cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
On the Scattering of Electromagnetic Waves From a Long Wire

A study is made of the scattering of a plane electromagnetic wave by a long and thin metallic wire in which the case of arbitrary incidence is considered. The Wiener-Hopf technique is used to solve the integral equation. Explicit and rather simple expressions for the induced current, the far-field pattern, and the backscattering cross sections are found; numerical results are presented. These results are in reasonable agreement with existing experimental data.
A Lectin-Like Wheat Gene Responds Systemically to Attempted Feeding by Avirulent First-Instar Hessian Fly Larvae

Through gene-for-gene interactions, wheat plants respond to specific biotypes of Hessian fly upon the initiation of first-instar larval feeding. Leaves of plants containing the H9 resistance gene responded to avirulent biotype L larvae with rapid changes in the levels of several mRNA transcripts and initiation of an incompatible interaction. A low-copy gene, Hfr-1 (Hessian fly-response gene 1), responded with increased mRNA levels for two days before returning to preinfestation levels by day five. Hfr-1 mRNA was constitutively expressed in uninfested control plants as well as in plants infested with virulent larvae. The cDNA sequence was similar to a maize gene encoding a β-glucosidase aggregating factor (BGAF), to jacalin-like mannose-binding lectins, and to several plant genes that respond to microbial infections. The potential roles of Hfr-1 in defending wheat against Hessian fly damage are discussed.
Sphenopalatine ganglion stimulation is a reversible and frequency-dependent modulator of the blood-brain barrier.

Abstract Background The sphenopalatine ganglion (SPG) is a vasoactive mediator of the anterior intracranial circulation in mammals. SPG stimulation has been demonstrated to alter blood-brain barrier (BBB) permeability, although this phenomenon is not well characterized. Objective To determine the effect of SPG stimulation on the BBB using rat models. Methods Extravasation of fluorescent tracer 70 kDa FITC-dextran into rat brain specimens was measured across a range of stimulation parameters to assess BBB permeability. Tight junction (TJ) morphology was compared by assessing differences in the staining of proteins occludin and ZO-1 and analyzing ultrastructural changes on transmission electron microscopy (TEM) between stimulated and unstimulated specimens. Results SPG stimulation at 10 Hz maximally increased BBB permeability, exhibiting a 6-fold increase in fluorescent tracer uptake (1.66% vs 0.28%, p 0.999 and p = 0.998, respectively). Stimulation was associated a significant decrease in the colocalization of occludin and ZO-1 with endothelial markers in stimulated brains compared to control (74.6% vs. 39.7% and 67.2% vs. 60.4% colocalization, respectively, p Conclusion This study is the first to show a reversible, frequency-dependent increase in BBB permeability with SPG stimulation and introduces a putative mechanism of action through TJ disruption. Bypassing the BBB with SPG stimulation could enable new paradigms in delivering therapeutics to the CNS. Further study of this technology is needed.
Quark and gluon form factors in four loop QCD: The N f 2 and N q γ N f contributions

We calculate the four-loop massless QCD corrections with two closed quark lines to quark and gluon form factors. The results for the gluon form factor and the singlet part of the quark form factor are given for the first time. From our analytic expressions for the form factors, we determine the corresponding cusp anomalous dimensions. The relevant Feynman integrals are obtained with novel integral reduction techniques and direct integration methods.
CuGaSe2 and CuInxGa1–xSe2 Nanocrystals with Sphalerite or Wurtzite Phase for Optoelectronic Applications

There has been significant interest in I–III–VI2 nanocrystals for photonic and optoelectronic applications, especially solar cells. CuInSe2 nanocrystals have been studied extensively as model materials for this class of compounds. By incorporation of Ga to make CuInxGa1–xSe2 (CIGSe), the optical gap can be tuned by composition as well as size for higher efficiency solar cells or other applications. The synthesis of CIGSe nanocrystals, however, has not been studied in much detail. It turns out that the addition of Ga to the typical arrested precipitation reactions for CuInSe2 nanocrystals in oleylamine (OLAm) leads to very slow particle nucleation and growth rates. In order to achieve consistent morphology, reaction yield, and Ga incorporation, a lengthy (∼24 h) low temperature incubation step is needed. Under these slow growth conditions, the crystal structure of the CIGSe nanocrystals is cubic. By addition of diphenylphosphine (DPP) to the reactions, the nucleation and growth rates are significantly incr...
The LBNL Racetrack Dipole and Sub-scale Magnet Program

After the test of D20, a cos-theta dipole design, the program steered away from resource-intensive magnet development to focus on simple geometries with an emphasis on fundamental technology development. This change in direction stimulated creativity and productivity. During this period 14 magnet tests were completed, a new field record of 14.7 T was achieved, and a new support structure, suitable for high field magnet development was implemented.
Evaluation of a Structured Onboarding Process and Tool for Faculty Members in a School of Pharmacy.

