cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Role of acoustic striae in hearing: mechanism for enhancement of sound detection in cats

We report the results of behavioral studies in cats conducted first, to demonstrate the presence of a monaural mechanism for the enhancement of signal to noise; and then to examine the necessity or sufficiency of the acoustic striae for this mechanism. The results show that cats do indeed have a monaural mechanism for enhancing the detection of tones in co-located background noise for noise levels at least as high as 60 dB SPL. The ablation-behavior results show that surgical section of the dorsal (DAS) and most of the intermediate (IAS) striae has no measurable effect on this mechanism. In sharp contrast, even partial section of the trapezoid body results in a profound and permanent deficit and this deficit is not accounted for by hearing loss alone. It is concluded that the ascending and descending fibers in the dorsal and intermediate acoustic striae are neither necessary nor sufficient for enhancing the detection of salient sounds in a noisy environment while the ascending or descending fibers in the ventral acoustic stria are sufficient and probably necessary.
Magnetization of quenched dilute ferromagnets

Abstract Bragg-Williams self-consistent mean field theory is extended to the case of random quenched site-dilution. A comparison is made with Monte Carlo results for the triangular lattice. The extension to more general types of quenched disorder is outlined.
Properties of norepinephrine N-methyltransferase from pigeon brain

Abstract Epinephrine cocentration in pigeon hypothalamus was higher on an absolute basis and as a percentage of total catecholamine concentration than in other regions of pigeon brain or in rat hypothalamus. Norepinephrine N-methyltransferase (NMT; the epinephrine-forming enzyme) from pigeon brain had Km values for S-adenosyl-L-methionine and L-norepinephrine of 24 ± 1 and 101 ± 4 μ M, respectively. The enzyme was inhibited by excess L-norepinephrine and by several arylalkylamines that earlier had been identified as NMT inhibitors with the enzyme from mammalian brain and adrenal medulla. These results indicate that pigeon brain NMT is similar to that in mammalian brain and adrenal glands and can be inhibited by agents previously used to deplete brain epinephrine selectively in rats. The use of pigeons as experimental subjects in studies on the possible role of epinephrine-forming neurons in behavior is suggested.
A new species of Lasiadenia (Thymelaeaceae) from Venezuela

Lasiadenia ottohuberi from Venezuela is described and illustrated. Differences between the South American genusLasiadenia and the related Cuban genusLinodendron are discussed.
Bat noseleaf model: Echolocation function, design considerations, and experimental verification

This paper describes a possible bat noseleaf echolocation function that improves target elevation resolution. Bats with a protruding noseleaf can rotate the lancet to act as an acoustic mirror that reflects the nostril emission, modeled as a virtual nostril that produces a delayed emission. The cancellation of the nostril and virtual nostril components at a target produces a sharp spectral notch whose frequency location relates to target elevation. This notch can be observed directly from the swept-frequency emission waveform, suggesting cochlear processing capabilities. Physical acoustic principles indicate the design considerations and trade-offs that a bat can accomplish through noseleaf shape and emission characteristics. An experimental model verifies the analysis and exhibits an elevation versus notch frequency sensitivity of approximately 1°/kHz.
Insertion of a genetic marker into the ribosomal DNA of yeast.

Abstract Plasmid pBR322 carrying the yeast LEU2+ gene transforms leu− yeast into LEU+ at a low frequency by integration at homologous chromosomal DNA. When one-half of the yeast rDNA repeat unit (BglII-A) is inserted into the plasmid, the frequency of yeast transformation increases 100- to 200-fold, in proportion to the increased amount of homologous repetitive rDNA available for integration. When the other half of the repeat unit (BglII-B) is inserted into the plasmid, the transformation frequency increases by a factor of 104, and the transformants are very unstable. It is likely that this fragment of rDNA contains a yeast origin of replication. This plasmid is a useful vector for cloning fragments of yeast DNA in yeast. We have used the LEU2+ gene, inserted into the rDNA locus, as a genetic marker for mapping the rDNA, in a procedure analogous to the use of antibiotic resistance transposons in the mapping of bacterial genes. Yeast ribosomal DNA is on chromosome XII between asp5 and ura4 as determined by mitotic linkage. Genetic analysis of markers inserted at the rDNA locus should be a useful tool for studying the conservation of sequence homology and the conservation of copy number of repeated genes.
A Descriptive Evaluation of the Use of Internet Newsgroups as a Supplement to a Basic Nutrition Course at a Large University

Abstract The Information Technology Department and the Nutrition and Dietetics Department combined forces to create an unusual adaptation of Internet newsgroups. Special computer configurations enabled researchers to establish nine newsgroups accessible to students via the World Wide Web. Students (n=450) enrolled in an introductory nutrition course were assigned to a newsgroup. Upper-class nutrition students were used as mentors for the newsgroups. Students participated by posting weekly questions or assignments relating to nutrition to their newsgroup. Mentors were responsible for replying to posted questions and monitoring group discussions. To assess the effectiveness of this format, evaluations were developed for mentors and students. Attitudes toward the newsgroup were overwhelmingly positive for the mentors. They viewed their experience as valuable pre-professional practice and an excellent opportunity to solidify their nutrition knowledge. Mentors unanimously recommend being a mentor. Analyses of student evaluations showed significant relationships between the frequency of participation and attitudes toward the newsgroup. Students who participated on a weekly basis indicated that as a result of the news-group they felt more involved in the class, will change a behavior due to information gained from the group and/or would recommend this format to other large classes. These findings suggest Internet Newsgroups have a promising role in the classroom.
FORMATION OF NEOCLITORIS FROM GLANS PENIS BY REDUCTION GLANSPLASTY WITH PRESERVATION OF NEUROVASCULAR BUNDLE IN MALE-TO-FEMALE GENDER SURGERY: FUNCTIONAL AND COSMETIC OUTCOME

