cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Excitatory prejunctional β2-adrenoceptor distribution within equine airway cholinergic nerves

We examined the effect of activation of beta 2-adrenoceptor (AR) by isoproterenol (ISO) on acetylcholine (ACh) release evoked by electrical field stimulation (EFS: 20 V, 0.5 Hz, 0.5 msec) from cholinergic nerves in five regions of equine airways. We also tested if the effect of ISO was dependent on epithelium or prostanoids by examining the effect of ISO on ACh release in the presence and absence of epithelium or cyclooxygenase inhibition. Trachealis strips or bronchial rings were preincubated for 60 min with 10(-7) M atropine, 10(-6) M neostigmine, and 10(-5) M guanethidine. The ACh amount was measured by high-performance liquid chromatography with electrochemical detection. Isoproterenol (10(-8)-10(-6) M) augmented ACh release throughout the whole airway in a concentration-dependent manner. Rubbing off the epithelium potentiated EFS-induced ACh release but neither epithelium removal nor cyclooxygenase inhibition affected the magnitude of ISO-induced augmentation of ACh release. These results indicate that in equine airway parasympathetic nerves: (1) excitatory prejunctional beta 2-adrenoceptors are distributed throughout the tracheobronchial tree; (2) the function of this excitatory beta 2-adrenoceptor is independent of endogenous prostanoids and epithelium; and (3) there is an epithelium-derived factor that inhibits ACh release.
Pivotal role of nitric oxide in delayed pharmacological preconditioning against myocardial infarction.

Abstract The phenomenon of ‘ischemic preconditioning’ (IP) has been vigorously investigated during the past 15 years. As our knowledge on the possible protective mechanisms of IP has been increasingly expanded, novel approaches based on preconditioning with pharmacological agents have recently emerged. Two drugs have been used to induce delayed preconditioning against myocardial infarction caused by ischemia/reperfusion. One of the drugs was monophosphoryl lipid A (MLA) — a detoxified derivative of lipopolysaccharide from gram-negative strains; and another drug was RC552 — a novel synthetic glycolipid that mimics the chemical structure of MLA. We have shown that pretreatment of adult mice with MLA or RC552 (350 μg/kg) 24 h prior to the global ischemia and reperfusion in the isolated perfused heart attenuated myocardial injury. Infarct size was significantly reduced in MLA or RC552-treated groups as compared with the vehicle-treated group. The delayed cardioprotection was associated with a moderate but significant increase of nitric oxide level in the ischemic myocardium. Treatment with S -methylisothiourea (3 mg/kg), a selective inhibitor of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) abolished MLA or RC552-induced delayed protection. In addition, neither MLA nor RC552 reduced infarct size in iNOS knockout mice. Our findings suggest that both MLA and RC552 are able to induce delayed myocardial preconditioning via iNOS-dependent pathway.
Inhibition of transcription of the human c-myc protooncogene by intermolecular triplex

Triplex-forming oligonucleotides (TFOs) have been shown to inhibit both transcription in vitro and the expression of target genes in cell culture by binding to polypurine/polypyrimidine sequences in several human gene promoters. The c-myc protooncogene is overexpressed in a variety of human cancers and appears to play an important role in the proliferation of these cells. In an attempt to assay the ability of triplex-forming oligonucleotides to inhibit expression of a target gene in vivo, we have developed a cellular system involving transfection of a c-myc promoter-driven luciferase reporter plasmid with triplex-forming oligonucleotides targeted to the human c-myc protooncogene. To increase the stability of the TFO, we have used modified phosphorothioate oligonucleotides. Triplex formation with a modified phosphorothioate oligonucleotide occurs with approximately equal binding affinity as that seen using a phosphodiester oligonucleotide. Phosphorothioate-modified TFOs targeted to c-myc inhibit transcription of the c-myc promoter in HeLa cells as demonstrated by a decrease in luciferase expression from a luciferase reporter gene construct. These results suggests that triplex formation may represent a gene-specific means of inhibiting specific protooncogene expression.
Molecular mechanisms of fatty acid synthase (FASN)-mediated resistance to anti-cancer treatments

Human FASN is the key enzyme required for de novo synthesis of fatty acids. Up-regulated FASN expression has been reported in various human cancers and was thought to contribute to poor prognosis and recurrence of these cancers. Studies using model cell lines have indicated the role of FASN in both intrinsic and acquired drug and radiation resistance. Recent studies suggest that FASN may play an important role in regulating gene expression such as pro-apoptotic proteins and cellular processes such as DNA repair pathways, which in turn contribute to resistance to drug and radiation-induced apoptosis. In this review, we will highlight our recent progress in understanding the mechanism of FASN-induced resistance.
Citizens' Perceptions of Distributive and Procedural Injustice During Traffic Stops with Police

