cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Adolescent synthetic cannabinoid exposures reported to Texas poison centers.

OBJECTIVE: This study describes the pattern of adolescent synthetic cannabinoid exposures reported to a large statewide poison center system. METHODS: Synthetic cannabinoid exposures among patients younger than 20 years reported to Texas poison centers during January 2010 to June 2011 were identified. The distribution of exposures by various demographic and clinical factors was determined. RESULTS: For 305 adolescent exposures, the mean age was 16.7 years (range, 12-19 y). The exposure was by inhalation in 77.4% of the cases, and 72.1% involved males. The exposure site was the patient's own residence in 70.5% of the cases, and a health care facility was the caller site in 68.9%. The patient was already at or en route to a health care facility in 80.3% of the cases, and the medical outcome was serious in 61.0%. The most frequently reported adverse clinical effects were tachycardia (41.6%), drowsiness/lethargy (24.3%), agitation/irritability (16.4%), vomiting (13.1%), hallucinations/delusions (11.5%), nausea (8.5%), confusion (8.2%), hypertension (7.5%), chest pain (6.9%), and dizziness/vertigo (5.2%). CONCLUSIONS: Adolescent synthetic cannabinoid exposures reported to Texas poison centers were more likely to involve inhalation. The adolescents were more likely to be male. The exposures more often occurred at the patient's own residence and managed at a health care facility with a serious outcome. This pattern of exposures was similar to that observed among adults. Language: en
Interpolation algorithms for numerical control

Abstract In numerically controlled systems (machine tools, plotters, flamecutters, etc.), interpolation is defined as the process of synthesizing a prescribed curve from a large number of small orthogonal steps. This paper investigates the evolution of interpolation algorithms from the early days of numerical control to the present. The algorithms presented are the most attractive computationally, since they rely on addition and subtraction alone for generating the next step. The DDA method, which dominated the premicroprocessor era, is still fully competitive when properly implemented on a general purpose computer. Now, however, its use is mostly confined to generating straight lines, where the degradation problem is absent. For higher degree curves, the pattern recognition approach provides superior accuracy.
Lambertian radiance and transmission of an integrating sphere

The importance of Lambertian transmission, rather than total transmission, is argued and expressions for both are given. Exact expressions for output radiance are given in terms of both total sphere area and port area. A formula for choosing sphere size to give the maximum Lambertian transmission is developed. Port fractions in the range of 0.1-0.2 are recommended.
Equivalence of maximizing reproductive value and fitness in the case of reproductive strategies.

Abstract The proposed equivalence of maximizing reproductive value and fitness is examined for two model life histories. In the first instance, it is assumed that offspring are fledged before the start of the next breeding season. In this case the proposed equivalence is verified. In the second model, parents care for their progeny for more than 1 year. In this case the optimal reproductive expenditure at a particular age is shown to depend on both current reproductive value and the diminution in survival rates of previously conceived young still dependent on parental protection.
Microfossil populations in the context of synsedimentary micrite deposition and acicular carbonate precipitation: Mesoproterozoic Gaoyuzhuang Formation, China

Abstract Silicified stratiform stromatolites of the Mesoproterozoic Gaoyuzhuang Formation (1.4–1.5 Ga), China, contain well-preserved microfossils. The cherts also harbor varied synsedimentary precipitates and void-filling cements, replaced by early diagenetic silica minerals. These precipitates disclose microenvironments characterized by supersaturated solutions in protected, shallow depressions within an intertidal setting. The precipitates provided surfaces for selective microbial settlement, and rigid sediment matrix for microbial growth. Together with early silicification, the frequent precipitation events contributed to preservation of microfossils by reducing sediment compaction and shearing. Fossiliferous cherts display fine, flat and wavy lamination, characterized by an alternation of highly silicified, thin organic-rich layers with thick sediment-rich layers. Organic-rich layers are dominated either by coccoid or by filamentous microfossils, whereas sediment-rich layers contain abundant synsedimentary precipitates, within which the microfossils are preserved in their growth position. Four dominant microfossils Coccostratus dispergens n. gen. et sp., Eoentophysalis belcherensis , Eoschizothrix composita and Siphonophycus inornatum occur contiguously through several tens of laminae, and are identified as main frame-building biological components of Gaoyuzhuang stromatolites. Community composition, microbial density, distribution, orientation and developmental patterns of the frame-building microfossils are closely correlated with the changing depositional events of Gaoyuzhuang cherts, contrasting conditions of sedimentary kinetics with those of sedimentary stasis. Each assemblage of frame-building microfossils responded to sedimentation with different mechanisms to escape burial. High sedimentation rates correlate with scattered colonies of coccoids and with loose webs of predominantly upright filaments. Low sedimentation rates correlate with dense, laterally connected colonies of coccoids and with a change in filament orientation from vertical to horizontal. In multi-trichomous microfossil Eoschizothrix composita , low sedimentation rates are also accompanied with an increase in number of trichomes per filament. The observed morphological variability of the frame-building microfossils is explained by microbial development, reproduction and behavior by interactions between sedimentological and biological controls.
General covariance of the path integral for quantum gravity.

