cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Stoichiometric studies of the renal outer cortical brush border membrane D-glucose transporter.

The stoichiometric properties of the renal outer cortical brush-border membraned-glucose transporter are studied. Experiments which establish the glucose/sodium, glucose/phlorizin and phlorizin/sodium stoichiometries are reported. Three independent methods of determining the substrate/activator (glucose/sodium) stoichiometry for coupled transport systems are presented and discussed. One of these, the “Static Head Method,” is introduced here for the first time. This type of experiment appears to be more generally applicable than the usual procedure of directly measuring the coupled fluxes of substrate and activator to determine stoichiometric coupling ratios. The results presented in this paper demonstrate that the glucose/sodium/phlorizin stoichiometry of the renal outer cortical brush-border membraned-glucose transport system is 1∶1∶1.
Python graphics for the classroom

The benefits of using graphics and image processing to help illustrate and reinforce basic programming concepts in introductory courses is well known. But with the increasing popularity of using Python in the introductory courses, instructors may find the standard Python graphics package is too complex and difficult for beginning students. This workshop will introduce and provide hands-on experience in using a new Python graphics module that was designed with an emphasis on its use in the classroom. Participants will work through a variety of exercises from very basic shape drawing and image processing to more advanced animation examples.
From Thinking About What Might Have Been to Sharing What We Know: The Role of Counterfactual Mind-Sets in Information Sharing in Groups

We hypothesized that the activation of a counterfactual mind-set minimizes group decision errors that result when a group relies on its members to share uniquely held information. In two experiments, groups were exposed to one of two pre-task scenarios in which the salience of counterfactual thoughts was manipulated. Subsequently they engaged in a murder mystery task. In both experiments, counterfactual mind-sets increased the discussion of uniquely held information and increased the likelihood of choosing the correct suspect. In addition, the number of counterfactual thoughts predicted both the discussion of unique information and decision accuracy. These results emerged regardless of whether the direction of the counterfactual thoughts was upward (Experiment 1) or downward (Experiment 2), suggesting that it is the process of thinking counterfactually and not the content of the counterfactuals that facilitated group decision making.
Avoiding an uncertain catastrophe: climate change mitigation under risk and wealth heterogeneity.

For environmental problems such as climate change, uncertainty about future conditions makes it difficult to know what the goal of mitigation efforts should be, and inequality among the affected parties makes it hard for them to know how much they each should do toward reaching the goal. We examine the effects of scientific uncertainty and wealth inequality in experiments where subjects decide how much to contribute toward reducing a common threat. We also explore how the framing of uncertainty affects collective action. Our results suggest that uncertainty lowers contributions, but contributions remain surprisingly high even in treatments with a variable loss probability, where such behavior is individually suboptimal (and where the underlying game is a prisoner’s dilemma). Further, we find that the characterization of uncertainty is crucial and that inequality need not lower contributions at all.
Developing a Low-Cost, Portable Virtual Environment for Aircraft Carrier Launch Officers

The primary purpose of a United States aircraft carrier is to transport its embarked air wing in order to project combat power through the launch and recovery of various aircraft. In order to get airborne, the air wing depends upon the skills of a small number of officers responsible for the safe and rapid launch of aircraft from the carrier deck. These officers, known as “shooters”, receive initial classroom training on the systems they use then receive qualification to be launch officers through on-the-job training. Due to scheduling complexities the training to achieve qualification is disjointed and often requires trainees to go underway with different aircraft carriers to complete their training. The current approach results in burdens on the parent command, host commands, and the trainees. Of greater concern is the lack of consistency in the training of such a high risk activity. This paper describes the results of a job task analysis conducted to provide insights into the skills required to perform...
Potential effects of LNG trade shift on transfer of ballast water and biota by ships.

Abstract As the US natural gas surplus grows, so does the prospect of establishing new trade partnerships with buyers abroad, a process that has major consequences for global ship movement and ballast water delivery. Since US annual imports of liquefied natural gas (LNG) peaked in 2004–2007, the country is rapidly transitioning from net importer to net exporter of LNG. Combining multiple datasets, we estimated changes in the associated flux of ships' ballast water to the US during 2015–2040, using existing scenarios for projected exports of domestic LNG by ships. Our analysis of the current market (2015) scenario predicts an approximate 90-fold annual increase in LNG-related ballast water discharge to the US by 2040 (42 million m3), with the potential to be even greater under high oil prices. We also described changes in geographic connectivity related to trade direction. These findings highlight how 21st century global energy markets could dramatically alter opportunities for seaborne introductions and invasions by nonnative species.
Racial and ethnic differences in mental healthcare utilization consistent with potentially effective care: The role of patient preferences.

