cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effect of α-tocopherol, n-acetylcysteine and omeprazole on esophageal adenocarcinoma formation in a rat surgical model

We previously demonstrated that oxidative stress subsequent to gastroesophageal reflux is an important driving force of esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC) formation in the esophagogastroduodenal anastomosis (EGDA) rat model. This study investigated the possible tumor inhibitory effects of 2 antioxidants, alpha-tocopherol (389 and 778 ppm), N-acetylcysteine (NAC, 500 and 1,000 ppm), and their combination (389 and 500 ppm, respectively), as well as an antacid therapeutic agent, omeprazole (1,400 ppm). The rats were fed experimental diets 2 weeks after EGDA. All the animals were sacrificed 40 weeks after EGDA and the esophagi were harvested for histopathological examination. alpha-Tocopherol dose-dependently decreased the incidence of EAC (p = 0.03), with 778 ppm alpha-tocopherol reducing the incidence of EAC to 59% (16/27) in comparison with 84% (26/31) in the control group (p = 0.04). Supplementation of alpha-tocopherol also increased the serum concentration of alpha-tocopherol. NAC at 500 and 1,000 ppm did not significantly decrease EAC incidence; however, the combination of alpha-tocopherol 389 ppm and NAC 500 ppm significantly reduced the incidence of EAC to 55% (15/27) (p = 0.02). alpha-Tocopherol alone or in combination with NAC significantly reduced the number of infiltrating cells positively stained for 4-hydroxynonenal. Omeprazole showed only a slight nonsignificant inhibitory effect at the dose given. Our results suggest that supplementation with alpha-tocopherol inhibits the development of EAC in the rat EGDA model and similar inhibitory effect can be achieved when a lower dose of alpha-tocopherol is used in combination with NAC.
Pediatric mass critical care in a pandemic.

OBJECTIVES Previous simulation studies suggest that temporary pediatric mass critical care approaches would accommodate plausible hypothetical sudden-impact public health emergencies. However, the utility of sustained pediatric mass critical care responses in prolonged pandemics has not been evaluated. The objective of this study was to compare the ability of a typical region to serve pediatric intensive care unit needs in hypothetical pandemics, with and without mass critical care responses sufficient to triple usual pediatric intensive care unit capacity. DESIGN, SETTING, PATIENTS, AND INTERVENTIONS: The Monte Carlo simulation method was used to model responses to hypothetical pandemics on the basis of national historical evidence regarding pediatric intensive care unit admission and length of stay in pandemic and nonpandemic circumstances. Assuming all ages are affected equally, federal guidelines call for plans to serve moderate and severe pandemics requiring pediatric intensive care unit care for 457 and 5,277 infants and children per million of the population, respectively. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS A moderate pandemic would exceed ordinary surge capacity on 13% of pandemic season days but would always be accommodated by mass critical care approaches. In a severe pandemic, ordinary surge methods would accommodate all the patients on only 32% of pandemic season days and would accommodate 39% of needed patient days. Mass critical care approaches would accommodate all the patients on 82% of the days and would accommodate 64% of all patient days. CONCLUSION Mass critical care approaches would be essential to extend care to the majority of infants and children in a severe pandemic. However, some patients needing critical care still could not be accommodated, requiring consideration of rationing.
Charm Physics at CLEO-c

The latest results are presented from CLEO-c on W annihilation decays of the D + and D s + mesons. This includes the decay constants and the first observation of the decay D s + → p n ¯ . Presented here is the final result for the D + from the complete data set of 818 pb−1 and an updated result for the D s + from 400 pb−1 of the total data set of 600 pb−1 The final result is f D + = ( 205.8 ± 8.5 ± 2.5 ) MeV , and the preliminary value for the D s + is f D s + = ( 267.9 ± 8.2 ± 3.9 ) MeV , where both results are radiatively corrected. The recent most precise unquenched Lattice-QCD calculation for the D + agree with this result but are in disagreement with the D s + . Using almost identical analysis techniques the decay D s + → p n ¯ has been observed with a branching fraction B ( D s + → p n ¯ ) = ( 1.30 ± 0.36 −0.16 +0.12 ) × 10 −3 .
Electromagnetic localized waves that counteract Coulomb repulsion to catalyze a collective electron-packet state

The basic generation parameters for a collective electron-packet state that is catalyzed by an electromagnetic localized wave are considered. Cancellation of the large Coulomb forces required to achieve this electron-packet state is shown to be possible with a properly designed electromagnetic field configuration that is intense and applied over an ultrafast time scale. Experimental realization possibilities are discussed.
Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) Determination Of Interstitial Oxygen Concentration Of Single-Side-Polished Silicon Wafers

This paper evaluates a new algorithm developed by the author for calculating interstitial oxygen concentration in silicon wafers, using infrared transmission data. These silicon wafers have an unpolished side and are referred to as being single-side-polished (SSP). This evaluation is carried out for various "unpolished" surface types, which are representative of etched or backside-damaged surfaces used by the integrated circuit industry. In general, accurate measurement of oxygen content is necessary for improvement of quality control in the manufacture of integrated circuits, and this quality control is more reliable and less costly if this measurement can be done on SSP wafers.
Patterns of ribosomal DNA spacer lengths are inherited.