Objective. To develop and assess the usefulness of a structured onboarding process and tool at a school of pharmacy to improve the overall onboarding experience for new faculty members.Methods. An ...
Internal Immigrant Mobility in the Early 20th Century: Evidence from Galveston, Texas

Abstract Between 1907 and 1914, the “Galveston Movement,” a philanthropic effort spearheaded by Jacob Schiff, fostered the immigration of approximately 10,000 Russian Jews through the Port of Galveston, Texas. Upon arrival, households were given train tickets to pre-selected locations west of the Mississippi River where a job awaited. Despite the program’s stated purpose to locate new Russian Jewish immigrants to the Western part of the U.S., we find that roughly 85 to 90 percent of the prime-age male participants ultimately moved east of the Mississippi, typically to large Northeastern and Midwestern cities. We use a standard framework for modeling location decisions to show destination assignments made cities more desirable, but this effect was overwhelmed by the attraction of religious and country of origin enclaves. Economic conditions appear to be of secondary importance to our ethnic measures, even for participants at the top of the skill distribution.
Epidemiology of Diet and Diabetes Mellitus

Abstract The epidemiology of diabetes mellitus in relation to diet is of extreme importance. Carbohydrates are major energy sources, structural molecules that combine with other nutrients, and aid in the binding and signaling between molecules and body cells. Carbohydrate biochemistry is linked to many different diseases. Lipids help form biological membranes, are essential for energy storage and transport, play roles in cellular binding and recognition as well as other biological processes, help in signaling functions, and also in digestion and metabolism. Proteins are formed by amino acids, which are categorized as essential or nonessential. Of the several hundred amino acids, only 20 play predominant roles in humans. Amino acids are linked together with peptide bonds, forming peptides and proteins. Polypeptides make up most proteins, joining at least 10, but often, 50–2000 amino acids. Other types of peptide bonds are known as dipeptides (two bonds), tripeptides (three bonds), and oligopeptides (four to nine bonds). Proteins are categorized as enzymes, structural or motor proteins, and transport/channel proteins.
Achieving Justice for Girls in the Juvenile Justice System

Female involvement in the juvenile justice system has steadily increased in the United States over the past three decades. During this time, as male arrests have declined, female arrests have increased. Although many social workers have responded to these trends with a national call to identify and address the unique needs of these girls, we lack much high-quality research, including empirically supported interventions or programming to serve the needs of female youths involved in the justice system. This article provides a summary of the extant research that helps document the unique needs of these female youths and national policy efforts and practice considerations for social work practitioners. These needs and policy initiatives offer important opportunities for social workers to conduct research to improve the understanding of this population and also ways in which to provide services that address these youths' complex needs. The article concludes that these female youths-most of whom are not a danger to society-need services instead of involvement in the justice system.
Medical oncologists’ perceptions of clinical trials for underrepresented populations.

e19062Background: Ethnic/racial minorities and socioeconomically disadvantaged patients remain underrepresented in cancer clinical trials (CCT), challenging the accuracy and generalizability of fin...
Assessment of Emergency Department and Inpatient Use and Costs in Adult and Pediatric Functional Neurological Disorders

Importance There is limited information about health care use and costs in patients with functional neurological disorders (FNDs). Objective To assess US emergency department (ED) and inpatient use and charges for FNDs. Design, Setting, and Participants This economic evaluation used Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project data to assess all-payer (1) adult (age, ≥18 years) hospitalizations (2008-2017), (2) pediatric (age, 5-17 years) hospitalizations (2003, 2006, 2009, 2012, and 2016), and (3) adult and pediatric ED evaluations (2008-2017).International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modificationcode 300.11 (conversion disorder) or 306.0 (musculoskeletal malfunction arising from mental factors) andInternational Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems, Tenth Revision, Clinical Modificationcodes for conversion disorder/functional neurological symptom disorder (F44.4 to F44.7) were used to conservatively define FNDs and to compare them with other neurological disorders that are associated with high levels of health care use. Analysis was performed between January 2019 and July 2020. Main Outcomes and Measures Admission traits (eg, demographic characteristics of patients, length of stay, and discharge disposition) and hospital charges. Results Compared with other neurological disorders in 2017, emergency FND evaluations of 36 359 adults (25 807 women [71.0%] and 3800 children (2733 girls [71.9%]) more frequently resulted in inpatient admissions (22 895 adult admissions [69.2% female] and 1264 pediatric admissions [73.4% ]). These FND admissions had a shorter mean (SEM) hospital length of stay (5.21 [0.15] days vs 6.03 [0.03] days,P Conclusions and Relevance This economic evaluation found that the more than $1.2 billion and increasing annual costs for ED and inpatient care of FNDs were similar to other investigation-intensive and pharmacologically demanding neurological disorders. Unnecessary investigations and iatrogenic harm inflate costs at the expense of necessary but neglected psychiatric and rehabilitative treatments.
On the Localization of Plastic Strain in Microtextured Regions of Ti-6Al-4V