Abstract Objective Ethnic minorities are less likely than Whites to initiate and continue mental healthcare. Minorities also prefer non-medical approaches to address mental health issues. We evaluated sector-type as a modifier of the association of race/ethnicity with service utilization for mental health. We hypothesized that minorities utilize non-mental health sectors at rates consistent with guidelines and similar to Whites. Methods We examined data from the Collaborative Psychiatric Epidemiologic Studies (CPES) (n=3803). We used logistic regression to assess the association of race/ethnicity with utilization consistent with potentially effective care across sectors—psychiatry, medical, non-medical mental health, human services, and spiritual. Results Asians [OR: 0.56 CI: 0.39, 0.82] and Blacks [OR: 0.74 CI: 0.60, 0.92] had lower odds of having ≥1 visit compared to Whites. Blacks also had lower odds of ≥4 [OR: 0.66 CI: 0.50, 0.87] and ≥12 visits [OR: 0.58 CI: 0.41, 0.83]. Sector-type modified these associations. Compared to Whites, Asians [OR: 0.49 CI: 0.30, 0.82] and Blacks [OR: 0.71 CI: 0.54, 0.94] had lower odds of ≥1 visit to the medical sector. Asians had lower odds of seeing psychiatrists for ≥8 visits [OR: 0.15 CI: 0.04, 0.54] and ≥12 visits [OR: 0.21 CI: 0.06, 0.77]. Asians and Blacks demonstrated similar utilization to Whites in non-medical mental health and spiritual settings. Conclusion Racial/ethnic differences in utilization consistent with treatment guidelines are ameliorated in sectors preferred by minorities.
Estimation of breast dose reduction potential for organ-based tube current modulated CT with wide dose reduction arc

This study aimed to estimate the organ dose reduction potential for organ-dose-based tube current modulated (ODM) thoracic CT with wide dose reduction arc. Twenty-one computational anthropomorphic phantoms (XCAT, age range: 27– 75 years, weight range: 52.0-105.8 kg) were used to create a virtual patient population with clinical anatomic variations. For each phantom, two breast tissue compositions were simulated: 50/50 and 20/80 (glandular-to-adipose ratio). A validated Monte Carlo program was used to estimate the organ dose for standard tube current modulation (TCM) (SmartmA, GE Healthcare) and ODM (GE Healthcare) for a commercial CT scanner (Revolution, GE Healthcare) with explicitly modeled tube current modulation profile, scanner geometry, bowtie filtration, and source spectrum. Organ dose was determined using a typical clinical thoracic CT protocol. Both organ dose and CTDIvol-to-organ dose conversion coefficients (h factors) were compared between TCM and ODM. ODM significantly reduced all radiosensitive organ doses (p<0.01). The breast dose was reduced by 30±2%. For h factors, organs in the anterior region (e.g. thyroid, stomach) exhibited substantial decreases, and the medial, distributed, and posterior region either saw an increase or no significant change. The organ-dose-based tube current modulation significantly reduced organ doses especially for radiosensitive superficial anterior organs such as the breasts.
Reenergizing CS0 in China

As early as 1997, the Ministry of Education (MOE) of China published Document Number 155, which emphasized the importance of computing in college education regardless of discipline. As a required course for all majors, CS0 “College Computers” has been taken by around six million students each year since then. However, due to the lack of appropriate materials for the course, some professors taught students how to use computer tools, and others taught students programming skills.
LDL cholesterol level in fifth-grade schoolchildren associates with stature

Short stature is associated with increased LDL-cholesterol levels and coronary artery disease in adults. We investigated the relationship of stature to LDL levels in children in the West Virginia Coronary Artery Risk Detection in Appalachian Communities (CARDIAC) Project to determine whether the genetically determined inverse relationship observed in adults would be evident in fifth graders. A cross-sectional survey of schoolchildren was assessed for cardiovascular risk factors. Data collected at school screenings over 18 years in WV schools were analyzed for 63,152 fifth-graders to determine relationship of LDL to stature with consideration of age, gender, and BMI. The first (shortest) quartile showed an LDL level of 93.6 mg/dl compared with an LDL level of 89.7 mg/dl for the fourth (tallest) quartile. Each incremental increase of 1 SD of height lowered LDL by 0.049 mg/dl (P
3D Printing Technologies

The first three-dimensional (3D) printing technology was invented in the early 1980s to fill the need for rapid engineering of design prototypes. The process, also known as “rapid prototyping” and “additive manufacturing,” widely expanded in the fields of architecture and manufacturing in the 1990s. Today there is a multitude of diverse 3D printing technologies that can manufacture objects using a vast array of materials, from thermoplastics and polymers to metal, capable of fulfilling most engineering and design needs. Medical applications of 3D printing have gained tremendous momentum in the last 5 years and are now used daily in hospitals and private practices around the globe. This chapter will assist the clinical practice with the informed investment in a 3D printing technology based on specific clinical needs.
Outcomes of a specialized interdisciplinary approach for cancer patients with aberrant opioid-related behavior: A preliminary report.