Abstract The non-transcribed spacer regions in Xenopus laevis ribosomal DNA vary in length, even within a single nucleolar organizer. The pattern of spacer lengths is sufficiently different from one nucleolar organizer to another to allow the pattern to be used as a genetic marker. We have analyzed the spacer patterns of rDNA † from a total of 50 progeny from three separate matings. Spacer patterns were inherited with no detectable change in all but two cases. The reproducibility of the patterns among siblings and their stable inheritance between generations rule out sudden mechanisms for gene evolution, such as the master-slave model, and support more gradual mechanisms. Two animals out of 50 showed marked changes in their rDNA spacer patterns. It is not possible at present to decide which of several possible mechanisms were responsible for the observed changes.
Fast algorithms for 3D high-NA lithography simulation

Partial coherent imaging in a high NA stepper is treated with the source integration method. Image formation in 3D is accomplished by the propagation and interference of plane waves. This approach allows the extensive use of FFT and leads to efficient computation of the latent image. In order to further reduce the computation time, we propose a sufficient condition for the grid density in an image plane based on the sampling theorem. Finally, we present a semi-analytical method for the modeling of post exposure bake process in 3D. With these enhancements in the algorithm, a typical 3D latent image problem can be solved in a few second on a workstation.
Population Characteristics of Northern Pike in the Plover River, Wisconsin

(1976). Population Characteristics of Northern Pike in the Plover River, Wisconsin. The Progressive Fish-Culturist: Vol. 38, No. 3, pp. 160-163.
O2 consumption and heart rate in developing zebrafish (Danio rerio): influence of temperature and ambient O2

Body mass, length, oxygen consumption (M˙o 2) and heart rate (f H) were measured in “embryos” (prior to hatching), “larvae” (days 10–20), “juveniles” (days 30–70 in 10-day intervals), and “adults” ...
Further Studies on the Enhancement of Armored Vehicle Fire Control System Design

This paper summarizes the follow-on analysis performed by the US Army Ballistic Research Laboratory in evaluating an armored vehicle fire control modification designed to enhance performance against maneuvering targets. The original work was presented at the 1986 American Control Conference in Seattle, Wa. and dealt with a redesign concept intended to convert a driven reticle fire control to one emulating a gun director type. The paper begins with a brief review of the generic features of the two types of fire control systems that were analyzed as well as the motivation for performing the work. Results and findings of the stationary firer/maneuvering target analyses are summarized next. The paper then focuses on the follow-on analysis that was performed to evaluate the impact that the proposed design modification would have on fire-on-the-move performance. The paper concludes with statistical and time history comparisons between the decoupled and conventional driven reticle fire control systems.
Pitfalls of Hemodynamic Monitoring in Patients with Trauma

This article provides an update for the anesthesiology community on the mechanisms and limitations of common modalities used to assess the early hemodynamic status in patients with trauma. Figures are provided to illustrate important concepts through the use of computer simulation and real-world examples. This article is of value to anesthesiologists whose practice includes management of hemorrhagic shock.
Thoracic Vertebral Actinomycosis: Actinomyces israelii and Fusobacterium nucleatum

Actinomyces spp. are considered rare pathogens in today's medicine, especially with thoracic vertebral involvement. Classic actinomycosis (50%) presents as an oral-cervicofacial (“lumpy jaw”) infection. This report describes a case of spinal cord compression caused by Actinomyces israelii with the coisolation of Fusobacterium nucleatum. There are limited numbers of similar cases.
Patterns of multiple paternity in fruits of Mimulus ringens (Phrymaceae)

Multiply sired fruits provide unambiguous evidence that pollen from two or more donors was deposited on a stigma and successfully fertilized ovules. Such multiple paternity within fruits can have important consequences for both parental and offspring fitness, but little is known about the frequency of multiple paternity or the mechanisms causing it. In this study we quantify the extent of multiple paternity in replicate experimental arrays of Mimulus ringens (square-stem monkeyflower) and use observations of pollinator behavior to infer mechanisms generating multiply sired fruits. In each array, floral displays were trimmed to two, four, eight, or 16 flowers per plant to span the range of display sizes observed in nature. In our sample of 204 fruits, more than 95% had two or more outcross pollen donors. The number of sires per fruit averaged 4.63 6 0.10 (mean 6 1 SE), including selfs, and did not vary significantly with floral display treatment. Patterns of bumble bee foraging, combined with limited pollen carryover, suggest that observed levels of multiple paternity cannot be fully explained by single probes that deposited mixed pollen loads. Multiple probes to flowers, each delivering pollen from 1‐3 different sires, are more likely to have caused the observed patterns. These sequential visits may reduce the potential for pollen competition and female choice based on pollen tube growth rate. Angiosperm fruits often contain multiple seeds. These seeds may be sired by a single pollen donor, resulting in a full-sib family, or several pollen donors, resulting in a mixture of full and half-siblings within the same fruit. An increase in the number of sires per fruit decreases the genetic relatedness among siblings (Ritland, 1989) and increases the genetic variance in the progeny (Falconer, 1981). Since the occurrence of multiply sired fruits may have important consequences for both parental and offspring fitness (Ellstrand and Marshall, 1986; Marshall, 1991; Marshall and Folsom, 1991; Karron and Marshall, 1993; Paschke et al., 2002), a greater understanding of both the mechanisms generating multiple paternity within fruits and the occurrence and frequency of this phenomenon are needed. There are two mechanisms through which mixed pollen loads and multiply sired fruits might arise (Ellstrand, 1984; Schemske and Pautler, 1984; Marshall and Ellstrand, 1985; Bernasconi, 2003). Under the first mechanism (‘‘simultaneous deposition’’) pollen from several donors is deposited by a single pollinator probe. This mixed load of pollen results from pollen carryover. A second mechanism (‘‘sequential deposition’’) involves deposition of pollen from different donors during several distinct pollinator probes. The two mechanisms are not mutually exclusive: a stigma may receive several probes, each depositing pollen from multiple donors (Dudash and Ritland, 1991). An important difference between the two mechanisms is that simultaneous deposition of a mixed load allows 1
Maintaining useful server throughput under load attacks using active NIC portals

