cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Estrogen downregulates neuronal nitric oxide synthase in rat anterior pituitary cells and GH3 tumors.

The anterior pituitary gland produces neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) and nitric oxide regulates secretion of various anterior pituitary hormones. Estrogen has many functions in anterior pituitary cells including stimulation of prolectin (PRL) cell proliferation and secretion of various anterior pituitary hormones. However, the role of estradiol-17β (E2) in regulating pituitary nNOS expression has not been previously examined. We studied the regulation of nNOS in ormal pituitaries, and neoplastic GH3 pituitary tumors in order to analyze the effects of E2 on nNOS in pituitary cells. GH3 tumors expressed higher levels of nNOS proteins compared to normal pituitaries. Estrogen downregulated nNOS mRNA and protein in both estrogen-treated pituitaries with PRL cell hyperplasia and in GH3 tumor implanted into the flank of rats treated with E2 in silastic tubing. Reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) analysis demonstrated three alternatively spliced nNOS transcript isoforms — nNOSa, nNOSb, and nNOSc mRNAs—with distinct 5′untranslated first exons that arose from alternative splicing to a common second exon. All three spliced isoforms were found in the normal rat pituitary, whereas nNOSa and nNOSb, but not nNOSc, were expressed in GH3 tumors implanted into Wistar-Furth rats. E2 also downregulated the nNOSa alternative mRNA transcript isoform in vivo. These results indicate that the biological activity of nNOS in the normal rat anterior pituitary and in pituitary tumors is regulated by a complex pattern of alternative splicing and that some of these mRNA isoforms as well as nNOS protein are regulated by estrogen. Our results also indicate that the levels of nNOS and the alternatively spliced nNOS transcript between normal and GH3 pituitary tumors are different.
Improving software documentation accuracy with writer and editor partnerships

Changes made in the publishing process at Microsoft to improve software documentation accuracy are described. The changes consisted of early editorial involvement, writing and editing in parallel with software development, and involvement of writers until the book goes to print. Thus, the best process to ensure accuracy requires creating a working partnership between writers and editors that gives both an equal stake in the accuracy of the final product. >
Bayesian wavelet shrinkage

Bayesian wavelet-shrinkage methods are defined through a prior distribution on the space of wavelet coefficients after a Discrete Wavelet Transformation (DWT) has been applied to the data. Posterior summaries of the wavelet coefficients establish a Bayes shrinkage rule. After the Bayes shrinkage is performed, an Inverse DWT can be used to recover the signal that generated the observations. This article reviews some of the main approaches for Bayesian wavelet shrinkage that span both smooth and multivariate types of shrinkage. WIREs Comp Stat 2010 2 668–672 DOI: 10.1002/wics.127 For further resources related to this article, please visit the WIREs website.
Does the Hague Convention on Intercountry Adoption Adequately Protect Orphaned and Vulnerable Children and Their Families

The Hague Convention on Intercountry Adoption, designed to protect the best interests of the child in intercountry adoption, has been signed by 83 nations. We evaluate both the strengths and the weaknesses of the Convention in achieving this purpose and also in protecting a second vulnerable population, birth families. A case study example of the United States’ implementation of the Hague requirements reveals several weaknesses with respect to non-Convention countries as sending nations, financial oversight, and oversight of foreign collaborators. International birth families, especially birth mothers giving consent to an adoption, are often vulnerable because of a lack of power and resources, as well as different cultural understandings of the nature of family and adoption. We conclude that in order to protect vulnerable children and birth families, individual sending and receiving countries need to supplement the Hague Convention with specific, contextually appropriate laws and regulations.
Golden ratio versus pi as random sequence sources for Monte Carlo integration

The algebraic irrational number golden ratio @f=(1+5)/2 = one of the two roots of the algebraic equation x^2-x-1=0 and the transcendental number @p=2sin^-^1(1) = the ratio of the circumference and the diameter of any circle both have infinite number of digits with no apparent pattern. We discuss here the relative merits of these numbers as possible random sequence sources. The quality of these sequences is not judged directly based on the outcome of all known tests for the randomness of a sequence. Instead, it is determined implicitly by the accuracy of the Monte Carlo integration in a statistical sense. Since our main motive of using a random sequence is to solve real-world problems, it is more desirable if we compare the quality of the sequences based on their performances for these problems in terms of quality/accuracy of the output. We also compare these sources against those generated by a popular pseudo-random generator, viz., the Matlab rand and the quasi-random generator halton both in terms of error and time complexity. Our study demonstrates that consecutive blocks of digits of each of these numbers produce a good random sequence source. It is observed that randomly chosen blocks of digits do not have any remarkable advantage over consecutive blocks for the accuracy of the Monte Carlo integration. Also, it reveals that @p is a better source of a random sequence than @f when the accuracy of the integration is concerned.
Neutrino oscillations experiments: A review

Abstract This is an attempt to summarize three sessions of lively discussions, presentations of results and exchanges of new ideas. Present status and outlook of the future searches for neutrino oscillations is summarized.
Assembly of the isoindolinone core of muironolide A by asymmetric intramolecular Diels-Alder cycloaddition.

