cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Meiotic sex ratio variation in natural populations of Ceratodon purpureus (Ditrichaceae)

 Premise of study: Sex ratio variation is a common but often unexplained phenomenon in species across the tree of life. Here we evaluate the hypothesis that meiotic sex ratio variation can contribute to the biased sex ratios found in natural populations of the moss Ceratodon purpureus .  Methods: We obtained sporophytes from several populations of C. purpureus from eastern North America. From each sporophyte, we estimated the mean spore viability by germinating replicate samples on agar plates. We estimated the meiotic sex ratio of each sporophyte by inferring the sex of a random sample of germinated spores (mean = 77) using a PCR-RFLP test. We tested for among-sporophyte variation in viability using an ANOVA and for deviations from 1 : 1 sex ratio using a χ 2 -test and evaluated the relationship between these quantities using a linear regression.  Key results: We found among-sporophyte variation in spore viability and meiotic sex ratio, suggesting that genetic variants that contribute to variation in both of these traits segregate within populations of this species. However, we found no relationship between these quantities, suggesting that factors other than sex ratio distorters contribute to variation in spore viability within populations.  Conclusions: These results demonstrate that sex ratio distortion may partially explain the population sex ratio variation seen in C. purpureus , but more generally that genetic confl ict over meiotic segregation may contribute to fivariation in this species. Overall, this study lays the groundwork for future studies on the genetic basis of meiotic sex ratio variation.
Neurostimulation therapies in depression: a review of new modalities

Objective: In response to an increased understanding of the neurobiology of severe psychiatric disorders, new therapeutic modalities are entering clinical practice that involve the direct stimulation of the brain. Method: We provide a review of published literature regarding the clinical use of vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) therapy, transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and deep brain stimulation (DBS) in psychiatric disorders, with an emphasis on treatment-resistant depression (TRD). Results: Vagus nerve stimulation is approved for use in both the EU and US for TRD. TMS has been approved for TRD in Canada, Australia, New Zealand, the European Union and Israel, but not yet in the United States. DBS remains in the early stages of investigation. Conclusion: While additional studies are clearly warranted, treatments that directly stimulate the brain appear to hold great therapeutic promise for severe psychiatric disorders.
Tips on stochastic optimal feedback control and Bayesian spatiotemporal models: Applications to robotics

This tutorial paper presents the expositions of stochastic optimal feedback control theory and Bayesian spatiotemporal models in the context of robotics applications. The presented material is self-contained so that readers can grasp the most important concepts and acquire knowledge needed to jump-start their research. To facilitate this, we provide a series of educational examples from robotics and mobile sensor networks.
Transmission electron microscopic study of pyrochlore to defect-fluorite transition in rare-earth pyrohafnates

A structural transition in rare earth pyrohafnates, Ln{sub 2}Hf{sub 2}O{sub 7} (Ln=Y, La, Pr, Nd, Tb, Dy, Yb and Lu), has been identified. Neutron diffraction showed that the structure transforms from well-ordered pyrochloric to fully fluoritic through the lanthanide series from La to Lu with a corresponding increase in the position parameter x of the 48f (Fd3{sup Macron }m) oxygen site from 0.330 to 0.375. As evidenced by the selected area electron diffraction, La{sub 2}Hf{sub 2}O{sub 7}, Pr{sub 2}Hf{sub 2}O{sub 7} and Nd{sub 2}Hf{sub 2}O{sub 7} exhibited a well-ordered pyrocholoric structure with the presence of intense superlattice spots, which became weak and diffuse (in Dy{sub 2}Hf{sub 2}O{sub 7} and Tb{sub 2}Hf{sub 2}O{sub 7}) before disappearing completely as the series progressed towards the Lu end. High resolution electron microscopic studies showed the breakdown of the pyrochlore ordering in the form of antiphase domains resulting in diffused smoke-like superlattice spots in the case of Dy{sub 2}Hf{sub 2}O{sub 7} and Tb{sub 2}Hf{sub 2}O{sub 7}. - Graphical abstract: Transmission electron microscopic studies showed the ordered pyrochlore to defect fluorite transition in rare-earth pyrohafnates to occur via the formation of anti-phase domains to start with. Highlights: Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Pyrochlore to fluorite structural transition in rare earthmore » pyrohafnates. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer La{sub 2}Hf{sub 2}O{sub 7}, Pr{sub 2}Hf{sub 2}O{sub 7} and Nd{sub 2}Hf{sub 2}O{sub 7} showed well ordered pyrochlore structure. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Short range ordering in Dy{sub 2}Hf{sub 2}O{sub 7} and Tb{sub 2}Hf{sub 2}O{sub 7}. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Break down of pyrochlore ordering due to antiphase boundaries. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Rest of the series showed fluoritic structure.« less
AutoMO: automatic inference of memory order parameters for C/C++11

Many concurrent data structures are initially designed for the sequential consistency (SC) memory model. Developers often implement these data structures on real-world systems with weaker memory models by adding sufficient fences to ensure that their implementation on the weak memory model exhibits the same executions as the SC memory model. Recently, the C11 and C++11 standards have added a weak memory model to the C and C++ languages. Developing and debugging code for weak memory models can be extremely challenging. We present AutoMO, a framework to support porting data structures designed for the SC memory model to the C/C++11 memory model. AutoMO provides support across the porting process: (1) it automatically infers initial settings for the memory order parameters, (2) it detects whether a C/C++11 execution is equivalent to some SC execution, and (3) it simplifies traces to make them easier to understand. We have used AutoMO to successfully infer memory order parameters for a range of data structures and to check whether executions of several concurrent data structure implementations are SC.
Microscope objectives, cover slips, and spherical aberration.

