cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Negative interpretation bias in social phobia

We examined the hypothesis that, compared to non-anxious controls (NACs) and individuals with other anxiety disorders (e.g., individuals with obsessive compulsive disorder; OCs), individuals with generalized social phobia (GSPs) would tend to interpret ambiguous social scenarios as negative when provided with various alternative interpretations. Participants were presented with 22 ambiguous scenarios each followed by three possible interpretations: positive, negative, and neutral. Fifteen scenarios were socially relevant and the remaining 7 were nonsocially relevant. Participants were asked to rank order the three interpretations according to the likelihood that each would come to their mind and to a 'typical person's' mind in similar situations. Results revealed that GSPs (but not NACs or OCs) tended to choose a negative interpretation for ambiguous social scenarios even when a positive interpretation was available. This bias was specific to self-relevant scenarios. These results support the hypothesis that a specific negative interpretation bias may be involved in the maintenance of social phobia.
Infraorbital nerve transection alters serotonin transporter expression in sensory pathways in early postnatal rat development

The serotonin transporter MRNA has been found throughout the trigeminal sensory system late in gestation and during early postnatal development, a period known to be critical for maturation of the sensory circuitry. The purpose of the present study was to determine whether sensory denervation in newborn rat pups would alter either the density or pattern of expression of the 5-HT transporter (5-HTT) within the trigeminal system. We combined autoradiographic localization of 5-HT transporters and in situ hybridization techniques to visualize both the transporter protein and mRNA in thalamic sensory neurons and in the somatosensory cortex following unilateral infraorbital nerve transection at postnatal day 1. For comparative purposes, similar measurements were conducted in thalamic visual neurons as well as in the visual cortex. Lesion of the infraorbital nerve decreased the [3H]citalopram labelling of 5-HT transporters in the ventral basal and ventral medial areas of the thalamus contralateral to the lesion, while labelling of 5-HT transporters was decreased in both contralateral and ipsilateral sides of the lateral genicuate (visual thalamus). Citalopram labelling of 5-HT transporters was not significantly altered in somatosensory or in cingulate cortex, however a significant decrease was observed in the visual cortex. In contrast, there were no obvious changes in the intensity of the 5-HT mRNA hybridization signal in sensory or visual thalamic areas. Given that the serotonin transporter regulates extracellular concentrations of 5-HT, the present data suggest that altered peripheral innervation and thereby altered sensory inputs to the thalamus during fetal development can potentially influence 5-HT transporter densities and thus, may influence extracellular levels of 5-HT in thalamus and cortex during a critical period of synapse formation. In turn, modulation of 5-HT transporter levels may influence extracellular concentrations of 5-HT in thalamus and cortex during a critical period of synapse formation.
Preparation of some mixed diesters of aliphatic diols and their evaluation as plasticizers

Mixed diesters of three diols-ethylene glycol, diethylene glycol, and 2-butene-1,4-diol—were prepared wherein one of the ester moieties was benzoate. The laurates were shown to be excellent plasticizers for polyvinyl chloride (PVC) resin. Diesters containing two aroyl groups, or benzoyl and a short branched-chain alkanoyl group were also shown to be compatible plasticizers for PVC resin. Longer chain acids, including oleic and erucic, gave incompatible plasticizers. Benzoyloxyethoxyethyl laurate plasticized PVC had low temperature properties, volatility, and thermal stability superior to PVC plasticized with di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate.
Heart rate change as a function of age, tidal volume and body position when breathing using voluntary cardiorespiratory synchronization.

Voluntary cardiorespiratory synchronization (VCRS), where inspiration and expiration follows a fixed number of heart beats, was used to investigate heart rate change (HRC) in 16 subjects (grouped as 20 - 30 and 46 - 57 years of age) as a function of age, body position, and respiratory tidal volumes of 500 and 1000 ml. In phase I, the subjects, following a tone, inspired for two heart beats and expired for three beats. In phase II, the older group's breathing pattern was 2/2, 2/3, 3/3, 4/4, 5/5, and 6/6 inspiratory and expiratory heart beats, respectively, per respiratory cycle. Comparing the younger and older groups, we found a statistically significant (p<0.05) decrease in HRC for beat 1, 2, and 4 of the respiratory cycle in the supine position, and also for beat 2 in the sitting position, but no significant change with tidal volume. The ratio of the younger to older group's beat 2 HRC was 2.54 sitting and 3.54 supine. Increasing the number of beats per respiratory cycle from four to 12 resulted in the HRC growing from 1.8 to 7.5 beats over the respiratory cycle, showing the importance of respiratory rate in measuring HRC. VCRS can easily observe the influence of each phase of the respiratory cycle on the HRC and show the unique phase dependent changes that occur. Keywords: heart rate variability, respiration, VCRS, body position
Vasoconstriction and Remodeling in Pulmonary Hypertension

In one group of sheep, Escherichia coli endotoxin was given intravenously three times per week for ten weeks, and in another group the cyclooxygenase inhibitor indomethacin was given subcutaneously two times per day for three weeks. Both groups developed the structural and functional changes of modest but sustained pulmonary hypertension and showed granulocyte sequestration in the peripheral lung. Indomethacin enhanced pulmonary vasoreactivity, but endotoxin depressed reactivity transiently. Prolonged inflammation of the lung may be associated with alterations in vasoreactivity and the development of chronic pulmonary hypertension.
Haploids of tetraploid (2N=4X=48) Mexican potato species ― their extraction, cytology and crossability