AbstractPurpose: During male-to-female gender reassignment surgery we used an abdominal pedicled inverted penile skin technique to create a vagina and extra folds of skin to create a clitoral hood. Although patients had orgasms with that technique, there was a general request for the placement of a sensate, erectile clitoris. Therefore, in 10 such patients undergoing transsexual surgery a neoclitoris was fashioned from the glans penis. Surgical technique and results are described.Material and Methods: From 1980 to 1995, 57 male-to-female gender surgeries were performed at our university center. In the last 10 such patients undergoing transsexual surgery a neoclitoris was created. Glans volume is reduced to match that of a normal size clitoris and the entire length of the dorsal neurovascular bundle is preserved. The neoclitoris is placed through a buttonhole in the newly constructed introitus. There was minimal bleeding from the bundle intraoperatively.Results: In 8 of 10 patients the neoclitoris remained...
Graphics for Assessing the Adequacy of Regression Models

Abstract Graphical paradigms for assessing the adequacy of nearly any regression model are discussed. The fundamental idea is to examine the fit of a model using a sequence of marginal model plots. On each plot, nonparametric estimates of fit derived from the model are compared to nonparametric fits based on the observed data. Several examples are given.
Model of the Transient Neurovascular Response Based on Prompt Arterial Dilation

Brief neural stimulation results in a stereotypical pattern of vascular and metabolic response that is the basis for popular brain-imaging methods such as functional magnetic resonance imagine. However, the mechanisms of transient oxygen transport and its coupling to cerebral blood flow (CBF) and oxygen metabolism (CMRO2) are poorly understood. Recent experiments show that brief stimulation produces prompt arterial vasodilation rather than venous vasodilation. This work provides a neurovascular response model for brief stimulation based on transient arterial effects using one-dimensional convection–diffusion transport. Hemoglobin oxygen dissociation is included to enable predictions of absolute oxygen concentrations. Arterial CBF response is modeled using a lumped linear flow model, and CMRO2 response is modeled using a gamma function. Using six parameters, the model successfully fit 161/166 measured extravascular oxygen time courses obtained for brief visual stimulation in cat cerebral cortex. Results show how CBF and CMRO2 responses compete to produce the observed features of the hemodynamic response: initial dip, hyperoxic peak, undershoot, and ringing. Predicted CBF and CMRO2 response amplitudes are consistent with experimental measurements. This model provides a powerful framework to quantitatively interpret oxygen transport in the brain; in particular, its intravascular oxygen concentration predictions provide a new model for fMRI responses.
Unified theory on the generation of trees of a graph Part I. The Wang algebra formulation

The efficiency with which a complex electrical network may be analysed by a digital computer using topological formulas depends largely upon the efficiency with which the trees and directed trees of the corresponding graph are generated. The problem of efficient generation of trees of a graph has been treated rather extensively in the literature. In this paper it is shown that many of the existing techniques in the literature, seemingly so different in their appearance, are actually the variants of the Wang algebra formulation. Thus, they can all be unified. The unified theory enables one to summarize many of these results systematically and to provide a simple and easy way for their derivations.
The way of openness: Moral Sphere Theory, education, ethics, and classroom management

Noting the challenges of radical pluralism and uncertainty to ethics and education, the author describes, then explores Moral Sphere Theory (MST) developed by the philosopher Robert Kane and in relationship to insights drawn from American pragmatism. The argument is that MST offers fresh ways for thinking about education and the profound obligation of educators to support and sustain worthy forms of life.
N-(4-[2.2]paracyclophanyl)-2 '-Hydroxyacetophenone imine: An Effective Paracyclophane Schiff-Base Ligand for use in Catalytic Asymmetric Cyclopropanation Reactions

Abstract The synthesis of planar chiral N-(4-[2.2]paracyclophanyl)-2′-hydroxyacetophenone imine ( 5 ) and its use as a ligand for the copper(II) catalyzed cyclopropanation of styrene and stilbene derivatives using diazoesters is presented. Catalyst loadings of 0.1 mol% gave conversions of >80% (turnover numbers approaching 1000) for styrene and its derivatives. When enantiomerically enriched (R)- 5 was used to form the catalyst for cyclopropanation of styrene using ethyldiazoacetate, the cyclopropane products were obtained in a trans / cis ratio of 1.9–1 and 75.8% and 60.5% ee (corrected), respectively. The use of t -butyldiazoacetate resulted in an increased trans / cis ratio of 4.6–1 and 88.2% and 77.9% ee, respectively. Enantioselectivities of up to 95% ee were observed. These are among the highest enantioselectivities observed for asymmetric reactions using catalysts where chirality is solely derived from the paracyclophanyl moiety. When compared to its non-methylated analog, the simple presence of a methyl group on the carbon of the imine moiety in 5 resulted in an average increase in enantioselectivity of ca. 60% ee for a variety of substrates. The origin of this dramatic improvement in selectivity is discussed.
Chronic pruritus in HIV-positive patients in the southeastern United States: its prevalence and effect on quality of life.

