cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
STUDIES OF SPERMATOGENESIS IN THE HEPATICAE V. BLEPHAROPLAST DEVELOPMENT IN MARCHANTIA POLYMORPHA

A B S T R A C T Coaxial centrioles and a microtubule organizing center (MTOC) constitute each centrosome in spermatid mother cells of Marchantia polymorpha. During cell division the centrosome separates at its midregion and the two centrioles undergo a planar rotation that brings them to lie somewhat staggered and nearly parallel with their proximal ends embedded in osmiophilic granular material similar in appearance to that of the MTOC. Microtubules of the multilayered structure (MLS) arise in this material below the posterior centriole and parallel to its long axis. The rotation of centrioles and the initiation of Si tubules below the posterior centriole determine polarity of the incipient blepharoplast. Lower MLS strata are formed under the anterior centriole by the compaction of granular, osmiophilic matrix. Formation and growth of S2 vertical lamellae occur at the left front edge of the MLS in association with MTOC-like matrix localized near the cell membrane. The MLS enlarges to about 0.4 /um wide by 0.6 ,am long and is ovoid in outline except for a short distal projection underlying the posterior centriole. Subsequently the lamellae are transformed into homogenous, osmiophilic matrix that contributes directly to the expansion of all MLS strata including microtubules. The stratum of lamellae is interpreted as a planar MTOC subject to morphogenetic control. Each of the four strata grows proximally while the tapering distal projection lengthens beneath the posterior basal body. Dense matrix above the MLS, apparently elaborated by the S2 layer, is organized into cartwheel and triplet components of the basal bodies' proximal extensions. Organization of triplet tubules proceeds from proximal to distal toward preexisting triplets. Osmiophilic matrix contributes to the formation of microtubule keels and osmiophilic crests and may serve as a cementing material that stabilizes the spatial relationships of blepharoplast components. After full expansion of the MLS' lower strata, the S2 layer is reorganized into lamellae. Flagellar growth in Marchantia is postulated to involve a process whereby subunits or their precursors are elaborated by the MLS, translocated to the distal end of the flagellum and incorporated into the axonemal tubules. When MLS microtubules elongate to form a long, narrow band, the distal half of the S2 layer is again in the osmiophilic matrix state.
Extended X-ray absorption fine structure study of p-type nitrogen doped ZnO

Abstract p-Type nitrogen doped ZnO was studied by using extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) at the Zn K edge. The p-type ZnO was fabricated on glass substrates by a low cost catalyst-free thermal evaporation process. The EXAFS measurement showed that the bonding length of Zn–O and Zn–Zn was increased after converting to p-type due to the incorporation of nitrogen atoms. The EXAFS analysis indicated that N atoms might exist as diatom form of N–N in ZnO film.
Considerations for package routing for DRAM and NAND Flash memory

As the speed performance of memory silicon die advances over the generations, the corresponding package designs must align with the desired package-level performance. This has driven package designers to adopt the appropriate package routing design practices for DDR2 to DDR4 DRAM and NV-DDR to NV-DDR2 NAND Flash memory packages that keep not only the mechanical integrity of the package in mind but also the electrical (signal integrity) aspects of the package. This paper describes the relevant package routing considerations for BOC and COB interposer designs with the goal of meeting the electrical requirements for high-speed devices; these results have been documented to ensure that these routing requirements are checked at the final design review stage to enable Micron to deliver quality products to customers.
THE WAR ON DRUGS AND THE CASE OF DOMINICAN DEPORTEES

ABSTRACT The War on Drugs has mostly been analyzed through: (i) the race, class and gendered nature of the crusade, and (ii) the utility of this domestic criminal justice agenda for broader U.S. imperial ambitions. A third aspect, however, is the convergence of drug war legislation with that of immigration policy and the production of a transnational population of U.S. deportees. In this article, based on six years of ethnographic study with deported subjects in both New York and Santo Domingo and using the concept of social bulimia, we describe and analyze the ways in which the war on drugs has directly and indirectly influenced deportees’ lives, severely limiting their life chances and finally banishing them for life. We focus on five periods in their life course: (i) settlement in the U.S.; (ii) pathways to the criminal justice system; (Hi) the U.S. prison experience; (iv) deportation; and (v) resettlement in the Dominican Republic. We conclude that the drugs war has had durable impacts on the most vul...
Oxidation Companied by Scale Removal: Initial and Asymptotical Kinetics

The general kinetics of oxidation companied by scale removal such as scale dissociation, volatilization, erosion, or mass transfer corrosion is analyzed by employing a dimensionless Tedmon's equation. Analytical expressions suitable for analyzing and fitting the oxide thickness/weight changes at early stages and long-term operations are presented. The scale of the time, oxide thickness and mass gain are specified. In addition, a perturbation solution showing the effects of the parabolic oxidation and the linear scale removal, and the combined effects of both terms are obtained. The limitation of the perturbation solution is determined. The proposed model is also applied to interpret the experimental results of steel exposed in the liquid lead-bismuth eutectic. The results show that the present model is valid for analyzing experimental results and for predicting long-term behaviors.
Relationship of serum antibiotic concentrations to nephrotoxicity in cancer patients receiving concurrent aminoglycoside and vancomycin therapy

