cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Implementation and Delivery of an Intergenerational Community Learning Experience

Abstract The Family Home Visit Program (FHV) is part of the year-long 1st year Practice of Medicine course, and involves local multi-generational families and students from the schools of medicine and allied health. The FHV program differs considerably from more traditional community-based clinical practice experience: visits to an ill individual, community-based experiences designed for reminiscence by the “patient,” or multiple community-based agency courses/visits. The focus of the current intergenerational FHV is on interaction between families and students in a non-clinical setting (e.g., relating to patients as “people”), learning about the social and familial context in which health and illness occur and the healthcare priorities of family members. In year 1 of the program, 200 medical students, 40 OT/PT students and 68 families participated; 204 medical students, 70 OT/PT students and 70 families participated in year 2. The development, implementation, evaluation and outcomes of the program across...
Judicial Nullification of Juries: Use of Acquitted Conduct at Sentencing

At trial, defendants are afforded a panoply of rights right to counsel, to proof beyond a reasonable doubt, to confront witnesses, and to exclude inadmissible evidence. However, these rights, except for the right to counsel, disappear at sentencing. In deciding a defendant’s sentence, a court may consider conduct that has not been proven beyond a reasonable doubt and even conduct of which the jury has acquitted the defendant. Consideration of acquitted conduct has resulted in dramatic increases in the length of defendants’ sentences sometimes resulting in life imprisonment based merely on a judge’s finding that a defendant more likely than not committed the offense. Courts have relied on United States v. Watts and United States v. Booker to support their continued use of acquitted conduct at sentencing. This Article argues that Watts is not viable and that the merits majority opinion in Booker, as opposed to the remedial majority opinion, is most consistent with the Court’s precedent established by Apprendi v. New Jersey and its progeny. This Article concludes that use of acquitted conduct violates the Sixth Amendment right to a jury trial. In addition to offering a constitutional basis, this Article examines the following policy grounds for prohibiting the use of acquitted conduct: the role served by juries and benefits they provide, the dramatic impact of sentencing enhancements based on acquitted conduct, the potential for misuse by prosecutors, and the end of actual or legal innocence. Finally, this Article suggests that United States v. Gall and United States v. Kimbrough have restored judicial discretion in sentencing, providing judges with the independence to reject the use of acquitted conduct on the grounds that it contravenes the purposes of sentencing set forth in 18 U.S.C. § 3553(a) to promote respect for the law, afford deterrence, and avoid unwarranted disparity.
Vision algorithm for the Solar Aspect System of the HEROES mission

This work covers the design and test of a machine vision algorithm for generating high-accuracy pitch and yaw pointing solutions relative to the sun for the High Energy Replicated Optics to Explore the Sun (HEROES) mission. It describes how images were constructed by focusing an image of the sun onto a plate printed with a pattern of small fiducial markers. Images of this plate were processed in real time to determine relative position of the balloon payload to the sun. The algorithm is broken into four problems: circle detection, fiducial detection, fiducial identification, and image registration. Circle detection is handled by an “Average Intersection” method, fiducial detection by a matched filter approach, identification with an ad-hoc method based on the spacing between fiducials, and image registration with a simple least squares fit. Performance is verified on a combination of artificially generated images, test data recorded on the ground, and images from the 2013 flight.
Composite Approaches to Protein Tertiary Structure Prediction: A Case-Study by I-Tasser

Protein structure prediction methods have been historically categorized into comparative modeling, threading, and ab initio modeling. With rapid progress in the field, the borders between different categories have become increasingly blurred and the most efficient approaches appear to be those which use hybrid algorithms. In this chapter, we review the progress and development of composite approaches for protein structure prediction. As a case study of the composite approach, we introduce in detail the algorithm of I-TASSER, a fully automated and composite approach consisting of initial template identification, fragment reassembly, ab initio loop modeling, and atomic-level structure refinement. The strength and weakness of I-TASSER in benchmark tests and the blind CASP experiments are discussed. The I-TASSER server is freely available to the academic community at http://zhang.bioinformatics.ku.edu/I-TASSER.
Glutamate 779, an intramembrane carboxyl, is essential for monovalent cation binding by the Na,K-ATPase.