The hexahydro-1H-isoindolin-1-one core of muironolide A was prepared by asymmetric intramolecular Diels–Alder cycloaddition using a variant of the MacMillan organocatalyst which sets the C4,C5 and ...
The evolution of metazoan axial properties

Renewed interest in the developmental basis of organismal complexity, and the emergence of new molecular tools, is improving our ability to study the evolution of metazoan body plans. The most substantial changes in body-plan organization occurred early in metazoan evolution; new model systems for studying basal metazoans are now being developed, and total-genome-sequencing initiatives are underway for at least three of the four most important taxa. The elucidation of how the gene networks that are involved in axial organization, germ-layer formation and cell differentiation are used differently during development is generating a more detailed understanding of the events that have led to the current diversity of multicellular life.
Condensation of Carbon in Radioactive Supernova Gas

The chemistry of carbon molecules leading to the formation of large carbon-bearing molecules and dust in the interior of an expanding supernova is explored and the equations governing their abundances are solved. A steady state between production and destruction is set up early and evolves adiabatically as the supernova evolves. Simple solutions for that steady state limit yield the abundance of each linear carbon molecule and its dependence on the C/O atomic ratio in the gas. Carbon dust condenses from initially gaseous C and O atoms because Compton electrons produced by the radioactivity cause dissociation of the CO molecules, which would otherwise form and limit the supply of C atoms. The resulting free C atoms enable carbon dust to grow faster by C association than its destruction by oxidation for various C/O ratios. Nucleation for graphite growth occurs when linear molecules transition to ringed C n molecules. We survey the dependence of the abundances of these molecules on the C/O ratio and on C n several other kinetic rate parameters. The concept of ii population control ˇˇ is signi—cant for the maximum sizes of carbon particles grown during supernova expansion. Interpretation of presolar micrometer-sized carbon solids found in meteorites and of infrared emission from supernova is relaxed to allow O to be more abundant than C, but the maximum grain size depends upon that ratio.
Initiation of mechanical ventilation in the emergency department

Mechanical ventilation is frequently initiated by emergency physicians. Further, the physician on duty in the emergency department is frequently responsible for evaluating ventilated patients who decompensate in the intensive care unit when other physicians are not present in the hospital. A bewildering array of features on new mechanical ventilators has made their appropriate and effective use increasingly complex. Knowledge of the pathophysiology of acute respiratory failure and changes in lung physiology during positive pressure ventilation will aid the emergency physician in choosing an appropriate ventilator modality and initial settings to maximally benefit patients with respiratory insufficiency due to various causes. An appreciation of the adverse effects of mechanical ventilation and problems commonly encountered in patients on ventilators will prepare the emergency physician to rapidly assess and effectively manage the patient who deteriorates in this setting.
Adaptation effects on amplitude modulation detection: Behavioral and neurophysiological assessment in the goldfish auditory system

The ability of goldfish to detect the presence of amplitude modulations (AM) impressed on 200, 570 and 800 Hz tones was measured under stimulus conditions producing intermittent, short-term adaptation and continuous, long-term adaptation. Sensitivity to AM under intermittent conditions increased as a function of modulation rate, with thresholds of AM detection occurring between 10 and 25% modulation at 10 Hz and around 2% modulation at 100 Hz. AM sensitivity was independent of carrier frequency and did not change under randomly varying intensity changes. Under long-term adaptation, thresholds of AM detection ranged from 1.3% at 100 Hz to 2.1% at 10 Hz, showing increased sensitivity and less dependence on modulation rate. The effects of overall intensity on AM sensitivity were the same for both conditions, with sensitivity being relatively independent of overall signal level at 10 Hz modulation and dependent on level at 100 Hz. The responses of goldfish auditory neurons to modulated and unmodulated signals were measured under stimulus conditions similar to those for behavioral studies. Single saccular neurons responded to modulated signals with both an increase in average rate above that evoked by the unmodulated signal and with phase-locking to the AM envelope. Rate increments and phase-locking responses were observed in neurons showing significant short-term adaptation to the unmodulated signal, whereas neurons showing no increase in rate or synchronization to the AM envelope showed little or no adaptation to the unmodulated signal. The effects of overall intensity, modulation rate and adaptation duration on neural responses were similar to behaviorally measured effects. These results show that adaptation affects AM detection and that phase-locking to the AM envelope is the most likely basis for behavioral detection.
OX40 signaling favors the induction of TH9 cells and airway inflammation

TH9 cells secrete copious amounts of IL-9, but how their generation is controlled remains poorly defined. Li and colleagues demonstrate that ligation of the costimulatory receptor OX40 potently generates TH9 cells in a manner dependent on noncanonical NF-κB signaling.
Isolation and partial characterization of nickel complexes in higher plants.