The paper presents a solution to denial-of-service (DoS) attacks on servers where. the server resources are saturated by repeated request for execution of scripts or download requests for large files. Existing solutions for coping with DoS attacks, which are primarily based on limiting the traffic rates, are incapable of providing any protection against load attacks, as these attacks do not manifest themselves as heavy bursts of traffic. We present an intelligent gateway based solution for maintaining the useful throughput of the servers under load attacks that uses specific information from the servers to perform dynamic load balancing and dynamic packet filtering. The intelligent gateway is implemented using a dual-ported active network card (NIC). Clients are classified according to their request history, and rate limits are imposed at the gateway for each class according to the level and duration of the attack. Results for a prototype implementation indicate our solution to be an effective deterrent against load attacks.
Electromagnetic scattering from arbitrary strip loaded cylinders

An analysis of the plane wave scattering from periodically strip-loaded dielectric cylinders is presented. The problem of analyzing the electromagnetic scattering from homogeneous dielectric cylinders which are loaded with perfectly conducting strips is formulated in terms of the currents on the strips. An electric field integral equation is constructed in terms of these currents by forcing the tangential components of the total electric field along the strips to vanish. Numerical results are presented. The particular geometry investigated consists of a rectangular dielectric cylinder measuring L by 0.2L free space wavelengths with relative permittivity equal to 3. >
Distributional Problems: The Household and the State

With the development of the division of labor, the household has declined in importance as a unit of economic production. Yet even as the individual wage earner has assumed a central place in modern exchange economies, the household has still been seen as an important unit of distribution, in which wage earners provide for their non-income-producing family members. With the breakdown of the family in recent decades, however, the communal income-sharing function of the family has, in significant part, been taken overby the state. In this essay, I examine this fundamental change in the structure of production and distribution in modern exchange economies. Going beyond this, I propose a new structure of markets–markets for rights to influence collective decision-making within a society. Such markets, I suggest, wouldprovide a source of income for each member of the society.
A Probabilistic Graphical Model-based Approach for Minimizing Energy Under Performance Constraints

In many deployments, computer systems are underutilized -- meaning that applications have performance requirements that demand less than full system capacity. Ideally, we would take advantage of this under-utilization by allocating system resources so that the performance requirements are met and energy is minimized. This optimization problem is complicated by the fact that the performance and power consumption of various system configurations are often application -- or even input -- dependent. Thus, practically, minimizing energy for a performance constraint requires fast, accurate estimations of application-dependent performance and power tradeoffs. This paper investigates machine learning techniques that enable energy savings by learning Pareto-optimal power and performance tradeoffs. Specifically, we propose LEO, a probabilistic graphical model-based learning system that provides accurate online estimates of an application's power and performance as a function of system configuration. We compare LEO to (1) offline learning, (2) online learning, (3) a heuristic approach, and (4) the true optimal solution. We find that LEO produces the most accurate estimates and near optimal energy savings.
Grain Boundary Sliding Measurements during Tensile Creep of a Single-Phase Alumina

The grain boundary sliding (GBS) behavior of a single-phase (relatively coarse-grained) alumina material was studied after tensile creep experiments were performed at 1,500 C at stress levels of 20 and 35 MPa. Specimens tested at 35 MPa exhibited a number of modes of GBS, including Mode II (shear) displacements, Mode I (opening) displacements, out-of-plane sliding displacements, and in-plane grain rotation. Strains in the grain boundaries due to Mode II GBS displacements ranged from 940% to 4,400%. Average Mode II GBS displacements ranged from 0.08 to 0.28 {micro}m in samples tested for 120 and 480 min, respectively, at 35 MPa. The GBS displacements were shown to fit a Weibull distribution. Tensile creep under a 35 MPa stress yielded a GBS rate of 9.5 {times} 10{sup {minus}6} {micro}m/s, while the 20 MPa stress resulted in a GBS rate of 2.2 {times} 10{sup {minus}6} {micro}m/s. The average Mode II GBS displacements increased linearly with specimen strain, suggesting that GBS may play an important role in creep cavitation during tensile creep. The data also revealed that compatibility and constraint rules appear to govern GBS behavior during tensile creep. GBS behavior during compressive creep will be compared to the tensile creep GBS measurements presented.
The death domain-containing kinase RIP1 regulates p27Kip1 levels through the PI3K-Akt-forkhead pathway

