cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Identifying Student Team Leaders and Social Loafers in a First-Year Engineering Cornerstone Robotics Design Project

This research to practice work-in-progress paper discusses the potential use of team formation survey responses to predict the development of leaders and social loafers in a first-year engineering team design project. At a large Midwestern university, a robotics cornerstone design project is offered. This project-based and collaborative learning project involves teams designing an autonomous robot. The teams are self-driven and must utilize time and project management skills. To create the teams of four, a team formation survey is administered to the students via the CATME team formation software. Students self-identify levels of prior experience with robotics and technical skills, and levels of preference about leadership, ideas, and details. The instructional staff does not impose specific roles upon team members, but teams are formed so that each team can complete all elements. Anecdotally, this model has allowed for the emergence of both leaders and social loafers within the groups. Students who exhibit leadership qualities keep their teammates on task and schedule, maintain communication and participation, and ensure teammates get help when needed. Students who exhibit characteristics of social loafing, a term used in social psychology, put forth fewer ideas and less effort, require more direction to complete tasks, and do not communicate as well with the team. The absence of leadership or the presence of social loafing can hinder a team’s performance and detract from the student experience. Thus, the instructional staff is interested in identifying potential leaders and social loafers on teams early so that appropriate guidance can be given to improve the experience. Throughout the project, students also complete peer evaluations and submit weekly timesheets. This work-in-progress paper presents a methodological plan for analyzing these data to determine if a correlation can be found from specific responses on the team formation survey to student team performance.
A Practical Solution to the Reference Class Problem

The "reference class problem" is a serious challenge to the use of statistical evidence that arguably arises every day in wide variety of cases, including toxic torts, property valuation, and even drug smuggling. At its core, it observes that statistical inferences depend critically on how people, events, or things are classified. As there is (purportedly) no principle for privileging certain categories over others, statistics become manipulable, undermining the very objectivity and certainty that make statistical evidence valuable and attractive to legal actors. In this paper, I propose a practical solution to the reference class problem by drawing on model selection theory in statistics. The solution has potentially wide-ranging and significant implications for statistics in the law. Not only does it remove another barrier to the use of statistics in legal decisionmaking, but it also suggests a concrete framework by which litigants can present, evaluate, and contest statistical evidence.
Special Library Cart with Automatic Following Function

Based on UWB range-based localization technology, this special library cart with automatic following function changes its traditional mode of manual pushing and realizes an automatic positioning mode, which greatly reduces the work burden of library staff. At the same time, coupled with RFID radio frequency identification technology and display screen, the book name in the cart as well as its bookshelf number and location can be displayed automatically, so as to reduce the probability of books on the wrong shelf and greatly improve the efficiency of the library staff.
Queer Ecology: Shared Horizons after Disturbance

While queer theory and the environmental humanities might seem unlikely bedfellows, this piece argues that both fields are defined by acts of denaturalisation and worldmaking which are not merely i...
Impact of the Law Enforcement Officers’ Bill of Rights on Police Transparency & Accountability

The United States, home to 5% of the world’s population & 25% of the world’s incarcerated population, is the largest hotspot of mass incarceration in human history. Many factors have contributed to rising incarceration rates over the past 50 years, including the War on Drugs and the 1994 crime bill. One piece of legislation with impact on policing in the United States is the Law Enforcement Officer’s Bill of Rights (LEOBOR), which serves to minimize accountability and transparency within police departments by granting rights to police officers that aren't granted to other public or private employees, such as interdepartmental investigations and classified personnel files. LEOBOR is state policy in the states where Freddie Gray (Maryland), Sandra Bland (Texas), Breonna Taylor (Kentucky), & George Floyd (Minnesota) were murdered by police and where Rodney King (California) was beaten on tape, and this legislation has a substantial impact on police investigations and discipline. There has been very little academic study on this legislation and its impact. In this study, I seek to examine the difference in rates of incarceration, police spending, police salaries, on-duty shooting of civilians, the number of officers who have been charged for an on-duty shooting, and the number of decertified officers between states with and without LEOBOR in effect. These statistics will give a detailed comparison of accountability and transparency in states that do and do not have LEOBOR in effect.
The Pricing of IPO Services and Issues: Theory and Estimation

We estimate a model for the process for setting IPO spreads and offer prices. Weestablish that the partially rigid spread schedule observed for IPOs, where over 90% ofIPOs with proceeds between $20 and $80 million have a spread of 7%, can be rationalized asoptimal collusion. Optimal collusion creates a rationale for high underpricing, and we usedata on both spreads and underpricing to estimate structural parameters. Our estimatessuggest that firms benefit from holding IPOs but that idiosyncratic manager preferencesmay drive much of the IPO market. Much of the money left on the table is estimated toaccrue to underwriters.
Stromal cell identity modulates vascular morphogenesis in a microvasculature-on-a-chip platform