The essential trace element, nickel, is readily taken up by plants. The biochemical properties of the nickel complex in intrinsically labeled potato and alfalfa were compared and contrasted to ionic nickel. Potato and alfalfa exhibit a similar in vivo nickel complex. The approximate mol wt is 2200–2400 daltons. The complex has a lower polarity than thoes ionic nickel. The majority of the complex is a cationic species with a minor anionic species. This is confirmed with electrophoresis, ion exchange chromatography and the two nickel conplexes' affinity for cationic and anionic resins. Protein does not appear to be associated with either complex.
d-clock: distributed QoS in heterogeneous resource environments

We examine the problem of providing fair bandwidth allocation in distributed storage systems similar to the research prototypes HP FAB and IBM Intelligent Bricks. The problem poses significant new challenges beyond those encountered in network and storage QoS scheduling. Specifically, resources are heterogeneous i.e. an IO request can only be serviced by a particular server, and service is both requested and provided in a distributed manner with no centralized controller. We provide a distributed algorithm, d-Clock, that runs locally on each of the servers and provides global fairness guarantees without causing resource-specific starvation, with minimal synchronization overhead.
The influence of education in reducing the HIV epidemic

We use an SIRE (susceptible, infected, removed, and education) model to study and evaluate the effectiveness of Uganda’s education campaigns from the last 25 years in reducing the prevalence of AIDS and HIV infection. We divide the susceptible class into four subgroups with different infection rates due to their differing beliefs on sexual conduct. We use data from Uganda about the epidemic and educational influences to help estimate the infection rates, and then we simulate the model and compare our results to real data from 1996‐2007.
SU‐FF‐J‐135: Quantification of Tumor Proliferation and Hypoxia with PET/CT Imaging of HNSCC Patients Receiving VEGF‐Targeted Therapy

Purpose: While the integration of anti‐angiogenic therapies into standard chemoradiotherapy regimens has improved patient outcome in clinical trials, effective methods for early response assessment are lacking. This study quantifies tumor response to a VEGF‐targeted agent through PET imaging of proliferation and hypoxia. Method and Materials: Patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) received monotherapy with bevacizumab, an agent targeting VEGF‐A (vascular endothelial growth factor‐A). After three weeks, patients received standard chemoradiotherapy regimens in addition to continued anti‐angiogenic therapy. PET images were acquired utilizing [18F]FLT (a proliferation marker) and [61Cu]Cu‐ATSM (a hypoxia marker) at baseline, after VEGF‐targeted monotherapy, and after two weeks of combined therapy. Images were co‐registered by bony anatomy, then PET images were normalized by injected dose and body weight (SUV) and muscle uptake (T/M ratio) and evaluated in tumor and nodal regions. Results: Inhibition of tumor proliferation (measured by FLT PET) was statistically significant in a paired t‐test. Cumulative SUV decreased from 1900 ± 300 to 1300 ± 200 (p=0.003) after VEGF‐targeted monotherapy and 1300 ± 200 to 850 ± 120 (p<0 .0001) after combined therapy. Similar trends were found with maximum SUV and T/M ratio. Tumor hypoxia (measured by Cu‐ATSM PET) did not show statistically significant trends after bevacizumab monotherapy or combined chemoradiotherapy. Conclusion: This pilot study indicates anti‐proliferative effects from VEGF‐targeted monotherapy as well as combined VEGF‐targeted and chemoradiotherapy in patients with HNSCC. Preliminary results did not indicate a statistically significant trend in tumor hypoxia from SUV and T/M analysis; further correlation with biological information may be required to evaluate hypoxic response. Ultimately, quantification of proliferative and hypoxic response may prove essential to early response assessment and the optimization of anti‐angiogenic therapies into patient treatment regimens.
Interaction of point defects with and on dislocations in electron-irradiated platinum

Abstract Polycrystalline and 〈100〉-oriented single-crystal wires of high-purity platinum have been irradiated with 2.5-MeV electrons at ∼20 K and above liquid-nitrogen temperature. Following each irradiation, measurements of the logarithmic decrement were taken as a function of temperature. In general, the irradiations resulted in pronounced pinning and depinning effects as well as anelastic effects due to the irradiation-produced interstitials alone. The former are interpreted as, on the one hand, pinning of dislocations by interstitials which arrive at the dislocations and are immobilized, and on the other hand, the annihilation of pre-existing vacancy pinners by interstitials that become mobile on the dislocations. Aa increase in the decrement at a temperature of ∼75 K was observed in both samples, and this increase is related to the onset of interstitial pipe diffusion which brings about the mutual annihilation of the interstitial and vacancy pinners. In addition to some structure in the background, a...
Altered Glycoflavone expression in induced Autotetraploids of Phlox drummondii

Abstract The effects of colchicine induced autotetraploidy on non-anthocyanin flavonoid expression were determine for 15 cultivars of Phlox drummondii and for the naturally occuring P. drummondii ssp. mcallisteri . Collectively, the taxa express a total of nine glycoflavonoid derivatives ( C , O -diglycosides or di- C -glycosides) of either apigenin or luteolin. The autotetraploids of 14 cultivars and those of the natural subspecies exhibit altered glycoflavone profiles relative to their respective diploid sources. The qualitative alternations in the cultivars may be grouped into three phenotypic categories: (1) the expression of novel glycoflavones, (2) the absence of diploid glycoflavones, and (3) the deregulation of tissue-specific glycoflavone production. Alterations in mcallisteri autotetraploids include only the latter two categories. Each of the novel compounds is otherwise expressed among other diploid cultivars or in other wild P. drummondii subspecies. Quantitatively, the phenolic content of most autotetraploid flowers is significantly greater than in respective diploid flowers. However, on a dry weight basis, phenolic titre in comparable 4n and 2n floral or leaf tissues is not significantly different. Floral tissues express from 5 to 10 times the phenolic titre of leaves. The results are discussed in terms of the possible origins of novel flavonoids in natural polyploid Phlox species.
Association of v-ErbA with Smad4 Disrupts TGF-β Signaling