This article examines the hypothesis that citizens' perceptions of injustice are based on normative factors (i.e., perceptions of equity and fairness) rather than instrumental factors (i.e., the outcomes received) by examining citizens'perceptions of injustice after traffic stops by police. The factors that predict citizens'perceptions of injustice are assessed using data collected for the Bureau of Justice Statistics (BJS)–sponsored Police-Public Contact Survey, a national survey of citizens regarding their contacts with police, collected in 1999. Using multinomial logistic regression, the influences of the normative and instrumental perspectives are examined while controlling for citizens' characteristics and race-interaction terms, along with legal, situational, and other control variables. The findings support Tyler's proposition that citizens are concerned with issues of fairness in addition to the actual outcomes they receive from criminal-justice officials. The findings also show significant differ...
Anisotropy of the energetic neutral atom flux in the heliosphere

Characteristics of the energetic neutral atoms born at the heliospheric interface are considered for plasma flow structure resulting from a two-shock model of the interaction between the solar wind and the interstellar medium. The energy distributions of heliospheric energetic neutral atoms (HELENAs) are calculated and it is shown that the HELENA flux is highly anisotropic at the earth's orbit. The characteristics of the HELENA flux are highly sensitive to the size of the heliosphere. This supports the conclusion that measurements of HELENAs from the earth's orbit would provide an efficient tool to remotely study the heliosphere.
Effect of phospholipase A treatment on the partial reactions of and ouabain binding to a purified sodium and potassium activated adenosine triphosphatase.

Abstract The effects of phospholipase A treatment on ouabain binding to and the partial reactions of a purified, mammalian NaK-ATPase (sodium and potassium activated adenosine triphosphatase) preparation were investigated. The treatment removed 70 per cent of the lipid phosphate without altering the relative quantities of the two protein subunits. Hydrolytic activity was reduced 70 per cent. whereas K + phosphatase and steady-state phosphorylation (minus K + ) were inhibited by 30 per cent, The phosphoenzyme formed was insensitive to both K + and ADP at 0°, but not at 22°. The number of [ 3 H]ouabain binding sites was not affected at 30°, but the rates of binding in the presence of Mg 2+ plus inorganic phosphate and Mg 2+ ATP, sodium and potassium were reduced. At 0°, both the rates of binding and the apparent number of binding sites were markedly reduced.
The genetic origin of spelt and related wheats

The genetic theory ofMcFadden andSears regarding the origin of spelt and related wheats is defended. This theory postulates thatT. spelta arose fromT. dicoccum (orT. dicoccoides) x Ae. squarrosa in the natural area of the latter. This hybrid became a component of a mixed crop of emmer and einkorn, but only a fractional one, and this medley was brought to southwestern Germany and northern Switzerland, where conditions particularly favorable to spelt caused it to emerge as a major crop.
Spatial aspects of ticket scalping

We develop a simple insurance model of the secondary market for tickets to account for some of the observed spatial patterns of prices. Beyond ticket markets the model draws attention to the existence of subtle insurance fees in market prices that may be incorrectly attributed to breakdown of the law of one price or attributed solely to a cost-based rationale. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
High-throughput silicon nanophotonic wavelength-insensitive switch for on-chip optical networks

Silicon photonics is deemed to be the solution for dense on-chip optical networks. Now, by using cascaded silicon microring resonators, scientists demonstrate an ultracompact switch that is insensitive to wavelength and temperature. The switch also has fast error-free operation in multiple 40-Gbit s−1 optical channels and is suitable for scalable networks.
Light as a Plasma Probe

The effect of longitudinal plasma oscillations on atomic spectra is examined. It is shown that they should give rise to satellite lines, disposed symmetrically in pairs about a forbidden line and separated from it by ${\ensuremath{\Omega}}_{p}$, the plasma frequency. Discussion is given of the circumstances under which these satellites should be strong enough to be observed. Their observation would amount to a measurement of the frequency and intensity of plasma oscillations.
An infrastructure assessment of alternative Mars Transfer Vehicles

Development and evolutionary paths for many space transportation elements must be considered as the United States space program embarks on the Space Exploration Initiative (SEI). A central element of the space transportation infrastructure necessary to support the SEI is Mars Transportation System (MTS). This system consists of the Mars Transfer Vehicle (MTV) and Mars Excursion Vehicle. This paper describes the process and results in evaluating the alternate MTV propulsion concepts. Primary discriminators in evaluating different options for the MTV alternatives are: requirements for earth-to-orbit delivery, on-orbit facility and assembly requirements, and mission performance. Propulsion candidates assessed in this paper include nuclear thermal propulsion, nuclear electric propulsion, solar electric propulsion, and cryogenic chemical propulsion (LO2/LH2). The primary discriminators as well as additional selection criteria will be discussed for each MTS alternative.
Automated network forensics

The purpose of this research is to investigate the automated analysis of network based evidence in response to cyberspace attacks. The automated analysis techniques to be developed and studied will combine the efficiency of both existing and novel local search techniques with the scalability and robustness of evolutionary computation and other computational intelligence techniques.
Digital image reconstruction for the study of brain structure and function.

