cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Regulatory mechanisms for the development of the migratory phenotype: roles for photoperiod and the gonad.

Abstract This article is part of a Special Issue “Energy Balance”. Male white-crowned sparrows, Zonotrichia leucophrys gambelii, were studied to investigate roles of natural day length and the testes in regulating development and expression of the vernal migration phenotype. Previous work suggested that a pulse of androgen during winter months followed by the vernal increase in photoperiod promotes fueling (fat deposition) to support long distance flight; however, other traits required for successful migration remain untested. To investigate these points, birds were captured on their wintering grounds and castrated prior to winter solstice following Mattocks (1976). A subset of the castrates received 8 mm Silastic implants of testosterone (T-castrates) and others blank implants (Blank-castrates) for 16 days in February. Shams were surgical controls. Migratory traits measured were as follows: 24 h locomotor activity, prenuptial molt, body mass, fat score, flight muscle profile, cloacal protuberance (CPL) and plasma androgens measured over 28 weeks divided into 3 experimental periods (pre-implant, implant, and post-implant). Under short day lengths, castration increased diurnal locomotor activity over Shams. Testosterone implants temporarily enhanced CPL, plasma androgens and flight muscle enlargement, but failed to induce migratory restlessness. Whereas all groups exhibited seasonal increases in mass, fat score and muscle profile, only Shams showed timely onset and completion of prenuptial molt and migratory restlessness. Thus, for castrated males exposed to naturally increasing day lengths, the organizational effects of a transient testosterone surge were not sufficient to actuate a timely spring molt and migratory behavior. A fully functional testis that can organize central processes is required for the entire expression of the spring migratory phenotype.
Digital Signal Processing for Step-Scan Fourier Transform Infrared Photoacoustic Spectroscopy

A software-based digital signal processing (DSP) method using the data system processor has been developed to demodulate the photoacoustic responses of a sample to the fundamental phase modulation frequency and its harmonic frequencies (up to the ninth harmonic) in step-scan FT-IR photoacoustic measurements, without the use of any additional hardware. The DSP algorithm and its sampling depth multiplexing advantages are compared to conventional hardware demodulation. Comparison of results from the DSP method to those from hardware demodulators are shown at both the phase modulation frequency and the harmonics, and application of the DSP method to step-scan photoacoustic measurements with phase modulation is discussed as it applies to obtaining depth profile information in heterogeneous materials.
2ZrO2·Y2O3 Thermal Barrier Coatings Resistant to Degradation by Molten CMAS: Part II, Interactions with Sand and Fly Ash

Based on the application of OB considerations (Part I) to various major thermal barrier coating (TBC) compositions and two types of important calcium–magnesium–alumino–silicates (CMAS)—desert sand and fly ash—the 2ZrO2·Y2O3 solid solution (ss) TBC composition, with high CMAS-resistance potential, is chosen for studying molten-CMAS/TBC interactions. It is demonstrated that 2ZrO2·Y2O3(ss) air plasma sprayed (APS) TBCs are highly resistant to high-temperature attack by both sand-CMAS and fly-ash-CMAS. Despite the differences in the compositions of the two CMASs, the overall CMAS-attack mitigation mechanisms in both cases appear to be similar, viz reaction between 2ZrO2·Y2O3(ss) APS TBC and the CMAS, and the formation of main reaction products of Y-depleted c-ZrO2 and nonstoichiometric Ca–Y apatite. Large differences in the OBs (ΔΛ) between the 2ZrO2·Y2O3(ss) and the CMASs are good predictors of ready reaction between this TBC and these CMASs. While the details of the CMAS-mitigation mechanisms can depend critically on various other aspects, the OB difference (ΔΛ) calculations could be used for the initial screening of CMAS-resistant TBC compositions.
A research agenda for the acupuncture community

Abstract In this manuscript, I describe a research agenda appropriate to the acupuncture community that is designed to fundamental questions of interest to patients and practitioners. The agenda would help schools focus their training to prepare practitioners to meet the needs of the patients who come to them, would prepare practitioners to be confident of the ways in which they can help patients and when they cannot, and would prepare patients to be more savvy and appropriate consumers of acupuncture. I describe 13 top research priorities. For each research priority, I describe why it is important to our general understanding of acupuncture, what type of data or experiments are needed to answer these questions and what groups of acupuncturists can best answer these questions.
Teaching and Learning Forgiveness: A Multidimensional Approach