Background Prevalence of chronic pruritus in HIV-positive patients is an underevaluated topic in the United States. The characteristics, severity, and quality of life (QOL) in patients with HIV and chronic pruritus have not been well documented using validated tools. Objectives We sought to assess the prevalence and intensity of chronic pruritus and its effect on QOL in HIV-positive patients in a US population. Methods HIV-positive patients (n = 201) were asked to complete a sociodemographic data form and 2 itch questionnaires. Patients with itching rated their itch intensity on a numeric visual analog scale. Laboratory parameters were obtained from patients' medical records. Results The prevalence of chronic itch in the study group was 45% with an average visual analog scale score of 5.93 during an itch episode. Patients with high visual analog scale score had significantly decreased QOL. Patients with HIV reported greater negative impact of pruritus on daily lives. Limitations Because of the cross-sectional design, this study demonstrates an association between HIV and pruritus but cannot prove causation. Conclusion Patients with HIV surveyed in a large clinic in the southeastern United States have a high prevalence of pruritus; HIV pruritus has a significant effect on QOL and itch is the most common skin manifestation found in this population.
Syntheses of TN building blocks Nα-(9-fluorenylmethoxycarbonyl)-O-(3,4,6-tri-O-acetyl-2-azido-2-deoxy-α-d-galactopyranosyl)-l-serine/l-threonine pentafluorophenyl esters: comparison of protocols and elucidation of side reactions

Abstract T N antigen building blocks N α -(9-fluorenylmethoxycarbonyl)- O -(3,4,6-tri- O -acetyl-2-azido-2-deoxy-α- d -galactopyranosyl)- l -serine/ l -threonine pentafluorophenyl ester [Fmoc- l -Ser/ l -Thr(Ac 3 -α- d -GalN 3 )-OPfp, 13 / 14 ] have been synthesized by two different routes, which have been compared. Overall isolated yields [three or four chemical steps, and minimal intermediary purification steps] of enantiopure 13 and 14 were 5–18% and 6–10%, respectively, based on 3,4,6-tri- O -acetyl- d -galactal ( 1 ). A byproduct of the initial azidonitration reaction of the synthetic sequence, that is, N -acetyl-3,4,6-tri- O -acetyl-2-azido-2-deoxy-α- d -galactopyranosylamine ( 5 ), has been characterized by X-ray crystallography, and shown by 1 H NMR spectroscopy to form complexes with lithium bromide, lithium iodide, or sodium iodide in acetonitrile- d 3 . Intermediates 3,4,6-tri- O -acetyl-2-azido-2-deoxy-α- d -galactopyranosyl bromide ( 6 ) and 3,4,6-tri- O -acetyl-2-azido-2-deoxy-β- d -galactopyranosyl chloride ( 7 ) were used to glycosylate N α -(9-fluorenylmethoxycarbonyl)- l -serine/ l -threonine pentafluorophenyl esters [Fmoc- l -Ser/ l -Thr-OPfp, 11 / 12 ]. Previously undescribed low-level dehydration side reactions were observed at this stage; the unwanted byproducts were easily removed by column chromatography.
Approproximate Photocounting Statistics of Shot-noise Light with Arbitrary Spectrum

Abstract The photocounting statistics of shot-noise light have been studied extensively. Light exhibiting such statistical properties arises in photon-generation processes that involve a two-stage cascade of Poisson-based events, such as cathodoluminescence. Expressions for the photocounting distributions are complex because they depend on the overall mean of the distribution, the photodetector counting time, and the spectrum of the light. A simple two-parameter distribution, the Neyman Type-A (NTA), is shown to provide an excellent approximation to the photocounting statistics of shot-noise light with arbitrary spectral properties. The NTA distribution therefore plays the same role for shot-noise light that the negative-binomial distribution plays for chaotic light.
Zero-momentum limit of Feynman amplitudes at finite temperature.

In the real-time formalism, we show that, if carefully evaluated, the zero-momentum limit of the real part of the scalar self-energy exists and is unique.
Another Cause of Reversible Dementia: Sleep Deprivation due to Prostatism

A case history is presented of a patient with treatable dementia of unusual pathogenesis. Fear of urinary incontinence associated with nocturia and urgency caused the patient to deprive himself of sleep, resulting in slowed mentation and apathy that was diagnosed as chronic organic brain syndrome for approximately one year. When his benign prostatic hypertrophy was surgically corrected, the patient allowed himself normal sleep, and the "chronic brain syndrome" cleared completely.
Development of an Automatic Optical Inspection System and its Application to Defect Examination