Abstract Methicillin-resistant coagulase-negative staphylococci have become increasingly responsible for febrile episodes in cancer patients, often necessitating the addition of vancomycin to an aminoglycoside-containing broad-spectrum antibiotic regimen. A total of 229 courses of antibiotic therapy in 229 patients were evaluated for nephrotoxicity associated with the administration of an aminoglycoside and/or vancomycin. The incidence of nephrotoxicity observed in patients administered an aminoglycoside (Group A) was 18 percent; vancomycin (Group B) 15 percent; and an aminoglycoside concurrently with vancomycin (Group C) 15 percent. The following pharmacokinetic/dosing factors were significantly associated with increased nephrotoxicity in the groups: baseline serum creatinine level, mean daily dose during the first three days of therapy (Group B), and elevated serum trough aminoglycoside or vancomycin concentrations (2 μg/ml or more or 10 μg/ml or more, respectively). No cumulative nephrotoxicity was demonstrated with the concurrent administration of vancomycin and an aminoglycoside. A higher incidence of nephrotoxicity was seen in Group C (42 percent) and Group B (27 percent) patients, in whom trough serum vancomycin concentrations were 10 μg/ml or more.
Private Lives, Public Officials: The Challenge to Mainstream Media

Answering inquiries about his personal life during the 1988 campaign, media-appointed front-runner Gary W. Hart invited the press to “put a tail on me” to prove his innocence in any moral wrongdoing while away from his wife, Lee. The subsequent stakeout and discovery at his Washington, DC townhouse introduced the issue of marital infidelity to the contemporary American electorate. Thus a new dimension was added to the intense media scrutiny that candidates must endure to retain front-runner status. In 1992, Bill Clinton's front-runner standing was threatened by allegations of marital infidelity involving a disgruntled former government worker. Just as his polling figures began their drop, a shift in the political climate seemed to occur as attitudes changed via the media. This study considered each candidate's ascension to front-runner status and his subsequent fall by applying principles found in the Payne et al. confirmation paradigm. A content analysis of national and local newspapers, including examin...
Efficiency of Iε promoter-directed switch recombination in GFP expression-based switch constructs works synergistically with other promoter and/or enhancer elements but is not tightly linked to the strength of transcription.

One key unresolved issue in immunoglobulin class switch recombination (CSR) is how the accessibility of the switch region for CSR is controlled. To better understand the nature of accessibility control for human Ig CSR, we developed a novel inducible switch recombination assay based on expression of green fluorescence protein (GFP) from switch constructs undergoing substrate switch recombination (SSR). Efficient SSR depends on the cytokine-inducible Iepsilon promoter and co-stimulation with IL-4+anti-CD40. Characterization of SSR reveals that both S-S deletional recombination and S-S inversion occur. We show that the IL-4-inducible Iepsilon promoter (pIepsilon) selectively determines the efficiency of the accessibility for SSR. However, the pIepsilon-induced transcription, by itself,is not sufficient to direct efficient SSR. For efficient SSR, both pIepsilon-driven transcriptional activity and an additional promoter/enhancer-derived activity are required. The efficiency of SSR is not tightly correlated with the strength of the combined transcriptional activity. Our results suggest that the mechanism(s) underlying the transcriptional activity, e.g. DNA modification is important for controlling the accessibility for efficient switch recombination.
Isolation of separate mRNAs for α- and β-Tubulin and characterization of the corresponding in vitro translation products

Abstract The messenger RNAs coding for α- and β-tubulin have been isolated from embryonic chick brain. Although the mRNAs for the two tubulin subunits have been resolved on native gels, they are very similar in molecular weight (650,000 daltons) as judged by mobility on denaturing gels containing methyl mercury. The mRNAs for β- and γ-actin have also been resolved on native gels, but migrate as an unresolved peak (molecular weight 650,000–700,000 daltons) under denaturing conditions. Since the nonmuscle actins are substantially smaller proteins than α- and β-tubulin, the large size of chick nonmuscle actin mRNAs suggests an unusually long untranslated region. Since tubulin and actin polypeptides are internal structural proteins, one would expect them to be synthesized only on free polysomes. Translation of mRNA derived directly from a purified membrane fraction or by puromycin release from that fraction, however, showed the synthesis of a small proportion of these proteins on polysomes that are membrane-associated. Peptide mapping has in all cases confirmed the identity of the products of cell-free synthesis with authentic α-tubulin, β-tubulin and actin. Approximately 67% of the α- and 13% of the β-tubulin chains produced by in vitro translation are competent for co-assembly into microtubules with added carrier microtubule protein.
Standard-Model Higgs Boson Searches at CDF in Run II

