cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
What's in Wikipedia?: mapping topics and conflict using socially annotated category structure

Wikipedia is an online encyclopedia which has undergone tremendous growth. However, this same growth has made it difficult to characterize its content and coverage. In this paper we develop measures to map Wikipedia using its socially annotated, hierarchical category structure. We introduce a mapping technique that takes advantage of socially-annotated hierarchical categories while dealing with the inconsistencies and noise inherent in the distributed way that they are generated. The technique is demonstrated through two applications: mapping the distribution of topics in Wikipedia and how they have changed over time; and mapping the degree of conflict found in each topic area. We also discuss the utility of the approach for other applications and datasets involving collaboratively annotated category hierarchies.
Activation of the parapyramidal region in the ventral medulla stimulates gastric acid secretion through vagal pathways in rats

Abstract Neurons synthesizing thyrotropin-releasing hormone, substance P and serotonin in the medullary caudal raphe nuclei project to the dorsal vagal complex and play a role in the central vagal regulation of gastric function. Neurons in the parapyramidal region in the ventral medulla share similar biochemical coding and projections as those in the caudal raphe nuclei. The role of the parapyramidal region in the autonomic regulation of gastric acid secretion was investigated in urethane-anesthetized rats. Unilateral microinjection of kainate into the parapyramidal region at 10, 15 and 20 ng induced a dose-related stimulation of gastric acid secretion (net increases: 22.2±11.2, 40.5±8.5 and 89.8±19.4 μmol/60 min, respectively), while injection of vehicle had no effect (net change: −0.1±1.4 μmol/60 min). Time-course studies showed a nine-fold peak increase over basal at 30 min after parapyramidal injection of kainate (20 ng) and acid secretion returned to basal level at 70 min. Microinjections of kainate (15–20 ng) outside the parapyramidal region or into the parapyramidal region in vagotomized rats had no effect. Exposure to cold (4°C) for 2 h, which is known to induce vagally mediated gastric secretory and motor responses through medullary thyrotropin-releasing hormone pathways, increased the number of Fos-positive cells in the caudal, middle and rostral parts of the parapyramidal region to 4.3±0.4, 9.4±0.9 and 18.4±1.6/section, respectively, compared with 0.1±0.1, 0.1±0.0 and 0.7±0.6/section, respectively, in rats maintained at room temperature. Most of the Fos-labeled cells co-expressed pro-thyrotropin-releasing hormone messenger RNA signal and/or were serotonin immunoreactive. These data show that chemical activation of neurons in the parapyramidal region results in a vagal-dependent stimulation of gastric acid secretion and that acute cold exposure activates parapyramidal neurons containing pro-thyrotropin-releasing hormone and/or serotonin, suggesting a potential role of the parapyramidal region, in addition to the caudal raphe nuclei, as medullary sites involved in the vagal regulation of gastric function.
Raman and infrared spectra, conformational stability, barriers to internal rotation, vibrational assignment and ab initio calculations of trans‐1‐bromobut‐2‐ene

Raman (3200–10 cm−1) and infrared (3200–20 cm−1) spectra were recorded for the fluid and solid phases of trans-1-bromobut-2-ene (crotyl bromide), trans-CH3CHCHCH2BR, and a complete vibrational assignment is proposed. The fundamental asymmetric torsion for the more stable gauche conformer was observed in the far-infrared spectrum of the gas as a hybrid band centered at 75.0 cm−1. The enthalpy difference between the gauche and syn conformers is estimated to be 434 ± 111 cm−1 (1.24 ± 0.32 kcal mol−1) in the gas phase from the relative intensities of the Raman lines utilizing the differences in the Raman activities from the ab initio calculations with the RHF/STO-3G* basis set. The enthalpy difference was determined experimentally for the liquid from the relative intensities of the C–Br stretches as a function of temperature. The determined value is 370 ± 77 cm−1 (1.06 ± 0.22 kcal mol−1) with the gauche conformer the more stable form. A reasonable range of values was obtained for the coefficients of the potential function governing internal rotation about the CC bond. The three-fold barrier governing internal rotation of the CH3 group was determined from the far-infrared spectrum of the gas. All of these data are compared to the corresponding quantities obtained from ab initio Hartree–Fock gradient calculations employing the RHF/STO-3G* and RHF/LANL1DZ basis sets. Additionally, complete equilibrium geometries were determined for both rotamers. The results are discussed and compared with the corresponding quantities for some similar molecules.
Applying Social Empowerment Strategies as Tools for Self-Advocacy in Counseling Lesbian and Gay Male Clients

Social empowerment is designed to prepare individuals to reconstruct their political, economic, psychological, and social environments. Addressing empowerment for lesbian and gay male populations is critical because of the numerous stereotypical situations that result in their powerlessness. The application of social empowerment strategies as tools for self-advocacy with lesbian and gay male populations is presented as a consideration for counseling.
On the evolution of intrinsic curvature in rod-based models of growth in long slender plant stems