Abstract The equiaxed microstructure of Ti-6Al-4V contains nominally 10µm to 15µm α -phase grains. Depending on processing, these fine grains may aggregate into large, millimeter-scale regions of similar crystallographic orientation. These so-called microtextured regions are detrimental to quasi-static and fatigue properties. Their presence may facilitate the formation of long-range strain localization—bands of plastic strain that traverse grain boundaries and terminate at the boundaries of the microtextured region which compromises strength and ductility—and can cause early fatigue crack nucleation. Furthermore, the low angle boundaries within microtextured regions offer little resistance to crack growth, and corresponding increases in crack growth rates have been observed in these regions. Despite significant research into the effects of microtextured regions on macroscopic properties, there is still a lack of rigorous definition of what constitutes a microtextured region. To this end, we present a computational study in which deformation simulations are performed to study the effect of the intensity and character of microtexture on the localization of plastic strain. Mean orientation and intensity of microtexture are parameterized in a suite of simulations. Simulations indicate that strain localization is facilitated both by the presence of some amount of orientation spread within a microtextured region, and further by the intensity of microtexture in neighboring regions. Simulations are further discussed with respect to high resolution experimental measurements of intragrain strain in a microtextured Ti-6Al-4V specimen, which exhibit similar mechanical trends.
Revisting Health Information Technology Ethical, Legal, and Social Issues and Evaluation: Telehealth/Telemedicine and COVID-19

Background: Information technologies have been vital during the COVID-19 pandemic. Telehealth and telemedicine services, especially, fulfilled their promise by allowing patients to receive advice and care at a distance, making it safer for all concerned. Over the preceding years, professional societies, governments, and scholars examined ethical, legal, and social issues (ELSI) related to telemedicine and telehealth. Primary concerns evident from reviewing this literature have been quality of care, access, consent, and privacy. Objectives: To identify and summarize ethical, legal, and social issues related to information technology in healthcare, as exemplified by telehealth and telemedicine. To expand on prior analyses and address gaps illuminated by the COVID-19 experience. To propose future research directions. Methods: Literature was identified through searches, forward and backward citation chaining, and the author’s knowledge of scholars and works in the area. EU and professional organizations’ guidelines, and nineteen scholarly papers were examined and categories created to identify ethical, legal, and social issues they addressed. A synthesis matrix was developed to categorize issues addressed by each source. Results: A synthesis matrix was developed and issues categorized as: quality of care, consent and autonomy, access to care and technology, legal and regulatory, clinician responsibilities, patient responsibilities, changed relationships, commercialization, policy, information needs, and evaluation, with subcategories that fleshed out each category. The literature primarily addressed quality of care, access, consent, and privacy. Other identified considerations were little discussed. These and newer concerns include: usability, tailoring services to each patient, curriculum and training, implementation, commercialization, and licensing and liability. The need for interoperability, data availability, cybersecurity, and informatics infrastructure also is more apparent. These issues are applicable to other information technologies in healthcare. Conclusions: Clinicians and organizations need updated guidelines for ethical use of telemedicine and telehealth care, and decision- and policy-makers need evidence to inform decisions. The variety of newly implemented telemedicine services is an on-going natural experiment presenting an unparalleled opportunity to develop an evidence-based way forward. The paper recommends evaluation using an applied ethics, context-sensitive approach that explores interactions among multiple factors and considerations. It suggests evaluation questions to investigate ethical, social, and legal issues through multi-method, sociotechnical, interpretive and ethnographic, and interactionist evaluation approaches. Such evaluation can help telehealth, and other information technologies, be integrated into healthcare ethically and effectively.
Non-ionotropic NMDA receptor signaling alters structural plasticity of dendritic spines in a mouse model of schizophrenia

Schizophrenia is a psychiatric disorder that affects over 20 million people globally. Notably, schizophrenia is associated with decreased density of dendritic spines and decreased levels of O_SCPLOWDC_SCPLOW-serine, a co-agonist of the N-methyl-O_SCPLOWDC_SCPLOW-aspartate receptor (NMDAR), and hypofunction of NMDARs is thought to play a role in the pathophysiology of schizophrenia. We hypothesized that lowered D-serine levels associated with schizophrenia would bias toward ion fluxindependent signaling by the NMDAR, which drives spine shrinkage and loss. Using a schizophrenia mouse model lacking the enzyme for D-serine production (serine racemase knock out; SRKO), we show that activity-dependent spine growth is inhibited in SRKO mice but can be acutely rescued by exogenous D-serine. When examining a wider range of stimulus strengths, we observed activity-dependent spine growth at higher stimulus strengths, but overall found a strong bias toward spine shrinkage in the SRKO mice as compared to wild-type littermates. Furthermore, we demonstrate that enhanced ion flux-independent signaling through the NMDAR contributes to this bias toward spine shrinkage, which is likely exacerbated by an increase in synaptic NMDARs in hippocampal synapses of SRKO mice. Our results support a model in which the lowered D-serine levels associated with schizophrenia lead to increased ion flux-independent NMDAR signaling and a bias toward spine shrinkage that could play an important role in the loss of dendritic spines associated with schizophrenia.
The presence of SARS-CoV2 antibodies in MS patients.