The SM Higgs boson has been searched in two channels: (1) q{bar q} {yields} WH {yields} {ell}{nu}b{bar b} for Higgs masses 110 < M{sub H} < 150 GeV and (2) gg {yields} H {yields} WW {yields} {ell}{nu}{ell}{nu} for 140 M{sub H} < 180 GeV, where {ell} {element_of} {l_brace}e,{mu}{r_brace}, using about 200 pb{sup -1} CDF Run II data. 95% C.L. limits on each Higgs production at Tevatron at {radical}s = 1.96 TeV were set as a function of Higgs mass by fitting the distribution of dijet mass (1) and dilepton azimuthal angular separation (2). They have significantly advanced the sensitivity to the SM Higgs boson cf. Run I.
The Mesoscale and Microscale Structure and Organization of Clouds and Precipitation in Midlatitude Cyclones. XI: Comparisons between Observational and Theoretical Aspects of Rainbands

Abstract Comparisons are made between the characteristics of several types of rainbands observed in an extratropical cyclone and dynamical mechanisms relevant on the mesoscale. The warm-sector flow ahead of the cold front and above the cold-frontal zone aloft was unstable to conditional symmetric instability, and theoretical predictions for this mechanism am consistent with several aspects of the warm-sector and wide cold-frontal rainbands. In the case of the warm-sector rainbands, other mechanisms (e.g., wave-CISK and mixed dynamic/convective instabilities) may have also played a role. The core structure of the narrow cold-frontal rainbands appeared to be affected by an instability that derived its energy from the horizontal shear across the surface front. Also, many aspects of the narrow cold-frontal rainband were similar to a density current. Shear-induced gravity waves appeared to be responsible for the wavelike rainbands observed in the vicinity of the cold-frontal zone aloft. The orientation of the ...
Network-based analysis of vaccine-related associations reveals consistent knowledge with the vaccine ontology

Background Ontologies are useful in many branches of biomedical research. For instance, in the vaccine domain, the community-based Vaccine Ontology (VO) has been widely used to promote vaccine data standardization, integration, and computer-assisted reasoning. However, a major challenge in the VO has been to construct ontologies of vaccine functions, given incomplete vaccine knowledge and inconsistencies in how this knowledge is manually curated.
Nuclear properties of 251Bk

Abstract A new isotope, 251 Bk, has been isolated and found to decay by β − particle emission with a half-life of 57·0 ± 1·7 min. Gamma rays of 34 and 140 keV were observed, and 94 and 184 keV gamma rays are probably present. The apparent absence of observable gamma rays at 58·5 and 81 keV indicates that the ground state of 251 Bk is probably not 7 2+ as might be expected from analogy with 249 Bk.
Managing Enterprise Security Risk with NIST Standards

Federal agencies and private-sector organizations are increasingly concerned with the risks that today's sophisticated cyberthreats pose to critical enterprise missions and business functions. Federal Information Security Management Act (FISMA) established sweeping information security (IS) requirements for the federal government and contractors, and it made the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) responsible for developing IS standards and guidelines to allow for compliance. NIST faced the challenging task of establishing mandatory minimum IS standards and guidelines for the federal government and supporting contractors, while ensuring flexible implementation based on diverse missions and business functions.
Monitoring acute and chronic water column toxicity in the Northern Sacramento–San Joaquin Estuary, California, USA, using the euryhaline amphipod, Hyalella azteca: 2006 to 2007

After the significant population decline of several pelagic fish species in the Northern Sacramento–San Joaquin (SSJ) Estuary (CA, USA) in 2002, a study was performed to monitor water column toxicity using the amphipod Hyalella azteca. From January 1, 2006 to December 31, 2007, water samples were collected biweekly from 15 to 16 sites located in large delta channels and main-stem rivers, selected based on prevalent distribution patterns of fish species of concern. Ten-day laboratory tests with H. azteca survival and relative growth as toxicity endpoints were conducted. The enzyme inhibitor piperonyl butoxide ([PBO], 25 µg/L) was added to synergize or antagonize pyrethroid or organophosphate (OP) insecticide toxicity, respectively. Significant amphipod mortality was observed in 5.6% of ambient samples. Addition of PBO significantly changed survival or growth in 1.1% and 10.1% of ambient samples, respectively. Sites in the Lower Sacramento River had the largest number of acutely toxic samples, high occurrence of PBO effects on amphipod growth (along with sites in the South Delta), and the highest total ammonia/ammonium concentrations (0.28 ± 0.15 mg/L). Ammonia/ammonium, or contaminants occurring in mixture with these, likely contributed to the observed toxicity. Pyrethroid insecticides were detected at potentially toxic concentrations. Overall, results of this study identified specific areas and contaminants of concern and showed that water in the Northern SSJ Estuary was at times acutely toxic to sensitive invertebrates. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 2010;29:2190–2199. © 2010 SETAC
Stimulated supercontinuum generation

We demonstrate active control over optical rogue waves with a weak optical seed. With this effect, we stimulate supercontinuum generation, resulting in greatly enhanced stability and coherence. The phenomenon also facilitates all-optical three-terminal devices.
Research Experiences for Students: Interdisciplinary skill development to prepare the future workforce for success

Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) programs traditionally function as a recruitment vehicle to encourage students to pursue further studies in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) and as an opportunity for STEM majors to delve deeper into their chosen fields of study. Based on a critical examination of REU student feedback, evaluators at CRISP (Center for Research on Interface Structures and Phenomena) have found that in addition to these conventional benefits of research-based experiences, the value of interdisciplinary skill development is integral to the REU experience and these contributions may warrant a more formal evaluative definition. Using the emerging 21st Century Skills Framework, CRISP has begun conducting a series of small-scale studies in an effort to define the contribution of student research experiences in cross-disciplinary skill development and the positive effects that exposure to real-world science practices have on refinement of career decisions and vocational success. Using Likert-type survey methods, this study directly examines current and former REU students’ perceptions of the importance of interdisciplinary 21st century skills such as creativity, collaboration, communication, information literacy, and problem-solving in their REU experience and their perceived value of these skills in their future and/or current careers. Through better understanding the role these “soft skills” play in student research experiences, CRISP hopes to maximize these interdisciplinary benefits within its REU program to best prepare students for the complex demands of the 21st century workplace.
Delta modulation for channel feedback in transmit diversity systems

In a wireless communication system with multiple transmit antennas, knowledge of the channel at the transmitter can be used to increase link and system capacity. In a frequency division duplex system, the channel may be estimated by the receiver and communicated back to the transmitter for use in future transmissions. Efficient schemes that achieve channel feedback in this manner are of interest. We present a channel feedback scheme that uses delta modulation to encode channel information efficiently by exploiting the temporal correlation of the wireless channel. A system with multiple transmit antennas and a single receive antenna is used to evaluate the performance of the channel feedback scheme. The effect of feedback channel errors on system performance is shown. The presented method is found to be advantageous for channels with low to moderate Doppler frequencies.
Observations bearing on convection

1. Solar observations contain a considerable amount of information on the hydrodynamics of stellar convection. We emphasize and discuss especially (a) the existence of two very different cell sizes, (b) the unexpectedly high cross-correlation between vertical velocities and temperature fluctuations in the granulation, (c) the fast “downdrafts” in intergranular regions, (d) the existence of cells much larger than the scale height, (e) the strange behavior of the temperature fluctuations in the supergranulation, and (f) the importance of convective overshoot. 2. The Li-Be problem and its possible relevance as an indicator of convective overshoot is briefly summarized. 3. Convection may have a stronger influence on the observable properties of Herich (“non-DA”) white dwarfs than of most other stars. We discuss especially (a) the persistence of outer convection zones through a very wide range of effective temperatures, (b) the occurence of convection in high layers of the atmosphere, (c) the relatively high efficiency of convection in white dwarf atmospheres, and (d) the relevance of convection to the cooling problem.
Mechanical Comparison of Two Knots and Two Crimp Systems for Securing Nylon Line Used for Extra‐Articular Stabilization of the Canine Stifle

Objective— To compare mechanical properties of knotted and crimped nylon loops. Study Design— In vitro mechanical evaluation. Sample Population— Loops of 27 kg-test nylon leader. Single strand—clamped square knot compared with 2 crimp systems. Two strand—self-locking knot compared with 2 crimped loops. Methods— (a) Single pull to failure (n=10) at 500 mm/min. Initial loop tension (N), peak load (N), peak elongation (mm), stiffness of the linear portion of the curve (N/mm), and failure mode were recorded. (b) Incremental cyclic loading to failure (n=5)—each loop was cycled 5 times to 100 N at a loading rate of 200 mm/min. Cycling was repeated, with the load increased by 50 N after each set. Elongation (mm), tension remaining (N), and after permanent deformation was present, elongation at 10 N (mm) were measured. Results— Initial tension and stiffness were greater for crimped loops when compared with knotted loops. There were no differences between crimped loops. The self-locking knot elongated more, and was less stiff, when compared with 2 crimped loops. With incremental loading, knotted loops elongated more than crimped loops. The tension remaining in the loop fell below 10 N more quickly for knotted loops compared with crimped loops. Conclusion— Crimped loops are stiffer, and resist both static and cyclic load more effectively before becoming permanently elongated, when compared with knotted loops. Clinical Relevance— Stifle stability will be maintained more effectively by crimped nylon loops when compared with knotted loops.
Analysis of Punctures in DNA Self-Assembly Under Forward Growth

This paper deals with the characterization and analysis of intentionally induced punctures on a DNA self-assembly. Based on forward growth, punctures are utilized to remove errors in DNA tiles from the self-assembly. Initially, a Markov model is proposed by considering different types of punctures under various bonding conditions in the tiles. For different values of on and off rates (as corresponding to the parameters G se and G mc ), it is shown that the proposed models can assess the types of puncture for removing mitsmatched tiles as errors. Subsequently, a novel model of puncturing is introduced to establish the condition by which a generic aggregate can utilize punctures for error resilience. It is proven that by using the correct puncture(s), errors as frozen mismatched tiles are moved toward the boundaries, thus ensuring the generation of the target assembly and ease in removal of the errors. As an example, the Sierpinski tile set is analyzed based on the proposed models to fully assess the appropriate type of puncture for this pattern. Simulation results are provided as evidence that the proposed models are effective.
Androgen-induced proliferation in the developing larynx of Xenopus laevis is regulated by thyroid hormone.

