cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Tissue distribution and transport of electrolytes Mg28 and Ca47 in hypermagnesemia

The effect of acute hypermagnesemia (9–14 mEq./L.) on the distribution of electrolytes Mg28 and Ca47 in various tissues was studied in renal-ligated dogs. The sodium content of 5 of 8 tissues was decreased by 10–30 per cent, the potassium content of 3 tissues was increased 5–30 per cent and the acid-soluble phosphorus concentration of 2 tissues was decreased by 15 per cent. Total and/or exchangeable cellular concentrations of calcium were decreased by 25–35 per cent in skeletal muscle, myocardium, brain and pancreas. Total and/or exchangeable cellular concentrations of magnesium were increased by 8–50 per cent in skeletal muscle, nerve, pancreas and aorta and were unchanged in liver, myocardium and brain. These data suggest that magnesium has inhibitory effects on the cellular transport of electrolytes which are similar to those of calcium. The cellular influx of calcium is inhibited by magnesium. The stability of the cellular concentrations of magnesium in relation to the degree of hypermagnesemia is compatible with in vitro studies in rat liver indicating that the fractional rate of cellular influx of magnesium is decreased and the fractional rate of cellular efflux of magnesium is increased during extreme hypermagnesemia.
Solubility of noble gases in serpentine - Implications for meteoritic noble gas abundances

An investigation of the solubilities of the noble gases from synthesis and solubility studies of the sheet silicate mineral serpentine in carbonaceous chondrites is presented. Hydrothermal synthesis and exchange experiments were made at 340C and 1 kbar with noble gas partial pressures from 2 times 10 to the -8th power to 0.1 atm. The measured distribution coefficients for noble gases are not sufficiently high to account for the trapped noble gases in carbonaceous chondrites by exchange in solar nebula if meteoritic minerals have comparable distribution coefficients. Also, serpentine gains and loses noble gases to approach equilibrium values with the terrestrial atmosphere, indicating that this exposure may have influenced the noble gas abundances in phyllosilicate minerals of these chondrites. The dispersion of K-Ar ages of carbonaceous chondrites could be the result of phyllosilicates approaching equilibrium solubility of atmospheric Ar-40.
Cell death in the development of the lateral motor column of the chick embryo.

Cell counts were made in the lumbar lateral motor column (l.m.c.) of chick embryos of 5.5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 12, 18 days of incubation and five days posthatching (n = equals; 68). Only nuclei with nucleoli were counted and corrections were made for double counting (Abercrombie, 1946). The population attains a peak value of over 20,000 cells (corrected figure: over 17,000) at 5.5–6.5 days = stages 28 and 29 (Hamburger and Hamilton, 1951). The l.m.c. loses between 7,000 and 8,000 cells between days 6.5 and 9.5, (between stages 29 and 36). In other words, 60% of the population survive. A plateau of approximately 12,300 cells (corrected figure: 10,300) is maintained throug five days posthatching. Massive cell degeneration was observed in 7- and 8-day embryos. Counts of distinctly pyknotic cells indicate that at least 5–6% of the total population is in the process of degeneration at any particular time. This figure is probably an underestimation; hence it is virtually certain that the depletion of the l.m.c. is due entirely to cell death. Arguments are presented in support of the hypothesis that the naturally occurring cell death in the l.m.c. is due to the failure of their axons to survive in a competion process at the periphery. Observations of the time pattern of muscle differentiation and their neurotization in the leg further endorse this hypothesis. However, it is not clear whether the axons compete for contact sites on muscle fibers or for a “trophic” agent.
A hyperplane based approach for optimizing spatial locality in loop nests

