cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Internet Resources for Researching Orthodox Judaism

Scholars researching the varieties of Orthodox Judaism have different types of primary and secondary resources available to them electronically. Books and journals are available digitally. Web sites emanate from institutions, organizations, and individuals that have clear ideological and political preferences. There is increasing use of the Internet by Orthodox and Haredi Jews for a variety of religious, communal, personal, and educational purposes. Religious Jewish residents of the West Bank maintain community Web sites that provide historical, theological, institutional, and communal information. This article describes some of the Web-based resources and tools that reflect the wide range of Orthodox thought, activity, and practices.
The fracture behavior of filament wound cylinders with surface flaws

The behavior of tensile coupons with surface notches of various semielliptical shapes has been evaluated for specimens obtained from a thick filament wound graphite/epoxy cylinder. Specimens with very shallow notches were observed to be notch insensitive and the unnotched strength from these specimens was determined to be 54.97 Ksi with an associated failure strain of 1.328 percent. Specimens with deeper notches were sensitive to notch depth and notch aspect ratio. Isotropic linear elastic fracture mechanics with an estimated fracture toughness of 27.2 Ksi-in.-to the 1/2 correctly predicted the influence of notch depth, aspect ratio and specimen finite width.
X-Ray K Absorption in Elements W(74) to U(92), and K Screening Numbers

Values are recorded for the $K$ absorption edges of elements 74, 76 to 83 inclusive, 90, and 92. Absorption is noted due apparently to the material of the slit but not to the passage of rays through the wedges formed by the jaws of the slit. An attempt is made to determine Sommerfeld's screening numbers for the $K$ shell from empirical data, on the assumption that the first term screening number is a linear function of the atomic number. Since this assumption leads to negative values for the "relativistic" screening number, it is conluded that Sommerfeld's term formula does not account for all the curvature of the lines in the Moseley diagram.
Quorum Sensing in Rhizobium sp. Strain NGR234 Regulates Conjugal Transfer (tra) Gene Expression and Influences Growth Rate

Rhizobium sp. strain NGR234 forms symbiotic, nitrogen-fixing nodules on a wide range of legumes via functions largely encoded by the plasmid pNGR234a. The pNGR234a sequence revealed a region encoding plasmid replication (rep) and conjugal transfer (tra) functions similar to those encoded by the rep and tra genes from the tumor-inducing (Ti) plasmids of Agrobacterium tumefaciens, including homologues of the Ti plasmid quorum-sensing regulators TraI, TraR, and TraM. In A. tumefaciens, TraI, a LuxI-type protein, catalyzes synthesis of the acylated homoserine lactone (acyl-HSL) N-3-oxo-octanoyl-L-homoserine lactone (3-oxo-C8-HSL). TraR binds 3-oxo-C8-HSL and activates expression of Ti plasmid tra and rep genes, increasing conjugation and copy number at high population densities. TraM prevents this activation under noninducing conditions. Although the pNGR234a TraR, TraI, and TraM appear to function similarly to their A. tumefaciens counterparts, the TraR and TraM orthologues are not cross-functional, and the quorum-sensing systems have differences. NGR234 TraI synthesizes an acyl-HSL likely to be 3-oxo-C8-HSL, but traI mutants and a pNGR234a-cured derivative produce low levels of a similar acyl-HSL and another, more hydrophobic signal molecule. TraR activates expression of several pNGR234a tra operons in response to 3-oxo-C8-HSL and is inhibited by TraM. However, one of the pNGR234a tra operons is not activated by TraR, and conjugal efficiency is not affected by TraR and 3-oxo-C8-HSL. The growth rate of NGR234 is significantly decreased by TraR and 3-oxo-C8-HSL through functions encoded elsewhere in the NGR234 genome.
Estimating cross-section common stochastic trends in nonstationary panel data

This paper studies large-dimension factor models with nonstationary dynamic factors, also referred to as cross-section common stochastic trends. We consider the problem of estimating the dimension of the common stochastic trends and the stochastic trends themselves. We derive the rates of convergence and the limiting distributions for the estimated common trends and for the estimated loading coefficients. Generalized dynamic factor models with nonstationary factors are also considered. Cointegration among the factors is permitted. The method is applied to the study of employment fluctuations across 60 industries for the U.S. We examine the hypothesis that these fluctuations can be explained by a small number of aggregate factors. We also test whether some observable macroeconomic variables are the underlying factors.
An iterative construction of isospectral digraphs

Recently, Storm used generating functions to provide a proof that an infinite family of graphs constructed by Cooper have the same Ihara zeta function. Here, we generalize the construction of that infinite family of graphs to a directed graph construction. A similar generating function proof technique applies, and we exhibit conditions under which our digraphs have the same spectra with respect to the adjacency matrix.
Wavelet-multivariate relevance vector machine hybrid model for forecasting daily evapotranspiration