Elucidating the cross-talk between inflammatory and cell proliferation pathways might provide important insights into the pathogenesis of inflammation-induced cancer. Here, we show that the receptor-interacting protein 1 (RIP1)—an essential mediator of inflammation-induced nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) activation—regulates p27Kip1 levels and cell-cycle progression. RIP1 regulates p27Kip1 levels by an NF-κB-independent signal that involves activation of the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)–Akt–forkhead pathway. Mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs) from RIP1-knockout mice express high levels of p27Kip1. Reconstitution of MEFs with RIP1 downregulates p27Kip1 levels in a PI3K-dependent manner. RIP1 regulates p27Kip1 at the messenger RNA level by regulating the p27Kip1 promoter through the forkhead transcription factors. RIP1 expression blocks accumulation of cells in G1 in response to serum starvation and favours cell-cycle progression. Finally, we show that overexpression of p27Kip1 blocks the effects of RIP1 on the cell cycle. Thus, our study provides a new insight into how components of inflammatory and immune signalling pathways regulate cell-cycle progression.
Optimal control of nonlinear systems using RBF neural network and adaptive extended Kalman filter

This paper presents a nonlinear optimal control technique based on approximating the solution to the Hamilton-Jacobi-Bellman (HJB) equation. The HJB solution (value function) is approximated as the output of a radial basis function neural network (RBFNN) with unknown parameters (weights, centers, and widths) whose inputs are the system's states. The problem of solving the HJB equation is therefore converted to estimating the parameters of the RBFNN. The RBFNN's parameters estimation is then recognized as an associated state estimation problem. An adaptive extended Kalman filter (AEKF) algorithm is developed for estimating the associated states (parameters) of the RBFNN. Numerical examples illustrate the merits of the proposed approach.
Association of protein tyrosine phosphatases (PTPs)-1B with c-Met receptor and modulation of corneal epithelial wound healing.

Purpose The purpose of this study was to investigate the expression and activity of protein tyrosine phosphatases (PTPs) in epithelium during corneal wound healing and to investigate how PTPs regulate activation of the c-Met receptor and the receptor's proximal signaling. Methods Rabbit corneas were injured by gentle scraping of the surface, leaving the limbal epithelium intact, and epithelium was collected at 1, 2, 3, and 7 days after injury. In organ culture models, epithelium was removed and corneas were incubated with hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), with or without the PTP inhibitor bpV(phen), and the PI-3K inhibitors wortmannin and LY294002. Human corneal epithelial (HCE) cells were stimulated with HGF with or without bpV(phen). Total cell lysates and cytosolic and membrane fractions were analyzed by Western blot. PTP activities were measured with specific substrates. PTP1B and SHP-2 genes were knocked down by interference RNA (siRNA). Results PTP activity and expression increased during wound healing. The most abundant were SHP-2, PTP1B, and PTEN. HGF activated the c-Met receptor in HCE cells up to 30 minutes and was downregulated by 2 hours. Inhibition of PTPs increased HGF-promoted wound healing, HGF-activated phosphorylation of c-Met, and its downstream signal PI-3K/Akt, but not ERK1/2 or p70S6K. PTP1B and SHP-2 were bound to the c-Met. Part of the c-Met was colocalized in the endoplasmic reticulum with PTP1B. PTP1B phosphorylation increased when the c-Met receptor was deactivated, and gene knockdown of PTP1B increased c-Met activation. SHP-2 phosphorylation and binding to c-Met was higher during receptor activation, and SHP-2 gene silencing decreased receptor phosphorylation. Conclusions Inhibition of PTP activity mimics the effect of HGF by activating the PI-3K/Akt signal involved in wound healing. PTP1B and SHP-2 are bound to the c-Met receptor to control its activity. Although the binding of PTP1B increases when there is a decrease in c-Met activation and acts as a negative regulator of the receptor, the increased binding and phosphorylation of SHP-2 coincide with maximal stimulation of c-Met, acting as a positive regulator.
MyD88 inhibition amplifies dendritic cell capacity to promote pancreatic carcinogenesis via Th2 cells

The transition of chronic pancreatic fibroinflammatory disease to neoplasia is a primary example of the paradigm linking inflammation to carcinogenesis. However, the cellular and molecular mediators bridging these entities are not well understood. Because TLR4 ligation can exacerbate pancreatic inflammation, we postulated that TLR4 activation drives pancreatic carcinogenesis. In this study, we show that lipopolysaccharide accelerates pancreatic tumorigenesis, whereas TLR4 inhibition is protective. Furthermore, blockade of the MyD88-independent TRIF pathway is protective against pancreatic cancer, whereas blockade of the MyD88-dependent pathway surprisingly exacerbates pancreatic inflammation and malignant progression. The protumorigenic and fibroinflammatory effects of MyD88 inhibition are mediated by dendritic cells (DCs), which induce pancreatic antigen–restricted Th2-deviated CD4+ T cells and promote the transition from pancreatitis to carcinoma. Our data implicate a primary role for DCs in pancreatic carcinogenesis and illustrate divergent pathways in which blockade of TLR4 signaling via TRIF is protective against pancreatic cancer and, conversely, MyD88 inhibition exacerbates pancreatic inflammation and neoplastic transformation by augmenting the DC–Th2 axis.
Closed captioning transmission and display in digital television