212Background: Data on the development and outcomes of effective interventions to address aberrant opioid-related behavior (AB) in cancer patients is lacking. Our outpatient supportive care clinic ...
Performance and Robustness Measures

A theory of design tradeoffs requires broadly applicable measures of cost, performance, stability, and robustness. This chapter introduces the key measures of performance. The following chapters apply these measures to the analysis of particular systems.
Atomistic Modelling of Phosphopeptide Recognition for Modular Domains

Abstract This review aims at discussing the molecular details of binding specificity, promiscuity and mechanisms of phosphopeptide recognition to modular domains using computational tools. Protein–phosphoprotein interactions are the driving forces that underline multiple signalling events which are important in cellular function. Understanding protein–phosphopeptide recognition assists designing phosphopeptide sequences as inhibitors to manipulate protein–protein interactions for cell biology studies and therapeutics. Notably, the modular domain–phosphopeptide binding is mostly promiscuous and weak binding, which significantly differs from most protein–ligand binding systems used for drug design. In this chapter, we review recent advances in computational work for modular domain–phosphopeptide binding and knowledge gained for their binding mechanisms. We discuss the phosphopeptide binding of modular domains in DNA damage responses, FHA and BRCT, the smallest modular domain WW and the tyrosine kinase binding domain, such as Cbl–TKB that recognizes phosphotyrosine. We also discuss challenges and possible future directions for improving peptide design as inhibitors for phosphoprotein–protein binding.
Long-Term Behavioral Group Psychotherapy

This chapter proposes a new integrative model of long-term process-oriented behavioral group psychotherapy. This new model integrates clinical insights from interpersonal process-oriented group psychotherapy (Yalom, 1975) with previously delineated behavioral group therapy (Rose, 1977; Upper & Ross, 1979). This model of treatment intervention is proposed for individuals with complex clinical syndromes (e.g., agoraphobia), entrenched chronic difficulties (e.g., chronic depression, morbid obesity, individuals with “characterological” interpersonal difficulties), or for those who are profoundly disabled (e.g., communication/interpersonal skills deficits of schizophrenics). This model is also relevant for individuals with less “profound” psychological or behavioral disability, although the individual’s length of treatment might be expected to be briefer. Such open-ended groups accept new members as needed and available and graduate members as they accomplish therapeutic goals. Thus, the group takes on a life of its own, independent of the participation of any particular member(s) or even leader(s). The long-term open-ended nature of these groups, degree of disability of their members, and changing membership over time lead to an unfolding of group processes that may be understood and managed.
Early Identification of Psychosis in Schools

Although psychosis is less common among children and adolescents relative to other mental health concerns, early identification and intervention in the course of psychotic illness can have a long-lasting impact on recovery and functioning. This chapter provides an overview of what is known about the appearance and course of early-onset psychotic disorders. Best-practice assessment and intervention strategies, including pharmacological, behavioral, and family-based interventions, are reviewed. We highlight the potential contributions of school-based services throughout our discussion of treatment components. This chapter will likely be helpful for school-based providers who encounter a child experiencing psychotic symptoms across a range of diagnoses.
The impact of the US/Mexico border region and concentrations of Mexican-Americans on Mexican-American earnings

The purpose of this dissertation was to investigate the determinants of geographic wage differentials as they apply particularly to Mexican-Americans. Two questions are asked. (1) Is there a U.S./Mexico border/nonborder wage differential? (2) Are compensating wage differentials important in the wage structure of Mexican-Americans?;The first question has already been addressed in the literature, but the analysis suggested in this study overcomes some of the potential problems found in earlier studies. The second question analyzes the possibility of compensating wage differentials (in the context of the Hedonic Model) that could be due to either the distance that Mexican-Americans are located from the Mexican border or the concentration of Mexican-Americans in the SMSAs they live in. The major data source used is the 1970 Census of Population data;The findings in this study suggest no evidence of a real or nominal border/nonborder earnings differential when socioeconomic characteristics are controlled for. However, when subdivisions are made on the aggregate data, a nominal earnings differential is found for Mexican-Americans, in particular for Mexican-Americans from the east (this area excludes California SMSAs). This differential, however, disappears when real earnings are studied;This is no clear evidence that compensating wage differentials are important in the wage structure of Mexican-Americans. Distance from the border shows no effect as a compensating differential. The concentration of Mexican-Americans in an SMSA is negative as expected, but there are conflicting interpretations of this result. Specifically, this variable may pick up other noncompensating effects such as discrimination and illegal alien effects;The policy implications of this research would suggest that any program designed to increase earnings along the border may be counterproductive since it would be raising wages which otherwise appear to be in approximate balance. On the other hand, if SMSAs with high concentrations of Mexican-Americans (MA) are used, then future research should be geared to determining the sources of the negative MA effect on earnings.
Augmented Sparse Representation Classifier for Blurred Face Recognition