Objectifs de microscopes ayant des ouvertures numeriques entre 0,15 et 0,9. On les utilise pour des faisceaux laser filtres spatialement et pour former l'image des extremites de fibres optiques
Oral steroid regimens for idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss.

Objective To determine hearing recovery in patients with idiopathic sudden hearing loss treated with varying amounts of oral steroids. Study design and setting A retrospective chart review (n = 75) in a tertiary care clinic examined sudden hearing loss patients treated with 1 60-mg prednisone taper, 1 course of steroid less than a 60-mg taper, or any 2 courses of oral steroid. Results Overall, 35% of the patients recovered a clinically significant amount of hearing. Recovery was associated with immediate treatment (within 2 weeks from onset), better hearing at the onset of treatment, and treatment with the higher dose of prednisone in patients with just 1 additional symptom (dizziness or tinnitus). Patients tended to continue to experience some recovery in hearing up to 4 months after treatment. Conclusion Immediate treatment of patients with unilateral idiopathic sudden hearing loss and additional symptoms (dizziness or tinnitus) with a 14-day course of 60 mg prednisone (with taper) is recommended. EBM rating: B-3.
Quantification of dinor, dihydro metabolites of F2-isoprostanes in urine by liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry.

Abstract The F 2 -isoprostanes (F 2 -IsoP) are a series of prostaglandin (PG)-F 2 -like compounds that are produced by free-radical-mediated oxidation of arachidonic acid. One F 2 -IsoP with potent biological activity is 15-F 2t -IsoP and increased levels of 15-F 2t -IsoP have been measured in several diseases. The major urinary metabolite of 15-F 2t -IsoP (8-iso-PGF 2α ) is 2,3-dinor-5,6-dihydro-15-F 2t -IsoP (15-F 2t -IsoP-M). Previously, we developed a stable isotope dilution gas chromatography/negative chemical ionization/mass spectrometry (MS) assay for 15-F 2t -IsoP-M, which, while highly sensitive, required time-consuming derivatization and thin-layer chromatography purification. We now report the development of a more rapid high-performance liquid chromatography method coupled to electrospray ionization–tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS) to analyze all of the dinor,dihydro metabolites of the F 2 -IsoP isomers (F 2 -IsoP-M). The precision of this assay was ±5.0% and the accuracy 80%. The assay remained linear over a range of 1–100 ng injected onto the LC column. Levels of F 2 -IsoP-M determined by the LC/MS/MS assay method significantly correlated with levels of 15-F 2t -IsoP-M determined by the GC/MS assay ( R = 0.77 y = 67.2 x − 0.5). The levels of F 2 -IsoP-M detected in spot urines from 40 normal subjects were 38.1 ± 19.1 ng/mg creatinine (mean ± SD). This method provides an accurate and rapid assay to assess oxidative status in vivo.
Experimental Demonstration of Reconfigurable Long-Reach UltraFlow Access: Software-Defined Dual-Mode Networks

We propose and experimentally demonstrate a novel reconfigurable long-reach software-defined UltraFlow access network that provides flexible, robust and energy efficient optical Flow switched and legacy IP services to end-users located in wide areas.
Predicting Behavioral Intentions of Active Event Sport Tourists: The Case of a Small-scale Recurring Sports Event

With the growth in the opportunities for amateur athletes to take part in competitive events it is becoming apparent that there is a need to separate active sport tourists into two types: non-event (e.g. golf, skiing) and event. Active event sport tourism constitutes travel to take part in various organized events from the hallmark New York and London Marathons to the pervasive small scale sports events hosted by communities' world wide. Understanding the variables that influence active sport tourism behaviors within the context of recurring smaller scale sports events has not been widely observed in the sport and tourism literature. This study investigated whether past participation, attitudes toward event participation, satisfaction with the sport event and destination image predict intentions to participate in a sport event again. Data were collected from 112 active event sport tourists of a small recurring sports event: the Senior Games. Mail and online questionnaires were used based on participant ev...
Application of capillary zone electrophoresis for the analysis of proteins, protein-small molecules, and protein-DNA interactions

Capillary electrophoresis with a polyacrylamide-coated capillary was used for the separation of proteins, and the study of protein-small molecule and protein-DNA interactions. The coating (10% T polyacrylamide) is of sufficient thickness and hydrophilicity to reduce protein adsorption and eliminate electroosmotic flow. Data on the effect of sample solvent constituents on the peak shape and position of protein solutes was investigated. The results show that CE is a relevant and fast technique for the study of protein-DNA and protein-drug interaction. Also, the addition of TRIS-buffer to the sample solution resulted in the CE focusing of some basic proteins, while others were not affected.
A System Level Energy Model and Energy-Quality Evaluation for Integrated Transceiver Front-Ends