We construct the functional integration measure over four-geometries in the path integral for quantum gravity by means of a geometric, manifestly covariant approach, similar to that used by Polyakov for string theory. This generalizes the previous one-loop method of Mazur and Mottola to all orders of perturbation theory. We compare this measure to that obtained by the gauge-fixed method of Becchi-Rouet-Stora-Tyutin invariance exploited by Fujikawa and co-workers. The path integral defined by these two different procedures is one and the same.
An accurate and fast point-to-plane registration technique

This paper addresses a registration refinement problem and presents an accurate and fast point-to-(tangent) plane technique. Point-to-plane approach is known to be very accurate for registration refinment of partial 3D surfaces. However, the computation complexity for finding the intersection point on a destination surface from a source control point is hindering the algorithm from real-time applications. We introduce a novel point-to-plane registration technique by combining the high-speed advantage of point-to-projection technique. In order to find the intersection point fast and accurately, we forward-project the source point to the destination surface and reproject the projection point to the normal vector of the source point. We show that iterative projections of the projected destination point to the normal vector converge to the intersection point. By assuming the destination surface to be a monotonic function in a new 2D coordinate system, we show contraction mapping properties of our iterative projection technique. Experimental results for several objects are presented for both pair-wise and multi-view registrations.
The effect of repeated oral dosing of methotrexate on its intestinal absorption in the rat

Abstract The absorption of [ 3 H]methotrexate from jejunal loops was studied in rats given po either 0.6 mg/kg for 6 days or 0.07 mg/kg for 8 days. Histological and biochemical examinations were also made. Tritiated methotrexate was placed in the loops for intervals of 0.5, 1, and 2 hr. The low dose schedule did not significantly change the absorption of [ 3 H]methotrexate, produced slight damage to the intestinal mucosa, and did not significantly change the uptake of l -[ 14 C]leucine by intestinal rings. The high dose schedule produced severe mucosal damage and significantly decreased the uptake of l -[ 14 C]leucine. Studies with 2,4-dinitrophenol indicate that the depressed uptake was due to a decrease in active transport. In the high dose group, the absorption of [ 3 H]methotrexate was significantly increased from 11.4% (0.5 hr) and 32% (1 hr) for the controls to 18.8% (0.5 hr) and 50.7% (1 hr) for the treated groups.
A note on computing the chi-square noncentrality parameter for power analyses

Power calculations for a variety of research designs used in behavior genetics require the determination of a chi-square noncentrality parameter. For many purposes published tables are adequate, but for cases where they are not we provide a graph for approximating the required parameters for up to 300 degrees of freedom and illustrate a straightforward procedure for accurate determination using a widely available SAS function.
Biochemical and cytological characterization of DROP-1: a widely distributed proteoglycan in Drosophila.

Abstract Using Drosophila testis as a source of antigen, 12 monoclonal antibodies were isolated that all recognize a set of three high molecular weight molecules present on Drosophila sperm and also in the fertilized egg. Among these antibodies, one is highly specific for sperm, while the remaining 11 detect epitopes present not only on sperm, but also in yolk spheres or in a punctate distribution in the egg. Here we cytologically and biochemically characterize the (common) antigens to five of these antibodies. Several biochemical properties suggest that these antibodies recognize a family of glycosaminoglycan-containing proteoglycans: (1) three diffuse, poorly focused high molecular weight bands, all in excess of 200,000 Da were observed on Western blots of denaturing SDS gels; (2) all three bands have a pI in the range of 3.0–3.5; (3) the molecules are strongly resistant to proteolysis; (4) mild periodate oxidation renders the molecules reactive towards the derivatizing agent digoxygenin-hydrazide, indicating the likely presence of saccharide moieties; (5) trifluoromethylsulfonic acid treatment, which removes saccharide moieties, shifts the pI to 7.0; (6) β-elimination increases electrophoretic mobility of the antigens on SDS gels; (7) nitrous acid treatment, which cleaves N-sulfated glycosaminoglycans, also increases the electrophoretic mobility of the antigens on SDS gels. We conclude that the antigens recognized by these antibodies are likely to be heparan sulfate proteoglycans. These results indicate that DROP-1 may represent a family of proteoglycans present during embryogenesis and later stages of development in Drosophila. DROP-1 represents the third proteoglycan to be characterized in Drosophila.
Modulation of tax and PKA-mediated expression of HTLV-I promoter via cAMP response element binding and modulator proteins CREB and CREM

