cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Three Dimensional Synthetic Non-Ellipsoidal Nuclei Volume Generation Using Bézier Curves

Automated segmentation of cell nuclei is used to analyze individual cells to determine the number of nuclei in a 3D volume. Deep learning approaches that segment nuclei require large amounts of annotated (ground truth) microscopy volumes for training. In many cases acquiring large amounts of annotated volumes may not be possible and data augmentation methods must be used. One approach has been the use of synthetic volumes for training. Alternate methods employ spherical and ellipsoidal nuclear models for synthetic ground truth generation, resulting in segmentation that does not accurately match nuclei morphology. In this paper, we present a technique to generate synthetic non-ellipsoidal nuclei microscopy images using Bezier Curves. We test our approach by training a modified 3D U-Net. Our results indicates that our synthetic non-ellipsoidal nuclei approach achieves improved segmentation on volumes with irregularly shaped nuclei.
Atypical Lobular Hyperplasia and Classic Lobular Carcinoma In Situ Can Be Safely Managed Without Surgical Excision.

Background Based on modern series demonstrating low upgrade rates for pure lobular neoplasia (LN) diagnosed on core needle biopsy (CNB), our institution no longer recommends routine excision, provided imaging is concordant. This study describes outcomes in patients managed without surgical excision. Methods From an institutional database, we identified all patients with a diagnosis of pure atypical lobular hyperplasia and/or classic lobular carcinoma in situ on CNB managed without surgical excision (i.e., conservative management) from 2015 to 2019. The primary outcome of interest was failure of conservative management, defined as development of ipsilateral same-quadrant ductal carcinoma in situ or invasive breast cancer within 2 years of CNB, or need for ipsilateral same-quadrant excisional biopsy. We also evaluated rates of ipsilateral same-quadrant CNB during follow-up. Results Among 96 pure LN lesions on CNB since 2015, 80 (83%) were managed without surgical excision. Median follow-up was 27 months (IQR: 16-28), with only 2 (2%) patients lost to follow-up. No patients developed an ipsilateral, same-quadrant breast cancer. The 3-year risk of conservative management failure was 6.2% (95% CI 2.3-15.7%). All failures were a result of need for excisional biopsy due to progressive imaging abnormalities at the initial CNB site, with benign final pathology. The 3-year risk of ipsilateral same-quadrant CNB was 9.2% (95% CI 3.8-21.5%). Conclusion Non-surgical management of pure LN is safe, and the likelihood of requiring subsequent surgical excision or repeat CNB during follow-up is low. These data provide reassurance that routine excision of pure LN in the setting of radiologic-pathologic concordance is not required.
Suicide and Contemporary Science Fiction

1. Living to wonder: Darwin and H. G. Wells' The Island of Doctor Moreau 2. Stranded contacts: the transformative potential of grief in Stanislaw Lem's Solaris 3. Stealing kinship: William Gibson's Neuromancer and artificial intelligence 4. Escaping one's self: narcissism and cycles of violence in Inception and Looper 5. Environmental adaptation: creative apocalypse in Margaret Atwood's Maddaddam trilogy.
Radiculopathy from herniation of the nucleus pulposus: 2. The role of corticosteroids

The role of corticosteroids in the treatment of radiculopathy from a disc herniation is to provide temporary improvement of the disabling symptoms while the condition resolves. In addition, corticosteroids provide neuroprotective effects on the involved nerve roots. Early studies of corticosteroids for radiculopathy contained multiple methodological flaws and failed to demonstrate consistent results. Since each of these studies used inaccurate and less effective injection techniques, their results do not apply to current practice. More recent studies with better designs and more precise injection techniques have shown epidural corticosteroid injections to be an effective treatment for radiculopathy from herniated nucleus pulposus. The literature on systemic corticosteroids remains limited.
An enhanced photonic crystal biosensor-based immunodiagnostic assay for detection of soluble transferrin receptor as a biomarker of iron deficiency (813.7)

Identification of populations at risk for iron deficiency is of critical concern. Studies on the detection of soluble transferrin receptor (sTfR) using a PC biosensor assay are presented. sTfR (85k...
Sometimes it's Better to Just Let them Shirk

In their famous 1984 paper, Shapiro & Stiglitz developed what has become the canonical efficiency wage model. In their model, all workers are paid an efficiency wage, and no one shirks. Their model is based on the assumption that shirking workers are completely unproductive. In this paper, I relax that assumption, and treat the effective labor provided by shirkers as a parameter that can range from zero (shirkers produce no effective labor) to one (shirkers and non-shirkers are equally productive). I show that when shirking workers are sufficiently unproductive the Shapiro & Stiglitz equilibrium applies, but when they are sufficiently productive everyone shirks in equilibrium. For intermediate levels of shirker productivity, some workers shirk in equilibrium, and some do not. I also perform comparative statics exercises where I show how changes in labor demand and changes in the relative productivity of shirkers affect employment, wages, and output. These exercises may have implications for the cyclicality of wages, and for the effects of technological progress.
Efficient Specification-Based Component Retrieval