Summary Background The COVID-19 pandemic has raised novel concerns for people living with MS regarding their safety. Methods Observational study of patients at a single comprehensive community MS center. Results 48 patients with MS were suspected of developing COVID-19 March to May 2020; 2 died. Of the remainder, 17 were tested for COVID-19 antibodies as part of routine care. Average age of this subgroup was 49.8y ± 11.3 (age range 32-67), 76% female. 65% were treated with an anti-CD20 drug, 12% untreated, and 6% each received glatiramer acetate, interferon, natalizumab, or teriflunomide. 59% of patients were antibody negative. Conclusions The low incidence of SARS CoV2 antibodies following infection suggests that certain DMTs may alter SARS CoV2-Ab response or persistence.
Stomach: The Standard of Care ± HER2

Gastric cancer represents the fifth most common cancer and third leading cause of cancer mortality worldwide. The mainstay of treatment for metastatic gastric cancer is systemic therapy, and recent advances have led to the validation of key molecular biomarkers including microsatellite instability (MSI) status, PD-L1 expression and HER2 positivity that impact treatment selection and sequencing. While immune checkpoint inhibitors have modest activity in gastric cancer as monotherapy, recent studies reveal enhanced activity of immunotherapy when combined with chemotherapy or targeted therapy. Here, we review current standard approaches for the treatment of metastatic gastric cancer including chemotherapy, angiogenesis blockade, HER2-directed therapy, and immunotherapy.
Strawberry plant wetness detection using computer vision and deep learning

Abstract Botrytis fruit rot and anthracnose are fungal diseases of strawberry. These diseases are a significant contributor to yield losses, requiring farmers to use fungicides frequently to prevent them. The proliferation of botrytis and anthracnose is directly linked to the duration of the presence of free water on the plant canopy, which is generally defined as leaf wetness duration (LWD). LWD is an important measure in determining the risk for these diseases to develop in the strawberry crop. By accurately measuring LWD, the risk of disease can be calculated more accurately, and specific fungicide application recommendations can be given to the farmers. This reduces the frequency with which fungicide is applied and ultimately reduces costs for farmers. There is no standard method to detect leaf wetness, but leaf wetness sensors are widely used for that purpose. These wetness sensors are difficult to calibrate and not very accurate, which reduces their reliability. The objective of this study was to find a better alternative to the commonly used leaf wetness sensors. This study implemented color and thermal imaging-based approaches as a solution to the problem of leaf wetness detection in strawberry plants. The proposed method used deep learning and computer vision techniques to detect leaf wetness from color and thermal images. The deep learning model was highly accurate in detecting wetness when compared with the visual observation of the images. It was also found that leaf wetness could be detected with a high degree of accuracy using deep learning with color images. In the future, using the findings of this study, a portable device can be developed to replace the commonly used wetness sensor with a more reliable imaging-based device.
Marten Subnivean Access in Winter to Subnivean Prey in Yellowstone National Park

American marten (Martes americana) use primarily old growth coniferous habitat (Bateman 1986, Raine 1983, Soutiere 1979, Steventon and Major 1982). However, habitat use may vary by season (Steventon and Major 1982, Koehler and Hornocker 1977, Wynne and Sherburne 1984). In summer, marten use of non-forested areas to forage for fruits and berries has been documented (Soutiere 1979, Steventon and Major 1982). While there is some seasonal variation in habitat use, all authors agree that old growth is the core habitat required by marten. During winter, marten tend to remain in mature coniferous forests and will seldom cross open areas greater than 100m wide (Steventon and Major 1982, Soutiere 1979). Winter appears to be the most critical period for marten survival (Zielinski et al. 1983, Buskirk 1984).
Human activity recognition

Motion is an important cue for the human visual system Mobiles have fascinated children, Zeno (circa 500 B.C.) studied moving arrows to pose a paradox and Zeke is investigating the human brain devoted to the understanding of motion. In computer vision research, motion has played an important role for the past thirty years. An important application of motion research has emerged in the past decade. This area is devoted to the study of people – facial expression recognition, gesture recognition, whole-body tracking and human activity recognition. The broad area is at times called “looking at people.” In addition, study of human motion is of interest to number of disciplines including psychology, kinesiology, choreography, computer graphics and human-computer interaction.
Separating voices in polyphonic music: a contig mapping approach

Voice separation is a critical component of music information retrieval, music analysis and automated transcription systems. We present a contig mapping approach to voice separation based on perceptual principles. The algorithm runs in O(n2) time, uses only pitch height and event boundaries, and requires no user-defined parameters. The method segments a piece into contigs according to voice count, then reconnects fragments in adjacent contigs using a shortest distance strategy. The order of connection is by distance from maximal voice contigs, where the voice ordering is known. This contig-mapping algorithm has been implemented in VoSA, a Java-based voice separation analyzer software. The algorithm performed well when applied to J. S. Bach's Two- and Three-Part Inventions and the forty-eight Fugues from the Well-Tempered Clavier. We report an overall average fragment consistency of 99.75%, correct fragment connection rate of 94.50% and average voice consistency of 88.98%, metrics which we propose to measure voice separation performance.
A Triarchic Model of P300 Amplitude