Nuclear proteins of the human peripheral blood T lymphocytes that bind to the CREs located within three 21-bp repeat enhancers of the HTLV-I promoter belong to the CREB/CREM family of bZIP transcription factors. It has been shown previously that Tax enhances transactivation of these CREs by direct interactions with the bZIP domain of the transcription factors to stabilize DNA-binding. We show that CREB and CREM bind all three CRE sequences of the HTLV-I promoter which are important determinants in Tax-elicited transactivation as well as PKA-mediated activation of the HTLV-I promoter. Tax and PKA activate transcription from a HTLV-I-LTR CAT reporter plasmid transfected to NIH 3T3 cells, and CREM attenuates the activation. In the context of a GAL4 CREB fusion protein in which the DNA-binding bZIP domain of CREB is replaced by GAL4 binding domain, a single amino acid substitution of serine-133, phosphorylated by PKA and critical for the transactivation function of CREB, attenuates both Tax and PKA-mediated transcriptional responses. These observations suggest that Tax enhances CREB-mediated transactivation of the HTLV-I promoter by a mechanism apart from, and/or in addition to, the reported stabilization of DNA-binding by interaction with the bZIP domain of CREB.
Thermodynamic and transport properties of fluids in permeable micropores

Abstract Computer simulation studies have been carried out to examine the behavior of fluids in confined geometries, such as slit pores and tubular pores, using a new technique based on the microcanonical molecular dynamics method. The method allows the permeability of the pore wall to be precisely controlled, while maintaining the atomic nature of the wall. A wide range of static and dynamic properties have been investigated, including properties such as, density profiles, anisotropic diffusion coefficients, wall permeabilities, etc., that are normally used to characterize such systems.
The swing-lock partial denture: An approach to conventional removable partial denture service

There are many common problems associated with the use of conventional clasp removable partial dentures. An alternative modality in many instances is the swing-lock removable partial denture. Its advantages, disadvantages, indications, and contraindications are discussed. The procedures of fabrication, placement, and adjustments are described.
Beliefs about causes of cancer in cancer patients

Beliefs about causes of cancer were studied in 120 patients with late-stage cancer and compared with beliefs of non-cancer patients matched for age, sex, and hospitalization. Cancer patients consistently had less strong beliefs about causes of cancer than did the other groups, even when causes such as smoking and having pulmonary cancer were probably associated with the development of their disease. Although some correlates of beliefs were found in cancer patients' personal and social background, these were generally of minimal levels of statistical significance. Those who had been diagnosed longer believed cancer was more often inherited. The non-cancer patients' beliefs were similar to those found in a large survey of the general population. It is likely that cancer patients need to defend themselves against self-blame as a means of coping with a terminal illness.
Body weight loss in beef cows: I. The effect of increased β-oxidation on messenger ribonucleic acid levels of uncoupling proteins two and three and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor in skeletal muscle.

Twenty-six Angus-cross cows were studied during BW loss (WL) and BW maintenance (WM) to examine the effects of elevated beta-oxidation on mRNA levels of NEFA-responsive signaling molecules in skeletal muscle. At the end of the WL and WM sampling periods, muscle biopsies were removed from the biceps femoris and mRNA levels were measured using real-time PCR. In comparison with WM, cows undergoing WL had elevated mRNA levels of carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1 (4.6-fold), fatty acid binding protein 3 (2.0-fold), and acyl-coenzyme A oxidase 1 (2.8-fold), all of which are indicators of beta-oxidation. Levels of mRNA of the NEFA-responsive signaling molecules PPAR alpha, delta, and gamma increased 2.0-fold, 2.2-fold, and 1.84-fold, respectively, during WL. Uncoupling proteins 2 and 3 also had increased mRNA (3.0-fold and 6.0-fold, respectively) during WL, but Western blot analysis found no changes in protein abundance of uncoupling protein 3. Uncoupling protein expression can be directly stimulated by elevated NEFA, potentially to protect cells from damage by lipid oxidation by-products. Thus, an increase in mRNA levels of genes involved in beta-oxidation of fatty acids and fatty acid by-products occurs during BW loss in beef cattle. These data support previous findings in nonruminants and suggest that these genes play a role in the same physiological processes in ruminants.
Pulmonary function in newborns after repair of congenital diaphragmatic hernia.

Congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) is associated with pulmonary hypoplasia that limits survival, but the nature and extent of pulmonary dysfunction in neonates with CDH have not been studied. We performed pulmonary function tests (PFTs) in eight intubated infants who survived neonatal repair of CDH (wt, 3.33±0.15 kg; age, 20.1±2.7 d; mean±S.E.M.). PFTs obtained from six full-term infants (wt, 3.56±0.10 kg; age, 25.0±3.3 d) with no respiratory illness served as controls
The fos proto-oncogene protein: Regulation by morphine in the rat hypothalamus

Abstract Mechanisms by which opiates alter neuronal functions, including neuroendocrine functions, are not well defined. We have previously demonstrated that morphine rapidly and transiently increases expression of the proto-oncogene c- fos in the rat caudateputamen. This regulation of the c- fos gene by morphine may represent a portion of the intracellular cascade coupling activation of opiate receptors on the cell surface to subsequent alterations in neuropeptide gene expression. In the present study, we have focussed on effects of morphine on c- fos expression in the ventromedial hypothalamus, which contains estrogen-concentrating neurons and a large number of neurons expressing the opioid proenkephalin and Proopiomelanocortin. The hypothalamus has been identified as a “final common pathway” between the remainder of the central nervous system and the pituitary gland. As a marker for c- fos expression, we have detected pp50 c- fos (FOS) protein immunocytochemically, using a polyclonal antibody to the M peptide of FOS, and revealed an intense nuclear stain in many neurons. Labeled nuclei were drawn by camera lucida from 12 matched sections (one side only) covering the rostral and middle levels of the ventromedial nucleus of six rats given morphine and six given phosphate buffered saline. Morphine treatment significantly increased the number and density of immuno-labeled nuclei in the ventromedial nucleus, but not in the arcuate nucleus. These results suggest effects of morphine (directly or indirectly) on neurons in the ventromedial hypothalamic nucleus, despite the relative absence of morphine receptors in this nucleus. These results may also provide an anatomical basis for neuroendocrine alterations following morphine treatment.
Two isoforms of the early E74 gene, an Ets transcription factor homologue, are implicated in the ecdysteroid hierarchy governing vitellogenesis of the mosquito, Aedes aegypti

