cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Regression approximations for continuous-time, stochastic compartmental models of discrete interacting populations

Canadian lynx and snowshoe hare interact in a predator-prey relationship in which lynx abundance is more strongly dependent upon hare abundance than vice versa. A four-compartment stochastic compartmental model is specified that represents net balances of live individuals in each population, together with cumulative, nondecreasing balances of dead individuals of both populations. Reproduction is modeled as time-variant Poisson arrival processes. Residence times in live compartments, equivalent to ages of individuals, are modeled as conditional distributions, dependent upon abundances of the other population in each case. Models of residence-time distributions are hypothesized for each population and fitted to available data on abundance in live compartments over an 85-year period. Multiple regression techniques are used to fit the models, from which conditional distributions of population abundances in live compartments are used to compute numerical estimates of net balances from year 1850 to year 1935 and beyond. Interaction terms in the model give rise to marginal distributions of population abundances that are non-Poisson even though reproduction of both populations is assumed to be Poisson. The basic assumption about interactions is that any such prey-predator effect over a period of time of residence of two individuals of opposite species can be summarized by a function of current time alone.
Inhibited sexual desire in women

A multifaceted study was conducted to identify differences in biopsychosocial characteristics between a clinical group of 59 married women who complained of inhibited sexual desire (ISD) and 31 married women who expressed normal sexual desire (non-ISD). Areas of examination included personality, endocrine, relationship, and sexual dimensions. Instruments of data collection included the MMPI, Dyadic Adjustment Scale, radioimmunoassay of testosterone and prolactin levels, and a questionnaire which focused on demographic, relationship, and sexual information. Statistical analyses indicated nonsignificant between-group differences on demographic characteristics, personality variables, and hormonal evaluation. Statistically significant differences were found between the two groups with regard to sexual history and several marital and sexual dimensions. The ISD group reported significantly greater dissatisfaction with these areas than the non-ISD group. Implications for clinical practice and research are discussed.
An automated integration routine for FT-IR spectrometers

Abstract An integration routine, written in Pascal, is shown that can automatically choose end points for infrared spectral peak integration. The routine accepts data generated from JCAMP-DX software. This paper includes a listing of the program and shows some of its limitations.
Growth hormone regulation by growth hormone-releasing hormone in infant rhesus monkeys.

To study the relationship of endogenous GHRH to the changes seen in serum GH concentration in neonatal primates, we administered antiserum to GHRH (GHRH-Ab) or GHRH antagonist, (N-Acetyl-Tyr1, D-Arg2)GHRH-(1-29)-NH2, to unanesthetized, fasted rhesus monkeys, 1–31 days of age, via an acutely placed venous catheter. The administration of GHRH-Ab resulted in a significant decrease in serum GH concentration at 1–2 and 7–9 days, but not at 28–31 days of age. The administration of GHRH antagonist resulted in a significant decrease in serum GH concentrations at 1–2 days, but not at 7 or 14 days of age. These results imply that basal serum GH is more dependent on endogenous GHRH at 1–2 days than after 7–28 days of age. This suggests developmental changes in the hypothalamic regulation of GH secretion with advancing age in the neonatal period.
Physiological and morphological response of glyphosate-resistant and non-glyphosate-resistant cotton seedlings to root-absorbed glyphosate

Abstract The level of tolerance in herbicide-resistant plants may vary among different tissues or growth stages. Studies were conducted to determine relative tissue sensitivity in glyphosate-resistant (GR) and non-GR cotton seedlings to the herbicide glyphosate. Glyphosate is often applied as a pre-plant treatment (burndown) in minimal tillage cotton production systems to remove any unwanted, emerged vegetation. Timing of these glyphosate applications may be in close proximity to the time of planting and seedling emergence. As glyphosate leaches from roots of nearby senescing weeds, it may be absorbed into the roots of cotton seedlings. Therefore, cotton seedlings were grown in hydroponic solutions containing technical grade glyphosate to ensure constant exposure to glyphosate. In all tissues, GR cotton required a greater concentration of glyphosate to reach 50% fresh weight reduction than non-GR cotton. Glyphosate inhibited the growth of non-GR cotton cotyledons, hypocotyls, and roots 50% at concentrations of 23, 69, and 27 μM glyphosate, respectively. In contrast, growth of GR cotton cotyledons, hypocotyls, and roots was inhibited by 50% at 3.5-, 8-, and 5-fold greater glyphosate concentrations, respectively, than non-GR cotton tissues. Correspondingly, shikimic acid, an intermediate in the shikimic acid pathway, which accumulates upon 5-enolpyruvyl 3-shikimate phosphate synthase (EPSP synthase) inhibition, reached levels of 17.3, 21.6, and 8.8 μM g −1 fresh weight at 1 mM glyphosate in non-GR cotyledons, hypocotyls, and roots, respectively. In contrast, shikimic acid levels in GR cotton were 4.2, 14.0, and 8.2 μM g −1 fresh weight at 1 mM glyphosate for cotyledons, hypocotyls, and roots, respectively. Thus, roots of GR and non-GR cotton accumulate similar amounts of shikimic acid, whereas GR cotyledons and hypocotyls accumulated less shikimic acid than the corresponding non-GR tissues in response to glyphosate treatments. Additionally, glyphosate inhibited the development of lateral roots at concentrations of 0.01 or 0.1 μM glyphosate greater, in GR and non-GR cotton, respectively. Lateral roots of GR and non-GR cotton inhibited by glyphosate appeared shorter and were surrounded by a thick layer of necrotic cells or root exudate which was not present in roots from plants grown in media not containing glyphosate. The quantity of GR CP4-EPSP synthase was 4.7 and 6.6 times greater in cotyledons than in hypocotyls and roots, respectively. Tissues from dark-grown GR cotton seedlings contained 1.2–2.1 times less CP4-EPSP synthase than their light-grown counterparts. Because lateral root development was inhibited, fresh weight was reduced, and shikimic acid accumulated following treatment with glyphosate in both GR and non-GR cotton, the potential exists for glyphosate to negatively affect cotton seedling establishment.
Resolution of hydrops secondary to cytomegalovirus after maternal and fetal treatment with human cytomegalovirus hyperimmune globulin.

