cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Moisture sorption characteristics of switchgrass and prairie cord grass

Abstract Moisture content plays an important role both in the biochemical and thermochemical conversions of various feedstocks into energy. Knowledge of the relationship between relative humidity of air and moisture content of the feedstock is essential for drying and storage. The aim of this work was to determine the sorption isotherms of switchgrass and prairie cord grass and to compare the experimental data with isotherm models found in the literature. The equilibrium moisture content (EMC) of switchgrass and prairie cord grass was determined using the static gravimetric method at equilibrium relative humidities (ERH) and temperatures ranging from 12 to 89% and 20 °C to 40 °C. Depending upon the ERH values, the EMC values ranged from 9.2 to 20.8%, and 7.0 to 21.0% db for switchgrass and prairie cord grass, respectively and they followed typical the type II isotherm found in food materials. Non-linear regression was used to fit five commonly used three-parameter isotherm models to the experimental data: modified Oswin model, modified Halsey model, modified Chung–Pfost model, modified Henderson model, and the modified Guggenheim–Anderson–de Boer (GAB) model. Modified Halsey emerged as the best model followed by modified Oswin for both feedstocks with high F-statistic and R2 values with low Em and Es and fairly random scattered residual plots. Because of the range of the environmental temperature and RH values, these models can be used to predict the equilibrium moisture content of these feedstocks starting from harvesting, drying, and preprocessing, through transportation, storage, and conversion/processing.
Accuracy of the digital anal examination in women with fecal incontinence

This study aims to determine the accuracy of digital rectal examination (DRE) to detect anal sphincter defects when compared to endoanal ultrasound (US) in women with fecal incontinence (FI). Seventy-four patients identified by retrospective chart review who presented with complaints of bothersome FI who underwent endoanal US are the subjects of this analysis. Sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative likelihood ratios were calculated for the ability of the DRE to detect anal sphincter defects. Anal sphincter defect was suspected on DRE in 75%. At endoanal US, external sphincter defects were noted in all three segments in 41% (complete defect) while partial defects were noted in 30%. DRE demonstrated a sensitivity of 82%, specificity of 32%, +likelihood ratio 1.2 (95% confidence interval (CI), 0.95–1.16) and −likelihood ratio of 0.6 (95% CI, 0.2–1.24) for detecting a complete EAS defect on endoanal US. DRE has poor specificity for detecting anal sphincter defects seen on endoanal US.
EL-E: an assistive mobile manipulator that autonomously fetches objects from flat surfaces

Assistive mobile robots that autonomously manipulate objects within everyday settings have the potential to improve the lives of the elderly, injured, and disabled. Within this paper, we present the most recent version of the assistive mobile manipulator EL-E with a focus on the subsystem that enables the robot to retrieve objects from and deliver objects to flat surfaces. Once provided with a 3D location via brief illumination with a laser pointer, the robot autonomously approaches the location and then either grasps the nearest object or places an object. We describe our implementation in detail, while highlighting design principles and themes, including the use of specialized behaviors, task-relevant features, and low-dimensional representations. We also present evaluations of EL-E's performance relative to common forms of variation. We tested EL-E's ability to approach and grasp objects from the 25 object categories that were ranked most important for robotic retrieval by motor-impaired patients from the Emory ALS Center. Although reliability varied, EL-E succeeded at least once with objects from 21 out of 25 of these categories. EL-E also approached and grasped a cordless telephone on 12 different surfaces including floors, tables, and counter tops with 100% success. The same test using a vitamin pill (ca. 15 mm × 5 mm × 5 mm) resulted in 58% success.
Disease classification in rural Ghana: framework and implications for health behaviour.

Abstract The prime concern of this paper is twofold: to investigate how the people of Berekuso, a rural community in Ghana, classify diseases; and to examine the extent to which this classification affects the utilization of existing health care facilities. Previous research on this topic has been conducted by identifying beliefs and behaviour at the same point in time, thus confounding beliefs with behaviour. In this study, however, a two-phase interview survey of a systematic sample of households was adopted. It was found that the basis of the disease classification system is what is believed to be the cause or source of a disease. This is because the diagnosis of the cause of a disease is the most important aspect of therapy. Using the cause as the main distinguishing factor, diseases are classified into three main types—diseases which are believed to be caused by natural agents, those which are believed to be caused by supernatural agents, and those whose causes embrace both natural and supernatural agents. This classification counters some previous assertions that Africans, and preliterate people generally, classify diseases only in supernatural terms. The study revealed that the way diseases are classified affects utilization behaviour. In this regard, the knowledge of the cause of a disease allowed a fairly accurate prediction of what health care facility would be used.
Current use and future trends in induction therapy.