Abstract Exposure to exogenous androgen regulates cell number in the developing larynx ofXenopus laevisand hormone-regulated laryngeal development requires secretion of thyroid hormone (TH). We sought to determine whether exposure to TH is both sufficient and necessary for androgen-evoked cell proliferation (androgen competency) in developing larynx. Androgen competency was not observed in the premetamorphic larynx (tadpole stage 53, before TH secretion) but was present just prior to metamorphic climax (stage 58, during TH secretion). However, when TH is administered precociously (between stages 48 and 50), androgen competency can be observed at stage 53. The stage 52 larynx expresses high levels of the mRNA for TH receptor α. The duration of TH exposure required at tadpole stage 48 is greater than 2 days; studies in juveniles indicate that TH exposure need not be maintained in order for androgen competency to persist. The effects of exposure to TH on androgen competency are long lasting and perhaps permanent. While organotypic cultures obtained from tadpoles during premetamorphosis (stage 52) can proliferatein vitroand proliferation is augmented by TH exposure as it isin vivo,precocious exposure to TH does not induce androgen competency. In contrast, androgen does evoke cell proliferation in cultures obtained from metamorphosing (stage 58) tadpoles; proliferation is confined to the cartilage component. Thus, unlike laryngesin vivo,muscle will not proliferate in response to androgen, indicating the necessity for an additional factor not presentin vitro.Androgen receptor mRNA expression, believed required for androgen competency, was assessedin vivoandin vitro.The tadpole larynx strongly expresses AR mRNA; expression does not require exposure to TH nor is expression diminished in culture.
Robustness of adaptive control algorithms in the presence of unmodeled dynamics

This paper reports the outcome of an exhaustive analytical and numerical investigation of stability and robustness properties of a wide class of adaptive control algorithms in the presence of unmodeled dynamics and output disturbances. The class of adaptive algorithms considered are those commonly referred to as model-reference adaptive control algorithms, self-tuning controllers, and dead-beat adaptive controllers; they have been developed for both continuous-time systems and discrete-time systems. The existing adaptive control algorithms have been proven to be globally assymptotically stable under certain assumptions, the key ones being (a) that the number of poles and zeroes of the unknown plant are known, and (b) that the primary performance criterion is related to good command following. These theoretical assumptions are too restrictive from an engineering point of view. Real plants always contain unmodeled high-frequency dynamics and small delays, and hence no upper bound on the number of the plant poles and zeroes exists. Also real plants are always subject to unmeasurable output additive disturbances, although these may be quite small. Hence, it is important to critically examine the stability robustness properties of the existing adaptive algorithms when some of the theoretical assumptions are removed; in particular, their stability and performance properties in the presence of unmodeled dynamics and output disturbances. A unified analytical approach has been developed and documented in the recently completed Ph.D. thesis by Rohrs [15] that can be used to examine the class of existing adaptive algorithms. It was discovered that all existing algorithms contain an infinite-gain operator in the dynamic system that defines command reference errors and parameter errors; it is argued that such an infinite gain operator appears to be generic to all adaptive algorithms, whether they exhibit explicit or implicit parameter identification. The practical engineering consequences of the existence of the infinite-gain operator are disastrous. Analytical and simulation results demonstrate that sinusoidal reference inputs at specific frequencies and/or sinusoidal output disturbances at any frequency (including d.c.) cause the loop gain of the adaptive control system to increase without bound, thereby exciting the (unmodeled) plant dynamics, and yielding an unstable control system. Hence, it is concluded that none of the adaptive algorithms considered can be used with confidence in a practical control system design, because instability will set in with a high probability.
Aristotelian Rhetoric, Pluralism, and Public Administration:

This article discusses how Aristotle’s thought on rhetoric can help public administrators deal with situations that involve conflicting and irreconcilable values. We argue that Aristotelian rhetori...
Rapid measurement of field-saturated hydraulic conductivity for areal characterization

To provide an improved methodology for characterizing the fi eld-saturated hydraulic conducƟ vity (K fs ) over broad areas with extreme spaƟ al variability and ordinary limitaƟ ons of Ɵ me and resources, we developed and tested a simplifi ed apparatus and procedure, correcƟ ng mathemaƟ cally for the major defi ciencies of the simplifi ed implementaƟ on. The methodology includes use of a portable, falling-head, small-diameter (~20 cm) single-ring infi ltrometer and an analyƟ cal formula for K fs that compensates both for nonconstant falling head and for the subsurface radial spreading that unavoidably occurs with small ring size. We applied this method to alluvial fan deposits varying in degree of pedogenic maturity in the arid Mojave NaƟ onal Preserve, California. The measurements are consistent with a more rigorous and Ɵ me-consuming K fs measurement method, produce the expected systemaƟ c trends in K fs when compared among soils of contrasƟ ng degrees of pedogenic development, and relate in expected ways to results of widely accepted methods.
THE EFFECT OF ENVIRONMENT ON THE GROWTH OF SMALL FATIGUE CRACKS

