcome of the respiratory event. Cytomegalovirus was detected in 51 percent of the BALs in the patients with HIV infection and 25 percent of the immunosuppressed patients without HIV. No association was found in the HIV infected patients between CMV and hypoxemia, abnormal chest roentgenogram, leukopenia, and increased mortality. As indicated by mortality, CMV did not significantly increase the severity of Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia. The study also suggested that CMV in BAL fluid reflected bronchopulmonary replication of the virus, and not contamination by virus in the blood. Cytomegalovirus does not appear to contribute directly to the pulmonary disease found in most patients with HIV infection.
Maternal diet and cord blood leptin and adiponectin concentrations at birth

Summary Background & aims The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of total energy intake, macronutrient intake, and maternal adherence to Mediterranean diet or Alternative Healthy Eating Index (AHEI) on cord blood leptin and adiponectin levels, which have been associated with childhood adiposity. Methods We used multivariable linear regression to assess associations of maternal diet, averaged over 1st and 2nd trimesters, with cord blood adipokines of 780 women from the prospective cohort study Project Viva. Results Mean (SD) energy intake during pregnancy was 2135 (596) kcal. Mean (SD) cord blood levels of leptin and adiponectin were 9.0 (6.6) ng/ml and 28.6 (6.7) μg/ml, respectively. Neither closer adherence to a Mediterranean/AHEI pattern diet nor energy intake was associated with either cord blood leptin or adiponectin. Protein intake was associated with both marginally lower leptin (−0.22 ng/ml [95% CI −0.41, −0.02] for each 1% of energy) and adiponectin (−0.25 μg/ml [95% CI −0.48, −0.02]). Conclusions Closer adherence to a Mediterranean/AHEI pattern diet during pregnancy was not associated with cord blood leptin or adiponectin. Maternal protein intake was weakly but significantly associated with lower cord blood leptin and adiponectin.
Antimicrobial Peptides for Detection and Diagnostic Assays

Considered gold standards for biodetection, immunoassays and nucleic acid-based assays are sensitive, highly selective, and well characterized. However, they are capable of detecting only those targets for which specific reagents (such as antibodies or nucleic acid primers or probes) have been developed. Furthermore, new, emerging, and unexpected pathogens may not be detected. To address the challenge of detecting both known and unknown microbes, assays utilizing antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are being developed for integration into both biosensors and high-throughput platforms. AMP-based detection represents a new paradigm in sensing—namely, the ability to screen a sample for the presence of many different microbes without target-specific reagents, and to provide broad classification information on the species detected.
Polyadenylation Regulates the Stability of Trypanosoma brucei Mitochondrial RNAs

Polyadenylation of RNAs plays a critical role in modulating rates of RNA turnover and ultimately in controlling gene expression in all systems examined to date. In mitochondria, the precise mechanisms by which RNAs are degraded, including the role of polyadenylation, are not well understood. Our previous in organello pulse-chase experiments suggest that poly(A) tails stimulate degradation of mRNAs in the mitochondria of the protozoan parasite Trypanosoma brucei (Militello, K. T., and Read, L. K. (2000) Mol. Cell. Biol. 21, 731–742). In this report, we developed an in vitro assay to directly examine the effects of specific 3′-sequences on RNA degradation. We found that a salt-extracted mitochondrial membrane fraction preferentially degraded polyadenylated mitochondrially and non-mitochondrially encoded RNAs over their non-adenylated counterparts. A poly(A) tail as short as 5 nucleotides was sufficient to stimulate rapid degradation, although an in vivo tail length of 20 adenosines supported the most rapid decay. A poly(U) extension did not promote rapid RNA degradation, and RNA turnover was slowed by the addition of uridine residues to the poly(A) tail. To stimulate degradation, the poly(A) element must be located at the 3′ terminus of the RNA. Finally, we demonstrate that degradation of polyadenylated RNAs occurs in the 3′ to 5′ direction through the action of a hydrolytic exonuclease. These experiments demonstrate that the poly(A) tail can act as a cis-acting element to facilitate degradation of T. brucei mitochondrial mRNAs.
Direct analysis of meiotic recombination in human trisomy 18 oocytes