Abstract. This essay seeks to illumine the teaching andlearning of the practice of forgiveness by relating a rangeof theoretical perspectives (theological, psychological,and socio-cultural) to the process of cultivating the prac-tical wisdom needed for forgiveness. We discuss how aTrinitarian “epistemology of the cross” might lead oneto a new way of perceiving life’s constraints and possi-bilities and relate this theological epistemology to threepsychological approaches for understanding forgiveness– a narrative approach, object-relations theory, and consciousness development theory. Our discussion ofthese theoretical perspectives is explicitly related to thepractice of teaching and learning forgiveness, outlininglearning activities we have used in a course we taught(which ranged from case studies and ﬁlm to lectures anddiscussions based on close readings of biblical and the-ological texts) and reporting highlights in our students’work. In Teaching a Stone to Talk Annie Dillard writes: “Inthe deeps are the violence and terror of which psychol-ogy has warned us. But if you ride these monsters down,if you drop with them farther over the world’s rim, youﬁnd what our sciences cannot locate or name...ourcomplex and inexplicable caring for each other, for ourlife together here. This is given. It is not learned”(Dillard 1982, 82). Living and working in our fre-quently conﬂicted communities, and our increasinglydiverse seminaries, we are well aware that this “complexand inexplicable caring” is both elusive and necessary.As professors in a Lutheran seminary, we became con-vinced that students preparing to be Christian publicleaders should, indeed, be given adequate preparationfor their future work as wise and caring peacemakers.Believing that any journey through the dark side is ultimately empowered by God’s gift of forgiveness, wesought to develop a course that would – by way of aninterdisciplinary conversation between systematic theol-ogy (led by Lois Malcolm) and pastoral care (led byJanet Ramsey) – illuminate a difﬁcult theological inter-section: God’s solidarity with and righteous vindicationof victims of suffering and injustice, on the one hand,and forgiveness and mercy for the guilty, on the other.Psychologically, there was also a difﬁcult link to explore– the need for both victims and perpetrators to moveaway from a hunger for revenge and blame towards adesire for increased empathy and personal courage. Wewere also interested in the opportunity our collabora-tion might offer for a critical examination of our ownpresuppositions and practices.In this essay, we discuss the range of theoretical per-spectives on forgiveness – theological, psychological,and socio-cultural – that informed our planning, teach-ing, and learning. We also describe some of the issuesraised for us and for our students as we attempted toengage this topic theologically and experientially in ourprofessional lives and the lives of students.
How viral infections enhance or prevent type 1 diabetes-from mouse to man.

More recent evidence shows that viral infections can enhance as well as prevent type 1 diabetes in experimental animal models [Filippi and von Herrath, 2010]. Published findings clearly indicate that the replication levels of the virus [Tracy et al., 2010] as well as the timing of infection [Richer and Horwitz, 2009] in relation to the autoimmune process both play an instrumental role. For example, enteroviruses replicating to higher levels, accelerate type 1 diabetes, whereas lower replication rates result in the prevention of diabetes. In human pancreata, elevated levels of MHC class 1 were detected in many islets which could be an indicator of a persistent infection. When present, the increased MHC affected all islet cells. MHC upregulation was present in a lobular and patchy fashion, and in many but not all cases associated with CD8 infiltration. In vivo tetramer staining showed that many of these CD8s cells were specific for beta cell antigens. It is proposed that it is possible that a persistent viral infection could unmask human islets for recognition by autoreactive CD8 T cells [von Herrath, 2009]. Indeed in animal models upregulation of MHC class 1 on beta cells is a pre-requisite for their destruction. On the other hand, prevention of diabetes in NOD mice by Coxsackie viruses was associated with “invigorated” Tregs that was present in higher numbers and produced more TGF-beta [Filippi et al., 2009]. This phenomenon was TLR-2 dependent and effects of TLR-2 on TLR as well as on dendritic cells was a contributory factor. Therefore antiviral vaccines targeting for example enteroviruses might be able to influence the prevalence of human diabetes. J. Med. Virol. 83:1672–1672, 2011. © 2011 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Thermodynamic properties of uranium-aluminum alloys

Abstract Emf measurements over the temperature range 400 to 840 °C and calorimetric data were combined to develop thermodynamic relations for the reactions U(s) + xAl(s) → UAlx(s). The relations obtained from emf measurements are, ΔG0(UAl4) = −26 040+1.121T, ΔG0(UAl3) = −25 190 + 0.487T, ΔG0(UAl2) = −20 700 + 0.212T. These relations are based on data obtained over the temperature spans of 401 to 639, 399 to 706, and 442 to 840 °C respectively. The standard deviations for the first and second terms (enthalpy and entropy of formation per mole of compound) are all within 140 to 160 cal/mole and 0.17 to 0.19 cal/mole·°K, respectively. The enthalpies of formation at 298 K as determined in an adiabatic calorimeter were −29.8 ± 2.0, −25.9 ± 2.0 and −22.1 ± 2.0 kcal/mole for UAl4, UAl3 and UAl2 respectively. These data were combined with the emf data to yield the relations ΔG0(UAl4) = −32 040−7.52 TInT + 59.07T, ΔG0(UAl3) = − 26 290−1.305TInT+ 10.60T, ΔG0(UAl2) = −22 790−2.326TInT+ 18.37 T. The enthalpy change for the peritectic reaction at 732 °C UAl4 → UAl3 + Al (in liquid solution) was determined to be 4.0 ± 0.4 kcal/mole. These data were employed in explaining the suppression of the formation of UAl4by the addition of ternary components which concentrate in the UAl3 phase.
Kidding around with hypnosis