In many applications of rod theories as models for plant stem growth and development, it is necessary to allow the intrinsic curvature and flexural stiffness of the rod to evolve. In the present paper, the application of evolution equations for these quantities is examined and a new evolution equation for the intrinsic curvature is proposed. To illustrate the new evolution equation, several examples of the evolution of rods in the presence of external forces and tip growth are presented. Growth in plants frequently results in residual stresses and the compatibility of rod models with these fields is also discussed.
Cultural indicators of sexual harassment

Sexual harassment continues to be pervasive in the workplace. It is doubtful that organizations consciously encourage inappropriate social‐sexual behavior, yet the prevalence of sexual harassment suggests that organizations may unofficially or informally sanction behaviors that facilitate or encourage sexual harassment. This study tests a cultural influence model of sexual harassment that explores how sex, victim status, perceptions of fair interpersonal treatment, social‐sexual behaviors, and sexual harassment training and knowledge influence employees’ perceptions of how their organization lives up to its stated zero tolerance sexual harassment policy.
Incidence of external spermatic veinsin patients undergoing inguinal varicocelectomy

Abstract Objectives. To determine the incidence of external spermatic veins at inguinal varicocelectomy. Methods. A prospective study was performed by making intraoperative observations on 78 varicocelectomies (47 patients) performed by a single surgeon. All patients were referred for evaluation of male infertility and had a palpable varicocele present when examined while performing a Valsalva maneuver in the upright position. Varicocelectomies were performed via the inguinal approach using ×2.5 loupe magnification. Presence of external spermatic veins was defined as visualization (with ×2.5 loupe magnification) of veins on the floor of the inguinal canal traveling posterolateral to the spermatic cord that then subsequently exited the spermatic cord before passing through the internal inguinal ring. Age, anesthetic technique, and need for incision of the external inguinal ring were also recorded for each patient. Results. One third of patients had undergone left-sided varicocelectomies, while two thirds had undergone bilateral procedures. External spermatic veins were identified in 15% of left-sided varicoceles and 19% of right-sided ones. Of 31 patients undergoing bilateral varicocelectomies, 19% had at least 1 external spermatic vein. Of these patients, only 2 (7%) had a unilateral right external spermatic vein, none had a unilateral left external spermatic vein, and 4 (13%) had bilateral external spermatic veins. Overall, of all patients studied, 16% had at least 1 external spermatic vein. Follow-up at 1 year showed no evidence of clinical recurrence in any patient. Conclusions. These results emphasize the importance of distal gonadal venous anatomy in the surgeon's choice of the proper approach to varicocele repair, since external
Detection of radical species formed by the ozonolysis of α-pinene

Highly reactive free radical species have been subject of many toxicological in vivo and in vitro studies because of the oxidative cell damage they cause. Similar species have been postulated to be the key intermediates formed during many environmental chamber reactions and atmospheric oxidation of organic species present in the troposphere. Thus, detection and characterization of these transient radical species are important steps in understanding the atmospheric chemistry and confirming the reaction pathways involved in secondary organic aerosol formation. Study of these species is particularly difficult because of their short life-times. To facilitate such studies, 5,5-dimethyl-1-pyrroline-N-oxide (DMPO) and diethyl-(2-methyl-1-oxido-3,4-dihydro-2H-pyrrol-2-yl) phosphonate (DEPMPO) nitrone spin traps were used to capture radicals formed from the α-pinene/ozone reaction. Electrospray ionization/tandem mass spectrometry (ESI/MSn) was applied to elucidate their structures. Characteristic fragments with m/z 114, m/z 130 and m/z 148 with the DMPO trap, and m/z 236, m/z 252, and m/z 270 with the DEPMPO trap indicated the existence of alkyl, alkoxyl and peroxyl radicals, respectively.
Ethanol-related Increases in Degenerating Bodies in the Purkinje Neuron Dendrites of Aging Rats

Chronic ethanol consumption in aging rats results in regression of Purkinje neuron (PN) dendritic arbors ([Pentney, 1995 Measurements of dendritic pathlengths provide evidence that ethanol-induced lengthening of terminal dendritic segments may result from dendritic regression. Alcohol Alcohol. 30, 87-96]), loss of synapses (Dlugos and Pentney, 1997), dilation of the smooth endoplasmic reticulum (SER), and the formation of degenerating bodies within PN dendrites ([Dlugos, C.A., 2006a. Ethanol-Related Smooth Endoplasmic Reticulum Dilation in Purkinje Dendrites of Aging Rats. Alcohol., Clin. Exp. Res. 30, 883-891,Dlugos, C.A., 2006b. Smooth endoplasmic reticulum dilation and degeneration in Purkinje neuron dendrites of aging ethanol-fed female rats. Cerebellum. 5, 155-162]). Dilation of the SER and the formation of degenerating bodies may be a predictor of dendritic regression. Ethanol-induced effects on mitochondria may be involved as mitochondria cooperate with the SER to maintain calcium homeostasis. The purpose of this study was to determine whether degenerating body number and mitochondrial density and structure are altered by chronic ethanol treatment in PN dendrites. Male, Fischer 344 rats, 12 months of age, were fed an ethanol or pair-fed liquid diet, or rat chow for a period of 10, 20, or 40 weeks (15 rats/treatment; 45 rats/treatment duration). Ethanol-fed rats received 35% of their calories as ethanol. At the end of treatment, all animals were euthanized, perfused, and tissue prepared for electron microscopy. The densities of degenerating bodies and mitochondria, mitochondrial areas, and the distance between the SER and the mitochondria were measured. Results showed that there was an ethanol-related increase in degenerating bodies compared to controls at 40 weeks. Ethanol-induced alterations to mitochondria were absent. Correlation of the present results with those of previous studies suggest that degenerating bodies may be formed from membrane reabsorption during dendritic regression or from degenerating SER whose function has been compromised by dilation.
Protocol for Investigating Genetic Determinants of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder in Women from the Nurses' Health Study II