EDITH CHENG, RHEA VALLENTE, DANIELLE DIPERNA, THERESA NALUAICECCHINI, TERRY HASSOLD, University of Washington, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Seattle, Washington, Washington State University, Molecular Biosciences, Pullman, Washington, University of Washington, Internal Medicine (Medical Genetics), Seattle, Washington OBJECTIVE: Direct visualization of meiotic exchanges in chromosomally normal and abnormal human oocytes was completed to conduct detailed studies on the frequency, distribution, and placement of recombination sites in aneuploid and euploid gametes. STUDY DESIGN: Oocytes from normal fetuses and a 20 week trisomy 18 fetus underwent fluorescence antibody staining (FAS) with meiotic proteins associated with synaptonemal complex formation (SCP3) and the DNA mismatch repair protein, MLH 1, that locates recombination foci. Fluoresence in situ hybridization (FISH) was completed to evaluate for chromosomespecific variations in exchange patterns. RESULTS: MLH 1 foci were present from zygotene through diplotene in chromosomally normal and abnormal meiocytes. 32 trisomy 18 and 37 chromosomally normal pachytene stage meiocytes were studied for recombination characteristics. The mean number of MLH1 foci, 39, was lower in the trisomy 18 gametes compared to 69 for the chromosomally normal gametes. MLH 1 foci location per chromosome arm on chromosomes other than chromosome 18 was similar to that of chromosomally normal oocytes. Interference was observed. CONCLUSION: This is the first report on the recombination pattern of human trisomic meiocytes. The findings suggest that recombination is disturbed and deficient in trisomic oocytes. Such disturbances might be a risk factor for oocyte atresia and could be explain the observed ovarian dysgenesis seen in trisomy 18 infants. Reduced recombination may also increase the risk for abnormal chromosome segregation leading to aneuploid gametes and provide a mechanism to explain the interchromosomal effect.
Histones join the fight against bacteria inside cells

Experiments on Drosophila have shown that the histones that are normally bound to lipid droplets inside cells can be released to provide protection against infection.
Does RV fibrosis have an effect on mortality in patients hypertrophic cardiomyopathy? An LV vs. RV national death index (NDI) study

Background Introduction CMR has become the leading technique to define the clinical impact of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) providing complete coverage of both ventricles with high spatial resolution. Gadolinium delayed-enhancement (DHE) accurately identifies regions of myocardial fibrosis. Via CMR, innumerable studies have established that LVH is the predominant phenotypic expression of HCM. It is well known that myocardial fibrosis can occur in patients with HCM and is independently linked to a poorer prognosis than those without fibrosis by CMR.
Burden of complications from needle penetration of plastic ports in children.

Abstract Background Complications of totally implanted venous access ports are well documented. A concerning mechanical complication we have encountered is posterior penetration of plastic ports with the access needle. The purpose of this study is to investigate the burden of posterior penetrations. Methods We performed a retrospective review of all ports placed between November 2007 and December 2011 at a single institution. Results There were 247 children who received a port. 117 children (47%) received a port with a plastic posterior wall, 95 children (38%) received a port with a metal posterior wall, and 35 children (14%) had ports that were unable to be identified as plastic or metal. Posterior port penetrations occurred 8 times (3.2% overall, 6.8% of plastic ports). All perforations occurred in plastic ports of a single brand and product code. Average time from port insertion to penetration was 11.2 ± 21.3 months (range 0.3 to 63.4 months). Other complications included catheter malfunction (14), infection (9), pain (2), inability to draw/aspirate (4), leak (3), port migration (2), and malfunctioning not otherwise specified (15). Conclusions There is an unacceptably high risk of needle penetration of the posterior wall of plastic ports. We recommend utilizing ports with metal backing to avoid this complication.
Automated correlation and classification of secondary ion mass spectrometry images using a k-means cluster method

We present a novel method for correlating and classifying ion-specific time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (ToF-SIMS) images within a multispectral dataset by grouping images with similar pixel intensity distributions. Binary centroid images are created by employing a k-means-based custom algorithm. Centroid images are compared to grayscale SIMS images using a newly developed correlation method that assigns the SIMS images to classes that have similar spatial (rather than spectral) patterns. Image features of both large and small spatial extent are identified without the need for image pre-processing, such as normalization or fixed-range mass-binning. A subsequent classification step tracks the class assignment of SIMS images over multiple iterations of increasing n classes per iteration, providing information about groups of images that have similar chemistry. Details are discussed while presenting data acquired with ToF-SIMS on a model sample of laser-printed inks. This approach can lead to the identification of distinct ion-specific chemistries for mass spectral imaging by ToF-SIMS, as well as matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization (MALDI), and desorption electrospray ionization (DESI).
A fast rate-optimized motion estimation algorithm for low-bit-rate video coding

