cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Sympathetic neural control of the mouse lacrimal gland.

PURPOSE To explore the sympathetic innervation pattern and the role of sympathetic nervous system control of protein secretion in the exorbital lacrimal glands of normal mice. METHODS Mouse lacrimal glands were processed for single- and double-label indirect immunofluorescence studies to show their innervation patterns. The sucrose-potassium phosphate-glyoxylic acid method was also used to visualize the adrenergic innervation. The effects of adrenergic and cholinergic agonists on protein secretion were evaluated. RESULTS The mouse lacrimal gland can be divided into two different areas based on the innervation density and distribution pattern. One area, approximately 10% to 30% of the gland, exhibited much higher innervation density, both parasympathetic and sympathetic, than the rest of the gland. The adrenergic agonists norepinephrine and phenylephrine induced increases in protein secretion that were of a magnitude similar to the increases induced by the cholinergic agonist carbachol at 10(-6) to 10(-4) M. Isoproterenol, the beta-adrenergic agonist, also elicited protein secretion at 10(-5) to 10(-4) M. CONCLUSIONS The data indicate that there is extensive sympathetic innervation of the mouse lacrimal gland and that sympathetic input can modulate protein secretion. The division of the lacrimal gland into two areas suggests that the mouse lacrimal gland is a mixed gland and that these two areas may play different roles in secreting tears of different compositions in various situations. These data appear to support the notion that differential secretion is accomplished by activating different populations of secretory cells that are differentially innervated.
Beyond the 2008 World Health Organization classification: the role of the hematopathology laboratory in the diagnosis and management of acute lymphoblastic leukemia

The diagnosis of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is made by evaluating morphology and immunophenotype. However, appropriate risk stratification and decisions regarding the intensity of therapy are influenced by additional clinical and laboratory testing that reflect the biology of the disease. Recent years have seen tremendous progress in uncovering genetic lesions that influence the biology of ALL. In recognition of these advances, the 2008 WHO classification incorporated the category of B-lymphoblastic leukemia/lymphoma with recurrent genetic abnormalities into the classification of precursor lymphoid neoplasms. Based on the knowledge available at the time, genetic lesions associated with distinct clinical features, immunophenotype, prognosis, or other unique biological characteristics were included in this category. Not surprisingly, significant novel genetic lesions that profoundly affect the biology of ALL have since been identified and will have a major impact on risk stratification and may ultimately be incorporated into future classification schemes. After establishing an initial diagnosis and treatment regimen, hematopathologists must also evaluate for minimal residual disease (MRD) to determine the need for additional intervention because MRD remains the most useful clinical indicator of disease progression and response to treatment. Doing so requires familiarity with not only morphology, but also flow cytometry and molecular genetics. Although not all of these applications are handled directly by the hematopathologist, it is our strong belief that meaningful involvement in patient care dictates that hematopathologists appreciate all aspects of ALL diagnosis and disease monitoring. This review covers the salient aspects of recent advances in the biology of ALL and evaluation of MRD, placing emphasis on how this information may ultimately be used to improve risk stratification and, as a result, patient outcomes.
Neutron Resonances in the Rare Earth Elements

The neutron cross sections of the fifteen rare earth elements (excepting $_{61}\mathrm{Pm}$) have been measured in the energy range from 0.07 to \ensuremath{\sim}20 ev with a crystal spectrometer. The resonances found are summarized in a table giving the resonant energies, ${E}_{0}$, and a qualitative value of the strength, ${\ensuremath{\sigma}}_{0}{\ensuremath{\Gamma}}^{2}$. For some cases, the isotope responsible for the resonance has been identified and is also listed.
The Usefulness of Drain Data to Identify a Clinically Relevant Pancreatic Anastomotic Leak After Pancreaticoduodenectomy

Pancreatic anastomotic leak (leak) remains a persistent problem after pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD). Recent reports indicate a mean occurrence of 10% with a range of 2%–28% of patients. However, valid comparisons for these studies cannot be made because the definition of leak is variable, and many patients deemed to have a leak are not sick. The aim of this study was to determine the meaning of the volume and amylase content of the effluent from surgical drains by comparing these values to actual clinical outcomes. From January 1996 to July 2002, 207 consecutive patients underwent PD. We considered a leak to be present if greater than 30 ml/day of drainage was observed from drains and if that drainage contained an amylase-rich fluid (greater than 5X serum) on or after postoperative day (POD) 5. Cases were then divided into three groups—no leak, chemical leak only (leak but asymptomatic), and a clinical leak group (leak that required therapeutic intervention, reoperation, readmission, or prolonged length of stay). Then the drainage volume and its amylase concentration for every postoperative day were compared between the three groups. There were no operative or hospital deaths, and the mean length of stay (LOS) was 11.2 ± 6.1 days. Prolonged LOS was set at greater than 17 days (one standard deviation beyond the mean LOS for all cases). Leak was observed in 14% of cases (n = 29) and the patients were subsequently divided into these groups: no leak (n = 178), chemical leak only (n = 12), and clinical leak (n = 17). Surprisingly, the daily drain amylase values did not differ between the chemical leak group and the clinical leak group. The daily volume of drainage on POD 5–8 for the clinical leak group was significantly greater than the volumes of the other two groups, so that a combination of greater than 200 ml/ day of drainage on POD 5 with an amylase greater than 5X serum had a positive predictive value (PPV) of 84% and a negative predictive value (NPV) of 99% for a clinically relevant leak. We used broad criteria from drainage effluent to include as many potential leaks as possible. This broad definition of leak selected 14% of the PD patients as having a leak; within this group, all of the clinical complications of leak occurred. By increasing the volume criteria from greater than 30 ml per day to greater than 200 ml per day, the PPV was increased from 59% to 84% while keeping NPV at 99%. Drain data based on the volume and amylase criteria of this study may be useful for early detection of a leak that will have clinical impact. This study’s criteria for leak may be a good definition to design a clinical trial.
Pressure swing adsorption: A theoretical study of diffusion‐induced separations