The digital television (DTV) transport stream is designed to accommodate NTSC and DTV caption services. This paper describes how services are inserted into and transported within the bitstream, and the challenges that must be overcome in order to provide correctly formatted and synchronized captioning. Caption service transmission starts at the caption-encoding head-end feeding the DTV encoder (MPEG-II video compression), and ends at the decoding hardware in the DTV receiver. Obstacles to be overcome include ensuring system integration, minimizing codec latency and maintaining synchronization. Awareness of these concerns is imperative for engineers and management in the digital video industry.
Shiga Toxins Stimulate Secretion of Interleukin-8 from Intestinal Epithelial Cells

In the 1980s, Shiga toxin (Stx)-producing Escherichia coli O157:H7 (STEC) was identified as a cause of hemorrhagic colitis in the United States and was found to be associated with hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a microangiopathic hemolytic anemia characterized by thrombocytopenia and renal failure. The precise way that Stxs cause hemorrhagic colitis and HUS is unclear. Stxs have been thought to cause disease by killing or irreversibly harming sensitive cells through a nonspecific blockade of mRNA translation, eventually resulting in cytotoxicity by preventing synthesis of critical molecules needed to maintain cell integrity. Because STEC is noninvasive, we have been exploring the host-toxin response at the level of the gastrointestinal mucosa, where STEC infection begins. We have found that Stx is capable of interleukin-8 (IL-8) superinduction in a human colonic epithelial cell line. Despite a general blockade of mRNA translation, Stx treatment results in increased IL-8 mRNA as well as increased synthesis and secretion of IL-8 protein. Our data suggest that an active Stx A subunit is required for this activity. Ricin, which has the same enzymatic activity and trafficking pathway as Stx, has similar effects. Exploration of the effects of other protein synthesis inhibitors (cycloheximide, anisomycin) suggests a mechanism of gene regulation that is distinct from a general translational blockade. Use of the specific p38/RK inhibitor SB202190 showed that blocking of this pathway results in decreased Stx-mediated IL-8 secretion. Furthermore, Stxs induced mRNA of the primary response gene c-jun, which was subsequently partially blocked by SB202190. These data suggest a novel model of how Stxs contribute to disease, namely that Stxs may alter regulation of host cell processes in sensitive cells via activation of at least one member of the mitogen-activated protein kinase family in the p38/RK cascade and induction of c-jun mRNA. Stx-induced increases in chemokine synthesis from intestinal epithelial cells could be important in augmenting the host mucosal inflammatory response to STEC infection.
The Corporation Nobody Knew: Bruce Barton, Alfred Sloan, and the Founding of the General Motors “Family”

When Alfred P. Sloan, Jr., assumed the presidency of General Motors, the corporation was little known beyond Wall Street, which recognized GM simply as the holding company that controlled several nearly autonomous automakers and their subsidiaries. The following article describes how Sloan used the imagination and advertising talent of Bruce Barton to create a corporate image for GM, not only in the mind of the public, but among GM's own headquarters staff and division executives as well. Through the metaphor of the corporate “family,” Sloan and Barton finessed a potential public relations liability—the corporation's immense size—into an image of efficient cooperation and internal cohesion.
On the Origin of the Stronger Binding of PIB over Thioflavin T to Protofibrils of the Alzheimer Amyloid-β Peptide: A Molecular Dynamics Study

Pittsburgh compound B (PIB) is a neutral derivative of the fluorescent dye Thioflavin T (ThT), which displays enhanced hydrophobicity and binding affinity to amyloid fibrils. We present molecular dynamics simulations of binding of PIB and ThT to a common cross-β-subunit of the Alzheimer Amyloid-β peptide (Aβ). Our simulations of binding to Aβ(9-40) protofibrils show that PIB, like ThT, selectively binds to the hydrophobic or aromatic surface grooves on the β-sheet surface along the fibril axis. The lack of two methyl groups and charge in PIB not only improves its hydrophobicity but also leads to a deeper insertion of PIB compared to ThT into the surface grooves. This significantly increases the steric, aromatic, and hydrophobic interactions, and hence leads to stronger binding. Simulations on protofibrils consisting of the more-toxic Aβ(17-42) revealed an additional binding mode in which PIB and ThT insert into the channel that forms in the loop region of the protofibril, sandwiched between two sheet layers. Our simulations indicate that the rotation between the two ring parts of the dyes is significantly more restricted when the dyes are bound to the surface of the cross-β-subunits or to the channel inside the Aβ(17-42) cross-β-subunit, compared with free solution. The specific conformations of the dyes are influenced by small chemical modifications (ThT versus PIB) and by the environment in which the dye is placed.
Homosexual Mating Preferences from an Evolutionary Perspective: Sexual Selection Theory Revisited

