cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Reciprocal EGF signaling back to the uterus from the induced C. elegans vulva coordinates morphogenesis of epithelia

Abstract Background: Reciprocal signaling between distinct tissues is a general feature of organogenesis. Despite the identification of developmental processes in which coordination requires reciprocal signaling, little is known regarding the underlying molecular details. Here, we use the development of the uterine–vulval connection in the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans as a model system to study reciprocal signaling. Results: In C. elegans , development of the uterine–vulval connection requires the specification of uterine uv1 cells and morphogenesis of 1°-derived vulval cells. LIN-3, an epidermal growth factor (EGF) family protein, is first produced by the gonadal anchor cell to induce vulval precursor cells to generate vulval tissue. We have shown that lin -3 is also expressed in the 1° vulval lineage after vulval induction and that the 1° vulva is necessary to induce the uv1 uterine cell fate. Using genetic and cell biological analyses, we found that the specification of uterine uv1 cells is dependent on EGF signaling from cells of the 1° vulval lineages to a subset of ventral uterine cells of the gonad. RAS and RAF are necessary for this signaling. We also found that EGL-38, a member of the PAX family of proteins, is necessary for transcription of lin -3 in the vulva but not in the anchor cell. A let -23 mutation that confers ligand-independent activity bypasses the requirement for EGL-38 in specification of the uv1 cell fate. Conclusions: We have shown how relatively simple EGF signals can be used reciprocally to specify the uterine–vulval connection during C. elegans development.
An Analysis of Specific Temperature Blocks in the Conjugation Sequence of Paramecium tetraurelia

. Temperature shifts have been used to block critical points in the conjugation sequence of Paramecium tetraurelia. Increasing temperatures above 27°C reduced ciliary agglutination, pair formation, and nuclear exchange; a complete inhibition of these stages occurred at 37°C. Temperatures below 19°C had no effect on ciliary agglutination or nuclear exchange but completely inhibited pair formation. The bases for the cells’ inability to form pairs at 19°C and 37°C were sought. Cells placed below 19°C were unable to deciliate or fuse membranes in the holdfast region; at 37°C, membrane fusion in both the holdfast and paroral regions was prevented. Time course studies on cross-fertilization reveal that temperatures 35°C block all stages of the process up to the actual exchange of pronuclei. After the exchange has begun, the process continues despite the elevated temperature. Temperature shifts are discussed as a means of conditionally blocking critical points in the developmental program of conjugation.
Reducing the non-axisymmetry of a planetary dynamo and an application to saturn

If a conducting fluid shell is undergoing spin-axisymmetric differential rotation and overlies the dynamo generating region of a planet then it is capable of greatly reducing the non-spin-axisymmetric components of the generated field, provided the appropriate magnetic Reynolds number is large. The model, closely related to the electromagnetic skin effect, is quantified and applied to Saturn. The observed small dipole tilt (~1°) of Saturn's magnetic field can be explained because of the presence of a stably stratified conducting layer overlying the dynamo region. This layer is a predicted consequence of the thermal evolution, arises because of the limited solubility of helium in metallic hydrogen (Stevenson, 1980), and appears to be required by the Voyager infrared observations indicating depletion of helium from Saturn's atmosphere. The much larger dipole tilt angles of Jupiter and the Earth indicate the absence of any such stable, differentially rotating layer with a large magnetic Reynolds number.
Time Variation of the Charge of the Proton

From the terrestrial occurrence of the nuclei ${\mathrm{Re}}^{187}$ and ${\mathrm{Os}}^{187}$, it is deduced that the elementary unit of charge $e$ cannot have varied by as much as one part in 1600 during the history of the earth.
Contingency in visual scanning of cockpit traffic displays

A statistical method to identify reliable, repetitive scanning patterns in the positions of visual fixations has been developed and applied to data from 8 airline pilots who monitored cockpit displays of traffic information (CDTI). Their fixational transition patterns between points of interest on the display showed deterministic, statistical dependencies generally associated with symbols predicting future aircraft position. These dependencies constitute deviations from stratified random sampling of the visual information on the display, confirm the importance of future aircraft position information for the use of CDTI, and provide objective support for the existence of 'scanpaths' in visual fixation patterns.
π Junctions in s-wave superconductors: Bi-layer effects

We study the order parameter symmetry in bi-layer cuprates such as YBaCuO, where interesting π phase shifts have been observed in Josephson junctions. While π phase shifts are known to occur in d-states, this behavior can also be associated with (orthorhombic) s-symmetry when the two sub-band gaps have opposite phase. We show that π phase shifts are general consequences of repulsive interactions, independent of whether a magnetic mechanism is operative.
Oxidation chemistry of perfluoroalkyl-segmented thiols, disulfides, thiosulfinates and thiosulfonates