As CMOS technology scales down, digital supply voltage and digital power consumption goes down. However, the supply voltage and power consumption of the RF front-end and analog sections do not scale in a similar fashion. In fact, in many state-of-the-art communication transceivers, RF and analog sections can consume more energy compared to the digital part. In this paper, first, a system level energy model for all the components in the RF and analog front-end is presented. Next, the RF and analog front-end energy consumption and communication quality of three representative systems are analyzed: a single user point-to-point wireless data communication system, a multi-user code division multiple access (CDMA)-based system and a receive-only video distribution system. For the single user system, the effect of occupied signal bandwidth, peak-to-average ratio (PAR), symbol rate, constellation size, and pulse-shaping filter roll-off factor is analyzed; for the CDMA-based multi-user system, the effect of the number of users in the cell and multiple access interference (MAI) along with the PAR and filter roll-off factor is studied; for the receive-only system, the effect of 1/f noise for direct-conversion receiver and the effect of IF frequency for low-IF architecture on the RF front-end power consumption is analyzed. For a given communication quality specification, it is shown that the energy consumption of a wireless communication front-end can be scaled down by adjusting parameters such as the pulse shaping filter roll-off factor, constellation size, symbol rate, number of users in the cell, and signal center frequency
Peripheral muscle weakness in RASopathies.

Introduction: RASopathies are a group of genetic conditions due to alterations of the Ras/MAPK pathway. Neurocutaneous findings are hallmark features of the RASopathies, but musculoskeletal abnormalities are also frequent. The objective was to evaluate handgrip strength in the RASopathies. Methods: Individuals with RASopathies (e.g., Noonan syndrome, Costello syndrome, cardio-facio-cutaneous [CFC] syndrome, and neurofibromatosis type 1 [NF1]) and healthy controls were evaluated. Two methods of handgrip strength were tested: GRIP-D Takei Hand Grip Dynamometer and the Martin vigorimeter. A general linear model was fitted to compare average strength among the groups, controlling for confounders such as age, gender, height, and weight. Results: Takei dynamometer: handgrip strength was decreased in each of the syndromes compared with controls. Decreased handgrip strength compared with sibling controls was also seen with the Martin vigorimeter (P < 0.0001). Conclusions: Handgrip strength is decreased in the RASopathies. The etiology of the reduced muscle force is unknown, but likely multifactorial. Muscle Nerve 46: 394–399, 2012
Preparation of carrier-free scandium and vanadium activities from titanium cyclotron targets☆

Abstract A method is described for the separation in high yields of carrier-free 46Sc and 48,49V activities from deuteron-bombarded titanium cyclotron targets. The procedure involves distillation of V and Ti chlorides (with Sc and Ca chlorides left behind), separation of V from solution in refluxing TiCl4 on a fresh CuCl surface, and removal of milligramme amounts of Ti by ion exchange.
Designing digital optical computing systems: power distribution and crosstalk

ABSTRACT Optical computer designs must implicitly or explicitly allow for power budgeting, to compensate forcrosstalk and loss. This paper develops algorithms for calculating the system crosstalk and power lossin optical systems, using a graph theoretic system model. These algorithms form the basis for an opticalsystems design methodology in which the designer can develop a system design that employs lumped delays, and that assumes zero device delay, crosstalk and loss, and then employ the algorithms developed in this paper to estimate actual system delay distribution, crosstalk and power loss. 1. INTRODUCTION 1.1 Overview This paper describes a technique that facilitates the design of digital optical computers. Although the primary motivation for this research was the implementation of a stored-program bit-serialoptical computer,1'2 the methods developed in this work should be applicable to a wide variety of opticalsystems. In a previous paper,3 we discussed the use of a graph-theoretic technique for synchronizing
Effects on a Harsh Environment on the Life History Patterns of Two Species of Tropical Aquatic Hemiptera (Family: Naucoridae)

The relative abundances and distribution patterns for two species of aquatic predaceous creeping water bugs (Family: Naucoridae) were determined for two tropical streams at Finca La Selva, Costa Rica, from July 1975 to August 1977. Seasonal changes in population densities were found to be related to differential recruitment and dispersal patterns for the two populations. Extreme population losses for both species occurred during flood periods in one of the two streams. Heavy rains in the mountainous watershed, which can occur 15—30 times/yr, caused one stream, the Sabalo, to spate, and it was in that stream that populations of both species were negatively affected during spates. The second stream, the Sura, is a low—gradient tropical stream and it is backflooded by a large river, the Puerto Viejo. During backflooding, there are reductions in dissolved oxygen and in velocity, but the changes do not affect these plastron—breathing insects. Although depths in both streams increase up to 9 m during flooding, the Sabalo is a more harsh environment for the bugs, owing to intense substrata redistribution processes during spates. Nymphs and adults of the vestigally—winged bug, Limnocoris insularis Champion, move upstream against the current, both in the wet and dry seasons. Adults can recolonize the two streams by moving in from the Puerto Viejo River (a 6th—order river into which both streams flow). Population densities of the naimals are low in the Sabalo because the animals do not recruit well there and because they are also washed out during spates. Population densities are high in the Sura. The animals can recruit there and they are not washed out during flooding. Individuals of the second species, C. latus Usinger, do not move along stream bottoms against the current. Nymphs and brachypterous adults remain stationary or are passively moved downstream with the current. Populations can recurit and disperse in both streams; however, their dispersal abilities are temporally limited because only the winged morph, uncommon except in the dry seasons, has the ability to colonize upstream sections.
MnII(TCNE)3/2(I3)1/2–A 3D Network‐Structured Organic‐Based Magnet and Comparison to a 2D Analog