The sparse representation classifier (SRC) has been developed to offer a formulation to the face recognition problem under scene dependent conditions, such as illumination/pose variations, occlusion, and disguise. However, this method has not considered image quality degradations resulting from capture, such as blur, under the same scene variations. In this work, we explore the performance of the well-known face recognition framework SRC in the presence of Gaussian blur in both constrained and unconstrained environments. Finally, we propose an augmented SRC (ASRC) framework to improve the performance of the original SRC in the presence of Gaussian blur, while preserving its robustness to scene dependent variations.
Sex-specific outcome disparities in patients receiving continuous-flow left ventricular assist devices: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Continuous-flow left ventricular assist devices (CF-LVADs) decrease mortality and improve quality of life in patients with advanced heart failure (HF). Their widespread utilization has led to concerns regarding increased adverse effects, especially in women. Nevertheless, sex-specific data remain limited. We searched Medline, Embase, Scopus, and the Cochrane Library for publications reporting sex-specific outcomes after CF-LVADs from January 2008 through January 2017. Outcomes were compared under the random-effects model and heterogeneity examined via χ test and I statistics. A total of 10 studies including 4,493 CF-LVAD recipients were included in the analysis (23.5% women). The overall rate of stroke was significantly higher in women (odds ratio [OR] 1.94; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.32-2.84; p = 0.0007). This was true for ischemic strokes (OR 2.03; 95% CI 1.21-3.42; p = 0.008) and hemorrhagic strokes (OR 2.03; 95% CI 1.21-3.42; p = 0.008). Women were also more likely to develop right HF necessitating right ventricular assist device (RVAD) implantation (OR 2.12; 95% CI 1.08-4.15; p = 0.03). Other adverse events including renal failure, bleeding, and device-related infection were comparable for both genders. The overall mortality while on CF-LVAD was similar in both groups (OR 1.05; 95% CI 0.81-1.36; p = 0.71). Our analysis suggests that women are at greater risk of significant complications such as cerebrovascular events and right HF necessitating RVAD after CF-LVAD implantation. Further research is needed to better understand the mechanisms underlying these sex-specific outcome disparities.
Thermally grown copper nanowire electrodes modified by electropolymerization

Abstract Controlled electrosynthesis of poly(N-ethylaniline) (PNEA) layer is demonstrated on copper nanowires supported by a copper foil. Copper nanowires were grown by thermal oxidation/reduction of copper foil support. Potentiodynamic electropolymerization provides control over morphology resulting in the formation of polymer layer on copper nanowire electrode showing stable adhesion and homogeneous deposition. The resulting polymer coating can support electrochemically active metal nanoparticles (NPs) that can be introduced in a separate step. Here, we chose copper nanoparticles as electrocatalyst. The Cu NP/PNEA/Cu nanowire electrode was characterized for glucose and methanol electrochemical oxidation to demonstrate the versatility of the polymer-coated copper nanowire structure for electrochemical reactions in aqueous solution.
Legacies of Past Land Use on the Southern Cumberland Plateau

Prior land use and soil legacies related to land use continue to play a significant role in ecosystem structure and functioning in the eastern deciduous forest. On the surface of the southern Cumberland Plateau in Tennessee, abandoned agricultural and home sites are characterized by unusual assemblages of tree species and ground cover, as well as light artifact scatters. To better understand the legacies of past land use on soil properties and forest composition in this region, we intensively sampled three home sites that were abandoned more than 70 y ago and compared them to adjacent forest controls. The home sites had significantly higher concentrations (soil A horizons) for eight of the fourteen elements studied. After examining our plots in ordination space by soil variables, we found that surface soil calcium and phosphorus concentrations were negatively associated to control plots and were the best indicators of intensive human disturbance. Sourwood (Oxydendrum arboreum) had the highest importance value in the control forest, and the 23rd highest importance value at the home sites. There were 34 different species encountered at the home sites, including many species usually found at lower elevations in limestone-derived soils (e.g., Celtis occidentalis, Juglans nigra, Viburnum rufidulum, Fraxinus spp.). We recovered historic artifacts and charcoal from surface soils at all three sites, and prehistoric artifacts were found at two sites. Abandoned home sites are common throughout the eastern deciduous forest and evidence from this study indicates that land use legacies continue to influence forest dynamics several decades after anthropogenic inputs ceased.
ENTROPY, SYNERGY AND ECONOMIC CHANGE

In economics, as in many other social and physical sciences, man is confronted with complex systems, which can be researched from various perspectives. One may investigate the functions of individual parts or analyse a given structure as a whole. The science of economics exists in an inseparable symbiosis with the social and physical environment and vice versa. This fact makes any connecting links between them important.
Fishes and invertebrates of oil and gas platforms off California: an introduction and summary