Abstract The oxidation chemistry of perfluoroalkyl-segmented thiols, R F –R–SH ( 1 ), thiosulfinates, R F –R–S(O)S–R–R F ( 3 ), thiosulfonates, R F –R–S(O 2 )S–R–R F ( 4 ) and disulfides, R F –R–SS–R–R F ( 5 ) (in which R F = n -C 6 F 13 or n -C 8 F 17 and R=CH 2 CH 2 ) is studied herein. Base catalyzed reaction of C6 thiol 1 with hydrogen peroxide gives pure disulfide 5 , quantitatively. Other, less suitable methods for the oxidation of thiol 1 are also examined and compared. Selective oxidation of disulfide 5 by peroxy acids in chlorinated solvents gives excellent yields of thiosulfinate 3 . Unlike their hydrocarbon analogues, which are unstable to heating or storage, the R F -segmented thiosulfinates 3 are relatively stable, crystalline compounds. Selective oxidation of 3 by sodium metaperiodate gives thiosulfonate 4 in high yield. Side reactions intervene with unfavorable conditions, or when peroxy acetic acid in acetic acid is used as oxidant,. Oxidation of 5 by hydrogen peroxide in low conversion gives 4 and two new compounds, 8 and 9 . Compound 8 is n -C 6 F 13 S(O) 2 CH 2 CH 2 C 6 F 13 (probably the sulfinate ester and not the sulfone), and 9 is most likely the O , S -sulfenyl sulfinate or, possibly an isomer, the vic-disulfoxide. A free radical chain mechanism is proposed for conversion of 4 (or 9 ) to 8 . Compounds 8 and 9 are stable in solution and are identified by MS/GC. In 3 , 4 and 5 , the ν CH bands correlate with NMR of CH 2 at C(1) and C(2) positions, both 1 H and 13 C NMR. The R F -segment in these unique sulfur compounds enhances their utility and modifies their chemical and physical properties in important and interesting ways.
Optimized perturbed hard sphere expressions for the structure and thermodynamics of Lennard-Jones fluids

First-order perturbed hard sphere fluid expressions are fitted to Lennard-Jones fluid compressibility factor, Z, and internal energy, U, data taking the two Lennard-Jones constants as adjustable parameters. The results are used to distinguish the utility of alternative perturbative algorithms over a wide density and temperature range. First-order Barker-Henderson perturbative expressions are found to systematically underestimate temperature dependent changes in thermodynamic properties while the Weeks-Chandler-Andersen model is found to reasonably reproduce simulation results throughout the liquid and supercritical fluid domain, with only a few per cent adjustment of the effective Lennard-Jones parameters. Closed analytical expressions for the Barker-Henderson and Weeks-Chandler-Andersen hard sphere diameters as well as a hard fluid reference system radial distribution function model are presented. These are shown to accurately reproduce hard sphere diameters and thermodynamic properties of Lennard-Jones ...
Prevalence and impact of paratonia in Alzheimer disease in a multiracial sample.

Objective Paratonia is an external stimulus dependent increase in muscle tone that is absent at rest. It is thought to occur commonly in Alzheimer disease (AD) but is understudied. This study examines paratonia in a multiracial sample. Methods The sample consisted of 80 patients who met Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition (DSM-IV) criteria for AD. They received a battery of neuropsychiatric assessments. The authors examined the relationship between paratonia and multiple variables. Results Bivariate and logistic regression analyses revealed that paratonia correlated significantly with disease stage (based on the Geriatric Depression Scale) and number of frontal release symptoms. There were no significant correlations of paratonia with age, race, sex, depression, physical health, neuroimaging findings, functioning, or neuropsychiatric symptoms. The authors found significant association with frontal symptoms. Conclusions The potential utility of paratonia as an independent marker of disease stage in AD and its role in signifying frontal lobe dysfunction suggests that closer attention should be paid to its assessment.
Paying for performance: the power of incentives over habits.

New evidence suggests that individuals do not always make rational decisions, especially with regard to health habits. Smoking, misuse of alcohol, overeating and illicit drug use are leading causes of morbidity and mortality. Thus, influencing health habits is critical for improving overall health and well-being. This editorial argues that economists should take a more active role in shaping individuals’ health habits. Two recent innovations in economic theory pave the way. One change is that some economists now view rationality as bounded and willpower in short supply. Another, related to the first, is a more accepting perspective on paternalism, authorizing economists to help individuals make better choices when the neoclassical model breaks down. Findings from psychology offer incentive-based approaches; specifically, contingency management (CM). Economists could use this approach as a basis for developing public and private policies.
The role of odor in latent extinction

To test the hypothesis that an apparent latent extinction effect in rats can result from the Ss’ reaction to their own odor excreted during prior placements, four groups of 10 Ss each were given 28 runway acquisition trials followed by four 1-min latent extinction placements. Two groups received placements in the empty goalbox. For one of these groups, the goalbox was cleaned before extinction to remove odor cues; for the other group, it was not cleaned. Two additional groups received placements in a neutral box. One of these groups entered a clean goalbox on the first extinction trial, while the other entered a goalbox that (presumably) contained any odors emitted by another animal during placement. Both the odor and site-of-placement variables produced a “latent extinction” effect in the goal-entry speeds, suggesting that latent extinction is a genuine phenomenon but that an apparent latent extinction effect from a response to residual odor is readily obtainable.
Arabidopsis P-Glycoprotein19 Participates in the Inhibition of Gravitropism by Gravacin

ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters have been implicated in a multitude of biological pathways. In plants, some ABC transporters are involved in the polar transport of the plant hormone auxin and the gravitropic response. We previously identified Gravacin as a potent inhibitor of gravitropism in Arabidopsis thaliana. We demonstrate that P-glycoprotein19 (PGP19) is a target for Gravacin and participates in its inhibition of gravitropism. Gravacin inhibited the auxin transport activity of PGP19 and PGP19-PIN complexes. Furthermore, we identified E1174 as an important residue for PGP19 activity and its ability to form active transport complexes with PIN1. Gravacin is an auxin transport inhibitor that inhibits PGPs, particularly PGP19, which can be used to further dissect the role of PGP19 without the inhibition of other auxin transporters, namely PIN proteins.
Personal Explicit Theories of Creativity

In this investigation 143 creativity researchers completed a survey to rate the importance of various traits and developmental influences on creative achievement. They also rated the importance of various topics for future research. Sixteen composite variables were formed from the traits and developmental factors. Behaviors in the Motivational Composite were rated as most important for recognized creative achievement, followed by Problem Finding and Questioning Skills, and traits reflecting Adaptive Cognition. The ratings of the Developmental survey items suggested that Education and Learning were most important for achievement, followed by Cultural and Social factors, and then Family and Early Background. The top five ranked topics for future research included actual creative behavior, motivation and drive, imagery, imagination, and creative products. Group differences were explored, but few differences were found in, comparisons of ratings from researchers who had experience; teaching creativity courses and those who had published a book or article, and those who had not. Similarly, only slight group differences were found for ratings of important research topics. Differences in self-reported creative interests (i.e., writing and music) were related to selected ratings of creative achievement variables and important research topics. In general, the results suggested that researchers believe creativity to be a complex or syndrome which draws from cognitive, affective, social, and perhaps even physical realms. The lack of group differences implies a homogeneity of opinion and consensus with respect to the importance of traits, developmental factors, and research topics.
Telemedicine for Acute Stroke: Triumphs and Pitfalls

Background and Purpose— Telemedicine is emerging as a potential timesaving, efficient means for evaluating patients experiencing acute stroke. In areas where local stroke care specialists are not available, telemedicine can link an emergency department physician with a specialist in a stroke treatment center. This consultation provides an opportunity for administration of thrombolytic drugs within the short therapeutic time window associated with ischemic stroke. Here, we describe our stroke treatment center experiences and report safe administration of recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rtPA) during telemedicine consultation. Methods— The University of Maryland Medical Center uses a triplexed integrated services digital network line providing a 30–frames-per-second video link to St Mary’s Hospital >100 miles away. The system uses a pan, tilt, and zoom camera with remote site control, allowing 2-way, real-time, audiovisual communication and CT image transfer. We retrospectively reviewed all acute s...
Extracting probability distribution functions applicable for PHEVs charging load profile

Concerns over the adverse environmental impact of conventional vehicles have led to cleaner and more efficient vehicle technology. Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) are the most promising approach to reducing petroleum use. While PHEVs partially rely on the electricity from the power grid, they raise concerns about their negative impacts on power generation, transmission, and distribution installations. The impacts of PHEVs on the power grid cannot be examined thoroughly unless extensive data on the utilization of each individual PHEV are available. For instance, in order to estimate the aggregated impact of PHEVs on the electricity demand profile, one needs to know i) when each PHEV would begin its charging process, ii) how much electrical energy it would require, and iii) what level of power would be available. Uncertainty regarding the above factors makes the researchers to come up with a series of probability distribution functions (PDFs). This paper extracts and analyzes the data that are available through national household travel surveys (NHTS). Based on 40,000 vehicle trips, probability distribution functions for arriving time and the required energy of PHEVs are extracted. Also, the probabilistic and deterministic PHEV charging load profiles are built and compared.
Operant Level, Awareness, and the Greenspoon Effect:

Three groups of Ss were instructed to say words. For one group E said “mm-hmm” following each plural noun response. For a second group E delivered the reinforcement on a fixed random basis in the s...
Single-phase vs. three-phase high density power transformers

In this paper, the design and comparison of single and three-phase transformers in Dual Active Bridge (DAB) Converter are carried out. DAB converter topology and operating schemes are introduced. And core-type transformers design optimization methods are proposed for both single and three-phase DAB converters (DAB1 and DAB3). Based on DAB topology assumptions, single and three-phase transformers are compared in volume with various design constraints. And analysis shows that comparison result varies at different cases of flux and thermal limits. Scaled-down DAB1 and DAB3 systems have been built and temperature rises of the transformers have been tested for verification.
Oligosaccharide Substrate Preferences of Human Extracellular Sulfatase Sulf2 Using Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry Based Glycomics Approaches