Functional activity of brain can be defined as the change in physiological activity that accompanies change in behavior. Although the precise relationship between such coupled activity is still being explored, autoradiographic methods for measuring brain blood flow, metabolism and receptor ligand densities have advanced to the point where it is possible to survey the entire brain of an animal for such changes. These developments offer the opportunity for studying brain as a whole—that is, for surveying the entire brain to identify the sites where changes in blood flow, metabolism or receptor chemistry occur with a particular behavior. The development of computer-based image analysis systems offer the possibility for visualizing such holistic brain function. We identified 4 steps which must be accomplished in developing a three-dimensional (3D) display for studying brain function. This paper describes the development and implementation of procedures for these 4 steps. (1) Sectioning and digitizing representative tissue (e.g. autoradiograms, histology, histochemistry) with an adequate sampling frequency. (2) Alignment and reconstruction of the components which make up the whole brain so that the original shape and orientation prior to sectioning is maintained. (3) Projection and surface generation of a 3D model where the shading of the surface is mathematically dependent on the location of light source(s) and the viewer. (4) Localization and quantification of planar cuts through the 3D model. Density data which reference the original autoradiograms are displayed along the exposed surface of the designated plane. The final presentation of data once these 4 steps are completed allows for the identification and visualization of changes in functional activity within the whole brain.
Mouse interleukin-6 stimulates the HPA axis and increases brain tryptophan and serotonin metabolism

Neuroendocrine and neurochemical responses were studied following administration of recombinant mouse IL-6 (mIL-6) to mice. Intravenous (iv) or intraperitoneal (ip) injection of mIL-6 caused a rapid and short-lived activation of the hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenocortical (HPA) axis, as indicated by increases in plasma ACTH and corticosterone, with peak responses around 30-60 min. These responses contrast with those to ip mIL-1beta which is substantially more potent and induces a greater response which does not peak until about 2 h following ip administration. Unlike IL-1 and lipopolysaccharide (LPS), IL-6 had no detectable effect on norepinephrine metabolism. However, tryptophan concentrations were elevated in most brain regions studied 1-2 h following iv mIL-6, and 2 h following ip mIL-6, significantly later than the peak HPA response. 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA) and the ratio of 5-HIAA to serotonin (5-HT) were elevated at around the same time in the brain stem, and occasionally in other brain regions. These responses were observed at doses of mIL-6 as low as 0.25 microg, and near maximal effects were achieved by 0.5 microg. Recombinant human IL-6 elicited similar responses, but was significantly less potent. Heat-treated mIL-6 elicited none of the responses. Serum amyloid A protein (SAA) concentrations were not elevated until 4 h after iv or ip mIL-6 administration, suggesting that the neuroendocrine and neurochemical changes were not secondary to an acute phase protein response. Intracerebroventricular injection of mIL-6 also elevated tryptophan and 5-HIAA in the hypothalamus and brain stem. Pretreatment of mice with the cyclooxygenase inhibitor, indomethacin, or the nitric oxide synthase inhibitor, N-omega-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) did not attenuate the mIL-6 induced neuroendocrine or neurochemical responses. However, the ganglionic blocking drug, chlorisondamine, prevented the increases in tryptophan and 5-HIAA:5-HT ratios. IL-6 may contribute to the HPA and indoleaminergic responses to LPS and IL-1. It is possible that the increases of tryptophan and serotonin metabolism may contribute to some of the biological effects of IL-6.
Interventions in early infancy

Il se peut que les nourrissons de grossesses et d'accouchements a haut risque aient besoin d'une intervention precoce pour faciliter l'attachement a et de leurs modes de soin. Trois interventions precoces sont decrites: (1) donner aux meres enceintes a haut risque un feedback video pendant l'ultrason prenatal, ce qui a reduit l'anxiete maternelle, les complications obstetricales et l'activite du fœtus, et qui a ameliore le resultat neonatal (augmentation de la prise de poids, meilleure reussite a l'echelle Brazelton et diminution de l'irritabilite); (2) offrir aux nouveau-nes prematures des occasions de succion non nutritif de facon a reduire le stress pendant le gavage
SOME NEGLECTED POLICY IMPLICATIONS OF COMPARABLE WORTH

Comparable worth, the lkivil rights issue of the eighties, is based on the notion that women in traditional female occupations such as nursing make, on average, wages 20 percent lower than men In traditionally male occupations such as truck drivers despite the fact that both jobs are of equal value to the employer. The question is who will bear the cost; employers who implement comparable worth will bear the cost, but if pay inequities continue, women will. The cost can be mitigated if comparable worth is implemented incrementally. The problem cannot be solved by women shifting to male dominated occupations, for that would cost more than comparable worth. Comparable worth would help the women who work full time but are still below poverty and, while it would cost employers, taxpayers would realize a savings of $186 million. If the employer is a public agency, the taxpayer burden remains constant.
Rigidity in Protein Films, and the Properties of the Force-Area Curves

PROTEINS when spread upon aqueous solutions at sufficiently low surface concentrations exhibit the mechanical properties of two-dimensional liquids. A change of state occurs upon compression, the film acquiring marked rigidity in the plane of the surface; upon the slender basis of an analogy with the behaviour of proteins in bulk, the film in this rigid condition has been called a ‘gelâ1. A consequence of this rigidity is that whereas in the liquid film any change in pressure can be transmitted through a small aperture dividing the film into two portions, this should be no longer possible in the case of the solid film, and the presence of a constriction will result in an uneven distribution of pressures and surface concentrations. We have observed such effects in protein films divided by slits of various widths and have also noted in the liquid-solid transition region a phenomenon resembling thixotropy.
Microcapsules obtained from complex coacervation of collagen and chondroitin sulfate