Abstract This paper reviews a long term research project relating hypnotic susceptibility to performance and personality variables. Several experiments indicated that people who are low in hypnotic susceptibility try harder than high susceptibles for maximum performances on strength, endurance, psychomotor coordination, and cognitive tests, though high susceptibles are generally more pleased with their own performances. Other experiments indicated that people of high hypnotic susceptibility have slower brain-wave patterns under relaxed, nonhypnotic conditions, than do low susceptibles. These findings, together with a third set of findings on the developmental character of hypnotic susceptibility, led to the theory that hypnotic susceptibility and brain-wave patterns are both inversely correlated with achievement motivation and with its developmental roots in childhood independence training. An elaborate research program was initiated to investigate the hypothesized relationships.
INFLUENCE OF ANTAGONISM PHENOMENON ON MAMMARY GLAND DEVELOPMENT1

CERTAIN EXTRACTS containing gonadotropic substances (i, 2, 3), which produ a well-defined gonadotropic effect under certain conditions of administration, will under other conditions of administration antagonize the influence of endog-enous gonadotropins, their own gonadotropic influence, or the influence of other gonadotropins. This ‘antagonism’ phenomenon occurs after initial administration of the extract. On the other hand, the gonadotropic extracts, administered so that they will produce a gonadotropic effect initially, will, on long continued dosage, fail to maintain the gonadotropic effect and will produce substances, isolated from definite fractions of the blood, which will counteract the gonadotropic effect in newly treated animals. This effect is spoken of as the ‘antihormone’ phenomenon (4). It is unlikely that the antagonism and antihormone phenomena are the result of the same mecha-nism, since the antibody-like production in the latter requires a considerable lapse of time.
Dynamic pile‐soil‐pile interaction. Part II: Lateral and seismic response

SUMMARY A simplified three-step procedure is proposed for estimating the dynamic interaction between two vertical piles, subjected either to lateral pile-head loading or to vertically-propagating seismic S-waves. The starting point is the determination of the deflection profile of a solitary pile using any of the established methods available. Physically-motivated approximations are then introduced for the wave field radiating from an oscillating pile and for the effect of this field on an adjacent pile. The procedure is applied in this paper to a flexible pile embedded in a homogeneous stratum. To obtain analytical closed-form results for both pile-head and seismic-type loading pile-soil and soil-pile interaction are accounted for through a single dynamic Winkler model, with realistic frequency-dependent ‘springs’ and ‘dashpots’. Final- and intermediate-step results of the procedure compare favourably with those obtained using rigorous formulations for several pile group configurations. It is shown that, for a homogeneous stratum, pile-to-pile interaction effects are far more significant under head loading than under seismic excitation.
Lithium inhibits Aβ‐induced stress in endoplasmic reticulum of rabbit hippocampus but does not prevent oxidative damage and tau phosphorylation

The goal of this study was to assess the in vivo effect of Abeta on apoptosis pathways involving the endoplasmic reticulum and mitochondria, and its relationship to the induction of tau phosphorylation and DNA oxidative damage. In rabbits treated intracisternally with aggregated Abeta(1-42), clear evidence of endoplasmic reticulum stress was observed by the activation of caspase-12 and cleavage of caspase-3 in the endoplasmic reticulum. Mitochondrial injury was evident from the release of cytochrome c into the cytosol and the induction of oxidized mitochondrial DNA. Tau phosphorylation and nuclear translocation of NF-kappaB and GSK-3beta were also observed. Treatment with lithium, an inhibitor of GSK-3beta, inhibited caspase activation but did not prevent mitochondrial DNA damage or tau hyperphosphorylation, suggesting that the translocation of GSK-3beta may represent an upstream event that leads to caspase activation but is unrelated to tau hyperphosphorylation or mitochondrial DNA oxidative damage. We propose that treatment by lithium alone is not sufficient to protect against the multiple adverse effects of Abeta, and the use of agents that prevent oxidative DNA damage and tau hyperphosphorylation, together with lithium, may provide better protection from the neurotoxic effect of Abeta.
Approximate Pure Nash Equilibria via Lovász Local Lemma

In many types of games, mixed Nash equilibria is not a satisfying solution concept, as mixed actions are hard to interpret. However, pure Nash equilibria, which are more natural, may not exist in many games. In this paper we explore a class of graphical games, where each player has a set of possible decisions to make, and the decisions have bounded interaction with one another. In our class of games, we show that while pure Nash equilibria may not exist, there is always a pure approximate Nash equilibrium. We also show that such an approximate Nash equilibrium can be found in polynomial time. Our proof is based on the Lovasz local lemma and Talagrand inequality, a proof technique that can be useful in showing similar existence results for pure (approximate) Nash equilibria also in other classes of games.
Anomalous contrast from an anti-phase domain boundary in beta-brass

Abstract Anti-phase domain boundaries were observed in β-brass, CuZn, with the eieetron microscope by an anomalous contrast mechanism. The operative refection was a fundamental instead of a normal superlattice reflection. The contrast was explained by a small change in lattice parameter at the anti-phase domain boundary. Normal anti-phase domain boundary contrast was also observed with a superlattice reflection even though the difference in scattering factor between Cu and Zn is only about 1%.
High-performance blend membranes composed of an amphoteric copolymer containing supramolecular nanosieves for direct methanol fuel cells