BACKGROUND: Congenital cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a common infection with limited treatment options. Vertical transmission can lead to fetal death or long-term neurologic injury. We present a case wherein fetal hydrops resolved after maternal and fetal intravenous administration of CMV hyperimmune globulin. CASE: A 20-year-old gravida 3, para 0 was referred for Level II ultrasonography secondary to hydrops fetalis. Amniocentesis demonstrated in utero CMV infection. Resolution of hydrops occurred after the administration of CMV hyperimmune globulin to the patient and then to her fetus. CONCLUSION: Resolution of hydrops secondary to congenital CMV was temporally related to the administration of maternal and fetal hyperimmune globulin.
Femorofemoral bypass with an infrascrotal perineal approach for the patient with an infected groin wound

Abstract A technique is presented for revascularization of patients having a groin wound infection, which minimizes the risk of recurrent graft infection. A femorofemoral bypass with a subcutaneous perineal tunnel is constructed farther from the infected groin wound than the standard subcutaneous suprapubic tunnel. The route of the graft appears to result in neither excessive tension on the graft when the leg is abducted nor kinking of the graft when the leg is adducted. Long-term follow-up will be needed to compare the patency of this route with the standard suprapubic tunnel in patients with an infected groin wound who require a femorofemoral bypass graft. (J VASC SURG 1985;2:485-7.)
Nature and reduction of errors in near-earth autonomous satellite navigation

This paper studies the potential of autonomous satellite navigation through prediction of both spacecraft ephemeris and orientation of the Earth. Error sources identified and discussed quantitatively are: aerodynamics; direct and indirect solar radiation; gravity of the Earth, sun, and moon; motion of the rotational pole; rotation rate of the Earth; satellite clock; and the spacecraft tracking system. A device that has already been demonstrated in orbit can be used to effectively cancel the acceleration uncertainties due to atmosphere and solar radiation. Navigation error introduced by the remaining error sources are determined for two spacecraft altitudes (1000 and 150 km) and a prediction interval of one year. Anticipated improvements in modeling the geopotential, tracking system accuracy, and satellite timekeeping are also discussed. The results show that this concept of an autonomous satellite navigation system is suitable for a wide variety of satellite missions.
Exact differential equation for the density and ionization energy of a many-particle system

The present investigation is concerned with relations studied by Hohenberg and Kohn (1964) and Kohn and Sham (1965). The properties of a ground-state many-electron system are determined by the electron density. The correct differential equation for the density, as dictated by density-functional theory, is presented. It is found that the ground-state density n of a many-electron system obeys a Schroedinger-like differential equation which may be solved by standard Kohn-Sham programs. Results are connected to the traditional exact Kohn-Sham theory. It is pointed out that the results of the current investigations are readily extended to spin-density functional theory.
OPTIMAL HEALTH INVESTMENT STRATEGIES

This paper investigates the optimal health investment strategies for two modifications of a model proposed by V. Dardanoni (1986). The first modification retains the assumption of a constant marginal opportunity cost of health investment. In this case, the optimal strategy involves a most rapid approach path with investment taking on extreme values. In the second modification, the assumption of increasing marginal opportunity cost of investment eliminates the most rapid approach path feature and the optimal investment level varies continuously over time. The implications of considering finite lifespans explicitly are analyzed. A "turnpike property" is identified for the second modification. Copyright 1989 by Blackwell Publishing Ltd and the Board of Trustees of the Bulletin of Economic Research
Review of "Analysis and Design of lnformation Systems, by James A. Senn", McGraw-Hill Book Company, 1984

Analysis and Design o fin formation Systems is a much needed, long awaited excellently written book that takes a broad yet surprisingly in depth look at the area of systems analysis and design. Although Senn's book is aimed primarily at the college market, professionals in data processing could benefit from not only reading it, but having it on the shelf of their information systems flbrary.
967 REJECTION OF BONE MARROW TRANSPLANT (BMT) AND RESISTANCE OF ALLOANTIGEN REACTIVE CELLS TO IN VIVO DEOXYADENOSINE (DAD) IN A PATIENT WITH ADENOSINE DEAMINASE (ADA) DEFICIENCY