In this paper, we have designed and integrated an automatic optical inspection system, emphasizing on software implementation of the image processing, measurement and analysis utilities. As for the hardware equipments, we design an LED illumination unit and the custom-tailored machinery. By comparing the support functions of several main import brands of the optical inspection machine, we propose an optical inspecting procedure. By using the Windows-based user interface, we implement nine inspecting software tools, namely, the average gray level tool, the thresholding tool, the positioning tool, the edge detection tool, the binary large object (BLOB) tool, the template building tool, the smart matching tool, the inspection sequence tool, and the platform operation tool. All these tools can be used in an inspection with single operation and can also be arranged in a proper sequence of operations to fulfill a complicated inspection procedure. We use several part sample images with defects provided by the supplier to verify our fulfilled system.
Indolealkylamine metabolism: Synthesis of deuterated indolealkylamines as metabolic probes

The synthesis of the deuterium labeled, endogenously occurring, indolealkylamine hallucinogens N,N-dimethyltryptamine and 5-methoxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine via reduction of amide intermediates with lithium aluminum deuteride is described. The compounds were characterized with 1H, 2H and 13C NMR. These compounds were synthesized for use as probes for investigating the metabolism of these compounds by MAO via the in vivo kinetic isotope effect.
Critical thickness during three-dimensional epitaxial growth—A self-consistent approach

Abstract A self-consistent model is developed to describe the formation of misfit dislocation loops in hemispherical epilayers of finite size grown on thick substrates. The lattice mismatch between the substrate and the epilayer is described by virtual interfacial dislocation loops situated in the interface. The free surface boundary conditions are satisfied by the surface dislocation loops situated on the surface of the hemispherical island. A misfit dislocation loop is nucleated and the changes in the energy of the configuration are used to determine if a lowering in the total energy of the configuration can occur. The model consisting of the primatic dislocation loops in the epilayer is replaced by a simpler dislocation model consisting of glide dislocation loops so that the stress fields and interaction energy terms between dislocations in a two-phase medium could be evaluated. The energy associated with the coherent epilayer and that with the misfit dislocation are evaluated by the minimization of the total energy of the configuration with respect to the Burgers vectors of the surface dislocation loops. The position of the misfit dislocation loop from the interface is changed for a given size of the hemispherical island and the energy terms are determined. The formation of a misfit dislocation loop is considered favorable when the energy of the configuration in the presence of the misfit dislocation is lower than that of the coherent epilayer. The numerical analysis is carried out for hemispherical islands of GaAs grown on (100) Si with a misfit dislocation of Burgers' vector 3.84 A. It has been found energetically favorable to nucleate a misfit dislocation loop at a distance of 3 A from the interface when the radius of the hemispherical island is equal to or greater than 40 A. In addition, a misfit dislocation loop could be nucleated at a larger distance from the interface when the size of the epilayer is larger. The results are interpreted in terms of the favorable position for nucleation of the misfit dislocation and its glide motion towards the interface.
Comparing SMMR and AVHRR data for drought monitoring

Coincident Scanning Microwave Multi-channel Radiometer 37 GHz and Advanced Very High Resolution Radiometer normalized difference vegetation index satellite data have been compared from drought-affected regions of sub-Saharan Africa and northeastern Brazil for the time period of 1980-1985. Although the two satellite data types can be highly correlated, differences between them were found for the Sahel zone in 1985 and for northeastern Brazil from 1984-1985. These findings suggest that scattering or surface roughness contributions may be greater than previously assumed for the 37 GHz microwave data.
Introduction—Climate Science Literacy: A State of the Knowledge Overview

What is climate literacy? How is defined? By what metrics can it be assessed? How will we know when it has been achieved? Is climate literacy a static state or a dynamic realism? These are some of the many questions that have been circulating among the climate literacy community over the last two years in such fora as the Climate Literacy Network, the AAG (Association of American Geographers) Climate Literacy Initiative, and among colleagues who have worked on the Essential Principles of Climate Literacy. This special issue stems from the need to address some of these burning questions, to highlight the widespread misconceptions about climate science in general, and to present successful strategies from which we can learn as we strive toward a climate-literate citizenry. In the quest to achieve literacy, we should first pause to quantify what is meant by this term. Is it the accumulation of content, understanding, the ability to create new knowledge, skills acquisition, transferability to a new situation or location, critical thinking, decision-making, the recognition of bias, or the change in behavior due to a deeper appreciation of an issue or concept? I would argue that literacy encompasses all of the above. Without their realizing it, so would my students. In an interesting exercise with my Climatology class, I began the semester by asking them to define climate literacy. Their responses revolved around individual atmospheric or land-surface processes and skills including weather patterns, weather map interpretation, global warming, the role of ocean currents, landscapes, continentality, and climate change. By the end of the semester, after having been exposed to the various tenets of dynamic, synoptic, descriptive, applied, and historical climatology, their responses had coalesced around the following: climate literacy as the understanding of the “interconnectedness” of patterns at varying spatial and temporal scales, the “complexity” of the interactions over these scales, the role that humans exert, and the ability to “act accordingly” having understood the above. It is important to realize that not everyone will have the benefit of having taken a climate-related class as part of their undergraduate studies. This therefore begs the question: How will climate literacy be translated to other parts of the formal education arena, and more importantly to the informal aspects of society? This question is not a trivial one, nor are its answers easy to elucidate. The first three papers in this issue are devoted to this larger question of addressing science and climate science literacy. In “The Role of Narrative and Geospatial Visualization in Fostering Climate Literate Citizens,” Niepold et al. (2008) argue for the use of a collaborative approach among U.S. Federal agencies to bring their
Two new species of green snow algae from Upstate New York, Chloromonas chenangoensis sp. nov. and Chloromonas tughillensis sp. nov. (Volvocales, Chlorophyceae) and the effects of light on their life cycle development