Sulfs are extracellular endosulfatases that selectively remove the 6-O-sulfate groups from cell surface heparan sulfate (HS) chain. By altering the sulfation at these particular sites, Sulfs function to remodel HS chains. As a result of the remodeling activity, HSulf2 regulates a multitude of cell-signaling events that depend on interactions between proteins and HS. Previous efforts to characterize the substrate specificity of human Sulfs (HSulfs) focused on the analysis of HS disaccharides and synthetic repeating units. In this study, we characterized the substrate preferences of human HSulf2 using HS oligosaccharides with various lengths and sulfation degrees from several naturally occurring HS sources by applying liquid chromatography mass spectrometry based glycomics methods. The results showed that HSulf2 preferentially digests highly sulfated HS oligosaccharides with zero acetyl groups and this preference is length dependent. In terms of length of oligosaccharides, HSulf2 digestion induced more sulfation decrease on DP6 (DP: degree of polymerization) compared to DP2, DP4 and DP8. In addition, the HSulf2 preferentially digests the oligosaccharide domain located at the non-reducing end (NRE) of the HS and heparin chain. In addition, the HSulf2 digestion products were altered only for specific isomers. HSulf2 treated NRE oligosaccharides also showed greater decrease in cell proliferation than those from internal domains of the HS chain. After further chromatographic separation, we identified the three most preferred unsaturated hexasaccharide for HSulf2.
Effects of perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) exposure on markers of inflammation in female B6C3F1 mice

Perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS; 1,1,2,2,3,3,4,4,5,5,6,6,7,7,8,8,8-heptadecafluoro-1-octanesulfonic acid) has been reported to alter humoral immune functions, but inflammatory processes following PFOS exposure have not been fully characterized. Therefore, the current study, assessed TNF-α and IL-6 concentrations in serum and peritoneal lavage fluid, numbers of splenoctyes expressing intracellular TNF-α, IL-6, IL-10 or IL-1, and ex vivo TNF-α and IL-6 production by peritoneal macrophages following either in vivo or in vitro LPS exposure. Adult female B6C3F1 mice were exposed orally for 28 days to 0, 1, 3, or 300 mg PFOS/kg total administered dose [TAD] (e.g., 0, 0.0331, 0.0993 or 9.93 mg/kg/day). Body and spleen masses were significantly reduced in the highest PFOS treatment group compared to the control group, whereas liver mass was significantly increased. Serum TNF-α levels were significantly decreased following exposure to 1 mg PFOS/kg TAD as compared to controls, while serum IL-6 levels were increased. IL-6 concentrations in peritoneal lavage fluid decreased with increasing dose. PFOS treatment did not alter numbers of splenocytes expressing intracellular levels of TNF-α, IL-10 or IL-1. Numbers of splenocytes expressing intracellular levels of IL-6 were significantly decreased in the 3 mg/kg treatment as compared to controls. Overall, these data suggest that PFOS exposure can alter some inflammatory processes, which could potentially lead to misdirected inflammatory responses.
O-GLCNACYLATION OF KEY NUCLEAR AND CYTOSKELETAL PROTEINS : RECIPROCITY WITH O-PHOSPHORYLATION AND PUTATIVE ROLES IN PROTEIN MULTIMERIZATION

O-Linked N-acetylglucosamine, O-GlcNAc, was discovered (Torres and Hart, 1984) as part of our studies using highlypurified glycosyltransferases to investigate saccharide structures on lymphocytes and tumor cells (Powell et al, 1987; Whiteheart and Hart, 1987; Passaniti and Hart, 1988; Reichner et al., 1988; Whiteheart et al, 1989). Our glycosyltransferase studies are a direct outgrowth of the pioneering work of Professor Hill and his colleagues, which developed the methods for the purification of glycosyltransferases (Paulson et al., 1977; Beyer et al., 1980, 1981; Sadler et al, 1979, 1981, 1982). In particular, it was the purification (Trayer and Hill, 1971; Barkers al, 1972) and ready availability of bovine milk galactosyltransferase that allowed us to employ the enzyme as a highly specific and sensitive probe for O-GlcNAc on nuclear and cytoplasmic proteins (for methods, see Roquemore et al, 1994b). Using this enzymatic probe and other methods, we and others (for review, Hart et al, 1989, 1995a-c) have now documented that O-GlcNAc is ubiquitous and abundant on nuclear and cytoskeletal proteins of virtually all eukaryotes, including protozoans (Ortega-Barria et al, 1990; Dieckmann-Schuppert etal, 1993, 1994; Stanley etal, 1995) and fungi (Machida and Jigami, 1994). In addition, O-GlcNAc is highly dynamic, with turnover rates much higher than the protein backbones to which it is attached (Kearse and Hart, 1991; Chou et al, 1992; Roquemore et al, 19%). Virtually all O-GlcNAc proteins examined to date are also phosphoproteins, and in some instances Ser(Thr)-O-GlcNAc and Ser(Thr)-O-phosphate appear to reciprocally occupy the same hydroxyl groups (Kelly et al, 1993; Chou et al, 1995a,b). The dynamic characteristics of O-GlcNAc, and the importance of O-GlcNAcylated proteins in cellular regulation and in cytoskeletal structure, have led us to hypothesize that O-GlcNAc is a regulatory modification that not only regulates protein phosphorylation, but also is involved in modulating protein multimerization (Hart et al, 1995b,c). O-GlcNAcylation is most abundant in the nucleus
Analysis of Perchlorate in Groundwater by Electrospray Ionization Mass Spectrometry/Mass Spectrometry

An electrospray ionization mass spectrometry/mass spectrometry (ESI/MS/MS) method was developed to measure part-per-billion (μg/L) concentrations of perchlorate in groundwater. Selective and sensitive perchlorate detection was achieved by operating the mass spectrometer in the negative ionization mode and by using MS/MS to monitor the ClO4- to ClO3- transition. The method of standard additions was used to address the considerable signal suppression caused by anions that are typically present in groundwater, such as bicarbonate and sulfate. ESI/MS/MS analysis was rapid, accurate, reproducible, and provided a detection limit of 0.5 μg/L perchlorate in groundwater. Accuracy and precision of the ESI/MS/MS method were assessed by analyzing performance evaluation samples in a groundwater matrix (4.5−75 μg/L perchlorate) and by comparing ion chromatography (IC) and ESI/MS/MS results for local groundwater samples (<0.5−35 μg/L perchlorate). Results for the performance evaluation samples differed from the certifie...
Self-assessment of resident surgical skills: is it feasible?