A soybean agglutinin processed haploidentical BMT was performed in a child with severe immunodeficiency and ADA deficiency who lacked a histocompatible donor. Because of significant alloreactivity in mixed lymphocyte culture (MLR) and to avoid chemotherapy we used DAD, which in ADA deficiency is metabolized to dATP and is thought to cause the immunodeficiency. We assessed the in vitro effects of DAD on bone marrow erythroid and myeloid colony formation (CFU-E, BRU-E, CFU-C) in normals, the patient and the donor. There were no differences among the 3 groups studied and increasing concentrations of DAD resulted in equivalent suppression of colony formation. Also, addition of EHNA (an ADA inhibitor) resulted in nonspecific inhibition of colony formation in all groups. Based on these results the patient received an infusion of DAD with increasing doses up to 200 mg/day. Erythrocyte (E) dATP rose from 200 nm/ml packed E to 900 while ATP remained at 300 nm/ml packed E. Suppression of the MLR did not occur. After the BMT the DAD infusions were continued for 1 month. Evidence of transient engraftment occurred at 2 weeks but did not persist. These results suggest that DAD/dATP inhibition of lymphocyte function is not the only mechanism in ADA deficiency and/or there are residual lymphoid cells resistant to elevated dATP.
Estimating bedrock and surface layer boundaries and confidence intervals in ice sheet radar imagery using MCMC

Climate models that predict polar ice sheet behavior require accurate measurements of the bedrock-ice and ice-air boundaries in ground-penetrating radar imagery. Identifying these features is typically performed by hand, which can be tedious and error prone. We propose an approach for automatically estimating layer boundaries by viewing this task as a probabilistic inference problem. Our solution uses Markov-Chain Monte Carlo to sample from the joint distribution over all possible layers conditioned on an image. Layer boundaries can then be estimated from the expectation over this distribution, and confidence intervals can be estimated from the variance of the samples. We evaluate the method on 560 echograms collected in Antarctica, and compare to a state-of-the-art technique with respect to hand-labeled images. These experiments show an approximately 50% reduction in error for tracing both bedrock and surface layers.
Prostaglandin catabolism in fetal and maternal tissues - A study of 15-hydroxyprostaglandin dehydrogenase and Δ13 reductase with specific assay methods

Abstract Recent studies have demonstrated that extraductal tissues such as lung are important sources of prostaglandin E 2 which maintains the patency of ductus arteriosus in fetuses and prematurely-born infants. Also, organs such as lung are known to be active in the catabolism of PGE 2 . Earlier studies of enzymes involved in the catabolism of PGE 2 such as 15-hydroxyprostaglandin dehydrogenase (15-PGDH) and Δ13 reductase all used non-specific methods. In the present report, we studied 15-PGDH in fetal and maternal rat lung, kidney, and fetal lamb lung, kidney and ductus arteriosus with the use of a specific substrate (15-S)-[15 3 H-PGE 2 ]. In addition, we measured the activity of Δ13 reductase in these tissues by measuring the conversion of [1- 14 C]-15-keto PGE 2 to [1- 14 C]-15-keto-13,14-dihydro PGE 2 . The results from these studies demonstrated that in fetal rat lung and kidney, 15-PGDH activities increased rapidly while Δ13 reductase remained unchanged during late gestation. Ductus arteriosus possessed little 15-PGDH activities. These results strongly suggest that extraductal regulation of PGE 2 metabolism is important in determining ductal caliber in fetuses and prematurely delivered neonates.
Engineers, psychologists, and administrators: control systems research in wartime, 1940-45

Describes the organisation and work of 2 US wartime scientific agencies, the National Defense Research Committee (NDRC) and its successor and umbrella organization, the Office of Scientific Research and Development (OSRD). >
Direct laser deposition of in situ Ti–6Al–4V–TiB composites

Abstract Ti–6Al–4V–TiB composites have been in situ deposited from powder feedstocks consisting of a blend of pre-alloyed Ti–6Al–4V and elemental boron using the Laser Engineered Net-Shaping (LENS™) process. The microstructure of the as-deposited composites has been characterized in detail using scanning (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). A homogeneous refined dispersion of TiB precipitates is formed within the Ti–6Al–4V α/β matrix. The scale of the microstructure is substantially refined as compared with composites produced using other recently developed powder processing techniques. In addition to the refined dispersion of the reinforcing phase, the influence of the TiB precipitation on the solid-state β→β+α transformation that takes place in the matrix has been examined using SEM and TEM. Finally, heat-treatments carried out post-LENS™ deposition, suggest that LENS™ fabricated composites are thermodynamically stable, exhibiting limited TiB coarsening.
40Ar/39Ar analyses of artificially mixed micas and the treatment of complex age spectra from samples with multiple mica populations