An amphoteric copolymer containing sulfonic acid groups and supramolecular nanosieves has been synthesized and blended with sulfonated poly (ether ether ketone) (SPEEK) for direct methanol fuel cells (DMFCs). The blend membranes show enhanced proton conductivity, suppressed methanol crossover, and superior fuel cell performance over the plain SPEEK and Nafion membranes.
Cross-modality matching of brightness to loudness by 5-year-olds

The purpose was to determine whether 5-year-old children could match the brightness of a light to the loudness of a sound, and whether the resulting cross-modality function resembled the power function produced by adults. Each of five children adjusted the voltage on a 15D-W lamp to make the apparent brightness appear equal to the loudness of a 500-Hz tone, which the E set to eight different levels. The results resembled those of five adults who performed the same task.
Management of the recurrent laryngeal nerve in suspected and proven thyroid cancer

Vocal cord paralysis occurs with and without infiltration of the recurrent laryngeal nerve. Patients with no paralysis may have recurrent laryngeal nerve infiltration. We studied 262 patients with invasive thyroid carcinoma and an additional 480 patients that we operated on, and we offer an approach to the management of the recurrent laryngeal nerve during surgery for suspected or proven thyroid cancer. Because complete excision of papillary carcinoma with resection of the recurrent laryngeal nerve did not improve survival over incomplete excision, we recommend incomplete excision of papillary carcinoma infiltrating a functioning recurrent laryngeal nerve with postoperative I-131 and thyroid-stimulating hormone suppression. We observed (1) lymphoma and Reidel's thyroiditis causing paralysis with infiltration of the recurrent laryngeal nerve with recovery of function, (2) benign and malignant nodules causing paralysis without infiltration of the recurrent laryngeal nerve with recovery of function, and (3) infiltration of the recurrent laryngeal nerve without paralysis in lymphoma, Graves' disease, and thyroiditis. In surgery for a suspicious nodule with paralysis, identify the recurrent laryngeal nerve, resect it if it is infiltrated by carcinoma, and preserve it if not infiltrated or if infiltrated by any pathology besides carcinoma.
Addressing the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education Competencies: An Opportunity to Impact Medical Education and Patient Care

The Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) rolled out a document1 in 1999 that perhaps could have the greatest impact on medical education as a continuum since the Flexner report and ultimately could influence the quality of healthcare of our nation (that is, if those of us responsible for medical education at all levels see this as an opportunity and not as a way to simply satisfy an external accrediting body). This document was originally designed for resident education, but the competency-based concepts have already permeated the thinking in and stimulated the responsible parties for undergraduate education. Those responsible for continuing medical education have previously questioned the efficacy of traditional continuing education and want to see knowledge and performance linked. Current word of mouth has it that residency programs are being cited by residency review committees for not demonstrating an effort to address and implement the competencies. Why is this? On the surface, it seems that physicians responsible for residency training are deciphering the competencies as best they can, working within their own programs to create a competency-based curriculum. This is an overwhelming and daunting challenge for many reasons, not the least of which are a lack of national guidelines, limited resources, limited time, not understanding definitions of the competencies, not knowing how to evaluate specific areas, non–evidence-based evaluation techniques in the ACGME tool box, and perhaps, most importantly, not having any formal background in the process of medical education. So, how do we approach this challenge so that we can assure that our trainees will be the most competent, caring, humanistic, and bright physicians? I have reflected on this enormous task based on my long-time interest and training in medical education and my travels to many programs throughout the country, listening to the concerns of training-program and … Address correspondence to Larrie Greenberg, MD, Department of Pediatrics, Children’s National Medical Center, Office of Faculty Affairs, 2300 Eye St, NW, George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, DC 20037. E-mail: larrie_greenberg{at}hotmail.com
A study of the nuclear continuum in 16O by inelastic 3He scattering

Abstract Inelastic scattering of 71 MeV 3He particles from 16O shows an enhancement and structure of the continuum consistent with the assumption of a giant quadrupole resonance. Completely microscopic model calculations indicate that the excitation of 1−(T= 1) and 0+(T=0) states may account for only about 10 % of the total cross sections of the excitation region 17–27 MeV.
The existence of steady solutions of the Kuramoto-Sivashinsky equation

Abstract We investigate the existence of steady solutions of the Kuramoto-Sivashinsky equation. For wave speed c = 1 we show that there are two periodic solutions and two heteroclinic orbits for the resultant third order ordinary differential equation. A discussion is given concerning the possibility of using these solutions to obtain the existence of more complicated patterns.
Cognitive categorization processes in performance evaluation: Confirmatory tests of two models

We tested a data-driven ‘traditional’ model and a schema-driven ‘categorization’ model of rater cognitive processes. Raters viewed one of two videotaped lectures on economics. Next, they completed dimensional and overall performance ratings, and scales designed to measure performance-based and non-performance-based aspects of raters' general impressions. We tested model predictions using a combination of confirmatory factor analysis and single-equation regression estimates of structural parameters. Neither model received unequivocal support, though results favored the categorization model. We conclude that (a) performance-based and non-performance-based aspects of a rater's general impression can be distinguished empirically, (b) raters' overall impressions of ratees may substantially reflect the integration of performance-based information, and (c) performance evaluation may be better viewed in the context of ‘evaluation-based’ rather than ‘memory-based’ judgments.
Twenty-five years of landsat thermal band calibration