Supportive stromal cells of mesenchymal origins regulate vascular morphogenesis in developmental, pathological, and regenerative contexts, contributing to vessel formation, maturation, and long-term stability, in part via the secretion of bioactive molecules. In this work, we adapted a microfluidic lab-on-a-chip system that enables the formation and perfusion of microvascular capillary beds with connections to arteriole-scale endothelialized channels to explore how stromal cell (SC) identity influences endothelial cell (EC) morphogenesis. We compared and contrasted lung fibroblasts (LFs), dermal fibroblasts (DFs), and bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) for their abilities to support endothelial morphogenesis and subsequent perfusion of microvascular networks formed in fibrin hydrogels within the microfluidic device. We demonstrated that while all 3 SC types supported EC morphogenesis, LFs in particular resulted in microvascular morphologies with the highest total network length, vessel diameter, and vessel interconnectivity across a range of SC-EC ratio and density conditions. Not only did LFs support robust vascular morphology, but also, they were the only SC type to support functional perfusion of the resultant capillary beds. Lastly, we identified heightened traction stress produced by LFs as a possible mechanism by which LFs enhance endothelial morphogenesis in 3D compared to other SC types examined. This study provides a unique comparison of three different SC types and their role in supporting the formation of microvasculature that could provide insights for the choice of cells for vascular cell-based therapies and the regulation of tissue-specific vasculature.
Long-Term Triple Temporary Mechanical Circulatory Support as a Bridge to Triple Organ Transplant

Introduction Temporary mechanical circulatory support (MCS) systems such as the intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP), Impella, and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) are used to stabilize decompensating patients with cardiogenic shock with the strategy of either durable MCS and/or transplantation. We present the use of all three temporary MCS platforms in a single patient as a bridge to triple organ—heart-liver-kidney transplantation. Case Report The patient is a 51-year-old gentleman with history of atrioventricular canal repair, inotrope-dependent heart failure, non-sustained ventricular tachycardia, chronic kidney disease stage III, and cirrhosis who failed outpatient inotrope therapy. His tachyarrhythmias, and liver and renal disease made him a poor candidate for durable MCS. He underwent initiation of axillary IABP and was listed as UNOS Status 2 for a heart-liver-kidney transplant. This platform supported the patient for 13 days, however, due to persistently elevated pulmonary artery pressures and poor left ventricular unloading we upgraded our support platform to the axillary Impella 5.5 (achieving >4.5lpm for 78 days). During this time frame, he was transitioned to UNOS Status 7 twice, once for heparin-induced thrombocytopenia where we were required to modify our anticoagulation to include Argatroban, and then separately when he became septic and the Impella was explanted. Still requiring circulatory support, we advanced to femoral cannulation VA ECMO. After four days on VA ECMO support as a UNOS Status 1, the patient received an en-bloc heart and liver, which was followed by a kidney implant the next day. Myocardial biopsies have consistently showed ISHLT Grade 0 R rejection, and hemodynamics showed cardiac index of 2.7 L/min/m2 and normal biventricular pressures. His postoperative stay was uncomplicated, and he was discharged to inpatient rehab after 38 days post-transplantation. Summary Temporary MCS platforms can provide varying levels of support, and implementation should be balanced by their inherent risks. This case displayed the utilization of three temporary MCS platforms in a single patient, and to our knowledge is the longest documented support for an Impella 5.5 (78 days Impella, 95 days total MCS support) to successfully bridge to heart-liver-kidney transplantation.
Communication of pain intensity and unpleasantness through magnitude ratings: Influence of scale type, but not sex of the participant

A critical aspect for much human pain research is the ability of participants to communicate their first person, experiential perspective to a third person observer. This communication is frequently accomplished via pain ratings. The type of scale and how participants/patients may differentially use the scale has a major influence on the communication of pain experiences. The present study examined the role of sex on the pain rating process using both noxious and innocuous stimuli and two different types of rating scales. Participants underwent noxious heat, auditory and visual stimulation paradigms. Pain intensity and unpleasantness ratings were collected using the visual analog scale (VAS) and numerical rating scale (NRS) in a random order. For noxious heat stimuli, low (44-45 degrees celsius) and high (47-48 degrees celsius) intensity stimuli were delivered. To identify if one rating scale allows better discrimination between different stimulus intensities and if this is dependent on sex, discrimination thresholds were calculated. Significant effect for rating scale and intensity level of stimuli were found for all stimulus modalities (noxious heat, auditory and visual) indicating that higher intensity and unpleasantness ratings were found using the NRS compared to the VAS. No effect of sex or interaction with sex was found. No differences in rating scale and sex were found for the discrimination thresholds. Biases in rating scales usage exist with NRS yielding higher ratings to the same stimuli. However, this bias does not appear to contribute significantly to sex differences in pain.
Dissociating compulsive washing and hoarding tendencies through differences in comorbidities and the content of concerns