Mn{sup II}(TCNE){sub 3/2}(I{sub 3}){sub 1/2} and Mn{sup II}(TCNE)[C{sub 4}(CN){sub 8}]{sub 1/2} [tetracyanoethylene (TCNE)] are organic-based magnets with 3D and 2D extended network structures with vastly different magnetic behavior. They have similar ferrimagnetic coupled layers of Mn{sup II}(TCNE){sup {lg_bullet}-} with different interlayer couplings, which lead, respectively, to net ferrimagnetic (T{sub c} = 171 K) and antiferromagnetic (T{sub c} = 68 K) order.
Quantum size oscillations and size effects

We show that low-field semiclassical size-effect experiments can be interpreted in terms of a resonance in the quantum-mechanical magnetoconductivity tensor $\ensuremath{\sigma}(q,{q}^{\ensuremath{'}})$ for a finite sample. The low-field oscillations are shown to occur when electrons at the surface scatter into adjacent Landau orbits.
Relationship between physical activity and HDL-cholesterol in healthy older men and women: a cross-sectional and exercise intervention study

We used cross-sectional and exercise intervention studies to examine whether physical activity levels or increases in peak aerobic capacity (peak VO2) explain variation in high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels in older men and women. In the cross-sectional study, 307 older individuals (169 men; 138 women; 67 +/- 7 years) were characterized for HDL-C, leisure time physical activity, peak VO2, body composition, body fat distribution and dietary intake. HDL-C was 19% higher (P < 0.001) in women (57 +/- 14 mg/dl) versus men (48 +/- 14 mg/dl). Thirty-two percent of the variation in HDL-C in older men was explained by the waist circumference (r2 = 16%), percent dietary intake of alcohol (r2 = 11%), and carbohydrate (r2 = 6%). Waist circumference was also the best predictor of HDL-C in older women, (r2 = 7%); with percent dietary intake of carbohydrate adding an additional 6% to the model. Neither peak VO2 nor leisure time physical activity were independent predictors of HDL-C. Statistical control for the aforementioned variables diminished, but did not abolish gender differences in HDL-C. Thirty-seven older individuals (23 men; 14 women) participated in a 2-month exercise program in which individuals by week eight were expending approximately 900 kcal per week in exercise energy expenditure. Subjects were maintained in energy balance throughout the exercise program. Endurance training significantly increased peak VO2 by 15% in both men and women, and by design, body composition and body fat distribution did not change. No changes in HDL-C levels were noted. In conclusion, variations in leisure time physical activity or increases in peak VO2 are not independent predictors of HDL-C levels in healthy older men and women. Instead, central adiposity, as estimated by the waist circumference, and to a lesser extent, dietary intake of carbohydrate and alcohol, are significant predictors of variation in plasma HDL-C levels. Furthermore, short-term exercise training, generating less than 900 kcal per week in exercise energy expenditure, in the absence of weight loss, fails to influence HDL-C levels.
Device characteristics of mosfets in MeV implanted substrates

Abstract The operating characteristics of MOS transistors constructed in substrates subject to MeV ion implantation have been studied. A standard CMOS process was modified to include high-energy implantation in order to produce a buried layer for device isolation. The process included various high energy implant energies and CMOS well depths. It was seen that device behavior of MOSFETs in the substrate were virtually unaffected by the MeV implantation; channel surface mobility, transconductance and threshold voltage were unchanged. Some variations in body effect parameter and output resistance were noted. Further studies of the CMOS well behavior indicated an increase in well/substrate leakage currents as MeV implanted buried-layer depths decreased.
Matrix generalized inverses in the handling of control problems containing input derivatives

Abstract A solution method using generalized matrix inverses is proposed for the following problem. Given a linear control system consisting of a plant equation and an output. equation, the latter or both containing the first derivative of the input vector. If the output vector is a given function of the time variable t, find input vectors which yield the desired output.
Rapid and sensitive method for the quantitation of non-polar lipids by high-performance thin-layer chromatography and fluorodensitometry

Abstract Non-polar lipids were separated by high-performance thin-layer chromatography on silica gel plates and detected by use of a new reagent that induced fluorescence in the separated components. Developed thin-layer plates are dipped into a solution of sulfuric acid—ethanol—hexane (1:35:64, v/v), heated and the lipid classes are quantified by fluorescence densitometry. This technique allowed detection of certain standard lipids at the 5-ng level, is well suited for the rapid and efficient analysis of large numbers of samples and offers distinct advantages over other in situ fluorescence inducing methods. The method was successfully applied to the analysis of the non-polar lipids that occur in enzymatically hydrolyzed beef tallow.
The Impact of Soviet Housing Policy on Housing Conditions in Soviet Cities: The Uneven Push from Moscow:

This paper describes the causes of variation in housing conditions between Soviet cities, where the state owns over 78 per cent of the housing stock. It also describes the impact of a massive effort to overcome the acute housing shortage, focussing on variations in flows of benefits to different communities.
Grape tissue-based electrochemical sensor for the determination of hydrogen peroxide

Abstract The use of grape tissue as a source of catalase for the determination of hydrogen peroxide is reported. A slice of grape tissue attached to the membrane of a Clark-type oxgen sensor was used to monitor the oxidation of hydrogen peroxide by catalase. At the steady state, the sensor responds linearly to hydrogen peroxide in the concentration range 1 × 10−5–5 × 10−4 M. The response time (T90) was of the order of 1 min for this sensor. No interference was observed from ethanol, amino acids, glucose and lactic acid. The long-term stability of the grape tissue sensor was much better than previously reported immobilized enzyme and liver tissue-based hydrogen peroxide sensors.
POSSIBLE CALCIUM CARRIER FROM THE INNER MEMBRANE OF CALF HEART MITOCHONDRIA

In the present report we will summarize the evidence for the isolation of a 3000-dalton protein from the inner mitochondrial membrane of calf heart (a more detailed report is in Reference 1). The calcium carrier isolated (coined by us calciphorin) translocates Ca/sup 2 +/ through an organic solvent in a Pressman cell only when it is driven by a hydrogen ion gradient. The carrier appears to form a neutral complex with calcium and exchanges Ca/sup 2 +/ with hydrogen ions. The molecular weight of this protein was estimated by urea-SDS gel electrophoresis, and known low molecular weight standards were used as reference. Our attempt to isolate the Ca/sup 2 +/ carrier was for the purpose of understanding the molecular mechanism of Ca/sup 2 +/ transport in mitochondria. This phenomenon is essentially unsolved after more than fifteen years of extensive study. Several completely dissimilar mechanisms have been proposed. Despite the disagreement in the mechanism of Ca/sup 2 +/ transport, it is almost generally accepted that the transport of Ca/sup 2 +/ across the inner mitochondrial membrane is a carrier-mediated process.
Some implications of conditioning theory for problems of drug abuse.

Viewing the development of drug cults as a conditioning process, examples are given of specific effects of alcohol, barbiturates, opioids, amphetamines, cocaine, marihuana, LSD and other psychotomimetic drugs that can reinforce continued use of the drug in question through facilitation of specific patterns of behavior that serve to gratify specific biological and socio-culturally generated human needs. It is hypothesized that, through repeated temporal contiguity between such primary reinforcement and the performance of rituals prescribed by those who are already members of the drug cult, novitiates eventually learn to perceive the magical drug-effects defined by the cult and to experience them even without benefit of the drug when the rituals are performed (secondary reinforcement), thereby becoming a new, full-fledged member of the cult. It is suggested that the maintenance of secondarily reinforced behavior in the absence of further programmed reinforcement by the drug is a consequence of previous classical conditioning of primary drug effects and possibly, of interoceptive conditioning. Some therapeutic applications of conditioning theory are indicated, with special reference to the possible use of specific drug antagonists to facilitate extinction of drug-seeking behavior. Expansion of basic psychopharmacological research as well as of educational and social ameliorative efforts are stressed as desiderata for eventual control of the problem of drug abuse.
Long-term effects of neonatal alcohol exposure on photic reentrainment and phase-shifting responses of the activity rhythm in adult rats.

Abstract In rats, neonatal alcohol (EtOH) exposure coinciding with the period of rapid brain growth produces structural damage in some brain regions that often persists into adulthood and thus may have long-term consequences in the neural regulation of behavior. Because recent findings indicate that the circadian clock located in the rat suprachiasmatic nucleus is vulnerable to alcohol-induced insults during development, the present study examined the long-term effects of neonatal alcohol exposure on the photic regulation of circadian behavior in adult rats. Rat pups were exposed to alcohol (3.0, 4.5, or 6.0g·kg −1 ·day −1 ) or isocaloric milk formula on postnatal days 4–9 using artificial-rearing methods. At 2 months of age, animals were housed individually and circadian wheel-running behavior was continuously analyzed to determine the effects of neonatal alcohol treatment on the rate of reentrainment to a 6-h advance in the 12-h light:12-h dark photoperiod and the phase-shifting properties of free-running rhythms in response to discrete light pulses on a background of constant darkness. For all doses, neonatal alcohol exposure had a significant effect in reducing the time for reentrainment such that EtOH-treated rats required four to five fewer days than control animals for stable realignment of the activity rhythm to the shifted light–dark cycle. Coupled with the accelerated rate of reentrainment, the amplitude of light-evoked phase delays at circadian time 14 and advances at circadian time 22 in the 4.5 and 6.0g·kg −1 ·day −1 EtOH groups was almost twofold greater than that observed in control animals. The present observations indicate that the mechanisms by which photic signals regulate circadian behavior are permanently altered following alcohol exposure during the period of rapid brain development. These long-term alterations in the photic regulation of circadian rhythms may account, at least partially, for some neurobehavioral consequences of prenatal alcohol exposure in humans such as depression.
SURPHEXtm: new dry photopolymers for replication of surface relief diffractive optics