Successful isolation of haploids (2n=2x=24) from 4x(2EBN) Mexican species was achieved by using Modified Wenzel (MW) and Nitsch and Nitsch (NN) media for anther culture. Both media, MW and NN, gave consistent regeneration of plantlets from 4x(2EBN) Mexican species, and responses to the media were both species and accession (PI) specific. Plantlets regenerated directly from microspores, by-passing the callus cycle, were mostly haploid (2n=2x=24). Haploid plants appeared smaller and weaker than their parents with a drastic reduction in both male and female fertility. Abnormalities observed during meiosis and the lack of success in crossing confirmed the effect of the meiotic irregularities observed in the haploids. A total of 290 seeds was obtained from the 4x × 2x crosses of 4x Mexican species with irradiated pollen of 2xS. cardiophyllum and 2xS. chancayense; however, no haploid (2n=2x=24) plants resulted. Extraction of haploids from colchicinedoubled 4x (2EBN) or natural 6x(4EBN) Mexican species using a Phureja pollinator was examined to provide clues to the potential of using 2x (1EBN) pollinators for haploid induction in 4x(2EBN) × 2x(1EBN) crosses.
The accuracy of the central venous blood gas for acid-base monitoring.

Background: Routine use of central venous blood gases (VBGs) may reduce complications from prolonged arterial cannulation. We investigated the reliability of the VBG as a substitute for arterial bl...
The effect of fabric tension and the number of impregnation rollers on woven fabric prepreg quality and cured laminates

The effects of fabric tension and number of impregnation rollers used during hot-melt prepreg processing were investigated as they relate to woven fabric prepreg and final composite part quality. Specifically, the processing parameters varied in a design of experiments (DOE) were applied fabric tension and the number of impregnation rollers, while maintaining the same impregnation force. Six experimental prepregs were characterized in terms of prepreg thickness, resin content, tack, and morphology. The results show that fabric tension had a large influence on the prepreg characteristics due to more cylindrical tow shapes and a ridged fiber bed. The number of impregnation rollers was found to affect only the characteristics of the prepregs manufactured with no tension. To investigate the effects of tension on cured composites, six ply laminates were made with each experimental prepreg. Two cure cycles, differing only in consolidation pressures, were used to examine the void content and morphology in the cured laminates. The laminates made with prepregs manufactured with high tension and cured only under vacuum had a greater void content than laminates made with prepregs manufactured with no tension. In both cure cycles, the tow shape in the laminates made from the prepreg manufactured with high tension remained in almost the same shape as in the uncured prepreg. The void content, however, was negligible for all laminates cured at higher consolidation pressure.
Comparing RLS and LMS adaptive equalizers for nonstationary wireless channels in mobile ad hoc networks

The paper compares performance of finite impulse response (FIR) adaptive linear equalizers based on the recursive least-squares (RLS) and least mean square (LMS) algorithms in nonstationary uncorrelated scattering wireless channels. Simulation results, in terms of steady-state mean-square estimation error (MSE) and average bit-error rate (BER) metrics, are found for the frequency-selective Rayleigh fading wireless channel experienced in a mobile ad hoc network where nodes are lognormally shadowed from each other. For the nonstationary channel models considered, RLS is always found to outperform LMS.
Flow, Pressure, and Volume Relationships in the Pulmonary Circulation During Exercise in Normal Dogs and Dogs with Divided Left Pulmonary Artery

The effect of exercise on the pulmonary circulation was studied in a group of 6 intact dogs and in a second group of 4 subjected to ligation and division of the left pulmonary artery. Observations were made with the dogs standing and running on a horizontal treadmill up to the maximal speed they could maintain for periods of at least 2 minutes, usually 12 or 14 km./hr. Continuous records were made of the difference in pressure between the main pulmonary artery (PA) and a pulmonary-artery wedge (PAW) position. Cardiac output was determined by the indicator-dilution method, with injection of indocyanine (cardiogreen) dye into the main pulmonary artery and continuous sampling from the root of the aorta. The mean transit time of indicator betweell the pulmonary and aortic valves was obtained from the dilution curves, a correction being made for the transit time through the sampling apparatus. From these measurements the blood volume of the lungs and left heart chambers was derived. In the intact dogs, cardiac...
Cylindrical waves in general relativity

A convenient framework is set up for constructing cylindrically symmetric solutions of the Einstein and the Einstein-Maxwell equations, and it is shown how a Hamiltonian density can be defined for space-times with cylindrical symmetry. Solutions are obtained that represent stationary monochromatic waves and satisfy all the requisite conditions of regularity. The case when the gravitational field is coupled with a perfect fluid in which the energy density is equal to the pressure is also briefly considered.
A critique of Robert Pape's Dying To Win