Incubation of purified renal Na,K-ATPase with the fluorescent carboxyl-selective reagent, 4-(diazomethyl)-7-(diethylamino)- coumarin (DEAC), results in enzyme inactivation via disruption of the monovalent cation binding sites and loss of K+ and Na+ binding capacity. Modification of 1 or 2 carboxyl residues in the alpha-subunit in a K+ or Na(+)-preventable manner leaves the ATP binding unaltered, and the enzyme is still able to undergo the major conformational transitions (Arguello, J. M., and Kaplan, J. H. (1991) J. Biol. Chem. 266, 14627-14635). Labeled alpha-subunits of Na,K-ATPase were isolated by gel electrophoresis and digested using V8 protease. The digests contained two bands which were fluorescently labeled in a cation-protectable fashion. Four peptides were identified in these bands. Peptides I (apparent molecular mass approximately 17 kDa), II (approximately 15 kDa), and IIIa (approximately 5 kDa) start at Gly758 while Peptide IIIb (approximately 5 kDa) starts at Gly561. Subsequent proteolysis of peptides IIIa and IIIb with thermolysin followed by electrophoresis revealed a single smaller fluorescent peptide which passed through 3-kDa cut-off membrane filters but was retained by 1-kDa cut off filters. N-terminal sequence analysis of this peptide gave the sequence 773Leu-Thr-Ser-Asn-Ile-Pro-Glu-Ile-Thr-Pro-Phe-Leu. The length of this peptide was also examined in labeling experiments with cysteine-reactive probes which indicated that the peptide did not extend to the next carboxyl-containing amino acid residue in the alpha-subunit sequence (Asp804). The site of attachment of DEAC is thus Glu779, an intramembrane carboxyl residue present in all known sequences of alpha-subunit isoforms of the Na,K-ATPase. This glutamate is essential for Na+ and K+ binding and active transport by the sodium pump. Its location in the fifth transmembrane segment provides a way in which information about ATP binding and phosphorylation in the major cytoplasmic loop of the enzyme is transmitted to intramembrane cation sites during the reaction cycle.
Effects of the Electron Energy Distribution Function on Line and Continuum Emission

Effects of suprathermal (“hot”) electrons on the predictions of K‐ and L‐shell non‐LTE collisional‐radiative atomic kinetics models are presented through an investigation of various electron distribution functions (EDFs) on collisional rates and spectra. It is shown that while most collisional rates are fairly insensitive to the functional form and characteristic energy of the hot electrons as long as their characteristic energy is larger than the threshold energy for the collisional process, collisional excitation and ionization rates are highly sensitive to the fraction of hot electrons. This permits the development of robust spectroscopic diagnostics that can be used to detect the presence of hot electrons from x‐ray line emission spectra. Hot electrons are shown to increase and spread out plasma charge state distributions, amplify the intensities of emission lines fed by direct collisional excitation and radiative cascades, and alter the structure of satellite and EUV line emission features. The characteristic energy, functional form, and spatial properties of hot electron distributions in plasmas are open to characterization through their effects on high‐energy continuum emission and on the polarization of spectral lines.
Patient willingness for repeat screening and preference for CT colonography and optical colonoscopy in ACRIN 6664: the National CT Colonography trial

BACKGROUND Current American Cancer Society recommendations for colon cancer screening include optical colonoscopy every 10 years or computed tomography colonography (CTC) every 5 years. Bowel preparation (BP) is currently required for both screening modalities. PURPOSE To compare ACRIN 6664: the National CT Colonography Trial (NCTCT) participant experiences with CTC and optical colonoscopy (OC), procedure preference, and willingness to return for each procedure. MATERIALS AND METHODS Participants from fifteen NCTCT sites, who underwent CTC followed by OC under sedation, were invited to complete questionnaires 2 weeks postexam, asking about procedure preference, physical discomfort, and embarrassment experienced and whether that discomfort and embarrassment was better or worse than expected during BP, CTC, and OC, as well as willingness to return for repeat CTC and OC at different time intervals. RESULTS A total of 2,310 of 2,600 patients (89%) returned their questionnaires. Of patients reporting a preference, 1,058 (46.6%) preferred CTC, 569 (25.0%) preferred OC, and 626 (27.6%) reported no preference. Participant-reported discomfort worse than expected differed significantly between CTC (32.9%) and OC (5.0%) (P<0.001). About 79.3% were willing to be screened again with CTC in 5 years, and 96.6% with OC in 10 years. Discomfort and embarrassment worse than expected with OC were associated with increased intention to adhere with CTC in the future. Conversely, embarrassment experienced during CTC and discomfort worse than expected on CTC were associated with increased intention to adhere with OC in the future. CONCLUSION While a larger proportion of participants indicated that they preferred CTC to OC, willingness to undergo repeat CTC compared to OC was limited by unanticipated exam discomfort and embarrassment and CTC's shorter screening interval.
Numbers and Math are Nice, but…

Without doubt, good numbers that characterize sharply and completely the phenomena being studied, and precise explanation of these phenomena that can be expressed mathematically, are tremendous advantages for a field of science. But not all fields of science are lucky enough to be able to achieve these features. And when they are not, nonetheless to force the phenomena studied to be characterized largely with numbers and the causal mechanisms to be described mathematically can court seriously limiting and distorting the field of study. Research by economists on long-run economic development is an example of a field of research where this has happened. But unfortunately the phenomena are widespread throughout science.
The New England Textile Mills and the Capital Markets: A Study of Industrial Borrowing 1840–1860*

Study of ante-bellum economic development of the United States has been hampered by an acute shortage of reliable statistical data. Studies of the early capital markets are no exception to this general rule. For the years after 1856, Frederick Macaulay's excellent study provides sufficient quantitative basis for general research; but, in the earlier years, only Bigelow's single unsupported interest series provides the economic historian with statistical information on the condition of the credit market.
Role of Sphingolipids in Hematological Malignancies: Myeloproliferative Disorders