One in nine American women will meet criteria for the diagnosis of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in their lifetime. Although twin studies suggest genetic influences account for substantial variance in PTSD risk, little progress has been made in identifying variants in specific genes that influence liability to this common, debilitating disorder. We are using the unique resource of the Nurses Health Study II, a prospective epidemiologic cohort of 68,518 women, to conduct what promises to be the largest candidate gene association study of PTSD to date. The entire cohort will be screened for trauma exposure and PTSD; 3,000 women will be selected for PTSD diagnostic interviews based on the screening data. Our nested case-control study will genotype1000 women who developed PTSD following a history of trauma exposure; 1000 controls will be selected from women who experienced similar traumas but did not develop PTSD. The primary aim of this study is to detect genetic variants that predict the development of PTSD following trauma. We posit inherited vulnerability to PTSD is mediated by genetic variation in three specific neurobiological systems whose alterations are implicated in PTSD etiology: the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, the locus coeruleus/noradrenergic system, and the limbic-frontal neuro-circuitry of fear. The secondary, exploratory aim of this study is to dissect genetic influences on PTSD in the broader genetic and environmental context for the candidate genes that show significant association with PTSD in detection analyses. This will involve: conducting conditional tests to identify the causal genetic variant among multiple correlated signals; testing whether the effect of PTSD genetic risk variants is moderated by age of first trauma, trauma type, and trauma severity; and exploring gene-gene interactions using a novel gene-based statistical approach. Identification of liability genes for PTSD would represent a major advance in understanding the pathophysiology of the disorder. Such understanding could advance the development of new pharmacological agents for PTSD treatment and prevention. Moreover, the addition of PTSD assessment data will make the NHSII cohort an unparalleled resource for future genetic studies of PTSD as well as provide the unique opportunity for the prospective examination of PTSD-disease associations.
Intracerebral grafting and culture of cryopreserved primate dopamine neurons

Dopamine neurons from the ventral midbrain and olfactory bulb of fetal and postnatal African green monkeys were frozen, stored in liquid nitrogen for intervals of 4-28 days, thawed, and tested for viability and growth following intracerebral transplantation into 3 adult monkeys. Well developed tyrosine hydroxylase positive neurons from all donors were seen in intracerebral transplants at 7-50 days after grafting. Freeze-stored neurons also were tested at various intervals by Trypan blue dye exclusion and development in tissue culture. More than 99% of the cryopreserved cells from both pre- and postnatal donors were viable by dye exclusion, and fetal tissue developed neuronal morphology in culture. This evidence further supports the fact that primate neurons survive intracerebral transplantation, even after cryopreservation and storage. The ability to store, transport and verify the transmitter phenotype of neurons offered by this approach is pertinent to possible therapeutic applications.
Intestinal malabsorption in the elderly.

Background: Intestinal malabsorption in the elderly is infrequent, and clinical features are muted so that the diagnosis is often missed. Physiologic changes with aging are restrict
COMPLIANCE WITH POST-DISCHARGE FOLLOW-UP: ≤1250g INFANTS. 626

Neonates ≤ 1250g often require multidisciplinary follow-up care, particularly in the first year post-discharge; hence, compliance with keeping clinic appointments (appts) is essential. To assess compliance, we evaluated the number of appts kept and immunization status of 144 neonates discharged from our NICU and followed in our high-risk clinic (Jan., 92 to Dec., 93). Complete immunization was defined as 3 DPTs, 2 OPVs, 3 HIBs, and 3 HBVs ≤1 year post-discharge. Mean BW of the infants was 984± 194g; 87% were African American, 8% Hispanic; 23% of mothers were teenagers; 36% had no prenatal care; 33% were substance abusers (SA); 40% SA had guardian other than mother. Overall compliance, and that of SA patients, compared with No SA, is summarized: Table In summary, although poorer compliance with keeping appts was observed in the SA group, immunization status was not different from that of the No SA group as advantage of all kept appts was taken. Over one-third did not receive complete immunizations and, presumably, other essential follow-up care despite close tracking, phone reminders, and rescheduling efforts. Compliance may be enhanced by incentivizing clinic visits.
Temperature dependent excimer luminescence of naphthalenes on α-alumina