Disruption of the transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) pathway is observed in the majority of cancers. To further understand TGF-β pathway inactivation in cancer, we stably expressed the v-ErbA onc...
Case report 353

Address reprint requests' to. Charles S. Resnik, M.D., Department of Radiology, Medical College of Virginia, Box 615, MCV Station, Richmond, VA 23298, USA in location. No evidence of a calcified or bony matrix, soft tissue mass or periosteal reaction was identified (Fig. i). Computed tomography (Figs. 2 A and B) demonstrated features similar to those defined in the plain films in Fig. 1, but in addition showed the presence of a fluid level within the lesion (Fig. 2B). The osteolytic area was definitely noted to be subarticular in location on the CT studies. An operation was performed.
The Winchester graphics system: a technical overview

This paper gives a technical overview of the Winchester Graphics System. It concentrates on the software system, and in particular, the use of a relational database (PRTV). The main use of the system is in scientific research and it has been used a great deal in Chemistry, Biophysics and related sciences. However, the facilities are general and the same system is used for quite different applications. such as engineering and archaeology. This database has been found to provide researchers with a powerful flexible tool and has helped the UKSC to provide an environment where new ideas can be proposed and evaluated quickly and easily.
Experiments on Electrodeposit Patterns

Experiments in electrochemical deposit patterns with a CuSO4 or ZnSO4 solution in a thin cell with parallel electrodes are presented. For CuSO4 the electrodes are copper strips and for ZnSO4 the electrodes are either copper or zinc strips. The control parameters are the solution concentration (C), the dc voltage across the electrodes (V), and the thickness of the cell (d). In our experiments, d varies from 0.1 to 0.7 mm, C varies from 0.025 to 1 M, and V reaches up to 30 V. For each run the voltage was held constant while the variation of the current with time and growth rate of the pattern was recorded. In addition to the well known patterns such as dendrites and strings, we find new patterns. Also, phase transitions may occur in which the filament thickness changes abruptly at some line parallel to the electrodes and this line is usually not at half of the separation between the two electrodes, in contrast to the case of radial cells. The forms of patterns depend very sensitively on the cell thickness. We conclude that processes underlying this type of pattern formation experiments cannot be considered strictly two dimensional.
Role of Sindbis Virus Capsid Protein Region II in Nucleocapsid Core Assembly and Encapsidation of Genomic RNA

Sindbis virus is an enveloped positive-sense RNA virus in the alphavirus genus. The nucleocapsid core contains the genomic RNA surrounded by 240 copies of a single capsid protein. The capsid protein is multifunctional, and its roles include acting as a protease, controlling the specificity of RNA that is encapsidated into nucleocapsid cores, and interacting with viral glycoproteins to promote the budding of mature virus and the release of the genomic RNA into the newly infected cell. The region comprising amino acids 81 to 113 was previously implicated in two processes, the encapsidation of the viral genomic RNA and the stable accumulation of nucleocapsid cores in the cytoplasm of infected cells. In the present study, specific amino acids within this region responsible for the encapsidation of the genomic RNA have been identified. The region that is responsible for nucleocapsid core accumulation has considerable overlap with the region that controls encapsidation specificity.
Antisense inhibition of brain renin-angiotensin system decreased blood pressure in chronic 2-kidney, 1 clip hypertensive rats

The systemic renin-angiotensin system (RAS) plays an important role in blood pressure (BP) regulation during the development of 2-kidney, 1 clip (2K1C) hypertension. Its contributions decrease with time after constriction of the renal artery. During the chronic phase, the peripheral RAS returns to normal, but the hypertension is sustained for months. We hypothesized that in this phase the brain RAS contributes to the maintenance of high BP. To test the hypothesis, we studied the role of brain RAS by decreasing the synthesis of angiotensinogen (AGT) and the angiotensin II (Ang II) type 1a receptor (AT(1)R) with intracerebroventricular injections of antisense oligonucleotides (AS-ODNs). The response of systolic BP (SBP) to AS-ODNs to AGT mRNA was studied in 2K1C rats at 6 months after clipping, and the response to AS-ODNs to AT(1)R mRNA was studied at 10 months after clipping. Intracerebroventricular injection of AS-ODN-AGT (200 microgram/kg, n=5) significantly decreased SBP (-22+/-6 mm Hg, P<0.05) compared with the sense ODN (n=5) and saline (n=3) groups. Intracerebroventricular injection of AS-ODN-AGT reduced the elevated hypothalamic Ang II level. The hypothalamic Ang II content in sense ODN and saline groups was significantly (P<0.05) higher than in the nonclipped group. Compared with inverted ODN, intracerebroventricular injection of AS-ODN-AT(1)R (250 microgram/kg, n=6) significantly decreased SBP (-26+/-8 mm Hg, P<0.05) for 3 days after injection. This was a brain effect because intravenous AS-ODN-AT(1)R at a dose of 250 to 500 microgram/kg did not affect SBP. These results suggest that the brain RAS plays an important role in maintaining the elevated SBP in chronic 2K1C hypertension.
Climate Change and Biogeochemical Impacts