A model of P300 amplitude is proposed that reduces the many hypothetical constructs invoked to explain variations in P300 amplitude to three dimensions: 1) Subjective Probahility, 2) Stimulus Meaning, and 3) Information Transmission. Evidence is presented to support the assertion that variables on the subjective prwbability and stimulus meaning dimensions have independent and additive contributions to overall P300 amplitude. The amplitude contributions of both of these dimensions, however, are modulated by a multiplicative relation with the proportion of transmitted stimulus information. Within each dimension, the fundamental experimental variables and their interrelations are specified. An example is presented to show how, by using an additive factors method, the respective amplitude effects of the probability and stimulus meaning dimensions can be separated. Supporting data are presented to show that the proposed model provides a reasonable and testable framework in which to conceptualize P300 results. DESCRIPTORS: Event-related potentials, P300. The prospect of having an electrophysio logical index of cognitive operations has led many researchers to explore the nature of the P300 component of the event-related brain potential (ERP). Since its discovery by Sutton and his colleagues (Sutton, Braren, Zubin, & John, 1965; Sutton, Tueting, Zubin, & John, 1967), studies have demonstrated that P300 amplitude and latency can be used as indices of the nature and timing of a subject's cognitive response to a stimulus.' As a result of
An integrated front-end readout and feature extraction system for the BaBar drift chamber

The BaBar experiment has been operating at SLAC's PEP-II asymmetric B-factory since 1999. The accelerator has achieved more than three times its original design luminosity of 3/spl times/10/sup 33/ cm/sup -2/s/sup -1/, with plans for an additional factor of three in the next two years. To meet the experiment's performance requirements in the face of significantly higher trigger and background rates, the drift chamber's front-end readout system has been redesigned around the Xilinx Spartan 3 FPGA. The new system implements analysis and feature-extraction of digitized waveforms in the front-end, reducing the data bandwidth required by a factor of four.
On the Statistical Validation of Technical Analysis

Technical analysis, or charting, aims on visually identifying geometrical patterns in price charts in order to antecipate price "trends". In this paper we revisit the issue of thecnical analysis validation which has been tackled in the literature without taking care for (i) the presence of heterogeneity and (ii) statistical dependence in the analyzed data - various agglutinated return time series from distinct financial securities. The main purpose here is to address the first cited problem by suggesting a validation methodology that also "homogenizes" the securities according to the finite dimensional probability distribution of their return series. The general steps go through the identification of the stochastic processes for the securities returns, the clustering of similar securities and, finally, the identification of presence, or absence, of informatinal content obtained from those price patterns. We illustrate the proposed methodology with a real data exercise including several securities of the global market. Our investigation shows that there is a statistically significant informational content in two out of three common patterns usually found through technical analysis, namely: triangle, rectangle and head and shoulders.
An Investigation of the Aerodynamics and Cooling of a Horizontally-Opposed Engine Installation

A research program to investigate the aerodynamics of reciprocating aircraft engine cooling installations is discussed. Current results from a flight test program are presented concerning installation flow measurement methods. The influence of different inlet designs on installation cooling effectiveness and efficiency are described.
Nuclear Structure in the Neutron-Rich Doubly-Magic 78Ni Region

The magic numbers Z=28 and N=50 imply that very neutron-rich 78Ni, which has not yet been observed, is doubly magic. The 78Ni region was investigated by studying the N = 50 isotones and neutron-rich Zn isotopes. Results on the level structure of 83As,74Zn, and 76Zn populated in the decays of 83Ge,74Cu, and 76Cu are presented. The parent nuclides were produced and mass-separated using the TRISTAN facility on-line to the High-Flux-Beam Reactor at Brookhaven. The systematics of the N = 50 isotones and even-A Zn isotopes are discussed and compared with shell-model calculations involving active nucleons outside of a 78Ni and 66Ni core, respectively. The extent to which the 78Ni region can be considered doubly magic is assessed.
Logical Frameworks—A Brief Introduction

A logical framework is a meta-language for the formalization of deductive systems. We provide a brief introduction to logical frameworks and their methodology, concentrating on LF. We use first-order logic as the running example to illustrate the representations of syntax, natural deductions, and proof transformations.
The coupling impedance of a toroidal beam pipe with circular cross section

In this paper, the longitudinal coupling impedance of a toroidal beam tube with circular cross section is derived in the frequency domain using the toroidal coordinate system. Exact, although coupled, differential equations for the azimuthal field components are obtained. An approximate solution, valid in the limit of small curvature, is then derived. Assuming extreme relativistic energies and a beam tube with perfectly conducting walls, one finds a closed-form expression for the purely reactive coupling impedance which at low mode numbers is dependent on the tube geometry but which at very large mode numbers approaches the free space impedance.
Low physical activity reduces total energy expenditure in women with rheumatoid arthritis: implications for dietary intake recommendations.