Microcapsules composed of collagen and chondroitin sulfate were obtained by complex coacervation and characterized by DSC, optical microscopy, SEM, and UV-Vis spectroscopy. Composition of the microcapsules could be adjusted by the feed ratio and the pH of the solution. Prepared under low temperature and aqueous solution, the process is most suitable for encapsulating delicate bioactive agents. Albumin as a model protein was encapsulated with a loading level of up to 95% by weight. Degradation rate of the microcapsules decreased with the concentration of the crosslinking agent glutaraldehyde and increased with the bacterial collagenase level. Correspondingly the release of albumin could also be varied by the cross-linking degree of the microcapsules.
Propulsive efficiency of underwater vehicles using unsteady propulsors

This study examines the propulsive efficiency of underwater vehicles which are driven by unsteady propulsors. The analysis is focused on vehicles utilizing a novel thruster which expels finite propulsive jets periodically. This analysis also applies to swimming squid and jellyfish (from which the thruster was inspired), and can be extended to any periodic unsteady propulsion. The vehicle trajectory is solved analytically to calculate the exact work output/input and it is observed that with unbounded forcing there is an optimal thruster duty cycle, λ = 0.31, which maximizes propulsive efficiency. This optimal duty cycle is very close to the actual jetting duty cycle observed in steadily swimming squid.
UV-B Radiation Impacts Shoot Tissue Pigment Composition in Allium fistulosum L. Cultigens

Plants from the Allium genus are valued worldwide for culinary flavor and medicinal attributes. In this study, 16 cultigens of bunching onion (Allium fistulosum L.) were grown in a glasshouse under filtered UV radiation (control) or supplemental UV-B radiation [7.0 μmol·m−2·s−2 (2.68 W·m−2)] to determine impacts on growth, physiological parameters, and nutritional quality. Supplemental UV-B radiation influenced shoot tissue carotenoid concentrations in some, but not all, of the bunching onions. Xanthophyll carotenoid pigments lutein and β-carotene and chlorophylls a and b in shoot tissues differed between UV-B radiation treatments and among cultigens. Cultigen “Pesoenyj” responded to supplemental UV-B radiation with increases in the ratio of zeaxanthin + antheraxanthin to zeaxanthin + antheraxanthin + violaxanthin, which may indicate a flux in the xanthophyll carotenoids towards deepoxydation, commonly found under high irradiance stress. Increases in carotenoid concentrations would be expected to increase crop nutritional values.
The Statisticaal Analysis of Creel-Census Data

Abstract An analysis of the yield of brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis) and rainbow trout (Salmo gairdnerii) per unit of fishing effort at Furnace Brook, Vermont, shows how modern statistical methods can be utilized to determine the significance of changes in the relative abundance of animal populations. The data cover the 5 years from 1936 to 1940 and the analysis of covariance employed shows that there was a significant decrease in the catch per unit of effort in 1939 which was attributed to the effects of severe floods caused by the hurricane in September of the previous year. This method of analysis, although useful for supplying a measure of relative abundance, fails to provide an estimate of the actual stock on hand. A method of estimating the total population based on the proportion of fish maturing and the number of mature fish counted in the spawning run is presented. A new method for estimating the size of animal populations from data on catch and effort has recently been developed by DeLury. W...
Stammering: A stress index in Caribbean classrooms

Abstract Speech communities in the British West Indies typically include two major dialect or code distinctions: (1) a standard variety of British West Indian English, and (2) a local variety of English-based dialect. Each dialect or code is intimately linked with political, social, racial, and economic class distinctions. In bicultural settings, characterized by diglossia , there are special situations in which loyalty to one's mother tongue conflicts with social, economic, and political expediency. “No win” speech events or contests, the product of conflicting sociocultural values, become salient features of this particular kind of bicultural setting. A comparatively high incidence of teacher-reported stammering found in two British West Indian speech communities supports this notion and suggests that stress, originating at a sociocultural level, is symbolically expressed through attitudes toward and usages of language. These results further suggest that the classroom, now a “battleground”, will suffer as an effective teaching/learning environment. This paper presents arguments for the teaching of Standard English as a second language with an emphasis on giving regional dialects appropriate and long overdue recognition.
THE ACADEMIC FLOW MODEL: A MARKOV‐CHAIN MODEL FOR FACULTY PLANNING*

A Markov-chain faculty planning model to be used with institution-specific data is presented to describe and better understand the complex phenomena of faculty movement through an institution and on its relationship to salary costs, composition of the faculty, and faculty turnover rate. The model updates the earlier work done at Stanford University and Oregon State University by the addition of states for fixed-term appointments and for part-time FTEs to reflect accurately the current hiring trends at many institutions. The model is implemented and tested at two different institutions. The findings suggest that the model is a viable means of gaining useful insights and quantitative data on the faculty profile, salary costs, expected departures, and part-time trends. And further, when used as a planning tool, and the model apparently is comprehensive and flexible enough to analyze the probable effects, both in the short and long run, of alternative personnel policies on the faculty composition.
Cytochromes P450 in liver of the turtle Chrysemys picta picta and the induction and partial purification of CYP1A-like proteins