Landsat-7 Enhanced Thematic Mapper+ (ETM+), launched in April 1999, and Landsat-5 Thematic Mapper (TM), launched in 1984, both have a single thermal band. Both instruments' thermal band calibrations have been updated previously: ETM+ in 2001 for a pre-launch calibration error and TM in 2007 for data acquired since the current era of vicarious calibration has been in place (1999). Vicarious calibration teams at Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) and NASA/Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) have been working to validate the instrument calibration since 1999. Recent developments in their techniques and sites have expanded the temperature and temporal range of the validation. The new data indicate that the calibration of both instruments had errors: the ETM+ calibration contained a gain error of 5.8% since launch; the TM calibration contained a gain error of 5% and an additional offset error between 1997 and 1999. Both instruments required adjustments in their thermal calibration coefficients in order to correct for the errors. The new coefficients were calculated and added to the Landsat operational processing system in early 2010. With the corrections, both instruments are calibrated to within ±0.7K.
The effect of the summer doldrums on the market reaction to earnings announcements

Abstract Hong and Yu (2009) document a significant decrease in trading volume and returns during the summer months. Given the tendency of noise traders to buy shares following both positive and negative earnings surprises ( Lee, 1992 ), we hypothesize that reduced trading activity by noise-traders results in less of an earnings announcement premium during the summer. Consistent with our hypothesis, we find lower abnormal returns surrounding summer earnings announcements compared to non-summer announcements. We also find lower abnormal returns in the ten days prior to the announcement, consistent with less front-running by sophisticated investors. Finally, we show that these summer effects are stronger in recent years characterized by more online trading and greater noise trader participation.
Transfer tests of stimulus value in concurrent chains.

We report two experiments that use transfer tests to investigate whether in concurrent chains the value of a terminal-link stimulus is affected by the alternate terminal link. In Experiment 1, two groups of pigeons were trained on multiple concurrent-chains schedules in which switching between the schedules was via pecking a changeover key. For one group, the terminal links were fixed-interval 8 s versus fixed-interval 16 s in one component and fixed-interval 16 s versus fixed-interval 32 s in the other component. For a second group, the terminal links were variable-interval 10 s versus variable-interval 20 s in one component and variable-interval 20 s versus variable-interval 40 s in the other. After sufficient baseline training had been given so that performances had stabilized, transfer tests were conducted in which the two chains with equal terminal-link schedules were presented together as a new concurrent pair. For 6 of the 7 subjects, initial-link responding changed fairly rapidly during the test in the manner predicted if the values of the terminal links were equal. In Experiment 2, pigeons were trained on multiple concurrent chains using a two-key procedure, and the terminal links were the same variable-interval schedules as in Experiment 1. After baseline training, transfer tests were conducted that assessed (a) the relative reinforcing strength of the terminal-link stimuli in a novel initial-link situation and (b) the relative ability of those stimuli to evoke responding. The data from the reinforcing strength test were consistent with those from Experiment 1, but those from the evocation strength test were not. Although this discrepancy shows that responding in transfer tests is not solely a function of stimulus value, the results from both experiments suggest, overall, that value is determined by the stimulus—reinforcer relation independently of the alternative terminal link.
Gabapentin reverses the allodynia produced by the administration of anti-GD2 ganglioside, an immunotherapeutic drug

Department of Anesthesiology, University of California-San Diego, La Jolla, California Systemically administered, the anti-GD, antibody produces allodynia demonstrated by decreased me- chanical withdrawal threshold. Electrophysiologic re- cordings indicate a probable neuropathic origin, as small-diameter sensory fibers develop continuous high-frequency discharge after antibody administra- tion. Gabapentin (GBP) is a y-aminobutyric acid analog originally synthesized for its anticonvulsant actions. Several open-label clinical studies, as well as a wealth of anecdotal evidence, suggest that GBP may be beneficial for the treatment of neuropathic pain. This study exam- ined the effects of GBP given as a posttreatment after induction of an anti-GD2-associated allodynia. Anti- GD2 (1 mg/kg intravenously [IV]) administered to Sprague-Dawley rats reduced the mean withdrawal threshold from 14.71 to 4.95 g (P < O.OOl), as measured by using von Frey hairs. This was reversed by GBP in a dose-dependent fashidn; the minimal effective dose was between 3 and 30 mg/kg IV. The maximal percent analgesic effect of GBP was 76% and 93% at doses of 30 and 100 mg/kg, respectively (P < 0.001). With these doses, side effects were minimal and manifested as slightly decreased spontaneous movement and star- tle response. No changes were seen in reflex responses to cornea1 or pinna stimulation, and no motor deficits were observed. These data support the use of GBP as an effective therapy for neuropathic pain. Implications: After the administration of anti-GD2 antibody, rats dis- play an escape reaction to light touch, increased blood pressure, and aberrant firing in nerve fibers associated with pain transmission. Systemic gabapentm reduced or eliminated the escape response and reversed the hy- pertension with minimal side effects. This suggests that gabapentin blocked the antibody-associated (neuro- pathic) pain. (Anesth Analg 1998;86:11 l-6)
Current status of lupus genetics