Abstract Robert Pape's recent book Dying to Win is one of the most important statistical studies of the global phenomenon of suicide attacks to appear in the recent past. While Pape's basic thesis of the formula of occupation in addition to religious/cultural differences between the occupier and the occupied causing these suicide attacks holds up, there are a number of cases in which it does not. Additionally, some of Pape's historical and Islamic examples are weak. Before proceeding to an over-arching theory of suicide attacks it is important not to ignore the exceptions to Pape's theory.
A general nonlinear increase-decrease resource allocation algorithm with applications

We describe and present a general class of synchronous nonlinear increase-decrease algorithms which can be applied in any situation in which a limited resource has to be distributed amongst a group of users. No inter-agent communication is required and the algorithms are provably convergent. This work unifies and generalises a number of recent papers on this topic.
Photosynthetic leaf area modulates tiller bud outgrowth in sorghum

Shoot branches or tillers develop from axillary buds. The dormancy versus outgrowth fates of buds depends on genetic, environmental and hormonal signals. Defoliation inhibits bud outgrowth indicating the role of leaf-derived metabolic factors such as sucrose in bud outgrowth. In this study, the sensitivity of bud outgrowth to selective defoliation was investigated. At 6 d after planting (6 DAP), the first two leaves of sorghum were fully expanded and the third was partially emerged. Therefore, the leaves were selectively defoliated at 6 DAP and the length of the bud in the first leaf axil was measured at 8 DAP. Bud outgrowth was inhibited by defoliation of only 2 cm from the tip of the second leaf blade. The expression of dormancy and sucrose-starvation marker genes was up-regulated and cell cycle and sucrose-inducible genes was down-regulated during the first 24 h post-defoliation of the second leaf. At 48 h, the expression of these genes was similar to controls as the defoliated plant recovers. Our results demonstrate that small changes in photosynthetic leaf area affect the propensity of tiller buds for outgrowth. Therefore, variation in leaf area and photosynthetic activity should be included when integrating sucrose into models of shoot branching.
A Localization-Based Anti-Sensor Network System

In this paper, an anti-sensor network system is proposed, aiming to protect an important area from being under surveillance by an adversary's sensor nodes. The major components of the system are a set of observing points (monitors) deployed in the area of importance. The observers try to localize sensor positions using antenna arrays to measure direction of arrival (DoA) and received signal strength of the signals emitted by sensors. Once sensors are localized, additional measures are taken to physically remove or disable localized sensors. The proposed anti-sensor network system is designed to handle additional counter-measures that can be employed by sensors, including message encryption and non-uniform transmission power levels. The simulation results show the effectiveness of the proposed system and effects of counter-measures on sensor localization performance.
Specificity of antibodies produced by linear antigenic polypeptides of a known primary structure: synthesis and use of the polymers poly(L-phenylalanyl-L-glutamyl-L-valylglycyl)glycine methyl ester and poly(L-phenylalanyl-L-aspartyl-L-valylglycyl)glycine methyl ester.

The syntheses of the polypeptides poly(L-phenylalanyl- L-glutamyl-L-valylglycyl)glycine methyl ester and poly(L-phenyl- alanyl-L-8spartyl-L.-valylglycyl)glycine methyl ester are described. Using these materials, it was found by cross-reaction and absorption studies that the antibodies to the antigen poly(L-tyrosyl- L-glutamyl-L-alanylglycyl)glycine-l-14C ethyl ester show specificities for the phenolic hydroxyl group of the tyrosyl residue and the y-carboxyl group of the glutamyl residue.
A Unique Apposition Compound Eye in the Mesopelagic Hyperiid Amphipod Paraphronima gracilis

Summary The mesopelagic habitat is a vast space that lacks physical landmarks and is structured by depth, light penetration, and horizontal currents. Solar illumination is visible in the upper 1,000 m of the ocean, becoming dimmer and spectrally filtered with depth—generating a nearly monochromatic blue light field [1]. The struggle to perceive dim downwelling light and bioluminescent sources and the need to remain unseen generate contrasting selective pressures on the eyes of mesopelagic inhabitants [2]. Hyperiid amphipods are cosmopolitan members of the mesopelagic fauna with at least ten different eye configurations across the family—ranging from absent eyes in deep-living species to four enlarged eyes in mesopelagic individuals [3–7]. The hyperiid amphipod Paraphronima gracilis has a pair of bi-lobed apposition compound eyes, each with a large upward-looking portion and a small lateral-looking portion. The most unusual feature of the P. gracilis eye is that its upward-looking portion is resolved into a discontinuous retina with 12 distinct groups, each serving one transverse row of continuously spaced facets. On the basis of eye morphology, we estimated spatial acuity (2.5° ± 0.11°, SEM; n = 25) and optical sensitivity (30 ± 3.4 μm 2 ⋅ sr, SEM; n = 25). Microspectrophotometry showed that spectral sensitivity of the eye peaked at 516 nm (±3.9 nm, SEM; n = 6), significantly offset from the peak of downwelling irradiance in the mesopelagic realm (480 nm). Modeling of spatial summation within the linear retinal groups showed that it boosts sensitivity with less cost to spatial acuity than more typical configurations.
Post-Traumatic Growth from Life’s Most Traumatic Event: Influences on Elders’ Current Coping and Adjustment:

This study examined the lasting impact of post-traumatic growth from elders’ most traumatic life experiences. The sample consisted of 83 participants (61 women, 22 men; mean age = 77.9) who reported on their most stressful or traumatic life experience and their post-traumatic growth resulting from these events. They also reported on their current most stressful event and how they coped with this event. One month later, 69 participants reported on their coping with their current most stressful experience, their attitudes towards death, and their mental and physical health. Results suggest that post-traumatic growth from events that occurred even many years earlier may have favorable influences on subsequent coping, death attitudes, and adjustment to recent stressors.
Effect of core density on deformation and failure in sandwich composites subjected to underwater impulsive loads

The response of sandwich structures to underwater blast loading is analyzed. The analysis focuses on the effect of varying structural attributes on energy dissipation and deformation. The structures analyzed are simply-supported sandwich structures with PVC foam cores and fiber-reinforced polymer composite facesheets. For the analysis carried out, the material properties of the sandwich cores are varied and the total mass is kept constant. In conjunction with experiments, simulations account for underwater blast loading on structures in air-backed and water-backed conditions. Core crushing is accounted for through the Deshpande and Fleck model and facesheet failure is accounted for using the Hashin damage model. Results reveal a significant difference between the response of air-backed and water-backed/submerged structures. In general, thick and low-density cores provide superior blast mitigation and failure resistance. Scaling relations are developed to quantify the responses. These relations can be used to optimize the design of sandwich structures in critical parts of ships like keel, turbine-blades and rudders which involve different contact conditions with water.
THE INDUCTION OF TOLERANCE TO ALLERGENIC CHEMICALS

The first recognition of tolerance and partial tolerance to attempted sensitization with simple allergenic chemicals is described. A proper designation would be the Frei-Sulzbeger-Chase phenomenon. Coupling with self occurs in these experiments; there is not only resistance to developing contactant-type sensitivity but also to synthesis of immunoglobulins toward hapten-self complexes. The onset of tolerance is initiated by small doses of haptens. Various facets of these investigations speak strongly against a concept of clonal deletion as an explanation. The concept of the relative numbers of suppressor and effector cells also argues against clonal deletion. Evidence exists that tolerance can be transferred to syngeneic animals by cells during parabiosis (Polak, this volume). Contact sensitivity can be imposed on a tolerized guinea pig through a transfer of cells from outbred sensitized donors, but the tolerance remains after the transferred cells have been rejected. Tolerance could not be overcome in inbred guinea pigs by infusing normal or functionally "labeled" cell populations from close relatives before attempting sensitization, a fact that supports the existence of overwhelmingly large numbers of suppressor cells. Various routes of application have been explored to find a way to establish the tolerant state. The most successful are (1) feeding of small doses and (2) two intravenous injections of massive doses of DNP- or TNP-benzene sulfonates. Several other methods will effect tolerance in about half the animals, but experimental sensitization is the only method that will locate the tolerized animals.
Intramedullary rod fixation compared with blade-plate-and-screw fixation for tibiotalocalcaneal arthrodesis: a biomechanical investigation.

Background: Achieving stable fixation when performing tibiotalocalcaneal arthrodesis can be challenging, especially in osteopenic bone. The purpose of the current investigation was to compare the stiffness and fatigue endurance of blade-plate-and-screw fixation with intramedullary rod fixation in a cadaveric model. Methods: In ten matched pairs of fresh-frozen cadaveric legs, a tibiotalocalcaneal arthrodesis was performed with use of a blade-plate and a 6.5-mm sagittal screw in one leg and with use of an intramedullary rod in the contralateral leg. After an initial load-deformation curve was obtained, each specimen was loaded to 270 N through 250,000 cycles at a rate of 3 Hz. Results: Blade-plate-and-screw fixation resulted in significantly higher mean initial and final stiffness and decreased plastic deformation than did intramedullary rod fixation. In addition, there was an inverse correlation between bone-mineral density and the difference in plastic deformation noted between the specimens of each pair. Conclusions: Blade-plate fixation is biomechanically superior to intramedullary fixation for tibiotalocalcaneal arthrodesis. Clinical Relevance: Although good fixation can be achieved with an intramedullary rod or a blade-plate-and-screw construct, the stability of the blade-plate-and-screw construct may have advantages, particularly in osteopenic bone.
Reproducibility and intraindividual variation over days in buccal cell DNA methylation of two asthma genes, interferon γ (IFNγ) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS)

The biological mechanisms responsible for the onset and exacerbation of asthma symptoms in children may involve the epigenetic regulation of inflammatory genes after environmental exposures. Using buccal cells, we hypothesized that DNA methylation in promoter regions of two asthma genes, inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and interferon γ (IFNγ), can vary over several days. Repeat buccal samples were collected 4 to 7 days apart from 34 children participating in the Columbia Center for Children's Environmental Health (CCCEH) birth cohort study. Several field duplicates (sequential collection of two samples in the field) and replicates (one sample pyrosequenced twice) also were collected to ensure consistency with collection and laboratory procedures. DNA methylation was assessed by pyrosequencing a PCR of bisulfite-treated DNA. We found that replicate and field duplicate samples were correlated strongly (r = 0.86 to 0.99, P < 0.05), while repeat samples demonstrated low within-subject correlations (r = 0.19 to 0.56, P = 0.06 to 0.30). Our data reveal DNA methylation as a dynamic epigenetic mechanism that can be accessed safely and reproducibly in an inner city pediatric cohort using non-invasive buccal swabs and pyrosequencing technology.
Surveillance for Transmissible Spongiform Encephalopathy in Scavengers of White-Tailed Deer Carcasses in the Chronic Wasting Disease Area of Wisconsin