From an historical point of view, hematological malignancies have been instrumental for the discovery of the first link between sphingolipids and their bioactive role in apoptosis and differentiation. Ever since, hematological malignancies have represented a powerful model to discover and dissect sphingolipid-related functions in the context of cell proliferation, differentiation, autophagy, immunological responses and neoplastic transformation. Moreover, more recent studies have also translated the discoveries carried out in cell culture to clinically relevant models of patient samples and/or in vivo animal models.
Heavy-Metal Inhibition of Nitrification in Selected Iowa Soils Treated with Stay-N 2000

Abstract Heavy‐metal inhibition of nitrification in soils treated with reformulated nitrapyrin was investigated. Clarion and Okoboji soils were treated with ammonium sulfate [(NH4)2SO4] and a nitrification inhibitor. Copper(II) (Cu), Zinc(II) (Zn), Cadmium(II) (Cd), or Lead(II) (Pb) were added to each soil. A first‐order equation was used to calculate the maximum nitrification rate (K max), duration of lag period (t′), period of maximum nitrification (Δt), and the termination period of nitrification (t s). In the Clarion soil, the K max decreased from 12 mg kg−1 d−1 without the nitrification inhibitor to 4, 0.25, 0.86, and 0.27 mg kg−1 d−1, respectively, when the inhibitor and Cu, Zn, Pb, or Cd were applied. In the Okoboji soil, K max decreased from 22 mg kg−1 d−1 with no inhibitor to 6, 3, 4, and 2 mg kg−1 d−1, respectively, when an inhibitor and Cu, Zn, Pb, or Cd were added. The t′ varied from 8 to 25 d in the Clarion soil and from 5 to 25 d in the Okoboji soil, due to addition of Cu, Zn, Pb, or Cd and ...
CLOSING THOUGHTS: A GLIMPSE AT THE NEW ENGLAND OFFSHORE FISHERY IN 2061

The range of perspectives on the New England offshore fishery contained in the preceding articles, reflecting the wide breadth of views expressed by the speakers at the Conference on the History, Status, and Future of the New England Offshore Fishery held at Connecticut College on April 16 17, 1999, is truly impressive. The written contributions parallel the oral presentations, allowing the reader to note the marked degree of respect between two essentially distinct communities, the fishers on the one hand and the governmental manager-scientists on the other. Given the nature of their respective livelihoods, these two communities often find themselves at odds with one another. A careful reading of the foregoing papers leaves us with an appreciation of how much hard-earned information has been acquired over the years about our coastal and offshore marine environment, about the various fish populations that reside therein, and about the multi-faceted fishing industry that harvests these resources. We are also left with a sense of how intrinsically complex these natural and economic systems are, and, as a consequence of their complexity, how far we have yet to go before learning enough to effectively manage these systems. Beneath the respect alluded to previously, a degree of ambivalence can perhaps be detected in some of the presentations by the fishing industry about many of the conclusions put forth by the scientists, modelers, and statisticians. One whose roots are firmly in the academic community is left with the somewhat hollow feeling that he or she may, to some degree, be witnessing the time-honored tactic of blaming the messenger. We as a society will only at our peril avoid recognition of the inevitable consequences of ever-increasing demand in the face of limited supply. A dozen years from now, on the occasion of the 100th Anniversary of Connecticut College, if it hosts another conference on the New England offshore fishery, will the papers report that the plight of this fishery was much improved in the intervening decade? Will some government bureaucracy, some association of the fishing industry, some community of scientists, or a combination thereof have managed to cut the Gordian knot comprised of inter-twining strands of "the facts of economic life" and "the truths of a complex ecosystem?" One need not introduce the implications of potential climate change, nor be a pessimist by nature, to hesitate in answering in the unequivocal affirmative.
Genetic and Biochemical Assays Reveal a Key Role for Replication Restart Proteins in Group II Intron Retrohoming

Mobile group II introns retrohome by an RNP-based mechanism in which the intron RNA reverse splices into a DNA site and is reverse transcribed by the associated intron-encoded protein. The resulting intron cDNA is then integrated into the genome by cellular mechanisms that have remained unclear. Here, we used an Escherichia coli genetic screen and Taqman qPCR assay that mitigate indirect effects to identify host factors that function in retrohoming. We then analyzed mutants identified in these and previous genetic screens by using a new biochemical assay that combines group II intron RNPs with cellular extracts to reconstitute the complete retrohoming reaction in vitro. The genetic and biochemical analyses indicate a retrohoming pathway involving degradation of the intron RNA template by a host RNase H and second-strand DNA synthesis by the host replicative DNA polymerase. Our results reveal ATP-dependent steps in both cDNA and second-strand synthesis and a surprising role for replication restart proteins in initiating second-strand synthesis in the absence of DNA replication. We also find an unsuspected requirement for host factors in initiating reverse transcription and a new RNA degradation pathway that suppresses retrohoming. Key features of the retrohoming mechanism may be used by human LINEs and other non-LTR-retrotransposons, which are related evolutionarily to mobile group II introns. Our findings highlight a new role for replication restart proteins, which function not only to repair DNA damage caused by mobile element insertion, but have also been co-opted to become an integral part of the group II intron retrohoming mechanism.
Abducens internuclear and ascending tract of deiters inputs to medial rectus motoneurons in the cat oculomotor nucleus: synaptic organization