BACKGROUND Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) causes cachexia, a metabolic response characterized by loss of muscle mass and elevated resting energy expenditure (REE). However, energy expenditure in physical activity in subjects with RA is lower than that in healthy subjects. It is not known which effect predominates in regulating total energy expenditure (TEE), and thus whether the dietary energy requirements of subjects with RA are higher or lower than those of healthy subjects. OBJECTIVE Our objective was to determine TEE in women with RA by using the reference method of doubly labeled water ((2)H(2)(18)O). DESIGN In this case-control study, we examined 20 women with RA and 20 healthy women who were matched for age and body mass index. RESULTS The patients with RA were cachectic (their body cell mass was 14% lower than that of the controls, P < 0.001), but REE was not elevated, reflecting good disease control. Mean (+/- SD) TEE was 1344 kJ/d lower in the patients than in the controls (9133 +/- 1335 compared with 10 477 +/- 1992 kJ/d; P < 0.02). The energy expenditure in physical activity of the patients was 1034 kJ/d lower than that of the controls (P < 0.04), which accounted for 77% of the difference in TEE between the 2 groups. The physical activity level (TEE/REE) of the patients also tended to be lower than that of the controls (1.70 +/- 0.24 compared with 1.89 +/- 0.36; P < 0.07). CONCLUSION A low physical activity level is the main determinant of lower-than-normal TEE, and thus energy requirements, in women with RA.
Ablative Therapies for Colorectal Polyps and Malignancy

Endoscopic techniques are gaining popularity in the management of colorectal polyps and occasionally superficial cancers. While their use is in many times palliative, they have proven to be curative in carefully selected patients with polyps or malignancies, with less morbidity than radical resection. However, one should note that data supporting local and ablative therapies for colorectal cancer is scarce and may be subject to publication bias. Therefore, for curative intent, these techniques should only be considered in highly select cases as higher rates of local recurrences have also been reported. The aim of this review is to explain the different modalities of local and ablative therapies specific to colorectal neoplasia and explain the indications and circumstances where they have been most successful.
Effect of maternal genotype on development ofPhaseolus vulgaris L. ×P. lunatus L. interspecific hybrid embryos

CertainPhaseolus vulgaris L. ×P. lunatus L. crosses were performed to study the effect of maternal heterozygosity on development and growth of the interspecific hybrid embryos. Interspecific embryos had a much slower growth rate in vitro compared with embryos derived from self-pollination ofP. vulgaris parents. Thus, interspecific embryos could be identified by growth rate in vitro. TheP. vulgaris maternal genotype affected both the number and size of 15-day-old interspecific embryos. Specifically, ‘76 Spartan Arrow’ produced significantly more interspecific embryos than did ‘Great Northern’ as the seed parent, while maternal intraspecific hybrids produced smaller embryos than did maternal pure lines. There were no reciprocal differences between hybrid maternal parents for embryo number or size. Embryo size at excision and final size after culturing were closely correlated (r2=+0.93). The crossP. vulgaris ‘76 Spartan Arrow’ ×P. lunatus P.I. 214170 produced both the largest mean size at excision and the fastest growth in culture, indicating that specific combining ability affected both characteristics.
Spatial hearing in Cope’s gray treefrog: I. Open and closed loop experiments on sound localization in the presence and absence of noise

The ability to reliably locate sound sources is critical to anurans, which navigate acoustically complex breeding choruses when choosing mates. Yet, the factors influencing sound localization performance in frogs remain largely unexplored. We applied two complementary methodologies, open and closed loop playback trials, to identify influences on localization abilities in Cope’s gray treefrog, Hylachrysoscelis. We examined localization acuity and phonotaxis behavior of females in response to advertisement calls presented from 12 azimuthal angles, at two signal levels, in the presence and absence of noise, and at two noise levels. Orientation responses were consistent with precise localization of sound sources, rather than binary discrimination between sources on either side of the body (lateralization). Frogs were unable to discriminate between sounds arriving from forward and rearward directions, and accurate localization was limited to forward sound presentation angles. Within this region, sound presentation angle had little effect on localization acuity. The presence of noise and low signal-to-noise ratios also did not strongly impair localization ability in open loop trials, but females exhibited reduced phonotaxis performance consistent with impaired localization during closed loop trials. We discuss these results in light of previous work on spatial hearing in anurans.
THE MONTE CARLO CYCLE IN BUSINESS ACTIVITY

NBER business“cycle” reference dates and aggregate economic time series are examined for evidence of regular cyclic behavior. A simple contingency table test is used on the reference dates, and aggregate series are fit with a second-order autoregression. The results are negative. Apparently the business “cycle” is an optical illusion or, as Irving Fisher called it, a “Monte Carlo cycle.” These are the cycles superstitious gamblers believe govern their luck.
TIME‐RESOLVED RENAL CONTRAST‐ENHANCED MRA IN NORMAL DOGS

In humans, contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance angiography (CE-MRA) is a documented method to quantitatively and qualitatively evaluate renal vessels. It offers a safer alternative to computed tomography angiography. The aim of this study was to establish a renal MRA protocol in dogs using a 3D multiphase Fast Spoiled Gradient Recalled echo CE-MRA sequence (3D FSPGR CE-MRA). We used an elliptical centric ordering of k-space to acquire the contrast-sensitive data faster. Four to five consecutive 3D dorsal slabs, encompassing both kidneys, could be acquired in 40-65 s. The renal arterial and venous phases were obtained separately during phases 1 or 2, and 2 or 3, respectively without the need for any contrast medium bolus timing. The renal arteries and veins were clearly visualized. In conclusion, multiphase FSPGR 3D CE-MRA with an elliptical centric k-space ordering allows distinguishing renal arterial and venous phases in dogs, and can be used as a noninvasive diagnostic imaging alternative to map renal vessels in this species. Potential applications include the screening of renal donors in renal transplantation programs, and the pretreatment evaluation of animals with invasive renal neoplasia or renal vascular anomalies when surgery or embolization are contemplated.
Rhodium(II)-catalyzed cyclization of amido diazo carbonyl compounds.