Over the past 40 years more than 100 genetic risk factors have been defined in systemic lupus erythematosus through a combination of case studies, linkage analyses of multiplex families, and case-control analyses of single genes. Multiple investigators have examined patient cohorts gathered from around the world, and although we doubt that all of the reported associations will be replicated, we have probably already discovered many of the genes that are important in lupus pathogenesis, including those encoding human leukocyte antigen-DR, Fcγ receptor 3A, protein tyrosine phosphatase nonreceptor 22, cytotoxic T lymphocyte associated antigen 4, and mannose-binding lectin. In this review we will present what is known, what is disputed, and what remains to be discovered in the world of lupus genetics.
Genome size and DNA complexity of Plasmodium falciparum.

Plasmodium falciparum DNA was prepared from cells cultured in vitro in human erythrocytes. The P. falciparum DNA was mixed with a tritium-labeled Escherichia coli DNA standard, and the kinetics of reassociation were measured using hydroxyapatite chromatography. It was found that the P. falciparum genome size is equal to 3.8 . 10(8) nucleotide pairs, and that a repetitive component is present which contains about 10% of the DNA. The average repetition frequency in this component is 95 copies of each sequence.
The cysteine-rich domain regulates ADAM protease function in vivo.

ADAMs are membrane-anchored proteases that regulate cell behavior by proteolytically modifying the cell surface and ECM. Like other membrane-anchored proteases, ADAMs contain candidate “adhesive” domains downstream of their metalloprotease domains. The mechanism by which membrane-anchored cell surface proteases utilize these putative adhesive domains to regulate protease function in vivo is not well understood. We address this important question by analyzing the relative contributions of downstream extracellular domains (disintegrin, cysteine rich, and EGF-like repeat) of the ADAM13 metalloprotease during Xenopus laevis development. When expressed in embryos, ADAM13 induces hyperplasia of the cement gland, whereas ADAM10 does not. Using chimeric constructs, we find that the metalloprotease domain of ADAM10 can substitute for that of ADAM13, but that specificity for cement gland expansion requires a downstream extracellular domain of ADAM13. Analysis of finer resolution chimeras indicates an essential role for the cysteine-rich domain and a supporting role for the disintegrin domain. These and other results reveal that the cysteine-rich domain of ADAM13 cooperates intramolecularly with the ADAM13 metalloprotease domain to regulate its function in vivo. Our findings thus provide the first evidence that a downstream extracellular adhesive domain plays an active role in regulating ADAM protease function in vivo. These findings are likely relevant to other membrane-anchored cell surface proteases.
Is amyloid β-peptide neurotoxic or neuroprotective and what is its role in the binding of metal ions?

Is amyloid -peptide neurotoxic or neuroprotective and what is its role in the binding of metal ions? John Savory a,b,∗, Othman Ghribi a, Mary M. Herman c a Department of Pathology, Health Sciences Center, University of Virginia, P.O. Box 168, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA b Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA c IRP, NIMH, NIH, Bethesda, MD, USA
Physical and mental health-related correlates of physical function in community dwelling older adults: a cross sectional study

Background: Physical function is the ability to perform both basic and instrumental activities of daily living, and the ability of older adults to reside in the community depends to a large extent on their level of physical function. Multiple physical and health-related variables may differentially affect physical function, but they have not been well characterized. The purpose of this investigation was to identify and examine physical and mental healthrelated correlates of physical function in a sample of community-dwelling older adults. Methods: Nine hundred and four community dwelling older men (n = 263) and women (n = 641) with a mean (95% Confidence Interval) age of 76.6 (76.1, 77.1) years underwent tests of physical function (Timed Up and Go; TUG), Body Mass Index (BMI) was calculated from measured height and weight, and data were collected on selfreported health quality of life (SF-36), falls during the past 6 months, number of medications per day, depression (Geriatric Depression Scale; GDS), social support, and sociodemographic variables. Results: Subjects completed the TUG in 8.7 (8.2, 9.2) seconds and expended 6,976 (6,669, 7,284) Kcal.wk -1 in physical activity. The older persons had a mean BMI of 27. 6 (27.2, 28.0), 62% took 3 or more medications per day, and14.4% had fallen one or more times over the last 6 months. Mean scores on the Mental Component Summary (MCS) was 50.6 (50.2, 51,0) and the Physical Component Summary (PCS) was 41.3 (40.8, 41.8). Multiple sequential regression analysis showed that, after adjustment for TUG floor surface correlates of physical function included age, sex, education, physical activity (weekly energy expenditure), general health, bodily pain, number of medications taken per day, depression and Body Mass Index. Further, there is a dose response relationship such that greater degree of physical function impairment is associated with poorer scores on physical healthrelated variables. Conclusions: Physical function in community-dwelling older adults is associated with several physical and mental health-related factors. Further study examining the nature of the relationships between these variables is needed.
Spring Ligament Reconstruction for Advanced Flatfoot Deformity with the Use of an Achilles Allograft