Evapotranspiration (ET) is one of the main components of the hydrological cycle. It is a complex process driven mainly by weather parameters, and as such, is characterized by high non-linearity and non-stationarity. This paper introduces a methodology combining wavelet multiresolution analysis with a machine learning algorithm, the multivariate relevance vector machine (MVRVM), in order to predict 16 days of future daily reference evapotranspiration (ETo). This methodology lays the ground for forecasting the spatial distribution of ET using Landsat satellite imagery, hence the choice of 16 days, which corresponds with the Landsat overpass cycle. An accurate prediction of daily ETo is needed to improve the management of irrigation schedules as well as the operations of water supply facilities like canals and reservoirs. In this paper, various wavelet decompositions were performed and combined with MVRVM to develop hybrid models to predict ETo over a 16-days period. These models were compared to a MVRVM model, and models accuracy and robustness were evaluated. The addition of 10 days of forecasted air temperature as additional inputs to the forecasting models was also investigated. The results of the wavelet-MVRVM hybrid modeling methodology showed that a reliable forecast of ETo up to 16 days ahead is possible.
A flexible climate model for use in integrated assessments

Because of significant uncertainty in the behavior of the climate system, evaluations of the possible impact of an increase in greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere require a large number of long-term climate simulations. Studies of this kind are impossible to carry out with coupled atmosphere ocean general circulation models (AOGCMs) because of their tremendous computer resource requirements. Here we describe a two dimensional (zonally averaged) atmospheric model coupled with a diffusive ocean model developed for use in the integrated framework of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Joint Program on the Science and Policy of Global Change. The 2-D model has been developed from the Goddard Institute for Space Studies (GISS) GCM and includes parametrizations of all the main physical processes. This allows it to reproduce many of the nonlinear interactions occurring in simulations with GCMs. Comparisons of the results of present-day climate simulations with observations show that the model reasonably reproduces the main features of the zonally averaged atmospheric structure and circulation. The model’s sensitivity can be varied by changing the magnitude of an inserted additional cloud feedback. Equilibrium responses of different versions of the 2-D model to an instantaneous doubling of atmospheric CO2 are compared with results of similar simulations with different AGCMs. It is shown that the additional cloud feedback does not lead to any physically inconsistent results. On the contrary, changes in climate variables such as precipitation and evaporation, and their dependencies on surface warming produced by different versions of the MIT 2-D model are similar to those shown by GCMs. By choosing appropriate values of the deep ocean diffusion coefficients, the transient behavior of different AOGCMs can be matched in simulations with the 2-D model, with a unique choice of diffusion coefficients allowing one to match the performance of a given AOGCM for a variety of transient forcing scenarios. Both surface warming and sea level rise due to thermal expansion of the deep ocean in response to a gradually increasing forcing are reasonably reproduced on time scales of 100–150 y. However a wide range of diffusion coefficients is needed to match the behavior of different AOGCMs. We use results of simulations with the 2-D model to show that the impact on climate change of the implied uncertainty in the rate of heat penetration into the deep ocean is comparable with that of other significant uncertainties.
Changes in progesterone metabolites in the hippocampus can modulate open field and forced swim test behavior of proestrous rats.

The purpose of these experiments was to test the hypothesis that attenuating the endogenous increase of the 5alpha-reduced progesterone metabolite 5alpha-pregnan-3alpha-ol-20-one (3alpha,5alpha-THP) in the hippocampus will alter anxiety and depression behavior of proestrous rats. In Experiment 1, anxiety (open field) and depression (forced swim test) behavior was compared of rats that should have high (proestrous) and low (diestrous and male rats) endogenous hippocampal 3alpha,5alpha-THP. Proestrous rats exhibited more anxiolytic-like (increased central entries in the open field) and anti-depressant-like (less immobility in the forced swim test) behavior than diestrous or male rats. In Experiments 2 and 3, respectively, systemic and intrahippocampal finasteride, a 5alpha-reductase inhibitor which attenuates progesterone's metabolism to 3alpha,5alpha-THP, versus vehicle administration to proestrous rats was compared for effects on open field and forced swim test behavior. Systemic or intrahippocampal finasteride decreased central entries in the open field and increased immobility in the forced swim tests compared to vehicle administration. In Experiment 4, the effects of systemic and intrahippocampal finasteride vs vehicle administration on hippocampal 3alpha,5alpha-THP of proestrous rats was examined. Finasteride, SC or intrahippocampally, reduced 3alpha,5alpha-THP in the hippocampus compared to vehicle administration. Together these data suggest that variations in 3alpha,5alpha-THP levels in the hippocampus may mitigate proestrous changes in anxiety and depressive behavior of cycling rats.
Liver transplantation in a child with multifocal hepatocellular carcinoma hepatitis C and management of post‐transplant viral recurrence using boceprevir

HCV infection is the leading cause of liver transplantation in the adult population in the United States. HCV infection occurs in 0.2-0.4% of the pediatric population and progression to HCC is uncommon. Liver transplantation for HCV in children is rare. In this report, we present a case of pediatric patient with HCV and multifocal HCC at the age of 13 who underwent successful liver transplantation. While good graft function was initially observed, at one month after transplant, he experienced significant hepatitis C recurrence. He was treated with low-accelerating dose regimen antiviral therapy of PEG-IFN and RBV, followed by addition of a protease inhibitor, boceprevir, which led to viral clearance. To our knowledge, this is the first case report describing the post-transplant course of a child transplanted for HCV and HCC, and the first pediatric case report on using the triple therapy for management of post-liver transplant recurrence of HCV. This case report demonstrates the need for increased vigilance of surveillance for HCC during childhood.
Interview with Brian S. Alper of DynaMed