In this paper we present a mechanism for making specification-based component retrieval more efficient by limiting the amount of theorem proving required at query time. This is done by using a classification scheme to reduce the number of specification matching proofs that are required to process a query. Components are classified by assigning features that correspond to necessary conditions implied by the component specifications. We show how this method of feature assignment can be used to approximate reusability relationships between queries and library components. The set of possible classification features are formally defined, permitting automation of the classification process. The classification process itself is made efficient by using a specialized theorem proving tactic to prove feature implication. The retrieval mechanism was implemented and evaluated experimentally using a library of list manipulation components. The results indicate a better response time than existing formal approaches. The approach provides higher levels of consistency and automation than informal methods, with comparable retrieval performance.
Customer Impacts of Na2O and CaO in Smelter Grade Alumina

Two major impurities in Smelter Grade Alumina, SGA, directly impact the bath chemistry of smelting customers. Aluminum fluoride is consumed in great quantities to neutralize the impact of calcium and sodium that enter the process. Consumption solely for the neutralization of excess CaO and Na2O generates surplus bath. The resulting cyrolitic material can then only be consumed by the primary aluminum industry. In this paper the author discusses points of concern from the perspective of customers with regard to %CaO, %Na2O, and the ratio of between %CaO and %Na2O. Conclusions include the impact that the growth of surplus cryolitic bath will have upon producers of SGA.
Using Markets to Govern Better in Singapore

The Singapore government creatively uses all the means available to be highly competitive internationally, to insure economic growth, and to maintain a high quality of life for its citizens. It successfully incorporated market systems in the process of governing before it became a popular means of solving public problems. This paper examines the Singapore experience in employing markets to promote its goals. It examines nine cases in which the government has used market mechanisms to improve governance. These cases provide an opportunity for others to consider and to learn from Singapore's experience.
Regulation of Host Ribonucleic Acid Synthesis in Bacteriophage T3-infected Cells PROPERTIES OF AN INHIBITORY PROTEIN OF ESCHERICHIA COLI RIBONUCLEIC ACID POLYMERASE

Abstract Recently we described the isolation and partial purification of a protein from T3 phage-infected Escherichia coli B cells. This protein markedly inhibits the activity of E. coli RNA polymerase, but it only slightly diminishes the activity of T3-specific T3 polymerase even when added at high concentrations (Mahadik. S. P., Dharmgrongartama, B., and Srinivasan, P. R. (1972) Proc. Nat. Acad. Sci. U. S. A. 69, 162). This protein has no inhibitory effect on core polymerase activity and requires the presence of sigma factor for eliciting the inhibition. However, further addition of sigma factor failed to overcome the inhibition observed with E. coli RNA polymerase. The protein does not bind directly to DNA or RNA polymerase or RNA polymerase-DNA complex. The presence of ATP and GTP are required for the binding of the inhibitory protein to enzyme-DNA complex. The activity of the inhibitory protein is not observed in nonpermissive cells infected with an amber mutant in gene 1 defective in T3-specific T3 polymerase. Thus, the T3 phage gene responsible for the synthesis of the inhibitory protein is not an early gene and the transcription of this gene is under the control of T3 polymerase.
Recombinant Rous sarcoma virus vectors for avian cells.

Publisher Summary This chapter describes the properties of the Rous Sarcoma Virus (RSV) vectors and their use in expressing recombinant proteins in chick embryo fibroblasts (CEFs) and other cultured avian cells. This expression system has significant experimental advantages and has been invaluable for the structure–function analysis of the human transferrin receptor (TR). Various related RSV vectors have now been generated and can be used to express recombinant proteins in cultured cells and in chickens. RSV is the only known replication-competent retrovirus that carries a host-derived oncogene, src . Because the virus does not need the host-derived src oncogene for replication, src can be removed and replaced by other genes. This feature of RSV enables it to be used as a replication-competent helper-independent retroviral vector. The major advantage of the RCAS (RC, replication-competent; A, avian leukemia virus long terminal repeat; S, with splice acceptor) vectors is the fact that they are replication-competent retroviral vectors containing all the viral genes necessary to produce infectious virus. The RCAS vectors are suitable for unregulated high level expression of recombinant proteins in cultured CEFs.
Cannabinomimetic neurotoxicity (P5.109)