Chronic wasting disease (CWD), a class of neurodegenerative transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSE) occurring in cervids, is found in a number of states and provinces across North America. Misfolded prions, the infectious agents of CWD, are deposited in the environment via carcass remains and excreta, and pose a threat of cross-species transmission. In this study tissues were tested from 812 representative mammalian scavengers, collected in the CWD-affected area of Wisconsin, for TSE infection using the IDEXX HerdChek enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Only four of the collected mammals tested positive using the ELISA, but these were negative when tested by Western blot. While our sample sizes permitted high probabilities of detecting TSE assuming 1% population prevalence in several common scavengers (93%, 87%, and 87% for raccoons, opossums, and coyotes, respectively), insufficient sample sizes for other species precluded similar conclusions. One cannot rule out successful cross-species TSE transmission to scavengers, but the results suggest that such transmission is not frequent in the CWD-affected area of Wisconsin. The need for further surveillance of scavenger species, especially those known to be susceptible to TSE (e.g., cat, American mink, raccoon), is highlighted in both a field and laboratory setting.
Isolation between sympatric anadromous and resident threespine stickleback species in Mud Lake, Alaska

A sympatric pair of anadromous and resident freshwater threespine stickleback species (Gasterosteus aculeatus species complex) occurs in Mud Lake in the Matanuska-Susitna Valley, Alaska. The two forms differ in an array of morphological traits, including traits associated with predator defense (e.g., spine lengths) and trophic ecology (e.g., number of gill rakers). Mud Lake is only the third lake reported to have anadromous stickleback (which have a complete row of lateral plates) coexisting with low-plated resident stickleback in the absence of intermediate partially plated fish. Microhabitat and seasonal isolation appear to contribute to reproductive isolation between the two forms.
Isoform level expression profiles provide better cancer signatures than gene level expression profiles.

Background The majority of mammalian genes generate multiple transcript variants and protein isoforms through alternative transcription and/or alternative splicing, and the dynamic changes at the transcript/isoform level between non-oncogenic and cancer cells remain largely unexplored. We hypothesized that isoform level expression profiles would be better than gene level expression profiles at discriminating between non-oncogenic and cancer cellsgene level.
Rejoinder: Time series analysis and US infant mortality: de-trending the empirical from the polemical in political epidemiology

In US Infant Mortality and the President’s Party,1 we analysed US infant mortality data from 1965 through 2010, and found that once one ‘filters’ out a smooth trend from the series, a persistent pattern emerges, with infant mortality rates being above trend during Republican Administrations and below trend during Democratic ones. As we noted in the article and detailed in its online appendix, this pattern is robust to whether we ‘filtered’ the trend using cubic splines, linear polynomials or fractional polynomials. The deviations from trend are visually evident and are easily detectable in the second stage regressions we estimated. Any claims about causality would be substantially stronger were we to understand mechanisms; yet, we believe the pattern we have uncovered merits reporting because it is striking and robust.
A four-terabit single-stage packet switch with large round-trip time support

We present the architecture and practical VLSI implementation of a 4-Tb/s single-stage switch. It is based on a combined input- and crosspoint-queued structure with virtual output queuing at the ingress, which has the scalability of input-buffered switches and the performance of output-buffered switches. Our system handles the large fabric-internal transmission latency that results from packaging up to 256 line cards into multiple racks. We provide the justification for selecting this architecture and compare it with other current solutions. With an ASIC implementation, we show that a single-stage multi-terabit buffered crossbar approach is viable today.
The Embryo MADS Domain Protein AGAMOUS-Like 15 Directly Regulates Expression of a Gene Encoding an Enzyme Involved in Gibberellin Metabolism

AGL15 (for AGAMOUS-Like 15) is a member of the MADS domain family of DNA binding transcriptional regulators that accumulates to its highest amounts during embryo development. To better understand how AGL15 functions, a chromatin immunoprecipitation approach was used to identify directly regulated genes. One DNA fragment that coprecipitated with AGL15 corresponded to a portion of the regulatory region of a gene named DTA1 (for Downstream Target of AGL15-1). The expression of DTA1 was positively correlated with AGL15 abundance during embryogenesis. In this report, a cis element for response to AGL15 was identified, and the activity of DTA1 as a gibberellin (GA) 2-oxidase was confirmed. DTA1 corresponds to AtGA2ox6 and was renamed to indicate this identity. Further experiments related the function of AtGA2ox6 to regulation by AGL15. Constitutive expression of AGL15 and of AtGA2ox6 altered endogenous GA amounts and caused GA-deficient phenotypes in Arabidopsis thaliana that could be at least partially rescued by application of biologically active GA. The phenotype of plants with decreased expression of AtGA2ox6 was the converse of plants overexpressing AtGA2ox6 in terms of seed germination attributes and effects on somatic embryo production.
Dissolution of nepheline, jadeite and albite glasses: toward better models for aluminosilicate dissolution