— The growth of “large” and “small” cracks in 7075–T6 aluminum is characterized in moist air and dry nitrogen. It is found that in both environments, the small cracks grow faster than large ones, but unlike large cracks, which grow much faster in air than in nitrogen, the small cracks extend in each environment at about the same average rate. The absence of environmental effect is found to be only apparent, a change to an inherently slower mode of growth in air offsetting the crack-accelerating influence of moisture. Subsurface grain boundaries apparently retard microcrack growth in both environments. Possible rationales for the rapid growth of small cracks are discussed.
Signal Transduction by Human Herpesvirus 8 Viral Interleukin-6 (vIL-6) Is Modulated by the Nonsignaling gp80 Subunit of the IL-6 Receptor Complex and Is Distinct from Signaling Induced by Human IL-6

Human herpesvirus 8 (HHV-8) viral interleukin-6 (vIL-6) mediates signaling through the gp130 signal transducer but unlike human IL-6 (hIL-6) does not require the nonsignaling gp80 alpha subunit of the IL-6 receptor complex. By utilizing a gp80-refractory vIL-6 variant, vIL-6(R189L), we found that signal transduction, as measured by STAT1 and STAT3 activation and gp130 tyrosine phosphorylation in gp80+/gp130+ HEK293T cells, was modulated by gp80. Furthermore, the signaling and BAF-130 cell growth-promoting activities of vIL-6 and hIL-6 could be distinguished, and exogenous addition of soluble gp80 enhanced cell growth supported by vIL-6. Our findings demonstrate that gp80 can modulate vIL-6 activity and that vIL-6 and hIL-6 signaling are not directly equivalent.
Evolution of adrenal and sex steroid action in vertebrates: a ligand-based mechanism for complexity.

Various explanations have been proposed to account for complex differentiation and development in humans, despite the human genome containing only two to three times the number of genes in invertebrates. Ignored are the actions of adrenal and sex steroids-androgens, estrogens, glucocorticoids, mineralocorticoids, and progestins-which act through receptors that arose from an ancestral nuclear receptor in a protochordate. This ligand-based mechanism is unique to vertebrates and was integrated into the already robust network of transcription factors in invertebrates. Adrenal and sex steroids influence almost all aspects of vertebrate differentiation and development. I propose that evolution of this ligand-based mechanism in a primitive vertebrate was an important contribution to vertebrate complexity. Sequencing of genomes from a cephalochordate, such as amphioxus, and from hagfish and lamprey will establish early events in the evolution of steroid hormone signaling, and also allow genetic studies to elucidate how vertebrate complexity depends on steroid hormones.
A Latent Growth Curve Model of Nonmarital Births, Abortions, and Pregnancies: Did Welfare Reform Play a Role in Changing the Trajectories?

This article uses latent growth models to examine the effect of three welfare reform policies, viz., family caps, stricter work requirements, and time limits on fertility outcomes. The study is the first to extend the application of this statistical modeling approach to an examination of reproductive behavior. Using state level panel data for 1992–2005 we attempt to determine if welfare reform has contributed to changes in the trajectories of nonmarital births, abortions, and pregnancies beyond what would have naturally occurred through the passage of time. Our results show that states vary considerably in both their mean initial level as well as linear trajectories of fertility outcomes and that welfare reform has helped hasten the decline in nonmarital births, abortions, and pregnancies.
Influenza virus-susceptible mice carry Mx genes with a large deletion or a nonsense mutation.

Abstract The interferon-regulated mouse Mx gene encodes the 72-kilodalton nuclear Mx protein that selectively inhibits influenza virus replication. Mice carrying Mx+ alleles synthesize Mx protein and resist influenza virus infection, whereas mice homozygous for Mx- alleles fail to synthesize Mx protein and, as a consequence, are influenza virus susceptible. Southern blot analysis allowed us to define the following three distinct Mx restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) types among classical inbred strains: RFLP type 1 in the Mx+ strains A2G and SL/NiA, RFLP type 2 in BALB/c and 33 other Mx- strains, and RFLP type 3 in CBA/J and 2 other Mx- strains. cDNA clones of Mx mRNAs from BALB/c and CBA/J cells were isolated, and their sequences were compared with that of the wild-type Mx mRNA of strain A2G. Mx mRNA of BALB/c mice has 424 nucleotides absent from the coding region, resulting in a frame shift and premature termination of Mx protein. The missing sequences correspond exactly to Mx exons 9 through 11. These three exons, together with some flanking intron sequences, are deleted from the genomes of all Mx RFLP type 2 strains. The Mx- phenotype of the Mx RFLP type 3 strain CBA/J is due to a point mutation that converts the lysine codon in position 389 to a termination codon. Mx RFLP type 3 strains have an extra HindIII site which maps to an intron and thus probably does not affect the coding capacity of Mx mRNA. We further show that the Mx mRNA levels in interferon-treated BALB/c and CBA/J cells are about 15-fold lower than in similarly treated Mx+ cells. This is probably due to decreased metabolic stabilities of the mutant mRNAs.
Evidence and clinical considerations for the use of serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors for the treatment of painful neuropathy