Induction therapy has been utilized since the late 70s to reorient the immune system at the time of antigen presentation, decrease acute rejection and improve long-term graft survival. Currently, over 70% of patients undergoing kidney transplantation receive induction therapy. The current agents include OKT3, polyclonal antilymphocyte agents (Thymoglobulin being most frequently used), the anti-interleukin-2 receptor monoclonal antibodies daclizumab and basiliximab and Campath 1H. The current biologic agents are used for short-term therapy although their biologic effects may be prolonged. The next generation of induction agents is being developed for chronic use in calcineurin inhibitor�free and/or steroid-free regimens. These new biologic agents will be developed to simplify immunosuppression regimens, improve compliance and minimize long term toxicities.
Role of the interstitial matrix and lymphatic pump in regulation of transcapillary fluid balance.

Abstract Blood/tissue fluid balance is governed by forces generated within the capillary, interstitial, and lymphatic compartments. This paper focuses on the role of the extracellular matrix and myogenic lymph pump in automatic control of transcapillary fluid movement. The physicochemical properties of the extracellular matrix determine the pressure and compliance of the interstitial spaces. In addition, the dependence of interstitial protein exclusion on matrix hydration amplifies the extent of oncotic buffering induced by interstitial volume alterations. Distension of muscular lymph vessels elicits increases in contraction frequency, stroke volume, and lymph flow. Thus, the rate of lymphatic removal of interstitial water and protein is geared to the state of hydration of the interstitial matrix. These interstitial and lymphatic compensatory reactions are important components of the “margin of safety” against edema formation.
The application of miscibility parameter to the measurement of polymer-plasticizer compatibility

Poly(vinyl butyral) (PVB)was found to precipitate from a clear plasticizer solution as it was cooled and this unique temperature (TP) (UCST) was noted. Poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) did not precipitate and in this case the temperature at which it went into solution (TS) was noted. A quantity, referred to previously as the miscibility parameter (MP), is an excellent relative quantitative indicator of the miscibility of poly(vinyl butyral) and poly(vinyl chloride) with plasticizers as demonstrated from a correlation of MP with TP and Ts. Each polymer-plasticizer system is unique. A plot of MP vs. TP or TS for several polymer-plasticizer systems allows additional plasticizers to be evaluated for their plasticizing ability from calculated MP's without resorting to additional experimental measurements. The absolute level of MP acceptability is dictated by the application. For PVB, a copolymer which precipitates from a plasticizer/solvent, the interaction parameter chi(χ) is chi critical (\(\chi _{cr} \)) at the TP of PVB in plasticizer. Since TP approximates the Θ temperature in the limit of molecular weight, the temperature of precipitation or Θ temperature, the solvent volume VS, and the \(\chi _{cr} \), define the theoretical MPcr as given by \(\frac{{(\chi _{cr} - 0.35)RT}}{{V_S }}\). All MPcr s were≈0.3 which represents the critical MP above which phase separation occurs. The low molecular weight plasticizers were estimated to drastically increase MPcr to about 1 for acceptable application compatibility and this value compares favorably with (PVB) acceptability for a wide range of plasticizer-PVB combinations based on a plasticizer DP of about 20.
Inhibition of aldosterone production by an atrial extract

Crude extracts of rat atria reduced the basal amount of aldosterone released from rat zona glomerulosa cells and partially inhibited aldosterone stimulation by adrenocorticotropic hormone and angiotensin II. The destruction of this activity by trypsin suggests that the active factor is a peptide, possibly atrial natriuretic factor. These data suggest that atrial natriuretic factor affects sodium excretion by the kidneys both directly and through the inhibition of aldosterone production.
Virtual machine placement in cloud systems through migration process

Cloud computing is an emerging technology that greatly shapes our lives, where users run their jobs on virtual machines VMs on physical machines PMs provided by a cloud service provider, saving the investment in upfront infrastructures. Due to the heterogeneity of various jobs, different VMs on the same PMs could have different job completion times. Meanwhile, the PMs are also heterogeneous. Therefore, different VM placements have different job completion times, and our objective is to minimise the total job completion time of the input VM requests through a reasonable VM placement schedule. This problem is NP-hard, since it can be reduced to a knapsack problem. We propose an off-line VM placement method through an emulated VM migration process, while the on-line VM placement is solved by a real VM migration process. The migration algorithm is a heuristic approach, in which we place the VM to its best PM directly, if this PM has enough capacity. Otherwise, we migrate another VM from this PM to accommodate the new VM, if a pre-specified migration constraint is satisfied. Furthermore, we study a hybrid scheme where a batch is employed to accept upcoming VMs for the on-line scenario. Evaluation results validate the high efficiency of the proposed algorithms.
The cytoplasmic distribution and characterization of poly(A)+ RNA in oocytes and embryos of Drosophila☆

Abstract Using the presence of poly(A) tracts as a marker for mRNA, we have examined the distribution of this class of RNA between polysomes and free RNP particles. This has been done in mature oocytes and in embryos aged for various times from fertilization through to hatching of a larva. The proportion of ribosomes that are in polysomes to those that are not has been calculated. In mature oocytes, 58% of the poly(A)+ RNA and 72% of the ribosomes are not in polysomes. By 1 hr, this drops to 51% of the poly(A)+ RNA and 48% of the ribosomes. By 7 hr, a plateau is reached: 30% of each are not in polysomes. The poly(A)+ RNA in the cytoplasm of oocytes and 1-hr embryos is found in particles with an average size of 50S and a range of 30–70S. The poly(A)+ RNA ranges in size from 7 to 40S, with an average size of 22S. The polyA from this RNA is 50–200 nucleotides long with an average of 115 nucleotides. These data have allowed us to calculate that 1–2% of the total RNA is poly(A)+ RNA.
The impact of HAART on HPV-related cervical disease.