Abducens internuclear and ascending tract of Deiters (ATD) inputs to medial rectus motoneurons in the oculomotor nucleus are important for conjugate horizontal movements. In the present study, the organization of these separate populations of neurons and their synaptic connections with medial rectus motoneurons in the cat oculomotor nucleus have been examined by light and electron microscopy by using retrograde and anterograde axonal tracers. Consistent with the patterns of retrograde horseradish peroxidase labeling, the abducens internuclear projection is predominantly, if not exclusively, contralateral, whereas the ATD projection is exclusively ipsilateral, as demonstrated by anterograde autoradiographic and biocytin labeling. Both populations of synaptic endings contain spheroidal synaptic vesicles and establish synaptic contacts with modest postsynaptic densifications. In addition, ATD synaptic endings frequently are associated with subjunctional dense bodies and subsurface cisternae. The two populations of excitatory inputs differ, however, in their soma-dendritic distribution. The majority of abducens internuclear synaptic endings contact distal dendrites, whereas the majority of ATD synaptic endings contact proximal dendrites or somata. Abducens internuclear synaptic endings furthermore have a higher density of mitochondria than ATD synaptic endings. The more proximal location of ATD synaptic endings is consistent with the faster rise time and earlier reversal to polarizing currents of ATD excitatory postsynaptic potentials in comparison to those evoked by the abducens internuclear pathway as determined electrophysiologically. Given the differences in the physiologic signals conveyed by the abducens internuclear (eye velocity and eye position) and ATD (head velocity) pathways, the findings in this study suggest that the soma-dendritic stratification of the two inputs to medial rectus motoneurons may provide a means for the separate control of visuomotor and vestibular functions, respectively.
Sustainable development and integrated coastal management

Agenda 21, the 40-chapter action plan, agreed to by all nations participating in the 1992 Earth Summit represents an ambitious effort to provide policy guidance across the entire spectrum of environment, development, and social issues confronting mankind. In the area of oceans and coasts (Chapter 17 of Agenda 21), the Earth Summit underscored that the management of oceans and coasts should be 'integrated in content and anticipatory in ambit.' To assist those responsible for implementing the Earth Summit guidelines on ocean and coastal management, this article first reviews the fundamental shift in paradigm reflected in the Earth Summit agreements as well as the specific recommendations contained in Chapter 17. Next, the article examines the central concept of 'integrated management,' noting both its importance and its limits. A general or 'synthesis' model of 'integrated coastal management' is then presented, addressing such questions as management goals, what is being managed, where, how, and by whom
Piso – Triquetral Arthrosis as a Cause of Rupture of the Profundus Tendon of the Little Finger

This case report describes a previously unreported cause of profundus rupture of the little finger due to arthrosis of the piso-triquetral joint. With heightened awareness of this entity, it is hoped that delays in diagnosis will be avoided.
The Empirics of Foreign Exchange Intervention in Emerging Market Countries: The Cases of Mexico and Turkey

This paper analyzes the effects of intervention on the level and volatility of the exchange rate in Mexico and Turkey, two emerging countries that have floating exchange rate regimes. The paper finds mixed evidence on the effectiveness of intervention. In Mexico, foreign exchange sales have a small impact on the exchange rate level and raise short-term volatility, while in Turkey, intervention does not appear to affect the exchange rate level but reduces its shortterm volatility. In both cases, the findings are consistent with officially stated policy objectives, which aim to minimize the effect of intervention on the exchange rate, but cast doubt on claims that intervention is a useful tool for smoothing volatility. Although these findings cannot be generalized to other emerging markets, intervention`s apparently limited effectiveness highlights the need for central banks to use their scarce foreign reserves selectively and parsimoniously.
Chronic AMD3100 Antagonism of SDF-1α-CXCR4 Exacerbates Cardiac Dysfunction and Remodeling after Myocardial Infarction