This paper presents a data layout optimization technique based on the theory of hyperplanes from linear algebra. Given a program, our framework automatically determines the optimal layouts that can be expressed by hyperplanes for each array that is referenced. We discuss the cases where data transformations are preferable to loop transformations and show that under specific conditions a loop nest can be optimized for perfect spatial locality by using data transformations. We divide the problem of optimizing data layout into two independent subproblems: (1) determining optimal layouts, and (2) determining data transformation matrices to implement optimal layouts. By postponing the determination of the transformation matrix to the last stage, our method can be adapted to compilers with different default layouts. Our results on eight programs on SGI Origin 2000 distributed-shared-memory multiprocessor show that the layout optimizations are effective in optimizing spatial locality.
Can zombies write mathematical poetry? Mathematical poetry as a model for humanistic mathematics

Mathematics is a creative endeavour, but mathematicians and mathematics instructors often have difficulty convincing others of this fact. In fact, most people who are not already oriented toward mathematics fail to notice that mathematics is a perfect model for what makes an activity human, as it involves the three main ingredients of what makes our species special: cognition, consciousness and creativity. In this note, I share some thoughts on the creative component of mathematics and propose that mathematical poetry is a perfect model and ambassador for a more humanistic understanding of mathematics.
Different Thermodynamic Binding Mechanisms and Peptide Fine Specificities Associated with a Panel of Structurally Similar High-Affinity T Cell Receptors

To understand the mechanisms that govern T cell receptor (TCR)-peptide MHC (pMHC) binding and the role that different regions of the TCR play in affinity and antigen specificity, we have studied the TCR from T cell clone 2C. High-affinity mutants of the 2C TCR that bind QL9-L(d) as a strong agonist were generated previously by site-directed mutagenesis of complementarity determining regions (CDRs) 1beta, 2alpha, 3alpha, or 3beta. We performed isothermal titration calorimetry to assess whether they use similar thermodynamic mechanisms to achieve high affinity for QL9-L(d). Four of the five TCRs examined bound to QL9-L(d) in an enthalpically driven, entropically unfavorable manner. In contrast, the high-affinity CDR1beta mutant resembled the wild-type 2C TCR interaction, with favorable entropy. To assess fine specificity, we measured the binding and kinetics of these mutants for both QL9-L(d) and a single amino acid peptide variant of QL9, called QL9-Y5-L(d). While 2C and most of the mutants had equal or higher affinity for the Y5 variant than for QL9, mutant CDR1beta exhibited 8-fold lower affinity for Y5 compared to QL9. To examine possible structural correlates of the thermodynamic and fine specificity signatures of the TCRs, the structure of unliganded QL9-L(d) was solved and compared to structures of the 2C TCR/QL9-L(d) complex and three high-affinity TCR/QL9-L(d) complexes. Our findings show that the QL9-L(d) complex does not undergo major conformational changes upon binding. Thus, subtle changes in individual CDRs account for the diverse thermodynamic and kinetic binding mechanisms and for the different peptide fine specificities.
Effects of a distal mutation on active site chemistry.

Previous studies of Escherichia coli dihydrofolate reductase (ecDHFR) have demonstrated that residue G121, which is 19 A from the catalytic center, is involved in catalysis, and long distance dynamical motions were implied. Specifically, the ecDHFR mutant G121V has been extensively studied by various experimental and theoretical tools, and the mutation's effect on kinetic, structural, and dynamical features of the enzyme has been explored. This work examined the effect of this mutation on the physical nature of the catalyzed hydride transfer step by means of intrinsic kinetic isotope effects (KIEs), their temperature dependence, and activation parameters as described previously for wild type ecDHFR [Sikorski, R. S., et al. (2004) J. Am. Chem. Soc. 126, 4778−4779]. The temperature dependence of initial velocities was used to estimate activation parameters. Isotope effects on the preexponential Arrhenius factors, and the activation energy, could be rationalized by an environmentally coupled hydrogen tunneli...
Diplomatic victory misunderstood: A two‐level game analysis of U.S. policy toward Haiti

(2001). Diplomatic victory misunderstood: A two‐level game analysis of U.S. policy toward Haiti. Security Studies: Vol. 10, No. 3, pp. 115-152.
Ignorance in Educational Research Or, How Can You Not Know That?