In the anautogenous mosquito, Aedes aegypti, vitellogenesis is under the strict control of 20-hydroxyecdysone (20E), which is produced via a blood meal-activated hormonal cascade. Several genes of the ecdysteroid-regulatory hierarchy are conserved between vitellogenesis in mosquitoes and metamorphosis in Drosophila. We report characterization of two isoforms of the mosquito early E74 gene (AaE74), which have a common C-terminal Ets DNA-binding domain and unique N-termini. They exhibited a high level of identity to Drosophila E74 isoforms A and B and showed structural features typical for Ets transcription factors. Both mosquito E74 isoforms bound to an E74 consensus motif C/AGGAA. In the fat body and ovary, the transcript of AaE74 isoform homologous to Drosophila E74B was induced by a blood meal exhibiting its highest level coinciding with the peak of vitellogenesis. In contrast, the transcript of AaE74 isoform homologous to Drosophila E74A was activated at the termination of vitellogenesis. These findings suggest that AaE74A and AaE74B isoforms play different roles in regulation of vitellogenesis in mosquitoes.
Fetal survival in the cow after pregnancy diagnosis by palpation per rectum.

Abstract It is desirable to determine wheter a cow has failed to become pregnant as early as possible, preferably prior to 50 d after insemination. Although palpation per rectum has been the generally accepted method of pregnancy diagnosis in cattle, the procedure may be a significant iatrogenic cause of fetal attrition. In a study conducted at a North Florida dairy from January through June 1982, pregnancy was determined in 192 Holstein-Friesian cows by measuring low milk progesterone (P4) content on day of insemination (Day 0) and elevated P4 on Days 21 and 24. Pregnant cows were randomly assigned to a treatment and a control group. Cows in the treatment group (n = 85) were palpated per rectum twice between Days 42 and 46 after insemination. Cows in the control group (n = 107) were not palpated until both groups were palpated at Day 90. Palpation, done by two experienced clinicians, consisted of palpation of fetal fluid fluctuation, identification of the amniotic vesicle, and slipping of the chorioallantoic membranes. In both groups of cows fetal viability was monitored by milk P4 content. Last milk (5 to 15 ml) was collected from one front quarter on Days 0, 21, and 24 and twice weekly thereafter through Day 63. Milk was defatted by centrifugation and the fat-free milk progesterone content measured by a radioimmunoassay without extraction. The milk P4 test was 80.0% accurate in determining pregnancy in the palpated and nonpalpated cows. In the cows palpated on Days 42 to 46, pregnancy rates declined by 7.5% as determined by palpation at Day 90, or by 11.4% as determined by milk P4 content through Day 63 (both values P spring = 2.13 ng/ml vs 1.38 ng/ml; P
Matrix metalloproteinases and free radicals in cerebral ischemia

Cerebral ischemia induces a complex series of molecular pathways involving signaling mechanisms, gene transcription, and protein formation. The proteases and free radicals involved are important, both individually and in concert, at each of the steps in the injury cascade. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and serine proteases are essential in the breakdown of the extracellular matrix around cerebral blood vessels and neurons, and their action leads to opening of the blood-brain barrier, brain edema, hemorrhage, and cell death. Reactive oxygen and nitrogen species affect the signaling pathways that induce the enzymes, the stability of the mRNA, and their activation processes. Mice that either lack MMP genes or overexpress free radical-removing genes exhibit diminished cerebral damage after stroke. Drugs that block MMP activity, or are free radical scavengers, significantly reduce ischemic damage. Understanding the relationship between proteases and free radicals in cerebral ischemia is critical for the design of therapeutic agents aimed at controlling cell death in ischemic tissues.
John James Audubon: a birdwatcher’s fanciful flights

John James Audubon, the bird-lover of America, has never been submitted to the critical art-historical analysis his career and production deserve. This essay attempts to redress the situation by showing that his ornithologically correct imagery is steeped in the predominant ideological formations of his time and place. A foreigner whose birth occurred in ambiguous circumstances, Audubon ventured into the forests of the New World to escape his origins and refashion his identity. Thus, his lifesize constructions of nestlings and fledglings, predators and preys, signified birds of a feather.
American Virtues: Thomas Jefferson on the Character of a Free People