Patients with flexible flatfoot can present with a variety of deformities, including heel valgus, medial arch collapse, and midfoot abduction. The spring (calcaneonavicular) ligament plays a major role in stabilizing the medial longitudinal arch. Its compromise, when severe enough and accompanied by failure of other ligaments, is manifested by talonavicular collapse on lateral radiographs along with uncoverage of the talar head by the navicular on anteroposterior radiographs. In this article, we describe a method of reconstructing the spring ligament complex by using an Achilles allograft. This reconstruction is indicated in cases of severe talonavicular collapse manifested by forefoot abduction that persists despite appropriate lateral column lengthening. The decision to perform such reconstruction is supported by preoperative magnetic resonance imaging demonstrating severe compromise of the spring ligament and confirmed intraoperatively once it is determined that lateral column lengthening provides insufficient correction of the deformity.
The Physiology of the Apocrine (Ceruminous) Gland of the Human Ear Canal1

The medical literature in general, and the otology journals in particular, abound in studies on the etiology, classification and treatment of otitis externa, but only a few investigators have studied the physiology of the ceruminous gland (1, 2). The marked histologic resemblance between the ceruminous gland in the human ear canal and the apocrine gland in the axilla of man is well known. The apocrine gland in the axilla has recently received due attention and much has been learned of its physiology (3, 4). By reason of these studies we are now in a better position to understand some of the pathologic processes occurring in this gland (5). We felt that similar investigations into the physiologic processes of the ceruminous gland might not only illuminate the relationship of these two glands but might also provide a fresh approach to the problem of otitis externa.
Rapid ligand exchange in the MCRred1 form of methyl-coenzyme M reductase.

Methyl-coenzyme M reductase (MCR) from Methanothermobacter marburgensis (Mtm), catalyses the final step in methane synthesis in all methanogenic organisms. Methane is produced by coenzyme B-depende...
Higher-order analytic solutions for critical cases of ballistic entry

A new set of higher-order analytic solutions is introduced for the critical cases of: ballistic skip trajectories with initial speed greater than the circular orbital speed (supercircular case); shallow ballistic entry with entry speed less than the circular orbital speed (subcircular case); and shallow ballistic entry from low circular orbits (circular case). Both noncircular cases admit the same set of analytic solutions, except that the supercircular case involves the regular error function of a real argument, whereas in the subcircular case the solution depends on error functions of an imaginary argument. Unlike previously obtained solutions, neither case now exhibits singularities in the flight path angle. For the circular case, a totally independent set of parametric expressions is obtained. In comparison with the numerical integration of the equations of motion, the analytic solutions exhibit a high degree of accuracy, representing a clear improvement over equivalent solutions currently available in the literature. (Author)
New Criticism and Old

Fruitful and satisfying application of literary insights to the study of the Bible requires attention to developments in both biblical studies and literary criticism. The Bible conventionally has been approached from the perspectives of dogma and history, and literary criticism may further and/or challenge these approaches. The Neoplatonic world view of the ancient and medieval world made the dogmatic approach satisfying. Historical and literary factors were subordinated to the dominant dogmatic perspective. The Enlightenment's exaltation of criticism, along with the recognition of the historicity of literary documents (including the canon), and a later evolutionary ideology caused dogma to be replaced by history, with attention given to the historical data within texts, the sociological and historical circumstances of origin of units of the tradition, and the historical evolution of those traditions. The redactional-critical assumption that biblical writings are unified by authorial intention (regardless of earlier phases of the material) prepared the way for contemporary literary study of the Bible. Literary biblical study must not be domesticated by earlier conventional approaches and results, but it will be most accessible and productive when it remains in touch with those methods and results.
The effect of gravity on oesophageal peristalsis inhumans

Many mammalian species including non-human primates consume water in a body position not aided by gravity and it has been conjectured that oesophageal peristalsis overcomes gravity in humans. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of gravity on oesophageal peristalsis in humans in response to water swallows. Six females (30-43 years old) and six males (27-46 years old) without oesophageal symptoms underwent oesophageal motility testing with intraluminal microtransducers placed 5, 7.5, 10 and 15 cm above the lower oesophageal sphincter. Subjects received ten 5 mL water swallows every 30 sec in the supine, standing, and head down (30 degrees) prone positions which were counterbalanced. Oesophageal contractile pressure (115, 98, 126 mmHg), duration (3.5, 3.0, 3.7 sec), onset velocity (4.7, 4.9, 4.7 cm sec-1), peak velocity (5.1, 4.8, 4.1 cm sec-1), average upstroke (dP/dT) (78, 75, 84 mmHg sec-1), or maximum upstroke (132, 120, 141 mmHg sec-1) were not significantly different among the head down prone, upright and supine positions, respectively. The frequency of abnormal contractile activity was statistically different among the positions. More abnormal contractions (i.e. simultaneous, retrograde, non-transmitted) occurred in the upright position (26%) when compared to either the supine (12%, P = 0.005) or head down prone (13%, P = 0.013) positions. The oesophagus tends to function normally to water swallows when unassisted by gravity. Oesophageal peristaltic dysfunction to water swallows may be more pronounced when assisted by the force of gravity.
Texas Population Substructure and Its Impact on Estimating the Rarity of Y STR Haplotypes from DNA Evidence