Studies in evolutionary psychology and sexual selection theory show that heterosexual men prefer younger mating partners than heterosexual women in order to en- sure reproductive success. However, previous research has generally not examined differences in mating preferences as a function of sexual orientation or the type of relation- ship sought in naturalistic settings. Given that homosexual men seek partners for reasons other than procreation, they may exhibit different mating preferences than their het- erosexual counterparts. Moreover, mating preferences may show important differences depending on whether an individual is seeking a long-term versus a short-term rela- tionship. The purpose of the present study was to examine these issues by comparing partner preferences in terms of age and relationship type between homosexual and heterosexual men placing internet personal advertisements. Participants included 439 homosexual and 365 heterosexual men who placed internet ads in the U.S. or Canada. Ads were coded for the participant's age, relationship type (longer-term or short- term sexual encounter) sought, and partner age preferences. Significantly more homosexual than heterosexual men sought sexual encounters, although men (regardless of sex- ual orientation) seeking sexual encounters preferred a sig- nificantly wider age range of partners than men seeking longer-term relationships. These findings suggest that part- ner preferences are independent of evolutionary drives to procreate, since both types of men preferred similar ages in their partners. In addition, they highlight the importance of examining relationship type in evolutionary studies of mat- ing preferences, as men's partner preferences show impor- tant differences depending upon the type of relationship sought.
The perils of failing to enhance: a response to Persson and Savulescu

Ingmar Persson and Julian Savulescu argue that non-traditional forms of cognitive enhancement (those involving genetic engineering or pharmaceuticals) present a serious threat to humanity, since the fruits of such enhancement, accelerated scientific progress, will give the morally corrupt minority of humanity new and more effective ways to cause great harm. And yet it is scientific progress, accelerated by non-traditional cognitive enhancement, which could allow us to dramatically morally enhance human beings, thereby eliminating, or at least reducing, the threat from the morally corrupt minority. I argue that this apparently intractable dilemma is less difficult to resolve than Persson and Savulescu suppose. Their analysis of non-traditional cognitive enhancement overstates the risks and undervalues the benefits that such enhancement might provide. Once the benefits are better described, it is clear that non-traditional cognitive enhancement could be the means of our survival, not of our destruction.
Distribution and Abundance of the Mariana Subspecies of the Common Moorhen

Abstract Island-wide surveys for the endangered Mariana subspecies of the Common Moorhen (Gallinula chloropus guami) were conducted on Guam and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands from May through September 2001. Based on these counts, the total adult moorhen population is estimated to be 287, with 154, 41, 2, and 90 adult moorhens on Saipan, Tinian, Rota, and Guam, respectively. Results suggest an overall increase in birds on Saipan and Tinian, although moorhen numbers on Guam may be declining. High counts of moorhens on Lake Hagoi, Tinian, during the wet season suggested movement from Saipan to Tinian occurs at the onset of the wet season each year. Conservation efforts need to consider Saipan and Tinian moorhens as a single demographic unit. Further, monitoring of moorhens, invasive vegetation management, and predator and ungulate control on wetlands are critical for this small population.
Evaluating Primary Care Providers' Views on Survivorship Care Plans Generated by an Electronic Health Record System

Survivorship care plans for cancer survivors may facilitate provider-to-provider communication. Primary care provider (PCP) perspectives on care plan provision and use are limited, especially when care plans are generated by an electronic health record (EHR) system. We sought to examine PCPs' perspectives regarding EHR-generated care plans. Methods: PCPs (N 160) who were members of the Wis- consin Research and Education Network listserv received a sample 10-page plan (WREN cohort). PCPs (n 81) who had or were currently seeing survivors enrolled onto one of our survivorship clinical trials received a copy of the survivor's personalized care plan (University of Wisconsin (UW) cohort). Both cohorts received a survey after reviewing the plan. All plans were generated within an EHR. Results: Forty-six and 26 PCPs participated in the WREN and UW cohorts, respectively. PCPs regarded EHR-generated plans as useful in coordinating care (88%), understanding treatments (94%), under- standing treatment adverse effects (89%), and supporting clinical de- cisions (82%). Few felt using EHR-generated plans would disrupt clinic workflow (14%) or take too much time (11%). Most (89%) preferred receiving the plan via EHR. PCPs reported consistent provision (81%) and standard location in the medical record (89%) as key factors facil- itating their use of survivorship care plans. Important facilitators of care plan use included a more abbreviated plan, ideally one to three pages (32%), and/or a plan specifically tailored to PCP use (57%). Conclusion: Plans were viewed as useful for coordinating care and making clinical decisions. However, PCPs desired shorter, clinician-oriented plans, accessible within an EHR and delivered and located in a standardized manner.
Measuring the cart before the horse: A new biomarker for Huntington’s disease