"American Virtues" is the first comprehensive analysis of Jefferson's moral and political philosophy in over 20 years, and the first ever to focus exclusively on the full range of moral, civic, and intellectual virtues that together form the American character.
HUMAN SUBJECTS AND COGNITIVE AGING RESEARCH: A UNIQUE SOLUTION TO A PERENNIAL PROBLEM

A fundamental concern of cognitive aging researchers is to find a representative sample of healthy, older adults who are willing to participate in experimental research. There are essentially two methods for marshalling a sizable body of older research participants. One can solicit the aid of local community‐dwelling adults through civic and church‐related organizations. Alternatively, one can travel to specific locations where elderly people are likely to congregate, for example, a retirement community. In this article, we describe our experiences with these two methods of research‐participant recruitment. The processes involved in both securing and utilizing a local body of research volunteers are presented first. We then discuss two subject‐testing expeditions outside of the university environment that have been highly successful. In the final section, we contrast selected demographic characteristics of our local and off‐site research volunteers and discuss the implications of differences between these...
Differentiation of degenerative retinoschisis from retinal detachment using optical coherence tomography.

Abstract Objective To assess the potential of optical coherence tomography (OCT) to differentiate retinoschisis from retinal detachment. Optical coherence tomography is a noninvasive, noncontact imaging method that produces high-resolution, cross-sectional images of ocular tissue. Design Retrospective case series. Participants Thirteen eyes of 12 patients with the differential diagnosis of retinoschisis versus retinal detachment. Methods Differentiation between retinoschisis and retinal detachment was established from both ophthalmoscopic and OCT examinations. Main outcome measure Ability of OCT to differentiate retinoschisis from retinal detachment was measured. Results Thirteen eyes of 12 patients with retinal elevation were examined with OCT. The cross-sectional view produced by OCT was effective in distinguishing retinoschisis from retinal detachment. Optical coherence tomography images of retinoschisis show a splitting of the neurosensory retina. The OCT images of retinal detachment show separation of full-thickness neurosensory retina from the retinal pigment epithelium band. The OCT images correlated with the clinical impression in all 13 cases. Conclusions Based on this series of cases, OCT is a potentially useful new test that may be used to distinguish retinoschisis from rhegmatogenous retinal detachment.
Ferrate(V) oxidation of thiourea: a premix pulse radiolysis study

Abstract The oxidation of thiourea by ferrate(V) (Fe(V)) has been studied as a function of pH in alkaline solution by a premix pulse radiolysis technique. The rate law for the oxidation of thiourea by Fe(V) was obtained as −d[Fe(V)]/d t = k 0 {[H + ]/([H + ]+K 5 )}[Fe(V)][TU] where k 0 =4.40±0.08×10 5 M −1 s −1 , p K 5 =10.1. The predominant reaction is between the protonated Fe(V) species, HFeO 4 2− and thiourea. Thiourea reacts approximately 10 3 times faster with Fe(V) than it does with Fe(VI). The higher reactivity of Fe(V) with thiourea indicates that the oxidation by Fe(VI) may be enhanced in the presence of an appropriate one-electron reducing agent.
Initiation Complexes of Escherichia coli RNA Polymerase and T7 DNA

Complexes between Escherichia coli RNA polymerase and T7 DNA have been studied by three techniques measuring their stability either to 0.4 M (NH4)2SO4 or to rifampicin in 0.15 M KCl. In each case a nucleoside triphosphate was required for stabilisation, the order of efficiency in general being GTP > ATP > UTP ∼ 0. This did not correspond to the order with which the nucleotides initiate RNA synthesis (ATP > GTP ≫ CTP = UTP) contradicting the hypothesis of Anthony et al., which suggested that complexes formed in the presence of the 5′-terminal nucleotide in the absence of polymerisation are stable to 0.4 M (NH4)2SO4. The complexes formed in the presence of [3H]GTP were shown to have tightly bound oligonucleotides. The degree of stabilisation produced by GTP could be reduced markedly by purification while in the case of ATP purification completely removed the ability to stabilise. These results suggest that the interpretation of previous experiments on the initiation of RNA synthesis may need to be revised.
Paralomis debodeorum, a new species of decapod crustacean from the Miocene of New Zealand: First notice of the Lithodidae in the fossil record

Abstract Description of a new species of lithodid decapod crustacean Paralomis debodeorum, from middle‐late Miocene rocks of Motunau Beach, North Canterbury, New Zealand, constitutes the first record of king crabs from the fossil record. The species most closely resembles the extant P. zealandica Dawson & Yaldwyn.
Brain renin: localization in rat brain synaptosomal fractions

The distribution of brain renin activity was determined in subcellular fractions of rat brain prepared by discontinuous density gradient centrifugation. The highest amounts of brain renin activity occurred in both the light and heavy synaptosomal fractions, while the activity of choline acetyltransferase was elevated only in the light synaptosomal fraction. These results indicate an intraneuronal localization of brain renin.
Polyalphabetic Substitution Ciphers