This paper serves as an introduction to a symposium on the role that California oil and gas platforms serve as habitats for fishes and invertebrates. As of 2019, there are 27 platforms in state and federal waters off California, and the decommissioning of some of these platforms is imminent. Thus, consideration of whether to completely remove a platform or cut it off at some depth below the sea surface and retain the submerged portion as a reef is a decision that will occur in the near future. The objectives of the 10 papers in this dedicated issue of the Bulletin of Marine Science are to: (1) increase scientific understanding of the inter- and intrarelationships of fish and invertebrate populations at offshore oil and gas platforms and natural reefs within the Southern California Bight; (2) determine the extent of influence of platform assemblages on southern California and the Pacific coast populations of fishes and invertebrates; and (3) synthesize relevant reports, existing peer-reviewed literature, and new data analyses into a single peer-reviewed reference. This introductory paper contains a synopsis of all extant California platforms including information on: (1) the original operator, (2) the current operator of records, (3) the date the platform was installed, (4) the first production date, (5) the platform's distance from shore [including whether it is state or outer continental shelf (OCS) waters], (6) the bottom depth of the platform, (7) the number of well slots, (8) the number of conductors, (9) what the platform produces (oil and/or gas), (10) the platform jacket dimensions [generally at the seafloor (bottom)], (11) the platform's footprint, (12) the midwater surface area, (13) the total removal weight, (14) the platform location, (15) the shell mound size, (16) the shell mound volume, (17) the shell mound height, (18) the center of the shell mound location, and (19) the bottom slope. In addition, we present an overview of all previous research on the biology and ecology of California platform organisms.
Compact readout of large CLYC scintillators with silicon photomultipler arrays

Abstract Compact readout of a large ( 5 × 5 × 5 cm 3 ) CLYC scintillator was demonstrated with a 8 × 8 array of 6mm silicon photomultipliers (SiPMs, specifically, a SensL ArrayJ-60035-64P) and an optimized amplification and summing circuit. Read out by the SiPM array, the crystal yielded an energy resolution of 5.5% at 662 keV and a figure of merit of 3.5, equivalent to the performance achieved with a 3-inch Hamamatsu R6233-100 PMT. To reduce channel count and avoid individual amplification of each SiPM in the array, the standard outputs of 16 SiPMs were passively summed then amplified. A current feedback amplifier was used for each channel to provide the required fast response time. The four amplified channels were then passively summed resulting in a single signal channel. A custom laboratory setup, based on the PSD8C ASIC, was used to capture the output and provide time-gated integration for PSD computation. The compact volume, low bias voltage, and reduced mass of the SiPM array readout are desirable for space and national security applications.
Mestizo modernity: race, technology and the body in postrevolutionary Mexico

David Dalton’s Mestizo Modernity uses the figure of the cyborg as a lens through which to view the postrevolutionary Mexican modernization project. He argues, as have many others, that the state im...
Delta variants of SARS-CoV-2 cause significantly increased vaccine breakthrough COVID-19 cases in Houston, Texas.

Genetic variants of SARS-CoV-2 have repeatedly altered the course of the COVID-19 pandemic. Delta variants of concern are now the focus of intense international attention because they are causing widespread COVID-19 disease globally and are associated with vaccine breakthrough cases. We sequenced the genomes of 16,965 SARS-CoV-2 from samples acquired March 15, 2021 through September 20, 2021 in the Houston Methodist hospital system. This sample represents 91% of all Methodist system COVID-19 patients during the study period. Delta variants increased rapidly from late April onward to cause 99.9% of all COVID-19 cases and spread throughout the Houston metroplex. Compared to all other variants combined, Delta caused a significantly higher rate of vaccine breakthrough cases (23.7% for Delta compared to 6.6% for all other variants combined). Importantly, significantly fewer fully vaccinated individuals required hospitalization. Individuals with vaccine breakthrough cases caused by Delta had a low median PCR cycle threshold (Ct) value (a proxy for high virus load). This value was closely similar to the median Ct value for unvaccinated patients with COVID-19 caused by Delta variants, suggesting that fully vaccinated individuals can transmit SARS-CoV-2 to others. Patients infected with Alpha and Delta variants had several significant differences. Our integrated analysis emphasizes that vaccines used in the United States are highly effective in decreasing severe COVID-19 disease, hospitalizations, and deaths.
Use of induced pluripotent stem cells to model inflammatory neurodegeneration and repair in multiple sclerosis

Abstract Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a neuroinflammatory condition characterized by demyelination and neurodegeneration. Currently, the pathogenesis of MS is not well understood. Animal experiments have previously been used to model the mechanisms behind CNS repair in MS, but interspecies differences pose limitations to studying the disease process in humans. Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) have more recently generated great enthusiasm as a mechanism to model neuroinflammatory conditions with findings that translate well to humans. Challenges of modeling MS with iPSCs include lack of known genetic variants in oligodendrocytes and neurons, limited supply of cell lines, and varying disease phenotypes present in MS patients. The purpose of this chapter is to outline the progress of using iPSCs to model MS, discuss the challenges within the field, and highlight future directions for modeling MS with iPSCs.
Using GP to Model Contextual Human Behavior

This paper describes a new approach that automatically builds human behavior models for simulated agents by observing human performance. This research synergistically combines Context-Based Reasoning, a paradigm especially developed to model tactical human performance within simulated agents, with Genetic Programming that is able to construct the behavior knowledge in accordance to the Context-Based Reasoning paradigm.
Evidence that coupling sequences play a frequency-determining role in conjugative transposition of Tn916 in Enterococcus faecalis.