Abstract Artificial mixtures of two age populations of muscovite and of biotite were prepared at relative weight percents of 3:1, 1:1, and 1:3 and analyzed by the 40Ar/39Ar vacuum furnace step-heating method. The original micas are Late Jurassic and Late Cretaceous samples that yield flat age spectra, with plateau ages defined by 97–100% of the gas release and no evidence for excess argon. The age spectra from mica mixtures yield patterns that systematically decrease with decreasing Jurassic mica content and increasing Cretaceous component. However, the mixed muscovite spectra are relatively flat, consistent with the two original samples showing similar degassing patterns during vacuum furnace heating. In contrast, the mixed biotite spectra are highly discordant with an overall decrease in age during the step-heat analysis. This is consistent with the degassing patterns of the original mica samples, which indicate the Jurassic biotite (high Fe/Mg) outgases at lower temperatures and the Cretaceous biotite (low Fe/Mg) remains retentive until the higher temperature steps. The individual degassing patterns and compositions show consistencies with known compositional controls on argon diffusivity indicating that micas may maintain argon retention characteristics rooted in crystal chemistry during vacuum furnace heating. All but one of the mixed samples failed to yield ages reflecting the age of the original micas. These results imply that complex age spectra obtained for multiply-deformed rocks with multiple mica populations may define geologically meaningless ages as a result of simultaneous degassing (i.e. mixing of sample reservoirs) during heating. Comparison of laboratory degassing rates and crystal chemistry indicates compositional controls on argon retention are likely preserved during vacuum furnace step heating and micas may degas/retain argon in a predictable manner. These conclusions support assertions that recovery of fossil age gradients in slowly cooled samples may be possible using furnace step heating.
Measuring Productivity of Environmentally Interactive Technologies: The Case of Agriculture and the Environment

The classic specification of production focuses on the processing and transformation of private goods. The private nature of these goods ensures that management has complete control over the technology. For a private good technology, efficiency and productivity can be monitored by evaluation of relative input and output flows. However, not many technologies are what we might call private good technologies that involve only transformation of pure private goods. Consider technologies that interact with the environment. The study of such environmentally interactive technologies forces a wider consideration to include three further types of goods: public goods, quasi-public goods, and conditionally productive goods. Further, nonhedonistic behavioral objectives may demand attention (see, e.g., Weaver 1996). Public goods involvement in technologies has long been recognized in the context of externalities where the scope of impact of some inputs or outputs goes beyond the producing firm. These goods impact other agents in the economy as exogenous effects. Quasipublic goods are those for which consumption within the firm or by the consumer is not exhaustive, implying that their consumption impacts the productivity or utility of more than one good (e.g., output or consumption good). The role of quasi-public goods in production provides a basis for economies of scope. A final characteristic of goods that often is involved in environmentally interactive technologies is what we might label conditional productivity. An important example is found in damage or quality control inputs that are productive only in restoring output levels compromised by exposure to an externally originating factor (Carpentier and Weaver). To summarize, consideration of environmentally interactive technologies demands that attention be paid to public, quasi-public, and conditionally productive goods in addition to private goods. Faire and Grosskopf and Gollop and Swinand focus on the measurement of productivity for environmentally interactive technologies. Both papers consider the question of how productivity can be measured for technologies that go beyond the use of strictly private goods, and both limit their consideration of goods involved in environmentally interactive technologies to public goods or classic externalities.
The aging neurogenic subventricular zone

In the adult mouse brain, the subventricular zone (SVZ) is a neurogenic stem cell niche only 4-5 cell diameters thick. Within this narrow zone, a unique microenvironment supports stem cell self-renewal, gliogenesis or neurogenesis lineage decisions and tangential migration of newly generated neurons out of the SVZ and into the olfactory bulb. However, with aging, SVZ neurogenesis declines. Here, we examine the dynamic interplay between SVZ cytoarchitecture and neurogenesis through aging. Assembly of high-resolution electron microscopy images of corresponding coronal sections from 2-, 10- and 22-month-old mice into photomontages reveal a thinning of the SVZ with age. Following a 2-h BrdU pulse, we detect a significant decrease in cell proliferation from 2 to 22 months. Neuroblast numbers decrease with age, as do transitory amplifying progenitor cells, while both SVZ astrocytes and adjacent ependymal cells remain relatively constant. At 22 months, only residual pockets of neurogenesis remain and neuroblasts become restricted to the anterior dorsolateral horn of the SVZ. Within this dorsolateral zone many key components of the younger neurogenic niche are maintained; however, in the aged SVZ, increased numbers of SVZ astrocytes are found interposed within the ependyma. These astrocytes co-label with markers to ependymal cells and astrocytes, form intercellular adherens junctions with neighboring ependymal cells, and some possess multiple basal bodies of cilia within their cytoplasm. Together, these data reveal an age-related, progressive restriction of SVZ neurogenesis to the dorsolateral aspect of the lateral ventricle with increased numbers of SVZ astrocytes interpolated within the ependyma.
Fine-needle aspiration cytology of sarcomatoid renal cell carcinoma: A morphologic and immunocytochemical study of 15 cases