The role of the SDF-1alpha-CXCR4 axis in response to myocardial infarction is unknown. We addressed it using the CXCR4 antagonist, AMD3100, to block SDF-1alpha interaction with CXCR4 after chronic coronary artery ligation. Chronic AMD3100 treatment decreased ejection fraction and fractional shortening in mice 20days after myocardial infarction compared with vehicle-treated mice (echocardiography). Morphometric analysis showed hearts of AMD3100-treated infarcted mice to have expanded scar, to be hypertrophic (confirmed by myocyte cross-section area) and dilated, with increased LV end systolic and end diastolic dimensions, and to have decreased scar collagen content; p-AKT levels were attenuated and this was accompanied by increased apoptosis. Despite increased injury, c-kit(pos) cardiac progenitor cells (CPCs) were increased in the risk region of AMD3100-treated infarcted mice; CPCs were CD34(neg)/CD45(neg) with the majority undergoing symmetric cell division. c-kit(pos)/MHC(pos) CPCs also increased in the risk region of the AMD3100-treated infarcted group. In this group, GSK-3beta signaling was attenuated compared to vehicle-treated, possibly accounting for increased proliferation and increased cardiac committed MHC(pos) CPCs. Increased proliferation following AMD3100 treatment was supported by increased levels of cyclin D1, a consequence of increased prolyl isomerase, Pin1, and decreased cyclin D1 phosphorylation. In summary, pharmacologic antagonism of CXCR4 demonstrates that SDF-1alpha-CXCR4 signaling plays an important role during and after myocardial infarction and that it exerts pleiotropic salubrious effects, protecting the myocardium from apoptotic cell death, facilitating scar formation, restricting CPC proliferation, and directing CPCs toward a cardiac fate.
Some phase relationships in oscillatory combustion

The phase relationships of the perturbations of normal stress in a cylindrical combustor operating near atmospheric pressure with premixed air and natural gas have been investigated. Measurements were made at a sufficient number of positions along the combustor to permit the phase relationships of the perturbations of normal stress in the combustor to be estimated. Furthermore, the attenuating effect of the introduction of small quantities of aluminium oxide was investigated. The results are presented in graphical and tabular form.
The Intensity of Infrared Absorption Bands

An experimental method of measuring the absolute intensities of infrared absorption bands in gases has been used in which the absorbed energy was measured directly by the volume change in the absorbing gas due to the heat evolution in it. The absorption cell was traversed by radiation from a specially constructed infrared monochromator arranged for evacuation. The incident energy density was found through a calibrated thermocouple and galvanometer and the optical characteristics of the monochromator. Measurements were made with various path-lengths of absorbing gas. The absorption was extrapolated to zero by using a logarithmic graph which has many advantages. Line-width forms were investigated. It was found that for CO, $\ensuremath{\alpha}=\ensuremath{\int}{\ensuremath{\alpha}}_{v}\mathrm{dv}$ was 1.18\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}${10}^{13}$ for the fundamental vibration band at 4.66\ensuremath{\mu} and 1.54\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}${10}^{11}$ for the harmonic. The corresponding Einstein coefficients and the amplitudes of electric moment were calculated. The results of the analysis show that the Lorentz collision broadening type of line shape satisfies the experimental data much better than other line shapes. The line widths of the fundamental and harmonic bands were observed as 0.10 and 0.12 ${\mathrm{cm}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$ at atmospheric pressure which would arise from collision diameters of 5.5A and 6.1A respectively. These line widths are smaller than have been previously reported for infrared lines.
Statistical analysis of the Ft. Calhoun reactor coolant pump system

Abstract In engineering science, statistical quality control techniques have traditionally been applied to control manufacturing processes. An application to commercial nuclear power plant maintenance and control is presented that can greatly improve plant safety. As a demonstration of such an approach, a specific system is analyzed: the reactor coolant pumps (RCPs) of the Ft. Calhoun nuclear power plant. This research uses capability analysis, Shewhart X-bar, R charts, canonical correlation methods, and design of experiments to analyze the process for the state of statistical control. The results obtained show that six out of ten parameters are under control specification limits and four parameters are not in the state of statistical control. The analysis shows that statistical process control methods can be applied as an early warning system capable of identifying significant equipment problems well in advance of traditional control room alarm indicators. Such a system would provide operators with ample time to respond to possible emergency situations and thus improve plant safety and reliability.
Comments on "The /spl alpha/-/spl beta/-/spl Gamma/ tracking filter with a noisy jerk as the maneuver model"

In ibid, vol. AES-29, p.578-590 (Apr. 1993), J Sudano presented the optimal steady-state gains and associated error covariances for an /spl alpha/-/spl beta/-/spl Gamma/ filter with a piecewise constant jerk as a maneuver model. While the results given in that article are correct, the gains and error covariances can be found in a much simpler manner. The simplified expressions for the gains and the error covariances are given, along with the code for a simple program that computes the gains for a given tracking index. >
Renormalization group for Ising spins on a finite lattice

Linear and nonlinear renormalization-group transformations for Ising spins on a two-dimensional triangular lattice are considered; numerical calculations bearing on the convergence of the finite-lattice calculations to the infinite-lattice limit are presented.
Ultrafast Spectroscopy of CdSe Nanocrystals: Morphological and Environmental Effects on Nonradiative and Nonadiabatic Relaxation

Ultrafast transient absorption spectroscopy was employed to investigate intraband relaxation and coherent acoustic phonons in quantum dots (QDs) and quantum rods (QRs) of various sizes. We found th...
Accounting Standards, Financial Reporting Outcomes, and Enforcement

In this paper, I draw parallels between the literatures on the effects of law on the financial development of countries and on the effects of accounting standards on financial reporting outcomes. My central thesis is that these literatures are complementary in terms of what they have to say about understanding the effects of law, regulations and accounting standards on economic and financial reporting outcomes. Moreover, both literatures suggest that U.S. securities laws and financial reporting standards have taken a more regulatory direction over time. I then take these themes and draw implications for the effects of the adoption of International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) around the world at the time of adoption and over time.
Humans at high altitude: hypoxia and fetal growth.