In this article I argue that ignorance is a better criterion than truth for determining the usefulness of knowledge generated through different forms of educational research. This argument has implications for how we conceptualize educational research, how we teach it, and how we frame and support relationships between researchers and their subjects. The argument draws on a distinction between "blind spots" and "blank spots," and it is supported by examples drawn from the literature of educational research. The argument and examples illustrate how greater attention to the ignorance of researchers and subjects can increase our understanding of different disciplinary and organizational models of educational research, including configurations of "practitioner research" and "cooperative research."
Sleep-Disordered Breathing and Poor Functional Outcome After Stroke

Background and Purpose We objectively evaluated patients with recent stroke to determine the prevalence of sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) and whether SDB was associated with unfavorable clinical outcomes. Methods Forty-seven patients with recent ischemic stroke (median, 13 days) were studied with computerized overnight oximetry for evidence of arterial oxyhemoglobin desaturation (Sao2). Polysomnography was also performed on 19 patients. Medical history, sleep history, location of stroke, and severity of neurological deficit were recorded, and patients were observed by staff for evidence of snoring and excessive daytime sleepiness. Functional abilities were measured with the use of the Barthel Index (BI). Outcome variables included ability to return home at discharge, continued residence at home at 3 and 12 months, BI at discharge, BI at 3 and 12 months, and death from any cause at 12 months. Results Mean Sao2 during oximetry was 94.0±1.7%, and percentage of recording time spent at <90% Sao2 was 4.3±5.7%...
The Psychology of Compensatory and Retributive Justice

How do observers respond when the actions of one individual inflict harm on another? The primary reaction to carelessly inflicted harm is to seek restitution; the offender is judged to owe compensation to the harmed individual. The primary reaction to harm inflicted intentionally is moral outrage producing a desire for retribution; the harm-doer must be punished. Reckless conduct, an intermediate case, provokes reactions that involve elements of both careless and intentional harm. The moral outrage felt by those who witness transgressions is a product of both cognitive interpretations of the event and emotional reactions to it. Theory about the exact nature of the emotional reactions is considered, along with suggestions for directions for future research.
A Tale of Two Continents: Contents of African and Asian E-Government Websites

The digital divide is often discussed from the perspective of North and South and haves and have-nots. This is true of comparative studies on information and communication technologies (ICTs) and e-government. As a result, there is less research on the South-South digital divide and/or cross-national comparative studies that focus mainly on developing countries. This paper addresses this gap by comparing contents of African and Asian e-government service websites. Based on analyses of 582 African and 939 Asian e-government service websites, we present comparisons of the contents of websites from the two continents with respect to the type of site, type of service, features, online executable services, level/stage of development of e-government service, and e-government index. Overall, e-government service websites from the two continents have similar contents, save a few differences.
High temperature thermoelectric properties of MNiSn (M=Zr, Hf)

The high temperature transport properties in a series of intermetallic half-Heusler alloys of the form MNiSn, where M=Zr, Hf, have been examined. The semiconducting nature of these materials due to the formation of a pseudo-gap in the density of states make them promising candidates for intermediate temperature thermoelectric applications. Samples of pure and Sb-doped ZrNiSn, HfNiSn, and (Zr-Hf)NiSn were prepared by arc melting and homogenized by heat treatment. Phase purity was determined by X-ray diffraction and the microstructures were examined by scanning electron microscopy. The temperature dependence of the electrical resistivity and Seebeck coefficient of these samples was characterized between 300 K and 1050 K. At room temperature, the data match closely with the results recently reported by us. The thermopower initially increases with temperature, exhibits a broad maximum between 400 K and 600 K, and decreases to a common value, characteristic of the magnitude of the forbidden gap. The electrical resistivity decreases with temperature following a T/sup -1/ dependence. A correlation between the magnitude of the thermopower and the Hf/Zr ratio was observed. An estimate of the magnitude of the gap was made from a plot of 1n(/spl sigma/) versus reciprocal temperature, giving a value of 0.21 eV which is in good agreement with previous estimates. The effects of antimony and bismuth doping on the electrical properties are discussed.
Stratum corneum removal facilitates experimental sensitization to mite allergens in atopic dogs