Abstract Clinical compulsive washing and hoarding are intercorrelated and share comorbidities even though they are distinct and appear to manifest through opposing extremes of cleanliness and disorder (respectively). We attempted to resolve this paradox by testing five hypotheses in online, non-clinical samples (Nstudy 1 = 123, Nstudy 2 = 177, Nstudy 3 = 217). We replicated the intercorrelation of washing and hoarding tendencies in all studies, despite observing non-clinical individual differences. Both washing and hoarding were associated with anxiety, depression, and fears of social rejection and failure, but they were also distinguishable. Compulsive washing was associated with greater anxiety, disgust, perceptions of infection vulnerability, and the desire to organize a cluttered space, whereas hoarding was associated with reduced concerns about germs and full or cluttered spaces and higher concerns about assault, threats to safety, and insects. A third study tested and confirmed the hypothesis that washing and hoarding may be related because they are adaptive in combination during stressful conditions, like a global pandemic. During COVID-19, washing and hoarding tendencies were even more strongly interrelated, and disease-avoidant behaviors like wearing a mask and avoiding people increased with washing tendencies but decreased with hoarding tendencies. Overlapping psychopathological states can be distinguished even in non-clinical samples through psychopathological profiles and the content of concerns—that shift with one's context. Treatment may benefit from not only working to cease undesirable behaviors but also from ameliorating root fears and anxieties that are dissociable by condition and individual but not always linked to the behavioral expression.
A Leader's Guide to Understanding Complex Organizations: An Expanded

An updated version of the classic McKinsey "7-S" Model, this note is designed to help MBA students and practicing managers understand the dynamic relationship among an organization's superordinate goals, strategy, structure, systems, style, staff, skills, and shared values, and provides engaging, contemporary examples at each level of analysis. The note expands the classic model to include a fuller discussion of links among the external situation/stakeholders, internal Ss, and various metrics of organizational success. The note challenges students to provide leadership within their area of influence (e.g., to understand and promote corporate strategies in their business unit, function, or geography); to remedy misaligned aspects of the organization; and to foster change that would help the organization realize its superordinate goals, affirm its shared values, and enhance overall performance. Excerpt UVA-OB-0659 A LEADER'S GUIDE TO UNDERSTANDING COMPLEX ORGANIZATIONS: AN EXPANDED “7-S” PERSPECTIVE Given the complexity of large organizations, how can one deepen one's understanding of how Netscape is different from Microsoft, how JP Morgan is different from Goldman-Sachs, or how Bain & Company is different from Andersen Consulting? These are important questions for MBAs who are attempting to evaluate career alternatives among organizations (or among divisions in one firm), for consultants who are attempting to help their clients diagnose complex organizational issues, for financial analysts who are evaluating investment alternatives, and for those who dream of starting their own business—and are interested in what they can learn from larger organizations. More importantly, developing a “helicopter view” of a whole organization is critical to all MBAs and practicing managers who are committed to developing a rigorous and broadened “leadership point of view.” One of the most useful frameworks ever developed for understanding an entire organization is the classic “7-S Framework.” In its earliest articulation, the architects, all consultants at McKinsey & Company, argued that an organization could be understood in terms of a dynamic relationship among seven key elements (see Exhibit 1): · Strategy . . .
DROUGHT AND THE MULTIPLIER1

The effects of a 20 per cent across-the-board drought-year reduction in farm output upon G.N.P., imports and the balance of payments are estimated via an econometric mode of the Australian economy. The effects do not appear to be overly large and taper off rapidly in succeeding years.
To Build a Virus Capsid: An Equilibrium Model of the Self Assembly of Polyhedral Protein Complexes

The capsids of spherical (icosahedral) viruses are constructed of multiples of 60 subunits. The question of how these polymers assemble is basic to understanding the viral life cycle. A formalism describing virus assembly as an equilibrium between coat protein subunits, assembly intermediates and intact virus is presented. This equilibrium model of virus assembly is consistent with experimental observations of virus assembly. At equilibrium, either intact virus or free subunits are dominant species, assembly intermediates are predicted to be found only in trace concentrations. The concentration of assembled virus at equilibrium is expected to be extremely concentration-dependent and resemble a highly cooperative reaction although the model does not explicitly include cooperativity. For statistical assembly of a polyhedron, a nucleus is not necessarily required and polymerization can proceed through a cascade of bimolecular reactions rather than a single higher order reaction. Thus, kinetics of assembly do not necessarily show the extreme concentration dependence typical of nucleated protein polymerization. Modest intersubunit interaction energies result in a very stable capsid; consequently, a small change in this interaction energy can result in a considerable change in the capsid-subunit equilibrium. Some possible effects of nucleation and protein-nucleic acid interactions on virus assembly and capsid morphology are considered.
Shooting for border collision bifurcations in hybrid systems

Border collision bifurcations refer to situations where a small parameter variation induces a change in the event sequence of a hybrid system. At such a bifurcation, the system trajectory makes tangential contact with an event triggering hypersurface. This bounding case separates regions of (generally) quite different dynamic behaviour. In the paper, the conditions governing bifurcation points are formulated as a boundary value problem. A shooting method is used to solve that problem. The approach is applicable for general nonlinear hybrid systems.
Exclusive A-ring linkage for singly attached phycocyanobilins and phycoerythrobilins in phycobiliproteins. Absence of singly D-ring-linked bilins.