Abstract Two new species of Volvocalean green snow algae are described from Upstate New York, Chloromonas chenangoensis and Chloromonas tughillensis. According to rbcL sequence analysis, these species belong to a subclade of five snow species of Chloromonas that includes Cr. brevispina, Cr. nivalis and Cr. pichinchae. These species have zoosporangia/gametangia (cell packs) that are propelled by flagella. The life cycles of Cr. chenangoensis and Cr. tughillensis include a change in cell shape from oblong to spherical before the loss of the cell wall. Using 8-h laboratory experiments, a peak in the change of cell shape occurred at 4 h for Cr. chenangoensis and between 2 and 4 h for Cr. tughillensis after the onset of light, and this was followed by a decline in change of cell shape for both species. Spherical cells peaked between 6 and 8 h for Cr. chenangoensis and at 8 h for Cr. tughillensis. Maximum total matings occurred at 4 h for Cr. chenangoensis and 6 h for Cr. tughillensis, which was followed by a p...
Size, ownership and the market for corporate control

Abstract This paper is written with two goals in mind. The first is to offer a critical discussion of papers by Bauguess, Moeller, Schlingemann, and Zutter [Bauguess, Scott, Moeller, Sara, Schlingemann, Frederich and Zutter, Chad, 2009. Ownership structure and target returns. Journal of Corporate Finance, this issue], and Offenberg [Offenberg, David, 2009. Firm size and the effectiveness of the market for corporate control. Journal of Corporate Finance, this issue], both of which appear in this special issue. The second goal is to offer some perspectives about new questions that these papers bring to light.
Sequences of the Salmonella typhimurium mglA and mglC genes

Abstract The nucleotide sequences of the mglA and mglC genes of Salmonella typhimurium (St) LT2 have been determined. The deduced amino acid (aa) sequences of MglA and MglC are 506 and 302 aa long with predicted molecular masses of 56 484 and 31 551 Da, respectively. The aa sequences of St MglA and MglC are homologous to the corresponding Mgl proteins of Escherichia coli, Haemophilus influenzae, Treponema pallidum and Mycoplasma genitalium. The order of the St mgl operon is mglBAC.
Case study of a commercial standard

There are several forms of digital currency and electronic charges that will begin to allow micropayments for Internet site access. Once there is a convenient way to collect micropayments, the number of quality sites will increase dramatically and attract a wide range of Internet users. Digital currency schemes, including CyberCash, First Virtual, DigiCash, and CheckFree, have been around for some time. Each has contributed to the development of electronic commerce, but in some ways there were too many solutions to be able to adopt one of them as a general solution. So the author was heartened when in 1995 MasterCard began to work with Netscape Communications to develop LivePayment, an approach to electronic commerce. He thought that Netscape's dominance in both the browser and commercial server market would ensure that the standard would be universally supported. Possibly in reaction to the Netscape-MasterCard alliance, Microsoft and Visa began to develop a competing electronic transaction standard, the Secure Transaction Technology. Later, Netscape and MasterCard accused Visa and Microsoft of planning to charge a royalty for each use of their standard. Eventually the differences were resolved, and in February MasterCard and Visa agreed to support a royalty-free standard called Secure Electronic Transactions. Progress on SET has been good since February. Netscape has announced that it will support SET in addition to LivePayment. Given that Microsoft, Netscape, MasterCard, and Visa are all behind SET, there is a good chance that it will become the universal micropayment scheme.
CYTOTOXIC EFFECTS OF COLCEMID OR HIGH SPECIFIC ACTIVITY TRITIATED THYMIDINE ON CLONOGENIC CELL SURVIVAL IN B6CF1 MICE

High specific activity tritiated thymidine (HSA-[3H]TdR) and colcemid were given in cytotoxic doses and regimens to B6CF1/Anl mice. The number of cells per intestinal crypt was reduced by the S-phase-specific (HSA-[3H]TdR and the metaphase blocking and cytotoxic effect of multiple injections of colcemid. In 50-day-old mice, the cytotoxic effect of multiple injections of colcemid reduced both the number of cells per crypt and the clonogenic cell survival. However, the number of surviving intestinal clonogenic or stem cells, assayed by the microcolony technique, did not change in 110--130-day old mice. These data suggest that most of the cells at risk from these cytotoxic agents are not clonogenic in adult 110--130-day old mice but are the cells in amplification division. However, since the stem cells of young mice are more susceptible to colcemid, they are apparently in a more rapid cell cycle than those of older mice. The clonogenic cell survival measured in 110--130-day old mice after a single radiation dose of 14 Gy (1400 rad) responded in a non-linear way to increasing time of continuous colcemid cytotoxicity. These data suggest that the intestinal stem cells can respond to amplification compartment cell death by a shortening of their cell cycle and thus, over time, the number of stem cells at risk to colcemid cytotoxicity increases.
Redefining Russia: Hybrid Regimes, Fieldwork, and Russian Politics