Perhaps the simplest way to extend the basic monoalphabetic substitution codes is to define two cipher alphabets and use them alternately. In the example below, the first letter S of the plain message SURRENDER is replaced by D from cipher alphabet 1, but the second letter U is replaced by D from cipher alphabet 2. The same cipher letter D replaces two plaintext letters. Similarly, the two cipher letters Q and L stand for the plain letter A. This primitive polyalphabetic substitution cipher, developed by the Renaissance figure Leon Battista Alberti, is already much safer than any monoalphabetic cipher. (The same Alberti also constructed a simple cipher disk, similar to the one shown in Figure 5.1, that’s the predecessor of all the many rotor encryption machines that followed. See Section 5.1.)
Finite Element Model Calibration for Ares I-X Flight Vehicle

Ares I-X is a flight test vehicle developed by NASA to demonstrate a new class of crew launch vehicle. For this first flight test, the first stage was a four segment solid rocket booster with mass simulators used to represent the other sections of the Ares I vehicle. Although this vehicle is significantly simpler than the Ares I, model calibration was required for the finite element model used in loads analysis and flight control evaluations before its maiden flight. The process of calibrating models involves updating parameters and reconciling predictions with test data. This work presents a probabilistic approach to the calibration process. The approach uses Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) for parameter sensitivity, nonlinear optimization to minimize the error between test and analysis, and multiple FEM models to bound the system response and to assess the probability of finding a reconciling solution. To reduce the computational burden associated with ANOVA, response surface models are used in lieu of computationally intensive finite element solutions. Uncertainty in the parameters and their effect on the frequency response function is studied in terms of Principal Values of the frequency response functions. Uncertainty bounds of the principal values are established across multiple models to allow one to determine the probability of finding a solution that reconciles analysis with test results. Results from applying this model calibration process to the Ares I-X project are described. Findings presented in the paper confirmed that the baseline model used for pre-flight assessments was within the acceptable range established for guidance and control.
Dolichol alters dynamic and static properties of mouse synaptosomal plasma membranes.

Abstract Dolichols are isoprenologues that are found in almost all tissues and whose biochemical function, aside from dolichol phosphate precursors, is not known. In addition, an understanding of the organizational and dynamic properties of dolichols in biological membranes has not been forthcoming. The purpose of the experiments reported here were to examine the effects of dolichol on the physical properties of mouse synaptic plasma membranes (SPM). Differential polarized phase fluorometry indicated that dolichol both fluidized and regidified SPM. Membrane areas detected by diphenylhexatriene and trans-parinaric acid were selectively fluidized and rigidified, respectively. It also was found that the spin label, 5-doxyl stearic acid indicated that dolichol reduced membrane fluidity. These results report for the first time a stuctural effect of dolichol on a biological membrane.
Presenilins are enriched in endoplasmic reticulum membranes associated with mitochondria.

Presenilin-1 (PS1) and −2 (PS2), which when mutated cause familial Alzheimer disease, have been localized to numerous compartments of the cell, including the endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi, nuclear envelope, endosomes, lysosomes, the plasma membrane, and mitochondria. Using three complementary approaches, subcellular fractionation, γ-secretase activity assays, and immunocytochemistry, we show that presenilins are highly enriched in a subcompartment of the endoplasmic reticulum that is associated with mitochondria and that forms a physical bridge between the two organelles, called endoplasmic reticulum-mitochondria-associated membranes. A localization of PS1 and PS2 in mitochondria-associated membranes may help reconcile the disparate hypotheses regarding the pathogenesis of Alzheimer disease and may explain many seemingly unrelated features of this devastating neurodegenerative disorder.
Prophylactic Cranial Irradiation for Patients With Locally Advanced Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer at High Risk for Brain Metastases.

Abstract Background Although there is no proven survival benefit of prophylactic cranial irradiation (PCI) for patients with locally advanced (LA) non–small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC), some speculate that PCI might be helpful for certain subpopulations at higher risk of brain metastases ( Materials and Methods Using the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database, we included all adult patients with primary stage III NSCLC, diagnosed from 1988 to 1997 (years during which PCI was recorded) with follow-up until 2008. The Kaplan–Meier estimator, log-rank test, and Cox proportional hazard regression were used to evaluate the survival effect of PCI. Sequential landmark analysis excluding patients from 1 to 6 months after diagnosis was used to account for immortal time bias. Results A total of 17,852 patients were included in the analysis, among whom 326 (1.8%) received PCI. Patients younger than 60 years and those with adenocarcinoma were significantly more likely to receive PCI. After adjustment for available covariates, there was no statistically significant survival difference between PCI and non-PCI patients (hazard ratio, 1.04; 95% confidence interval, 0.93-1.16). Similar results were found in all subgroup analyses of high-risk patients. Sequential landmark analysis suggested a potential survival detriment associated with PCI when analyzing only patients who survived at least 3 months after diagnosis. Conclusion Our population-based analysis suggested no overall survival benefit of PCI for LA-NSCLC patients, even among a group of patients who were at higher risk for brain metastases.
Distributed average consensus using bounded transmissions