This report examines gas separation by a pressure swing adsorption (PSA) process that exploits differences in intraparticle rates of diffusion, rather than differences in adsorption isotherms. Film and intraparticle diffusion resistances are taken into account, but only the latter is examined closely. Each step of a four-step cycle is incorporated, and concentration profiles within the particles and along the column axis are predicted. Several critical PSA operating conditions, including step times, velocities, and pressures are studied in the context of separation of nitrogen from air with zeolite 4A.
PHYSICAL PROPERTIES OF PARTLY MELTED THOLEIITIC BASALT

Melting experiments on centimetre-scale blocks of tholeiitic Holyoke basalt from the Mesozoic Hartford basin of Connecticut reveal that when this basalt is only 30% crystallized, a relatively strong network of crystals exists. Cubes of the basalt melted to this degree retain their shape as the interstitial liquid drains easily from the crystal network. The intrinsic permeability of a sample containing 34% crystals was determined to be 3 × 10−10 m2, which is similar to that of coarse gravel. Serial sections through partly melted samples reveal that the network owes its strength to monomineralic strings of plagioclase and pyroxene crystals. Although these strings are clearly evident once the rock has been partly melted, they are difficult to see in thin sections of the initial basalt, but they are present. The compressive strength of the mush increases dramatically from 336 to 4333 Pa as the percentage of crystals increases from 33% to 37%. This rapid strengthening is believed to explain why sheets of segregation liquid in tholeiitic flood basalts have compositions that correspond to no more than 35% fractional crystallization of the host basalt. These sheets are proposed to form through compaction of the crystal mush in the lower part of thick flows, the compaction occurring only while the mush remains weak, that is, while it has <35% crystals.
Influence of heat inactivation of human serum on the opsonization of Streptococcus mutans.

Phagocytosis of bacteria, such as Streptococcus mutans, is important to host defense. One mechanism by which phagocytosis can be enhanced is by antibody or complement-mediated opsonization of bacteria. Many studies utilize opsonization of bacteria to enhance a cellular response, but little information has been found examining methodology or validity of the opsonization process following the denaturization of the serum. Human serum was inactivated by heat in order to disrupt the classical and alternative pathways of the complement cascade. S. mutans isolated from human subjects were opsonized with heat-inactivated human serum before exposing them to viable neutrophils in vitro. Luminol-dependent chemiluminescence (CL) was used to measure neutrophil activation. Human serum used to opsonize the bacteria was denatured by incubation at 57 degrees C for intervals of 30 and 60 min to inactivate complement. The results from the opsonization data indicated that there was significantly increased CL with 60-min inactivation of the serum (34% increase in mean integration mV.min; p < or = 0.05) over the nonopsonized control. This indicated a successful opsonization of the bacteria. In addition, the data demonstrate that the inactivation of serum requires a minimum of 60 min at 57 degrees C to disrupt the complement cascade, while 30- and 15-min inactivations produced no significant increase in CL activity over the control. Standard sandwich ELISA assays, detecting complement binding to S. mutans, confirmed successful heat inactivation of serum showing a significant decrease (p < or = 0.001) in complement binding to S. mutans after 30 min, but could not explain the increased CL response after 60-min heat deactivation of the serum.
Spontaneous arteriovenous fistula between common iliac artery and vein.