Sarcomatoid renal cell carcinoma (SRCC), which accounts for 5% of all renal cell carcinomas (RCC), has a worse prognosis than conventional nonsarcomatoid RCC. making accurate diagnosis important. This study reports on the morphologic and immunocytochemical features of 15 cases of SRCC (9 primary tumors and 6 metastases) diagnosed by fine-needle aspiration (FNA) biopsy. All but three cases showed a dimorphic cell population consisting of varying proportions of a high-grade epithelial component, either clear or granular-cell type and a spindle cell (sarcomatoid) component, of either fibrosarcomatous, malignant fibrous histiocytoma (MFH), or unclassified types. The sarcomatoid component in the biphasic and monophasic tumors stained positively for cytokeratin in 12 of 14 (85%) cases, for vimentin in 10 of 11 (91 %) cases, and for muscle-specific action in 4 of 11 (36%) cases. Of note, the three cases that demonstrated a purely sarcomatoid morphology stained positively for cytokeratin. Unlike in studies performed on surgically resected specimens, neither the proportion of the sarcomatoid component nor the presence of necrosis had prognostic significance, the discrepancy most likely being related to the sampling. We conclude that SRCC, both primary and metastatic, can be accurately diagnosed by FNA when cytologic features are evaluated in conjunction with immunocytochemical findings.
Calcium dependency of massive postmortem bronchoconstriction in guinea pig lungs

Calcium antagonists were employed to examine whether or not guinea pig's postmortem bronchoconstriction is calcium dependent. First, a group of 17 young (3–4-week-old) animals were divided in three subgroups: control, nifedipine, and 8-(N,N-diethylamino)-octyl-3,4,5-trimethoxybenzoate (TMB-8, an intracellular calcium antagonist). A second group of 12 mature (5–7-week-old) animals were divided into two subgroups: control and nifedipine. Baseline pressure-volume (P-V) curves were performed prior to cannulation of the pulmonary artery in the anesthetized, opened chested animal. The lungs of the animal were then perfused and P-V curves were obtained again at intervals for up to 60 min. Nifedipine (10−6 M) or TMB-8 (5 × 10−4 M) was added to the perfusate in experimental groups. A temporal decrease in inflation volume (IV, the lung volume between transpulmonary pressure of 0 and 30 cm H2O during inflation) was used as an indicator of bronchoconstriction. In control subgroups, the decrease in IV was significantly greater (P < 0.05) in the young (29.5 ± 12.9% baseline at 20 min) than in the mature animals (75.0 ± 7.0% baseline at 20 min). Nifedipine significantly alleviated (P < 0.05) the decrease in IV in young animals at 15–30 min (58.6 ± 8.4% baseline at 20 min) while TMB-8 (90.6 ± 2.1% baseline at 20 min) prevented the decrease even further. Nifedipine did not have a significant effect on IV in mature animals. These data suggest that the postmortem bronchospasm is much more severe in young animals and that this severe constriction is calcium dependent.
In Defense of a Non-Causal Account of Reasons Explanations

This paper defends my claim in earlier work that certain non-causal conditions are sufficient for the truth of some reasons explanations of actions, against the critique of this claim given by Randolph Clarke in his book, Libertarian Accounts of Free Will.
12-Lipoxygenase plays a key role in cell death caused by glutathione depletion and arachidonic acid in rat oligodendrocytes

Oxidative injury to premyelinating oligodendrocytes (preOLs) in developing white matter has been implicated in the pathogenesis of periventricular leukomalacia, the lesion underlying most cases of cerebral palsy in premature infants. In this study, we investigated the pathways of OL death induced by intracellular glutathione (GSH) depletion. We found that the lipoxygenase (LOX) inhibitors AA-861 and BMD-122 (N-benzyl-N-hydroxy-5-phenylpentamide; BHPP), but not the cyclooxygenase (COX) inhibitor indomethacin, fully protected the cells from GSH depletion caused by cystine deprivation. Arachidonic acid (AA), the substrate for 12-LOX, potentiated the toxicity of mild cystine deprivation and at higher concentration was itself toxic. This toxicity was also blocked by 12-LOX inhibitors. Consistent with a role for 12-LOX in the cell death pathway, 12-LOX activity increased following cystine deprivation in OLs. Blocking 12-LOX with AA-861 effectively inhibited the accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) induced by cystine deprivation. These data suggest that, in OLs, intracellular GSH depletion leads to activation of 12-LOX, ROS accumulation and cell death. Mature OLs were more resistant than preOLs to cystine deprivation. The difference in sensitivity was not due to a difference in 12-LOX activity but rather appeared to be related to the presence of stronger antioxidant defense mechanisms in mature OLs. These results suggest that 12-LOX activation plays a key role in oxidative stress-induced OL death.
HOXA10 gene expression in human fallopian tube and ectopic pregnancy

Abstract Objective The molecular mechanisms underlying ectopic implantation have not been well characterized. Here we investigate HOXA10 gene expression at the site of ectopic implantation as compared with the endometrium and with the normal fallopian tube. Study design Northern blot analysis was used to evaluate HOXA10 gene messenger RNA level in various segments of normal pregnant and nonpregnant human fallopian tube, ectopic pregnancy, and endometrium. Results Normal human fallopian tube expressed minimal levels of HOXA10 gene messenger RNA in the nonpregnant state. A trend toward a greater expression of HOXA10 gene was observed in the normal fallopian tube during pregnancy, but the difference was not statistically significant ( P =.075). HOXA10 gene messenger RNA expression was up-regulated significantly at the site of implantation in ectopic pregnancy ( P P =.33). Conclusion HOXA10 gene expression is up-regulated at the ectopic implantation site in the fallopian tube, approaching that of the endometrium in normal intrauterine gestation. Inherently increased HOXA10 gene expression in the fallopian tube or dysregulation of HOXA10 gene expression by an abnormally implanting blastocyst may play a role in ectopic implantation.
Contrasting models for kinetochore microtubule attachment in mammalian cells