Abstract Introduction: Peripheral neuropathy is a painful condition that can lead to a reduction in quality of life. The pain, which stems from damaged, hyperexcitable neurons, does not respond to traditional analgesics. However, due to the underlying mechanism of pain, some antidepressants are effective in managing peripheral neuropathy. The purpose of this review is to evaluate the available literature on serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors for the management of peripheral neuropathy and outline clinical considerations for choosing an agent. Methods: PubMed, Ovid/MEDLINE, and Scopus queries were conducted for relevant literature. Search types were limited to keyword searches and articles were limited to those published prior to March 31, 2015. Results: There were 19 randomized controlled trials included in this review. No articles were found investigating the use of desvenlafaxine, milnacipran, or levomilnacipran for treatment of neuropathy. Both duloxetine and venlafaxine improved pain severit...
Changes in hepatitis C virus antigen in liver with antiviral therapy

Abstract Background: Although it has recently become possible to detect hepatitis C viral antigens in liver biopsy specimens, the frequency and clinical significance of this finding remains uncertain. Therefore, 49 liver biopsy specimens from 35 patients with hepatitis C were studied to make these assessments. Methods: Hepatitis C virus antigen was detected by immunofluorescence staining of snap-frozen liver biopsy sections. Results: Hepatitis C virus antigen was present in 86% of patients; the amount and pattern of hepatitis C virus antigen staining did not correlate with the degree of hepatic injury as assessed by serum aminotransferase levels or liver histology or with the level of viral replication assessed by the titer of HCV RNA in serum. Patients who had a beneficial response to antiviral therapy had significantly less hepatitis C virus antigen staining in pretreatment liver biopsy specimens than those who did not respond. The degree of hepatitis C virus antigen staining decreased significantly following interferon alfa therapy but not after ribavirin therapy. Hepatic hepatitis C virus antigen became undetectable after therapy in those patients who had a long-term beneficial response to therapy. Conclusions: Hepatic hepatitis C virus staining may be useful in predicting and monitoring the response to antiviral therapy.
Cesium induces spontaneous epileptiform activity without changing extracellular potassium regulation in rat hippocampus.

Cesium has been widely used to study the roles of the hyperpolarization-activated (Ih) and inwardly rectifying potassium (KIR) channels in many neuronal and nonneuronal cell types. Recently, extrac...
Characteristics of Cervical Spine Injury in Pediatric Patients With Facial Fractures.

OVERVIEW: Cervical spine injury may present with pediatric patients having sustained fractures of the craniofacial skeleton. Management considerations of the cervical spine often take priority to the fractures of the facial skeleton. The goal of this study was to examine this subset of patients with a focus on initial presentation and need for intervention. METHODS: A retrospective review from 2000 to 2012 of all facial fractures in patients ≤18 years at a level 1 trauma center was performed. Patient demographics, location of fractures, and the presence of a cervical spine injury were collected. RESULTS: During this time period, 285 patients met inclusion criteria. Ten patients were found to have a cervical spine injury. Fractures of the zygoma and orbit were significantly associated with a cervical spine injury. Patients with a cervical spine injury had a Glasgow Coma Scale of 11.2 compared with 13.8 in those without (P CONCLUSIONS: In this study only 1 cervical spine injury necessitated intervention, with an eventual full recovery. Cervical spine injuries presenting with fractures of the facial skeleton appear to be relatively benign in this series; however, care must be taken to identify all such injuries to avoid exacerbation during maneuvers commonly used for facial fracture treatment. Special caution should be used when examining patients with a depressed Glasgow Coma Scale or in those with upper midface fractures. Language: en
IL-1 beta alters beta-adrenergic receptor adenylyl cyclase system function in human airway epithelial cells

Inflammatory cells release a variety of cytokines, including interleukin (IL)-1 beta, into the airway in asthma. This study examined the effects of human IL-1 beta on the function of the beta-adrenergic receptor (beta AR)-adenylyl cyclase (AC) system in BEAS-2B cells, a human airway epithelial cell line. IL-1 beta markedly increased beta AR density (Bmax; P 200 pM, it decreased progressively toward control values. IL-1 beta-induced increases in Bmax with IL-1 beta were associated with approximately threefold increases in beta 2 AR mRNA and were blocked by the protein synthesis inhibitor cycloheximide. Despite the marked increase in Bmax, however, IL-1 beta depressed adenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (cAMP) responses to isoproterenol and forskolin, a direct activator of AC (P < 0.001 by analysis of variance for both). The inhibitory effect of IL-1 beta on cAMP production appeared to be explained by increases in the activity of an inhibitory GTP binding protein because IL-1 beta treatment increased the activity of a pertussis toxin ADP-ribosylated Gi alpha protein by approximately 2.5-fold; and pretreatment of intact cells with pertussis toxin inhibited the effect of IL-1 beta on cAMP production. These data indicate that IL-1 beta-mediated changes in the beta AR-AC system function in airway epithelial cells are complex and involve expression of receptor protein, GTP binding protein, and possibly AC itself. Increases in IL-1 beta may contribute to abnormalities in airway function in subjects with asthma.
Review of Stem Cell Dialogues by Sheldon Krimsky(1).

