cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A Review of Sex Differences in Sexual Jealousy, Including Self-Report Data, Psychophysiological Responses, Interpersonal Violence, and Morbid Jealousy

The specific innate modular theory of jealousy hypothesizes that natural selection shaped sexual jealousy as a mechanism to prevent cuckoldry, and emotional jealousy as a mechanism to prevent resource loss. Therefore, men should be primarily jealous over a mate's sexual infidelity and women over a mate's emotional infidelity. Five lines of evidence have been offered as support: self-report responses, psychophysiological data, domestic violence (including spousal abuse and homicide), and morbid jealousy cases. This article reviews each line of evidence and finds only one hypothetical measure consistent with the hypothesis. This, however, is contradicted by a variety of other measures (including reported reactions to real infidelity). A meta-analysis of jealousy-inspired homicides, taking into account base rates for murder, found no evidence that jealousy disproportionately motivates men to kill. The findings are discussed from a social-cognitive theoretical perspective.
PS2-40: Do Women Really Smoke and Drink During Pregnancy: A Detailed Look into Cleaning the Smoking and Alcohol Variables

BackgroundIn many epidemiologic studies smoking and alcohol are often examined as an exposure variable when focusing on health conditions associated with these lifestyle factors. Furthermore, smoking and alcohol have almost become standard confounding variables in epidemiologic studies when examining other exposures. We highlight the challenges associated with cleaning and analyzing the smoking and alcohol variables within various sources of administrative data when conducting pregnancy studies.MethodsWe compared information on smoking and alcohol use among pregnant women from the VDW vitals table, social history table, and birth certificate data from Georgia State. Encounter data for smoking from the social history table was cleaned based the contact dates and quit dates falling within the pregnancy period and various combinations of ?yes?, ?no?, and ?quit? were examined based on these dates. Categories of smoking were created and compared to data in the VDW and on birth certificates. Similarly, we examined information on alcohol use during pregnancy from the social history table, including information reported in the ?alcohol comment? field.Results(more detailed results will be available at the time of the conference):We found inconsistencies in how smoking during pregnancy was reported in birth certificate data versus the social history table. However, this inconsistency was only among smokers and former smokers, whereas information for non-smokers was consistent across the different sources. Within the social history table there were many pregnant women that had ?yes? for the ?drink alcohol? field, however many of these women had information in the ?alcohol comment? field stating that they did not drink during pregnancy. After creating levels of alcohol use during pregnancy we found inconsistencies with information on the birth certificate.ConclusionsWhile it is important to assess smoking and alcohol during pregnancy for the purposes of either a confounding variable or an exposure variable. We highlighted how these two variables (one from the VDW) are inconsistent across various data sources and both variables must be used with caution. NOTE: In order to present these data we feel a presentation is more suitable than a poster.
Estrogen Receptor-β-selective Ligands Alleviate High-fat Diet- and Ovariectomy-induced Obesity in Mice

Obesity is an epidemic problem affecting millions of people in the Western hemisphere and costs the United States economy more than $200 billion annually. Currently, there are no effective treatments to combat obesity. Recent studies have implicated the constitutive activity of estrogen receptor (ER) β as an important regulator of metabolic diseases. However, the potential of ER-β-selective ligands to offset obesity is not clear. We evaluated the pharmacological effect of ER-β-selective ligands (β-LGNDs) in animal models of high-fat diet- and ovariectomy-induced obesity. Ligand binding, transactivation, and uterotrophic studies with β-LGNDs demonstrated selectivity for ER-β over ER-α. Animals fed a high-fat diet showed a significant increase in body weight, and this weight gain was attenuated by β-LGNDs. High-fat diet-mediated increases in serum cholesterol, leptin, glucose, and fat accumulation in organs were also reduced by β-LGNDs. In addition, MRI scanning indicated that β-LGNDs altered body composition by reducing fat mass and increasing lean body mass. Organ weights and gene expression analyses demonstrated that adipose tissue is the center of action for β-LGNDs, and the reduction in body weight is likely due to increased energy expenditure. In vitro and in vivo mechanistic studies indicated that the anti-obesity effects of β-LGNDs were due to indirect peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ antagonistic actions requiring the ligand binding domain of ER-β and through abrogation of the ability of PGC-1 to coactivate peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ. In conclusion, these studies indicate that ligand-activated ER-β is a potential therapeutic target to combat obesity and obesity-related metabolic diseases.
Developing and executing an effective research plan

Purpose. Practical approaches to successful implementation of practice-based research are examined. Summary. In order to successfully complete a research project, its scope must be clearly defined. The research question and the specific aims or objectives should guide the study. For practice-based research, the clinical setting is the most likely source to find important research questions. The research idea should be realistic and relevant to the interests of the investigators and the organization and its patients. Once the lead investigator has developed a research idea, a comprehensive literature review should be performed. The aims of the project should be new, relevant, concise, and feasible. The researchers must budget adequate time to carefully consider, develop, and seek input on the research question and objectives using the principles of project management. Identifying a group of individuals that can work together to ensure successful completion of the proposed research should be one of the first steps in developing the research plan. Dividing work tasks can alleviate workload for individual members of the research team. The development of a timeline to help guide the execution of the research project plan is critical. Steps that can be especially time-consuming include obtaining financial support, garnering support from key stakeholders, and getting institutional review board consent. One of the primary goals of conducting research is to share the knowledge that has been gained through presentations at national and international conferences and publications in peer-reviewed biomedical journals. Conclusion. Practice-based research presents numerous challenges, especially for new investigators. Integration of the principles of project management into research planning can lead to more efficient study execution and higher-quality results.
Branch-specific heterosynaptic facilitation in Aplysia siphon sensory cells.