In humans with atopic dermatitis and in mouse models of IgE-mediated allergic diseases, evidence is mounting that the stratum corneum (SC) provides an important barrier against environmental allergens. At this time, it is not known whether the SC has a similar role in dogs, especially in those with atopic dermatitis. The objectives of this pilot study were to determine whether SC removal led to earlier and stronger sensitization of atopic dogs to Dermatophagoides farinae (Df) house dust mites. Five Maltese-beagle atopic (MBA) dogs were sensitized epicutaneously after the SC was removed with ten tape strips (TS group), while sensitization was done without tape strips in five other MBA dogs (nontape stripping; NTS group). During this 16 week study, sensitization was assessed with allergen-specific IgE serology, intradermal testing with Df allergens and determination of stimulation indices of blood mononuclear cells cultured with Df and stained for CD4 and the activation markers CD25 or CD30. Compared with dogs from the NTS group, those of the TS group exhibited earlier rises in Df-specific IgE serum levels, usually had higher allergen-specific IgE titres, showed higher intradermal test reactivity and had earlier increases and higher percentages of CD25- or CD30-positive activated allergen-specific peripheral CD4-positive T lymphocytes. These observations implicate a role of the SC as a barrier limiting sensitization to exogenous allergens in this experimental atopic dog model.
Improvement of readout resolution with an in-plane magnetization film for a magneto-optical disk

For high density recording of magneto-optical disks, we have developed a new method that improves the apparent optical resolution using a medium that consists of a GdFeCo readout layer and a DyFeCo recording layer. The magnetization of the readout layer is designed to be in-plane at room temperature and to become perpendicularly oriented at high temperatures. Therefore, this medium shows polar Kerr effect only at areas heated up by a readout beam whereas the other areas of the medium are masked by an in-plane magnetization. Using this medium, a small bit at the center of the readout beam spot can be detected without cross talk from the neighborhood. The function of the above high resolution readout method was calculated and confirmed through the study of magneto-optical properties. >
On secure and resilient telesurgery communications over unreliable networks

Telesurgical Robot Systems (TRSs) address mission critical operations emerging in extreme fields such as battlefields, underwater, and disaster territories. The lack of wirelined communication infrastructure in such fields makes the use of wireless technologies including satellite and ad-hoc networks inevitable. TRSs over wireless environments pose unique challenges such as preserving a certain reliability threshold, adhering some maximum tolerable delay, and providing various security measures depending on the nature of the operation and communication environment. In this study we present a novel approach that uses information coding to integrate both light-weight privacy and adaptive reliability in a single protocol called Secure and Statistically Reliable UDP (SSR-UDP). We prove that the offered security is equivalent to the existing AES-based long key crypto systems, yet, with significantly less computational overhead. Additionally, we demonstrate that the proposed scheme can meet high reliability and delay requirements of TRS applications in highly lossy environments while optimizing the bandwidth use. Our proposed SSR-UDP protocol can also be utilized in other similar cyber-physical wireless application domains.
Colony Organization in the Green Alga Botryococcus braunii (Race B) Is Specified by a Complex Extracellular Matrix