High-altitude studies offer insight into the evolutionary processes and physiological mechanisms affecting the early phases of the human lifespan. Chronic hypoxia slows fetal growth and reduces the pregnancy-associated rise in uterine artery (UA) blood flow. Multigenerational vs. shorter-term high-altitude residents are protected from the altitude-associated reductions in UA flow and fetal growth. Presently unknown is whether this fetal-growth protection is due to the greater delivery or metabolism of oxygen, glucose or other substrates or to other considerations such as mechanical factors protecting fragile fetal villi, the creation of a reserve protecting against ischemia/reperfusion injury, or improved placental O2 transfer as the result of narrowing the A-V O2 difference and raising uterine PvO2. Placental growth and development appear to be normal or modified at high altitude in ways likely to benefit diffusion. Much remains to be learned concerning the effects of chronic hypoxia on embryonic development. Further research is required for identifying the fetoplacental and maternal mechanisms responsible for transforming the maternal vasculature and regulating UA blood flow and fetal growth. Genomic as well as epigenetic studies are opening new avenues of investigation that can yield insights into the basic pathways and evolutionary processes involved.
Resource heterogeneity and patterns of movement in foraging bumblebees.

Differences in the foraging behavior of B. terricola workers on white clover, Trifolium repens, were examined on previously unvisited (filled) and depleted flowers, and as a function of flower-head density. 1. The number of florets visited per unit time was independent of flower head density from 20 to at least 290 heads/m2, in part because the bees utilized more florets per head at low flower head densities, and also because they approached but rejected more flower heads at high rather than at low flower head densities. 2. Previously visited clover-heads were approached but often rejected, while unvisited heads were not rejected. 3. The bees behaved markedly different while foraging in patches of flowers which were available to all foragers, than in those which had been screened and contained on the average 3.9 times more sugar; they tendent to move through depleted areas and to concentrate in rich areas. On successive flower-head visits in depleted areas they moved more forward than backward (82% vs. 18%), while in rich areas they tended to move almost as much backward as forward 47% vs. 53%). 4. The distances of inter-head moves were approximately twice as long in depleted as in rich areas. 5. The bees visited almost as many florets per unit time in the rich as in the depleted areas (32 vs. 35 per min). But in the rich patches they probed on the average into 11.6 florets per head in contrast to only 2.3 florets per depleted head. 6. In an experiment with B. vagans workers foraging from Aconitum napellus inflorescences, the bees did not reject previously visited flowers, and they moved upward in successive flower visits on inverted as well as on unaltered inflorescences. On horizontal inflorescences they moved both right and left. The movements are not a direct response to nectar differences, nor to differences in average nectar distributions. The systematic foraging behavior on vertical inflorescences may thus be a mechanism of reducing the revisiting of just-emptied flowers.
Comparison of gene expression profiles altered by comfrey and riddelliine in rat liver

Comfrey (Symphytum officinale) is a perennial plant and has been consumed by humans as a vegetable, a tea and an herbal medicine for more than 2000 years. It, however, is hepatotoxic and carcinogenic in experimental animals and hepatotoxic in humans. Pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs) exist in many plants and many of them cause liver toxicity and/or cancer in humans and experimental animals. In our previous study, we found that the mutagenicity of comfrey was associated with the PAs contained in the plant. Therefore, we suggest that carcinogenicity of comfrey result from those PAs. To confirm our hypothesis, we compared the expression of genes and processes of biological functions that were altered by comfrey (mixture of the plant with PAs) and riddelliine (a prototype of carcinogenic PA) in rat liver for carcinogenesis in this study. Groups of 6 Big Blue Fisher 344 rats were treated with riddelliine at 1 mg/kg body weight by gavage five times a week for 12 weeks or fed a diet containing 8% comfrey root for 12 weeks. Animals were sacrificed one day after the last treatment and the livers were isolated for gene expression analysis. The gene expressions were investigated using Applied Biosystems Rat Whole Genome Survey Microarrays and the biological functions were analyzed with Ingenuity Analysis Pathway software. Although there were large differences between the significant genes and between the biological processes that were altered by comfrey and riddelliine, there were a number of common genes and function processes that were related to carcinogenesis. There was a strong correlation between the two treatments for fold-change alterations in expression of drug metabolizing and cancer-related genes. Our results suggest that the carcinogenesis-related gene expression patterns resulting from the treatments of comfrey and riddelliine are very similar, and PAs contained in comfrey are the main active components responsible for carcinogenicity of the plant.
Association Between the Catechol- O -Methyltransferase Val158Met Polymorphism and Cocaine Dependence