Kinetochore function is mediated through its interaction with microtubule plus ends embedded in the kinetochore outer plate. Here, we compare and evaluate current models for kinetochore microtubule attachment, beginning with a brief review of the molecular, biochemical, cellular, and structural studies upon which these models are based. The majority of these studies strongly support a model in which the kinetochore outer plate is a network of fibers that form multiple weak attachments to each microtubule, chiefly through the Ndc80 complex. Multiple weak attachments enable kinetochores to remain attached to microtubule plus ends that are continually growing and shrinking. It is unlikely that rings or "kinetochore fibrils" have a significant role in kinetochore microtubule attachment, but such entities could have a role in stabilizing attachment, modifying microtubule dynamics, and harnessing the energy released from microtubule disassembly. It is currently unclear whether kinetochores control and coordinate the dynamics of individual kinetochore microtubules.
Hedging under counterparty credit uncertainty

This study investigates optimal production and hedging decisions for firms facing price risk that can be hedged with vulnerable contracts, i.e., exposed to nonhedgeable endogenous counterparty credit risk. When vulnerable forward contracts are the only hedging instruments available, the firm's optimal level of production is lower than without credit risk. Under plausible conditions on the stochastic dependence between the commodity price and the counterparty's assets, the firm does not sell its entire production on the vulnerable forward market. When options on forward contracts are also available, the optimal hedging strategy requires a long put position. This provides a new rationale for the hedging role of options in the over-the-counter markets exposed to counterparty credit risk. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Jrl Fut Mark 28: 248–263, 2008
Unitarity and the isobar model: Two-body discontinuities

In the isobar model the fact that the final-state isobar channels overlap calls for an investigation in which unitarity provides constraints on the construction. The discontinuities in all the physical two-body subenergies are treated, allowing for two-body intermediate states. The process KN → KπN is used for illustration throughout. The discontinuity formulas are applied to the isobar expansion of the amplitude; rather explicit attention is given to the details of spin in order to show how the recoupling problems can be unraveled. The resulting subenergy discontinuities take the form of integrations across the Dalitz plot. An example is given in conclusion in which s-waves dominate in the final state, so that a modest number of coupled isobar amplitudes enter in the constraint relations.
CD24: a genetic checkpoint in T cell homeostasis and autoimmune diseases

CD24 is widely used as a marker for differentiation of multiple lineages of cells and can provide costimulation for T cells, especially in non-lymphoid target organs. Recent studies demonstrate that CD24 controls an important genetic checkpoint for homeostasis and autoimmune diseases in both mice and humans. Understanding the molecular and cellular basis of CD24 function could provide important insights into T cell biology and autoimmunity.
Old fronds serve as a vernal carbon source in the wintergreen fern Dryopteris intermedia (Aspleniaceae).

Maintaining green leaves beyond the growing season has been hypothesized to benefit plants by supplying either a nutrient or a carbon source. Understanding such ecophysiological aspects of plants will help us to appreciate how a species functions in its environment and predict how it might be affected by future changes in that environment. The wintergreen fern species Dryopteris intermedia does not retranslocate nitrogen and phosphorus from old fronds in spring, but photosynthesis does take place in the old fronds during this season. To determine if carbon fixed in the old fronds is translocated to other parts of the plant, we labeled old fronds with 13 C via photosynthetic uptake and examined old fronds, new fronds, fine roots, and rhizomes for 13 C content 1 day and 1 month after labeling the old fronds. Vernally fixed carbon was translocated to the new fronds but not significantly to the below ground tissues. Old fronds in this species, therefore, serve as a carbon source for vernal growth of new fronds. This is the first study in which a fern was labeled with 13C to track vernally fixed carbon from old fronds to the rest of the plant in a wintergreen species. Future research should examine the precise timing of this carbon movement and examine other species for a similar or contrasting strategy.
On the Possibility of Pre-Cartesian Idealism

Dans un article fondateur sur l'origine de l'idealisme philosophique dans la tradition philosophique occidentale, Myles Burnyeat a soutenu que l'idealisme ne pourrait pas etre arrive avant Descartes. Selon Burnyeat, Descartes a presente une version radicale du solipsisme qui l'a rendu envisageable pour les philosophes ulterieurs (Berkeley, par exemple) afin de soutenir que la realite est composee exclusivement des esprits immateriels et de leurs contenus (les idees). Je soutiens 1) que le succes de l'argument de Burnyeat depend ce que l'on entend par «idealisme» et 2) qu'une des definitions donnee par Burnyeat de ce terme n'exclut pas la possibilite d'un idealisme pre-cartesien.
A connection between state-space and doubly coprime fractional representations

Explicit formulas for a doubly coprime fractional representation of the transfer function of a lumped LTI system are given in terms of a stabilizable and detectable state-space realization of the transfer function. These formulas allow existing computational algorithms to be utilized for the purpose of computing doubly coprime factorizations. Several additional implications of this result are briefly discussed, as are some immediate extensions and future research directions.
Concurrent Quantitation of Total Campylobacter and Total Ciprofloxacin-Resistant Campylobacter Loads in Rinses from Retail Raw Chicken Carcasses from 2001 to 2003 by Direct Plating at 42°C