Abstract Aplysia siphon sensory cells exhibit heterosynaptic facilitation of transmitter release during both sensitization and classical conditioning of the siphon withdrawal response. In the present study, we asked whether facilitation must invariably enhance transmission at all terminals of a neuron or whether facilitation can instead occur at one set of terminals without also occurring at other terminals of the same cell. To examine this question, we compared effects of local application of serotonin and of connective stimulation on transmission at central and peripheral branches of single sensory cells. We found that heterosynaptic facilitation can be branch-specific and can occur at either central or peripheral synapses independently. We also found that siphon sensory cells exhibit homosynaptic post-tetanic potentiation, allowing us to compare effects of hetero- and homosynaptic facilitation in the same cells. By contrast to heterosynaptic facilitation, homosynaptic facilitation occurs concomitantly at both central and peripheral synapses of siphon sensory cells. Thus, while both heterosynaptic and homosynaptic facilitation involve increases in transmitter release from sensory neuron terminals, heterosynaptic facilitation provides a greater specificity and flexibility in the modification of synaptic connections.
An iterative method for finite dimensional structural optimization problems with repeated eigenvalues

A numerical method for solving finite dimensional structural optimization problems with constraints on natural frequency and on buckling is formulated. The method treats nondifferentiable repeated eigenvalues that have been shown to systematically arise in structural optimization. Recent results on differentiability of eigenvalues are used to develop a generalized gradient projection method for structural optimization. The algorithm is shown to overcome technical difficulties associated with nondifferentiability of repeated eigenvalues. The method is used to solve buckling and vibration optimization problems in which repeated eigenvalues occur.
Perceptions toward stewardship among residents living near U.S. Department of Energy nuclear facilities

Although stewardship has been widely defined and used in environmental management and planning, there is a dearth of studies that describe how the lay public perceives this concept. A national sample of residents in 14 states who live near DOE nuclear facilities were interviewed to delineate public understanding and awareness of the stewardship program of the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). This study discusses the findings of the survey and discusses how institutional trust influences public participation and resident’s choices of potential stewards. Almost 40% of the respondents could not define stewardship; those who did, believed that ‘responsibility,’ ‘management,’ and ‘accountability’ are key elements of stewardship. In addition, about a third of the respondents identified Federal groups and the DOE as potential stewards.
Instrumentation system for ship air wake measurement

This paper presents an instrumentation system developed for off-ship measurement of ship air wakes using an instrumented radio controlled (RC) helicopter. We propose the use of an IMU as a sensor to measure air wake in the form of induced vibrations on the helicopter while it maneuvers through regions of active air wake. The proposed system makes use of Back Propagation neural networks to compensate for the vibrational noise contributed by pilot inputs. The instrumentation system was tested on a modified training vessel in the Chesapeake Bay, which provided a wide range of wind conditions.
The Combination of RAD001 and NVP-BEZ235 Exerts Synergistic Anticancer Activity against Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer In Vitro and In Vivo

The phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)-mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling axis has emerged as a novel target for cancer therapy. Agents that inhibit PI3K, mTOR or both are currently under development. The mTOR allosteric inhibitor, RAD001, and the PI3K/mTOR dual kinase inhibitor, BEZ235, are examples of these agents. We were interested in developing strategies to enhance mTOR-targeted caner therapy. In this study, we found that BEZ235 alone effectively inhibited the growth of rapamycin-resistant cancer cells. Interestingly, the combination of sub-optimal concentrations of RAD001 and BEZ235 exerted synergistic inhibition of the growth of human lung cancer cells along with induction of apoptosis and G1 arrest. Furthermore, the combination was also more effective than either agent alone in inhibiting the growth of lung cancer xenografts in mice. The combination showed enhanced effects on inhibiting mTOR signaling and reducing the expression of c-Myc and cyclin D1. Taken together, our results suggest that the combination of RAD001 and BEZ235 is a novel strategy for cancer therapy.
Heat capacity cell for angular measurements in high magnetic fields

Abstract We present our design and initial results for miniature rotatable heat capacity cells (7.5– 11 mm diameter) suitable for use in magnetic fields up to 45 T . Our most recent design for a top-loading dilution refrigerator allows full rotation of the cell at sample temperatures from below 50 to over 4000 mK . The magnetic field dependence of the thermometry has been characterized for fields up to 18 T (and is currently being extended to higher field), allowing programmatic temperature control of the cell over the full field and temperature range to better than 0.1%. This characterization over all fields and temperatures has been reduced to a minimum number of fitting constants.
Dispersal of adult culex mosquitoes in an urban west nile virus hotspot: a mark-capture study incorporating stable isotope enrichment of natural larval habitats