Huntington’s disease (HD) causes fatal neurodegeneration, with gradual deterioration of motor, cognitive, and neuropsychiatric function—and no cure or therapy. Detection of disease prior to onset of symptoms could help accelerate drug development. To this end, Niccolini and colleagues have imaged the brains of presymptomatic HD patients and revealed alterations in phosphodiesterase 10A (PDE10A), an enzyme highly expressed in the striatum that has direct links to HD pathology. The authors performed a prospective, cross-sectional association study comparing 12 individuals who carried the HD gene mutation with 12 age- and gender-matched healthy volunteers. The mutation carriers were clinically asymptomatic but on average had a 90% probability of developing symptoms 25 years later. PDE10A was imaged with positron emission tomography and a PDE10A-specific tracer in brain regions that were identified with multimodal magnetic resonance imaging. They found significant reductions in PDE10A levels in the caudate and globus pallidus, and increased levels in the motor thalamic nuclei. PDE10A was also decreased in sensorimotor cortico-striatal pathways and the striatal output tracts. Alterations in PDE10A occurred prior to any loss of neurons, as brain volumes were not different between HD and healthy volunteers. The presymptomatic PDE10A decreases seen here were consistent with similar changes in PDE10A reported previously in symptomatic HD patients; the increased PDE10A activity in the thalamic motor nuclei may be compensatory. Alterations in PDE10A activity were the only strong predictors of future HD symptomatic conversion. The investigators conclude that both anatomical and functional alterations in PDE10A activity are found in presymptomatic HD gene carriers and that alterations in PDE10A function are an early, measureable in vivo pathological markers. These results will need to be validated in a longitudinal study, but because PDE10A levels may already be decreased early in HD, they suggest that currently proposed therapies designed to inhibit PDE10A function may not be beneficial. F. Niccolini et al ., Altered PDE10A expression detectable early before symptomatic onset in Huntington's disease. Brain 10.1093/brain/awv214 (2015).[[Abstract]][1] [1]: http://brain.oxfordjournals.org/content/early/2015/07/20/brain.awv214
Learning About the Role of College Student Through Dual Enrollment Participation

Dual enrollment programs allow high school students to take college courses and receive college credit and have become a popular educational intervention. This paper seeks a rationale for this enthusiasm by exploring whether dual enrollment might serve as a location in which students learn about the role of college student. Sociological theories of role change posit that, if this is the case, dual enrollment might encourage postsecondary persistence. In this study, in-depth interviews and observations were conducted among a sample of 26 students in their first semester of a dual enrollment course. Seventeen of the 26 high school students shifted their conceptions of the role of college student during their first semester in a college course, as indicated by their more accurate descriptions of the role at the end of the course. Changes in participants’ role conceptions and identities were encouraged by anticipatory socialization, role rehearsal, trial-and-error, and cognitive interpretation of individual experiences. The paper concludes with implications for programs and policy.
Phenotypic and Genotypic Diversity of Salmonella in Finishing Swine

Salmonella enterica (nontyphoidal) is one of the major causes of foodborne diseases in the United States and worldwide. Molecular typing methods are significant tools used to better understand the transmission and ecology of Salmonella in order to implement pre-harvest control measures. The objectives of this study were to describe the Salmonella genotypes, the distribution of isolate subtypes from different ecological niches (i.e., barn environment, nursery, and individual pigs) and their evolution over time in a longitudinal study conducted in three finishing sites (housing pigs from 10 weeks of age until slaughter at 24-26 weeks of age). Among the 107 Salmonella isolates submitted for pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) analysis, there were 25 distinct subtypes. PFGE genotyping results were consistent with the serotype findings. A large number of distinguishable PFGE patterns (i.e., within the same serovar) were observed and different combinations of subtypes were identified within and across sites and cohorts. New subtypes may result of the introduction of new strains, genetic changes, or ongoing transmission of evolved strains within the production system. The same subtypes were detected intermittently during the study period, which suggests the persistence of indistinguishable subtypes in this production system. In addition, this study suggests persistence of the same subtype over several cohorts of pigs and potential residual contamination from the barn. Factors affecting adaptation and transmission of Salmonella within and among ecological systems (e.g., finishing pigs, nursery, and environment) should be further investigated. Understanding genotypic diversity of Salmonella in different ecological niches during pre-harvest may contribute to the development of more targeted and cost effective control programs during nursery and finishing phases.
STRUCTURE AND FUNCTION OF THE DIGESTIVE TRACT OF THE HOATZIN (OPISTHOCOMUS HOAZIN): A FOLIVOROUS BIRD WITH FOREGUT FERMENTATION