OBJECTIVE: To increase awareness among clinicians and the general population regarding seizures/status epilepticus as complications of synthetic marijuana use. BACKGROUND: Synthetic cannabinoids are popular among recreational drug users to evade standard drug screen detection, and the side effect profiles of these “designer drugs” are poorly understood. Marketed as incense and potpourri under many names, there is mounting evidence that these cannabinoids cause more than a harmless “high”. While psychiatric effects are well described, the increasing incidence of seizures is alarming. DESIGN/METHODS: Retrospective analysis of 6 cases of synthetic cannabinoid-induced seizures, admitted to our Neurology Service over a 12-month period. All patients received brain MRI, EEG, toxicology screen, and basic laboratory testing. RESULTS: Patient age ranged from 20-30 years (five males, one female), with recent cannabinomimetic use reported by patients and/or family. Four of six patients had new onset generalized tonic-clonic seizures; three presented with status epilepticus requiring intubation. Toxicology screens were negative in all cases. Pathologic postictal increase of CK level was observed in all patients with peak rise on days 3-4. Three patients developed rhabdomyolysis (44, 74, 91-fold CK elevation). CSF analysis, performed in three patients, was unremarkable. Brain MRIs were also unremarkable except for one patient with mesial temporal sclerosis. EEGs did not document interictal epileptiform discharges. All patients recovered. Two patients were reevaluated as outpatients, with no recurrence of seizures reported after discharge. CONCLUSIONS: Seizures/status epilepticus may be the first recognized manifestation of synthetic cannabinoid toxicity. The greater than 40-fold CK increase observed in 50[percnt] of our patients suggests synergism between these cannabinomimetics, their metabolites, and seizures in promoting rhabdomyolysis. Routine drug screening does not include synthetic cannabinoids, and diagnosis usually relies on detailed history. Better laboratory testing methodologies for cannabinomimetic detection are required to assess the full spectrum of clinical neurotoxicity. Study Supported by: n/a Disclosure: Dr. Mella has nothing to disclose. Dr. Shroff has nothing to disclose. Dr. Smith has nothing to disclose. Dr. Shanina has nothing to disclose.
Line-intercept laboratory subsampling estimates periphyton biovolumes more efficiently than standard methods

Summary 1 Algal assemblages have been included in biological monitoring in a number of national, large-scale and long-term biological monitoring and assessment programmes of streams, lakes and wetlands. However, there has been no substantial investigation of alternative enumeration strategies. 2 We compared the sampling efficiency of the common periphyton subsampling strategies of counting 300 cells by strip counts or random fields and measuring 10 cells per taxon for biovolume, with line-intercept sampling (LIS), using samples collected from four streams differing in canopy cover and discharge. We also simulated the optimum ratio of cells tallied to cells measured for biovolume for all approaches. 3 LIS was 1·6–5·5 times more efficient at estimating algal taxa biovolume than the 300-cell count methods. LIS performed best relative to conventional 300-cell count methods in streams with high biovolume, although efficiency gains were still noticeable in low biovolume streams. In addition, LIS tended to detect more taxa than the conventional 300-cell target biological assessment methods. 4 In simulations, LIS was more efficient than the conventional methods for nearly all combinations of target cell count and cells measured for biovolume. No single optimal ratio of cells counted to cells measured was found. The target cell count that resulted in the greatest efficiency was higher in assemblages with large variation in cell density. Likewise, assemblages with high variance in taxa biovolume were most efficiently sampled by measuring more cells. 5 Synthesis and applications. An increase in sampling efficiency as a result of greater adoption of LIS sampling may result in more accurate estimation of the relationships between periphyton community composition and environmental factors, and more sensitive detection of impacts using stream periphyton. Additionally, LIS may improve estimates in other ecological research fields employing microscopic counting chambers.
The foundations of political corruption: Insights from the Philippine case 1

(1994). The foundations of political corruption: Insights from the Philippine case. Asian Journal of Political Science: Vol. 2, No. 1, pp. 86-113.
Hemoglobin polymorphism in inbred strains of rats (Rattus norvegicus).

Hemoglobin phenotypes A and B were determined by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis of erythrocyte lysates from 29 inbred strains of rats. Fourteen strains have phenotype A and fifteen have phenotype B, which are characterized by five and six hemoglobin bands, respectively. Breeding studies showed that the phenotypes are codominant and that they segregate in a simple Mendelian fashion in the (A×B) F1×A backcross. Sex and hemoglobin phenotype assort independently, and the hemoglobin phenotype is not linked to the major histocompatibility complex (RT1) and to two erythrocyte alloantigenic systems (RT2 and RT3).
Purification and partial characterization of virus-like particles from Schneider line 2 Drosophila cells.

Abstract A procedure has been developed for the purification of virus-like particles (VLPs) from Schneider line 2 Drosophila cells. The VLPs were precipitated with polyethylene glycol from the cytoplasmic fraction of lysed cells and further purified by equilibrium centrifugation in CsCl density gradients, in which they band at a density of 1.366 g/ml. Electron micrographs of these preparations revealed polyhedral particles with a diameter of 310–330 A. We have also found particles of this size in thin sections of the intact cells. Sedimentation of the VLPs through 10–70% sucrose gradients yields a sedimentation coefficient of 235 S. Preliminary studies show that the VLPs contain double-stranded RNA species of 10 S, 14.5 S, 16 S, and 18 S.
Nest construction by a ground-nesting bird represents a potential trade-off between egg crypticity and thermoregulation