Abstract This interview with Brian S. Alper, MD, MSPH, founder and editor-in-chief of DynaMed and the medical director of Clinical Reference Products at EBSCO Publishing, describes systemic literature surveillance, topic creation, and peer review processes which distinguish the product as an effective, point-of-care evidence-based medicine resource for PCs and PDAs. doi:10.1300/J383v04n01_12
Aeroelastic divergence of swept-forward composite wings including warping restraint effect

A powerful analytical approach to the divergence instability of laminated composite swept-forward wings is developed in the paper. The approach, based on the state space concept (used in conjunction with Jordan canonical form), enables one to solve exactly the equations governing the aeroelastic divergence of swept-forward composite wings, the warping restraint effect being incorporated into the analysis. The results obtained here emphasize the complex role played by the warping restraint effect in the divergence instability of swept-forward composite wings.
Impact of undergraduate research experience in engineering

A survey of alumni from the College of Engineering at the University of Delaware was conducted to assess the impact of the undergraduate research experience. Students who had participated in undergraduate research were matched with a comparable group of alumni who had no research experience. Alumni were unaware that their responses would be used to assess the impact of undergraduate research. Respondents who had participated in research indicated that this experience was “very” or “extremely” important, with a greater perceived benefit for students who had participated in research for a longer time. Alumni with research experience were more likely to pursue graduate degrees, and they reported greater enhancement of important cognitive and personal skills. In addition, respondents who had been involved in research were much more likely to have reported that they had a faculty member play an important role in their career choice.
Cisplatin-induced changes in sodium, chloride, and urea transport by the frog skin.

Cisplatin-induced changes in sodium, chloride, and urea transport by the frog skin. Cisplatin is a platinum-containing antitumor agent whose usefulness is limited by nephrotoxicity. We examined the effects of cisplatin on a representative, transporting epithelium—the frog skin. Cisplatin (10 −3 M) from the mucosal surface increased the active transport of sodium by 35 to 40%, as monitored by short-circuit current. The cisplatin-induced increase in short-circuit current was inhibited by amiloride and was additive to the effects of vasopressin (20mU/ml of serosal solution). Cisplatin from the mucosal surface also decreased transepithelial electrical resistance by about 35% and increased the permeability to sodium, chloride, and urea. None of these effects of cisplatin occurred with platinum sulfate, platinum chloride, or the trans -isomcr of cisplatin. Accordingly, we conclude that cisplatin increases the permeability of the mucosal surface of the frog skin to sodium, chloride, and urea and that these changes are related to the cis -configuration of the drug rather than simply its heavy metal moiety. Modification des transports de sodium, de chlore et d'uree par la peau de grenouille sous l'influence du cisplatine. Le cisplatine est un agent anti-tumoral qui contient du platine et dont l'utilisation est limitee par la nephrotoxicite. Nous avons etudie les effets du cisplatine sur la peau de grenouille qui est representative d'un epithelium de transport. Le cisplatine a la concentration de 10 −3 M a la face muqueuse augmente le transport actif de sodium, evalue par le courant de court-circuit, de 35 a 40%. L'augmentation du courant de court circuit induite par le cisplatine est inhibee par l'amiloride et est additive aux effets de 20mU de vasopressine dans la solution sereuse. Le cisplatine a la face muqueuse diminue la resistance electrique transepitheliale de 35% et augmente la permeabilite au sodium, au chlore et a l'uree. Aucun des effets du cisplatine n'a ete observe avec le sulfate de platine, le chlorure de platine ou l'isomere trans du cisplatine. Nous en concluons que le cisplatine a la face muqueuse de la peau de grenouille augmente la permeabilite au sodium, au chlore et a l'uree et que ces modifications sont en rapport avec la configuration cis de la drogue plus qu'avec la presence de metal lourd.
Three- and Four-part Fractures Have Poorer Function Than One-part Proximal Humerus Fractures

Background Locking plates have become a commonly used fixation device in the operative treatment of three- and four-part proximal humerus fractures. Examining function in patients treated nonoperatively and operatively should help determine whether and when surgery is appropriate in these difficult-to-treat fractures.
Cardiovascular disease, cancer, and cause of death in patients with psoriasis: 10 years prospective experience in a cohort of 1,380 patients

After 10 years of prospective study of a cohort of 1,380 patients with psoriasis enrolled in the Photochemotherapy (PUVA) Follow-up Study, our data show that the incidence of death and causes of death were comparable to those expected in the general population. We noted no increase in cardiovascular mortality, but observed that cirrhosis caused more deaths among our cohort than in the general population (Standard Mortality Ratio: 4.7, P 0.05). In an analysis of individual sites, we observed significant increases in the incidence of colonic cancer and primary neoplasms of the central nervous system. We found no significant increase in the incidence of lymphoma, leukemia, or malignant melanoma within our cohort. Because of the possible long latency time and the low incidence of these malignancies only continued follow-up of this cohort van assure us that PUVA therapy does not substantially alter the risk for the development of these condition.
Estimating body fat in NCAA Division I female athletes: a five-compartment model validation of laboratory methods