Objective The purpose of this study was to examine obstetrics and gynecology residents' self-assessment of proficiency on a variety of surgical bench procedures and to compare their ratings with those ratings of trained faculty observers who used instruments that have been shown to be reliable and valid. Study design As part of a 6-station Objective Structured Assessment of Technical Skills, 74 residents at 5 institutions estimated their overall open and laparoscopic skill level before the testing. After completing each station, residents evaluated their overall and global skills performance. Results Residents rated their proficiency higher on open skills than on laparoscopic skills. Task-specific, overall, and global assessments were correlated significantly with the faculty ratings (P Conclusion Residents can rate their overall open and laparoscopic skills, task-specific performance, and global skills with good reliability and validity. Although they tended to score themselves lower than did faculty observers, the correlations are high (ie, residents who give themselves a higher score tended to receive a higher score from faculty, and vice versa). One of the concerns about self-assessment is that residents with poor skills might not be aware of their deficiencies. We did not find that to be the case. Therefore, when residents work on self-directed exercises, task-specific and global checklists can be used for both learning and self-assessment.
Ca, Na and Mg interactions in corn.

Abstract Corn (Zea mays L. cv. Golden Cross Bantam) was grown in solution culture for 15 days to determine interactions among Ca, Na, and Mg. Sodium and Mg intensified Ca deficiency symptoms and decreased Ca concentrations slightly in blades. Negative correlations between Ca and shoot concentrations of Zn, Mn, Cu and Fe were observed. Negative correlations were also observed between root Ca and root Mn and Fe.
Temporal analysis of stormwater control measure effluent based on windows of harmful algal bloom (HAB) sensitivity: Are annual nutrient EMCs appropriate during HAB-sensitive seasons?

Nutrient removal by stormwater control measures (SCMs) is typically reported in terms of an average annual percent removal or effluent concentration. However, when the performance of these systems is considered in light of downstream receiving aquatic ecosystems, which display seasonal sensitivities to nutrient loadings, the use of an annual-based metric seems arbitrary. To investigate the potential temporal mismatch between nutrient-sensitive periods in receiving water bodies and average annual reporting periods adopted for SCM performance metrics, a case study is presented for four SCM types (constructed stormwater wetlands, bioretention, vegetated filter strips, and swales) draining to the Neuse River Estuary (NRE) in North Carolina, USA. Outbreaks of harmful algal blooms (HABs) in the NRE have been related to different nutrient forms at different times of the year, resulting in a “window” of importance for a given nutrient. These windows were utilized herein to define seasons of interest for various pollutants, and thus how SCM effluent data should be grouped to evaluate seasonal differences in performance. Effluent SCM nutrient concentrations were analyzed on an annual and HAB-sensitive seasonal basis. Although the use of annual performance metrics was deemed either appropriate or conservative for total phosphorus and nitrate–nitrite, effluent concentrations of total ammonia–nitrogen were significantly higher during HAB-sensitive seasons from both bioretention areas and stormwater wetlands. In the case of the NRE, these data suggest SCMs such as bioretention and stormwater wetlands may perform less effectively during periods of HAB sensitivity and that the contribution of SCMs to HAB control in sensitive water bodies may be overstated using presently accepted annual evaluation metrics. Though the seasonal analysis presented is specific to HAB formation in the Neuse River Estuary, evaluation of SCM effluent nutrient concentrations on the basis of nutrient-sensitive periods in receiving water bodies has broad application to evaluation of SCMs in any nutrient-sensitive watershed. The present study suggests that evaluation of SCM performance with respect to nutrient-sensitive periods in receiving aquatic ecosystems warrants further study.
Lines, outlines, and landmarks: morphometric analyses of leaves of Acer rubrum, Acer saccharinum (Aceraceae) and their hybrid

Quantitative comparisons of leaf morphology for evaluating taxonomic relationships may be conducted by traditional morphometrics, outline analyses, or geometric morphometrics. These approaches were employed for examining relationships among trees of two species of maple, Acer rubrum and A. saccharinum, and their hybrid (A. ×freemanii). Leaf samples from six hybrid trees (three each from two accessions) and 40 trees field identified as either species were pressed and dried. Leaf outline and landmark data were captured for each leaf, and linear and angular measures were derived from the landmark configurations. A vector of character means, a mean leaf outline, and a consensus landmark configuration were generated for each tree. Traditional morphological measurements, a single-parameter outline descriptor, elliptic Fourier coefficients of the outlines, and relative warp scores for the landmarks were used to depict relationships among the 46 OTUs. All three data types reveal similar patterns with respect to the two species, and the hybrids are generally intermediate between the two species. The results provide evidence of genetic segregation in one hybrid accession, that several of the field sampled trees are naturally occurring hybrids, and that relative warps analysis can reveal aspects of shape variation not detected by the other analyses.
Collaboration in support of curricular innovations.