Human activities are causing a significant build-up of heat-trapping greenhouse gases (e.g. carbon dioxide, methane and nitrous oxide) and aerosols in the atmosphere driven by emissions from fossil fuel combustion, industry, agriculture and deforestation. Atmospheric carbon dioxide is more than 40% above preindustrial levels and growing, and levels would be even higher without modulation by land biosphere and ocean uptake. Model projections for the coming century suggest that these changes in atmospheric composition will result in substantial global warming and strengthening of the hydrological cycle and there is growing observational evidence of a substantial alteration in climate patterns. Carbon cycle (CO2 and CH4) feedbacks to climate from the land and ocean can significantly affect future climate, but current projections of these effects are highly uncertain. Climate change and other human-driven processes such as land-use changes and ocean acidification will have profound impacts on global biogeochemistry and terrestrial and marine ecosystems. Key Concepts The carbon cycle will have a significant impact on the amount and pace of future climate change. Atmospheric levels of CO2, other greenhouse gases (CH4 and N2O) and some aerosols have increased substantially above preindustrial levels due to human activities. Changing atmospheric composition alters the radiative balance of the planet and the resulting climate impacts reflect many feedback mechanisms that can either amplify or diminish the initial perturbation. Global-scale climate warming, changes in the water cycle and melting of the cryosphere are already underway, and these trends are projected to continue into the future. Fossil-fuel use transfers carbon from a long-lived geological reservoir to the atmosphere–land–ocean system where excess CO2 can reside in the atmosphere for many centuries. The biosphere and oceans mitigate some of the effects of fossil fuel burning and deforestation but the future of these carbon sinks under an altered climate is highly uncertain. Changes to climate and the carbon cycle cause profound changes to ocean physics, biology and chemistry including changes to temperature and pH likely to affect marine ecosystems profoundly. Changes to climate may change terrestrial ecosystems through disturbance processes such as wildfire or disease. New approaches are essential including expanded observing systems and satellite measurements and improving techniques for combining these observations with predictive models. Keywords: climate change; carbon cycle; carbon dioxide; ecosystem dynamics; greenhouse gases
Space-charge forces of a DC beam in a continuous bend

It has been shown that the net space-charge forces for a DC beam with space-charge potential depression in a bend have the usual inverse energy square dependence to the first order in the beam radius a over the bend radius R. We extend the analysis to the second order in a/R and allow the beam to have a small transverse displacement. The net space-charge forces are no longer cancelled to inverse energy square factor. The non-cancelled part of self-induced magnetic forces are at the second order in a/R and independent of the beam energy. The nonlinear parts of these forces are much larger than that of the usual inverse energy square forces. Scaling laws for emittance growth caused by the curvature of the beam and a transverse beam displacement, respectively, are presented.
An AI/OR hybrid expert system for data network design

Summarises the philosophy and results to date in building AI /OR hybrid expert systems to aid human users in designing large-scale (upwards of 250 nodes), low cost, packet-switched data communication networks using distributed, adaptive routing, where the goal design has constraints on node degree, node utilization, arc (channel) utilization, min-hop, node connectivity, end-to-end delay, and average packet delay. a The work described has been implemented and tested in DESI, the US Defense Communications Agency's (DCA's) network design system, which is DCA's principal tool for defense data network (DDN) design. A functional description of the expert system, known as XPRT, is given. Also provided are a short example, analysis of the system, and a discussion of areas for future work. >
Anti-uterotrophic and folliculostatic activities of anordiol (2α, 17α-diethynyl -A-nor-5α-androstane-2β, 17β-diol)

Abstract The estrogenicity and antiestrogenlcity of the biologically active metabolite of the contraceptive anordrin was investigated for its actions on both the uterus and ovary. Anordiol (30 μg), administered s.c. to ovariectomized mice did not significantly increase wet weight, soluble protein content, or DNA content of uteri 72 hours after a single dose. By comparison, 3 μg of estradiol-17β under the same conditions significantly increased all three parameters of uterine growth. The increments in uterine wet weight, soluble protein content, and DNA content that were induced by estradiol-17β were reduced by 50, 71, and 81%, respectively, when 30 μg of anordiol was administered with estradiol-17β. A 60 μg dose of anordiol did not decrease further any of the three parameters. In further evaluation of the uterine response to anordiol an increase in uterine wet weight and soluble protein was observed with both 30 and 90 μg doses of anordiol at 12, 24, 36, and 48 hours, but not at 6 or 72 hr after a single s.c. injection. No significant increase in uterine DNA content was observed with either dose at any time. We conclude that anordiol in this assay is an antiestrogen with weak estrogenic activity. Anordiol was further tested to determine its effect on the estrous cycle of the rat. When given on the afternoon of the first day of diestrus in a dose of 0.8 mg/kg body weight in rats with 5-day estrous cycles, it caused an average lengthening of the cycle to 9.1 ± 2.1 (S.D.) days. Estradiol given at the same time of the estrous cycle in a dose of 0.024 mg/kg resulted in a shortening of the cycles of similar rats to 2.8 ± 0.4 (S.D.) days. When anordiol was given on the the afternoon of diestrus day 2 of rats with 5-day cycles or on diestrus day 1 of rats with 4-day cycles, no effect on the length of the estrous cycle was seen.
An improved MC algorithm applied in medical image reconstruction