Purpose of Review Highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) has had an unequivocally positive impact on morbidity and mortality in HIV-infected individuals. These benefits have clearly extended to some HIV-related malignancies, including Kaposi’s sarcoma and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. The impact of HAART on cervical cancer, however, remains uncertain. The objective of this review is to summarize the last ten years of registry-based and clinical research into the impact of HAART on human papillomavirus (HPV) related cervical disease.
Functional response, numerical response, and stability in arthropod predator-prey ecosystems involving age structure.

A general model of arthropod predator-prey systems incorporating age structure in the predator is employed to study the role of functional and numerical responses on stability and the paradox of enrichment. The destabilizing effect of age structure leads to both qualitatively and quantitatively new results for an environment which has an infinite prey carrying capacity, including a lower bound to prey density for a stable equilibrium, a feature not present in models without age structure. When applied to an environment with finite prey carrying capacity, the effect of age structure is to reinforce the arguments implicit to the paradox of enrichment originally developed for traditional models lacking age structure.
Regional Research Poultry Laboratory

Abstract AN OLD Chinese proverb states, in effect, that a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. It is a thought-provoking bit of philosophy, reminding us of the value of small units in large-scale enterprises. I commend to your attention also a remark made recently during a discussion of a public question in the Nation’s Capital. “All motion is not progress” was the statement made. This observation is especially noteworthy in an age of more and more streamlining for more and more speed. Let us now put the old and the modern philosophy together in relation to the purpose for which we have assembled. In dedicating this Regional Research Poultry Laboratory it is fitting to review briefly the initial steps already taken and note the direction in which they lead. At Ohio State University in April, 1937, several hundred poultrymen, hatcherymen, and leaders of allied poultry interests listened . . .
Antibody Response to H. Pertussis Undenatured Bacterial Antigen.

ConclusionHerein it is demonstrated that H. pertussis U. B. A., an undenatured extract prepared by mechanical disruption of Phase I H. pertussis bacilli and subsequent filtration through a collodion membrane, is able to stimulate the formation of complement fixing antibodies, agglutinins and precipitins.
Passive exposure to a contextual discriminative stimulus reinstates cocaine-seeking behavior in rats.

A significant problem in treating cocaine dependence is craving-induced relapse elicited by inadvertent (i.e., passive) exposure to cocaine-paired stimuli. Extinction/reinstatement of cocaine-seeking behavior in animals has been used to investigate this phenomenon. Most studies using this model have examined reinstatement by response-contingent exposure to discrete cocaine-paired stimuli. The present study expanded this research by examining passive (i.e., not contingent upon an operant response) exposure to a contextual cocaine-paired stimulus to better model craving elicited by inadvertent exposure to cocaine-associated environmental stimuli. Rats underwent daily cocaine and saline self-administration sessions that were identical to each other except for a discriminative stimulus (scented bedding) signaling cocaine availability (S+) or nonavailability (S-). Subsequently, they were placed into the self-administration chambers in the presence of neutral bedding. Reinforcement was not available and cocaine-seeking behavior (i.e., nonreinforced operant responses) was extinguished across days. Rats were then reintroduced to the S+ and S- stimuli. Presentation of the S+, but not the S-, elicited significant reinstatement of cocaine-seeking behavior. The results demonstrate that passive exposure to a contextual discriminative stimulus reinstates extinguished cocaine-seeking behavior. Furthermore, we suggest that reinstatement of cocaine-seeking behavior by passive exposure to cocaine-paired stimuli may provide a model of craving-induced relapse elicited by inadvertent exposure to a cocaine-associated environment.
Hydrostatic pressure has different effects on the assembly of tubulin, actin, myosin II, vinculin, talin, vimentin, and cytokeratin in mammalian tissue cells.