The purpose of the present study was to determine the validity of various laboratory methods for estimating percent body fat (%fat) in NCAA Division I college female athletes (n = 29; 20 ± 1 year). Body composition was assessed via hydrostatic weighing (HW), air displacement plethysmography (ADP), and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), and estimates of %fat derived using 4-compartment (C), 3C, and 2C models were compared to a criterion 5C model that included bone mineral content, body volume (BV), total body water, and soft tissue mineral. The Wang-4C and the Siri-3C models produced nearly identical values compared to the 5C model (r > 0.99, total error (TE) < 0.40%fat). For the remaining laboratory methods, constant error values (CE) ranged from −0.04%fat (HW-Siri) to −3.71%fat (DXA); r values ranged from 0.89 (ADP-Siri, ADP-Brozek) to 0.93 (DXA); standard error of estimate values ranged from 1.78%fat (DXA) to 2.19%fat (ADP-Siri, ADP-Brozek); and TE values ranged from 2.22%fat (HW-Brozek) to 4.90%fat (DXA). The limits of agreement for DXA (−10.10 to 2.68%fat) were the largest with a significant trend of −0.43 (P < 0.05). With the exception of DXA, all of the equations resulted in acceptable TE values (<3.08%fat). However, the results for individual estimates of %fat using the Brozek equation indicated that the 2C models that derived BV from ADP and HW overestimated (5.38, 3.65%) and underestimated (5.19, 4.88%) %fat, respectively. The acceptable TE values for both HW and ADP suggest that these methods are valid for estimating %fat in college female athletes; however, the Wang-4C and Siri-3C models should be used to identify individual estimates of %fat in this population.
Patterns of Restraint Utilization in a Community Hospital’s Psychiatric Inpatient Units

Restraint use in psychiatry has been a topic of clinical and ethical debate for years. As much as the medical community desires to attain the goal of a restraint-free environment, there are not many alternatives available when it comes to protecting the safety of violent patients and those around them. Our objective was to examine patterns of restraint use and analyze the factors leading to its use in adult psychiatric inpatient units. We conducted a retrospective review of restraint orders from January 2007 to December 2012, for inpatient units at a community mental health hospital, examining—unit, patient gender, number and duration of restraint episodes, time of day, and whether medications and/or verbal redirection were used. For the 6-year period studied, a total of 1753 restraint order-sheets were filed for 455 patients. Mixed-model regression found significant differences in duration of restraint episodes depending on: patient gender, unit, medication use, verbal redirection and AM/PM shifts. These differences were consistent over time with no significant interactions with years and remained significant when included together in an overall multivariate model. We elucidate variable patterns of restraint utilization correlating with elements such as patient gender, time of day and staff shift, medication use, and attempts at verbally redirecting the patient. Besides providing much needed data on the intricate dynamics influencing restraint use, we suggest steps to implement hospital-wide restraint-reduction initiatives including cultural changes related to restraint usage, enhanced staff-training in conflict de-escalation techniques and personalized treatment plans for foreseeable restraint episodes.
Alternative measures of resource consumption in home care episodes

Expected changes in home health care reimbursement will require a shift in focus from a visit-based unit to some other yet-to-be-defined unit of resource consumption. Little research has been done to understand other measures of resource consumption, however, especially those examining disciplinary differences. The purpose of this study was to provide empirical evidence on other measures of resource consumption as a way to frame discussions on alternative measures. Information is presented from a study of 102 home health care patients from 10 agencies in Ohio who completed an episode of care and remained at home. While the mean time per visit was similar for all disciplines (46 to 55 minutes), there were differences in the number of visits provided by various disciplines (home care aide services had the highest mean number of visits with 11.8). The mean cost per day for all services was $43.80 while the mean cost per episode was $1,160. Recommendations for further research include similar examinations using a more rigorous sampling methodology and including disparate populations of patients.
17β‐estradiol (E2) induces cdc25A gene expression in breast cancer cells by genomic and non‐genomic pathways

Cdc25A is a potent tyrosine phosphatase that catalyzes specific dephosphorylation of cyclin/cyclin-dependent kinase (cdk) complexes to regulate G1 to S-phase cell cycle progression. Cdc25A mRNA levels are induced by 17β-estradiol (E2) in ZR-75 breast cancer cells, and deletion analysis of the cdc25A promoter identified the −151 to −12 region as the minimal E2-responsive sequence. Subsequent mutation/deletion analysis showed that at least three different cis-elements were involved in activation of cdc25A by E2, namely, GC-rich Sp1 binding sites, CCAAT motifs that bind NF-Y, and E2F sites that bind DP/E2F1 proteins. Studies with inhibitors and dominant negative expression plasmids show that E2 activates cdc25A expression through activation of genomic ERα/Sp1 and E2F1 and cAMP-dependent activation of NF-YA. Thus, both genomic and non-genomic pathways of estrogen action are involved in induction of cdc25A in breast cancer cells. J. Cell. Biochem. © 2006 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Spectral beam attenuation coefficient retrieved from ocean color inversion