Dispersal is a critical life history behavior for mosquitoes and is important for the spread of mosquito-borne disease. We implemented the first stable isotope mark-capture study to measure mosquito dispersal, focusing on Culex pipiens in southwest suburban Chicago, Illinois, a hotspot of West Nile virus (WNV) transmission. We enriched nine catch basins in 2010 and 2011 with 15N-potassium nitrate and detected dispersal of enriched adult females emerging from these catch basins using CDC light and gravid traps to distances as far as 3 km. We detected 12 isotopically enriched pools of mosquitoes out of 2,442 tested during the two years and calculated a mean dispersal distance of 1.15 km and maximum flight range of 2.48 km. According to a logistic distribution function, 90% of the female Culex mosquitoes stayed within 3 km of their larval habitat, which corresponds with the distance-limited genetic variation of WNV observed in this study region. This study provides new insights on the dispersal of the most important vector of WNV in the eastern United States and demonstrates the utility of stable isotope enrichment for studying the biology of mosquitoes in other disease systems.
Comparing Americans' and Ukrainians' Allocations of Public Assistance: The Role of Affective Reactions in Helping Behavior

In the United States, people who are personally responsible for needing assistance arouse more negative and less positive affect and are less likely to be helped than people who are not personally responsible for their plight. The authors investigated whether this finding generalized to Ukraine, a more collectivist society. American and Ukrainian participants evaluated 16 claimants who needed an organ transplant and selected up to 6 claimants to receive an organ. Claimants varied in their degree of personal responsibility, contribution to society, and need. Results revealed that personal responsibility had a stronger influence on Americans' than Ukrainians' allocations, whereas contribution to society had a stronger influence on Ukrainians' than Americans' allocations. Participants' affective reactions to claimants mediated these cross-cultural effects.
On finite element formulations for nearly incompressible linear elasticity

In this paper we present a mixed stabilized finite element formulation that does not lock and also does not exhibit unphysical oscillations near the incompressible limit. The new mixed formulation is based on a multiscale variational principle and is presented in two different forms. In the first form the displacement field is decomposed into two scales, coarse-scale and fine-scale, and the fine-scale variables are eliminated at the element level by the static condensation technique. The second form is obtained by simplifying the first form, and eliminating the fine-scale variables analytically yet retaining their effect that results with additional (stabilization) terms. We also derive, in a consistent manner, an expression for the stabilization parameter. This derivation also proves the equivalence between the classical mixed formulation with bubbles and the Galerkin least-squares type formulations for the equations of linear elasticity. We also compare the performance of this new mixed stabilized formulation with other popular finite element formulations by performing numerical simulations on three well known test problems.
Analysis and application of self-organizing sensory mapping

The authors present a mathematical analysis of self-organizing sensory mapping which was first proposed by Kohonen. It is shown that using the sensory mapping learning rule is equivalent to minimizing an energy function of the network outlined. The underlying work of Kohonen and the topology preserving networks are reviewed, along with the algorithm for implementing the network. The concept of the energy of a network is defined and a detailed analysis of the mapping algorithm is outlined. >
Opposing Environmental Gradients Govern Vegetation Zonation In An Intermountain Playa

Vegetation zonation was investigated at an intermountain playa wetland (Mishak Lakes) in the San Luis Valley (SLV) of southern Colorado. Plant composition and abiotic conditions were quantified in six vegetation zones. Reciprocal transplants were performed to test the importance of abiotic factors in governing zonation. Abiotic conditions differed among several vegetation zones. Prolonged inundation led to anaerobic soils in the Eleocharis palustris and the submerged aquatics zones, on the low end of the site’s 1.25 m elevation gradient. On the high end of the gradient, soil salinity and sodicity (a measure of exchangeable sodium) were high in the Distichlis spicata zone (electrical conductivity, EC = 5.3 dS/m, sodium absorption ratio, SAR = 44.0) and extreme in the Sarcobatus vermiculatus zone (EC = 21 dS/m, SAR = 274). Transplanted species produced maximum biomass in the zone where they originated, not in any other higher or lower vegetation zone. The greatest overall transplant effect occurred for E. palustris, which experienced a ≥77% decline in productivity when transplanted to other zones. This study provides evidence that physical factors are a major determinant of vegetation zone composition and distribution across the entire elevation gradient at Mishak Lakes. Patterns at Mishak Lakes arise from counter-directional stress gradients: a gradient from anaerobic to well-oxygenated from basin bottom to upland and a gradient from extremely high salinity to low salinity in the opposing direction. Because abiotic conditions dominate vegetation zonation, restoration of the altered hydrologic regime of this wetland to a natural hydrologic regime may be sufficient to re-establish many of the natural biodiversity functions provided by these wetlands.
Gamma Irradiation Quarantine Treatment Against Blueberry Maggot and Apple Maggot (Diptera: Tephritidae)