Abstract Hydrostatic pressures in the range of hundreds of atmospheres are known to disrupt cytoskeletal organization in tissue culture cells, with profound changes in cell shape. The molecular mechanisms of these effects are poorly understood. To determine the effect of pressure on the cytoskeleton, and thus to provide better indicators of the molecular mechanisms, we used fluorescent antibody staining to compare the organizations of seven different cytoskeletal proteins in HeLa cells and rat osteosarcoma cells (ROS-17/2.8) subjected to different pressures up to 400 atm. Pressures of 300 atm or more caused cells of both lines to “round up” and to withdraw their lamellar extensions. However, this response varied within a population of cells, with some cells remaining spread at pressures that caused their neighbors to round up. The most resistant to rounding were those cells touching other cells, and the occasional giant cells. As expected, the rounded cells showed disruption of actin stress fibers and of vinculin and talin at focal contacts. The unrounded cells showed less disruption in the organization of these same proteins. Microtubules and myosin II filaments appeared resistant to 400 atm pressure in both cell types, whether rounded or unrounded. However, in HeLa cells, the intermediate filaments, vimentin and cytokeratin, depolymerized and formed small vesicles when pressures exceeded 200 atm, and this occurred in rounded as well as unrounded cells. In osteosarcoma cells, which do not have cytokeratin, vimentin did not depolymerize. We discuss different mechanisms that might explain these responses to pressure, including direct effects on the equilibria of protein polymerization and less direct effects on regulatory mechanisms, such as phosphorylation pathways, that control cytoskeletal organization. The latter type of explanation seems more consistent with both the variability of response within cell populations and the difference in vimentin's response in one cell line compared with the other.
Cytochemical localization of acid phosphatase in the hindbrain of dysraphic mice.

The cytochemical localization of acid phosphatase (AP) was studied at the ultrastructural level in the abnormal neuroepithelium of dysraphic loop-tail (Lp/Lp) embryos between 9 and 12 days of gestation. At 9-11 days, normal and abnormal embryos showed a positive AP reaction throughout the thickness of the neuroepithelium, i.e., in apical, intermediate, and basal zones, although many cells were unreactive. The reaction is sensitive to sodium fluoride and occurs in saccules and vesicles associated with the Golgi complex, as well as in vacuoles of varying size containing flocculent and particulate material. Gap-junctional vesicles, which are known to occur in increased numbers in abnormal brains, were AP-negative. By 12 days of gestation, the reaction in normal embryos was localized in the midventral marginal layer, where some cell processes were filled with reaction product; in abnormal embryos, these AP-positive processes were not observed. The results indicate that perturbations in lysosomal activity may not be fundamentally involved in the etiology of dysraphism in this mutant.
Inverse opals for fluid delivery in electronics cooling systems

We report the fabrication and fluid flow characterization of a class of open-cell copper foams known as copper inverse opals (CIOs). This material has finely controlled structure at the pore level, which may enable its use in microscale heat exchangers for microelectronics cooling. We fabricated CIOs by electrodepositing copper around a sacrificial template of packed polystyrene microspheres. We then removed the CIOs from their substrates and used electroetching to vary the pore structure and porosity. We characterized the geometry of the samples at various stages of fabrication with visual inspection and image analysis of scanning electron micrographs. We characterized the permeability with a through-plane flow rig and developed computational models for fluid flow in ideal face-centered cubic and hexagonally close-packed unit cells. Here we report the simulated and experimentally measured values of permeability. We also report experimental challenges that arise from the microscale dimensions of the samples.
GENDER AND OFF‐FARM EMPLOYMENT IN TWO FARMING SYSTEMS: Responses to Farm Crisis in the Cornbelt and the Mississippi Delta

An important farm household survival strategy in the 1980s agricultural crisis was off-farm employment. Recent research shows that gender role expectations structure off-farm employment's effects on farm operations. However, this research does not evaluate off-farm employment's effects within different socioeconomic and cultural settings. This article explores case studies of two localities with different farming systems: family farming in the Cornbelt and capitalist (or wage labor) farming in the Mississippi Delta. Farmers in two counties representative of each system responded to mail questionnaires covering various topics including farm and household changes made during the 1980s financial crisis. Loglinear models estimating the relationship between changes in off-farm employment and selected changes in farm operations derive results for the Cornbelt that confirm previous studies. Women's off-farm employment, in particular, relates to a variety of changes in the farm enterprise and improves its capital position. As expected, given its historic separation of household and enterprise, the Mississippi Delta evinces no such pattern of change. These results indicate the need for additional research on this topic, comparing different agrarian class structures.
Large laser sheaths for pacing and defibrillator lead removal.

Background and Objective In a recent clinical trial, the 12-F laser sheath showed 95% success in completely explanting chronically implanted pacing leads smaller than 7.5-F diameter. For larger leads, two new sizes of laser sheath have been implemented, the 14-F and 16-F (outer diameter) devices, which accommodate leads up to 9.5- and 11.5-F, respectively. The object of this study was to determine the cutting ability of the larger devices compared to the 12-F design. Materials and Methods The rate of device advancement through fresh porcine aorta was measured for three sizes of laser sheath as pulsed ultraviolet light from a 308-nm XeCl excimer laser was applied. Dependent variables were fluence (mJ/mm2), laser pulse repetition rate, and pressure applied between the device and the tissue. Results At 60 mJ/mm2, 40 Hz repetition rate and 1.4 kg/cm2 pressure, all devices produced cutting rates in the range of 9–13 μm/pulse. Improvement in advancement per laser shot can be attained by increasing any independent variable studied. Conclusions Physicians must apply only slightly greater force to the larger laser sheaths, and maximum available repetition rate and fluence implies maximum cutting speed. Lasers Surg. Med. 22:42–45, 1998. © 1998 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
A completely automated closed-field maze series for rats.