Abstract SLB acknowledges many educational and entertaining conversations with Hal Helgeson (ranging from kinetics to bent head morphologies) over the last 17 years. To investigate the effects of changing the Al/Si ratio on plagioclase dissolution without complications of varying Na/Ca content or exsolution, three glasses with varying Al/Si ratios (albite, jadeite, and nepheline glasses) were synthesized and dissolved. Many similarities in dissolution behavior between plagioclase crystals and this suite of glasses were observed: 1) dissolution was slowest at near-neutral pH and increased under acid and basic conditions; 2) dissolution rate at all pH values increased with increasing Al/Si ratio; 3) the pH dependence of dissolution was higher for the phase with Al/Si = 1 than the phase with Al/Si = 0.3; 4) after acid leaching, the extent of Al depletion of the altered surface increased with increasing bulk Al/Si ratio from Al/Si = 0.3 (albite glass) to 0.5 (jadeite glass), but then decreased in nepheline glass (Al/Si = 1.0), which dissolved stoichiometrically with respect to Al; and 5) little to no Al depletion of the surface of any glass occurred at pH > 7. In contrast with some observations for plagioclase dissolution, however, log (rate) increased linearly with Al content, and n, the slope of the log (rate) − pH curve at low pH, varied smoothly from albite glass to jadeite glass to nepheline glass (n = −0.3, −0.6, and −1.0, respectively). These results, plus the observation that the slope calculated at high pH, m, did not differ between glasses (m = 0.4 ± 0.1), may be consistent with an identical mechanism controlling dissolution of albite, jadeite, and nepheline glasses, although no Si-rich layer can develop on nepheline because of the lack of SiOSi linkages. Such a conclusion is consistent with a transition state for these aluminosilicates at high pH consisting of a deprotonated Q3Si hydroxyl group (where Qvx refers to an x atom in a tetrahedral site with v bridging oxygens) or a five-coordinate Si site after nucleophilic attack by OH−. At low pH, bridging oxygens between Q4Si and Q4Al may be rate limiting if they are slower to hydrolyze than QvSiQwSi linkages (v,w≤ 3). According to this mechanism, dissolution rate increases from albite to jadeite to nepheline glass because hydrolysis of AlOSi bonds become more energetically favorable as the number of Al atoms per Si tetrahedron increases, a phenomenon documented here by geometry optimizations by use of ab initio methods. A model wherein Q4AlQ4Si linkages are faster to hydrolyze than lower connectivity linkages between Si atoms (QvSiQwSi, v,w≤ 3) may also explain aspects of this data. Further computational and experimental measurements are needed to distinguish the models.
Autofluorescence bronchoscopy to identify pre-cancerous bronchial lesions

Background. This study aimed to assess the diagnostic yield of autofluorescence bronchoscopy (AFB) in the detection of pre-cancerous bronchial lesions in a non-selected sample of patients. Methods. Both fiberoptic white-light bronchoscopy (WLB) and AFB using the Storz D-light system were performed on 166 consecutive patients. Biopsy specimens were taken in areas of the tracheobronchial tree judged as abnormal or suspicious at WLB and/or AFB. The bronchoscopic procedures were randomly performed by two operators. Results. A total of 93 patients had a positive biopsy specimen: 80 for cancer and 13 for dysplasia. AFB was abnormal or suspicious in 85 of the 93 patients with a sensitivity of 91.4%. Specificity was 50.7%. In 16 patients with normal WLB examination, AFB identified abnormal or suspicious areas which had a positive biopsy. Thus AFB significantly improved sensitivity of WLB (100% vs 82.8%, respectively, p<0.001) in the entire sample of patients studied. Data was further analysed separately for patients with dysplasia and those with cancer. Indeed, 13 of 16 patients recognized only by AFB had a histological diagnosis of dysplasia. The remaining three patients had a diagnosis of cancer (small intraepithelial neoplastic lesions). Since no other patient with dysplasia was found, AFB had a sensitivity of 100% in diagnosing dysplasia. On the other hand, excluding the 13 patients with dysplasia, WLB had a high sensitivity in diagnosing cancer (93.7%). Conclusions. The AFB Storz system showed a high sensitivity. The increase in diagnostic yield of AFB in comparison with WLB was related to the power of AFB to identify pre-cancerous bronchial lesions so showing its usefulness in the early diagnosis of lung cancer.
Pragmatic information in biology and physics.