Abstract When ethyl, methoxy and methyl substituted naphthalenes are vacuum deposited on a dielectric surface and optically pumped, the luminescence that is observed is excimer fluorescence, because the morphology of the adlayer is amorphous. As the surface is heated, the thermal energy states that are available to the molecules become more broadly populated. Distinct disorder-to-order transition is observed by the onset of two characteristic spectral features, the decrease in the excimer intensity and the concomitant increase in the trap fluorescence. Since the position of the substitution in the naphthalene molecule affects the extent to which ordering occurs, the choice of adsorbates reflects the range of ordering that was observed. By depositing another adlayer of molecules that does not emit and desorbs at a lower temperature than the fluorophores, the surface dynamics was monitored by the luminescent changes as the molecules mixed at temperatures below desorption. Molecular fluorescence was observed in the bilayers that indicated the formation of clusters as the percolation occurred.
Beyond the War on Terror: Into the Fifth Generation of War and Conflict

Fifth generation warfare has arrived and is irreversibly changing the character and nature of human conflict. It confronts the United States with the evolving strategic dilemma of not only dealing with the War on Terror, but of simultaneously crafting strategies that look beyond military preparedness for past wars and embrace the perspective of national preparedness for the spectrum of future conflicts. This article uses four essential elements of war—the new domains of conflict, the changing nature of adversaries, the changing nature of objectives, and the changing nature of force—to build a generational typology of war and conflict that informs the characteristics of fifth generation warfare. The resultant model produces two outcomes: First, it demonstrates how recent events such as the rise of computer hackers, the 2001 anthrax and the 2003–2004 ricin attacks, the 2004 Madrid bombings, and the emergence of Al Qaeda demonstrate characteristics of fifth generation warfare. Second, it illustrates the way ...
Inhibition of methane formation in soil by various nitrogen-containing compounds

Abstract The evolution of methane from soil samples under anaerobic conditions was suppressed by adding nitrogen-containing chemicals. Nitrate caused the strongest inhibition of CH4 formation followed with decreasing efficiency by nitrite, nitric oxide and nitrous oxide; ammonium sulfate and hydroxylamine did not have an influence. It was also observed that organic substances in relation to their structure and concentration influence the evolution of CH4.
Regional wall motion analysis predicts survival and functional outcome after subendocardial resection in patients with prior anterior myocardial infarction.

BACKGROUNDSubendocardial resection is an established surgical technique for the treatment of ventricular tachycardia associated with prior myocardial infarction. Preoperative factors predictive of survival and functional outcome after surgery have not been completely characterized. We hypothesized that a quantitative assessment of regional wall motion would be a sensitive predictor of both survival and functional outcome after subendocardial resection. This was retrospectively tested in a group of 80 patients with prior anterior myocardial infarction who had undergone subendocardial resection for sustained ventricular tachycardia at out institution.METHODS AND RESULTSCenterline chord motion analysis was used to derive a wall motion score from the preoperative contrast right anterior oblique ventriculogram. Multivariate analysis revealed wall motion score to be a significant independent predictor of both long-term survival (p < 0.01) and New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional class I or II status at ...
Characterization of perfluorooctylbromide-based nanoemulsion particles using atomistic molecular dynamics simulations.

Perfluorocarbon-based nanoemulsion particles have arisen as promising platforms for the cellular delivery of imaging and therapeutic agents to specific targets. However, current knowledge of the agent delivery mechanism is limited to qualitative and phenomenological models. Lack of detail at the molecular level has hence delayed optimizing or customizing nanoemulsion particles for therapeutic and imaging applications. Here we report the first atomistic structural details of a perfluorooctylbromide-based (PFOB-based) nanoemulsion particle (NEP) with a 1-palmitoyl-2-oleoyl-phosphatidylcholine (POPC) lipid emulsifier. Newly developed PFOB force field parameters were used in molecular dynamics simulations to model the PFOB-NEP interface in a planar configuration. These PFOB force field parameters were developed and tested to reproduce the characteristics of bulk PFOB as well as PFOB at interfaces with water and emulsifying phospholipids. The modeled PFOB-NEP interface demonstrated significant intercalation of PFOB into the emulsifying lipid mono-layer and consequent changes in the structural, electrostatic, and mechanical properties of the POPC monolayer and PFOB. This intercalation provides an explanation for experimental data demonstrating melittin tryptophan fluorescence quenching upon binding to the nanoemulsion particles through the observation of direct contact between the melittin tryptophan and the PFOB bromine. Additionally, the atomistic details of the PFOB-NEP interface structure provided by our simulations are used to suggest the influence of each component on PFOB-NEP delivery function which will be tested in future coarse-grained simulations.
Linguistic prosody and musical meter in song