A series of acyclic diazo ketoamides were prepared from N-benzoyl-N-alkylaminopropanoic acids and were treated with a catalytic amount of rhodium(II) acetate. The resultant carbenoids underwent facile cyclization onto the neighboring amide carbonyl oxygen atom to generate seven-membered carbonyl ylide dipoles. Subsequent collapse of the dipoles with charge dissipation produce bicyclic epoxides which undergo further reorganization to give substituted 5-hydroxydihydropyridones in good yield. Depending on the nature of the substituent groups, it was possible to trap some of the initially formed carbonyl ylide dipoles with a reactive dipolarophile such as DMAD. In other cases, cyclization of the dipole to the epoxide is much faster than bimolecular trapping. A related cyclization/rearrangement sequence occurred when diazo ketoamides derived from the cyclic pyrrolidone and piperidone ring systems were subjected to catalytic quantities of Rh(II) acetate. With these systems, exclusive O-cyclization of the amido ...
Evaluation of Sensor Based Residential Irrigation Water Application

An irrigation study to determine the effects of sensor based irrigation controllers on residential irrigation water use is described in this paper. This project is comprised of 59 homes in Pinellas County, Florida, with automatic in-ground residential irrigation systems. Experimental treatments evaluated include: T1) an automatic time based irrigation controller, set and operated by the cooperator, with the integration of a soil moisture sensor, T2) a rain sensor with a timer-based irrigation schedule, T3) an automatic time based controller only, and T4) similar to T2 with educational material detailing seasonal irrigation recommendations based on historical climate data. Preliminary results show that sensors are successful for irrigation water use savings at the single family home level. Data reported here is from June 2006, through March 2007. In homes with the installation of the soil moisture sensors (T1), water savings of 51% have been recorded compared to homes with an irrigation time clock only (T3). With the installation of a rain sensor (T2) the water used was 19% lower than T3. A further decrease in the amount of water use occurred after the distribution of the educational materials, with a difference of 58% between the two rain sensor treatments (T2 and T4).
Identification of OCT6 as a novel organic cation transporter preferentially expressed in hematopoietic cells and leukemias

Abstract Objective Human organic cation transporters (OCTs) play a critical role in the cellular uptake and efflux of endogenous cationic substrates and hydrophilic exogenous xenobiotics. We sought to identify OCT genes preferentially expressed in hematopoietic cells. Materials and Methods We isolated a novel OCT, named OCT6, by data-mining human expressed sequence tag databases for sequences homologous to known OCT genes. We developed a quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction assay to determine the relative expression of this gene in 50 cancer cell lines and in tissues. Results The two highest expressing cell lines were the leukemia cell lines HL-60 and MOLT4. Quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction analysis using a normal tissue cDNA panel demonstrated that this transport gene is highly expressed in testis and fetal liver, with detectable RNA levels in bone marrow and peripheral blood leukocytes. Unlike other OCT genes, RNA levels were not detectable in placenta, liver, or kidney. To further define the expression of OCT6 in hematopoietic tissues, we measured OCT6 RNA levels in sorted peripheral blood cell populations and found a clear enrichment of OCT6-expressing cells in purified CD34 + cells. To determine if OCT6 was highly expressed in leukemias, we examined circulating leukemia cells from 25 patients and found high levels of OCT6 RNA in all specimens in comparison with liver, kidney, and placenta. Conclusion The results demonstrate the existence of a novel OCT preferentially expressed in human hematopoietic tissues, including CD34 + cells and leukemia cells. Its narrow tissue distribution, potential for substrate specificity, and close homology to other cell membrane transporters make OCT6 an attractive target for the treatment of leukemia.
Relationship between Precipitation in the Great Plains of the United States and Global SSTs: Insights from the IPCC AR4 Models

Abstract Multicentury preindustrial control simulations from six of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change Fourth Assessment Report (IPCC AR4) models are used to examine the relationship between low-frequency precipitation variations in the Great Plains (GP) region of the United States and global sea surface temperatures (SSTs). This study builds on previous work performed with atmospheric models forced by observed SSTs during the twentieth century and extends it to a coupled model context and longer time series. The climate models used in this study reproduce the precipitation climatology over the United States reasonably well, with maximum precipitation occurring in early summer, as observed. The modeled precipitation time series exhibit negative “decadal” anomalies, identified using a 5-yr running mean, of amplitude comparable to that of the twentieth-century droughts. It is found that low-frequency anomalies over the GP are part of a large-scale pattern of precipitation variations, characterize...
Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone Inhibition of Growth Hormone-Releasing Hormone-Induced Growth Hormone Release in Man