[1] A reflectance inversion model in presented in which particle backscattering is parameterized by the particle backscattering ratio, attenuation and absorption coefficients rather than a hyperbolic function. This parameterization removes backscattering spectral constraints and yields independent estimates of the magnitude and spectral slope of the particle beam attenuation, which have been found to correlate with the particle concentration and size distribution, respectively. The model yields estimates of component absorption and backscattering consistent with observations and Mie models, particularly for environments dominated by phytoplankton and other strongly absorbing particles.
Johnsen on Brains in Vats

This is a response to a recent Philosophical Studies article by Bredo Johnsen, in which he makes a number of criticisms of Putnamian anti-skeptical arguments.
A Solution Approach to Component Dynamics of A/B Miscible Blends. 1. Tube Dilation, Reptation, and Segmental Friction of Polymer A

A model solution system of 1,4-polybutadiene in oligomeric butadiene of high vinyl content is studied to show how polymer friction dynamics depend explicitly on the solvent dynamics and are approximately determined by the overall glass transition temperatures of the solutions as a function of concentration (i.e., weight fraction φ) and temperature T. Among the most striking findings are the invariance of the overall molecular relaxation time with φ from φ = 1.0 to 0.3 at a special temperature T0. Below T0, the solutions possess longer reptation times than that of the pure PBD melt. Moreover, through oscillatory shear measurements of linear viscoelasticity, the scaling of the tube dilation with φ is found rheologically as a ∝ φ-2/3, which agrees with the previous neutron spin echo studies. Since viscoelastic properties of the entangled solutions reveal dynamics associated with the polymeric component, a general methodology is established here based on the present model system for characterization of compon...
Spatial-interval discrimination in two-dimensions.

Abstract This study is concerned with the precision of spatial-interval discrimination when the stimulus is varied in two-dimensions rather than one-dimension. For the two-dimensional task, observers were required to judge the centraiity of a dot within a circle. Similar measurements were made in a one-dimensional task, i.e. the test dot was displaced only along one meridian, and the results were compared. This study shows that thresholds for the two-dimensional task are approx. √2 times the threshold of the one-dimensional task when the observer's task is to simply detect an offset in both one and two-dimensional conditions. However, thresholds are about a factor of two higher for the two-dimensional task if the observer is required to label the direction of offset.
Reorganization of cholangiocyte membrane domains represents an early event in rat liver ischemia

Cholangiocytes contribute significantly to bile formation through the vectorial secretion of water and electrolytes and are a focal site of injury in a number of diseases including liver ischemia and post-transplantation liver failure. Using ischemia in intact liver and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) depletion in cultured cells to model cholangiocyte injury, these studies examined the effects of metabolic inhibition on cholangiocyte viability and structure. During 120 minutes of ischemia or ATP depletion, cell viability and tight junctional integrity in cholangiocytes were maintained. However, both the in vivo and in vitro models displayed striking alterations in the secondary structure of the plasma membrane. After 120 minutes, the basolateral (BL) interdigitations were diminished and the apical (Ap) microvilli were significantly decreased in number. The BL and Ap membrane surface areas decreased by 42 +/- 8% and 63 +/- 2%, respectively. Despite these changes, F-actin remained predominantly localized to the membrane domains. In contrast, in a time course that paralleled the loss of microvilli, the actin-membrane linking protein ezrin progressively dissociated from the cytoskeleton. These studies indicate that cholangiocyte ATP depletion induces characteristic, domain-specific changes in the plasma membrane and implicate alterations in the membrane-cytoskeletal interactions in the initiation of the changes. Pending the re-establishment of the differentiated domains, the loss of specific secondary structures may contribute to impaired vectorial bile duct secretion and postischemic cholestasis.
Cortisol up-regulates corticotropin releasing factor gene expression in the fetal ovine brainstem at 0.70 gestation

Glucocorticoids are important for the development of the central nervous system. In the ovine fetus, increased levels of plasma cortisol at term provide a stimulus to initiate parturition. CRF is central to this event in that it is one of the main modulators of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. The purpose of the present study was to determine the effect of physiological increases in fetal plasma cortisol levels on corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) gene expression in the developing ovine brain. Fetal plasma cortisol levels were chronically elevated at 0.70 gestation (100 days) to physiological levels found at 0.90 gestation (130 days; term 145 ± 2 days) when glucocorticoid-induced maturational changes are known to occur in the HPA axis. The 3′ end of the ovine CRF gene encodes 4 putative polyadenylation (poly(A)) signals that may post-transcriptionally regulate gene expression through stability, translation and localization of the mRNA in a temporal and spatial manner. To determine whether CRF mRNA levels or poly(A) site usage are differentially regulated by cortisol in a region-specific manner, we used an RNase protection assay with an antisense CRF RNA probe from the 3′ coding and untranslated regions of the gene to quantify changes in mRNA levels in the hypothalamus (Hypo), hippocampal-amygdala complex (H and A), frontal cerebral cortex (FCC) and brainstem. Our novel finding was a 3.5-fold increase in CRF mRNA levels in the medulla oblongata of fetuses from the cortisol group compared to those from the saline group (P = 0.001). CRF mRNA levels in the Hypo, H and A and FCC did not change significantly in fetuses from the cortisol group. CRF mRNA transcripts derived from alternative poly(A) site usage were observed in all brain regions examined; however, cortisol administration did not change the ratio of mRNAs polyadenylated at site 1 versus sites 2–4. These results indicate that changes in the environment (e.g. physiological increases in fetal plasma cortisol levels at an earlier time during development) have regional effects on CRF gene expression in the developing ovine brain.
Experience with lung reimplantation in the dog.