Abstract Four studies addressed the relation between linguistic prosody and musical meter in song. Analyses of song compositions indicated that the Compound Word and Nuclear Stress rules of English coincided with musical rules of metrical accent. Vocalists were asked to perform songs in which compound words and nuclear stress phrases were aligned or misaligned with the musical meter. Syllables aligned with either linguistic or musical accent were sung with greater duration than unaccented syllables. Additional analyses of adjective-noun phrases in song compositions showed musical accent aligned more often with nouns in clause-initial phrases and with adjectives in determiner-initial phrases, consistent with phonological principles of cliticization. Singers' performances showed larger durations for nouns than adjectives in clause-initial than in determiner-initial phrases. Prosodic structure and musical meter had independent effects on sung durations, suggesting that they contribute separately to song performance but with similar organizational principles.
Electromyographic and electron microscopic findings in the extraocular muscles of the myotonic rat

Abstract The extraocular muscles of rats administered 20,25-diazacholesterol were examined by electromyography and in serial sections by light and electron microscopy. Electromyography revealed prolonged insertion activity, high-frequency bizzare discharges, and myotonic responses. Phase contrast microscopy of 15-μm Epon sections revealed numerous fiber abnormalities, i.e., dense bodies, fiber degeneration, atrophic and angulated fibers, and cell vacuolization. Electron microscopy showed additional alterations such as dilation and proliferation of the sarcoplasmic reticulum, multilamellar membranous bodies, atypical mitochondrial clusters and disruptions, mitochondrial inclusions, and myofibrillar degeneration. The postsynaptic region of the motor end plate also exhibited anomalies; Soleplate nuclear inclusions, degeneration of the junctional sarcoplasm, and atypical segmental post-junctional folding were occasionally found. The axonal component of the motor end plate and the intramuscular nerves appeared unaffected.
Wicking of Spin Finishes and Related Liquids into Continuous Filament Yarns

Using a simple electronic method for measuring wicking times, we have shown that horizontal wicking of liquids into continuous filament yarns follows the Lucas-Wash burn equation. We have investigated the effects of the liquid properties, viscosity, and surface tension, and of the liquid-solid interaction parameter cos θa. We have found that transient effects due to surfactant adsorption play a significant role in wicking, and that cos θa values of ∼0.7 or higher are necessary for wicking to take place. Certain kinds of fluorosurfactants seem to have a considerable negative effect on the wicking of model finishes in yarns and on the distribution of these finishes on the surfaces of constituent fibers.
Brain, body, and society: bioethical reflections on socio-historical neuroscience and neuro-corporeal social science.

Grant Gillett's (2009) provocative essay exploring the neuroethical implications of a holistic or relational approach to brain science is indicative of some promising interdisciplinary trends withi...
Strain-rate sensitivity of zinc sheet

The flow stress of many commercial alloys depends on applied strain rate, and this dependence contributes to their resistance to strain localization (necking). Measurement of strain-rate sensitivity for these alloys is complicated by possible dependence on strain, strain rate, testing method, and method of analysis. Polycrystalline zinc sheet was isothermally tested continuously, by multiple rate jumps, and by single rate jumps using standard sheet tensile specimens. A range of strains was examined (6 pct to 66 pct engineering strain) as well as a range of strain rates (10-6-10-1). Comparison of results shows that strain-rate sensitivity indexes obtained by the various methods can differ significantly and that the major cause of these differences is a strain-based stress transient following rapid rate changes. When sufficient care is taken to extrapolate post-transient curves, the data appear to agree well. All of the methods employed show a strong dependence of strain-rate sensitivity on strain rate.
Electrophoresis of Thyroxine in Protein-Free Solutions and in Sera Deficient in Binding Proteins

The electrophoretic migration of free thyroxine has been studied and compared with the behavior of thyroxine in the presence of serum. It has been found that the inherent mobility of thyroxine probably is faster than that of human albumin and possibly is faster than that of prealbumin. However, in certain electrophoretic systems an artifact is produced by adsorption of thyroxine to the supporting medium, thus retarding its true migration. The free thyroxine, however, appears in a discrete zone as a result of chromatography during electrophoretic migration. When added to serum in which thyroxine-binding proteins are weak or lacking, some thyroxine may migrate electrophoretically as the unbound hormone. Confusion between bound and unbound thyroxine in serum may be clarified by using different techniques of electrophoresis.
Characterizing Normal Bases via the Trace Map

Abstract In their recent article Chang et al. [Chang, Y., Troung, T. K., Reed, I. S. (2001). Normal bases over GF(q). J. Algebra 241:89–101] have determined all those extensions of Galois fields for which the normal basis generators are characterized by the (obviously necessary) property of having nonzero trace. In the present article, we present a simpler proof of a generalization of that result and discuss an application concerning the existence of trace-compatible sequences of primitive normal bases for certain primary closures of Galois fields.
Self-modification of exercise behavior

Abstract This paper describes the use of a self-behavior modification program to successfully increase exercise behavior.
Growth with regulation in random environment.