The criterion for efficacy of irradiation disinfestation treatments against tephritid fruit flies has been prevention of adult emergence. Although this technique has worked well for tropical tephritids that do not diapause, it is difficult to apply to diapausing insects that must be brought out of diapause by lengthy and not entirely successful procedures. Therefore, a more reliable method of measuring efficacy of irradiation quarantine treatments against diapausing tephritids is needed. Some Tephritidae are known to diapause as phanerocephalic pupae. Accordingly, that would be the latest stage that could be used to determine efficacy without the complications posed by estimating diapause survival. Prevention of the phanerocephalic pupa at the 99% level was accomplished with an estimated 58 and 24 Gy for the apple maggot, Rhagoletis pomonella (Walsh), and the blueberry maggot, Rhagoletis mendax Curran, respectively, when irradiated as 3rd instars in fruits. Adult apple maggot emergence was prevented with an estimated 15 Gy, which was 26% of the dose required to prevent pupation to the complete phanerocephalic stage. Prevention of the phanerocephalic pupa can be determined ≈6 d after pupariation at ambient temperatures, making it possible to adjust research parameters during a limited season, such as when working with the blueberry maggot, which is available in the field in blueberries during late July through early September. Although basing efficacy of irradiation quarantine treatments against diapausing tephritids on prevention of pupation will result in substantially higher doses than basing efficacy on prevention of adult emergence, the research can be done more rapidly and with greater confidence, and many temperate fruits, including blueberries and apples, tolerate much higher radiation doses than those required to prevent pupation of tephritids.
Enhancing the Credibility of Wireless Network Simulations with Experiment Automation

The last few years have witnessed a growing consensus around the notion that many papers discussing wireless network simulation are plagued by issues that weaken their scientific value. A number of articles have shown evidence of this crisis of credibility and identified many of its causes. In this paper, we show that the methodology flaws in wireless network simulation can be avoided with the use of a framework for experiment automation. We describe the rationale that drove us to develop tools for component-based simulators intending to guide the experimental process from first to last stages. We conclude that a framework that imposes the right constraints on the experimenter can lead to more credible simulation studies. The framework we present helps the construction of consistent models, the definition of model parameters, the design and the execution of experiments, the analysis of output data, and the preparation of data for the dissemination of results that allow experiments to be reproduced.
Location and Magnitude Estimation of the 9 October 2006 Korean Nuclear Explosion Using the Southern Great Basin Digital Seismic Network as a Large-Aperture Array

The Southern Great Basin Digital Seismic Network (SGBDSN) has been designed for monitoring high-frequency (1–40-Hz) local events at and near Yucca Mountain, Nevada, the designated site for the national high-level nuclear-waste repository. We find that the network is also effective as a large-aperture teleseismic array for monitoring events in and close to North Korea, the recent location of an underground nuclear test that occurred on 9 October 2006, 01:35:28 coordinated universal time (UTC), National Earthquake Information Center (NEIC) m b 4.3. We explain this by (1) low ambient noise, (2) energy-efficient propagation paths (the nuclear explosion and deep earthquakes on nearly the same ray path show dominant frequencies between 0.9 and 2.5 Hz), and (3) coherent signals across the SGBDSN. The network, when used as an array, provides a particularly good beam signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) for the nuclear explosion. Estimated beam SNR is 20 dB at frequencies between 0.9–2.5 Hz. Between January 1996 and December 2006, 58% (11 of 19) of the events with 7.1> m b>3.3 located within 300 km of the North Korean nuclear explosion by NEIC are considered large enough to be confidently picked by an SGBDSN analyst. The first-arrival of the North Korean event itself is apparent on 25 of the 29 SGBDSN unfiltered recordings. The direct P phase is confidently identified using slowness and back azimuth estimated with cross-correlation and frequency-wavenumber methods. Static time corrections for beamforming are estimated using 11 deep earthquakes within 300 km of the nuclear explosion. With the statistical regression model named two-way layout, we estimate the event first-arrival time offset and the mean station effects. The resulting relative time delays are used to calibrate the nuclear explosion single-array location to the NEIC location, using the delays derived from 11 earthquakes. With magnitude substituted for time, the same method is used to estimate magnitude corrections. The SGBDSN magnitude estimate is 4.3 using the Veith–Clawson body-wave magnitude formula.
Pattern of fractures in non-accidental injuries in the pediatric population in Singapore

BACKGROUND: Fractures as a result of non-accidental injuries (NAI) are not uncommon among children. The purpose of our study was to describe the incidence, demographic characteristics, and associated risk factors in patients with NAI in a multiethnic Asian cohort. METHODS: A retrospective record review of patients admitted to our hospital between September 2007 and 2009 with the diagnosis of NAI was conducted. RESULTS: A total of 978 children were reported with suspicion of NAI. Among them, 570 patients (58.28%) were diagnosed with NAI. Fractures were observed in 35 children (6.14%). NAI fractures were highest among female infants (73.3%). The biological father was the most common known perpetrator of NAI (n = 155, 29.0%). The most common perpetrator sadly remained unknown (n = 14, 40%). All NAI fractures were closed (n = 35, 6.14%), and the most commonly affected bone was the humeral shaft (n = 10, 28.57%) with an oblique configuration. Age CONCLUSIONS: The skeletal injury pattern and risk factors highlighted in our study will help treating physicians identify patients susceptible to NAI, as many of these patients are young and vulnerable. Protective measures can be initiated early by recognizing these injuries and preventing further physical and psychological harm to the child. Language: en
Effect of Disruption of a Gene Encoding an Autolysin of Enterococcus faecalis OG1RF