Abstract Previous spectroscopic studies on the phycocyanobilin-containing peptide beta-2T from Synechococcus sp. 6301 C-phycocyanin and the phycoerythrobilin-containing peptide beta-2TP from Porphyridium cruentum B-phycoerythrin indicated a different single thioether mode of attachment, postulated to be through the D-ring of the tetrapyrrole, in contrast to the A-ring linkage established for the other singly linked bilins in these proteins (Bishop, J.E., Lagarias, J.C., Nagy, J. O., Schoenleber, R.W., Rapoport, H., Klotz, A.V., and Glazer, A.N. (1986) J. Biol. Chem. 261, 6790-6796; Klotz, A.V., Glazer, A.N., Bishop, J.E., Nagy, J.O., and Rapoport, H. (1986) J. Biol. Chem. 261, 6797-6805). The crystal structure of Agmenellum quadruplicatum C-phycocyanin at 2.5-A resolution (Schirmer, T., Bode, W., and Huber, R. (1987) J. Mol. Biol., 196, 677-695) supports an A-ring linkage for all three phycocyanobilins. Consequently we have re-evaluated our proposed structural assignments by further 1H NMR studies. Two-dimensional homonuclear correlated and nuclear Overhauser enhancement spectroscopic data presented here show that all three bilins in Synechococcus 6301 C-phycocyanin are attached solely through the A-ring, complementary to the crystallographic data. The evidence from the NMR data for all bilin peptides examined includes the dipoledipole interactions of the 5-H with the 3-H, 3'-H, and a pyrrole methyl group (7-CH3); the corresponding interactions would not be possible in a D-ring-linked bilin. The 5-H also consistently exhibits allylic J-coupling to the 3-H, supporting A-ring linkage assignment. These data are inconsistent with the alternative D-ring linkage assignment since this would involve J-coupling through five bonds. Examination of the phycoerythrobilin beta-2 position in B-phycoerythrin also reveals an A-ring type of attachment by similar criteria. We conclude that all singly linked bilins are attached through the A-ring.
Observation of Pseudogap in Underdoped Bi2Sr2CaCu2O8+δ by Tunneling Spectroscopy

We have performed tunneling measurements on underdoped and optimally doped single crystals of Bi2Sr2CaCu2O8+δ(Bi2212). The tunneling is in the ab-plane, in the maximum gap direction for all of our experiments. Measurement temperature ranges from 4.2 K to well above 100 K. The superconducting gap has been measured for T < Tc. 2Δ/kTc for underdoped Bi2212 (~ 13.4) is significantly larger than that of optimally doped Bi2212 (~ 8.8). As the temperature is raised above Tc, the gap vanishes for the optimally doped sample. In contrary, the gap like feature for the underdoped Bi2212 persists with larger gap value at higher temperatures. There are interesting differences in the nature of superconducting gap and pseudogap.
Analysis of Algorithms for the Evaluation of Monotonic Boolean Functions

This correspondence considers the efficiency of some algorithms for the evaluation of monotonic Boolean functions. It is shown that algorithms based on the criterion of maximizing the local information gain about the Boolean function with n variables may sometimes require a number of computational steps which is n/log n times the computational steps of the optimal algorithm.
Reflecting on aspect-oriented programming, metaprogramming, and adaptive distributed monitoring

Metaprogramming and computational reflection are two related techniques that allow the programmer to change the semantics of a program in a modular fashion. Although the concepts have been explored by researchers for some time, a form of metaprogramming, namely aspect-oriented programming, is now being used by some practitioners. This paper is an attempt to understand the limitations of different forms of computational reflection in concurrent and distributed computing. It specifically studies the use of aspect-oriented programming and reflective actor libraries, and their relation to full reflection. We choose distributed monitoring as the primary example application because its requirements nicely fit the abilities of the two systems as well as illustrate their limitations.
H I Self-Absorption and the Kinematic Distance Ambiguity: The Case of the Molecular Cloud GRSMC 45.6+0.3

We report on a three-dimensional (l, b, VLSR) physical association of H I self-absorption with 13CO emission toward the Galactic molecular cloud GRSMC 45.6+0.3. Photochemical models indicate that a significant column density of cool (T 25 K) H I exists in the skins (Av 2) of typical Galactic molecular clouds. The H I self-absorption can thus be produced by the cool cloud skin absorbing the warm (TSPIN ~ 100 K) background H I emission that is ubiquitously distributed throughout the Galaxy. Liszt, Burton, and Bania have suggested that because cool H I in a molecular cloud will absorb warmer H I background line emission, H I self-absorption can be used to resolve the kinematic distance ambiguity for molecular clouds in the inner Galaxy. Clouds at the near distance should show H I self-absorption, whereas clouds at the far distance will not since there is no background to absorb. The near kinematic distance of 1.8 kpc for the GRSMC 45.6+0.3 molecular cloud is independently confirmed by its morphological correlation with foreground optical extinction.
Association of stressful life events with accelerated bone loss in older men: the osteoporotic fractures in men (MrOS) study.