The conjugative transposon Tn916 (encodes resistance to tetracycline), originally identified in Enterococcus faecalis, moves by an excision-insertion process in which the rate-limiting step is believed to be excision. Individual transposon-containing strains exhibit characteristic mating frequencies which range over several orders of magnitude; the basis of this phenomenon is addressed in the present study. We were able to generate independent single-copy insertions in identical target locations and with similar orientations within a plasmid hemolysin determinant (cylA); however, transposition from this site occurred at very different frequencies (10(-8) to 10(-4) per donor) depending on the individual isolate. DNA sequencing analyses showed that the coupling (junction) sequences differed between isolates and thus appeared to be responsible for differences in excision frequencies. Other experiments showed that inducible transcription into either end of the transposon had no significant effect on transfer. Images
Regulatory Logic of Pan-Neuronal Gene Expression in C. elegans

While neuronal cell types display an astounding degree of phenotypic diversity, most if not all neuron types share a core panel of terminal features. However, little is known about how pan-neuronal expression patterns are genetically programmed. Through an extensive analysis of the cis-regulatory control regions of a battery of pan-neuronal C. elegans genes, including genes involved in synaptic vesicle biology and neuropeptide signaling, we define a common organizational principle in the regulation of pan-neuronal genes in the form of a surprisingly complex array of seemingly redundant, parallel-acting cis-regulatory modules that direct expression to broad, overlapping domains throughout the nervous system. These parallel-acting cis-regulatory modules are responsive to a multitude of distinct trans-acting factors. Neuronal gene expression programs therefore fall into two fundamentally distinct classes. Neuron-type-specific genes are generally controlled by discrete and non-redundantly acting regulatory inputs, while pan-neuronal gene expression is controlled by diverse, coincident and seemingly redundant regulatory inputs.
Oscillation of first order delay differential equations

We introduce a new technique to analyze the generalized characteristic equations to obtain some infinite integral conditions for oscillation of the nonautonomous delay differential equations.
Mis-Regulation of 3-Deoxy-d-Arabino-Heptulosonate 7-Phosphate Synthetase Does Not Account for Growth Inhibition by Phenylalanine in Agmenellum quadruplicatum

The growth of the blue-green bacterium, Agmenellum quadruplicatum, is inhibited in the presence of l-phenylalanine. This species has a single, constitutively synthesized 3-deoxy-d-arabino-heptulosonate 7-phosphate (DAHP) synthetase. l-Phenylalanine inhibits DAHP synthetase non-competitively with respect to both substrate reactants. Other aromatic amino acids do not inhibit the activity of DAHP synthetase. A common expectation for branch-point enzymes such as DAHP synthetase is a balanced pattern of feedback control by all of the ultimate end products. It seemed likely that growth inhibition might equate with defective regulation within the branched aromatic pathway. Accordingly, the possibility was examined that mis-regulation of DAHP synthetase by l-phenylalanine in wild-type cells causes starvation for precursors of the other aromatic end products. However, the molecular basis for growth inhibition cannot be attributed to l-phenylalanine inhibition of DAHP synthetase for the following reasons: (i) DAHP synthetase enzymes from l-phenylalanine-resistant mutants are more, rather than less, sensitive to feedback inhibition by l-phenylalanine. (ii) Shikimate not only fails to antagonize inhibition, but is itself inhibitory. (iii) Neither the sensitivity nor the completeness of l-phenylalanine inhibition of the wild-type enzyme in vitro appears sufficient to account for the potent inhibition of growth in vivo by l-phenylalanine. The dominating effect of l-phenylalanine in the control of DAHP synthetase appears to reflect a mechanism that prevents rather than causes growth inhibition by l-phenylalanine. The alteration of the control of DAHP synthetase in mutants selected for resistance to growth inhibition by l-phenylalanine did indicate that the cause for this metabolite vulnerability can be localized within the aromatic amino acid pathway. Apparently, an aromatic intermediate (between shikimate and the end products) accumulates in the presence of l-phenylalanine, causing toxicity by some unknown mechanism. It is concluded that phenylpyruvate, potentially formed by transamination of l-phenylalanine, is an unlikely cause of growth inhibition. Although several significant questions remain unanswered, our results suggest that single-effector control of DAHP synthetase, the first regulatory enzyme activity of a branched pathway, may be more appropriate than it would seem a priori.
Giant cell tumor of rib masquerading as thymoma: a diagnostic pitfall in needle core biopsy of the mediastinum.