Spontaneous arteriovenous fistula between iliac artery and vein is a rare entity. This disorder may appear in a manner suggesting deep vein thrombosis or arterial insufficiency of a lower extremity, but the presence of an abdominal bruit and a lower abdominal pulsatile mass should lead one to consider a fistula between major vessels. The clinical, imaging and management aspects of iliac artery-vein fistula are discussed.
On being educated in the west: The disruption in self as a narrative and authenticity and inauthenticity of self

In this article I have argued that the issue of the effect of education on one getting educated is an ontological one. I make my case with the help of Heidegger's concepts of Dasein, and man's-being-in-the-world. I first argue that tradition is constitutive of one's being, and that man's being is in-a-tradition, and then make the case that education is located in tradition, and that education is a process by which one is initiated into that tradition. As a consequence getting educated in a tradition outside one's own has the effect of dislocating the being of the one getting educated.
Selective localization of γ-enolase in stromal cells of cerebellar hemangioblastomas

Three cases of cerebellar hemangioblastoma were studied using the immunoperoxidase technique to localize gamma-enolase, also known as neuron-specific enolase. The stromal cells demonstrated positive staining for gamma-enolase, while endothelial cells and pericytes showed no reactivity. Two vascular lesions, an angiosarcoma and a cutaneous angioma, were studied and found to be nonreactive for gamma-enolase. All tumors were also tested for factor VIII/von Willebrand factor, glial fibrillary acidic protein, and the S-100 protein. The lack of expression of gamma-enolase in endothelial cells of hemangioblastomas demonstrates a clear antigenic distinction from neighboring gamma-enolase-positive stromal cells. The significance of this finding and its implications for stromal cell histogenesis are discussed.
Induction of tolerance to hepatitis B virus: can we ‘eat the disease’ and live with the virus?

Abstract Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a major health problem, with over 300 million HBsAg carriers worldwide. The HBV itself is non-cytopathic, and it is widely accepted that the mechanism of hepatocellular injury is the host anti-viral immune response. Current treatments, including the newly developed therapeutic modalities, are either based on anti-viral drugs or focus on attempts to augment the anti-viral immune response. The results of these approaches have been largely disappointing. There is evidence, however, that subjects with a natural tolerance to HBV or a down-regulated immune response develop little or no liver injury, despite chronic viremia. Lately, it has been shown that it is possible to induce tolerance toward viruses by oral administration of major viral structural proteins. Here, we discuss the pathogenesis of HBV-mediated liver disease and approaches to down-regulate the immune response directed against liver cells by orally inducing tolerance toward the virus. We hypothesize that this acquired tolerance should turn chronic active hepatitis patients with deteriorating disease into ‘healthy’ virus carriers. The proposed new treatment strategy would redirect the focus from augmenting anti-viral immune response to inducing host tolerance towards the virus.
Reappraisal of Colour Symbolism in the Courtly Prose Fiction of Late - Medieval Castile

In sentimental romances and other courtly works, architectural marvels, banners, shields, gowns, tunics and hose are colourful embellishments.1 Their colour was often the bearer of extra meaning. While this extra meaning is the principal concern of this study, the objective chromatic value of some colour adjectives is also of considerable interest. Although some authors explained their chromatic imagery, others did not, relying on a chromatic awareness shared with their readership. Specific, unchanging allegorical meanings assigned to colours in some romances are a medieval survival.2 When R. M. Duncan writes: ‘Los escritores del medioevo espanol no tenian los ojos abiertos al color del mundo de la naturaleza que les rodeaba’, he is alluding to this allegorical inclination, and not to a perceptual disability.3 Assuming that colour perception and chromatic symbolic values are culture specific (both diachronic and synchronic), I surmise that the new oppositions, brightness / darkness (i.e. value), and inten...
Simplified design procedure for frame buildings with viscoelastic or elastomeric structural dampers

A simplified design procedure (SDP) for preliminary seismic design of frame buildings with structural dampers is presented. The SDP uses elastic-static analysis and is applicable to structural dampers made from viscoelastic (VE) or high-damping elastomeric materials. The behaviour of typical VE materials and high-damping elastomeric materials is often non-linear, and the SDP idealizes these materials as linear VE materials. With this idealization, structures with VE or high-damping elastomeric dampers can be designed and analysed using methods based on linear VE theory. As an example, a retrofit design for a typical non-ductile reinforced concrete (RC) frame building using high-damping elastomeric dampers is developed using the SDP. To validate the SDP, results from non-linear dynamic time history analyses (NDTHA) are presented. Results from NDTHA demonstrate that the SDP estimates the seismic response with sufficient accuracy for design. It is shown that a non-ductile RC frame building can be retrofit with high-damping elastomeric dampers to remain essentially elastic under the design basis earthquake (DBE). Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
How Event Sponsors Are Really Identified: A (Baseball) Field Analysis

ABSTRACT Event sponsors often do not receive proper credit for their efforts. This issue was examined in a field study involving over 300 baseball fans attending minor league games during the summer season. Signal detection analyses reveal that, even among such sports fans, the ability to correctly discriminate actual official sponsors of the home team from matched foils, although above chance, was rather poor. Consistent with recent laboratory findings, sponsor identification responses were further found to be heavily influenced by the mere plausibility of the brand as a potential sponsor. This plausibility effect was equally pronounced for actual sponsors and for foils. The phenomenon seems to be driven by a reliance on plausibility-based inferences that was widespread across respondents (as opposed to limited to a few). These plausibility-based inferences, whether correct or incorrect, can have as much influence on attributions of sponsorship as actual exposure to genuine sponsorship information. Implications for potential sponsors and properties are discussed.
Occurrence of Nontuberculous Mycobacteria in Environmental Samples

Nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) are a major cause of opportunistic infection in immunocompromised hosts. Because there is no evidence of person-to-person transmission and NTM have been found in drinking water, the environment is considered a likely source of infection. In this study the widespread occurrence of NTM was examined in drinking water, bottled water, and ice samples. A total of 139 samples were examined for NTM by a membrane filtration culture technique followed by PCR amplification and 16S rRNA sequence determination to identify the isolates. NTM were not detected in bottled water or cisterns but were detected in 54% of the ice samples and 35% of the public drinking-water samples from 21 states. The most frequently occurring isolate was M. mucogenicum (formerly referred to as an M. chelonae-like organism).
Reliable Routing for Roadside to Vehicle Communications in Rural Areas

The demands for vehicular Internet access are proliferating. Access points (APs) can be deployed along the roadside to provide wireless coverage and network access for mobile vehicles. However, high mobility may cause frequent link breakages, which will seriously impact quality of service (QoS). In this paper, we study reliable routing for roadside to vehicle (R2V) communications in rural areas where rough terrain poses additional challenges. We propose a novel routing protocol where the stationary APs play a key role in route maintenance. The protocol includes a prediction algorithm which can predict the lifetimes of wireless links with consideration for terrain effects, as well as routing algorithms which can find stable paths for packet forwarding based on the prediction. Simulation results based on OPNET modeler and the rural roadways in the Yellowstone National Park show that the proposed protocol substantially outperforms existing ad-hoc routing protocols.
Baroclinic Instability in Ocean Currents

Abstract Unstable waves in a western boundary current are investigated in a full three-dimensional, numerical model. A numerical integration is carried out which traces the evolution of a growing wave on an initially uniform current with vertical shear. As indicated in earlier analytic studies based on simpler 2-layer models (Orlanski, 1969) the current is baroclinically unstable for the observed parameter range of the Gulf Stream. Large meanders of the jet in the western boundary current are noticeable within 10 days. Finite amplitude effects, which can be investigated by the numerical model, reduce the growth rate of the disturbance by nearly an order of magnitude compared to linear theory. Comparison with observations indicate that the meanders of the Florida Current between Miami and Hatteras are probably baroclinically unstable waves.
A review of lamellae

Lamellae, bands of increased silicate clay and iron, are globally ubiquitous in Quaternary sands and have been studied for almost a century. However, their study is hampered by confusion in the literature; a researcher who only reads a single case study may be misled into thinking that these features form in only one way. This paper reviews recent research on these confusing features outlining three general formation pathways: pedogenic, petrogenic, and pedo-petrogenic, and within these numerous specific evolutions. The review will be useful to geomorphologists that have lamellae in their field areas but whose research is focused elsewhere and those interested in determining local lamellae genesis. It will help Quaternary scientists understand that lamellae are confusing features and should not be assumed to have climatic significance or indicate buried soils when encountered at depth.
Atoll Island Hydrology

Enjebi Island on Enewetak Atoll has been the site of extensive hydrological, geological and geophysical studies. Tidal lag, tidal efficiency and water levels have been measured in 24 wells ranging in depth from one m to 90 m (3–290 ft). Hydraulic conductivity has been measured both on laboratory samples and by aquifer testing in the field. Theoretical ground-water tidal responses have been calculated using a model based on horizontal propagation of tidal signals. Comparison of field observations and model results indicates that the observed results are not consistent with horizontal tidal propagation and that the hydraulics of the system are probably controlled by vertical coupling between the unconsolidated surface aquifer and an underlying aquifer of more permeable limestone. Results from other islands of Enewetak, Bikini and Kwajelein Atolls are comparable, and suggest that vertical transport between layered aquifers is an important feature of atoll ground-water hydrology at least throughout the northern Marshall Islands.
A Story of Transition: Using Poetry to Express Liminality.

The purpose of this article is to illuminate one researcher’s experience in working with poetic representation while researching participants’ perspectives of the transition from high school to college. Two integral points are discussed: (1) making the choice of using alternative representation—letting the data speak, and (2) the flow experience of adapting and creating a process of analysis and representation.
Efficient Authenticated Key-Exchange for Devices with a Trusted Manager

We propose an efficient authentication method for secure communication among a set of devices that have a single trusted manager or administrator, with protocols presented for authentication and authenticated key exchange. An example of such a setting would be a set of devices or sensors owned by a single person, including applications such as a smart house or coordinated control systems, with emphasis on the simplicity and efficiency of the protocol. While known techniques can solve this problem, we show how specific properties of our setting can allow our more efficient solution, which is more appropriate for embedded processors with limited computational capabilities. Specifically, a device using our protocol can authenticate itself using only about 15% of the computation required by a standard RSA signature-based authentication. We prove that our scheme is secure under the strong RSA assumption and the computational Diffie-Hellman assumption.
Genetic Analysis of Complex Disease

Neil Risch, in a series of seminal papers in 1990 ([1][1], [2][2]), demonstrated the utility of sib-pair linkage analysis in identifying genes for complex genetic traits. In doing so, he defined what is the current paradigm for the genetic dissection of common complex genetic diseases. The recent
An evaluation of two emergent literacy screening tools for preschool children.