Marching cubes algorithm is a widely used surface rendering method. But MC algorithm also has its disadvantages, such as ambiguous surface and the huge quantities of the triangle patches generated. This paper improve the MC algorithm by changing traversing method into multi-line traversing method to take advantage of multi-pipeline technology. And we also resolves the ambiguity by use of asymptotic decider. Finally, we wrote a programme and ran it on a PC to test it. The experimental results show that the improved method can remove the disadvantages mentioned above and obtain a satisfying reconstructed surface.
New Algorithms For Automated Symmetry Recognition

In this paper we present new methods for computer-based symmetry identification that combine elements of group theory and pattern recognition. Detection of symmetry has diverse applications including: the reduction of image data to a manageable subset with minimal information loss, the interpretation of sensor data,1 such as the x-ray diffraction patterns which sparked the recent discovery of a new "quasicrystal" phase of solid matter,2 and music analysis and composition.3,4,5 Our algorithms are expressed as parallel operations on the data using the matrix representation and manipulation features of the APL programming language. We demonstrate the operation of programs that characterize symmetric and nearly-symmetric patterns by determining the degree of invariance with respect to candidate symmetry transformations. The results are completely general; they may be applied to pattern data of arbitrary dimension and from any source.
Pulsed 4-MeV electron injector with an excimer laser driven photocathode

The Relativistic Electron-Beam Experiment injector at the Los Alamos National Laboratory is used to generate a 4-MV pulse across an anode-cathode gap. A simple metal photocathode is illuminated by a pulsed excimer laser. Time-resolved measurements of current, voltage, and current density were made. The resulting quantum efficiencies are being used to obtain the required laser power for a multikiloampere, high-brightness electron gun to be used as an injector for a linear induction accelerator. It is shown that an aluminum photocathode capable of emitting 3.3 kA would require an ArF laser operating at 650 kW/cm/sup 2/. This would generate 72 A/cm/sup 2/, and the laser energy is well below the plasma threshold. To construct a DARHT (Dual Axis Radiographic Hydrotest Facility) injector (3.3 kA, 60 ns), a 1.75-J ArF laser would be required. This type of laser is within current electron-beam-pumped laser technology. >
The screening and diagnosis of autistic spectrum disorders

The Child Neurology Society and American Academy of Neurology recently proposed to formulate Practice Parameters for the Diagnosis and Evaluation of Autism for their memberships. This endeavor was expanded to include representatives from nine professional organizations and four parent organizations, with liaisons from the National Institutes of Health. This document was written by this multidisciplinary Consensus Panel after systematic analysis of over 2,500 relevant scientific articles in the literature. The Panel concluded that appropriate diagnosis of autism requires a dual-level approach: (a) routine developmental surveillance, and (b) diagnosis and evaluation of autism. Specific detailed recommendations for each level have been established in this document, which are intended to improve the rate of early suspicion and diagnosis of, and therefore early intervention for, autism.
Mandibular Condylectomy in the Guinea Pig: Quantitative Triple Fluorochrome Study

Different-colored fluorochromes were administered sequentially to guinea pigs and the rate of bone formation measured in their condylectomized and control contralateral hemimandibles. The differences in values of condylectomized and control contralateral sides for demethylchlortetracycline- and total surface area-labeled bone were statistically signifrcant but were not significant for 2,5-bis [N-N1 -di-(Carbomethyl) aminomethyl]- and hematoporphyrin-labeled bone.
The delivery room of the future: the fetal and neonatal resuscitation and transition suite.

Despite advances in the understanding of fetal and neonatal physiology and the technology to monitor and treat premature and full-term neonates, little has changed in resuscitation rooms. The authors’ vision for the Fetal and Neonatal Resuscitation and Transition Suite of the future is marked by improvements in the amount of physical space, monitoring technologies, portable diagnostic and therapeutic technologies, communication systems, and capabilities and training of the resuscitation team. Human factors analysis will play an important role in the design and testing of the improvements for safe, effective, and efficient resuscitation of the newborn.
Analysis of the fixed oil of Clitocybe illudens Schw.