Cytochromes P450 (CYP) in hepatic microsomes from the turtle Chrysemys picta picta and their response to inducers were examined. Freshly caught turtles had one protein (59 kDa) detected in western blot with monoclonal antibody 1-12-3 to scup CYP1A. That same band and a second band were detected with polyclonal anti-mouse Cyp1a1. Polyclonal anti-scup P450B (putative CYP2B) recognized three bands and anti-scup P450A (putative CYP3A), one band. TCB (3,3',4,4'-tetrachlorobiphenyl) at 5 mg kg-1 injected once induced EROD activity 3-fold. Repeated high-dose injections of TCB, 2,3,3',4,4'-pentachlorobiphenyl, Aroclor 1254 or beta-naphthoflavone induced CYP1A 20-fold and P450B-related proteins 2-3-fold. Rates of ethoxy- (EROD) methoxy- (MROD) and pentoxyresorufin O-dealkylases and benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P) hydroxylase (AHH) were induced by these treatments, and were correlated with putative CYP1A content. Phenobarbital slightly elevated only MROD activity. Ethoxycoumarin (EC) O-deethylase rates were high, 1.6-2.2 nmol min-1 mg-1 in control and treated turtles, suggesting that EC is not a turtle CYP1A substrate. Highly induced EROD rates were 0.06 nmol min-1 mg-1, while AHH rates exceeded 4 nmol min-1 mg-1, suggesting that C. picta picta CYP1A may prefer PAH substrates. Induction of AHH was reflected in the formation of metabolites 3-OH-, 9-OH- and 7-OH-BP and BP-7,8-dihydrodiol (DHD). BP-4,5-DHD was not detected. Chromatographic procedures resolved the 59 kDa putative CYP1A from the second protein recognized by anti-Cyp1a1. The 59-kDa protein was also specifically and highly immunopurified by Mab 1-12-3. Thus, several CYP including two CYP1A-related proteins are expressed in turtle liver. Multiple CYP1A genes in reptiles may provide an insight into the origin of divergence in the CYP1A subfamily. Induction of a CYP1A may be a useful indicator of exposure to Ah receptor agonists in turtles.
Solidification of Liquid Metal Droplets Impacting Sequentially on a Solid Surface

In this paper, a combined theoretical and experimental study is reported on the process of solidification of two liquid metal droplets impacting sequentially one on top of the other on a cold substrate. The process of interest is directly related to the splat-quenching regime in the spray deposition of metal droplets. The theoretical part of the study is focused on the heat transfer aspects of the solidification process and the difference in the behavior of the solidification of the first and second droplet. The experimental part of the study aims at the characterization of the structure of solidified splats composed of one or two droplets. It is found that the solidification of the second droplet exhibits drastically slower cooling rates compared to the first droplet
Ecological Consequences of Pathogen and Insect Invasions

The introduction and successful establishment of nonnative species poses a significant threat to the function and structure of native ecosystems and biodiversity. Forest ecosystems are especially threatened due to the worldwide importance of wood packaging material universally used in global trade, the importation of lumber and wood products, and the importation of live trees for planting. This collectively enables a number of invasion pathways that facilitate the introduction of forest insects and pathogens. Consequently, forest ecosystems worldwide are under threat from nonnative forest pest species, many of which pose little concern in their native habitats due to the checks and balances associated with natural enemies and host plant defensive responses. Unfortunately, the lack of concern for many species in their native habitats leads to a significant knowledge gap when such species are introduced into a new environment and begin to pose negative ecological consequences. In this review, I discuss variation in establishment success and ecological consequences exerted by nonnative forest insects and pathogens, define characteristics of high-impact species, and review recent research on the ecological consequences of these high-impact species in forest ecosystems. Although specific insect and pathogen examples are drawn from invasions in North American forest ecosystems, the concepts of habitat invasibility, species invasiveness, and the ecological consequences expressed by nonnative forest species are not unique to North America.
Speciation by host switch in brood parasitic indigobirds

A growing body of empirical and theoretical work supports the plausibility of sympatric speciation1,2,3, but there remain few examples in which all the essential components of the process are well understood. The African indigobirds Vidua spp. are host-specific brood parasites. Indigobird nestlings are reared along with host young, and mimic the mouth markings of their respective hosts4,5,6. As adults, male indigobirds mimic host song4,5,6,7, whereas females use these songs to choose both their mates and the nests they parasitize8. These behavioural mechanisms promote the cohesion of indigobird populations associated with a given host species, and provide a mechanism for reproductive isolation after a new host is colonized. Here we show that all indigobird species are similar genetically, but are significantly differentiated in both mitochondrial haplotype and nuclear allele frequencies. These data support a model of recent sympatric speciation. In contrast to the cuckoo Cuculus canorus, in which only female lineages are faithful to specific hosts9,10, host switches have led to speciation in indigobirds because both males and females imprint on their hosts8,11.
Effects of random motions on critical point measurements: Liquid-gas systems in microgravity.