Children’s reading success in early elementary school can be predicted from their emergent literacy skills. Consequently, there has been an increased focus on early childhood education as a means of identifying children at risk for later reading difficulty. Because diagnostic measures are impractical for this use, emergent literacy screening tools have been developed. In this study, 176 preschool children ranging in age from 42 to 55 months were administered the Revised Get Ready to Read! (GRTR-R), the Individual Growth and Development Indicators (IGDIs), and a diagnostic measure at two time points. Results indicated that GRTR-R either matched or outperformed IGDIs in terms of test-retest reliability and concurrent validity.
BACTEREMIA IN CHARLESTON COUNTY, SOUTH CAROLINA

To describe the epidemiology of bacteremia in a large, well defined population, the authors reviewed medical records for residents of Charleston County, South Carolina, who had bacteria isolated from blood in the period 1974 to 1976. The incidence was 80 cases per 100,000 population per year. The most common organisms were Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella, and Streptococcus pneumoniae. The incidence was highest for neonates, infants, and those 70 years of age and older with annualized attack rates of 1,864,250, and 446 cases per 100,000 population, respectively. The incidence was 3.2 times higher for blacks than for whites and, within races, appeared to be independent of family income. Twenty-five per cent of patients had no clinically apparent focus of infection, 26% had urinary tract infection, and 17% had pneumonia. Thirty-nine per cent of cases were nosocomial, and 30% of patients died.
Evolutionary Analysis of Risk Attitudes in Competitive Bidding Environments Using Simulation

Exactly how risk-averse a person should be is an elusive question that may be answerable only through evolutionary analysis. The literature on the evolution of risk attitudes is quite diffuse. Researchers have taken widely varying approaches. A survey of these approaches is presented. One approach to study the evolution is to simulate a small society of individuals whose risk taking behaviors are interrelated according to simple rules. The aim of this paper is to introduce a few different ways to conduct such simulations and visualize the results. These approaches can be extended in diverse ways. While this type of simulation is unlikely to produce normative or prescriptive results for an individual, it may reveal some facts about the collective fate of a society. Simulation codes written in Mathematica are included.
Effects of selective serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors on depressive- and impulsive-like behaviors and on monoamine transmission in experimental temporal lobe epilepsy

Summary Objective Examine therapeutic potential of a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) and a norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (NERI) in an animal model of comorbidity between epilepsy, depression-like, and impulsive-like impairments. Methods Epilepsy was induced in male Wistar rats by LiCl and pilocarpine. An SSRI fluoxetine (FLX), and an NERI reboxetine (RBX) were administered either alone or as a combination over 1 week. Depressive-like and impulsive-like behaviors were examined using the forced swim test. Fast scan cyclic voltammetry was used to analyze serotonergic transmission in the raphe nucleus (RN)–prefrontal cortex (PFC) pathway, and noradrenergic transmission in locus coeruleus (LC)-PFC, and LC-RN projections. Monoamine levels in PFC were measured using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Functional capacities of 5-HT1A receptors and α2A adrenoreceptors in PFC were analyzed by autoradiography. Results Epileptic rats showed behavioral signs of depression and hyperimpulsivity, suppressed serotonergic and noradrenergic tones, decreased levels of serotonin (5-HT), and norepinephrine (NE); 5-HT1A receptor and α2A adrenoreceptors functions remained intact. FLX failed to improve behavioral deficits, but effectively raised 5-HT level and marginally improved RN-PFC serotonergic transmission. RBX reversed impulsive-like behavior, normalized content of NE and noradrenergic tone in LC-PFC and LC-RN. FLX-RBX combination fully reversed depressive-like behavior, and normalized RN-PFC serotonergic transmission. None of the treatment modified the function of 5-HT and NE receptors. Significance Depressive- and impulsive-like behaviors in the pilocarpine model of epilepsy stem respectively from dysfunctions of serotonergic and noradrenergic ascending pathways. At the same time, epilepsy-associated depression is SSRI resistant. The finding that an SSRI-NERI combination exerts antidepressant effect, along with RBX-induced improvement of LC-RN noradrenergic transmission point toward the involvement of LC-RN noradrenergic input in enabling therapeutic potential of FLX. Medications that improve serotonergic and noradrenergic transmission, such as serotonin–norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors may be effective in treating epilepsy-associated SSRI-resistant depression, as well as concurrent depression and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
Decolonization and the Rise of Krio Irredentism in Sierra Leone