Summary Prior studies suggest an association between stressful life events and fractures that may be mediated by BMD. In the current study, risk of accelerated hip BMD loss was higher in older men with any type of stressful life event and increased with the number of types of stressful life events.
Proteolytic processing of micronuclear H3 and histone phosphorylation during conjugation in Tetrahymena thermophila.

Abstract During vegetative growth, micronuclei of the ciliated protozoan Tetrahymena thermophila contain two electrophoretically distinct forms of H3, H3 S and H3 F [4, 5]. Of these two forms, H3 F is unique to micronuclear chromatin and is derived from H3 S by a physiologically regulated proteolytic processing event [5]. While the function of this processing event is not clear, several lines of evidence [2, 5] suggest that it may be related to chromatin condensation during mitosis. In this report pulse-chase experiments have been used to study the processing of H3 S into H3 F during the sexual phase of the life cycle, conjugation. Our results demonstrate that even though micronuclei divide mitotically (and meiotically) several times during the mating process, processing of H3 S into H3 F does not occur. Failure of H3 S to be converted into H3 F during these divisions causes a significant increase in the amount of H3 S (relative to H3 F ) as conjugation proceeds. By 10 h of conjugation, essentially all of the micronuclear H3 is in the form of H3 S (also see [3]). As long as mating cells are maintained under starvation conditions, processing of H3 S into H3 F does not occur. However, if exconjugants are returned to food and allowed to proceed through the first true cell division following exconjugation, processing of H3 S into H3 F occurs. Thus, the return of the processing of H3 3 into H3 F following conjugation seems to be tightly coupled to a divsion which is part of a cell division cycle (as appears to be the case with vegetatively growing cells). The relevancy of these results to the differentiation of new macro- and micronuclei is discussed. H3 F is specifically phosphorylated in growing cells, and it has been suggested that this phosphorylation event may be related to chromatin condensation during mitosis [2]. Since in mating cells H3 S becomes the more predominant form of H3, the pattern of histone phosphorylation was examined during stages of conjugation where micronuclei are active in mitotic division (6–7 h). While a low level of phosphate label is observed over H3 S in mating cells, more phosphate label is associated with the small amount of H3 F which remains in micronuclei at this stage of conjugation. We also observe significant amounts of phosphate label associated with micronuclear H2A, H2B, and H4 and each of the micronuclear H1-like molecules, α, β and γ.
Stabilization of myelin mRNAs as measured in a brain slice system

The stabilization and destabilization of myelin mRNA is increasingly recognized as a major control point in regulating myelin gene expression. A brain slice system was developed and characterized to study mRNA stability in actively myelinating oligodendrocytes. The mRNA half-life of a major CNS myelin protein, proteolipid protein (PLP), was measured to be 5 hr. The half-life of another CNS myelin protein mRNA, myelin basic protein (MBP), was measured to be greater than 12 hr. A long half-life for MBP mRNA is consistent with MBP mRNA being stable long enough to be translocated to the myelin internode where it is then translated. Using semi-quantitative reverse transcriptase-PCR, it was determined that there was no differential stabilization between the two major PLP mRNA isoforms, PLP and DM20. It was also determined that protein synthesis was required for the specific stabilization of PLP/DM20 mRNAs. Inasmuch as PLP is a major structural protein of the CNS myelin, the PLP/DM20 mRNAs have relatively short half-lives. However, the PLP/DM20 mRNAs half-lives may be increased by the action of trans-acting factors that are themselves very labile.
Metabolomic derangements are associated with mortality in critically ill adult patients.

Objective To identify metabolomic biomarkers predictive of Intensive Care Unit (ICU) mortality in adults.
Spin-spin coupling of 95,97-molybdenum to 31-phosphorus in pentacarbonylmolybdenum phosphine complexes

The only nuclei which have been reported to couple to 9s'9?Mo are 19F in MoF6 (i) and i~0 in molybdate ion (2). In neither case were the two isotopic couplings resolved. In the Table are listed the first reported examples of Ij9s'97Mo31P couplings for ten (OC)sMoL complexes. Because I = 5/2 for each of these molybdenum isotopes and both are of comparable abundance (gSMo, 15.72% and 97Mo, 9.461, respectively), the alp nmr spectrum decoupled from other nmr-active nuclei should consist of a main singlet with two sets of satellites, each set being composed of six peaks of equal intensity. Although the resolution of such sets of satellites has been reported for 1J63'~SCu31p in {Cu[P(OMe)3]4}CIO~ (3). Ijt11'I13Cd31P in {CdI2[P(~-Bu)3]2} (4) and iJllT'119Sn31p in {SnCI~[P(n-Bu)3]2} (4), for example, the closeness of the magnetic moments for 9SMo (-0.9099) and 97Mo (-0.9290), and the breadth of the satellite peaks (20 Hz at half height in the best cases) preclude resolution of the satellite sets which are expected to differ in J value by only 3 to 6 Hz in this coupling
Studies of muscle development. IV. Some characteristics of RNA polymerase activity in isolated nuclei from developing chick muscle