A mutant (TX5127) of Enterococcus faecalis OG1RF was generated by disruption mutagenesis of a previously described autolysin gene. TX5127 formed longer chains (2 to 10 cells per chain) than wild-type OG1RF (mainly single cells) during growth in broth even though it had a growth rate similar to that of the parental strain as measured by turbidity and cell count. Autolysin activity, as defined by the ability to lyse heat-killed Micrococcus lysodeikticus cells, was absent in TX5127, while this activity was easily detectable in OG1RF. However, disruption of this autolysin gene did not block the ability of TX5127 to hydrolyze E. faecalis cell walls compared to that of OG1RF. The autolysis rate of cells of TX5127 in 10 mM sodium phosphate buffer (pH 6.8) was slower than that of wild-type OG1RF. TX5127 also showed a decreased rate of lysis in the presence of penicillin, as measured by changes in the turbidity of the culture during 24 h of incubation at 37°C and a slightly decreased effect of penicillin as measured by time-kill curves. The virulence of TX5127 was similar to that of OG1RF in the mouse peritonitis model, indicating that the autolysin of E. faecalis is not important for infection in this model.
Golgi Fragmentation Is Associated with Ceramide-induced Cellular Effects

Ceramide has been shown to cause anoikis, a subtype of apoptosis due to inadequate cell adhesion. However, the underlying mechanism is unclear. Herein, we report that D-e-C6-ceramide (D-e-Cer), via...
Cloning of the Heat Shock Protein 70 (HSP70) Gene of Ehrlichia sennetsu and Differential Expression of HSP70 and HSP60 mRNA after Temperature Upshift

Ehrlichia sennetsu is the causative agent of human Sennetsu ehrlichiosis. Heat shock protein 60 (HSP60) and HSP70 (DnaK) are two major bacterial HSPs, and their interaction modulates the stress response. Previously, we cloned and sequenced groE and expressed groEL of E. sennetsu. HSP60 (GroEL) was immunogenic and cross-reactive in Ehrlichia spp. The present study was designed to (i) characterize the HSP70 gene of this organism and (ii) determine whether the expression of these two HSPs is inducible upon exposure to heat stress. A gene encoding an HSP70 homolog was isolated and sequenced from a gene library. The ehrlichial HSP70 gene encoded a 637-amino-acid protein, which had an approximate molecular mass of 68,354 Da and which was homologous to DnaK of Escherichia coli. A DNA sequence resembling −35 and −10 promoter sequences of E. coli dnaK was observed upstream of the ehrlichial HSP70 gene. Alignment of the predicted amino acid sequence with that of E. coli DnaK and Brucella, Salmonella, Borrelia, Chlamydia, and Mycobacterium HSP70s showed 63, 67, 63, 62, 58, and 53% identity, respectively. By reverse transcription-PCR analysis, the mRNA levels of ehrlichial HSP70 and HSP60 were examined after temperature shifts from 28 to 37°C and from 37 to 40°C. HSP70 mRNA induction levels were greater than those of HSP60 mRNA after a 37-to-40°C temperature shift, whereas the reverse was true after a 28-to-37°C temperature shift. Our data suggest that HSP60 and HSP70 may play different roles during transfer from vector temperature to human body temperature and during a febrile condition characteristic of ehrlichial disease. This study also provides a useful model system for examining mRNA expression in obligatory intracellular bacteria.
Rapid identification of Candida albicans in blood by combined capillary electrophoresis and fluorescence in situ hybridization

A CE method based on whole-cell molecular labeling via fluorescence in situ hybridization was developed for the detection of Candida albicans in whole blood. Removal of potentially interfering red blood cells (RBC) with a simple hypotonic/detergent lysis step enabled us to detect and quantitate contaminating C. albicans cells at concentrations that were orders of magnitude lower than background RBC counts ( approximately 7.0 x 10(9) RBC/mL). In the presence of the lysed blood matrix, yeast cells aggregated without the use of a blocking plug to stack the cells. Short (15 min) hybridizations yielded bright Candida-specific fluorescence in situ hybridization signals, enabling us to detect as few as a single injected cell. The peak area response of the stacked Candida cells showed a strong linear correlation with cell concentrations determined by plate counts, up to approximately 10(7) CFU/mL (or approximately 1 x 10(4) injected cells). This rapid and quantitative method for detecting Candida in blood may have advantageous applications in both human and veterinary diagnostics.
Characterization of the random array peak sidelobe

Upper bounds on the height of the peak sidelobe of the random array are derived using the theory of level crossings of a random process. Statistical properties of the random array beam pattern are presented and are used to calculate the expected number of up-crossings of a given level by the power pattern. Upper bounds on the peak sidelobe height are obtained using the expected number of up-crossings. The bounds are compared with computer simulation results.
Nucleation of allotropic phases during pulsed laser annealing of manganese