The fixed oil of the poisonous Jack O'Lantern mushroom has been analyzed, and the usual physical and chemical constants for fats have been determined. The fatty acids, as methyl esters, were resolved by gas chromatography using a liquid phase of 25 per cent diethylenegly colsuccinate polyester and 2 per cent phosphoric acid on Chromosorb W and a thermal conductivity detector. The fatty acids present in the oil include myristic, myristoleic, palmitic, palmitoleic, stearic, oleic, and linoleic acids. The unsaponifiable fraction was analyzed by gas chromatography using a liquid phase of 0.4 per cent silicone gum rubber on Chromosorb W and a hydrogen flame ionization detector. Ergosterol accounted for 76.2 per cent of this fraction.
Continuous Random Variables

Until now, all experiments E have had discrete events {A n} as their outputs, as in rolls of a die. On the other hand, everyday experience tells us that continuously random events often occur, as in the waiting time t for a train, or the position x at which a photon strikes the image plane.
Properties of the thundercloud discharges responsible for terrestrial gamma‐ray flashes

[1] The source of terrestrial gamma-ray flashes (TGFs) has been an active area of research since their discovery by Compton Gamma-Ray Observatory/Burst and Transient Source Experiment in 1994. These intense bursts of gamma rays originate within thunderclouds via the rapid production of relativistic runaway electrons, accelerated by thundercloud/lightning electric fields to multi-MeV energies. Recent studies have shown that electrical discharges within thunderclouds caused by these runaway electrons can generate currents that rival those of lightning and so could serve as an alternative discharge path for thunderclouds. In particular, the discharges responsible for TGFs produce some of the largest amplitude VLF-LF radio pulses from thunderstorms and, indeed, were previously misidentified as lightning. In this article, we shall provide a brief review of TGFs and present calculations of their electrical properties inside thunderclouds and their gamma-ray and optical emissions. We shall show that the lightning-like events responsible for TGFs emit relatively little visible light and, thus, are inherently dark.
Channel Dynamics, Sediment Transport, and the Slope of Alluvial Fans: Experimental Study

A B S T RA C T We present the results of an experimental study of alluvial fan sedimentation under conditions of constant inflow water discharge Qw, sediment supply Qso, and median grain size D. The study was designed to complement and test a recently formulated model of alluvial fan sedimentation and to emphasize the interactions between, and controls on, flow channelization and equilibrium fan slope. Flow channelization and fan sedimentation were studied under conditions of nearly steady, uniform aggradation. Steady conditions were achieved by imposing a steadily rising base level, just in balance with the average sediment aggradation rate. Experimental inflows covered a wide range of conditions, allowing examination of the effects of variations in Qw, Q so, and D in both bedload- and suspension-dominated environments. Experimental results were most consistent with an expanding-flow channel model. Key experimental findings successfully and quantitatively predicted by the expanding-flow theory include: (1) straight to slightly concave radial profiles of bedload-dominated fans; (2) distinctly convexo-concave profiles of suspension-dominated fans; (3) a strong, inverse relationship between Qw and fan slope; (4) a strong, but secondary, relationship between Q so and fan slope; and (5) near-independence of D and fan slope so long as transport stage is high and bedload transport dominant. However, potential scale effects in the experiments arose from reduced flow Reynolds numbers and incorrect geometric scaling of channel widths; no confident conclusions regarding the debate over the relative importance of ‘‘sheetfloods’’ and braided channel flows can be drawn from the experimental data. Extrapolation to field scale is best accomplished through appropriate application of the theoretical model herein confirmed against experimental data.
1‐(p‐Nitrophenyl)‐1,3‐Butadiene

1-(p-Nitrophenyl)-1,3-butadiene reactant: 138 g. (1.0 mole) of p-nitroaniline intermediate: 1-(p-nitrophenyl)-4-chloro-2-butene solvent: 500 ml. of ligroin product: 1-(p-nitrophenyl)-1,3-butadiene Keywords: addition, to CCCC; arylation; diazotization, replacement of diazonium group (loss of N2), miscellaneous
Race and clinical outcome in endometrial carcinoma.

Abstract Objective: To compare the outcomes of black and white women who have surgically staged endometrial carcinoma. Methods: We retrospectively compared the clinicopathologic factors, socioeconomic status, treatments, and outcomes of 70 black and 302 white women who were treated for surgically staged endometrial carcinoma at our institution. Results: Black women had higher-grade tumors, less favorable histologic findings, more comorbid illnesses, and lower socioeconomic indices. A nonsignificant trend was also seen toward more advanced-stage disease. The extent of surgical staging and types of adjuvant therapies were similar. On univariate analysis, black women had worse 5-year disease-free survival than white women (52.8% versus 75.2%; P = .001). Other significant factors included stage, grade, lymph node status, extension to the uterine serosa, cervical involvement, histology, adnexal involvement, lymphovascular invasion, myometrial invasion, positive peritoneal cytology, level of education, and household income. After controlling for pathologic and socioeconomic differences in multivariate analysis, race remained a significant prognostic factor ( P = .008; hazard rate 2.0; 95% confidence interval 1.2, 3.5). Conclusion: In a large cohort of surgically staged and uniformly treated patients with endometrial carcinoma, black race was associated with significantly worse outcomes, even after controlling for clinicopathologic and socioeconomic factors.
PALEOECOLOGIC AND TAXONOMIC IMPLICATIONS OF SPHENOTHALLUS AND SPHENOTHALLUS-LIKE SPECIMENS FROM OHIO AND AREAS ADJACENT TO OHIO