Association Between the Catechol- O -Methyltransferase Val158Met Polymorphism and Cocaine Dependence
Donor transmission of primary brain tumors: A neurooncologic perspective

Abstract Patients with primary brain tumors are often accepted as marginal organ donors given the rarity of extraneuronal metastases (ENM) from these tumors. Nonetheless, transmission of donor PBT to organ recipient is a recognized phenomenon. Systemic diversion of cerebrospinal fluid and craniotomy are occasionally identified as the cause of ENM. However, in the absence of cervical adenopathy or scalp, pelvic, or abdominal masses, such interventions do not justify exclusion from organ donation. Medulloblastoma, ependymoma, and anaplastic meningioma have increased metastatic potential. Patients with these tumors pose an increased risk of transmitting malignancy to the recipient. Conversely, with the exception of gliosarcoma, glioblastoma and other tumors of astrocytic and oligodendroglial origin only rarely metastasize. Such patients are of lower risk of tumor transmission. In addition to the usual vigilance employed by transplant surgeons, attention should be directed to craniotomy site and ipsilateral lymph nodes. In patients with shunts, the peritoneal cavity should be examined as well as shunt tract and tip.
Genetic analysis of the strong gyrase site (SGS) of bacteriophage Mu: localization of determinants required for promoting Mu replication

The Mu strong gyrase site (SGS), located in the centre of the Mu genome, is required for efficient Mu replication, as it promotes synapsis of the prophage termini. Other gyrase sites tested, even very strong ones, were unable to substitute for the SGS in Mu replication. To determine the features required for its unique properties, a deletion analysis was performed on the SGS. For this analysis, we defined the 20 bp centred on the midpoint of the 4 bp staggered cleavage made by gyrase to be the 'core' and the flanking sequences to be the 'arms'. The deletion analysis showed that (i) approximately 40 bp of the right arm is required, in addition to core sequences, for both efficient Mu replication and gyrase cleavage; and (ii) the left arm was not required for efficient Mu replication, although it was required for efficient gyrase cleavage. These observations implicated the right arm as the unique feature of the SGS. The second observation showed that strong gyrase cleavage and Mu replication could be dissociated and suggested that even weak gyrase sites, if supplied with the right arm of the SGS, could promote Mu replication. Hybrid sites were constructed with gyrase sites that could not support efficient Mu replication. The SGS right arm was used to replace one arm of the strong pSC101 gyrase site or the weaker pBR322 site. The pSC101 hybrid site allowed efficient Mu replication, whereas the pBR322 hybrid site allowed substantial, but reduced, replication. Hence, it appears that optimal Mu replication requires a central strong gyrase site with the properties imparted by the right arm sequences. Possible roles for the SGS right arm in Mu replication are addressed.
Mosaic and the information superhighway: A virtual tiger in your tank

The World-Wide Web (WWW) is a wide-area hypermedia information-retrieval initiative that aims to give access to a large universe of documents. Through software such as Mosaic, the WWW provides a simple, consistent means to access a variety of information stored as text, graphics, video, and sound files. This paper details the requirements for using this software, illustrates some current and planned hypermedia databases, and addresses issues that could affect the greatest possible utilization of the system.
Energy Impacts of Nonlinear Behavior of PCM When Applied Into Building Envelope

Research on phase change materials (PCM) as a potential technology to reduce peak loads and HVAC energy use in buildings has been conducted for several decades, resulting in a great deal of literature on PCM properties, temperature, and peak reduction potential. However, there are few building energy simulation programs that include PCM modeling features, and very few of these have been validated. Additionally, there is no previous research that indicates the level of accuracy when modeling PCMs from a building energy simulation perspective. This study analyzes the effects a nonlinear enthalpy profile has on thermal performance and expected energy benefits for PCM-enhanced insulation. The impact of accurately modeling realistic, nonlinear enthalpy profiles for PCMs versus simpler profiles is analyzed based on peak load reduction and energy savings using the Conduction Finite Difference (CondFD) algorithm in EnergyPlus. The PCM and CondFD models used in this study have been previously validated after intensive verification and validation done at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory. Overall, the results of this study show annual energy savings are not very sensitive to the linearization of enthalpy curve. However, hourly analysis shows that if simpler linear profiles are used, users should try to specify a melting range covering roughly 80% of the latent heat, otherwise, hourly results can differ by up to 20%.Copyright © 2012 by ASME
Prostate specific antigen and androgen receptor induction and characterization of an immortalized adult human prostatic epithelial cell line