The diffusion model for a population subject to Malthusian growth is generalized to include regulation effects. This is done by incorporating a logarithmic term in the regulation function in a way to obtain, in the absence of noise, an S-shaped growth law retaining the qualitative features of the logistic growth curve. The growth phenomenon is modeled as a diffusion process whose transition p.d.f. is obtained in closed form. Its steady state behavior turns out to be described by the lognormal distribution. The expected values and the mode of the transition p.d.f. are calculated, and it is proved that their time course is also represented by monotonically increasing functions asymptotically approaching saturation values. The first passage time problem is then considered. The Laplace transform of the first passage time p.d.f. is obtained for arbitrary thresholds and is used to calculate the expected value of the first passage time. The inverse Laplace transform is then determined for a threshold equal to the saturation value attained by the population size in the absence of random components. The probability of absorption for an arbitrary barrier is finally calculated as the limit of the absorption probability in a two-barrier problem.
Heparin-Binding Exosite of Factor Xa

Abstract Recent studies have indicated that the basic residues Arg 93 , Lys 96 , Arg 125 , Arg 165 , Lys 169 , Lys 236 , and Arg 240 (chymotrypsin numbering) constitute an exosite in the catalytic domain of factor Xa that can effectively bind heparin only if the acidic N-terminal Gla domain of the proteinase was neutralized by physiological levels of calcium. Binding of a full-length heparin chain to this site of factor Xa in the presence of calcium makes a significant contribution to acceleration of the proteinase inhibition by antithrombin through a ternary complex bridging or template mechanism. Moreover, certain basic residues of this site, particularly Arg 165 and Lys 169 , play a key role in factor Va and/or prothrombin recognition by factor Xa in the prothrombinase complex. This article reviews recent structural, mutagenesis and kinetic data that lead to identification of this exosite and discusses how the binding of protein or polysaccharide cofactors to this site of factor Xa can modulate the specificity and physiological function of this key coagulant enzyme in plasma.
Signalling functions of protein palmitoylation.

Abstract Covalent lipid modifications anchor numerous signalling proteins to the cytoplasmic face of the plasma membrane. These modifications mediate protein–membrane and protein–protein interactions and are often essential for function. Protein palmitoylation, due to its reversible nature, may be particularly important for modulating protein function during cycles of activation and deactivation. Despite intense investigation, the exact functions of protein palmitoylation are not well understood. However, it is clear that palmitoylation can affect a protein’s affinity for membranes, subcellular localization, and interactions with other proteins. In this review, recent advances in understanding the functions and mechanisms of protein palmitoylation are discussed, with particular emphasis on how this lipid affects the biochemistry and cell biology of signalling proteins.
Method for determining the content of catechins in tea infusions by high-performance liquid chromatography

Abstract A high-performance liquid chromatography method employing diode array detection was developed to determine levels of the major catechins present in black, green, and Jasmine tea infusions. Reversed-phase separations were performed on a C18 column using three gradients: acetonitrile–acetate buffer, methanol–acetate buffer, and acetonitrile–acetate buffer with ascorbic acid. The identities of the tea catechins were established by comparing absorbance spectra and retention times to reference standards chromatographed under identical conditions. Epicatechin, epigallocatechin, epicatechin gallate, and epigallocatechin gallate were found in all the tea infusions examined, ranging in concentration from 1–13 mg dl−1. These levels indicate that even moderate tea consumption can contribute a substantial quantity of flavanols to the diet. Although some differences between the three brewed teas were evident, all were comparably good sources of these catechins.
Cavity-less pulse source based optical sampled ADC

We propose and characterize a picosecond cavity-less optical pulse source operating at 2 GHz to be used in optical sampling. The high quality of the pulse source was verified by measuring 8 ENOB at 10 GHz.
Emotional numbing in combat-related post-traumatic stress disorder: A critical review and reformulation

Abstract Emotional numbing symptoms are considered in the clinical literature as cardinal signs of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and have been formally codified in DSM-III-R. However, the term has not been consistently defined nor adequately researched. The present paper critically reviews the extant empirical and theoretical literature in combat-related PTSD that has explored emotional numbing symptoms. A theoretical framework, based on Levanthal's (1984) perceptual-motor theory of emotion, is posited to account for the parameters of emotional processing in PTSD, and specific hypotheses concerning selective or differential emotional processing deficits in PTSD are described in order to clarify empirical issues about the development and maintenance of emotional processing deficits in PTSD and to stimulate future research in this underexplored, yet clinically important area.
Supply Management and Productivity Growth in Alberta Dairy