High efficiency, deep groove, surface relief diffractive optical elements (DOE) with various optical functions can be recorded in a photoresist using conventional interferometric holographic and computer generated photolithographic recording techniques. While photoresist recording media are satisfactory for recording individual surface relief DOE, a reliable and precise method is needed to replicate these diffractive microstructures to maintain the high aspect ratio in each replicated DOE. The term `high aspect ratio' means that the depth of a groove is substantially greater, i.e., 2, 3, or more times greater, then the width of the groove. A new family of dry photopolymers SURPHEXTM was developed recently at Du Pont to replicate such highly efficient, deep groove DOEs. SURPHEXTM photopolymers are being utilized in Du Pont's proprietary dry photopolymer embossing (DPE) technology to replicate with a very high degree of precision almost any type of surface relief DOE. Surfaces relief microstructures with a width/depth aspect ratio of 1:20 (0.1 micrometers /2.0micrometers ) were faithfully replicated by DPE technology. Several types of plastic and glass/quartz optical substrates can be used for economical replication of DOE.© (1993) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Witnessing in Black: Jehovah's Witnesses, Textual Ethnogenesis, Racial Subjectivity, and the Foundational Politics of Theocracy

AbstractThis article attempts to show how the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society (Jehovah's Witnesses), has systematically worked to construct an anti-racial religious identity, through a multi-decade campaign against ethnic and national affiliation. Through a close analysis of Watchtower periodicals, pamphlets, and polemical literature, this work considers the ways that the Society has narrated specific historical examples of race-based political projects, to argue for a supra-statal, theocratic ethnicity that draws upon the aesthetic, cultural, and political sensibilities of predominately White, exclusively American male, leadership. For Witnesses, the legacy of the holocaust continues to loom large in Watchtower positions on race and nation. Given this legacy, I argue that the ideological work that occurred in the aftermath of the Second World War created new possibilities for the articulation of race politics that curtailed many meaningful opportunities for a truly multi-ethnic, multi-racial Watchtowe...
Oncogenic forms of p53 inhibit p53-regulated gene expression

Mutant forms of the gene encoding the tumor suppressor p53 are found in numerous human malignancies, but the physiologic function of p53 and the effects of mutations on this function are unknown. The p53 protein binds DNA in a sequence-specific manner and thus may regulate gene transcription. Cotransfection experiments showed that wild-type p53 activated the expression of genes adjacent to a p53 DNA binding site. The level of activation correlated with DNA binding in vitro. Oncogenic forms of p53 lost this activity. Moreover, all mutants inhibited the activity of coexpressed wild-type p53, providing a basis for the selection of such mutants during tumorigenesis.
Commitment to Teach in Under-Resourced Schools: Prospective Science and Mathematics Teachers’ Dispositions

In this exploratory study, we sought to gain an understanding of what motivates prospective teachers who are Noyce Scholars at a research-intensive southeastern US university to commit to teaching secondary level science or mathematics in school districts that have a high proportion of students who come from low-socioeconomic households. An interpretive methodology revealed three themes associated with Noyce Scholars’ motivations to teach (1) awareness of educational challenges, (2) sense of belonging to or comfort with diverse communities, and (3) belief that one can serve as a role model and resource. The paper describes and compares the significance of each theme among six prospective teachers who identify with the schooling experiences of students who came from low-income or poor households and nine prospective teachers who identify with the schooling experiences in a middle-income school or district. The implication of this study supports the importance of recruiting prospective science and mathematics teachers who have knowledge of and a disposition to work with learners from low-income or poor households, even if those prospective teachers are not themselves the members of under-served populations.
The influence of large deletions on the mutation frequency induced by tritiated water and X-radiation in male Drosophila melanogaster post-meiotic germ cells.

Abstract Tritium beta radiation ( 3 H β-radiation) in the form of tritiated water was used to induce mutations at the alcohol dehydrogenase ( Adh ) locus in mal male Drosophila melanogaster post-meiotic germ cells. All 23 Adh null mutations were large deletions (>20 kb), determined by genetic complementation and Southern blot analyses. 27 Adh null mutations have been induced by 100-kVp X-rays (Aaron, 1979) and have been genetically and molecularly characterized (Ashburner et al., 1982; Chia et al., 1985; LoMonaco et al., 1987; Mahmoud et al., 1991). In contrast to9 3 H β-radiation, 100-kVp X-rays induced a bimodal distribution of Adh null mutations, intragenic mutations, ⩽250 bp, and large deletions, >100 kb. A statistically significant difference waas observed between the frequency of large deletions ( 23 23 or 1.0 ) induced by 3 H β-radiation and the frequency of large deletions ( 19 27 or 0.7 ) induced by 100-kVp X-rays. However, a statistical difference was not observed between the size distribution of the large deletions induced by 3 H β-radiation and X-rays. The relative deletion frequency (RDF) induced by 3 H β-radiation and 100-kVp X-rays was (1.0/0.7 = 1.4). The relative biological effectiveness (RBE) of these two radiation sources was 1.4, determined from the ratio of the regression coefficients of the respective 3 H β-radiation and X-ray sex-linked recessive lethal (SLRL) dose-response data. The large difference in size between the two classes of X-ray-induced Adh null mutations and the increase in mutation frequency and deletion frequency for 3 H β-radiation with respect to X-rays may indicate that the relative deletion frequency (RDF) is the molecular biological basis for the increase in the RBE for radiation sources with a mean LET value ⩽ 10 keV/μm.
A Phenotype-Based Model for Rational Selection of Novel Targeted Therapies in Treating Aggressive Breast Cancer.