ABSTAcT.-The Hoatzin (Opisthocomus hoazin) is a unique obligate folivorous bird with a well-developed foregut fermentation system. Its relative gut capacity is equivalent to 9% of the adult body mass (ca. 680 g). The large crop and lower esophagus represent 77% of the total gut capacity. The crop is folded into two interconnected chambers, and the lower esophagus is a multichambered organ. Both are unusually muscular with constrictions between chambers. The interior lining of the crop and esophagus has longitudinal ridges covered by cornified epithelium. The crop and esophagus are the main fermentation organs, with pH and volatile-fatty-acids levels equivalent to those found in mammals with foregut fermentation. The proventriculum and gizzard are much reduced in capacity. A combination of abrasion and microbial action effectively reduces particle size along the gut. A trial with markers made out of thin (0.6-mm) plastic film demonstrated that large particles (10 mm2) are retained longer than medium (4-mm2) or small (1-mm2) particles at the anterior fermentation sites. The extreme gut adaptations in the Hoatzin are more similar to those of small mammals with foregut fermentation than to any known bird. This suggests that a similar set of evolutionary constraints may affect the evolution of foregut fermentation in vertebrates. Received 8 June 1992, accepted 25 November 1992.
The Receptor Site for Photic Entrainment of Circadian Activity Rhythms in the Cockroach Periplaneta americana

Locomotor activity rhythms of Periplaneta americana (L.) were found to be entrained through the compound eyes and not the ocelli. When the entire head capsule was occluded, the locomotor activity rhythm was random. For those insects having the terminal abdominal sclerites occluded, there was more activity during the photophase than during the scotophase; locomotor activity at the light-to-dark transition was comparable to that of control insects. Transection of the ventral nerve cord did not appear to alter locomotor activity. The involvement of the terminal abdominal ganglion in locomotor activities is considered. Two new low-friction switching methods to record locomotor activity are described.
Time Required for Development of Voria ruralis and Its Host, the Cabbage looper, at Different Temperatures

The mean total development times for the tachinid parasite Voria ruralis (Fallen) varied from 19.4 days at 20°C to 10.7 days at 30°C, and those of its host, the cabbage looper, Trichoplusia ni (Hubner), were 40.4 and 19.9 days under the same temperature regimes.
Volumetric imaging of oral epithelial neoplasia by MPM-SHGM: epithelial connective tissue interface(Conference Presentation)

The majority of oral cancers are comprised of oral squamous cell carcinoma in which neoplastic epithelial cells invade across the epithelial connective tissue interface (ECTI). Invasion is preceded by a multi-component process including epithelial hyperproliferation, loss of cell polarity, and remodeling of the extracellular matrix. Multiphoton Autofluorescence Microscopy (MPAM) and Second Harmonic Generation Microscopy (SHGM) show promise for revealing indicators of neoplasia. In particular, volumetric imaging by these methods can reveal aspects of the 3D microstructure that are not possible by other methods and which could both further our understanding of neoplastic transformation and be explored for development of diagnostic approaches in this disease having only 55% 5-year survival rate. MPAM-SHG were applied to reveal the 3D structure of the critical ECTI interface that plays an integral part toward invasion. Epithelial dysplasia was induced in an established hamster model. MPAM-SHGM was applied to lesion sites, using 780 nm excitation (450-600nm emission) for autofluroescence of cellular and extracellular components; 840 nm using 420 nm bandpass filter for SHG. The ECTI surface was identified as the interface at which SHG signal began following the epithelium and was modeled as a 3D surface using Matlab. ECTI surface area and cell features at sites of epithelial expansion where ECTI was altered were measured; Imaged sites were biopsied and processed for histology. ROC analysis using ECTI image metrics indicated the ability to delineate normal from neoplasia with high sensitivity and specificity and it is noteworthy that inflammation did not significantly alter diagnostic potential of MPAM-SHGM .
A 400MHz-2.4GHz Radiation-Tolerant Self-Biased Phase-Locked Loop

This paper describes the design of a self-biased Phase-Locked Loop for radiation-tolerant applications. A novel single-to-differential converter circuit that eliminates the mismatches on the output of a phase-frequency-detector is proposed to minimize reference spurs. Design considerations for radiation-tolerant design are also described. Fabricated in a 0.25 ?m CMOS Silicon-on-Sapphire process, the PLL achieves an operating frequency range from 400MHz to 2.4GHz. The RMS jitter of the PLL is 3.9ps at 2.4 GHz.
Helping quantitative sociology come out of the closet

This essay offers some ways quantitative sociology may embrace increasing scholarly and public recognition of sexual and gender diversity. Specifically, we suggest that increasing (1) public awaren...
O. Douglas and the Aesthetics of the Ordinary

The novels of O. Douglas [Anna Buchan] have been overlooked by scholars of Scottish women’s writing in part because of their apparent artlessness and simplicity. Yet their seeming artlessness represents a purposeful artistic choice. This essay contends that Douglas’s novels develop an aesthetics of the ordinary by asserting the ethical value of mundane forms of beauty – a verdant garden, a becoming hat, a nicely laid table, or an apt metaphor. Douglas’s aesthetic philosophy has religious and economic implications. Novels including Penny Plain (1920), Pink Sugar (1924), and The Proper Place (1926) challenge Free Church ambivalence towards the indulgence of aesthetic pleasure by representing everyday beauty as a source of happiness and moral amelioration. Douglas suggests that it is the responsibility of Scotland’s affluent upper middle class to bring small beauties into the lives of the less fortunate, and to teach the lower middle class how to appreciate the pleasures such ordinary beauty affords. By offering their readers instances of everyday beauty, Douglas’s novels participated in this educative process, helping to shape a formative middle-class Scottish identity.