Specification of quota licenses as quasi-fixed inputs in a multi-variate flexible accelerator model of dynamic input adjustment reveals supply management's effect on Alberta dairy investment patterns and, thereby, on total factor productivity growth. Estimates of a dynamic dual model of Alberta dairy, using panel data from 1975–91, show that strong complementarity between cattle and quota licenses results in short-run cattle adjustments that are opposite in direction from the long-run adjustments. A model of total factor productivity growth under dynamic input adjustment shows that the distortions to cattle investment caused by investing in quota licenses adversely affects productivity growth. As a result, there is likely to be a significant understatement of single-period estimates of the cost of supply management in the dairy sector. La designation aks contingents laitiers comme intrants quasi-fixes dans un modele multivariea accelerateur souple d'adjustement des intrants dynamiques a permis de degager les effets de la gestion de l'offre sur les investissements dans la production laititere en Alberta et, partant, sur la croissance de la productivitye tout-facteur. Un modele dual dynamique applique au secteur laitier de l'Alberta, utilisant les donntees d'un echantillon de producteurs de 1975 a 1991 revele que la forte complementarite entre la taille du troupeau laitier et les contingents entrainent des adjustements de la taille du troupeau darts des sens opposes selon qu'il s‘agit de court ou de long terme. Un modele de croissance de productivitye tout-facteur en regime d'ajustement dynamique des intrants montre que les distorsions affectant les investissements en bovins resultant de la taille du contingent ont un effet negatif sur la croissance de la productivitye. Par consequent, on risque d'avoir des valeurs sous-evaltuees du cout de la gestion de l'offre dans le secteur laitier, si l'on ne tient compte que d'une seule sous-periode.
Defining Fibronectin's Cell Adhesion Synergy Site by Site-Directed Mutagenesis

Fibronectin's RGD-mediated binding to the α5β1 integrin is dramatically enhanced by a synergy site within fibronectin III domain 9 (FN9). Guided by the crystal structure of the cell-binding domain, we selected amino acids in FN9 that project in the same direction as the RGD, presumably toward the integrin, and mutated them to alanine. R1379 in the peptide PHSRN, and the nearby R1374 have been shown previously to be important for α5β1-mediated adhesion (Aota, S., M. Nomizu, and K.M. Yamada. 1994. J. Biol. Chem. 269:24756–24761). Our more extensive set of mutants showed that R1379 is the key residue in the synergistic effect, but other residues contribute substantially. R1374A decreased adhesion slightly by itself, but the double mutant R1374A-R1379A was significantly less adhesive than R1379A alone. Single mutations of R1369A, R1371A, T1385A, and N1386A had negligible effects on cell adhesion, but combining these substitutions either with R1379A or each other gave a more dramatic reduction of cell adhesion. The triple mutant R1374A/P1376A/R1379A had no detectable adhesion activity. We conclude that, in addition to the R of the PHRSN peptide, other residues on the same face of FN9 are required for the full synergistic effect. The integrin-binding synergy site is a much more extensive surface than the small linear peptide sequence.
An intermediate language for source and target independent code optimization

This paper describes an intermediate language to be generated by a syntax analyzer and processed by a code generator. An (essentially) optional code optimization phase may be used before code generation. The language is designed to exclude source and target dependencies (these are specified in a set of auxiliary tables) and has been used to implement a general purpose code optimization module. This module has been incorporated into compilers for several source languages and has resulted in production-quality target code.The paper focuses on the features of the language and reviews the optimizations for which it has been designed. A major benefit of this approach has been to isolate many of the characteristics which lead to code optimization opportunities. Of particular note are numerous facts which can be gathered in a target-independent manner, even though their utilization will depend on the details of the target machine.
Do Elder Emergency Department Patients and Their Informants Agree about the Elder's Functioning?

Objective: To compare elder patients' and their informants' ratings of the elder's physical and mental function measured by a standard instrument, the Medical Outcomes Study Short Form 12 (SF-12). Methods: This was a randomized, cross-sectional study conducted at a university-affiliated community teaching hospital emergency department (census 65,000/year). Patients >69 years old, arriving on weekdays between 10 AM and 7 PM, able to engage in English conversation, and consenting to participate were eligible. Patients too ill to participate were excluded. Informants were people who accompanied and knew the patient. Elder patients were randomized 1:1 to receive an interview or questionnaire version of the SF-12. The questionnaire was read to people unable to read. Two trained medical students administered the instrument. The SF-12 algorithm was used to calculate physical (PCS) and mental (MCS) component scores. Oral and written versions were compared using analysis of variance. The PCS and MCS scores between patient-informant pairs were compared with a matched t-test. Alpha was 0.05. Results: One hundred six patients and 55 informants were enrolled. The patients' average (±SD) age was 77 ± 5 years; 59 (56%; 95% CI = 46% to 65%) were women. There was no significant difference for mode of administration in PCS (p = 0.53) or MCS (p = 0.14) scores. Patients rated themselves higher on physical function than did their proxies. There was a 4.1 (95% CI = 99 to 7.2) point difference between patients' and their proxies' physical component scores (p = 0.01). Scores on the mental component were quite similar. The mean difference between patients and proxies was 0.49 (95% CI = 3.17 to 4.16). The half point higher rating by patients was not statistically significant (p = 0.79). Conclusions: Elders' self-ratings of physical function were higher than those of proxies who knew them. There was no difference in mental function ratings between patients and their proxies. Switching from informants' to patients' reports in evaluating elders' physical function in longitudinal studies may introduce error.
Characterizing the complexity of spontaneous motor unit patterns of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis using approximate entropy