The effects of random accelerations on the measurements of quantities in the vicinity of the liquid-gas critical point are considered when the system is in a microgravity environment. These accelerations couple to the order parameter through the transverse component of the velocity field, whose dynamics are also governed by critical point properties of the liquid-gas system. The action of the accelerations is amplified by the singular static and dynamic response of the gas-liquid system. A general formulation, based on "model H" critical dynamics allows for the calculation of a variety of quantities. It is found that the random accelerations expected in a microgravity environment will not compromise the accuracy of any experiment that is currently envisioned.
Changes in the nucleoprotein complexes of a baculovirus DNA during infection.

The nature of the DNA-protein complexes assumed by Autographa californica nuclear polyhedrosis virus (AcNPV) DNA during infection of Spodoptera frugiperda cells was investigated by micrococcal nuclease digestion of infected nuclei. Both parental viral DNA and progeny viral DNA assumed a chromatin-like structure early in infection. By late times (24 hr) p.i., the viral DNA acquired a unique nucleoprotein structure. In addition to fragments of mononucleosome size (185 bp), two subnucleosomal bands of 120 and 90 bp were observed. The subnucleosomal bands contained exclusively viral DNA. No alteration in the nature of the host chromatin structure following AcNPV infection was observed. An examination of the basic chromatin-associated proteins revealed two major viral-induced proteins having molecular weights of 15K and 39K. The induction of the basic 15K protein between 10 and 24 hr p.i. coincided with the appearance of the altered nucleoprotein structure observed by 24 hr p.i. and the cessation of histone synthesis.
Relapse to driving under the influence (DUI): a review

Driving under the influence (DUI) is a major public health problem. In 2003, there were 17,401 alcohol-related crash fatalities. Although there has been a large decrease in the fatality rates over the past two decades, further progress has stalled in recent years. This plateau in the injury and death rates resulting from impaired driving has been attributed, in part, to the persistent or repeat DUI offender. Broadly defined, repeat offenders are those individuals who, following an initial DUI arrest, relapse to driving under the influence of alcohol and other drugs. In this paper, we first provide a brief overview of several models of DUI relapse. We then review the empirical literature on DUI relapse, the data describing characteristics of first-time and repeat DUI offenders, and, especially, studies that have evaluated the impact of legal sanctions and rehabilitation programs on subsequent DUI behavior. The data reveal that DUI offenders are a heterogeneous group, and that simple models relying on only one or two behavioral domains (e.g., driving characteristics, demographics) to explain DUI relapse are insufficient to account for the DUI behavior of offenders. To advance our understanding of DUI relapse, we argue for development and testing of multifactorial models focusing on the interplay of legal, social and psychological factors that describe and explain relapse among DUI offenders. By recognizing the heterogeneity within the offender population it will be easier for researchers and clinicians to identify subgroups that are at high-risk for relapse and which should be targeted by prevention and intervention programs.
Reproducibility of lntracranial Doppler Flow Velocimetry

Doppler velocimetry for assessment of flow in deep cerebral arteries was investigated in 9 term and 11 preterm healthy infants. A combined range gated and continuous wave Doppler instrument was used. A satisfactory reproducibility was found with a variation coefficient of 8-10% between repeated measurements. No systematic difference between examiners or head positions was recorded. The term infants had significantly higher mean flow velocities, 21.1 (3.1) cm/s (mean and 1 SD), compared to the preterm infants', 15.1 (3.6) cm/s (p less than 0.01). Both systolic and diastolic flow velocities were higher in the term infants, whereas the pulsatility index was higher in the preterm infants. Recordings from the intracranial part of the internal carotid arteries were found to be easy to obtain with a satisfactory reproducibility.
The Shaping of Behaviorists: B.F. Skinner’s Influential Paper on Teaching Machines

B.F. Skinner’s 1958 paper, Teaching Machines, had a powerful influence on my own and many others’ approach to designing instruction. The key features of teaching machines included: a focus on stude...
Evaluation of a QRS scoring system in acute myocardial infarction: Relation to infarct size, early stage left ventricular ejection fraction, and exercise performance

Abstract Recent studies suggest that the QRS scoring system (QRSs) using observations of Q- and R-wave duration and R Q and R S amplitude ratios in the standard electrocardiogram (ECG) is useful in estimating left ventricular function after acute myocardial infarction (AMI). The correlation of QRSs with infarct size determined by serum creatine kinase MB changes and early stage left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) determined by multiple gated equilibrium cardiac blood pool scintigraphy was studied in 32 patients with AMI using ECGs taken 3 and 7 days after onset. The relation of QRSs to exercise performance was also examined in 45 other patients who underwent heart rate limited low level exercise test (LLET) soon after AMI (12.3 ± 5.6 days, mean ± standard deviation). The QRSs of 7 days after onset significantly correlated with both infarct size and LVEF; infarct size (CK·g·Eq) = 5.24 QRSs + 8.50 (r = 0.72, p Patients with exercise tolerance of 12 minutes (9.0 ± 3.3 versus 4.5 ± 2.4 and 3.6 ± 2.2, p 5 minutes, whereas all patients who could not exercise for > 5 minutes (10 of 45 patients) had QRSs > 5. The relation between QRSs and the reasons for termination of LLET showed that patients with fatigue or dyspnea, or both, had significantly higher QRSs (8.7 ± 4.6) than those in target heart rate (5.4 ± 2.2, p These data suggest that QRSs will be clinically useful not only as a variable correlating with infarct size and LVEF but also as an aid in early identification of exercise performance soon after AMI.
A Prospective Analysis of Near-Death Experiences in Cardiac Arrest Patients