All qualitative research faces fundamental hurdles in overcoming issues of access and ensuring the credibility of one's observations. These issues are particularly acute when conducting research in hybrid regimes when the area of investigation is explicitly political and local authorities are sensitive to scrutiny. In the study of Russian politics, growing authoritarianism has meant a shrinking of the field and a corresponding adjustment in fieldwork practices. The disciplinary silence concerning the impact of regime type on fieldwork further threatens the quality and usefulness of comparative research on non-democratic regimes beyond Eurasia. The danger is that interesting and necessary questions about hybrid regimes are sacrificed as scholars opt to conduct fieldwork in more congenial locales where high status methods may be utilized. One can already see this effect as Russianists leave Russia rather than risk isolation within the discipline.
100-Gb/s RZ-DQPSK signal monitoring using time-stretch enhanced recording oscilloscope

We report simultaneous I/Q-data monitoring of 100-Gb/s RZ-DQPSK signal using a two-channel time-stretch enhanced recording (TiSER) oscilloscope. TiSER offers a solution to monitoring of high bit rate data.
What Is Political Psychology

We contribute to a greater understanding of political psychology by 1) collecting data in a more systematic way for the intellectual community, 2) sensitizing students to the extent to which any intellectual discipline is socially constructed and is a work in progress, 3) heightening awareness of the political aspects of intellectual life, 4) exposing readers to the wide variety of diverse approaches and methodologies utilized by political psychologists, and 5) suggesting the range of topics that political psychology can address successfully and the range of techniques it can utilize.
Isolation of regulatory mutants in photosynthesis gene expression in Rhodobacter sphaeroides 2.4.1 and partial complementation of a PrrB mutant by the HupT histidine-kinase

The photosynthetic bacterium Rhodobacter sphaeroides responds to the transition from aerobiosis to anaerobic photosynthesis by increasing the expression of the photosynthesis genes. Mutants have been isolated based on their inability, following such a transition, to increase transcription of the puc operon encoding the apoproteins of the light-harvesting complex II. Mutant D5, a representative of one mutant class, described here, although remaining photosynthetically competent, produced only low levels of the photosynthetic spectral complexes. Complementation analysis revealed that either the gene for the photosynthesis response regulator prrA or the gene encoding its cognate sensor kinase, prrB, was capable of rescuing this mutant. However, partial complementation of this mutant was achieved by placing in trans additional copies of other defined genes from the cosmid library of R. sphaeroides. We describe this effect in detail, attributable to the hupT gene, which has been proposed to encode a histidine-kinase for the hydrogen uptake system in Rhodobacter capsulatus. The effect of HupT on the expression of the photosynthesis genes was mediated through PrrA and independent of a functioning hydrogen uptake system. Thus, we raise the possibility that HupT can participate in phosphorylation of the heterologous response regulator PrrA by so-called cross-talk and therefore partially compensate for the defect in the mutant described. The observation of cross-talk, together with the complementation analysis, allowed us to assign the original mutation to the prrB gene; this was confirmed by DNA sequencing. Analysis of cross-talk in the wild-type, prrB and prrA genetic backgrounds suggested that besides kinase activity, PrrB may possess phosphatase activity toward PrrA. We also report the cloning, organization and structure of some of the hup genes from R. sphaeroides and construction of a Hup- strain.
Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibition and the Progression of Congestive Cardiomyopathy Effects on Left Ventricular and Myocyte Structure and Function

Background Clinical trials have demonstrated that angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibition (ACEI) improves survival in patients with long-term left ventricular (LV) dysfunction. However, it remained unclear from these clinical reports whether the beneficial effects of ACEI were due to direct improvements in LV myocardial structure and function. Accordingly, the overall objective of the present study was to examine the direct effects of ACEI on both LV and myocyte structure and function in the setting of cardiomyopathic disease. Methods and Results LV and isolated myocyte function and structure were examined in control dogs (n=6), in dogs after the development of dilated cardiomyopathy caused by rapid ventricular pacing (RVP, 216 beats per minute, 4 weeks, n=6), and in dogs with RVP and concomitant ACEI (RVP/ACEI, fosinopril 30 mg/kg BID, n=6). LV ejection fraction fell with RVP compared with control values (35±3 versus 73±2%, P P =.048). LV end-diastolic volume increased with RVP compared with control values (78±7 versus 101±7 cm 3 , P 3 , P P P P P P P Conclusions Concomitant ACEI with chronic tachycardia reduced LV chamber dilation and improved myocyte contractile function and β-adrenergic responsiveness. Contributory cellular and extracellular mechanisms for the beneficial effects of ACEI in this model of dilated cardiomyopathy included a normalization of β-adrenergic receptor function and enhanced myocardial collagen support. The results from this study provide evidence that ACEI during the development of cardiomyopathic disease provided beneficial effects on LV myocyte contractile processes and myocardial structure.
Efficient interval methods for finite element solutions