This paper examines the quest for self-preservation and the assertion of political rights and cultural identity by the Krio, descendants of manumitted Africans, during the period of British decolonization in West Africa in the post-World War II period. It will provide a much-needed exposition on the politics of decolonization in the then British colony and the consequent marginalization of the largely Christianized and once-hegemonic Krio educated elite in the post-colony. The historiography on Sierra Leone suffers from a lacuna in critical analyses of the decolonization process. There is, therefore, an urgent need for a critical exploration of some of the major themes in West African history including, in particular, the relations between the colony-based Krio of Sierra Leone and the indigenous cultures of the so-called Protectorate and the position of the imperial regime vis-a-vis the subjects of the British Crown. This paper will also provide some insight into the vexed issue of the politics of ethnicity and ethnic nationalism in the decolonizing environment of the post-war period and the machinations of the colonial regime to influence the outcome of the independence movement, while also providing a conceptual framework for a substantive exploration of the post-colonial political culture in Sierra Leone.
TEMPORAL VARIATION IN ALLELE FREQUENCIES: TESTING THE RIGHT HYPOTHESIS

Although standard statistical tests (such as contingency chi-square or G tests) are not well suited to the analysis of temporal changes in allele frequencies, they continue to be used routinely in this context. Because the null hypothesis stipulated by the test is violated if samples are temporally spaced, the true probability of a significant test statistic will not equal the nominal α level, and conclusions drawn on the basis of such tests can be misleading. A generalized method, applicable to a wide variety of organisms and sampling schemes, is developed here to estimate the probability of a significant test statistic if the only forces acting on allele frequencies are stochastic ones (i.e., sampling error and genetic drift). Results from analyses and simulations indicate that the rate at which this probability increases with time is determined primarily by the ratio of sample size to effective population size. Because this ratio differs considerably among species, the seriousness of the error in using the standard test will also differ. Bias is particularly strong in cases in which a high percentage of the total population can be sampled (for example, endangered species). The model used here is also applicable to the analysis of parent-offspring data and to comparisons of replicate samples from the same generation. A generalized test of the hypothesis that observed changes in allele frequency can be satisfactorily explained by drift follows directly from the model, and simulation results indicate that the true α level of this adjusted test is close to the nominal one under most conditions.
Development of a 5-Camera Transfer Length Measurement System for Real-Time Monitoring of Railroad Crosstie Production

Knowledge of transfer length during production is critical for maintaining continuous production quality in the modern manufacture of prestressed concrete railroad crossties. Traditional laboratory methods for measuring transfer length, using manual instruments such as a Whittemore mechanical gauge or surface mounted resistance-type strain gauge, are simply not suitable for production operation. They are too time-consuming to implement, require extensive surface preparation, and can also require special operator training to provide accurate and reliable surface strain profiles from which the transfer length can be determined in a post-processing manner.In contrast with earlier manual methods, the newly developed non-contact Laser Speckle Imaging (LSI) technique has been shown to be capable of providing rapid and accurate surface strain measurement and consequently also rapid transfer length assessment. This system has recently been automated and combined with the new Zhao-Lee (ZL) least-squares strain profile fitting technique for quickly and reliably processing surface strain data. The automated system and processing procedure have been shown to provide an improved assessment of transfer length, unhampered by human intervention and subsequent potential human judgment bias.This paper presents recent progress toward the development of a 5-camera non-contact transfer length measurement system that is capable of continuous monitoring of railroad crossties in a production plant. This is made possible using an optimized version of the previously successful LSI system, which minimizes the number of surface strain measurements required to achieve reliable transfer length assessment. Experimental results and analysis will be presented for the latest multi-camera prototype concept for this new system design, demonstrating that only a few discrete surface strain measurements are required to achieve accurate and reliable transfer length assessment. Thus, for the first time it is now possible to envision practical real-time quality control monitoring of railroad crossties during an in-plant production operation.Copyright © 2013 by ASME
Relationship of pituitary prolactin and LH to mammary and uterine growth of pubertal rats during the estrous cycle.

SummaryMammary and uterine development and their relationships to the pituitary content of prolactin and LH were studied during the five estrous cycles after vaginal opening in rats. Cumulative mammary and uterine growth was completed largely by the fourth estrous cycle after puberty. Although there was a lag of 1 day between peak mammary and uterine development, virtually all of this growth occurred during the estrogenic phase of the estrous cycle. Involutionary changes occurred in both organs during the progestational phase of the estrous cycle. Pituitary prolactin concentration was greater at proestrus (0.032 IU/mg) and metestrus (0.041 IU/mg) than at estrus (0.015 IU/mg) or diestrus (0.015 IU/mg). Pituitary LH concentration, which averaged 0.72, 0.31, 0.27, and 0.33 μ/mg at proestrus, estrus, metestrus, and diestrus, respectively, was correlated (r=0.58, p<.01) with changes in uterine RNA/DNA ratio.
Towards a Systematic Study of the Covert Channel Attacks in Smartphones