Predation selects against conspicuous colors in bird eggs and nests, while thermoregulatory constraints select for nest-building behavior that regulates incubation temperatures. We present results that suggest a trade-off between nest crypticity and thermoregulation of eggs based on selection of nest materials by piping plovers (Charadrius melodus), a ground-nesting bird that constructs simple, pebble-lined nests highly vulnerable to predators and exposed to temperature extremes. Piping plovers selected pebbles that were whiter and appeared closer in color to eggs than randomly available pebbles, suggesting a crypsis function. However, nests that were more contrasting in color to surrounding substrates were at greater risk of predation, suggesting an alternate strategy driving selection of white rocks. Near-infrared reflectance of nest pebbles was higher than randomly available pebbles, indicating a direct physical mechanism for heat control through pebble selection. Artificial nests constructed of randomly available pebbles heated more quickly and conferred heat to model eggs, causing eggs to heat more rapidly than in nests constructed from piping plover nest pebbles. Thermal models and field data indicated that temperatures inside nests may remain up to 2–6°C cooler than surrounding substrates. Thermal models indicated that nests heat especially rapidly if not incubated, suggesting that nest construction behavior may serve to keep eggs cooler during the unattended laying period. Thus, pebble selection suggests a potential trade-off between maximizing heat reflectance to improve egg microclimate and minimizing conspicuous contrast of nests with the surrounding substrate to conceal eggs from predators. Nest construction behavior that employs light-colored, thermally reflective materials may represent an evolutionary response by birds and other egg-laying organisms to egg predation and heat stress.
Enhancing the Potential for Population Recovery: Restoration Options for Bay Scallop Populations, Argopecten irradians concentricus, in North Carolina

ABSTRACT Historically depressed bay scallop populations in North Carolina have retained some capacity to replenish themselves. However, continued abnormally high predation by cownose rays, and growing degradation of seagrass beds may limit bay scallop population recovery. We modified existing methods for protecting spawning adult scallops from cownose rays (stockades) and enhancing scallop set (spat collectors in the natural habitat and in managed shore-side ponds) to determine whether the population growth of bay scallops could be enhanced. We found, with one important exception, that spawner sanctuaries inside stockades could be used to concentrate and protect adult scallops during a time when they are susceptible to ray predation. Spat collector bags proved effective not only in gathering scallop spat but serving as nurseries for juvenile scallop grow-out. The results from our pond experiments were mixed: spat collector bags did not do well in the pond, but an alternative collector design holds promise...
Excess around a central molecule with application to binary mixtures.

It was shown by us (J. Phys. Chem. B, 2006, 110, 12707) that the excess (deficit) of any species i around a central molecule j in a binary mixture is not provided by ciGij (where ci is the molar concentration of species i in the mixture and Gij are the Kirkwood–Buff integrals) as usually considered and that an additional term, involving a volume Vj which is inaccessible to molecules of species i because of the presence of the central molecule j, must be included. In this paper, the new expression is applied to various binary mixtures and used to establish a simple criterion for preferential solvation in a binary system. First, it is applied to binary Lennard-Jones fluids. The conventional expression for the excess (deficit) in binary mixtures, ciGij, provides always deficits around any central molecule in such fluids. In contrast, the new expression provides excess for one species and deficit for the other one. In addition, two kinds of binary mixtures involving weak (argon/krypton) and strong (alcohols/water) intermolecular interactions were considered. Again, the conventional expression for the excess (deficit) in a binary mixture, ciGij, provides always deficits for any central molecule in the argon/krypton mixture, whereas the new expression provides excess for argon (a somewhat smaller molecule) and deficit for krypton. Three alcohol/water binary mixtures (1-propanol/water, tert-butanol/water and methanol/water) with strong intermolecular interactions were considered and compared with the available experimental information regarding the molecular clustering in solutions. We found (for 1-propanol/water and tert-butanol/water) a large excess of alcohols around a central alcohol molecule and a large excess of water around a central water molecule. For both mixtures the maximum of the calculated excess with respect to the concentration corresponds to the maximum in the cluster size found experimentally, and the range of alcohol concentrations in which the calculated excess becomes very small corresponds to the composition range in which no clusters could be identified experimentally.
Physical activity and 23-year incidence of coronary heart disease morbidity and mortality among middle-aged men. The Honolulu Heart Program.