A distributed consensus algorithm in which every sensor maps its state value through a bounded function before transmission is proposed. It is shown that when the step size of the algorithm is chosen appropriately, the state values of all the nodes converge exponentially to the sample average of the initial observations provided that the transmission function has a bounded first derivative. The convergence factor is shown to depend on the derivative of the transmission function. The performance of various bounded transmission functions are studied through simulations. It is shown that by appropriately choosing the step size, the proposed algorithm could achieve the same speed of convergence as that of the best case linear consensus algorithm based on the Laplacian heuristic.
Observability of linear differential systems defined in differential rings

We study the observability of linear differential systems in sufficiently arbitrary differential rings; observability is treated in the classical sense, i.e., as the injectivity of the “initial condition-output vector” mapping. A number of observability conditions is obtained. We define observability by finitely many measurements, where a measurement is the value of a homomorphism into the ring of constants on the output variable. We show that observability is equivalent to observability by finitely many measurements.
Getting insights from the voices of customers: Conversation mining at a contact center

Business-oriented conversations between customers and agents need to be analyzed to obtain valuable insights that can be used to improve product and service quality, operational efficiency, and revenue. For such an analysis, it is critical to identify appropriate textual segments and expressions to focus on, especially when the textual data consists of complete transcripts, which are often lengthy and redundant. In this paper, we propose a method to identify important segments from the conversations by looking for changes in the accuracy of a categorizer designed to separate different business outcomes. We then use text mining to extract important associations between key entities (insights). We show the effectiveness of the method for making chance discoveries by using real life data from a car rental service center.
Critical Thinking and Cognitive Transfer: Implications for the Development of Online Information Literacy Tutorials

Abstract The definitions of information literacy make it clear that it is concerned with higher-order thinking skills. This article surveys the literature on critical thinking and extrapolates pedagogical requirements for fostering the development and use of higher-order thinking skills. It then considers these requirements in relation to the development of computer-assisted instructional tools, such as Web-based information literacy tutorials. Needs for further collaboration are discussed.
Cancer cell death by design: Apoptosis, autophagy and glioma virotherapy

Autophagy has been defined as a mechanism by which oncolytic adenoviruses mediate cell killing in some cancers, including malignant glioma. Until recently, however, adenovirus replication was regarded as a process that induced classical apoptosis in the infected cell. We have assessed the method of conditionally replicating adenovirus (CRAd) death in a model of malignant glioma, considering both autophagy and apoptosis as possible mechanisms of virally-induced cell death. Our initial investigations indicated that autophagy was the predominant system in CRAd-induced cell death in glioma. This appeared to be the case in vitro; however, further investigation in vivo shows that CRAds are capable of inducing both apoptotic and autophagic cell death. In this punctum, we summarize our latest research to uncover the method of oncolytic adenovirus-induced cell death in malignant glioma. Elucidating the relationship between autophagy and apoptosis in glioma virotherapy has significant implications for the desi...
Storage of fresh and ensiled forages by freezing affects fibre and crude protein fractions

The effect of freezing on fibre and crude protein fractions of forages was determined. Fresh and ensiled lucerne and fresh bromegrass were processed immediately after collection or stored at -25OC for 1 day or I, 6 or 12 months before drying at 55°C. Samples were frozen quickly by submersion in liquid nitrogen or slowly at -25°C. Samples which were not frozen were processed immediately or after 1 h delay at room temperature. All treatments were replicated (n = 3). Samples were analysed for crude protein (CP), trichloroacetic acid soluble CP (TSCP), phosphate buffer soluble CP (BSCP), neutral detergent insoluble CP (NDCP), acid detergent insoluble CP (ADCP), neutral detergent fibre (NDF), acid detergent fibre (ADF), acid detergent sulphuric acid lignin (lignin) and ash. Freezing decreased BSCP and increased NDCP by more than 40 % for bromegrass. Freezing also changed NDF, ADF, lignin, ash, CP and ADCP in different ways depending on forage type and length of time frozen. No significant effects were observed for method of freezing or a 1-h delay in processing. An additional experiment showed that freeze-drying resulted in less insoluble protein than oven- drying. Prior freezing of forages appeared inconsistently to change the extent of gaseous loss during drying, and resulted in precipitation of protein. These changes also affected fibre estimates. Fresh forages should not be frozen and thawed before analysis of protein or fibre fractions.
Treatment of open occlusions with onlay and overlay removable partial dentures

Abstract The onlay removable partial denture has the primary purposes of restoration of esthetics and function through a conservative modification of the existing dentition. It is particularly applicable to open occlusion situations and in improving an uneven mandibular occlusal plane. Its use should be supplemented with specific instructions in proper cleansing and maintenance of the underlying dentition and the prosthesis and with scheduled recall appointments.
Management of Ruptured Brain Arteriovenous Malformations