Recently, there is a great attention on the smartphones security and privacy due to their increasing number of users and wide range of apps. Mobile operating systems such as Android, provide mechanisms for data protection by restricting the communication between apps within the device. However, malicious apps can still overcome such restrictions via various means such as exploiting the software vulnerability in systems or using covert channels for data transferring. In this paper, we aim to systematically analyze various resources available on Android for the possible use of covert channels between two malicious apps. From our systematized analysis, we identify two new hardware resources, namely battery and phone call, that can also be used as covert channels. We also find new features to enrich the existing approaches for better covert channel such as using the audio volume and screen brightness. Our experimental results show that high throughput data transmission can be achieved using these resources for the covert channel attacks.
Social and psychological correlates of unprotected anal intercourse among Hispanic-American women: implications for STI/HIV prevention

AbstractHeterosexual anal intercourse is associated with increased risk for HIV and other sexually transmitted infections. Research on the social and psychological risk factors associated with heterosexual unprotected anal intercourse among Hispanic women in the USA is limited. We examined demographic, mental health, relationship power, sexual self-efficacy, self-esteem, acculturation and HIV knowledge as correlates of unprotected anal intercourse among 514 HIV-negative Hispanic women, 18 to 59 years of age, residing in one urban county in southern Florida. In both unadjusted and adjusted results, the likelihood of engaging in unprotected anal intercourse was associated with food insecurity in the past 30 days (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 1.57, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.03, 2.40) and more interpersonal power attributed to the male partner (AOR = 1.63, 95%CI 1.08, 2.45). Not significant, yet of possible importance, were ever having engaged in exchange sex (AOR = 1.96, 95%CI = 0.97, 3.98) and lower HIV...
Case 1: Growth Failure and Abnormal Radiographs in a 3-year-old Girl.

1. Raahul Ramakrishnan, MD* 2. Jennifer Fuchs, MD* 3. Geeta Singhal, MD* 1. *Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX. A 3-year-old African American girl is being evaluated for a history of failure to thrive and concern for neglect. She was born at term and was small for gestational age. Her growth records are unavailable, but growth velocity was reportedly normal until age 2 years. Four months ago, her pediatrician referred her to a gastroenterologist for ongoing poor weight and height gain, but she was not seen due to social barriers. The patient typically eats 3 regular meals and drinks 24 oz of chocolate milk per day. Her mother reports that her daughter has unusual dietary preferences, such as craving coffee and soda. She states that the girl has constipation, but she has no vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, bone pain or fractures, hematuria, or edema. She denies recurrent infections or hospitalizations. Motor and cognitive development are normal. Her tuberculin skin test result was negative 1 year ago. The mother has been previously incarcerated, and in the emergency department, the mother is agitated and her speech is slurred, with some incoherent speech. The patient’s height and weight are below the 5th percentile and head circumference is at the 10th percentile. Her vital signs are normal. The only finding of note on physical examination is frontal bossing with minimal subcutaneous fat. The alert, thin child has normal heart and lung sounds and no organomegaly or signs of trauma. She displays age-appropriate gross motor …
Phenogenetics: Genotypes, Phenotypes, and Variation

Publisher Summary The relationship between genotype and phenotype is complex whether one focuses on the mechanisms that relate gene structure to protein function or on variation. Mechanisms such as gene regulation, alternative splicing, ADAR (adenosine deaminase acting on RNA), somatic recombination, and the formation of protein multimers lead to a many-to-many relationship between genes and proteins. Alternative splicing, the formation of protein multimers, epigenetics, epistasis, and a host of other complicating factors, including the environment, all act to complicate this relationship. The environment can alter phenotype without changing genotype. Genetic mechanisms can lead to stabile phenotypes despite changing genes or environment. Developmental processes often produce patterns rather than traits. In addition, chance further complicates the situation. Much of modern biology is predicated on the assumption that by knowing the genotype of an individual one can predict the phenotype, or even vice versa, but in many situations this may not be possible.
Early discharge planning in preterm low birth weight babies: A quality improvement project:

Introduction:Extended hospitalization of low birth weight infants increases risk of medical and psychosocial complications. Our aim was to reduce the length of hospitalization and assess safety and...
Induction of the Unfolded Protein Response but Normal Basal Granulopoiesis in Mice Expressing G192X ELA2