Experience with autotransplantation of the lung in 30 dogs is presented. The dog can be used for experimental lung transplantation, but it has been extremely difficult to establish a suitable experimental model, Reimplanted lungs of the dog often fail to function normally because of complications involving the vascular and bronchial anastomoses. An angioplastic procedure is essential for the pulmonary arterial anastomosis to assure distensibility of the vessel to avoid high and fixed pulmonary arterial resistance. Special care is also required for the atrial anastomosis to prevent stenosis and thrombosis of the anastomotic site. Because of the preceding difficulties, the dog will not likely be an ideal animal for experimental lung transplantation.
FGFR2 amplification in gastric cancer

Abstract Introduction. Proto-oncogene activation can occur by amplification of a large tract of DNA: the purpose of this study was to determine the structure of the FGFR2 amplicon in the gastric cancer cell line SNU-16. Methods. FGFR2 amplification was confirmed by Southern blotting. Fluorescence in situ hybridization was used to visualize the locations of the SNU-16 amplicons, which then were mapped using RecA protein-assisted restriction endonuclease (RARE) cleavage techniques. Results. Results of RARE mapping studies were consistent with two structures that contain the FGFR2 gene (Figure). The dominant structure is a 660-kb double minute (DM) chromosome that has two full copies of the FGFR2 gene and a third truncated copy. There are about 160 copies of the DM per cell, and it is likely that the circular DM evolved from a precursor linear head-to-tail repeat. A second amplicon is a chromosomal head-to-tail repeat that contains the FGFR2 gene and an adjacent pseudogene. Sequences from the joint region (J2) of the DM contain Alu repeats and chi-like elements suggesting that homologous recombination played a role in generating the amplicons. Conclusions. FGFR2 amplification in SNU-16 is complex. However, RARE cleavage and mapping was effective in resolving the various amplicons. It appears that, once created, FGFR2 amplicons are dynamic structures that evolve. Detailed knowledge of the structure of amplified oncogenes in tumors may be useful for developing novel treatment strategies for upper gastrointestinal tract cancers. Download : Download full-size image
Smoking and Intracranial Aneurysm Morphology

Background Smoking is a well-known independent risk factor for both aneurysm formation and rupture. There is mounting evidence that aneurysm morphology beyond size can have a significant role in aneurysm formation and rupture risk by its effects on aneurysmal hemodynamics. Objective To study the variation in aneurysm morphology between smokers and nonsmokers and delineate how changes in these factors might affect aneurysm formation and rupture. Methods We generated 3-dimensional models of aneurysms and their surrounding vasculature by analyzing preoperative computed tomography angiograms with Slicer software. We then examined the association between smoking status and intrinsic, transitional, and extrinsic aspects of aneurysm morphology in both univariate and multivariate statistical analyses. Results From 2005 to 2013, 199 cerebral aneurysms in never smokers and current smokers were evaluated/treated at a single institution with available computed tomography angiograms (102 in never smokers and 97 in current smokers). Multivariate analysis of current smokers vs never smokers demonstrated that aneurysms in current smokers were significantly associated with multiple aneurysms (odds ratio [OR]: 2.15, P = .03), larger daughter vessel diameters (OR: 3.13, P = .01), larger size ratio (OR: 1.78, P = .01), and location at the basilar apex (OR: 6.26, P = .02). Conclusion The differences in aneurysm morphology between smoking and nonsmoking patient populations may elucidate the effects of smoking on aneurysm formation and eventual rupture. We identified several aspects of aneurysm morphology significantly associated with smoking status that may provide the morphological basis for how smoking leads to increased aneurysm rupture.
Apoptotic mechanisms during competition of ribosomal protein mutant cells: roles of the initiator caspases Dronc and Dream/Strica

Apoptotic mechanisms during competition of ribosomal protein mutant cells: roles of the initiator caspases Dronc and Dream/Strica
Optics and Communication Theory

The purpose of this paper is to illustrate the application to optics of some mathematical techniques originally developed for the analysis of electric networks and other communications problems. Two general aspects of communication theory may be so applied.The first of these is electrical network theory. This may be further subdivided. First there is the standard treatment of the response of networks to individual signals by means of Fourier analysis. The optical analogue of this is the analysis of images, also by Fourier transform techniques. Second, there is the statistical network theory initiated by N. Wiener and developed by Y. W. Lee. One aspect of this theory is the design of optimum linear systems for separating a signal from a noise. This is relevant to the problem of the removal of grain from photographs.The second aspect of communication theory which is relevant in optics is the general statistical information theory of Shannon and Wiener. This is especially valuable in the analysis of scanning systems treating signals and noise.The autocorrelation function of a picture is useful in both kinds of analysis, and will be discussed.
Nuclear size scaling during Xenopus early development contributes to midblastula transition timing.