Abstract Sphenothallus and fossils similar to Sphenothallus are found in Ordovician, Devonian, and Mississippian rock units in Ohio and adjacent states and provinces. Although the Ordovician of Quebec, Ontario, and Indiana has yielded parts of tubes, Ordovician specimens from southwest Ohio and nearby areas consist almost entirely of holdfasts on hardgrounds and shelly fossils. Sphenothallus is abundant in the Chagrin Shale (Famennian) of northeast Ohio where it is found in about four percent of concretions that contain identifiable fossils. The Chagrin specimens, usually parts of tubes, are occasionally preserved three-dimensionally. The rate of distal expansion of Chagrin Sphenothallus tubes varies intraspecifically; thus, this rate cannot be used to distinguish species. Some Chagrin specimens are attached to larger, conspecific specimens and to articulate brachiopods. Brachiopods have also been found attached to Chagrin Sphenothallus. Bedford-Berea sequence (Famennian) specimens from northern Kentucky ...
Let’s look before we leap: challenging our ideas on how savings groups work

What assumptions do savings group advocates and practitioners hold about how groups work, and are they justified? As NGOs promote ever more savings groups, they cite a list of benefits: access to funds for emergencies and investments, profits on savings, and strengthened social ties. At the same time, they generally follow a set of ‘golden rules’: pay out annually, charge interest, and target women. Yet the benefits are only realized when a number of factors fall into place, and the rules don’t always make sense in different contexts. Savvy promoters and groups are already questioning these assumptions and adapting policies to better meet their needs; more could do so. In this paper we question some pervasive assumptions about savings groups. We provide counter-examples and lessons learned from our own experiences, those of others in the field, and published literature, in hopes of encouraging practitioners to examine these assumptions in their own contexts.
Performance improvements for unplanned high density wireless lans

Chaotic unplanned IEEE 802.11 WLAN deployments are becoming the norm and such residential deployments have many nearby access points (APs) and stations on the same channel, either due to lack of coordination or insufficient available channels. Thus, inter-cell interference in these high-density settings is common but not well-understood. Our evaluations for such interfering deployments reveal that up-to two-thirds of the WLAN system capacity may be lost in a typical large-apartment building with 50 interfering WLANs. In this thesis, we first report on our analysis of high-density unplanned WLANs’ performance under realistic scenarios. We find that with a typical TCP-dominant workload, cumulative system throughput is characterized by the number of actively interfering APs rather than the number of clients. We verify that due to TCP flow control, the number of backlogged stations in such a network equals twice the number of active APs. Thus, a single AP network proves very robust even with over one hundred clients, while multiple interfering APs lead to a significant increase in collisions that reduces throughput and affects multimedia traffic. Based on our analysis, we suggest a practical contention window adaptation technique, WiPhi, using information on the number of nearby APs rather than clients. We also point out the need for collision-resilient rate adaptation in such a setting. Together these techniques can largely recover the loss in cumulative throughput in a setting with strongly interfering APs. We then propose an alternative ISP-level solution, HeedNet, recovering lost performance by scheduling the IP packets of the bulk traffic at the ISP edge-router towards interfering APs. It requires no changes to the MAC protocol and the APs of the network, making it a viable solution for ISPs. We evaluate HeedNet via simulations and an actual deployment to show that a significant portion of the lost system capacity can be regained (more than 2.2X improvement compared to legacy). HeedNet also increases the fairness, reducing starvation among WLANs. Additionally, we show that HeedNet improves the performance of the nonscheduled (i.e., non-bulk) traffic considerably, such as VoIP, due to the reduced-collision rate environment it creates.
The Effect of State Redistricting Methods on Electoral Competition in United States House of Representatives Races

Legislative redistricting in the states is highly contentious due, at least in part, to its partisan implications. But does the method by which states draw legislative districts affect partisan competition in the elections that are held in these districts? We examine the effects of three methods used by states to draw district boundaries on competition in congressional elections. Specifically, we evaluate the effects on competition of legislative, judicial, and commission redistricting plans enacted prior to the 1992 and 2002 congressional elections. We find that more competitive elections occur when courts and commissions are directly involved in the redistricting process, as opposed to when redistricting is handled only in the state legislative process.
AAM Report: Global Food Trade Complicates Food Safety Practices

Burgeoning global trade is contributing to outbreaks of foodborne illness and exposing weaknesses in the U.S. food safety system, according to Global Food Safety—Keeping Food Safe from Farm to Table, a recent report from the American Academy for Microbiology (AAM) in Washington, D.C. Food safety standards and practices are not only outdated and overwhelmed by global trade, they are also inconsistently applied from country to country, notes the report, which is based on a colloquium that AAM convened in April 2009. The document recommends policy changes and research efforts for improving food safety.
Carbon Dioxide Fixation by Actinomyces ... A Correction

Previously1 I reported results of experiments on carbon dioxide fixation by strains of Actinomyces and Lactobacillus in which the data indicated a high incorporation of carbon dioxide into the meth...