Abstract Although a sensitive indicator of learning impairment, the Hebb-Williams serial maze remains impractical for many physiological studies because of a tedious observer scoring procedure. A simple, completely automated closed-field maze test series for rats is described, which overcomes this problem. Animal movements across a maze field of insulated floor plates are monitored by a transistor amplifying-detection circuit. Data are presented comparing automated scoring with the manual scoring method of Rabinovitch and Rosvold [8]. Complete automation eliminates observer involvement and provides a reliable and inexpensive means for testing large number of animals. Further modification of the system permits analysis of the direction in animal movements.
In and out: Histone variant exchange in chromatin

Alterations in nucleosome structure affect the accessibility of the DNA and can generate specialized domains of chromatin in the genome. Such changes can be introduced by posttranslational modifications of histones, by chromatin remodeling, or by the incorporation of variants of H2A and H3 into nucleosomes. In contrast to the canonical histones, which are deposited behind the replication fork during S phase, histone variants are incorporated in a process that is independent of DNA replication. Recent studies have shown that distinct multiprotein complexes are responsible for the targeted deposition of histone variants at active genes, centromeres and silent loci. The incorporation of histone variants most probably has epigenetic consequences and contributes to architectural changes in chromosomes.
Drug management for coronary revascularization without cardiac standstill: the use of high-dose esmolol.

I NITIAL experience using high doses of esmolol hydrochloride in beating hearts while undergoing coronary revascularization is presented. Although the authors set out to stay within the drug manufacturer's recommended doslng guidelines, it was not possible to obtain satisfactory surgical conditions and, therefore, the dose was increased to provide optimal working conditions. The surgical technique of coronary artery bypass grafting on nonarrested hearts with ventrlcular support devices has been previously described from this restitution. 1 The first patient (of three) underwent cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) and the latter patients were supported with an lnvestigational ventrlcular assist device, the Sternotomy Hemopump (Johnson and Johnson Interventional Systems Company, Rancho Cordova, CA). These two patients are part of a multlcenter, randomized, prospective, FDAapproved study, which has been reviewed by the Committee for Protection of Human Subjects (CPHS) of the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston. Consent included the use of esmolol and sodium nitroprusside, if required.
Teleology past and present

. Current teleology in Western biology, philosophy, and theology draws on resources from four main Western philosophers. (1) Plato's Timaeus shows how to interpret the universe as the handiwork of a purposive Creator who subordinates secondary, necessary, causes to primary, intelligent, causes. (2) Aristotle's Physics sets forth purpose as implicit in the nature of things. Purposes of different sorts inhere in different types of being, and everything has a natural function. Living things grow to actualize the potentials of the goal whose principle they bear within themselves. (3) Kant's Critique of Judgment denies that purpose is anything that human beings can know, strictly speaking. Nevertheless, purpose is a concept we must use to make sense of biological systems. (4) Hegel's Philosophy of Nature articulates organic systems as dialectically including and transcending mechanical and chemical systems. Teleological themes persist, in different ways, in contemporary discussions; I consider two lines of criticism of traditional teleology—by Richard Dawkins and Stephen Jay Gould—and one line that continues traditional teleology in an updated way—by Holmes Rolston, III.
A retrospective clinical audit of 696 central venous catheterizations at a tertiary care teaching hospital in India.

Background: Malpositions after central venous cannulation are frequently encountered and may need a change in catheter. The incidence of malpositions are varied according to various studies and depend on the experience of the operator performing the cannulation. Aim: To access the incidence of malpositions and related complications associated with landmark-guided central venous cannulation in a 15-bedded medical surgical ICU over a period of three years. Settings and Design: Retrospective analysis of records of all the central venous cannulation done in a 15- bedded medical- surgical ICU over the period of three years (April 2008 to June 2011) were evaluated for the site and side of insertion, number of attempts of puncture, arterial puncture as well as the malpositions on post procedural chest X-ray. The records were also evaluated for the experience of the operator performing cannulation and relationship between experience of operator to malpositions of catheter. Statistical Analysis: Analysis was done using SPSS v 17.0 for Windows. Chi-square test was applied to evaluate the statistical significance. P > 0.05 was significant. Results: Records of 696 cannulations were evaluated. Malpositions occurred in 40 patients. Subclavian vein cannulation resulted in increased malpositions in relation to internal jugular vein cannulation. More common with left sided cannulation. Experience of operator had positive correlation with malpositions and arterial puncture. Arterial puncture was common in 6%, while more than one attempt for cannulation was taken in 100 patients. Conclusion: Incidence of malpositions was low. We conclude that experience of operator improves successful catheterization with lesser number of complications.
WORKING MIS/UNDERSTANDINGS: The Tangled Relationship between Kinship, Franco‐Malagasy Binational Marriages, and the French State