Summary Early Xenopus laevis embryogenesis is a robust system for investigating mechanisms of developmental timing. After a series of rapid cell divisions with concomitant reductions in cell size, the first major developmental transition is the midblastula transition (MBT), when zygotic transcription begins and cell cycles elongate [1–3]. Whereas the maintenance of a constant nuclear-to-cytoplasmic (N/C) volume ratio is a conserved cellular property [4–7], it has long been recognized that the N/C volume ratio changes dramatically during early Xenopus development [8]. We investigated how changes in nuclear size and the N/C volume ratio during early development contribute to the regulation of MBT timing. Whereas previous studies suggested a role for the N/C volume ratio in MBT timing [1, 9–13], none directly tested the effects of altering nuclear size. In this study, we first quantify blastomere and nuclear sizes in X. laevis embryos, demonstrating that the N/C volume ratio increases prior to the MBT. We then manipulate nuclear volume in embryos by microinjecting different nuclear scaling factors, including import proteins, lamins, and reticulons. Using this approach, we show that increasing the N/C volume ratio in pre-MBT embryos leads to premature activation of zygotic gene transcription and early onset of longer cell cycles. Conversely, decreasing the N/C volume ratio delays zygotic transcription and leads to additional rapid cell divisions. Whereas the DNA-to-cytoplasmic ratio has been implicated in MBT timing [1, 9–18], our data show that nuclear size also contributes to the regulation of MBT timing, demonstrating the functional significance of nuclear size during development.
Expression of neurofilament proteins during development of the nervous system in the squid Loligo pealei.

The squid nervous system includes various brain ganglia, optic lobes (the visual center), and the stellate ganglia, the system of giant motor fibers responsible for rapid jet-propelled escape behavior. The large caliber of giant fibers is due, in part, to the accumulation of squid-specific neurofilaments (NFs) made up of a heavily phosphorylated NF 220 protein together with NF 70 and NF 60 subunits. Using antibodies prepared against known peptide sequences in these proteins, together with a mammalian-derived antibody that specifically recognizes phosphorylated squid NF 220, we studied the localization of NFs in adult tissues and during neural development. Immunoblot and immunohistochemical analyses showed that NFs were present in adult neural tissues, primarily in selected fibers, with giant axons showing the most robust expression. After the first neurons differentiated at stage 22, immunoblots showed NF 60– and NF 70–immunoreactive proteins at all stages. The NF 220 subunit, however, was not detected in immunoblots at any developmental stage. Phosphorylated NF 220 immunoreactivity, although absent in immunoblots, was first seen in selected fibers of the stellate ganglia at stage 25, increasing thereafter in all giant fibers until hatching (stage 30). The stellate ganglion is the first neural tissue to acquire a mature neurofilament complement (i. e., phosphorylated NF 220), shortly before the onset of jet-propelled escape behavior. The temporal pattern of expression of the NFs during development resembled that seen in vertebrates; i. e., the smaller NFs appeared before the larger subunit in most neural tissues. In the squid, the expression pattern seems to depend upon the post-transcriptional regulation of a single gene rather than upon transcriptional regulation of three independent genes as in vertebrates. © 1995 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
THE THREAT OF VICTIMIZATION: A THEORETICAL RECONCEPTUALIZATION OF FEAR OF CRIME

Prior analysis in fear of crime research designates fear of crime as the dependent variable and designates independent variables that cause its existence. Two independent variables that are often discussed as causes of fear of crime are perceived risk and constrained behaviors. This paper critiques this conceptualization of fear of crime and argues that the focus of study should not be fear of crime but a larger construct called “the threat of victimization.” The threat of victimization consists of three components; the emotive component (fear of crime), the cognitive component (perceived risk), and the behavioral component (constrained behaviors). Therefore, fear of crime is not a consequence of perceived risk and constrained behaviors, but is instead involved in a complex reciprocal relationship with these two variables. This theoretical argument and its implications will be explored.
A positronium decay analysis of the pore ultrastructure of sintered gel-silica monoliths

Abstract Positronium decay is used to characterize the pore structure of gel-silica monoliths. The results obtained from positronium decay are compared with results obtained by nitrogen gas adsorption for gel-silica monoliths of different pore sizes densified in the range of 180–1150°C. The results show that the average pore radius of the silica gel monoliths remains fairly constant during densification, while the total volume of pores and total surface area of the pore-solid interface decreases during the process. The positronium decay analysis reveals that the particle size remains constant during densification for gel-silica monoliths of small pore sizes, but changes for samples of larger pore diameter. It is shown that the average pore sizes obtained from the gas adsorption and positronium decay techniques yield comparable results.
Senior Adults' Perceptions of Successful Aging