This is the first report on the use of a normally lethal dose of ciprofloxacin in a Campylobacter agar medium to kill all ciprofloxacin-sensitive Campylobacter spp. but allow the selective isolation and quantitation of naturally occurring presumptive ciprofloxacin-resistant Campylobacter CFU in rinses from retail raw chicken carcasses (RTCC). Thermophilic-group total Campylobacter CFU and total ciprofloxacin-resistant Campylobacter CFU (irrespective of species) were concurrently quantified in rinses from RTCC by direct plating of centrifuged pellets from 10 or 50 ml out of 400-ml rinse subsamples concurrently on Campylobacter agar and ciprofloxacin-containing Campylobacter agar at 42 degrees C (detection limit = 0.90 log(10) CFU/carcass). For 2001, 2002, and 2003, countable Campylobacter CFU were recovered from 85%, 96%, and 57% of RTCC, while countable ciprofloxacin-resistant Campylobacter CFU were recovered from 60%, 59%, and 17.5% of RTCC, respectively. Total Campylobacter CFU loads in RTCC rinses ranged from 0.90 to 4.52, 0.90 to 4.58, and 0.90 to 4.48 log(10) CFU/carcass in 2001, 2002, and 2003, respectively. Total ciprofloxacin-resistant Campylobacter CFU loads in RTCC rinses ranged from 0.90 to 4.06, 0.90 to 3.95, and 0.90 to 3.04 log(10) CFU/carcass in 2001, 2002, and 2003, respectively. Overall, total Campylobacter loads of 0.90 to 2.0, 2 to 3, 3 to 4, 4 to 5 log(10) CFU/carcass, respectively, were recovered from 16%, 32%, 26%, and 5% of RTCC tested over the 2-year sampling period. For the same period, total ciprofloxacin-resistant Campylobacter loads of 0.90 to 2.0, 2 to 3, 3 to 4, and 4 to 5 log(10) CFU/carcass, respectively, were recovered from 24%, 11%, 7%, and 0.2% of RTCC tested. There was a steady decline in total Campylobacter and total ciprofloxacin-resistant Campylobacter loads in RTCC rinses from 2001/2002 to 2003.
Analysis of chimeric RGS proteins in yeast for the functional evaluation of protein domains and their potential use in drug target validation

For the identification of regulators of G-protein signaling (RGS) modulators, previously, we developed a luciferase based yeast pheromone response (YPhR) assay to functionally investigate RGS4 (K.H. Young, Y. Wang, C. Bender, S. Ajit, F. Ramirez, A. Gilbert, B.W. Nieuwenhuijsen, in: D.P. Siderovski (Ed.), Meth. Enzymol. 389 Regulators of G_protein Signaling, Part A, 2004.). To extend the diversity of this assay, additional RGS proteins were evaluated for functional complementation in a RGS (sst2Delta) knockout yeast strain. For RGS proteins that did not function in their native form, a series of chimeric constructs were generated with the N terminus of RGS4 fused in frame with the partial or full-length RGS cDNA of interest. RGS4 N terminus fused to either full-length or the C terminus of RGS7 successfully complemented sst2Delta. On the contrary, the RGS7N/RGS4C chimera (N terminus of RGS7 in frame with RGS domain of RGS4) was not effective, showing that N terminus of RGS4 helps in targeting. RGS10 exists as two splice variants, differing only by 8 amino acids (aa) in the N terminus, being either 168 aa (RGS10S), or 174 aa (RGS10). While RGS10 was functional in yeast, RGS10S required the presence of the N terminus of RGS4 for its activity. Although the same RGS4 N terminus domain was present in chimeras generated, the GTPase accelerating protein (GAP) function observed was not similar, suggesting differences in the RGS domain function. In conclusion, the use of RGS4 N terminus chimeric constructs enabled us to develop a selectivity assay for different RGS proteins.
PBS: Private Bartering Systems

Barter trade is a growing part of the world economy. Hundreds of thousands of companies in the US alone participate in barter. Barter is also used in other domains, such as resource management in distributed systems. Existing algorithms for finding barter trades require that values of goods are publicly known (whether they are set by a global function or individual utility functions for each user). The fact that each user must reveal her utility function in order to find barter trades is a potential disincentive to using bartering. We present a first step in the creation of a privacy-preserving bartering system. We present algorithms and privacy-preserving protocols in the honest but curious model for determining the existence of win-win trades (and algorithms and protocols for finding such trades). We discuss a number of remaining open problems and extensions for future work.
Study of Cluster-Assembled Nanophase Copper Using NMR