Marriage migration and family reunification have become one of the few ways for migrants from former French colonies to gain legal entry to France. As a result, love, marriage, and kinship have become central to the politics of contemporary border control. Based on extensive research with Franco-Malagasy families in southwestern France, this article examines how couples negotiate the complexities of their binational relationships in the context of state-fostered xenophobia and suspicion. I suggest the analytic of a working mis/understanding to capture how these marriages operate. While at one level the working mis/understanding enables Malagasy women and French men to bridge their different notions of kinship, at another level it naturalizes a long-standing colonial relationship between France and Madagascar. I further consider how the sociocultural dynamics of the working mis/understanding illuminate how state regulations produce the commodification of intimate relations allegedly intrinsic to these marriages.
Foxl2, a Forkhead Transcription Factor, Modulates Nonclassical Activity of the Estrogen Receptor-α

Foxl2 is a forkhead transcription factor required for ovary development and ovarian follicle maturation. In this report, we identified and characterized a functional relationship between Foxl2 expression and estrogen receptor (ER)-α signaling. We show that Foxl2 has no effect on classical ERα-mediated transcription, which occurs through canonical estrogen response elements. However, Foxl2 suppresses ERα signaling through nonclassical tethered transcriptional pathways. Specifically, the selective ER modulator tamoxifen stimulates activator protein-1 (AP1)-dependent transcription via the ERα, and this enhancement is blocked by Foxl2. Two lines of evidence suggest that Foxl2 suppression is mediated by physical interactions with ERα rather than direct action at AP1 binding sites. First, ERα is coimmunoprecipitated with Foxl2. Second, activation of a upstream activating sequence (UAS) reporter by Gal4-cJun in the presence of ERα and tamoxifen was blocked by Foxl2, demonstrating suppression in the absence of an...
An N-channel stroboscopic tachistoscope for typewritten stimuli

The n-channel tachistoscope described employs the principle of “stopping” a continuously moving list of words by means of stroboscopic flashes of light. It can present as many as 50 stimuli per trial at any rate between 5 and 40 items per second. Stimulus materials can be prepared on an electric typewriter. It provides only partial control over the various time parameters.
Deep hypothermic circulatory arrest during cardiac surgery: Effects on cerebral blood flow and cerebral oxygenation in children

Abstract Deep hypothermic circulatory arrest has become an essential technique to allow repair of complex congenital cardiac lesions in children. The arrested state has concerned the surgeon, cardiologist, and anesthesiologist alike, and yet deep hypothermic circulatory arrest has been highly successful with a low incidence of neurologic sequelae. Studies of cerebral blood flow and cerebral oxygenation demonstrate that the arrested hypothermic brain does not develop the immediate postarrest hyperemia or hyperoxia seen in normothermic ischemic brain models. However, both hypothermic and normothermic ischemic brains exhibit hypoperfusion beyond the immediate recirculation period, likely coupled with a reduced cerebral metabolic rate. That the hypothermic arrested brain likely becomes anoxic and recovery of the anoxic brain depends in large part on recirculatory hemodynamics suggests that the lack of hyperemia and hyperoxia may play more major roles than was previously believed. The mechanism of protection may be related to suppression of oxygen free radicals.
The effect of nitrate intake on nitrite formation in human saliva.

Abstract The effect of nitrate intake on the formation of salivary nitrite has been studied in a series of individuals using celery juice as the source of nitrate. It was found that under certain conditions salivary nitrite may reach concentrations of hundreds of mg/litre. The extent of nitrite formation is related to the quantity of nitrate, to the concentration of the nitrate source and to the oral microflora. These results may have a major influence on thinking concerning the health effects of nitrate in the environment.
Polarographic determination of oxygen tension in samples of human cerebrospinal fluid.

Abstract A polarographic cell is described which allows determination of oxygen tension in cerebrospinal fluid. At 25 °C. an oxygen tension ranging from 16 to 30 mm. Hg was found in 25 neurological patients.
Sidewinding with minimal slip: Snake and robot ascent of sandy slopes

Limbless organisms such as snakes can navigate nearly all terrain. In particular, desert-dwelling sidewinder rattlesnakes (Crotalus cerastes) operate effectively on inclined granular media (such as sand dunes) that induce failure in field-tested limbless robots through slipping and pitching. Our laboratory experiments reveal that as granular incline angle increases, sidewinder rattlesnakes increase the length of their body in contact with the sand. Implementing this strategy in a physical robot model of the snake enables the device to ascend sandy slopes close to the angle of maximum slope stability. Plate drag experiments demonstrate that granular yield stresses decrease with increasing incline angle. Together, these three approaches demonstrate how sidewinding with contact-length control mitigates failure on granular media.
Selective formation of particles by binding of pyrimidine polyribonucleotides or purine polyribonucleotides with lysine-rich or arginine-rich proteinoids.