Manganese has four allotropes with an equilibrium melting point of the high temperature delta-phase at 1517/sup 0/K and calculated metastable melting points for the ..gamma.., ..beta.. and ..cap alpha.. phases at 1501/sup 0/K, 1481/sup 0/K and 1395/sup 0/K, respectively. Our observations for Mn irradiated with a pulsed laser and supporting estimates of maximum allotropic transition rates indicate that transformations between allotropes are suppressed during heating with approx.25 ns laser pulses, as well as during subsequent cooling. Upon pulsed heating of ..cap alpha..-Mn to the melt threshold, the melt is undercooled 122/sup 0/K below the delta-Mn melting point. For incident laser pulse energy densities near the melting threshold, resolidification involves regrowth of ..cap alpha..-Mn from the substrate. At energy densities well above threshold, the ..gamma..-Mn phase forms by separate nucleation and growth from the undercooled melt, and is retained upon rapid solidification. We conclude that significant melt undercooling, which may exceed 100/sup 0/K, can occur during pulsed laser melting of metallic crystals and that the resulting crystalline structure is determined by both thermodynamics and nucleation kinetics.
ATP induces c-fos expression in C6 glioma cells by activation of P(2Y) receptors.

Abstract Background. Extracellular ATP functions in the enteric nervous system as a neurotransmitter, and recent evidence suggests ATP may regulate development through effects on cellular proliferation. Methods. The action of ATP at purinoceptors and the role of second messenger pathways in c-fos mRNA expression in C6 glioma cells were investigated using the techniques of Northern and Western blotting. Results. Treatment of C6 cells with ATP caused a time- and dose-dependent increase in c-fos expression. The rank order of agonist potency was ATP = ADP > γsATP > αβATP > βγATP > AMP = UTP. The ATP-induced c-fos increment was inhibited by three P2Y receptor antagonists—suramin, reactive blue, and DIDS—by 99 ± 3, 89 ± 7, and 61 ± 14%, respectively. The ATP-stimulated c-fos expression was attenuated by phospholipase C inhibitor (U73122), protein kinase C (PKC) down-regulation (4α-phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate and chelerythrine), mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase inhibition (apigenin), an inhibitor of MAP kinase kinase (PD98059), down-regulation of adenylate cyclase (SQ22536), and inhibition of type II protein kinase A (8-(4-chlorophenylthio)adenosine-3′,5′-cyclic monophosphorothioate), but was not affected by inhibition of type I protein kinase A (8-bromoadenosine-3′,5′-cyclic monophosphorothioate) and inhibitors of calmodulin kinase (KN93 and KN62). Phosphorylated MAP kinase was increased in cells exposed to ATP. This effect was suppressed by chelerythrine. Conclusions. These studies demonstrate that ATP-induced c-fos mRNA expression is under multifactorial regulation.
Haploid transcripts persist in mature human spermatozoa.

Mammalian spermiogenesis is marked by the morphological and functional differentiation of round haploid spermatids into mature spermatozoa. A molecular restructuring of the chromatin accompanies this process facilitated by the transition proteins and protamines which compact and condense the genetic material within the developing spermatid. Previous studies from this laboratory have demonstrated that human protamines PRM1, PRM2 and transition protein TNP2 transcripts are associated with round and elongating spermatids. Extending this investigation, we examined the occurrence of these transcripts in mature spermatozoa by in-situ hybridization analysis using [35S]-labelled cRNA probes. These results demonstrate that PRM1, PRM2 and TNP2 haploid-specific transcripts are present in mature spermatozoa. Quantitative analysis of the localized signal also indicates that the PRM1, PRM2 and TNP2 transcripts persist at a similar ratio to that previously described for these transcripts in human testes, i.e. PRM2 > PRM1 approximately equal to TNP2. The persistence of these transcripts in mature spermatozoa warrants further investigation.
Proposing a new agenda: bioethics and international human rights.

Our global knowledge of different cultures and the diversity of values increases almost daily. New challenges arise for ethics. This is especially true in the field of bioethics because the technological progress of medicine throughout the world is causing dramatic interactions with traditionally held values. Science and technology are rapidly advancing beyond discussions and corresponding political struggles over human rights, leaving those debates behind. This rapid development of science is at odds with the principle of sustained development that calls for measured and thoughtful planning, such that no new idea should rupture the delicate fabric of communities, environment, and cultural evolution.
Gamma/Neutron Time-Correlation for Special Nuclear Material Detection - Active Stimulation of Highly Enriched Uranium