Abstract Severe congenital neutropenia (SCN) is an inborn disorder of granulopoiesis characterized by chronic neutropenia, a block in granulocytic differentiation at the promyelocyte/myelocyte stage, and a marked propensity to develop acute myeloid leukemia. Most cases of SCN are associated with germline heterozygous mutations of ELA2, encoding neutrophil elastase (NE). To date, 59 different, mostly missense, mutations of ELA2 have been reported. A unifying mechanism by which all of the different ELA2 mutants disrupt granulopoiesis is lacking. We and others previously proposed a model in which the ELA2 mutations result in NE protein misfolding, induction of the unfolded protein response (UPR), and ultimately apoptosis of granulocytic precursors. Testing this (and other) models has been limited by the rarity of SCN and difficulty in obtaining clinical samples for testing. Herein, we report the preliminary description of a novel transgenic mouse line that expresses G192X Ela2, reproducing the G193X ELA2 mutation found in some patients with SCN. The G192X mutation was introduced into the murine Ela2 locus by homologous recombination in embryonic stem cells. Heterozygous or homozygous G192 Ela2 “knock-in” mice were healthy with no apparent developmental defect. While expression of Ela2 mRNA was normal, no mature NE protein was detected in the neutrophils of homozygous G192X Ela2 mice. However, in granulocytic precursors (mainly promyelocytes/myelocytes) a small amount of heavily glycosylated mutant NE protein was detected. Together, these observations suggest that G192X NE protein is retained in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and rapidly degraded. Consistent with ER stress and induction of the UPR, a significant increase in BiP/GRP78 and ATF6 mRNA expression in mutant granulocytic precursors were observed. Surprisingly, G192X Ela2 mice have normal basal granulopoiesis. The number of circulating neutrophils, granulocytic differentiation in the bone marrow, and number and cytokine responsiveness of myeloid progenitors were comparable to wild type mice. In summary, the G192X Ela2 mice appear to reproduce the NE protein misfolding and UPR activation observed in human SCN granulocytic precursors. However, expression of G192X Ela2 is not sufficient to disrupt basal granulopoiesis in mice. Studies of stress granulopoiesis are underway.
Twelve Themes and Spiritual Steps

Trauma has become too commonplace in America. Violent street crime permeates large cities. Intergang warfare and wanton shootings invade many ghettos. Robberies, assaults, and rapes (Roth & Lebowitz, 1988) occur frequently, hanging like a gray cloud hovering over the vulnerable who venture alone into side streets, parking lots, and parks (USA Today, 1989). The rising rate of alcohol and drug addiction breeds destruction and self-destruction. And now there is a frightening increase in the use and abuse of cocaine and associated crime, gang warfare, and hired assassinations.
Reducing musical noise in blind source separation by time-domain sparse filters and split Bregman method

Musical noise often arises in the outputs of time-frequency binary mask based blind source separation approaches. Postprocessing is desired to enhance the separation quality. An efficient musical noise reduction method by time-domain sparse filters is presented using convex optimization. The sparse filters are sought by l1 regularization and the split Bregman method. The proposed musical noise reduction method is evaluated by both synthetic and room recorded speech and music data, and found to outperform existing musical noise reduction methods in terms of the objective and subjective measures. Index Terms: Musical noise, time-frequency mask, timedomain sparse filters, split Bregman method.
Unique parasite aDNA in moa coprolites from New Zealand suggests mass parasite extinctions followed human-induced megafauna extinctions.

Having split early from Gondwana, Zealandia (now modern New Zealand) escaped discovery until the late 13th century, and therefore remains an important glimpse into a human-free world. Without humans or other land mammals, diverse and peculiar birds evolved in isolation, including several flightless moa species, the giant pouakai eagle ( Harpagornis moorei ), the kiwi ( Apteryx mantelli ), and the kakapo parrot ( Strigops habroptila ). This unique community has fascinated paleoecologists, who have spent almost two centuries devising new ways to glean information from ancient bird remains. In PNAS, Boast et al. (1) apply one recent technological advance, ancient DNA (aDNA) metabarcoding, to confirm previous discoveries and report new details about moa and kakapo diets, parasites, and niches. Their efforts confirm Zealandia was a lot different before humans arrived. Zealandia’s most diverse avian oddities were the moa. Moa research goes back to the early 1800s, when the Māori told legends to colonizing Europeans about giant birds and showed them fossilized moa bones in caves. Those fossils belonged to at least nine moa species ranging from 1 to 4 m tall, some with notable sexual dimorphism (2). The moa species have different fossil distributions, morphology, and gizzard contents, suggesting they partitioned Zealandia’s resources into distinct ecological niches. To better understand how moas coexisted and interacted with other species, paleontologists have turned to another abundant deposit that moas left behind: coprolites (fossilized dung). The 2,000 moa coprolites that have been collected thus far contain plants, fungi, microbes, and intestinal parasites (3), a priceless resource for creating ecological snapshots from Zealandia. Until the aDNA revolution, however, these snapshots were blurry (4). Sequencing aDNA allows paleontologists to identify dung-encased organisms at finer resolution than they see with a microscope. Studying aDNA is nerve-wracking, because it degrades over time … [↵][1]1To whom correspondence should be addressed. Email: klafferty{at}usgs.gov. [1]: #xref-corresp-1-1
Course of Esophageal Candidiasis and Outcomes of Patients at a Single Center.

Candida infection in the gastrointestinal tract is most studied in immunocompromised patients. Patients without systemic immunodeficiency, however, may have esophageal candidiasis associated with antibiotic or steroid medication use, alcoholic consumption, diabetes mellitus, and esophageal stasis disorders such achalasia or scleroderma esophagus.1-5 This population has not been well studied. We aim to describe demographics, risk factors, and relevant clinical outcomes for patients with Candida esophagitis with an emphasis in systemically immunocompetent patients.