Pyrimidine polyribonucleotides or purine polyribonucleotides binding to lysine- or arginine-rich proteinoids considered for abiogenesis
Electromyographic study of the anterior cruciate ligament–hamstrings synergy during isometric knee extension

The purpose of this investigation was to determine the role the hamstrings group may play in augmenting passive articular mechanisms during activity in which anterior drawer force may detrimentally affect the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). Nine male subjects performed non-weight-bearing isometric knee extension at 10% increments of maximum voluntary contraction (MVC). Electromyographic (EMG) signals were detected and recorded from the vastus lateralis, vastus medialis oblique, vastus medialis longus, and the long head of the biceps femoris. The EMG signals were rectified and integrated over 1000 ms and normalized to subject-specific values. The data were subjected to a repeated-measures analysis of variance. The results demonstrated that expected significant increases in quadriceps excitation accompanied increases in knee extensor torque. Hamstrings excitation was not found to change significantly (total change = 3.4%). It was concluded that functionally adequate knees do not require posterior drawer force in excess of that provided passively by articular structures.
Recruitment of the SWI/SNF Chromatin Remodeling Complex to Steroid Hormone-regulated Promoters by Nuclear Receptor Coactivator Flightless-I

ATP-dependent chromatin remodeling complexes, such as SWI/SNF, are required for transcriptional activation of specific genes and are believed to be recruited to gene promoters by direct interaction with DNA binding transcription factors. However, we report here that recruitment of SWI/SNF to target genes of estrogen receptor α (ERα) requires the previously described nuclear receptor coactivator protein Flightless-I (Fli-I). Fli-I can bind directly to both ER and BAF53, an actin-related component of the SWI/SNF complex, suggesting that Fli-I may recruit SWI/SNF to ER target genes via interaction with BAF53. Point mutations in Fli-I that disrupt binding to ER or BAF53 compromised the ability of Fli-I to enhance ER-mediated activation of a transiently transfected reporter gene. Depletion of endogenous Fli-I or BAF53 inhibited estrogen-responsive expression of endogenous target genes of ER, indicating a critical role for Fli-I and BAF53. Moreover, depletion of endogenous Fli-I or BAF53 specifically eliminated part of the complex cyclical pattern of recruitment of SWI/SNF to estrogen-responsive promoters in a way that indicates multiple roles and multiple mechanisms of recruitment for SWI/SNF in estrogen-dependent target gene expression. These results begin to establish the functional relationships and interdependencies that coordinate the actions of the many coactivators participating in the transcriptional activation process.
Karen L. Von Damm (1955–2008)

Karen L. Von Damm, a professor and world-renowned researcher in marine geochemistry at the University of New Hampshire, passed away at her home in Durham on 15 August 2008, after having been diagnosed with liver cancer in April 2008. She was 53 years old.
Intracellular site of prolactin synthesis in rat pituitary cells in culture

Abstract Free and membrane-bound polyribosomes were isolated from control and thyrotropin releasing hormone-treated GH3 cells. The two polysome fractions were used to direct {3H}leucine incorporation into prolactin in both heterologous and homologous cell-free protein-synthesizing systems. Prolactin was measured by immunoprecipitation and SDS-disc gel electrophoresis of the reaction products. Only membrane-bound polysomes directed incorporation of {3H}leucine into labeled prolactin. In additon, intact cells were pulselabeled with {3H}leucine, free and membrane-bound polysomes were isolated, and newly synthesized prolactin associated with each polysome fraction was measured. In control cells, {3H}prolactin represented about 0.4 and 4.2% of total acid-insoluble radioactivity in free and membrane-bound polysomes, respectively; whereas, in thyrotropin releasing hormone-treated cells, these values were about 1 and 20%, respectively. Added {3H}prolactin did not associate nonspecifically with membrane-bound polysomes. We conclude that prolactin is synthesized predominantly on membrane-bound polysomes in GH3 cells.
BCL-2 Inhibition: Stemming the Tide of Myeloid Malignancies

Leukemia stem cells (LSCs) are likely to be the source for both therapeutic resistance and relapse in myeloid malignancies. As reported in this issue of Cell Stem Cell, Lagadinou et al. (2013) and Goff et al. (2013) support selective targeting of LSCs by small molecule antagonists of anti-apoptotic BCL-2 family proteins.
Induction of temporally dissociated morphological and physiological differentiation of N1E-115 cells

Clonal cells derived from neural tumors have been widely used to study the processes of neuronal differentiation in vitro. The murine neuroblastoma clone N1E-115 has recently been shown to differentiate morphologically in response to removal of serum from the culture medium. In the present study, the nature and time course of electrophysiological differentiation of N1E-115 cells maintained in serum-free medium was examined. Differentiated cells had a higher resting potential and lower input conductance than nondifferentiated cells. Differentiated but not nondifferentiated cells generated current evoked action potentials, and differentiated cells fired spontaneous, repetitive action potentials after 13 days in serum-free medium. The rate of potential change during the depolarizing and repolarizing phases of the action potential became faster as the duration of maintenance of cells in serum-free medium increased. Remarkably, morphological differentiation appeared to be complete after exposure to serum-free medium for 5 days but electrophysiological differentiation was not complete until 13 days in this medium.
Towards greener wireless transmission: Efficient power amplifier design