Abstract Giant cell tumor of bone is rarely seen in the rib, where it may present as a mediastinal mass. The diagnosis of giant cell tumor of bone is generally straightforward by fine-needle aspiration or needle core biopsy, but sampling problems may lead to confusion with other neoplasms or inflammatory processes. Here, we report a case of giant cell tumor of rib presenting as a mediastinal mass in a 36-year-old man. Because of inadequate sampling and inaccurate clinical information, the tumor was initially mistaken for thymoma. When the mass failed to respond to conventional chemotherapy, additional tissue was obtained and a giant cell tumor was diagnosed. Consequently, definitive therapy was delayed. The case illustrates an important diagnostic pitfall in the biopsy of mediastinal masses.
The Growth Performance of Agriculture in Subsaharan Africa

The historical view of overall global economic growth provided by Maddison presents striking evidence of Africa's poor performance. Maddison's cross-regional study suggests that African real GDP grew at 0.6% per annum between 1820 and 1992, which was half the rate of world growth. Since much of gross domestic product (GDP) is still in agriculture, the sector has done poorly. African agriculture lags other regions both in production and in productivity. For the two decades prior to 1990, agricultural production per capita declined significantly. Cereal yields, on average, are less than half those in other developing regions. Even for tubers and plantain, for which African agroecological conditions are suitable, average yields are lower than in Asia and Latin America. The sector is also severely undercapitalized leading to low agricultural labor productivity. Historically, the marginal product of agricultural labor in Africa is about the same as the average product, whereas in Asia and Latin America the average product of labor is much greater than the marginal product (Delgado and Ranade). Total factor productivity growth also was slow (Block; Thirtle, Hadley and Townsend; Lusigi and Thirtle). There are, of course, large variations within and among African countries, with some countries achieving yields, input use and technology adoption at levels similar to other developing regions. However, the bottom line is clear--over the past century, African agriculture has not accumulated capital, and has not grown fast enough to realize its potential as an important engine of economic growth and poverty reduction. This paper explores the relative roles played by agricultural endowments, low population density, remoteness, and adverse policies in explaining the undercapitalization and the poor growth of African agriculture over the last century. We attribute the adverse performance largely to poor policies and to institutional failures, which plagued the continent for several centuries. However, we also explain how the adverse endowments could have contributed to the locking in of poor policies, and to the difficulties of breaking out of the adverse policy trap. The paper then describes the acceleration of agricultural growth during the 1990s, and explores the policy, institutional, and public investment agenda for the future.
Grain refinement in rapidly solidified W-Si alloys

Grain refinement in rapidly solidified W-Si alloys has been investigated with respect to silicon content and solidification rate. Solid-solution W-Si alloys with varying silicon content were prepared into small buttons by arc melting, from which rapidly quenched foils of various thickness were made by the hammer and anvil technique. The grain size of the foils was studied with respect to thickness and silicon content. The results show that the grain size is inversely proportional to the thickness of a foil and also is an exponential function of silicon content on an empirical basis. The combined effect of cooling rate and silicon content on the grain size can be expressed by an exponential function.
Students, ethics and surveys

In a recent article in this Journal Grant and Broom reported on a survey which they conducted concerning student attitudes toward ethics. They suggest that while their findings are only preliminary, such surveys can help instructors and schools to determine what type of ethical training a person from a particular demographic background might need. Likewise they may very well help a student's future employer determine the ethics he or she has based on the type of institution he or she attended. However, it is my contention that there are a number of problems inherent in the process and the interpretation which Grant and Broom suggest. I discuss these problems herein.
Bipolar plate cell design for a lithium air battery

Abstract The performance and cost of a bipolar plate cell design for a 40 kWh lithium-air battery was estimated and compared to USABC goals. A bipolar plate cell design for a lithium-air battery can meet the cell performance goals, provided certain cell design targets are met. In particular, the excess lithium should be 40 mA cm −2 , the cathode capacity should be >1650 mAh g −1 carbon, and the bipolar plate material density should be −3 . Meeting the above targets, the specific and volumetric energy densities for the lithium-air cell were estimated at 640 Wh kg −1 and 600 Wh l −1 , respectively; the specific and volumetric power densities were estimated at 1310 W kg −1 and 1220 W l −1 , respectively. However, the system cost goal of $100 kWh −1 for electric vehicles was not met; the cost of a 40 kWh lithium-air battery system using a bipolar plate design was estimated at $238 kWh −1 .
Asymptotic SNR-performance of some image combination techniques for phased-array MRI

Phased-array magnetic resonance imaging technology is currently flourishing with the promise of obtaining a profitable trade-off between image quality and image acquisition speed. The image quality is generally measured in terms of the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), which is often calculated using samples taken from the reconstructed image. In this paper, we derive analytical expressions for the asymptotic SNR in the final image for three different phased-array image combination methods, namely: (1) sum-of-squares, (2) singular value decomposition, and (3) normalized coil averaging. The SNR expressions are expressed in terms of the statistics of the noise in the measurements, as well as the coil sensitivity coefficients. Our results can facilitate a better understanding for the phased-array image combination problem, as well as provide a tool for the optimal design of coils.
Bitentaculate Cirratulidae (Annelida: Polychaeta) from the northwestern Pacific Islands with description of nine new species