BACKGROUND The purpose of the study was to examine the association between physical activity and 23-year incidence of coronary heart disease morbidity and mortality. This cohort study continues to follow 8006 Japanese-American men who were 45 to 68 years of age and living on Oahu, Hawaii, in 1965, for the development of coronary heart disease morbidity and mortality. METHODS AND RESULTS The Framingham physical activity index was calculated by summing the product of average hours spent at each activity level and a weighting factor based on oxygen consumption. Study subjects were divided into tertiles of physical activity index at baseline. Relative risks and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for incidence of coronary heart disease morbidity and mortality were obtained using the Cox model. After age adjustment and using the lowest physical activity index tertile as a reference group, the relative risk for coronary heart disease incidence for the highest tertile of physical activity was 0.83 (CI, 0.70 to 0.99). After adjusting for age, hypertension, smoking, alcohol intake, diabetes, cholesterol, and body mass index, the relative risk was 0.95 and CI included 1 (CI, 0.80 to 1.14). For coronary heart disease mortality, the age-adjusted relative risk was 0.74 (CI, 0.56 to 0.97) and 0.85 (CI, 0.65 to 1.13) after risk factor adjustment. CONCLUSIONS The results suggest that the impact of physical activity index on coronary heart disease is mediated through its effects on hypertension, diabetes, cholesterol, and body mass index. These findings support the hypothesis that physical activity is inversely associated with coronary heart disease morbidity and mortality and suggest that physical activity interventions in middle-aged men, by improving cardiovascular risk factor levels, may have significant public health implications in the prevention of coronary heart disease.
A General Statistical Model for Estimating Future Demand Levels of Data-Base Utilization within an Information Retrieval Organization.

A statistical model for characterizing the growth patterns of data base utilization and for estimating future utilization levels of demand has been developed for information retrieval organizations. The model developed is γ = β (1-e−at) where γ is the number of users of a data base at time †, and α and β are parameters to be estimated. Illustrations of the model applied to a typical information retrieval organization are given and discussed.
Modeling amyloid toxic ion channels

Non-amyloidogenic beta peptides, p3 (Aβ17-42) and Aβ11-42, resulting from α-secretase and BACE cleavage are often found in amyloid plaques. However, the biophysical properties and functional role of these non-amyloidogenic peptides are not understood. We present molecular dynamics (MD) simulations of channels consisting of the U-shaped beta-strand-turn-beta-strand peptides using available NMR-based coordinates of p3 and Aβ9-42. Our results show that non-amyloidogenic p3 and Aβ9-42 peptides form ion channel-like structures with loosely attached subunits. These channels are dynamic and are made of small peptide oligomers. The channels can conduct calcium and obtain shapes and dimensions consistent with Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) images. All channels break into mobile subunits suggesting that membranes do not support intact β-sheet channels. We shall further present results of modeling both PG-1 and k3-β2m channels, presenting a consistent general picture of toxic beta-sheet based channels. Funded in part by DHHS #N01-CO-12400.
Optical Interferometry of Inhomogeneous Gases

One-dimensional refractive index distribution using power series expansions for refractive index and ray traces obtained from relation of inhomogeneities and interference pattern of Mach- Zehnder interferometer
Drought in the rain forest: Effects of the 1991 El Niño-Southern Oscillation event on a rural economy in West Kalimantan, Indonesia

In this paper, I first conduct a preliminary analysis of monthly rainfall data from West Kalimantan, Indonesia that indicates that (1) dry periods periodically occur in this otherwise humid environment; (2) these dry periods are often linked to El Nino-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) events; and (3) the intensity of these ENSO linked dry periods has been increasing over the past two or three decades. I then examine the economic costs of the 1991 dry period to residents of several small villages near Gunung Palung National Park. Costs I considered included reduced durian fruit harvest, loss of coffee gardens, delayed rice crops, increased water hauling labor, lost wages in the forest product industry, and increased health problems. The total cost was estimated to be between approximately one-quarter and one-half of annual township income. These results of this ‘economic ground truthing’ indicate that even in one of the wettest places of the world, droughts occur and can have serious welfare consequences. To the extent that the increasing intensity of these droughts may be linked to climate change, prudence dictates that policy and decision makers should use these results to plan accordingly.
Dark adaptation in rod homologous loci.

Thirty-six dark adaptation curves were obtained in six locations on the horizontal meridian of the temporal retina. Loci were chosen at 4° and 50°, 6° and 39°, 9° and 27°, each pair of loci having comparable rod densities, but different cone densities. Alpha-cone breaks occurred in all six locations at about the same time, suggesting that the transition from cone to rod adaptation in each place may have been triggered by a common process. Similar time courses for photopic thresholds, and increasing rates of scotopic recovery toward the peripheral retina indicate that dark adaptation, even for a 10 min stimulus, is not purely a function of cone and rod densities. Peripheral flutter observed at cone break may reflect the dual nature of the dark adaptation process during a period of mixed receptor activity.
Creative strategic planning using imagery

Abstract Strategic planning is often dominated by left-brain thinking which emphasizes rational, analytical techniques. Imagery is a technique which has been widely applied in other disciplines such as sports, medicine, learning and counselling, which can be used by planners to enhance more right-brain thinking. The technique is especially useful for creative thinking in scenario building and goal setting. This paper reviews the technique, explains how it has been used in other fields, and how it can be used to enhance planning.
Perceptual evaluation of tone-reproduction operators using the Cornsweet--Craik--O'Brien illusion