Abstract The time-correlated pulse-height technique can distinguish multiplying (special nuclear material) from non-multiplying sources. The technique relies upon the measurement of correlated photon–neutron pairs using organic liquid scintillation detectors. For such interactions, the distribution of measured neutron recoil energy versus the time-of-flight difference between correlated photons and neutrons are imprinted with the fission chain dynamics of the source. The theoretical time-of-arrival assuming the photons and neutrons are created in the same fission is calculated. Correlated pairs with longer time-of-arrival indicate delays caused by self-induced fission chains in a multiplying source. For the specific circumstances of simulated measurements of 25.4 kg of highly enriched uranium at 50 cm source to detector distance, correlated pairs from fission chains can arrive upwards of 40 ns later than correlated pairs with the same neutron energies from non-multiplying sources like 252 Cf at the same source detector distance. The use of detectors with ns scale time resolution and the use of pulse digitization allows for the distinction of these events. This method has been used successfully in the past to measure a variety of plutonium-bearing samples. The particle transport code MCNPX-PoliMi has been used to simulate and validate these measurements as well. Due to the much lower signature emission rate of 235 U, this technique has not yet been used to measure the presence of highly enriched uranium. In this work we therefore explore the use of the time-correlated pulse-height technique with the introduction of an interrogating neutron source to stimulate fission. The applicability of 252 Cf, AmLi and a DD generator neutron sources is explored in a series of simulations. All three sources are viable options with their own pros and cons with the choice of appropriate source depending upon the intended application. The TCPH technique is envisioned as a viable measurement solution of special nuclear material in situations in which the presence of shielding material disqualifies the use of passive gamma spectroscopy or gamma spectroscopy reveals classified information on the special nuclear material’s isotopic composition.
Cincinnati Prehospital Stroke Scale: reproducibility and validity.

Abstract Study objective: The Cincinnati Prehospital Stroke Scale (CPSS) is a 3-item scale based on a simplification of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Stroke Scale. When performed by a physician, it has a high sensitivity and specificity in identifying patients with stroke who are candidates for thrombolysis. The objective of this study was to validate and verify the reproducibility of the CPSS when used by prehospital providers. Methods: The CPSS was performed and scored by a physician certified in the use of the NIH Stroke Scale (gold standard). Simultaneously, a group of 4 paramedics and EMTs scored the same patient. Results: A total of 860 scales were completed on a convenience sample of 171 patients from the emergency department and neurology inpatient service. Of these patients, 49 had a diagnosis of stroke or transient ischemic attack. High reproducibility was observed among prehospital providers for total score (intraclass correlation coefficient [r I ], .89; 95% confidence interval [CI], .87 to .92) and for each scale item: arm weakness, speech, and facial droop (.91, .84, and .75, respectively). There was excellent intraclass correlation between the physician and the prehospital providers for total score (r I , .92; 95% CI, .89 to .93) and for the specific items of the scale (.91, .87, and .78, respectively). Observation by the physician of an abnormality in any 1 of the 3 stroke scale items had a sensitivity of 66% and specificity of 87% in identifying a stroke patient. The sensitivity was 88% for identification of patients with anterior circulation strokes. Conclusion: The CPSS has excellent reproducibility among prehospital personnel and physicians. It has good validity in identifying patients with stroke who are candidates for thrombolytic therapy, especially those with anterior circulation stroke. [Kothari RU, Pancioli A, Liu T, Brott T, Broderick J: Cincinnati Prehospital Stroke Scale: Reproducibility and validity. Ann Emerg Med April 1999;33:373-378.]
A Constitutively Active Somatic Mutation of the Human Lutropin Receptor Found in Leydig Cell Tumors Activates the Same Families of G Proteins as Germ Line Mutations Associated with Leydig Cell Hyperplasia

Using a Leydig tumor cell line (MA-10) transiently transfected with the human lutropin receptor (hLHR) and mutants thereof, we examined the identity of the G proteins activated by the agonist-engaged hLHR-wild type (wt) and by three of its naturally occurring constitutively active mutants. Two of the mutants examined, L457R in transmembrane helix 3 and D578Y in transmembrane helix 6, are germ-line mutations found in boys with Leydig cell hyperplasia and precocious puberty. The third, D578H, is a somatic mutation found in Leydig cell tumors in boys with precocious puberty. We show that the hLHR-wt and the three mutants activate the G(s), G(i/o), and G(q/11), but not the G(12/13), families of G proteins. The activation of these G proteins by the hLHR-wt occurs only when engaged by agonist, but their activation by the L457R, D578Y, and D578H mutants occurs independently of agonist stimulation. We conclude that the G proteins activated by constitutively active mutants of the hLHR associated with Leydig cell hyperplasia or tumors are identical and are the same as those activated by the agonist-engaged hLHR-wt. If there was preferential activation of some G protein families by the somatic D578H mutation found in Leydig cell tumors as opposed to the germ line mutations found in Leydig cell hyperplasia, then one could envision mechanisms by which the D578H mutant would be oncogenic. The data presented here suggest that such mechanisms do not need to be considered.
Lactosylceramide synthase as a therapeutic target to mitigate multiple human diseases in animal models.