Stem cell research represents an innovative frontier in the life sciences with great medical potential, but also bioethical dilemmas. Stem cells are poised to catalyze the development of cellular a...
A Taxonomic Study of the Pupae of the Genus Dioryctria in the Southeastern United States (Lepidoptera: Phycitidae)

Detailed descriptions, figures, and a key are given for the pupae of Dioryctria zimmermani (Grote), D. amatella (Hulst), D. disclusa Heinrich, D. clarioralis (Walker), D. pygmaeella Ragonot, and D. abietella (Denis and Schiffermuller). In comparing findings of the present species as the more northern insect, study with information in the literature, a difference was found in the number of setae present on pupae of so-called abietella of Florida and pupae of abietella ( abietivorella ) of northern United States and Canada. This apparently isolated population in the South possibly is not the same species as the more northern insect.
Patient assessment skills currently taught in pharmacy curricula

Abstract Background Accreditation standards and guidelines discuss the inclusion of patient assessment in pharmacy education; however, there is no detail on specific skills that should be included in the curriculum. Objective This study describes patient assessment items currently taught in pharmacy school curricula across the United States. Methods An online questionnaire was distributed to 128 schools of pharmacy. Totally, 80 patient assessment items were compiled from a course textbook and faculty experience. Participants indicated which items were taught in didactic portions of the curricula. Results Respondents stated anywhere from 5 to 78 of the skills were taught at their institution, with manual blood pressure and heart rate measurement performed at every institution. In addition, at least 75% of schools stated the following items were taught: breath sounds auscultation, heart sounds auscultation, monofilament testing, pain assessment, palpatory pressure measurement, peak flow meter use, peripheral edema inspection or palpation, point-of-care testing, respiratory rate measurement, and temperature measurement. Conclusion While a variety of patient assessment items exist, there is some consistency with regard to what items are taught in pharmacy curricula. These study results identified areas of consistency, and may help establish best practices for patient assessment items within pharmacy curricula.
Implementation of an Analytical Raman Scattering Correction for Satellite Ocean-Color Processing

Raman scattering of photons by seawater molecules is an inelastic scattering process. This effect can contribute significantly to the water-leaving radiance signal observed by space-borne ocean-color spectroradiometers. If not accounted for during ocean-color processing, Raman scattering can cause biases in derived inherent optical properties (IOPs). Here we describe a Raman scattering correction (RSC) algorithm that has been integrated within NASA's standard ocean-color processing software. We tested the RSC with NASA's Generalized Inherent Optical Properties algorithm (GIOP). A comparison between derived IOPs and in situ data revealed that the magnitude of the derived backscattering coefficient and the phytoplankton absorption coefficient were reduced when the RSC was applied, whilst the absorption coefficient of colored dissolved and detrital matter remained unchanged. Importantly, our results show that the RSC did not degrade the retrieval skill of the GIOP. In addition, a time-series study of oligotrophic waters near Bermuda showed that the RSC did not introduce unwanted temporal trends or artifacts into derived IOPs.
How can psychology contribute to the free will debate

Are people free and morally responsible? Or are their actions determined, i.e. inevitable outcomes of the past conditions and the laws of nature? These seem fairly straightforward questions, but it is important to distinguish 3 different dimensions of the free will debate: a descriptive project, a substantive project, and a prescriptive project. In this chapter, I’ll consider how psychology can contribute to each project in turn. First, I should say a bit more about the projects. The goal of the descriptive project is to determine the character of folk intuitions surrounding agency and responsibility. By uncovering the folk intuitions, one hopes to be able to sketch out the folk theory that underlies these intuitions. Of particular interest for the free will debate is whether the folk notions of choice and moral responsibility are consistent with determinism. Incompatibilists maintain that our conceptions of free will and moral responsibility are at odds with determinism. Compatibilists deny this and insist that our notions of free will and moral responsibility are consistent with determinism. The goal of the substantive project is then to determine whether the folk views are correct. Given the folk concepts and the way the world is, does free will exist? Are people morally responsible? Libertarians maintain that we do have indeterminist free will (e.g. Kane 1996, O’Connor 1995, Campbell 1957). Eliminativists about free will maintain that free will doesn’t exist. The best known version of this view is ‘hard determinism’, according to which we lack free will because determinism is true. However, many free will eliminativists maintain that even if determinism is false, we still lack the kind of indeterminist choice that is required by the folk notion (e.g. Pereboom 2001, Sommers 2005, Strawson 1986). On this view, our notion of free choice is incompatible with the facts, regardless of whether determinism is true or false.
Time scale bias in erosion rates of glaciated landscapes

Deciphering erosion rates over geologic time is fundamental for understanding the interplay between climate, tectonic, and erosional processes. Existing techniques integrate erosion over different time scales, and direct comparison of such rates is routinely done in earth science. On the basis of a global compilation, we show that erosion rate estimates in glaciated landscapes may be affected by a systematic averaging bias that produces higher estimated erosion rates toward the present, which do not reflect straightforward changes in erosion rates through time. This trend can result from a heavy-tailed distribution of erosional hiatuses (that is, time periods where no or relatively slow erosion occurs). We argue that such a distribution can result from the intermittency of erosional processes in glaciated landscapes that are tightly coupled to climate variability from decadal to millennial time scales. In contrast, we find no evidence for a time scale bias in spatially averaged erosion rates of landscapes dominated by river incision. We discuss the implications of our findings in the context of the proposed coupling between climate and tectonics, and interpreting erosion rate estimates with different averaging time scales through geologic time.