Three sampled populations of unrelated males--African American, Caucasian, and Hispanic, all from Texas-were typed for 16 Y short tandem repeat (STR) markers using the AmpFlSTR Yfiler kit. These samples also were typed previously for the 13 core CODIS autosomal STR loci. Most of the 16 marker haplotypes (2478 out of 2551 distinct haplotypes) were observed only once in the data sets. Haplotype diversities were 99.88%, 99.89%, and 99.87% for the African American, Caucasian, and Hispanic sample populations, respectively. F(ST) values were very small when a haplotype comprised 10-16 markers. This suggests that inclusion of substructure correction is not required. However, haplotypes consisting of fewer loci may require the inclusion of F(ST) corrections. The testing of independence of autosomal and Y STRs supports the proposition that the frequencies of autosomal and Y STR profiles can be combined using the product rule.
Inventory Control for Peak Electricity Demand Reduction of Manufacturing Systems Considering the Tradeoff Between Production Loss and Energy Savings

Abstract The effective reduction of the electricity consumption during peak periods plays a critical role in reducing the cost and improving the reliability of the operation of power grid. The unbalanced situation between the supply and the demand of the electricity during peak periods can be relieved. The need for installing and running some peaking power plants and associated power delivery infrastructure can be partially avoided. This paper proposes an analytical model focusing on the electricity load management aiming at reducing the electricity consumption during peak periods by buffer inventory control for the typical manufacturing systems with multiple machines and buffers. Compared with the previous research that is strictly under the constraint of the throughput of manufacturing systems, this research is advanced by considering the tradeoff between the penalty due to production loss and the benefit resulted from energy savings, and thus more load management options are available. The optimal load management actions and corresponding buffer inventory control policies for the whole system are identified by minimizing the summation of the buffer inventory holding cost, electricity consumption cost, and potential production loss penalty throughout the production horizon. A numerical case study based on an automotive assembly line is used to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Toward a unified theory of meaning and action

Les attitudes propositionnelles fondamentales de croyance, de desir, de signification sont interdependantes: il est cependant sterile d'analyser l'une dans les termes de l'autre ou des autres. L'A. avance une theorie pour l'interpretation du discours, une mesure du degre de croyance, et une mesure de la desirabilite. La methode combine des aspects de la theorie bayesienne de la decision, et une approche dans le style de Quine de l'interpretation radicale.
Homeomorphism groups of Hilbert cube manifolds

If M and N are Hilbert cube manifolds, then M is homeomorphic to N if and only if H(M) is isomorphic to H(N), where H(X) denotes the group of homeomorphisms from the space X onto itself under the group operation of composition.
Stakeholder Effect: A Qualitative Study of the Influence of Farm Leaders' Ideas on a Sustainable Agriculture Education Program for Adults.

This paper considers issues related to farmers' control of program planning for non-formal agricultural adult education. Discussion is based on an empirical study of a $10 million Canadian sustainable agriculture education program that was initiated, created, and controlled by a coalition of farm organizations, supplanting a traditional role of extension. Theories of participatory extension education provide a theoretical framework for consideration of issues in the case. Participation theory guides the formation of partnerships among extension, communities, industry, and government. In the area of sustainable agriculture, however, stakeholders may conflict, presenting challenges to engagement and decision-making processes. Moreover, agricultural education researchers have produced little data to show effects of stakeholder involvement in program planning, putting the extension system at risk of desiring increased levels of engagement without a knowledge base about potential impacts. The study was conducted over a 3-year period using cultural anthropology and participatory action research. Farmers strongly influenced five program elements: (a) staffing, (b) content, (c) instruction, (d) evaluation, and (e) composition of planning group.
Determinants of Aggression in Nine-Banded Armadillos

Potential determinants of aggression in nine-banded armadillos, Dasypus novemcinctus , were identified by comparing the sex, age, and reproductive status of initiators and recipients of aggression in a marked population in southern Texas. Males and females were equally likely to initiate and receive aggression. Adults initiated most aggression, directing it towards younger animals. Adult males directed aggression primarily at 1- and 2-year-old males and did so most frequently during the breeding season (June–November). Most adult males exhibiting aggression were previously or subsequently seen paired with females, suggesting that male aggression may function to maintain exclusive access to receptive females. Adult females directed aggression primarily at juveniles of both sexes and at other adult females, mostly during a 4-month period corresponding to late pregnancy and lactation (February– May). These findings suggest female aggression may function in defending current litters and in promoting the dispersal of last year's young. Examination of other potential influences on agonistic behavior showed that heavier individuals were more likely to win encounters and that escalated contests (i.e., fights) were more likely between evenly matched opponents.