BackgroundGlobal transcriptional profiling has facilitated breast cancer research, and has led to analyses of breast cancer phenotypes and clinical outcomes. While gene expression signatures can identify patients with aggressive tumors who require chemotherapy, data that guide drug selection are relatively sparse, generally obtained in clinical trials that treat patients with standard therapies and often limited by small study size. We propose a method that incorporates genomic and in vitro and in vivo preclinical testing of patient tumors to identify optimal and novel therapeutic regimens for individual breast tumors.Methods and FindingsNine independent microarray datasets comprised of 1,723 breast cancer cases were used in a meta-analysis to examine patterns of drug sensitivity predictions. Drug sensitivity signatures were developed based on the Broad Institute Connectivity Map, and applied using binary regression to individual tumor gene expression data. These analyses provide probabilities for each individual tumor9s sensitivity to specific drugs, and allows us to identify patterns of drug sensitivity for unique breast cancer phenotypes. We found consistent patterns of drug sensitivity that were specific to individual tumor subtypes. Notably, we discovered that over 80% of basal-like breast cancers were predicted to respond to inhibitors of the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase pathway and that normal-like tumors were most likely to respond to a heat shock protein 90 inhibitor. Among the more aggressive breast cancer phenotypes, there was a high predicted response to valproic acid (VPA), a histone deacetylase inhibitor. Using a subset of targeted therapeutics that are currently in clinical trials with solid tumors and for which we have drug response signatures, we performed in vitro drug testing on a panel of 18 breast cancer cell lines and found significant correlation between predicted and actual drug sensitivity. Additionally, predicted sensitivity to VPA for specific patient breast tumors was confirmed in vitro and in vivo, using 3-D primary cell culture and orthotopic xenografts generated from the same human tumors for which the predictions were made. These studies highlight VPA as an effective therapy for aggressive breast cancer tumors, and underscore the suitability of our genomic approach to identify optimal targeted therapeutic strategies for women with breast cancer.ConclusionsWe provide a drug sensitivity prediction model using primary tumor gene expression profiles and offer preclinical examples of drug response based on this model. This approach can be used to personalize drug therapy for patients with breast cancer. This will hopefully improve clinical responses for patients while sparing them toxicity from agents that will have no effect on their tumors. Citation Information: Cancer Res 2009;69(24 Suppl):Abstract nr 2007.
Evolution and Future of Skull Base Surgery: The Paradigm of Skull Base Meningiomas

Background Skull base meningiomas represent the paradigm for the evolution of skull base surgery within the past 50 years into a distinct neurosurgical subspecialty. Methods From 2005 to 2011, 117 patients with cranial base meningiomas underwent surgical resection. Extent of resection, histologic grade, complications, functional status, and recurrence-free and overall survival data are presented. Results The summary rate of gross total resection was 53.0%. The surgical complication and mortality rates were 17.9% and 0.9%, respectively. Five-year recurrence-free survival was 88.0% for grade I meningiomas. A total of 90.3% of patients had a Karnofsky performance score ≥80 at last follow-up. Conclusions A large contemporary series of skull base meningiomas is presented. In addition, the evolution of surgical approaches to skull base meningiomas is reviewed, together with the current issues regarding radiation therapy, management of cavernous sinus tumor, oncologic management of atypical and malignant subtypes, molecular genetics, and future therapeutic options.
Optimizing fermentation process miscanthus-to-ethanol biorefinery scale under uncertain conditions

Ethanol produced from cellulosic feedstocks has garnered significant interest for greenhouse gas abatement and energy security promotion. One outstanding question in the development of a mature cellulosic ethanol industry is the optimal scale of biorefining activities. This question is important for companies and entrepreneurs seeking to construct and operate cellulosic ethanol biorefineries as it determines the size of investment needed and the amount of feedstock for which they must contract. The question also has important implications for the nature and location of lifecycle environmental impacts from cellulosic ethanol. We use an optimization framework similar to previous studies, but add richer details by treating many of these critical parameters as random variables and incorporating a stochastic sub-model for land conversion. We then use Monte Carlo simulation to obtain a probability distribution for the optimal scale of a biorefinery using a fermentation process and miscanthus feedstock. We find a bimodal distribution with a high peak at around 10–30 MMgal yr−1 (representing circumstances where a relatively low percentage of farmers elect to participate in miscanthus cultivation) and a lower and flatter peak between 150 and 250 MMgal yr−1 (representing more typically assumed land-conversion conditions). This distribution leads to useful insights; in particular, the asymmetry of the distribution—with significantly more mass on the low side—indicates that developers of cellulosic ethanol biorefineries may wish to exercise caution in scale-up.
Low Self-Control and the Religiosity-Crime Relationship