Progress in prostate cancer research has been hindered by the lack of well characterized, immortalized, human prostatic epithelial cell lines that express markers of normal prostatic epithelial cells and mimic normal growth and differentiation responses to androgens. The objectives of this study were to: (i) establish immortalized cell lines from non-neoplastic, adult human prostatic epithelium using adenovirus-12/simian virus-40 (Ad12-SV40) hybrid virus; (ii) establish their prostatic epithelial origin; (iii) demonstrate androgen responsiveness; and (iv) examine response to growth factors. Primary epithelial cell cultures derived from a non-neoplastic, adult human prostate were infected with the Ad12-SV40 virus. Several immortalized clones were isolated. Single cell cloning of one clone, free of cytopathic effects, gave rise to the PWr-1E cell line. An immortalized cell line PWR-1E, which expresses many characteristics of normal prostatic epithelial cells was established. Immunostaining showed that cells express cytokeratins 8 and 18 normally expressed by differentiated, secretory prostatic epithelial cells. The most remarkable characteristics of PWR-1E cells are growth stimulation, increased expression of androgen receptor and induction of prostate specific antigen (PSA) expression in response to androgens, which indisputably establish their prostatic epithelial origin. They are positive for SV40 large-T antigen and show strong nuclear staining for p53. Cells from passages 23 and 40 were not tumorigenic in nude mice even when co-injected with Matrigel. They grow in a serum-free defined medium and respond to EGF, bFGF and TGF-beta. Passage 42-cells showed a human male (XY), hyperdiploid karyotype. The PWR-1E cell line is the only known Ad12-SV40-immortalized human prostatic epithelial cell line. PWR-1E cells can be used to study (i) the etiology and the multistep process of carcinogenesis and tumor progression in the human prostate; (ii) normal prostate physiology and differentiation; and (iii) potential prostate cancer chemopreventive agents.
Japan's Constitutions: 1890 and 1947

The Meiji constitution was in effect from November 29, 1890, until May 3, 1947, a period of fifty-six years and approximately five months. The present constitution, which may be known after the demise of Emperor Hirohito as the Showa constitution, was proclaimed in effect by Premier Yoshida Shigeru in the presence of Hirohito on May 3, 1947. The proclamation was read from a platform on the Palace plaza in Tokyo. The audience of five thousand people which stood in the rain before the platform was small in comparison with the huge crowd that surged around the imperial carriage on November 3, 1946, following the official ceremony of promulgation; but it was equally enthusiastic in its demonstration of loyalty. On both occasions, it was apparent that the embarrassed-looking, bespectacled little Emperor, and not the constitution, was the center of popular interest.
On a class of Riccati equations in a Hilbert space

We establish existence and uniqueness of solutions of a class of Riccati equations in Hilbert space occurring in filtering problems for distributed parameter systems using "point" sensors.
Enhanced raman scattering by pyridine physisorbed on a clean silver surface in ultra-high vacuum

Abstract Anomalously intense Raman signals were observed from thin films of pyridine physisorbed on an argon-ion cleaned silver surface maintained near 77 K in ultra-high vacuum. Experiments employing deuterium-enriched pyridine, C 5 D 5 N, demonstrate that it is the species immediately adjacent to the metal surface whose Raman spectrum is appreciably enhanced.
Is cranial reconstruction with a hard-tissue replacement patient-matched implant as safe as previously reported? A 3-year experience and review of the literature.

Purpose This study aimed to verify the low complication rates (0% to 11%) previously reported in cranial reconstruction using hard-tissue replacement patient-matched implant (HTR-PMI). Patients and Methods A 3-year multidisciplinary experience involving 21 patients undergoing HTR-PMI reconstruction of large cranial defects was reviewed. Complications were defined as implant exposure, implant infection, or soft-tissue infection. Results A statistically higher rate of complications was observed, compared with previous series ( P = .043). We also determined whether previous bone infection, a history of diabetes, or smoking were risk factors for the development of complications. Diabetes, smoking, and pre-existing bone/implant infections were not significant risk factors for HTR-PMI failure. The higher rate of complications can be partially attributed to a diverse and complicated patient population, with multiple comorbid conditions and various indications for HTR-PMI reconstruction. In particular, decompressive craniectomies in trauma patients can be risky indications for the use of HTR-PMI. Conclusion Larger studies are suggested to verify our findings.
Model of Evolutionary Ecological Neuropsychiatry

Les donnees recueillies de diverses populations culturelles et periodes de temps montrent une surprenante combinaison specifique de dysfonctionnements agnitifs appeles syndromes ecologiques, en ce qu'ils simulent des syndromes connus en neuropathologie. Les syndromes ecologiques toutefois n'indiquent pas une pathologie cerebrale macroscopique ni une privation culturelle generale mais impliquent simplement une sous-utilisation limitee ou une absence de pratique dans le contexte ecologique des besoins de survie d'un groupe
Critical behavior of ising models with random long-range (small-world) interactions

The critical scaling behavior of Ising models with long range interactions is studied. These long-range interactions, when imposed in addition to interactions on a regular lattice, lead to small world graphs. Large-scale Monte Carlo simulations, together with finite-size scaling, is used to obtain the critical behavior of a number of different models. These include the z-model introduced by Scalettar, standard small-world bonds superimposed on a square lattice, and physical small-world bonds superimposed on a square lattice. These scaling results provide further evidence to support the existence of physical (quasi-) small-world nanomaterials.