I will show how an objective definition of the concept of information and the consideration of recent results about information processing in the human brain help clarify some fundamental aspects o...
Response Assessment in Locally Advanced Head and Neck Cancer Based on RECIST and Volume Measurements Using Cone Beam CT Images

The purpose of this work was to find potential trends in RECIST measurements and volume regressions obtained from weekly cone-beam computed tomography images and to evaluate their relationship to clinical outcomes in locally advanced head and neck cancer. We examined thirty head and neck cancer patients who underwent a pre-treatment planning CT and weekly cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) during the 5-7 week treatment period. The gross tumor volume (GTV) and lymph nodes were manually contoured on the treatment planning CT. The regions of interest enclosed by delineated contours were converted to binary masks and warped to weekly CBCT images using the 3D deformation field obtained by deformable image registration. The RECIST diameters and volumes were measured from these warped masks. Different predictor variables based on these measurements were calculated and correlated with clinical outcomes, based on a clinical exam and a PET imaging study. We found that there was substantial regression of the gross tumor volume over the treatment course (average gross tumor volume regression of 25%). Among the gross tumor volume predicators, it was found that the early regression of gross tumor volume showed a marginal statistical significance (p = 0.045) with complete response and non-complete response treatment outcomes. RECIST diameter measurements during treatment varied very little and did not correlate with clinical outcomes. We concluded that regression of the gross tumor volume obtained from weekly CBCT images is a promising predictor of clinical outcomes for head and neck patients. A larger sample is needed to confirm its statistical significance.
Differential loss of heterozygosity at 7q31.2 in follicular and papillary thyroid tumors

We analysed 42 differentiated thyroid tumors including 15 follicular adenomas (FA), 13 papillary thyroid cancers (PTC) and 14 follicular thyroid carcinomas (FTC) with 13 microsatellite markers specific for the long arm of human chromosome 7 within 7q31; this region is deleted frequently in several other tumor types. Overall, 20 of the 42 samples analysed (48%) displayed LOH with one or more of the markers tested. LOH was detected most frequently (78%) in FTC, the most malignant of the thyroid tumors. A smallest common deleted region (SCDR) was defined in this tumor type flanked by markers D7S480 and D7S490. This SCDR is distinct from D7S522, the most commonly deleted locus in many other tumors, which was deleted in only one FTC. D7S522 did show LOH in two of six informative PTCs. None of the PTC and only two of the FAs showed LOH in the FTC SCDR. Since FA is considered a premalignant stage of FTC, our results suggest that inactivation of a putative tumor suppressor at 7q31.2 may be acquired during adenoma to carcinoma progression. The absence of LOH at this locus amongst PTC suggests that inactivation of this tumor suppressor is specific for FTC. In conclusion, LOH at 7q31 is a frequent event in differentiated thyroid cancer, and we have defined a 2 cM SCDR specific for FTC.
Core Needle Biopsy Wash Optimization: Enabling Specimen Integrity for both Cytological and Histological Evaluation.

Background The recovery of cells after washing core needle biopsies represents an under-utilized approach to extend the diagnostic capacity of these diminutive specimens. Recovery of these cells can be dedicated for molecular studies so that the biopsy itself can be used apropos for its intended purpose, diagnosis. Non-enzymatic and enzymatic reagents have the potential to increase the number of cells dissociating from the tissue core, but can also negatively impact the quality of the tissue itself. Materials and methods Three different means (phosphate-buffered saline, a non-enzymatic and an enzymatic solution) were used to wash core needle biopsies. The washed cells were recovered by traditional preparatory methods and evaluated for cellularity and cytomorphology. The post-washed cores were processed by formalin fixation, paraffin embedding and evaluated for integrity and morphological quality. Results The enzymatic solution damaged both the cytological and tissue specimens, while the saline and non-enzymatic process allowed for the comparable recovery of cells and tissue for evaluation. Conclusion Adequate numbers of cells are dissociated from the tissue core when needle biopsies are washed. The recovery and preservation of cells and tissue for morphological interpretation was optimal when solutions devoid of enzymes were used for washing.
Functioning Tumors of the Ovary

Certain ovarian tumors are capable of producing a hormonal effect. The mere presence of altered endocrine activity in no way indicates an ovarian tumor or the need for immediate exploratory laparotomy, but the possibility of a functioning tumor must be considered when an ovarian tumor is palpable and the patient's story suggests endocrinopathy. Complete hysterectomy and bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy seem preferable to the risk of leaving residual tumor in a conserved ovary, especially since oral hormonal therapy is so satisfactory, but if the patient desires children a conservative surgical approach appears justified in view of the low recurrence rate. In any case, removal of the tumor assures fairly prompt return to a normal sexual pattern from the spectacular changes produced by these uncommon tumors.
Clinical Features and Etiology Analysis of Ischemic Cerebrovascular Disease in Children