The migration of traditional anatomy and pathology wet labs to a digital format requires significant planning and collaboration amongst key faculty, administrative, and technology personnel. In addition to conversion of course materials, the changed format necessitated the refurbishment of a traditional bench lab as a state‐of‐the art digital classroom, significant IT investment, and ongoing coordination by library, classroom and computer resources personnel. Standardized policies and procedures were developed to guide additional requests for software to support new educational initiatives.
α-Thalassemia hydrops fetalis: Clinical and ultrasonographic considerations

Five pregnant Southeast Asian women presenting during a 14-month period with microcytic anemia, preeclampsia, and size-date discrepancies were all ultimately diagnosed as carrying fetuses with homozygous alpha-thalassemia hydrops fetalis. The perinatal complications of this hemoglobin disorder are unique to persons of this ethnic background and include uniform fatality for the affected infant, maternal preeclamptic morbidity, and retained placenta. In this report the obstetric ultrasound findings are presented and the clinical manifestations are discussed, with recommendations made to reduce this emerging public health problem in the United States.
Power scaling of resonantly cladding-pumped, Yb-free, Er-doped LMA fiber lasers

The results of the recent major efforts in power scaling of resonantly cladding-pumped Yb-free Er fiber lasers are presented. Commercially available Yb-free Er-doped large mode area Er60-20/125 (LMA) DC fibers were tested in two regimes: (i), as a booster amplifier in a single-frequency (SF) MOPA configuration and, (ii), in a Bragg grating (FBG) based narrowband fiber laser configuration. We obtained ∼28.5 W of output power at 1590 nm, the highest power reported so far out of Yb-free Er-doped LMA fiber with resonant cladding pumping. The achieved optical-to-optical conversion slope efficiency of ∼56.6% is also believed to be the highest efficiency ever reported from Yb-free Er-doped fiber laser with resonant cladding pumping.
Global warming and nuclear power

Abstract In view of the potential consequences of the greenhouse effect, it is important to restrain consumption of fossil fuels by exploiting conservation, solar power, and nuclear power. The pressure on developing countries for increased energy consumption makes reduction of fossil fuel use in the industrialized countries all the more important. Nuclear power already has had a significant impact. Primarily through its use. France reduced carbon dioxide emissions by 24% from 1973 to 1986. Given a vigorous program of nuclear power development, electrification, and conservation, one can envisage a U.S. energy economy in which CO 2 production is halved. Standardized reactors, of small or medium size, may enhance the prospects for a nuclear renaissance in industrialized countries, and may be well matched to the needs of developing countries.
Width of zero phonon line for Frenkel excitons

Abstract Local lattice relaxation about an excited molecule leads to the appearance of vibrational fine structure in the electronic absorption spectrum. To study the linewidth of the very sharp zero phonon line two types of coupling of the electron to the lattice are considered. A strong coupling, which causes the lattice relaxation and a weaker coupling of the lattice to the excition transfer matrix element. The latter one leads to phonon scattering processes within the exciton band and becomes important for the linewidth at low temperatures. It can be seen that the strong coupling tends to narrow the linewidth produced by the weak coupling mechanism. The analogy to motional narrowing as known from magnetic resonance can be drawn.
Physical therapy and other nonpharmacologic approaches to fibromyalgia management

Fibromyalgia is a vague and changing syndrome that comprises many symptoms. Due to the confounding nature of fibromyalgia syndrome, there has been much debate about which interventions and therapies should be considered as viable treatment options. Opinions continue to shift in publication and research circles, with little documentation to show good, long-term outcomes. Several studies have shown promise, with initial improvement in symptoms, but in many cases, these improvements were not lasting or the patients were then unable to continue/replicate the program on their own. In this article, some of the more recently published findings regarding the efficacy of exercise are explored, specifically physical therapy and other nonpharmacologic interventions, for managing fibromyalgia syndrome.
Vibrational spectra of thiuram sulfides: Normal coordinate analysis of tetramethylthiuram mono-, di-, and tetrasulfides

The normal coordinate analyses of tetramethylthiuram mono-, di-, and tetrasulfides have been carried out by utilizing vibrational energies obtained from infrared and Raman spectroscopic data reported here. The CS vibration is demonstrated to be highly coupled and to contribute to frequencies in the 850–1000 cm−1 region, but can be identified based on the strong Raman intensity. The results are useful in interpreting the spectra of these complex vulcanizing agents.
BLOCKING STRATEGIES FOR A FIRE CONTROL PROBLEM

In this paper, we analyze different strategies, in a problem of optimal confinement of a forest fire. The area burned by the fire at time t > 0 is modeled as the reachable set for a differential inclusion ẋ ∈ F(x), starting from an initial set R0. To encircle the fire, a wall can be constructed progressively in time, at a given speed. We examine the minimum construction speed which is needed to completely encircle the fire, by means of one single wall. Different strategies are then compared, by a theoretical analysis and by numerical experiments, to determine which one minimizes the total burned area. We consider first the isotropic case, where the fire propagates uniformly in all directions, and then a more general case, where the wind blows the fire in one preferred direction.
The urethra is a reliable witness: simplifying the diagnosis of stress urinary incontinence.