High dynamic-range images cannot be directly displayed on conventional display devices, but have to be tone-mapped first. For this purpose, a large set of tone-reproduction operators is currently available. However, it is unclear which operator is most suitable for any given task. In addition, different tasks may place different requirements upon each operator. In this paper we evaluate several tone-reproduction operators using a paradigm that does not require the construction of a real high dynamic-range scene, nor does it require the availability of a high dynamic-range display device. The user study involves a task that relates to the evaluation of contrast, which is an important attribute that needs to be preserved under tone reproduction.
Periodic microwave spectra due to quantised-flux penetration into intra-crystal Josephson links in Bi2212 single crystals detected by ESR spectrometer

Abstract Periodic microwave absorption-spectra due to quantised flux penetration into intra-crystal Josephson links in Bi 2 Sr 2 Ca 1 Cu 2 O y single crystals were observed at external fluxes Φ x =( k ± 1 2 )Φ 0 , k =0, 1, 2, … using ESR spectrometer. The link-size and the number of quanta penetrating the links are very small, an order of 0.5 – 4 μm 2 and several to a few tens. The periodicity with a half quantum was shown to be due to 0-type Josephson junction links.
Effect of sunglasses on visual detection under conditions of glare and no glare.

This experiment tested the effect of sunglass usage on visual detection efficiency under conditions of glare and no glare. Ss were given the task of determining the presence of a spot on a field of moderate illumination in a dark room and in the same room with the addition of glare produced by two flood lights. Measurements were taken in both conditions with and without the use of sunglasses. The results indicated that in both conditions the use of sunglasses decreased the detection efficiency.
"I couldn't have seen it coming": the impact of negative self-relevant outcomes on retrospections about foreseeability.

We examined a phenomenon related to hindsight bias, specifically, retrospective judgements about the foreseeability of an outcome. We predicted that negative, self-relevant outcomes would be judged as less foreseeable by the recipient of the outcome than by others, unlike either positive outcomes or outcomes that are not self-relevant. In the context of a "stock market decision-making game", the hypothetical stock selected by one of two players showed an extreme increase or decrease. As predicted, the player who received an extreme negative outcome reported that this outcome was less foreseeable than did the opponent and an observer, for whom the outcome was less self-relevant. For no other kind of outcome was there a difference between the recipient of an outcome, the opponent, and the observer. The findings have several implications, including the possibility that hindsight bias should be considered as a special case of retrospective foreseeability.
Gene Expression Profiling in Fetal, Aged, and Alzheimer Hippocampus: A Continuum of Stress-Related Signaling

While specific components of normal brain aging and Alzheimer's disease (AD) appear to be genetically determined, it is not well understood whether AD is due to accelerated aging or if AD represents an independent disease entity superimposed upon senescence. Using gene expression profiling, significant alterations in brain-specific transcription patterns have been observed between AD and age-matched controls. In AD, although a general depression in brain genetic output has been reported, there are robust increases in the expression of potentially neuropathological genes. The data in this study show increases in the RNA abundance patterns for a stress-response, proinflammatory, apoptotic, and angiogenic gene family that occur during the transition from fetal to aged, and again during the transformation from aged to AD brain. Significantly up-regulated RNAs include those encoding stress-induced factors (HSP70), transcriptional repressors (DAXX), pentraxins (SAP), proapoptosis factors (FAS and DAXX), and several inflammatory markers (βAPP, CEX1, NF-IL6, NF-kappaBp100, cyclooxygenase-2, IL-1α and IL-1β precursors and cPLA2). These findings support the hypothesis that there is a continuum of stress-related gene expression as the brain ages and an advancement of inflammatory, apoptotic, and angiogenic gene signaling that correlates with the transition to AD.
Alibis of Empire: Henry Maine and the Ends of Liberal Imperialism

Alibis of Empire: Henry Maine and the Ends of Liberal Imperialism Karuna Mantena Princeton and Oxford, Princeton University Press, 2010 269 pp., ISBN: 978-0691128160 (£27.05 hardback) Sir Henry Mai...
Using experience to guide Web server selection

We examine the use of the anycasting communication paradigm to improve client performance when accessing replicated multimedia objects. Anycasting supports dynamic selection of a server amongst a group of servers that provide equivalent content. It the selection is done well, the client will experience improved performance. A key issue in anycasting is the method used to maintain performance information used in server selection. We explore using past performance or experience to predict future performance. We conduct our work in the context of a customized web prefetching application called WebSnatcher. We examine a variety of algorithms for selecting a server using past performance and find that the overall average and weighted average algorithms are closest to optimal performance. In addition to the WebSnatcher application, this work has implications for responsible network behavior by other applications that generate network traffic automatically. By using the techniques we present here, such applications can reduce network and server load, potentially improving performance for interactive applications. The results can also be used to reach conclusions about the performance that would be obtained if anycasting were used in an interactive application.© (1998) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Nanoscale slit arrays as planar far-field lenses

We report the first experimental demonstration of far-field lensing using a plasmonic slit array. We implement a planar nano-slit lens using a combination of thin film deposition and focused ion beam milling. Our lens structures consist of optically thick gold films with micron-size arrays of closely-spaced, nanoscale slits of varying widths milled using a focused ion beam. We demonstrate experimentally that it acts as a far-field cylindrical lens for light at optical frequencies. We show excellent agreement between the full electromagnetic field simulations of the design, which include both evanescent and propagating modes, and the far-field, diffraction-limited confocal measurements on manufactured structures. The flexibility offered by these slit-based planar lenses allows for the design of microlenses that compensate for oblique illumination in integrated opto-electronic systems, such as complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS) image sensors.
Regulation of rat liver 4-hydroxy-2-ketoglutarate aldolase.