This paper presents a novel application of the approximate entropy (ApEn) measurement for characterizing spontaneous motor unit activity of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) patients. High-density surface electromyography (EMG) was used to record spontaneous motor unit activity bilaterally from the thenar muscles of nine ALS subjects. Three distinct patterns of spontaneous motor unit activity (sporadic spikes, tonic spikes and high-frequency repetitive spikes) were observed. For each pattern, complexity was characterized by calculating the ApEn values of the representative signal segments. A sliding window over each segment was also introduced to quantify the dynamic changes in complexity for the different spontaneous motor unit patterns. We found that the ApEn values for the sporadic spikes were the highest, while those of the high-frequency repetitive spikes were the lowest. There is a significant difference in mean ApEn values between two arbitrary groups of the three spontaneous motor unit patterns (P < 0.001). The dynamic ApEn curve from the sliding window analysis is capable of tracking variations in EMG activity, thus providing a vivid, distinctive description for different patterns of spontaneous motor unit action potentials in terms of their complexity. These findings expand the existing knowledge of spontaneous motor unit activity in ALS beyond what was previously obtained using conventional linear methods such as firing rate or inter-spike interval statistics. (Some figures in this article are in colour only in the electronic version)
Thermochemistry of non-regular multicomponent metallic solutions; The system FeCrNi

Abstract Expressions for thermochemical quantities have been derived to describe the behavior of non-regular binary, ternary and quaternary metallic solutions using an α-parameter approach. The ternary activities computed in liquid FeNiCr solutions, using binary data, are in good agreement with experimental data reported in the literature.
The role of paraprofessionals: An administrative dilemma

Changing a paraprofessional’s title will do little to improve his or her position. If they are to compete successfully in the status and power sweepstakes, paraprofessionals must continue their education. Administrators should make career development opportunities available if they hire paraprofessionals.
Prospects for extending the resolution limit of the electron microscope.

SUMMARY The factors that limit the performance of present-day high-resolution electron microscopes include the source brightness, the temporal coherence of the illumination, and phase contrast ‘artefacts’ due to spherical aberration and defocus. Further advancement of the instrumental performance might be accomplished in different ways, including the use of high coherence conditions combined with image restoration; the use of higher accelerating voltages; the use of aberration correctors; or the use of conditions for incoherent image formation. Current efforts in each of these directions are reviewed, from which it is evident that the combined use of higher voltages and improved coherence is the direction that is presently leading to the greatest degree of progress.
Alternative Lengthening of Telomeres Predicts Site of Origin in Neuroendocrine Tumor Liver Metastases

Background The determination of the primary tumor origin in patients with neuroendocrine tumor liver metastases (NELM) can pose a considerable management challenge. Recent studies have shown that the alternative lengthening of telomeres (ALT) is prevalent in some human tumors, including pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (PanNET), and can be useful in predicting tumor biology. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the use of ALT as a biomarker in patients with NELM, in particular to predict the site of origin of metastases. Methods Tissue microarrays (TMAs) were constructed using tumor tissue from NELM patients undergoing liver resection between 1998 and 2010. These included 43 PanNET and 47 gastrointestinal carcinoid tumors. The TMAs were tested for ALT using telomere-specific fluorescent in situ hybridization. The association between ALT positivity and clinicopathologic features and long-term outcomes was investigated. Results Alternative lengthening of telomeres was positive (ALT+) in 26 (29%) of the 90 tumors included in the TMAs. Pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors were ALT+ in 56% of patients, compared with only 4% ALT+ among gastrointestinal carcinoid tumors (p Conclusions Alternative lengthening of telomeres was found to be a useful biomarker in patients with NELM. This marker can be helpful in guiding therapy by identifying the site of origin in patients in whom the primary site is unknown.
Effects of community- and neighborhood-scale spatial patterns on semi-arid perennial grassland community dynamics

Although plant spatial patterns strongly influence community-structuring processes, few empirical studies have addressed pattern effects on perennial community dynamics. We tested the effects of community- and neighborhood-scale patterns in experimental semi-arid grassland communities comprising the stronger competitor crested wheatgrass (Agropyron cristatum) and the weaker competitor Snake River wheatgrass (Elymus wawawaiensis). Treatments consisted of community-scale patterns (Poisson random, regular, and aggregated) and neighborhood-scale patterns (Poisson random, small, and large aggregations) applied to 6.25-m2 plots, with aggregations generated through simulated realizations of Neyman-Scott cluster processes. Two years of data were collected on aboveground biomass of both species, and variability in light (photosynthetically active radiation; PAR) was also quantified. We found that plant performance was strongly affected by community-scale spatial patterns and time, with additional effects of neighborhood-scale pattern in certain treatments. Mean biomass and relative growth rates of both species were highest in plots with community-scale regularity and random neighborhoods, suggesting a strong effect of pattern on competition that was magnified for the weaker competitor E. wawawaiensis, especially in the second year. There were also significant effects of treatment and time on variability of PAR, supporting past research on the importance of canopy patterns for light distribution near the soil surface. We observed more variable light environments in plots with community-scale aggregation, and variability also increased in the second year. Our research provides new information on the effects of plant patterns on community dynamics, with particular relevance for semi-arid perennial grasslands.