This qualitative study examined the perceptions of 18 senior adults about successful aging and the role of learning in the process of adapting to age-related changes. Findings indicated that successful aging involves engaging with others; coping with changes; and maintaining physical, mental, and financial health. Within these themes, learning emerged as an important factor in the successful aging process. Specifically, participants described learning in terms of a variety of purposes—such as a social experience, a coping strategy, and a way to have fun. Implications for the design and delivery of programs for senior adults are discussed.
The Trilateral Opioid Contract: Bridging the Pain Clinic and the Primary Care Physician Through the Opioid Contract

We have extended the traditional use of opioid contracts to involve the primary care physician (PCP). The PCP was asked to collaborate with the pain specialist's decision to use opioids by cosigning an opioid contract. Explicit in the agreement was the understanding that the primary care physician would assume prescribing the refills for these medications once the opioid regimen had become stabilized. The present study was a retrospective chart review of the first 81 patients with non-malignant chronic pain who received an opioid agreement requiring the participation of the primary care physician. Sixty-nine of the 81 patients (85%) agreed to the terms of the contract initially, but only 50 of these 69 individuals (72%) successfully obtained their PCP's written agreement for the prescribing of opioids for chronic pain management. Despite expecting reluctance on the part of the PCP to enter into this agreement, the low compliance rate was due to lack of commitment on the part of the patient, who either refused to sign the contract outright or, after initially agreeing to sign the contract, did not have it signed by the PCP. If the PCP did not agree to sign the opioid contract, the patient was tapered off the medication. If the contract was approved and signed by the PCP, there were no subsequent reversals by this physician in terms of agreeing to continue to prescribe opioids. In all cases in which a contract was completed, the patient was successfully stabilized on an appropriate opioid regimen and then discharged back to the care of the PCP for long-term opioid treatment. The opioid contract may be an effective tool for networking specialty and primary care services in the delivery of chronic opioid therapy.
The regional atmospheric chemistry mechanism, version 2

Abstract The Regional Atmospheric Chemistry Mechanism (RACM) is a gas-phase chemical mechanism that is widely used for the modeling of regional atmospheric chemistry. Much new data has been published since the original RACM was completed ( Stockwell et al., 1997 ). The RACM mechanism was updated to create the Regional Atmospheric Chemistry Mechanism, version 2 (RACM2). Like the RACM1 mechanism, the RACM2 mechanism is designed to simulate remote to polluted conditions from the Earth's surface through the upper troposphere. The RACM2 mechanism includes updated reaction schemes, rate constants and product yields. It has been tested against environmental chamber data and compared with previous RACM scenario simulations. The aromatic chemistry was expanded to include a greater number of species with highly revised reaction schemes. The reaction mechanism for isoprene was expanded to include a more explicit treatment of methyl vinyl ketone. Alcohols were speciated to more accurately reflect peroxy–peroxy reactions in the remote atmosphere. Acetone was speciated due to its importance in the upper troposphere.
Hepatic uptake of heme and hemopexin but not albumin.

Abstract [ 3 H] Heme and 125 I-labeled hemopexin are taken up by the rabbit liver maximally 1 h after injection; 131 I-labeled albumin however is not taken up, even when heme circulates in excess of the heme-binding capacity of hemopexin. Thus, hepatic engulfment of heme in vivo appears to be facilitated by hemopexin but not by albumin.
Cross-cultural claims on Devils Tower National Monument: a case study.

A dispute between American Indians and rock climbers over the appropriate use of Devils Tower National Monument in northeast Wyoming reflects fundamental differences in culture and world view. The United States Department of the Interior (USDI) National Park Service's (NPS) attempt to resolve this dispute with a voluntary ban on climbing during the month of June in deference to American Indian cultural and religious practices, and subsequent court rulings upholding the NPS policy, illustrate a widening circle of respect for, and accommodation of, divergent interpretations of humankind's relationship with the natural world.
A Pilot Study to Evaluate Ethnic/Racial Differences in Depressive Symptoms, Self-Esteem, and Sexual Behaviors Among Men Who Have Sex with Men

Men who have sex with men (MSM) are at risk for certain physical and psychological health conditions. Ethnic minority MSM are at an increased risk related to the combination of sexual minority and ethnic minority status. The purpose of this pilot study was to compare the levels of depressive symptoms, self-esteem, and sexual behaviors by ethnicity in a sample of MSM (N = 70) residing in South Florida. More than one-third of the sample (N = 26; 37%) had high levels of depressive symptoms. Using non-parametric statistics, statistically significant differences were noted in the levels of depressive symptoms as African-American MSM had higher levels of depressive symptoms when compared to the other ethnic groups. Statistically significant differences were not found when self-esteem and sexual behaviors were compared by ethnicity. Regardless of ethnicity, MSM in this study were at risk for the sequela of depressive symptoms and infections with HIV and/or sexually transmitted infections because of the high leve...