Lactosylceramide synthases (LCSs; UDP-Gal: glucosylceramide β-1,4-galactosyltransferase) are integral membrane proteins of the Golgi apparatus. Recent developments in this area of research point to the suggestion that many physiological molecules can activate this enzyme to generate a glycosphingolipid (GSL), lactosylceramide (LacCer), which can induce critical phenotypes such as cell proliferation, migration, adhesion, angiogenesis, and apoptosis. In this chapter, we review the historical and scientific developments that unraveled the properties and molecular biology of LCSs. We also discuss the roles of LCSs in signaling pathways in disease development and how targeting LCS can be useful to cure many human diseases in animal models.
Achievement of 16.5% total area efficiency on 1.09m2 CIGS modules in TSMC solar production line

16.5% total area efficiency on a monolithic 1.09m2 module sets a new record, increased from the previous 15.7%, for commercial-size CIGS-based modules. The film property optimization on the absorber, buffer, and window layers, and in addition, the dead area reduction resulted in the improvement in VocxJsc and FF. More Ga incorporated into the absorber layer enhanced bandgap and back surface field, to improve VocxJsc. CdS buffer layer is enhanced by better crystallinity and carrier concentration. ZnO window layer with higher mobility and less resistivity induced lower series resistance. In addition, module redesign with reduce dead area generated more power from the modules. This champion CIGS module is made from TSMC Solar production line located in Taichung Taiwan, consistently produces production exceed 15% module efficiency.
Corrigendum to “Telomere length and telomerase in a well-characterized sample of individuals with major depressive disorder compared to controls” [Psychoneuroendocrinology 58 (2015) 9–22]

Corrigendum to ‘‘Telomere length and telomerase in a well-characterized sample of individuals with major depressive disorder compared to controls’’ [Psychoneuroendocrinology 58 (2015) 9—22] Naomi M. Simona,b,∗, Zandra E. Waltone, Eric Buia,b, Jennifer Prescotte,d, Elizabeth Hogea,b, Aparna Keshaviaha, Noah Schwarza, Taylor Drymana, Rebecca A. Ojserkisa, Benjamin Kovachya, David Mischoulona,b, John Worthingtona,b, Immaculata DeVivoc,d, Maurizio Favaa,b, Kwok-Kin Wongb,e
Symptoms, Signs, and EEG Changes During Reflex Syncope

Investigators at Leiden University Medical Centre, The Netherlands, studied the symptoms, video data of signs, and EEG changes during tilt-induced vasovagal syncope in 69 subjects, age range 12-84 years (mean 46 years).
Oritavancin: A New Lipoglycopeptide Antibiotic in the Treatment of Gram-Positive Infections

Resistance among Gram-positive organisms has been steadily increasing over the last several years; however, the development of new antibiotics to treat infections caused from these organisms has fallen short of the emergent need. Specifically, resistance among Staphylococcus aureus and Enterococcus spp. to essential antibiotics is considered a major problem. Oritavancin is a semisynthetic lipoglycopeptide antibiotic that was recently approved for the treatment of acute bacterial skin and skin structure infections (ABSSSI). While structurally related to vancomycin, oritavancin also possesses unique mechanisms of action that greatly enhance its antimicrobial potency against multi-drug resistant pathogens including both VanA- and VanB-mediated vancomycin-resistant enterococci. Owing to the addition of the highly hydrophobic tail group, oritavancin possesses a prolonged half-life ranging from 200-300 h. Although oritavancin is only currently Food and Drug Administration approved for ABSSSI, this agent may eventually play a role in additional indications where new innovative therapy is needed including bacteremia and deep-seeded, Gram-positive infections such as infective endocarditis or osteomyelitis. This review will focus on oritavancin's spectrum of activity, mechanisms of action and resistance, pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties, and the completed and ongoing clinical studies evaluating its use.
Influence of Parental Genotype on Plastid Inheritance in Medicago sativa

Research using chlorophyll-deficient mutants has shown that plastids are inherited biparentally in Medicago sativa L. (alfalfa). Variation in plastid transmission behavior was observed among crosses in earlier studies, but it was not determined whether this variation was under genetic control. In my research, genetic analyses of the frequencies of normal (G), chlorophyll-deficient (CD), and sectored (G and CD) progenies produced from G x CD crosses demonstrated that plastid inheritance patterns in alfalfa are influenced by both maternal and paternal genotypes. A strong paternal bias in plastid transmission existed in the majority of crosses despite the potential developmental disadvantages associated with paternally contributed CD plastids. The high frequencies of uniparental progenies suggest that genetic control of plastid inheritance in alfalfa may be exerted through effects on the number and distribution of maternal and paternal plastids early in embryo development.
Intraoral administration of botulinum toxin for trigeminal neuropathic pain

This article presents 2 cases of different neuropathic trigeminal pain conditions treated with intraoral botulinum toxin injections. There is a growing body of evidence to support the use of this substance when administered subcutaneously in the treatment of neuropathic pain, such as in extraoral injections for trigeminal neuralgia. However, reports of intraoral submucosal administration are still lacking. In the 2 cases presented here, neuropathic pain was refractory to treatment with an important intraoral peripheral component, so onabotulinum toxin A was introduced as an adjuvant therapy. The technique, doses, and dilution are discussed. The patients reported significant reductions in pain frequency and intensity, with minimal side effects of temporary mucosal dryness and smile droopiness. The analgesic benefits of botulinum toxin may be utilized to address intraoral neuropathic pain. Further studies are needed to confirm safety and effectiveness in larger samples.