Recent studies in the rat have shown that intracerebroventricular administration of CRH inhibited spontaneous pulsatile GH secretion and prevented GH-releasing hormone (GHRH)-induced GH release. We have studied the effect of CRH on GHRH-induced GH release in man. In the first study, CRH was injected iv at three different doses (100, 50, or 25 micrograms) at 0800 h together with 50 micrograms GHRH in six men and six women. In a second study, 100 micrograms CRH were given iv at 0800 h, 1 h before the administration of 50 micrograms GHRH in five men and five women. Each subject demonstrated a normal GH response after the administration of 50 micrograms GHRH plus saline. All doses of CRH administered simultaneously with GHRH significantly inhibited GHRH-induced GH release in women [peak value +/- SE after GHRH plus saline, 28.9 +/- 2.9 micrograms/L; after GHRH plus 100 micrograms CRH, 9.9 +/- 0.7 micrograms/L (P less than 0.001); after GHRH plus 50 micrograms CRH, 8.7 +/- 0.8 micrograms/L (P less than 0.001); after GHRH plus 25 microgram CRH, 9.5 +/- 1.6 microgram/L (P less than 0.001]). In contrast, in men, while a dose of 100 micrograms CRH was capable of suppressing GHRH-induced GH secretion (peak value +/- SE, 8.1 +/- 0.6 vs. 20 +/- 2.9 micrograms/L; P less than 0.001), no inhibition was observed after 50- and 25-micrograms doses. When 100 micrograms CRH were injected 1 h before the administration of 50 micrograms GHRH, it strongly inhibited GHRH-induced GH secretion in both men (peak value +/- SE, 6.2 +/- 2.8 vs. 24.6 +/- 5.9 micrograms/L; P less than 0.02) and women (peak value +/- SE, 14.2 +/- 4.5 vs. 37.8 +/- 6.7 micrograms/L; P less than 0.005), and this inhibition lasted up to 2 h post-CRH administration. These results demonstrate that CRH is capable of inhibiting GHRH-induced GH release in both men and women. Furthermore, the findings suggest that a sexual dimorphism in the neuroregulation of GH secretion may be present in man. In view of the inhibitory action of CRH on GH secretion, simultaneous administration of CRH and GHRH for testing should be avoided in clinical practice.
Influence of coagulant level on proteolysis and functionality of mozzarella cheeses made using direct acidification.

Abstract Nonfat (0% fat), reduced-fat (11% fat), and control (19% fat) mozzarella cheeses were made using direct acidification to test the influence of three levels (0.25X, 1X, and 4X) of coagulant concentration on proteolysis, meltability and rheological properties of cheeses during 60 d of storage at 5°C. Changes in meltability, level of intact α s1 -casein and β -casein (by capillary electrophoresis), 12.5% TCA-soluble nitrogen, and complex modulus were measured. There were differences in rate of proteolysis and functional properties as a function of fat content of the cheese, but some of these differences could be attributed to differences in moisture contents of the cheeses. As fat level decreased, the percent moisture-in-nonfat-substance of the cheeses also decreased. Cheeses with the lower fat contents (and consequently the lowest moisture-in-nonfat-substance content) had slower rates of proteolysis. Fat content influenced the complex modulus of the cheese, with the biggest effect occurring when fat content was reduced from 11 to 0%. Coagulant level had only a small effect on initial modulus. Cheeses became softer during storage, and the decrease in modulus was influenced by the level of coagulant. At 0.25X, there was very little decrease in modulus after 60 d, while at 1X and 4X coagulant levels the softening of the cheese was more evident. The influence of coagulant level and fat content on cheese melting was similar to their effects on complex modulus. In general, higher fat contents promoted more melting and so did higher coagulant levels. Melting increased during storage although very little change was observed in the nonfat cheese.
Orienting and habituation to auditory stimuli: A study of short terms changes in average evoked responses

Abstract Short term habituation in human subjects was studied by a method which provided a stimulus by stimulus analysis of averaged evoked responses. Tones delivered every 2 sec resulted in a rapid drop, during the first few stimuli, in the amplitude of the positive component of vertex responses which peaks between 150 and 200 msec; but no similar change was found for tones delivered every 10 sec. The rapid drop for the faster rate of stimulation was considered to have only the appearance of habituation, and was viewed as reflecting refractoriness within the auditory system. On the other hand, when the first stimulus was presented in an unpredictable manner it elicited a large positive component with a peak latency of about 300 msec. Similar responses were obtained when an unpredictable pitch change was presented in an effort to elicit dishabituation. Predictable pitch changes did not produce these results. The 300 msec component was seen as reflecting a shift of attention associated with the orienting response.
Iron reduction by Aquaspirillum magnetotacticum

Iron reductase activity in cell extracts ofAquaspirillum magnetotacticum strain MS-1 (wild type) or nonmagnetotactic mutant strain NM-1A was located primarily in the periplasm. Cytoplasm contained 20%–35% and membrane fractions 3% of total iron reductase activity detected. Iron reduction was reversibly inhibited by oxygen, required β-NADH, and was enhanced by flavins. Reduced disulfide bonds and uncomplexed sulfhydryl groups were necessary for reductase activity. Respiratory inhibitors did not appreciably affect iron reductase activity. Iron complexed with quinic acid, dihydroxybenzoic acid, acetohydroxamic acid, citric acid, or deferrioxamine B was reduced by soluble iron reductases of strain MS-1.