Cu NMR spectra from cluster-assembled nanophase copper with an average grain size between 5 and 10 nm show a broadened peak, at the normal Knight-shifted frequency for copper metal, which arises from only the central 1/2 to −1/2 transition. The broadening of the central line is associated with a distribution of Knight shifts. A very broad background is observed on either side of that peak, associated with broadening due to internal electric field gradients. Pulsed NMR measurements of the central peak show that virtually all the copper signals are significantly broadened and have a spin-spin relaxation time longer than larger-grained copper samples. The strain within the grains is estimated to be 0.7%. Line shape measurements as a function of spin echo delay time show there are a number of copper sites with longer relaxation times which have a significantly larger broadening. Those sites are tentatively identified as being at or near a grain boundary or free surface. A small orientation effect is observed indicating an anisotropy within the samples. An isochronal anneal of one sample showed significant line narrowing after an anneal at 450 °C consistent with other nanophase metals which show grain growth above 40-50% of the absolute melting temperature. The dependence of NMR linewidth on average grain diameter is estimated.
Ecological responses to nutrients in streams and rivers of the Colorado mountains and foothills

SUMMARY 1. Abundance and composition of periphyton and benthic macroinvertebrates were treated as potential nutrient response variables for 74 streams in montane Colorado. The streams ranged from unenriched to mildly enriched with nutrients (N, P). 2. The study showed no meaningful relationship between periphyton biomass accumulation and concentrations of total or dissolved forms of nitrogen or phosphorus. Nutrient concentrations were also unrelated to periphyton and macroinvertebrate richness, diversity and community composition. Macroinvertebrate communities did, however, show a strong positive relationship to periphyton abundance. 3. A positive response of periphyton biomass to increasing nutrient concentrations has been well documented over large ranges of nutrient concentrations. Our study suggests that the nutrient response is suppressed by other controlling factors on the lower limb of the nutrient response curve (i.e. at low nutrient concentrations); a quantitatively significant response occurs only in excess of a threshold beyond which nutrients become dominant over other controlling factors. This interpretation of the results is consistent with published meta-analyses showing lack of nutrient response for a high proportion of experimentally enriched periphyton communities, and division of responses between N and P for communities that do show growth in response to enrichment. 4. Grazing probably is not the key controlling variable for periphyton in Colorado mountain streams, given that the highest chlorophyll concentrations are associated with the highest abundances of macroinvertebrates. Modelling indicates that the initial amount of periphyton biomass at the start of the growing season, in conjunction with elevationrelated length of the growing season and water temperature, explains most of the variation in periphyton accumulation among these streams, but there is a yet unexplained suppression of periphyton growth rates across all elevations.
Differential Methods in Electromagnetic Modeling and Inversion

Differential methods have found wide applications in numerical modeling because of the ease with which they handle a very complicated model of the target. This approach to electromagnetic modeling and inversion has its own advantages and disadvantages over the integral equation method. The advantage is that one can apply a very flexible grid for discretization of the model parameters using differential methods. The disadvantage is that in the framework of the differential methods we have to discretize the entire modeling domain, while in the integral equation method one should discretize the domain with the anomalous conductivity distribution only. In this chapter, we will consider the most widely used differential techniques of forward electromagnetic modeling based on finite difference and finite element methods. We will also discuss the basic ideas of using differential methods in electromagnetic inversion.
Is there a threshold level of fetal hemoglobin that ameliorates morbidity in sickle cell anemia

When the clinical manifestationsof 272 patients with sickle cell anemia are compared with their level of fetal hemoglobin (HbF). the results suggest that there may be a threshold above which HbF is effective in ameliorating the morbidity of this disease. The age of entry of these SS patients into the study ranged from birth to 56 yr; the average length of follow-up was 1 1 yr for a total of 3.011 patient-years of clinic observation. HbF was determined quantitatively by microchromatographic procedures; the mean for HbF was 10% ± 6% with a range from 2% to 32%. For major organ failure. analyzed as termination events of morbidity, such as stroke or aseptic necrosis, the threshold appears to be 1 0%. whereas for recurrent clinical events. such as crisis or pulmonary disorders. it is 20%. No linear trend was found between HbF levels and morbidity. If a threshold exists. it is important to recognize this fact when attempts are made to raise the level of HbF in patients with sickle cell disease. T HE ASSUMPTION that the elevation of fetal hemoglobin (HbF) can favorably influence the pattern of morbidity for patients with sickle cell anemia (55) has been supported from observations of “mild” sickle cell anemia in several populations and is suggested by polymerization kinetic studies of hemoglobin mixtures.’ ‘#{176} However, our statistical analysis of 7 clinical indicators of morbidity in 214 55 patients showed no relationship between fetal hemoglobin and these indicators, with the single of stroke, where a positive association was 5eefl.”’
Environmental rulemaking across states: Process, procedural access, and regulatory influence

Rulemaking is central to policymaking in the United States. Additionally, regulatory authority is devolved to the states in many instances. However, our knowledge of state-level rulemaking is not a...
High-Field Positive-Charge Generation and its Relation to Breakdown in a-SiO2

This paper reviews and discusses the issues of how electrically active defects are created in thermally grown SiO2 during high-field stressing of MOS structures and their relation to dielectric breakdown. Positive charge, appearing in various electrical stress experiments, has been observed in early research. It is now clear that depending on the field strength, its duration, and oxide properties that positive charge, negative charge, fast interface states, slow states, amphoteric states, and creation of electron traps may all occur and furthermore they may be interrelated. The term “positive charge”, therefore, is somewhat misleading as it does not convey the whole meaning of the phenomena expected to occur in the oxide under high-field injection. To avoid more confusion, however, I will use it throughout in the loose sense of lumping all the defects together.