Intracranial arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) are a common cause of stroke in younger patients, and often present as intracerebral hemorrhages (ICH), associated with 10 % to 30 % mortality. Patients who present with a hemorrhage from an AVM should be initially stabilized according to acute management guidelines for ICH. The characteristics of a lesion including its size, location in eloquent tissue, and high-risk features will influence risk of rupture, prognosis, as well as help guide management decisions. Given that rupture is associated with an increased risk of 6 % re-rupture in the year following the initial hemorrhage, versus 1 % to 3 % predicted annual risk in non-ruptured lesions only, definitive treatment is encouraged after ICH stabilization. A rest period of 2 to 6 weeks after hemorrhage is recommended before definitive treatment to avoid disrupting friable parenchyma and the hematoma. Treatment may consist of endovascular embolization, surgical resection, radiosurgery, or a combination of these three interventions based on the lesion.
Recoil Ions from Near-Zero-Impact-Parameter H + - Xe Collisions in the Range 20- 70 keV

Recoil ions from very small impact-parameter collisions of 20\char21{}70-keV protons with xenon atoms were selected by viewing only those ejected at 50\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{} and 70\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{} from the beam direction. These ions were charge-state analyzed and the cross sections determined for the production of charge states up to 6+. In such collisions, multiple ionization accounts for 60\char21{}80 % of the ionizing collisions and 80\char21{}90 % of the total ionization.
The Physiology and Biochemistry of Zooxanthellae Symbiotic with Marine Coelenterates. II. Liberation of Fixed $^{14}$C by Zooxanthellae in vitro

Freshly isolated zooxanthellae from a wide range of marine coelenterates liberated soluble organic $^{14}$C to the medium when incubated in the light in NaH$^{14}$CO$_{3}$ for 30 to 120 min. Most algae released [$^{14}$C]glycerol as the major extracellular product. Other $^{14}$C-labelled compounds liberated were alanine, glucose, fumaric acid, succinic acid, glycolic acid and two other unidentified organic acids. Evidence provided demonstrates that extracellular products are not produced as a result of lysis of the algae.
Corruption and conservation: the need for empirical analyses. A response to Smith & Walpole

Smith & Walpole (2005) focus on a heretofore little examined issue of unknown importance: the role of corruption in affecting biodiversity conservation outcomes. Unfortunately, there are no well-executed empirical studies of the relationship between corruption and conservation to guide practitioners. As noted by Smith & Walpole, however, the role of corruption in affecting other economic outcomes has been the subject of numerous theoretical and empirical analyses. These other analyses offer useful insights to conservationists precisely because the biodiversity context is representative of a larger class of contexts in which power is delegated to self-interested bureaucrats. Readers interested in the topic would do well to take a close look at the references in Smith & Walpole, as well as visiting the World Bank's website on corruption and governance (World Bank, 2005).
The carbon budget in the outer solar nebula.

The compositional contrast between the giant-planet satellites and the significantly rockier Pluto/Charon system is indicative of different formation mechanisms; cosmic abundance calculations, in conjunction with an assumption of the Pluto/Charon system's direct formation from solar nebula condensates, strongly suggest that most of the carbon in the outer solar nebula was in CO form, in keeping with both the inheritance from the dense molecular clouds in the interstellar medium, and/or the Lewis and Prinn (1980) kinetic-inhibition model of solar nebula chemistry. Laboratory studies of carbonaceous chondrites and Comet Halley flyby studies suggest that condensed organic material, rather than elemental carbon, is the most likely candidate for the small percentage of the carbon-bearing solid in the outer solar nebula.
Chlorophyll biosynthesis in a cell-free system from higher plants.

A cell free system prepared from etiolated cucumber (Cucumis sativus, L) in tris-sucrose buffer is able to incorporate δ-aminolevulinic acid-4- 14C into the two components of protochlorophyll: protochlorophyllide and protochlorophyllide ester. The activity is associated with the etioplasts. Optimal incorporation is obtained at pH 7.7. For the formation of protochlorphyllide ester, oxygen, reduced glutathione, methyl alcohol, magnesium, inorganic phosphate, and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide are required. For the formation of 14C-protochlorophyllide, adenosine triphosphate, and coenzyme A are required in addition to the above. The requirement for methyl alcohol is highly specific, and the methyl group appears to be incorporated into the protochlorophyll molecules. A biosynthetic scheme resulting in the parallel production of 14C-protochlorophyllide and 14C-protochlorophyllide ester from 14C-Mg protoporphyrin monoester is presented.
Model selection for Gaussian concentration graphs

ggA multivariate Gaussian graphical Markov model for an undirected graph G, also called a covariance selection model or concentration graph model, is defined in terms of the Markov properties, i.e. conditional independences associated with G, which in turn are equivalent to specified zeros among the set of pairwise partial correlation coefficients. By means of Fisher's z-transformation and Sidak's correlation inequality, conservative simultaneous confidence intervals for the entire set of partial correlations can be obtained, leading to a simple method for model selection that controls the overall error rate for incorrect edge inclusion. The simultaneous p-values corresponding to the partial correlations are partitioned into three disjoint sets, a significant set S, an indeterminate set I and a nonsignificant set N. Our model selection method selects two graphs, a graph G SI whose edges correspond to the set S∪I, and a more conservative graph G S whose edges correspond to S only. Similar considerations apply to covariance graph models, which are defined in terms of marginal independence rather than conditional independence. The method is applied to some well-known examples and to simulated data.