1. 1. Nuclei isolated from developing chick leg muscle in a solution of 2.2 M sucrose, 0.003 M MgCl2 retain morphological characteristics found in fixed tissue. The RNA/DNA ratio in the nuclei decreases from 0.39 in the 11-day embryo to 0.19 at 18 days of development. 2. 2. RNA polymerase (nucleoside triphosphate: RNA nucleotidyl transferase, EC 2.7.7.6) activity was measured in the intact nuclei and Mg2+-activated enzyme activity was found to change little during muscle development. In contrast, enzyme activity assayed in the presence of Mn2+ decreased by one half from 11 to 18 days of embryonic development. These differences in enzyme activity persisted after (NH4)2SO4 stimulation. 3. 3. The RNA product of this system was determined in vitro by comparing the relative incorporation of each of the four ribonucleotide triphosphates. The RNA synthesized in the presence of Mg2+ was rich in guanine resulting in UG ratios below 1.0, while the product of the Mn2+-activated system in the presence and absence of (NH4)2SO4 was high in uridine, giving UG ratios over 1.0. The UG ratio was also above 1.0 in the Mg2+ + (NH4)2SO4 system after long periods of incubation. 4. 4. Preliminary experiments suggest that the observed differences in RNA synthesis during development are the result of changes in enzyme content or activity rather than DNA template availability.
Kinetics of the Chromium(VI)/Thiourea Reaction in the Presence of Polyacrylamide

The formation of chromium(III)-polyacrylamide gels was followed kinetically using spectrophotometric methods. The rate of chromium(VI) species conversion by thiourea and bisulfite was monitored to find a kinetic model for the oxidation/reduction reaction. The third order model found here shows first-order dependence on chromium(VI) concentration on thiourea and on pH. Additional results of the thiourea study show that a constant amount of chromium(VI) is consumed at gelation regardless of the initial concentration of that species, indicating that the Cr(VI) reduction reaction may be the rate-determining step in gelation. No such model or constant conversion for the bisulfite-reduced reaction could be determined.
Biologic monitoring for urinary uranium in Gulf War I veterans

Abstract— Biologic monitoring for total uranium in urine of Gulf War I veterans concerned about past exposure to depleted uranium (DU) has been offered by the Departments of Veterans Affairs and Defense since the late 1990’s. DU, a component of U.S. munitions and tank armor, was first used during that conflict. Two hundred and twenty-seven veterans submitted samples for analysis from January 2000 through December 2002, which included a 24-h urine sample for determination of total urinary uranium concentration and completed questionnaires describing their wartime exposure experiences. Thirty questionnaire items characterizing DU exposure opportunities were collapsed into 19 exposure categories. Urine uranium (U) results were stratified into low and high uranium groups with 0.05 μg U g−1 creatinine as the cut point. Exposure scenarios in the high and low uranium groups were similar in frequency and type with only the presence of retained shrapnel being predictive of a high urine uranium value, as found in the first phase of this surveillance of 169 veterans performed prior to 2000. Twenty-two veterans exhibited U levels in the high range. Isotopic analysis, available for 21 of these 22, revealed that all but three of these samples contained natural and not depleted uranium. These three participants had retained DU shrapnel as a result of their past injuries. Thus, even with an enlarged cohort, elevated urine uranium values in the absence of retained DU fragments are unlikely. The utility of isotopic analysis to more fully characterize uranium biomonitoring results is also demonstrated. Health Phys.
Polysialic acid in the vertebrate nervous system: a promoter of plasticity in cell-cell interactions.

Abstract Polysialic acid (PSA), a homopolymer attached to the neural cell adhesion molecule (NCAM), serves as a modulator of cell interactions. Polysialic acid exhibits a highly regulated expression pattern. During embryonic development its abundant expression is closely correlated with axon pathfinding and targeting, and with certain aspects of muscle formation. Its level also can be altered by synaptic activity. During neonatal development and in the adult brain, PSA expression is more restricted, being primarily associated with regions capable of morphological or physiological plasticity. The ability to perturb PSA in vivo by a specific glycosidase and by the creation of NCAM-deficient mice has led to extensive analysis of its biological function. These studies suggest that the primary role of PSA is to promote changes in cell interactions and thereby facilitate plasticity in the structure and function of the nervous system. Trends Neurosci . (1996) 19, 422–427
Super-resolution microscopy by dielectric microcylinders

It is shown that super-resolution microscopy can be performed by using dielectric microcylinders. We used silica (n ~ 1.46) optical fibers, chemically etched down to ~ 7 μm diameter, placed on top of a commercial Blu-ray® disk. We clearly resolved one-dimensional arrays of 200 nm width stripes separated by 100 nm width grooves. Potential applications of this imaging technique include microfluidics and nanophotonics applications.
Progress and problems in gas-turbine combustion