Objective To summarize the clinical characteristics and causes of ischemic cerebrovascular disease(ICD)in children.Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of 53 cases with ICD from Feb.2002 to Jun.2008 at the department of neurology in Wuhan Children's Hospital.The self-designed questionnaire of children with ICD was used,whose items included patients' age,gender,personal history,clinical features,cerebrospinal fluid examination,neurological imaging,immunologic examination,metabolic examination,and so on.Results Of 53 children with ICD,30 cases(56.6%)were male,and 23 cases(43.4%)were female.Patients' age varied from 9 months to 12 years old,in which 45 cases(84.9%)were less than 6 years old.Patients from rural area(60.4%)were more than those from city(39.6%).Ratio of limb paralysis was 75.5%(40 cases)in first clinical symptomatology of children with ICD,including hemiplegia in 32 cases(60.4%),alternate hemiplegia in 5 cases(9.4%)and monoplegia in 3 cases(5.7%).Skull CT/MRI scan was performed to reveal 27 cases(50.9%)with basal ganglia region infarction and secondly 15 cases(28.3%)with multi-lobar infarction.Forty cases were found in abnormal cerebrovascular image by means of magnetic resonance angiography/digital subtraction angiography,in which middle cerebral artery and its branches were involved in 21 cases(52.5%).There were 41 cases(77.4%)of patients to be found with clear causes,of which 13 cases(24.5%)were of infections,8 cases(15.1%)of moyamoya disease,5 cases(9.4%)of cerebral vascular malformations,4 cases(7.5%)of head trauma.However,another 12 cases(22.6%)of patients had unknown etiology.Conclusions Children with ICD had characteristics themselves.The limb paralysis was mostly the first symptoms,and the middle cerebral artery and its branches lesions were the most common locations in children with ICD,and next the internal carotid artery involvement,anterior cerebral artery involvement,posterior cerebral artery involvement,cerebral vascular malformations,and so on.Their major cause was infection,followed by Moyamoya disease,cerebrovascular malformations and head trauma,and there were still some unknown causes.
Study on the use of HACCP system in fast food of Train Set With Power Car

Objective In order to comply with hygiene requirements of fast food supply for Train Set With Power Car.Methods The use of site investigation methods,Application of HACCP Principle,to hazard analysis in the process of fast food production,transportation,marketing aspect conduct.Identify critical control points,the development of quality control of the content.Results Determine the control aspect as follows:food procurement,cooking process, cooked food containers wash disinfection,packaging and sale of the health status of staff,lunch boxes and drinking water hygiene assurance insulation measures, pre-sale center temperature.For the key aspect,the relevant control measures:from the formal channels of procurement of food,heating food thoroughly,cooked food containers should be clean and disinfected before irresponsible for packaging and marketing personnel in good health.At the packaging and marketing of food before,they should wash their hands disinfected.Used for the transport of food boxes with heating.Conclusion Application of HACCP principles, to ensure food hygiene and safety,prevention of food poisoning and foodborne diseases have happened a better role.
Membrane Biogenesis: Fatty Acids

Abstract The first half of this book focused on the composition and structure of biological membranes (Part I. Membrane Composition and Structure). The last half of the book will concentrate on membrane function (Part II. Membrane Biological Functions). Since biological membranes are such extremely complex entities, composition, structure and, function are so completely integrated that it is impossible to discuss one aspect in the absence of the other two. This last part of the book will first investigate membrane biogenesis with discussion of the following topics: Chapter 14 . Membrane Biogenesis: Fatty Acids Chapter 15 . Membrane Biogenesis: Phospholipids, Sphingolipids, Plasmalogens and Cholesterol Chapter 16 . Membrane Biogenesis: Proteins
Efficient neighborhood selection for walk summable Gaussian graphical models

This paper addresses the problem of learning Gaussian graphical models using a threshold-based greedy neighborhood selection and pruning algorithm. The algorithm leverages the fact that the maximum conditional covariance between a node and its undiscovered neighbors given any estimated neighborhood is always bounded away from zero. We provide theoretical guarantees for the efficiency and accuracy of our algorithm for the class of walk summable Gaussian graphical models. We verify the performance of the algorithm through simulations.
Principles for Lifetime Portfolio Selection: Lessons from Portfolio Theory

Portfolio theory is concerned with developing general principles and practical models for making sound lifetime portfolio decisions. Much of the current research on portfolio theory emanates from the path-breaking mean–variance portfolio model of Nobel Laureate Harry Markowitz. Although the mean–variance model continues to be the most widely used portfolio model in financial practice, economists have devoted considerable effort to research on two additional models of portfolio behavior, the geometric mean model, and the lifetime consumption–investment model. These models are also useful to investors because they offer significant additional insights into optimal portfolio behavior. The purpose of this chapter is to review the major findings of the research literature on the mean–variance model, the geometric mean model, and the lifetime consumption–investment model, and, on the basis of this review, to develop a set of practical guidelines for making lifetime portfolio decisions.
Judgments of the distance to nearby virtual objects: Interaction of viewing conditions and accommodative demand

Ten subjects adjusted a real-object probe to match the distance of nearby virtual objects optically presented via a see-through, helmet-mounted display. Monocular, biocular, and stereoscopic viewing conditions were used with two levels of required focus. Observed errors may be related to changes in the subjects' binocular convergence. The results suggest ways in which virtual objects may be presented with improved spatial fidelity.
Cultural and Educational Traditions

The teaching and writing of Peru's history has been a continual civil war between the Indigenistas who glorify the Indian and denigrate all other racial types, and Hispanicists who venerate the Spaniard to the exclusion of all others. For the first group the conquest was a disaster. For the second, the Spaniards are heroes who have brought civilization and unending glory to Peru. (JORGE BASARDRE)
Online Multicast Routing

In this chapter, we study a class of multicast routing problems that cannot be described by a static definition of a network and a multicast group. In the online version of the multicast routing problems, we assume that members of a multicast group are able to enter or leave the group as desired.