The power budget of a transmitter is critically dependent on the design of the Power Amplifier (PA). Different applications require widely different values for the Effective Isotropic Radiated Power (E.I.R.P). These values range from as low as -20 dBm for Body Area Networks (BAN) to as high as 30 dBm for cellular communications. This paper overviews several approaches to achieve highly efficient wireless power transmission. A Class-C amplifier operates in the 400 MHz MedRadio band and achieves measured peak output power and drain efficiency values of −4 dBm and 43%, respectively. A switched-capacitor PA achieves an average output power of 17.7 dBm, an average PAE of 27%, and an EVM of 2.6% operating with orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing (OFDM) modulation at a center frequency of 2.25 GHz.
Further observations on the fine structure of the macronucleus in Tokophrya infusionum.

In a previous paper (8) an organized structure was described in the macronuclei of certain old organisms of Tokophrya infusionum . It was found that the same honeycomb structure appears in great abundance in the macronuclei of overfed organisms. This permitted a better three-dimensional reconstruction of the described structure. Since the defined structure may be experimentally induced, it offers an opportunity for further more detailed studies as to its nature and meaning.
Laboratory-Confirmed Rotavirus Disease in Utah Children: Clinical and Economic Impact of Rotavirus Vaccination.

Background. Rotavirus is the most common cause of infectious diarrhea in children worldwide. Recent studies have described changes in the burden of all-cause gastroenteritis; however, there are limited data on the clinical and economic impact of rotavirus vaccine on cases of laboratory-confirmed rotavirus disease.
The selective values of alleles in a molecular network model are context dependent

Classical quantitative genetics has applied linear modeling to the problem of mapping genotypic to phenotypic variation. Much of this theory was developed prior to the availability of molecular biology. The current understanding of the mechanisms of gene expression indicates the importance of nonlinear effects resulting from gene interactions. We provide a bridge between genetics and gene network theories by relating key concepts from quantitative genetics to the parameters, variables, and performance functions of genetic networks. We illustrate this methodology by simulating the genetic switch controlling galactose metabolism in yeast and its response to selection for a population of individuals. Results indicate that genes have heterogeneous contributions to phenotypes and that additive and nonadditive effects are context dependent. Early cycles of selection suggest strong additive effects attributed to some genes. Later cycles suggest the presence of strong context-dependent nonadditive effects that are conditional on the outcomes of earlier selection cycles. A single favorable allele cannot be consistently identified for most loci. These results highlight the complications that can arise with the presence of nonlinear effects associated with genes acting in networks when selection is conducted on a population of individuals segregating for the genes contributing to the network.
Treatment of interferon-induced psychosis in patients with comorbid hepatitis C and HIV.

Received July 3, 2002; revision received Jan. 3, 2003; accepted Jan. 22, 2003. From the Mount Sinai Medical Center. Address reprint requests to Dr. Hoffman, AIDS Center, Box 1009, Mount Sinai Medical Center, One Gustave Levy Place, New York, NY 10029. Copyright 2003 The Academy of Psychosomatic Medicine. Four million people in the United States and over 100 million worldwide are estimated to have hepatitis C infection. The modes of transmission of HIV and hepatitis C virus are similar, and coinfection is common, especially among intravenous drug users. Among HIV-positive patients, approximately 30%–50% are coinfected with hepatitis C. Approximately 70%–80% of those exposed to hepatitis C develop chronic infection. Although interferon has been the principal treatment for chronic hepatitis C for more than 10 years, treatment is complicated by its neurotoxic and psychiatric side effects. Several case reports have described depression and suicidal ideation in patients receiving interferon for hepatitis C. Three reports have documented psychosis in HIV-negative patients receiving interferon , but to our knowledge no reports to date have described psychosis in HIV-positive patients receiving interferon treatment for comorbid hepatitis C. All patients described in this study were enrolled at the Mount Sinai School of Medicine subsite of Hepatitis Resource Network 002, a multicenter trial of interferon 2b and ribavirin therapy in individuals coinfected with hepatitis C and HIV. Patients in this study were given ribavirin, 400 mg b.i.d., and were randomly assigned to receive interferon either daily or three times per week in a subcutaneous dose of 3 million units. At our subsite, all patients were screened for current depression and suicidality before enrollment and were followed throughout the study by a psychiatrist. The study was approved by the Mount Sinai School of Medicine Institutional Review Board. Table 1 describes the immunological parameters and antiretroviral therapy at study entry as well as treatment outcomes. In our case series, four out of six patients with comorbid hepatitis C and HIV developed psychosis during interferon therapy. While all four of the patients who developed psychosis had prior histories of mood and substance use disorders, none had a previous history of psychosis. None of the patients engaged in substance abuse during interferon therapy. This is the first case series of new-onset psychosis in patients with comorbid HIV and hepatitis C during treatment with interferon .