An efficient method for including the impact of uncertain input data along with the impact of truncation errors in finite element calculations is presented. This method is based on the theory of interval numbers. The formulation involves a predictor-corrector approach that allows for wide interval values as input and maintains sharp results during calculations. Results that illustrate the method's improved sharpness for solid mechanics problems are presented.
Charting new ground: modeling user behavior in interactive geovisualization

Geovisualization has traditionally played a critical role in analysis and decision-making, but recent developments have also brought a revolution in widespread online access to geographic data and integration tools, particularly for map-based interfaces. This next generation of geovisualization applications is often characterized by high interactivity and strong end-user participation in both development and use. Building the most effective tools to support user-centered geographic visualization faces a significant challenge, though: very little is known about how people interact with maps. To date, map use research has typically focused on higher order use goals or cognitive interpretations of static map representations. Our research employs Human-Computer Interaction approaches in order to investigate user behaviors that contribute to interactive map use and understanding. This paper describes our approach to studying geovisualization interaction and presents our pilot user studies and initial interaction model. By building a better understanding of how people interact with map interfaces, we will be able to design better user-centered geographic visualizations and learn how to best customize these applications to specific user groups.
Younger Stroke Survivors Have Reduced Access to Physician Care and Medications: National Health Interview Survey From Years 1998 to 2002

Background More than 5 million US stroke survivors require comprehensive care for risk factor modification and secondary prevention. Younger stroke survivors may have reduced access to physician care and medications because they are more frequently uninsured. Objective To assess age-related differences in access to physician care and medications among stroke survivors (aged 45-64 years vs ≥65 years). Design National Health Interview Survey from years 1998 to 2002. Setting A US population-based survey. Participants Stroke survivors (n = 3681) aged 45 years and older among 159 985 survey respondents. Main Outcome Measures General doctor visit, medical specialist visit, and inability to afford medications within the last 12 months. Results Compared with older stroke survivors, younger stroke survivors more frequently reported no general doctor visit (10% vs 14%, respectively; P = .002), no general doctor or medical specialist visit (5% vs 8%, respectively; P = .003), and the inability to afford medications (6% vs 15%, respectively; P Conclusions Stroke survivors younger than 65 years reported worse access to physician care and medication affordability than older stroke survivors. Inadequate access among younger stroke survivors may lead to inadequate risk factor modification and recurrent cardiovascular events. Published online November 13, 2006 (doi:10.1001/archneur.64.1.noc60002).
Human Esophageal Myofibroblasts Secrete Proinflammatory Cytokines in Response to Acid and Toll-like Receptor 4 Ligands

The pathophysiology of esophageal injury, repair, and inflammation in gastroesophageal reflux-disease (GERD) is complex. Whereas most studies have focused on the epithelial response to GERD injury, we are interested in the stromal response. We hypothesized that subepithelial esophageal myofibroblasts in GERD secrete proinflammatory cytokines in response to injurious agents encountered via epithelial barrier breaches or through dilated epithelial intercellular spaces. We determined the percentage of myofibroblasts [α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA)+vimentin+CD31−] in the subepithelial GERD and normal esophageal stroma by immunomorphologic analysis. We performed α-SMA coimmunostaining with IL-6 and p65. We established and characterized primary cultures of α-SMA+vimentin+CD31−CD45− human esophageal myofibroblasts (HuEso MFs). We modeled GERD by treatment with pH 4.5-acidified media and Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) ligands, LPS and high-mobility group box 1 protein (HMGB1), and determined myofibroblast cytokine secretion in response to GERD injury. We demonstrate that spindle-shaped cell myofibroblasts are located near the basement membrane of stratified squamous epithelium in normal esophagus. We identify an increase in subepithelial myofibroblasts and activation of proinflammatory pathways in patients with GERD. Primary cultures of stromal cells obtained from normal esophagus retain myofibroblast morphology and express the acid receptor transient receptor potential channel vanilloid subfamily 1 (TRPV1) and TLR4. HuEso MFs stimulated with acid and TLR4 agonists LPS and HMGB1 increase IL-6 and IL-8 secretion via TRPV1 and NF-κB activation. Our work implicates a role for human subepithelial stromal cells in the pathogenesis of GERD-related esophageal injury. Findings of this study can be extended to the investigation of epithelial-stromal interactions in inflammatory esophageal mucosal disorders.
Backbone conformations in deoxyribonucleic acids. Conformational role of the 2′‐hydroxyl group on the internucleotide phosphodiester conformations