In 1970, Bates, Whiteside, and Turner-Warwick [1] wrote that: “...the bladder often proves to be an unreliable witness...” and this phrase has been used for more than 40 years as a justification for urodynamic studies (UDS) in the evaluation of urinary incontinence. However, two studies published this year in the New England Journal of Medicine have reported the predictive value of direct observation of fluid loss from the urethra in making the diagnosis of stress urinary incontinence (SUI) [2] and occult SUI [3]. The studies suggest that for SUI or occult SUI, appropriate management decisions can be made with an office evaluation that includes demonstrating urine loss from the urethra without additional UDS. It probably should not surprise us that SUI is not a condition that requires urodynamic testing. SUI is a urethral problem and current bladder investigations do not investigate urethral conditions very well. Valsalva leak point pressures only indirectly measure urethral pressure, and urethral pressure profilometry typically only measures urethral function at rest and not during SUI conditions. No quantitative or qualitative measure during urodynamics makes the diagnosis of urodynamic stress incontinence (USI); thus, the diagnosis of USI is still dependent on direct visualization or imaging of fluid loss per urethra with cough or Valsalva. The presence of a catheter in the bladder (UDS) adds nothing of value to the diagnosis of SUI, except that it can confirm the absence of a cough or Valsalva provoked detrusor contraction. One could argue, though, that this type of detrusor event would not produce simultaneous fluid loss with cough, because a detrusor smooth muscle is not a striated muscle and cannot contract fast enough to generate detrusor pressure at the same time as a cough. Thus, there seems to be a limited role for urodynamics for SUI in the setting of a comprehensive history, office evaluation, and examination. Unfortunately, the current medical model encourages diagnostic studies whether or not they are necessary. This editorial proposes that the diagnosis of uncomplicated SUI and occult SUI by an office stress test and the management of it does not require urodynamic testing in most patients.
Physiologic costs of computer-controlled walking in persons with paraplegia using a reciprocating-gait orthosis.

Abstract Blood pressure, heart rate, oxygen uptake, cardiac output, and the surface electromyogram from key muscle groups in the upper body were measured in four subjects with paraplegia during ambulation using only a reciprocating-gait orthosis (RGO) and using an RGO with movement assisted by functional electrical stimulation (FES) of the hamstring and gluteus maximus muscles. These data were compared to data collected on four able-bodied control subjects during ambulation at matched speeds. Whether walking with FES and RGOs or walking with RGOs alone, subjects had an optimum gait speed at which efficiency was highest. For paralyzed subjects using FES, the optimum walking speed was approximately 1.5mph (2.4km/hr); without FES, the optimum speed averaged about 0.75mph (1.2km/hr). Blood pressure, heart rate, oxygen uptake, and cardiac output were measured during ambulation with FES and were found to be higher than those of controls, but they were significantly lower than those in the paralyzed subjects in RGOs with no FES. Electromyogram studies showed that the activity in upper body muscles was much higher when walking in RGOs without FES than in RGOs with FES.
Effects of soil magnetic susceptibility and electrical conductivity on electromagnetic detection of landmines

ABSTRACT Newer detectors are growing in capability to discriminate those signals measured over mines from those signals that can be causally related to local variations in the soil. Monitoring and measuring the key properties governing these local variations are being looked at increasingly as a means to pred ict performance measures for given detectors, as well as to counter the occurrence of such signals in an effort to mini mize false alarms. Currently, an ongoing government research project working to develop enhancements to the Handheld Standoff Mine Detection System (HSTAMIDS) technology resulted in a series of data collections acquired in four different types of soil environments: 1) temperate/loamy, 2) temperate/grassy/gravel, 3) arid/gravel/sand, and 4) tropical/l aterite. At each of these locations, data was collected using the HSTAMIDS technology to provide a range of environmental conditions against which the performance of this handheld detector could be assessed. This project is obtaining similar electrical and magnetic measurements in these areas to use these measurements to monitor any changes in detection performance that might be introduced due to local soil variations, as well as to provide a preliminary estimate of the robustness of future HSTAMIDS detection enhancements across a variety of environments. Keywords: Soils, magnetic susceptibility, electrical conductivity, landmines, probability of detection
How does juvenile hormone control insect metamorphosis and reproduction

In insects juvenile hormone (JH) regulates both metamorphosis and reproduction. This lecture focuses on our current understanding of JH action at the molecular level in both of these processes based primarily on studies in the tobacco hornworm Manduca sexta, the flour beetle Tribolium castaneum, the mosquito Aedes aegypti, and the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster. The roles of the JH receptor complex and the transcription factors that it regulates during larval molting and metamorphosis are summarized. Also highlighted are the intriguing interactions of the JH and insulin signaling pathways in both imaginal disc development and vitellogenesis. Critical actions of JH and its receptor in the timing of maturation of the adult optic lobe and of female receptivity in Drosophila are also discussed.
pH-sensitive bipolar ion-permselective ultrathin films.