Abstract The possibility is examined that 4-hydroxy-2-ketoglutarate aldolase (4-hydroxy-2-ketoglutarate glyoxylatelyase, EC 4.1.3.16), the last step in hydroxyproline catabolism is regulated by intermediates of gluconeogenesis. inhibition of isolated 4-hydoxy-2-ketoglutarate aldolase was examined using dual inhibition studies. It was found that the enzyme exhibits synergistic inhibition by oxaloacetate and pyruvate, but only when the substrate concentration is low. At substrate concentrations approaching saturation, the inhibition by the oxaloacetate and pyruvate becomes additive. These results are discussed in terms of possible control of the use of carbon from hydroxyproline breakdown in glucose production.
Partner selection among Latino immigrant men who have sex with men

This qualitative study explored partner selection in a sample of immigrant Latino men who have sex with men (MSM). In-depth interviews were conducted with men living in the greater New York metropolitan area who had been born in Brazil (n = 10), Colombia (n = 14), or the Dominican Republic (n = 9). One focus group was conducted with MSM from each of the three countries (9 Brazilian, 11 Colombian, and 5 Dominican participants). A grounded theory approach revealed three main themes relating to partner selection. The first concerned stereotypes of how Latino and Anglo-American men tend to behave in their sexual encounters and relationships. The participants perceived Latinos to be more affectionate and passionate, whereas they saw Anglo-American men as more independent and practical. These cultural discrepancies sometimes resulted in a preference for Latino partners. A second theme concerned stereotypes of the national groups, including expectations that Brazilians would be sexy and sensual and that Dominicans would have large penises. As found in other research on MSM of color, ethnic and national stereotypes were associated with experiences of sexual objectification. The third theme addressed the importance of masculine characteristics in sexual attraction and partner selection. Negative feelings towards effeminate men who did not conform to normative male physical or behavioral presentation reflect a stigma found inside and outside of the gay community. These findings suggest that gender and ethnic stereotypes play an important role in shaping partner choice and have implications for sexual risk and relationship formation.
Intramolecular C(sp3)H amination of arylsulfonyl azides with engineered and artificial myoglobin-based catalysts

The direct conversion of aliphatic CH bonds into CN bonds provides an attractive approach to the introduction of nitrogen-containing functionalities in organic molecules. Following the recent discovery that cytochrome P450 enzymes can catalyze the cyclization of arylsulfonyl azide compounds via an intramolecular C(sp(3))H amination reaction, we have explored here the CH amination reactivity of other hemoproteins. Various heme-containing proteins, and in particular myoglobin and horseradish peroxidase, were found to be capable of catalyzing this transformation. Based on this finding, a series of engineered and artificial myoglobin variants containing active site mutations and non-native Mn- and Co-protoporphyrin IX cofactors, respectively, were prepared to investigate the effect of these structural changes on the catalytic activity and selectivity of these catalysts. Our studies showed that metallo-substituted myoglobins constitute viable CH amination catalysts, revealing a distinctive reactivity trend as compared to synthetic metalloporphyrin counterparts. On the other hand, amino acid substitutions at the level of the heme pocket were found to be beneficial toward improving the stereo- and enantioselectivity of these Mb-catalyzed reactions. Mechanistic studies involving kinetic isotope effect experiments indicate that CH bond cleavage is implicated in the rate-limiting step of myoglobin-catalyzed amination of arylsulfonyl azides. Altogether, these studies indicate that myoglobin constitutes a promising scaffold for the design and development of CH amination catalysts.
Conjugal Transfer of a Virulence Plasmid in the Opportunistic Intracellular Actinomycete Rhodococcus equi

Rhodococcus equi is a facultative intracellular, Gram-positive, soilborne actinomycete which can cause severe pyogranulomatous pneumonia with abscessation in young horses (foals) and in immunocompromised people, such as persons with AIDS. All strains of R. equi isolated from foals and approximately a third isolated from humans contain a large, ~81-kb plasmid which is essential for the intramacrophage growth of the organism and for virulence in foals and murine in vivo model systems. We found that the entire virulence plasmid could be transferred from plasmid-containing strains of R. equi (donor) to plasmid-free R. equi strains (recipient) at a high frequency and that plasmid transmission reestablished the capacity for intracellular growth in macrophages. Plasmid transfer required living cells and cell-to-cell contact and was unaffected by the presence of DNase, factors pointing to conjugation as the major means of genetic transfer. Deletion of a putative relaxase-encoding gene, traA, located in the proposed conjugative region of the plasmid, abolished plasmid transfer. Reversion of the traA mutation restored plasmid transmissibility. Finally, plasmid transmission to other Rhodococcus species and some additional related organisms was demonstrated. This is the first study showing a virulence plasmid transfer in R. equi, and it establishes a mechanism by which the virulence plasmid can move among bacteria in the soil.
Multiple markers of inflammation and weight status: cross-sectional analyses throughout childhood.