In recent years the accumulation of reliable experimental data confirming the previously derived relationships between combustion-chamber dimensions; specific pressure loss; and the operating conditions of pressure, temperature, and velocity, has led to the formulation of design rules and to a much clearer appreciation of the most promising lines of research. At the present time, it is difficult to envisage areas in which fundamental research can make an effective contribution to combustion-chamber development, at least in the foreseeable future, but there is ample scope for applied research on ignition, fuel-injection methods, fluid-dynamic and heat-transfer processes, and modeling technics. Although research on these topics is unlikely to produce significant reductions in chamber size and pressure loss, it should lead to worthwhile improvements in terms of reduced size and weight of ignition equipment, elimination of exhaust smoke, longer flametube life, and to an outlet-temperature profile that is less sensitive to variations in engine operating conditions.
ROLE OF THE ENTEROHEPATIC CIRCULATION OF BILE SALTS IN LIPOPROTEIN METABOLISM

The enterohepatic circulation of bile salts and cholesterol plays a central role in maintaining whole body cholesterol homeostasis. Hepatic lipoprotein metabolism is reviewed and the role of disturbances in bile salt metabolism in the pathogenesis of dyslipidemias is discussed. Further, the manipulation of bile salt metabolism to treat dyslipidemia is reviewed.
Effects of age and size on development of allodynia in a chronic pain model produced by sciatic nerve ligation in rats

Sciatic nerve constriction injury in rats has been used by various investigators as a model of chronic pain exhibiting allodynia and hyperalgesia. Although rats ranging between 200 and 350 g (40-70 days old) at the time of operation have been used by various investigators, the effect of rat age and weight on the model has not been previously studied. We noted that a group of older rats failed to develop all the characteristics of the model and designed the present study to determine the effect of age and weight on the development of allodynia and hyperalgesia. Three groups of rats varying in age (54, 71, and 107 days) and weight (220-250 g, 270-350 g, and 370-470 g) with the experimental lesion were tested for hyperalgesia, cold allodynia, and tactile allodynia. We found that although the degree of hyperalgesia of all groups was the same, the oldest group had significantly longer response latencies to allodynia tests than the younger 2 groups. Responses to the cold test were no different than control in the oldest group. The results of the present study demonstrate that larger, older rats fail to develop allodynia after sciatic nerve ligation.
Does pornography-blocking software block access to health information on the Internet?

ContextThe Internet has become an important tool for finding health information, especially among adolescents. Many computers have software designed to block access to Internet pornography. Because pornography-blocking software cannot perfectly discriminate between pornographic and nonpornographic Web sites, such products may block access to health information sites, particularly those related to sexuality.ObjectiveTo quantify the extent to which pornography-blocking software used in schools and libraries limits access to health information Web sites.Design and SettingIn a simulation of adolescent Internet searching, we compiled search results from 24 health information searches (n = 3206) and 6 pornography searches (n = 781). We then classified the content of each site as either health information (n = 2467), pornography (n = 516), or other (n = 1004). We also compiled a list of top teen health information sites (n = 586). We then tested 6 blocking products commonly used in schools and libraries and 1 blocking product used on home computers, each at 2 or 3 levels of blocking restrictiveness.Main Outcome MeasureRates of health information and pornography blocking.ResultsAt the least restrictive blocking setting, configured to block only pornography, the products blocked a mean of only 1.4% of health information sites. The differences between blocking products was small (range, 0.6%-2.3%). However, about 10% of health sites found using some search terms related to sexuality (eg, safe sex, condoms) and homosexuality (eg, gay) were blocked. The mean pornography blocking rate was 87% (range, 84%-90%). At moderate settings, the mean blocking rate was 5% for health information and 90% for pornography. At the most restrictive settings, health information blocking increased substantially (24%), but pornography blocking was only slightly higher (91%).ConclusionsBlocking settings have a greater impact than choice of blocking product on frequency of health information blocking. At their least restrictive settings, overblocking of general health information poses a relatively minor impediment. However, searches on some terms related to sexuality led to substantially more health information blocking. More restrictive blocking configurations blocked pornography only slightly more, but substantially increased blocking of health information sites.
The contingent meaning of –ex brand names in English

The –ex string found in English product and company names (e.g., Kleenex, Timex and Virex), is investigated to discover whether this ending has consistent meaning across coined words and to observe any constraints on its attachment and interpretation. Seven hundred and ninety-three –exbrand name types were collected and examined, derived from American English texts in the Brown and Frown corpora as well as over 600 submissions to the US Patent and Trademark Office's Trademark Electronic Search System database (TESS); American native English speakers were also surveyed to assess interpretations of –ex meaning in brands. Analysis of these coined terms reveals that –ex meaning is contingent, reflecting assumptions by a given speaker of a referent's domain in a given time, region and culture. Yet, despite ambiguities in its interpretation, the –ex form shows increasing use.
Models of speciation by sexual selection on polygenic traits