The conformations accessible to the internucleotide phosphodiester group in deoxydinucleoside monophosphates, deoxydinucleoside triphosphates, and deoxypolynucleotides have been explored in detail by potential energy calculations. The two most predominant conformations for the nucleotide moiety ( 3 E and 2 E) and their possible combinations ( 3 E- 3 E, 3 E- 2 E, 2 E- 2 E, 2 E- 3 E) have been employed, similar to our earlier studies on polyribonucleotides. The internucleotide P-O bond torsions are very sensitive to the sugar pucker ( 3 E and 2 E) and sugar type (ribose and 2'-deoxyribose) on the 3'-residue of dinucleoside phosphates. The preferred phosphodiester conformations found for the deoxydinucleoside monophosphates and triphosphates, in general, follow the same pattern as those obtained for ribose sugars when the sugar on the 3'-side of the molecule has the 3E sugar-ring conformation. The internucleotide P-O bonds show a greater degree of conformational freedom when the 3'-sugar has the 2 E pucker. The double gauche g - g - conformation for the phosphodiester, which leads to the overlap of the adjacent bases, is shown to be one of the energetically most favored conformations for all the sequence of sugar puckers. It is found that the 2 E- 2 E sequence of sugar puckers shows a greater energetic preference for the stacked helical conformation (g - g - ) than the ( 3 E- 3 E) and the mixed sugar-pucker combinations. This effect becomes more pronounced in going from a dinucleoside monophosphate to a dinucleoside triphosphate suggesting that the 2'-deoxy sugars favor the 2 E sugar pucker in di-, oligo-, and polydeoxyribonucleotide structures. In addition to g - g - , the conformations g + g - , tg - , g - t, tg + , and g + t are also found to be possible for the phosphodiester in a polydeoxyribonucleotide and their populations depend to some extent on the sugar-pucker sequence. It is shown that the short-range intramolecular interactions involving the sugar and the phosphate groups dictate to a large extent the backbone conformations of nucleic acids and polynucleotides.
Exercise adaptations: A red herring?

The widely accepted dogma that physically active people are healthier than sedentary ones is difficult to refute because of a massive body of supportive empirical evidence. Inspired by these promising observations, many are motivated to adopt exercise into their daily routines but then become discouraged or frustrated by seemingly modest returns on investment. Now, solid scientific data have verified that some people respond robustly to exercise whereas others do not. These so-called “nonresponders” are estimated to encompass 15 to 30% of the population and are classified on the basis of their lack of improvement in cardiorespiratory fitness or metabolic function—even when exercise interventions are painstakingly controlled. In a recent analysis of data from the Health Benefits of Aerobic and Resistance Training in Individuals with Type 2 Diabetes (HART-D) Study, Pandey and colleagues provide a new perspective on the concept of exercise resistance in people with type 2 diabetes. The HART-D study involved 262 men and women with type 2 diabetes who were randomized to control, resistance exercise training, aerobic exercise training, or combined resistance and aerobic training groups. After 9 months, only 37% of participants in the exercise-intervention groups demonstrated meaningful improvements in whole-body fitness, whereas 43% exhibited no improvement in fitness. On the surface, these findings are staggering, because the exercise interventions were performed at the high end of the current U.S. National Institutes of Health recommendations (12 kcal/kg/week). But before we resign in frustration to a sedentary existence, it is important to consider the health benefits beyond physical performance. Pandey and colleagues did exactly that, focusing on glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c), a blood test that represents an index of average blood sugar over the prior 3 months. This metabolic parameter is important to diabetic individuals because it reflects how well their diabetes is controlled. The authors found that exercise lowered HbA1c equally well in exercise responders and nonresponders. This study provides a great example of how important health benefits of exercise can be completely dissociated from the parameters that are commonly used to gauge the success of an exercise intervention. The vast majority of people exercise to become healthier, not to jump higher or run faster. Therefore, it makes sense that the metrics for evaluating exercise responsiveness focus less on physical performance and body composition and more on the health outcomes most relevant to a particular population, such as HbA1c in type 2 diabetes. A. Pandey et al ., Metabolic effects of exercise training among fitness nonresponsive patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: The HART-D study. Diabetes Care 10.2337/dc14-2378 (2015). [[Abstract]][1] [1]: http://care.diabetesjournals.org/content/early/2015/05/15/dc14-2378.abstract
Phytotoxicity, uptake, and accumulation of silver with different particle sizes and chemical forms

The antimicrobial property of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) makes it one of the most commonly encountered nanomaterials in commercial products. Consequently, its detection in the environment is highly likely and its potential toxicity has been heavily investigated. While it is now generally agreed that AgNP itself exerts unique toxicity to plants in addition to that of dissolved silver ion, the accumulation and fate of different forms of silver in plant tissues are unknown. This study investigates the phytotoxicity, accumulation, and transport of Ag with different physical and chemical characteristics (e.g., ionic, nanoparticles, and bulk) in two agricultural crop species: Glycine max (soybean) and Triticum aestivum (wheat). The results showed that different forms of Ag demonstrated differential toxicity in these two species, with the Ag+ at the same nominal concentration displaying the strongest effect on plant growth. Exposure to 5 mg/L of elemental Ag in different forms all resulted in significant deposition on the root surface but its morphology and distribution patterns varied considerably. The Ag transport efficiency from roots to shoots differed with both Ag type and plant species. Notably, the upward transport of AgNPs (20–50 nm) was considerably more substantial than that of bulk Ag (1–3 µm). Cell fractionation studies confirmed that all types of Ag were internalized, with the plant cell wall as the predominant place for element accumulation. The findings demonstrate that Ag toxicity and in planta fate vary with particle type and that such considerations are likely necessary to adequately assess food safety concerns upon NP exposure.