Thirteen cirratulid species from the Hawaiian, Mariana and Marshall Islands are described. Nine species are new to science: Aphelochaeta arizonae sp. nov., Aphelochaeta honouliuli sp. nov., Caulleriella cordiformia sp. nov., Chaetozone michellae sp. nov., Chaetozone ronaldi sp. nov., Monticellina anterobranchiata sp. nov., Monticellina hanaumaensis sp. nov., and Tharyx tumulosa sp. nov., from Oahu, Hawaii and Aphelochaeta saipanensis sp. nov., from Saipan in the Mariana Islands. Dodecaceria fewkesi and Monticellina nr. cryptica are newly recorded from the Hawaiian Islands. Dodecaceria laddi is widely distributed in the western Pacific and material collected from the Hawaiian, Mariana and Marshall islands is described. We provide SEM photographs for all species in addition to line drawings and methyl green staining pattern photographs for the new species.
The DNA polymerases of Leishmania mexicana.

Two previously isolated DNA polymerases from the parasitic protozoan Leishmania mexicana were further characterized by exposure to inhibitors of mammalian DNA polymerases. DNA polymerase A, a high molecular mass enzyme, and DNA polymerase B, a β-like DNA polymerase were compared to each other and to their mammalian counterparts regarding pH optimum, utilization of templates, and response to various inhibitors and ionic strengths. The results suggest that the DNA polymerases from L. mexicana differ from the host enzymes and may offer a target for chemotherapeutic intervention.
A chevron specimen for the measurement of mixed-mode interface toughness of wafer bonds

Abstract Accurate characterization of interfacial adhesion is essential for the development of reliable wafer bonding processes. In most applications in which wafers are bonded, the interface experiences a combination of shear and normal loading (i.e., mixed-mode loading). When characterizing the fracture properties of a bond, it is important to measure the interface toughness under similar mixed-mode conditions. In the current work, a chevron test specimen composed of bonded cantilever layers of dissimilar thicknesses is analyzed, and the dependence of the mode mixity at the interface is determined as function of the layer thickness ratio. This test geometry is well-suited for the measurement of bonds between typical semiconductor substrates that range in thickness from 0.1 to 1 mm. A nominal specimen geometry with a total layer thickness of 0.5–2 mm and in-plane dimensions of 10 × 10 mm is analyzed using a 3-D finite element (FE) model in combination with the virtual crack closure technique. It is demonstrated that the phase angle (i.e. the degree of mode-mixity) at the interface can be varied from 0° to 35° by changing the layer thickness ratio from 1 to 0.1. The FE results have been fitted to an expression that allows the interface toughness to be easily calculated from experimental data.
Parents' and Children's Perceptions of Interparental Conflict Resolution

This study examined the concordance between parents' assessment of their interpersonal conflict resolution with each other and their children's perception of the same. 61 parent dyads responded to the 1984 Communication Patterns Questionnaire of Christensen and Sullaway while their children completed the 1992 Children's Perception of Interparental Conflict Scale by Grych, Seid, and Fincham. Mothers' and fathers' perceptions of their conflict resolution were significantly correlated. Analysis indicated that overall, children's perception of interparental conflict was related to their mothers' perception of the communication patterns between themselves and their partner. However, this relationship was confounded with sex of the child indicated by different patterns of intercorrelations between mothers', fathers', and children's perceptions for boys and girls.
Self and Mutual Speech Comprehension by Deviant- and Normal-Speaking Children

This study was conducted to determine whether deviant-speaking children can understand their own speech productions when these productions are presented to them from an external source (tape record...
Dynamics of point vortices in a special rotating frame

Abstract A special rotating frame (SRF) is found in which the relative motion of point vortices is simpler, has minimum energy and reveals dynamical features not discernible in the usual fixed frame. The angular velocity of this frame is a solution of the equations of motion and generally is not constant. Examples of periodic, quasiperiodic and chaotic motions with respect to the SRF show that: (a) periodic orbits are closed lines (not space filling as in the fixed frame, (b) quasiperiodic orbits form steady patterns and (c) chaotic motions create asymptotic symmetries that reflect permutation symmetry of the Hamiltonian.
More Efficient Care of Diabetic Patients in a County-Hospital Setting

Abstract Before 1969 the diabetes section at the Los Angeles County University of Southern California Medical Center, serving some 6000 medically indigent patients, averaged one hospital admission ...
Multinucleon absorption of slow antiprotons in complex nuclei

It is observed that, if multinucleon absorption of slow antiprotons occurs with reasonable frequency in complex nuclei, the occurrence of annihilations with two A0 in the final state may occur as often as ∼ 10-5 per p annihilation.
Risk Analysis with Single-Index Portfolio Models: An Application to Farm Planning

Sharpe's 1963 single-index portfolio model, the separation theorem, and a solution method suggested by Elton, Gruber, and Padberg are adapted in this paper to the farm diversification problem. The objectives are to develop risk measures, based on single-index parameters and computationally simple methods for farm risk planning, that are suitable for microcomputers and modern hand-held calculators. The intent is to produce a normative model with possible extension applications.