OBJECTIVE: Inflammatory markers such as C-reactive protein (CRP) are related to obesity in adults, but the association is less clear in children. Our objective was to examine relationships between multiple markers of inflammation and children9s weight status; we hypothesized that the prevalence of inflammatory markers would increase as weight status increased. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional analysis of children in the United States aged 1 to 17 years in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 1999–2006. Children were categorized using weight-for-length when age 5th to ≤85th percentile) according to expert consensus. Our main outcome measures were high-sensitivity CRP and absolute neutrophil count, in addition to a novel third measure: ferritin controlled for iron status using a ferritin/transferrin ratio. We used Cox proportional hazards models to examine risk of abnormal values of inflammatory markers according to weight. RESULTS: Increased risk of a CRP level of >1.0 mg/L was evident among very obese children from ages 3 to 5 years (hazard ratio [HR]: 2.29; P CONCLUSIONS: Multiple inflammatory markers are strongly and positively associated with increasing weight status in children, and this relationship starts as young as age 3. Elevated inflammatory markers in very young obese children are particularly concerning, because inflammation may cause long-term, cumulative vascular damage. This deserves additional research via longitudinal design.
Central insulin resistance and synaptic dysfunction in intracerebroventricular-streptozotocin injected rodents.

To better understand the role of insulin signaling in the development of Alzheimer's disease (AD), we utilized an animal model (intracerebroventricular injection of streptozotocin—ic-streptozotocin (STZ)) that displays insulin resistance only in the brain and exhibits AD pathology. In this model, deficits in hippocampal synaptic transmission and long-term potentiation (LTP) were observed. The decline in LTP correlated with decreased expression of NMDAR subunits NR2A and NR2B. The deficits in LTP were accompanied by changes in the expression and function of synaptic AMPARs. In ic-STZ animals, an alteration in integrin-linked kinase (ILK)-glycogen synthase kinase 3 beta (GSK-3-β) signaling was identified (p < 0.05). Similarly, there was decreased expression (p < 0.05) of brain derived neurotropic factor (BDNF) and stargazin, an AMPAR auxiliary subunit; both are required for driving AMPA receptors to the surface of the postsynaptic membrane. Our data illustrate that altered ILK-GSK-3β signaling due to impaired insulin signaling may decrease the trafficking and function of postsynaptic glutamate receptors; thereby, leading to synaptic deficits contributing to memory loss.
The efficacy of supported employment for middle-aged and older people with schizophrenia

Objective Supported employment is the evidence-based treatment of choice for assisting individuals with severe mental illness to achieve competitive employment, but few supported employment programs specifically target older clients with psychiatric illness. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of supported employment for middle-aged or older people with schizophrenia.
Characteristics of Submeso Winds in the Stable Boundary Layer

The characteristics of submeso motions in the stable boundary layer are examined using observations from networks of sonic anemometers with network sizes ranging from a few hundred metres to 100 km. This study examines variations on time scales between 1 min and 1 h. The analysis focuses on the behaviour of the spectra of the horizontal kinetic energy, the ratios of the three velocity variances, their kurtosis, the dependence of horizontal variability on time scale, and the inter-relationship between vertical vorticity, horizontal divergence and deformation. Motions on larger time and space scales in the stable boundary layer are found to be nearly two-dimensional horizontal modes although the ratio of the vorticity to the divergence is generally on the order of one and independent of scale. One exception is a small network where stronger horizontal divergence is forced by a decrease in surface roughness. The horizontal variability, averaged over 1 h, appears to be strongly influenced by surface heterogeneity and increases with wind speed. In contrast, the time dependence of the horizontal structure on time scales less than one hour tends to be independent of wind speed for the present datasets. The spectra of the horizontal kinetic energy and the ratio of the crosswind velocity variance to the along-wind variance vary substantially between networks. This study was unable to isolate the cause of such differences. As a result, the basic behaviour of the submeso motions in the stable boundary layer cannot be generalized into a universal theory, at least not from existing data.
An examination of seventh grade students' conceptions of science, technology and society (STS) issues

This study examined seventh grade students' conceptions of thirty-one science, technology and society (STS) issues. Ten male subjects and fourteen female subjects participated in this exploratory study. The results of the study show that both male and female subjects at this grade level have developed clear conceptions of STS issues which are relevant to them personally. Students at this grade level, however, had not developed clear conceptions of broader environmental issues. Implications of the findings are discussed.