Motion estimation is known to be the main bottleneck in real-time encoding applications, and the search for an effective motion estimation algorithm (in terms of computational complexity and compression efficiency) has been a challenging problem for years. This paper describes a new block-matching algorithm that is much faster than the full search algorithm and occasionally even produces better rate-distortion curves than the full search algorithms. We observe that a piecewise continuous motion field reduces the bit rate for differentially encoded motion vectors. Our motion estimation algorithm exploits the spatial correlations of motion vectors effectively in the sense of producing better rate-distortion curves. Furthermore, we incorporate such correlations in a multiresolution framework to reduce the computational complexity. Simulation shows that this method is successful because of the homogeneous and reliable estimation of the displacement vectors. In nine out of our ten benchmark simulations, the performance of the full search algorithm and that of our subblock multiresolution method is about the same. In one out of our ten benchmark simulations, our method has improvement.
Ypsilon Schachtel, a Drosophila Y-box protein, acts antagonistically to Orb in the oskar mRNA localization and translation pathway

Subcellular localization of mRNAs within the Drosophila oocyte is an essential step in body patterning. Yps, a Drosophila Y-box protein, is a component of an ovarian ribonucleoprotein complex that also contains Exu, a protein that plays an essential role in mRNA localization. Y-box proteins are known translational regulators, suggesting that this complex might regulate translation as well as mRNA localization. Here we examine the role of the yps gene in these events. We show that yps interacts genetically with orb, a positive regulator of oskar mRNA localization and translation. The nature of the genetic interaction indicates that yps acts antagonistically to orb. We demonstrate that Orb protein is physically associated with both the Yps and Exu proteins, and that this interaction is mediated by RNA. We propose a model wherein Yps and Orb bind competitively to oskar mRNA with opposite effects on translation and RNA localization.
Welsh's problem on the number of bases of matroids

In this paper, we study a problem raised by Dominic Welsh on the existence of matroids with prescribed size, rank, and number of bases. In case of corank being at most 3, by an explicit construction of matrices, we are able to show the existence of such matroids, except the counterexample found by Mayhew and Royle. This idea also extends to give asymptotic results on the existence of matroids with any xed corank.
Experimental investigation of PCCI-DI combustion on emissions in a light-duty diesel engine

The combination of premixed charge compression ignition (PCCI) and conventional Dl diesel combustion was studied on a light-duty diesel engine equipped with EGR and a common rail fuel injection system. This combustion mode is referred to as PCCI-DI combustion. The main objectives of the study were to examine the emissions, performance and combustion characteristics of the engine operating under various levels of PCCI-DI combustion to determine if this mode of combustion was a viable in-cylinder NO x emissions reduction strategy. The premixed charge was obtained with early pilot injections (up to three) using a custom engine controller. The engine test conditions were limited to light and medium loads and moderate engine speeds. Engine tests consisted of sweeps of pilot injection timing and quantity, and number of pilot injections. The results of this study suggest the greatest potential for reducing NOx emissions with PCCI-DI combustion exists at light loads (below 30%) and medium to low speeds. At 1500 rpm and 17% load, moderate NO x reductions of up to 15% were achieved, while a 9% NO x reduction was achieved at 2600 rpm and 54% load.
La "Introducción" al Facundo

Son de sobra conocidas las vicisitudes que corrieron —por iniciativa del propio autor— algunas partes del Facundo. Y, no casualmente, las partes que se encuentran al comienzoy al final de la obra. Al comienzo, la Advertencia (o Advertencias) y la Introduccion, si tenemos en cuenta la primera edicion del Facundo . No insistire sobre esto, que —repito— el propio Sarmiento intento justificar en su momento con causas que liga particularmente a las sugestiones de Valentin Alsina y que la critica, en general, ha visto mas en relacion con otros factores.
Accelerating dynamically typed languages with a virtual function cache

Dynamically typed languages are increasingly important to programmers of all levels because they allow for extended class hierarchies with shared interfaces and inheritance. Virtual functions are a key element in implementing these interesting and useful features. In addition, virtual functions support other applications of dynamic function dispatch, including runtime selection of optimized function variants. However, virtual functions are more costly than static equivalents, leading to their avoidance in current high-performance computing environments. This research proposes additional hardware support for the execution of virtual function calls in the form of a Virtual Function Cache in an effort to improve overall performance of dynamically typed languages and other applications of indirect function calls. We present conceptual and technical background to motivate the introduction of the Virtual Function Cache, in addition to outlining our initial implementation of the Virtual Function Cache and analyzing preliminary results.
Remarkable Age Attained by a Bobcat

The American Museum of Natural History has recently received a male bobcat ( Lynx rufus rufus ) which is of interest on account of its longevity. In the fall of 1928, Mr. Ralph Space of Beemerville, …