pH-Sensitive bipolar ion-permselective films of polyelectrolyte multilayers were prepared by layer-by-layer (LbL) assembly and photo-cross-linking of benzophenone-modified poly(acrylic acid) (PAA-BP) and poly(allylamine hydrochloride) (PAH-BP). The multilayer structure and ionizable group composition was finely tuned by changing the pH of the dipping solution. This structure and composition was in turn “preserved” by photo-cross-linking, forming highly stable membrane films. Since PAA-BP and PAH-BP are weak polyelectrolytes, it is possible to control the number of unbound, un-ionized -COOH or -NH2 groups in the multilayer by changing the pH. Moreover, the pH of the deposited film also plays an important role in determining selective latter permselectivity. For example, PAA-BP/PAH-BP multilayers deposited from two pH conditions, pH = 3 (PAA-BP) and pH = 6 (PAH-BP), showed pH-switchable permselectivity for both cationic (pH = 10) and anionic (pH = 3) probe molecules in a single film. The system offers advan...
Adenoca of the uterus with cervical extension and adenoca of the cervix: are the clinical presentations truly different?

Abstract Objective: To identify the preoperative differences between patients with stage 2 endometrial cancer and with adenoca of the cervix. Methods: Seventy-four records were reviewed, and the following data were abstracted: abnormal Pap smear (APAP); abnormal bleeding, dysfunctional and postmenopausal (VAGBLD); postcoital bleeding (PCB); pelvic pain (PAIN); and dyspareunia (DYSP). Student t , χ 2 , and Cox proportional hazard tests were utilized. Results: There were 40 cervical cancers (54%) and 34 endometrial cancers (46%). Preoperatively, 23 patients (31%) had questionable cancer origin. Patients with cervical cancer were younger (50 versus 58, P = 0.05) and weighed less (162 versus 185, P = 0.08). Patients with cervical adenoca were more likely to present with APAP ( P = 0.02; RR 3.7, CI: 1.2–11.5), PCB ( P = 0.03; RR 8.0, CI: 1.1–7.1), and a smoking history ( P = 0.04; RR 2.9, CI: 1.0–8.5). Patients with uterine cancer had pelvic pain ( P = 0.04; RR 3.4, CI: 1.0–11.6). There were no significant differences in incidences of VAGBLD, DYSP, gravidity, or age at menarche. Predictors for cervical cancer APAP, PCB, age, and smoking remained significant upon multivariate analysis, as did the predictors PAIN ( P = 0.007) and age ( P = 0.05) for uterine cancer. Conclusion: Patients with cervical cancer were more likely to be younger, weigh less, and present with APAP and PCB, whereas uterine cancer patients were more apt to present with pelvic pain.
Analysis of adaptation in heterogeneous landscapes: Implications for the evolution of fundamental niches

The fundamental niche is a description of the range of environmental conditions in which the mean fitness of a population exceeds or equals unity, and outside of which its mean fitness is less than one. The fundamental niche is a mean phenotype of a population, a trait that can evolve by natural selection. In the analysis of the evolution of adaptations by natural selection one must specify the range of environments within which the relative fitnesses of alternative phenotypes are compared. Population dynamics automatically biases the environments experienced by an evolutionary lineage, simply because more individuals tend to be found within the fundamental niche than outside it (unless the population as a whole is going extinct). We argue that this basic asymmetry biases adaptive evolution toward further improvement to conditions inside the fundamental niche, even at the expense of fitness outside it. This suggests that natural selection may act principally as a conservative force on fundamental niches. We place the particular problem of the evolution of fundamental niches into the general framework of specifying the spatiotemporal scale for the analysis of adaptation in heterogeneous environments and introduce the notion of a ‘phylogenetic envelope’, a heuristic representation of this scaling. Because all of microevolution necessarily occurs within the constraint of the evolutionary dynamics of the fundamental niche, we conclude that understanding such dynamics should be of central concern to evolutionary ecologists.
An L-band Fractional-N Synthesizer with Noise-Less Active Capacitor Scaling

In a charge-pump based type-II analog Phase Locked Loop (PLL), the loop filter often uses a small resistor along with a big integrating capacitor for good phase noise performance. This comes at the cost of large silicon area or external component. The noise from the resistor contributes to the output phase noise through both feedback and feed-forward paths and hence has a presence in the output over a very wide frequency band. In this PLL, the loop filter avoids the feed-forward and limits the contribution of the resistor noise over a narrow frequency band. This technique allows a large resistor to be used with a small capacitor without phase noise penalty. The achieved independent control of bandwidth and stabilizing zero gives better stability and reduces noise peaking. The integrated phase error achieved at 1.3GHz is -38dBc.
Treatment of an aneurysmal bone cyst of the spine by radionuclide ablation.

Summary: We report the nonoperative treatment of a recurrent, multilevel spinal aneurysmal bone cyst by injection of 32P chromic phosphate colloid into the cyst. The patient was then followed up with serial CT examinations, which showed stabilization and progressive ossification within the lesion. The rationale, alternatives, and possible contraindications to radionuclide ablation of spinal aneurysmal bone cysts are discussed.