Two arguments have been advanced regarding the effect of low self-control on the religiosity-crime relationship. The first holds that self-control explains both religiosity and criminal offending (...
Comparing user simulations for dialogue strategy learning

Recent studies show that user simulations can be used to generate training corpora for learning dialogue strategies automatically. However, it is unclear what type of simulation is most suitable in a particular task setting. We observe that a simulation which generates random behaviors in a restricted way outperforms simulations that mimic human user behaviors in a statistical way. Our finding suggests that we do not always need to construct a realistic user simulation. Since constructing realistic user simulations is not a trivial task, we can save engineering cost by wisely choosing simulation models that are appropriate for our task.
Morphological and neurochemical correlates of vestibular compensation

Abstract Morphometric analysis of the cat’s superior vestibulo-ocular neurons (SVON) 8 weeks, and 1 and 2 years following vestibular neurectomy or labyrinthectomy revealed similar changes which indicate that an excitatory mode of input to the denervated SVON is responsible for the behavioral recovery. These changes include an increased proportion of strong asymmetric synapses, somal spines surrounding the SP, increased size of and number of SP at long (>1 year) survival periods. There is a parallel decrease 1 year of contralateral vestibular nerve SP on SVON which matches in timing and magnitude the number of ipsilateral vestibular nerve SP after surgical ablation. These unexpected SVON are consistent with the hypothesis that neurotrophins regulate symmetry in the adult vestibular system. This hypothesis was tested in a series of 13 heterozygous brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), neurotrophin 3 (NT3), and neurotrophin 4 (NT4) knockout mice. Following unilateral surgical labyrinthectomy the BDNF and NT4 knockout mice demonstrated no delay in behavioral recovery compared to their normal littermate controls. However, the NT3 knockout mice required twice the time to recover from balance deficits as their littermate controls. These results indicate that NT3 protein is important for normal vestibular function.
Differential Pulse Polarographie Determination of Clorazepate Monopotassium and Dipotassium

Polarographic investigation of clorazepate monopotassium and dipotassium showed two cathodic waves at about − 1.28 and − 1.66 v. The cathodic wave associated with clorazepate monopotassium or dipotassium at about − 1.66 v was a pH-independent, diffusion-controlled wave. This wave was used to develop a specific stability-indicating procedure for clorazepate monopotassium and dipotassium in the presence of their degradation products, namely, nordiazepam, 2-amino-5-chlorobenzophenone, and glycine. The method involves a 10− 2 M LiOH–10− 1 M LiCl extraction of the active ingredient from the formulation, filtration, dilution with the same supporting electrolyte, and then use of the standard addition technique for drug quantitation in capsules. Typical formulation excipients did not interfere with the analysis. Accuracy and precision of the procedure were 99.55 ± 0.68%.
Fluorescence quenching of methoxybenzyl alcohols by the hydronium ion in aqueous solution: acid-catalyzed formation of methoxybenzyl cations from the singlet excited state

Abstract The photochemical and photophysical behavior of a number of methoxy-substituted benzyl alcohols has been studied in aqueous solution as a function of pH. Evidence is presented which indicates that, on excitation to the singlet excited state, the ortho and meta methoxy-substituted benzyl alcohols undergo proton-assisted loss of hydroxide ion to give the corresponding benzyl cations. These results are discussed with reference to the photoselectivity observed by Zimmerman and Sandel in the photosolvolysis of methoxybenzyl acetates.
The Use of Flow Units as a Tool for Reservoir Description: A Case Study

This paper presents a method where fluid flow units are used in reservoir description. The authors developed the proposed method using core and well-log data from the Endicott field on the North Slope of Alaska. Sedimentary intervals of the cored wells are divided into major zones on the basis of core description information. The major zones are further subdivided into subzones to allow less variation in geologic and petrophysical properties within each subzone and more variation between the subzones. On the basis of the transmissibility, storativity, and net to gross-thickness data, the subzones are classified into four distinct fluid flow units by use of the statistical method of cluster analysis. They use a regression relationship established between the core and in the cored wells to estimate the permeability of the uncored wells, allowing for extension of flow units to these wells. They present stratigraphic cross sections to illustrate areal variations of the petrophysical properties in the Endicott field.
Graft-versus-host disease and liver transplantation.

Excerpt To the Editors: We offer another case in support of the supposition by Collins and colleagues (1) that graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) in liver transplantation is more common than previous...
Coronagraphic observations of two new sungrazing comets

The discovery has recently been reported of a comet (Howard-Koomen-Michels: 1979 XI) that apparently collided with the sun on 30 August 1979. A report is presented of observations of two additional sungrazers that encountered the sun on 27 January 1981 and 20 July 1981, respectively. Like comet 1979 XI, these two new comets seem to have been members of the Kreutz group of sungrazers, and like 1979 XI the new comets did not reappear after their encounters with the sun. The discovery of three previously unreported comets during the initial 2.3 yr of satellite coronal observations suggests that sungrazers are much more common than one might suppose from the list of only nine known sungrazers observed during the years 1668-1970.