Abstract The joint evolution of female mating preferences and secondary sexual characters of males is modeled for polygamous species in which males provide only genetic material to the next generation and females have many potential mates to choose among. Despite stabilizing natural selection on males, various types of mating preferences may create a runaway process in which the outcome of phenotypic evolution depends critically on the genetic variation parameters and initial conditions of a population. Even in the absence of genetic instability, rapid evolution can result from an interaction of natural and sexual selection with random genetic drift along lines of equilibria. The models elucidate genetic mechanisms that can initiate or contribute to rapid speciation by sexual isolation and divergence of secondary sexual characters.
The dynamic elastic properties of the canine left circumflex coronary artery

Abstract Pressure and diameter recordings were made from 12 excized, saline filled segments of the left circumflex coronary artery (LCCA), held at in vivo lengths. Diameter was recorded using an electrical caliper. Static and dynamic incremental moduli were computed and the results show the LCCA to have static and dynamic elastic properties consistent with those of other muscular arteries.
DBP binds to the proximal promoter and regulates liver-specific expression of the human angiotensinogen gene.

Angiotensinogen is the glycoprotein precursor of one of the most potent vasoactive hormones, angiotensin-II. It has been shown recently that an ATF like element (ALE) located between bases -102 and -87 of the human angiotensinogen gene plays an important role in liver specific expression of this gene and binds to CREB/ATF family of transcription factors and a novel factor (ALF). We show here that this sequence binds to the liver enriched transcription factor DBP and cotransfection of expression vector CMV-DBP increases the expression of reporter constructs containing this sequence. In addition, we show that transcription factor C/EBP-delta binds to this sequence and an expression vector containing C/EBP-delta coding region increases the expression of reporter constructs containing this sequence. Since DBP is involved in circadian rhythm, our studies suggest that this sequence may be involved in circadian expression of the human angiotensinogen gene.
EFFECT OF DIVIDED CALCIUM INTAKE ON URINARY CALCIUM EXCRETION

Abstract Administration of milk to three normal adults in six divided doses during the day produced greater twenty-four-hour urinary calcium excretion than the same amount of milk given in a single daily dose. There were no significant differences in urinary excretion of phosphorus, creatinine, sodium, or uric acid, but urinary magnesium excretion was significantly increased in two of the subjects.
A lunar differentiation model in light of new chemical data on Luna 20 and Apollo 16 soils

Fines from a Luna 20 soil sample and from three Apollo 16 deep drill core samples have been analyzed for major-minor element abundances by a combined, semi-micro atomic absorption spectrophotometric and colorimetric method. Both the major element and large ion lithophile trace element abundances in these soils, the first from interior highland sites, are greatly influenced by the very high normative plagioclase content, being distinctly richer in Al and Ca, and poorer in K, P, Cr, Mn, Fe, and Ti, than most bulk soil samples from previous lunar missions. The relatively large compositional variations in the Apollo 16 core can be ascribed almost entirely to decreasing plagioclase with increasing depth. The chemical composition of the Luna 20 soil indicates less plagioclase and less KREEP than in the Apollo 16 soils. A lunar differentiation model is presented in which is made the suggestion that KREEP is the result of a second fusion event in a lunar crust consisting of early feldspathic cumulates and primary aluminous 'liquid.'
Algorithm for comprehensive approach to hypospadias reoperation using 3 techniques

Purpose: We describe comprehensive hypospadias reoperation based on presence or absence of a supple urethral plate using the 3 surgical techniques of transurethral incised plate, 1-stage inlay graft and 2-stage buccal graft.Materials and Methods: We reviewed prospective data from all reoperative hypospadias urethroplasties performed by one of us (WTS) between 2000 and 2008. Patient age, number of operations, indications for additional surgery, meatal location, reoperative surgical technique and outcomes were extracted.Results: A total of 133 patients underwent reoperation by transurethral incised plate (69), 1-stage inlay graft (16) or 2-stage buccal graft (48) urethroplasty. Mean number of prior failed repairs was 1.1, 1.9 and 4.3, respectively. Followup was available in 121 patients (91%), with 90 (74%) undergoing 1 successful reoperative urethroplasty. Complications occurred in 19%, 15% and 38% of patients, respectively, and most often consisted of fistulas or glans dehiscence.Conclusions: Hypospadias ...
Long-term effects of pregnancy and parturition upon maternal responsiveness in the rat

Abstract Latency to retrieve and group rat pups was measured in nonlactating primiparous and nulliparous rats. Primiparous females that raised litters to weaning and were tested for responsiveness to donor's pups 25 days postweaning exhibited an immediate onset of maternal responsiveness. The 21 day lactation period was found not be essential for the establishment of this level of responsiveness, since animals that experienced pregnancy and parturition, and interacted with their young for 1– 1 1 2 hr during parturition also retrieved and grouped pups immediately when tested 25 days postpartum. The establishment of this behavioral response in the newly parturient animal was found to be independent of lactogenesis and the presence of the ovaries during parturition. Virgin females with or without previous pup exposure, animals caesarean sectioned on Day 22 of pregnancy, and primiparous females whose pups were removed immediately at birth did not exhibit this level of maternal responsiveness immediately when tested later in adulthood. The data suggest that an organization of maternal behavioral responsiveness occurs during parturition in the rat.