Study assessing prospectively the frequency of near-death experiences (NDEs) in patients suffering a cardiac arrest, characterizing these experiences, and assessing their impact on psychosocial and spiritual attitudes.
Patient-Reported Dyspnea in COPD Reliability and Association With Stage of Disease

Background Although questionnaires are used frequently with patients to self-report the severity of dyspnea as related to activities of daily living, the reliability of these instruments has not been established. The two purposes of this study were to examine the test-retest reliability of three widely used dyspnea instruments and to compare dyspnea scores at different stages of disease. Methods At paired baseline visits, 101 stable patients with COPD were tested; at paired follow-up visits at 3 months, 89 of these patients were tested. At each visit, patients rated dyspnea with three instruments presented in random order and then performed post-bronchodilator therapy lung function tests. Results Patient-reported dyspnea scores and lung function were similar at baseline (interval, 6 ± 5 days) and follow-up visits (interval, 4 ± 2 days). Intraclass correlation coefficients at baseline and at follow-up were 0.82 and 0.82, respectively, for the modified Medical Research Council scale; 0.90 and 0.84, respectively, for the self-administered computerized versions of the baseline dyspnea index and transition dyspnea indexes; and 0.95 and 0.89 for the University of San Diego Shortness of Breath Questionnaire results. Dyspnea ratings were significantly related to the stage of disease severity based on percent predicted FEV 1 (p Conclusions Test-retest reliability was acceptable for patient-reported dyspnea scores using three clinical instruments at baseline and at the 3-month follow-up. Our results demonstrate for the first time that patient-reported dyspnea ratings are related to the stage of disease severity.
Convergences in Keynes and Wittgenstein's later views

This paper examines the intellectual influences of Ludwig Wittgenstein and John Maynard Keynes upon one another. It focuses on their later philosophical thinking, and argues for a number of convergences in their news. First discussed are their respective doubu about their early views, developedin early twentieth century Cambridge. Their later philosophical positions are represented as a shared reaction to problems in their early new. Attention is given to conventions and language-games, rules and social practices. average expectation and family resemblance, and intersubjectivity and private language. The paper closes with commenrs on the climate of thought in Cambridge in the 1930s.
What boxing tells us about repetitive head trauma and the brain

Boxing and other combat sports may serve as a human model to study the effects of repetitive head trauma on brain structure and function. The initial description of what is now known as chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) was reported in boxers in 1928. In the ensuing years, studies examining boxers have described the clinical features of CTE, its relationship to degree of exposure to fighting, and an array of radiologic findings. The field has been hampered by issues related to study design, lack of longitudinal follow-up, and absence of agreed-upon clinical criteria for CTE. A recently launched prospective cohort study of professional fighters, the Professional Fighters Brain Health Study, attempts to overcome some of the problems in studying fighters. Here, we review the cross-sectional results from the first year of the project.
Bernard Brodie and the Foundations of American Nuclear Strategy

Despite recent improvements in East-West relations, security interests of states continue to be shaped by concepts and assumptions about nuclear strategy articulted in the writings of Bernard Brodie. The author provides on examination of Brodie's work, the intellectual climate in which it was expressed, its influence on other strategic thinkers, and its continuing relevance for our changing times. Bernard Brodie (1910-1978) is best known as the leading conceptulizer and proponent of using nuclear weapons to deter aggression, and as an articulate voice in the debate over the role of nuclear weapons. He was an incisive critic and a grand strategist, integrating military and political instruments and goals. He focused especially on the impact of nuclear weapons on Soviet-American relations and on preventing thermonuclear war. In this volume the author analyzes how and why Brodie's understanding of weapons of unparalleled explosive force led him to posit the need for revolutionary strategic thinking in broad-minded analytic method and in the focus upon cities as nuclear targets. He shows the effect Brodie's work had on the intellectual climate in which policy is determined, particulary in his frequent combatting of conventional wisdom. The author moves beyond Brodie's well-known interest in nuclear war prevention to highlight his focus upon coerciveness in war and his important but virtually unknown early work on target selection. He also documents how the revolution in strategic thought did not come full-blown: Brodie frequently shifted his views to take account of intervening changes in weaponry and means of delivery, his interpretation of Soviet motives, the war in Korea, and the Cuban missile crisis. Examining Brodie's writings in connection with opposing points of view, the author evaluates both the substance and the methodology of Brodie's thinking. He disaggregates arguments wherever possible, demonstrating how his method can contribute more widely to progress in national security studies. His evaluation of Brodie's strengths and weaknesses is a contribution to the current debate about the role of nuclear weapons in political and military affairs.
Numerical simulation of femtosecond pulse propagation in air undergoing self-focusing and ionization

Summary form only given. Intense, ultrashort laser pulse propagation in gases is of considerable current interest. Recently, self-channelling of femtosecond pulses in air over 20 m in distance has been demonstrated. To better study the propagation characteristics of such pulses, we have developed a numerical code based on the paraxial wave equation.
Chartering the Village: The Making of an African-Centered Charter School

This article is the preliminary descriptive report of a 5-year qualitative research study—an ethnography of an independent African-centered charter school. The purpose of the study is to determine ...
The Effect of a Regional Hepatopancreaticobiliary Surgical Program on Clinical Volume, Quality of Cancer Care, and Outcomes in the Veterans Affairs System

Importance Malignant neoplasms of the hepatopancreaticobiliary (HPB) system constitute a significant public health problem worldwide. Treatment coordination for these tumors is challenging and can result in substandard care. Referral centers for HPB disease have been used as a strategy to improve postoperative outcomes, but their effect on accomplishing regionalization of care and improving quality of cancer care is not well known. Objective To evaluate the effect of implementing a multidisciplinary HPB surgical program (HPB-SP) on regionalization of care, the quality of cancer care, and surgical outcomes within an integrated health care system. Design, Setting, and Participants We designed a retrospective cohort study in a tertiary referral Veterans Affairs (VA) medical center within an 8-state designated VA health care region from November 23, 2005, through December 31, 2013. We compared patients with HPB tumors undergoing evaluation by the surgical oncology service before and after implementation of the HPB-SP on November 1, 2008. Exposures Implementation of the HPB-SP to improve access to specialized, multidisciplinary cancer care for veterans across the region. Main Outcomes and Measures Clinical and surgical volume, proportion of patients undergoing a comprehensive multidisciplinary evaluation, and postoperative adverse events included as a composite outcome defined by occurrence of postoperative mortality, severe complications, and/or reoperation. Results We identified 516 patients referred to the surgical oncology service. Establishment of the HPB-SP resulted in significant increases in regional referrals (17.3% vs 44.4%; P P P = .003) per quarter. Multidisciplinary assessment increased from 52.6% to 70.0% ( P P = .004) with increased use of liver resection (0 vs 20 [15.3%]; P = .002), percutaneous ablation (0 vs 15 [11.5%]; P = .009), and oncosurgical strategies (0 vs 16 [12.2%]; P = .007) after implementation. Among patients with colorectal liver metastases (29 before vs 76 after implementation), a significant shift occurred from use of ablations (5 [17.2%] vs 3 [3.9]%; P = .02) to resections (6 [20.7%] vs 40 [52.6%]; P = .003), and use of perioperative chemotherapy increased (5 of 11 [45.5%] vs 33 of 43 [76.7%]; P = .01). The HPB-SP was associated with lower odds of postoperative adverse events, even after adjusting for important covariates (odds ratio, 0.29 [95% CI, 0.12-0.68]; P = .005), and a high rate of margin-negative liver (94.6%) and pancreatic (90.0%) resections. Conclusions and Relevance The development of an HPB-SP led to regionalization of care and improved quality of cancer care and surgical outcomes. Establishment of regional programs within the VA system can help improve the quality of care for patients presenting with complex cancers requiring subspecialized care.
Quantitative assessment of radiation damage in a thin protein crystal

SUMMARY Radiation damage is a limiting factor for high resolution structural determination of protein crystals. We have used the median and quartile values of Ne exposures and the structural disordering factor (ΔB) to describe the crystalline disordering due to radiation damage in thin crystals of crotoxin complex embedded in glucose at room and low temperatures and in ice embedded crystals. By approximating the radiation damage to follow first order kinetics, we applied a correction to the diffraction intensities from patterns with high accumulated exposures. We used the structural similarity factor (R) to show that, for some data, the effectiveness of the correction can be as good as those in protein X-ray crystallography.
Pf1 filamentous phage as an alignment tool for generating local and global structural information in nucleic acids.

Pf1 filamentous phage represent a simple versatile method for generating partially ordered macromolecules in solution. The phage allow tunable degrees of alignment of macromolecules under a wide ra...
Relinquishing the Need to “Fix It”: Medical Intervention with Domestic Abuse:

The grounded theory method was used to study obstetricians/gynecologists' interactions with victims of domestic abuse. Double-bind conflict emerged as the basic social psychological problem. Physicians struggled between approaching domestic abuse as a legitimate medical problem or retreating from it as an overwhelming social issue. Resolution occurred through a three-stage process that changed the doctors' objective from "fixing" the abuse to supporting the patient. This goal revision required education on the dynamics of domestic abuse, confrontation of personal issues, and formation of community partnerships. Implications include development of curricula and protocols to create a united front against domestic abuse within health care, social service, legal, and law enforcement communities.