ABSTRACT Botryococcus braunii is a colonial green alga whose cells associate via a complex extracellular matrix (ECM) and produce prodigious amounts of liquid hydrocarbons that can be readily converted into conventional combustion engine fuels. We used quick-freeze deep-etch electron microscopy and biochemical/histochemical analysis to elucidate many new features of B. braunii cell/colony organization and composition. Intracellular lipid bodies associate with the chloroplast and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) but show no evidence of being secreted. The ER displays striking fenestrations and forms a continuous subcortical system in direct contact with the cell membrane. The ECM has three distinct components. (i) Each cell is surrounded by a fibrous β-1, 4- and/or β-1, 3-glucan-containing cell wall. (ii) The intracolonial ECM space is filled with a cross-linked hydrocarbon network permeated with liquid hydrocarbons. (iii) Colonies are enclosed in a retaining wall festooned with a fibrillar sheath dominated by arabinose-galactose polysaccharides, which sequesters ECM liquid hydrocarbons. Each cell apex associates with the retaining wall and contributes to its synthesis. Retaining-wall domains also form “drapes” between cells, with some folding in on themselves and penetrating the hydrocarbon interior of a mother colony, partitioning it into daughter colonies. We propose that retaining-wall components are synthesized in the apical Golgi apparatus, delivered to apical ER fenestrations, and assembled on the surfaces of apical cell walls, where a proteinaceous granular layer apparently participates in fibril morphogenesis. We further propose that hydrocarbons are produced by the nonapical ER, directly delivered to the contiguous cell membrane, and pass across the nonapical cell wall into the hydrocarbon-based ECM.
A Pseudorigid-Body 3R Model for Determining Large Deflection of Cantilever Beams Subject to Tip Loads

In this paper, a pseudo-rigid-body (PRB) 3R model which consists of four rigid links joined by three revolute joints and three torsion springs is proposed for approximating the de∞ection of a cantilever beam subject to a general tip load. The large de∞ection beam equations are solved through numerical integration. A comprehensive atlas of the tip de∞ection for various load modes is obtained. A three-dimensional search routine has been developed to flnd the optimal set of characteristic radius factors and spring stifiness of the PRB 3R model. Detailed error analysis has been done by comparing with the pre-computed tip de∞ection atlas. Our results show that the approximation error is much less than that of the conventional PBR 1R model. The beneflts of the PRB 3R model include (a) load independence which is critical for analysis/synthesis applications where loads vary signiflcantly, (b) high accuracy for large de∞ection beams, and (c) explicit kinematic and static constraint equations which are simpler to solve compared with the flnite element model. To demonstrate the use of the PRB 3R model, a compliant 4-bar linkage is studied and verifled by a numerical example. The result shows a maximum tip de∞ection error of 1:2% compared with the FEA model.
Detection of Deception of Planned and Spontaneous Communications

Abstract A videotape showed three 4-person groups of stimulus persons; each stimulus person answered six questions, three truthfully and three deceptively. Two of the three groups of stimulus persons planned two responses, but the remainder of their responses and all responses of the third group of stimulus persons were spontaneous. The videotape was viewed by 32 undergraduates, and they indicated the degree to which they believed or disbelieved each response. Results indicated that planned lies were identified less accurately than spontaneous lies. Planning did not consistently affect the accuracy of identification of truthful responses.
Mosquito RNAi is the major innate immune pathway controlling arbovirus infection and transmission

Mosquito-borne arboviruses cause serious diseases in humans that are increasingly becoming public health problems, yet arbovirus infections cause minimal pathology in the mosquito vector, allowing persistent infections and lifelong virus transmission. The principal mosquito innate immune response to virus infections, RNAi, differs substantially from the human immune response and this difference could be the basis for the disparate outcomes of infection in the two hosts. Understanding the mosquito antiviral immune response could lead to strategies for interruption of arbovirus transmission and greatly reduce disease. Research focused on RNAi as the primary mosquito antiviral response has the greatest potential for developing a full understanding of mosquito innate immunity. This article reviews our current knowledge of mosquito antiviral RNAi and charts some of the future directions needed to fill knowledge gaps.
Workshop on using natural language processing applications for enhancing clinical decision making: an executive summary

In April 2012, the National Institutes of Health organized a two-day workshop entitled ‘Natural Language Processing: State of the Art, Future Directions and Applications for Enhancing Clinical Decision-Making’ (NLP-CDS). This report is a summary of the discussions during the second day of the workshop. Collectively, the workshop presenters and participants emphasized the need for unstructured clinical notes to be included in the decision making workflow and the need for individualized longitudinal data tracking. The workshop also discussed the need to: (1) combine evidence-based literature and patient records with machine-learning and prediction models; (2) provide trusted and reproducible clinical advice; (3) prioritize evidence and test results; and (4) engage healthcare professionals, caregivers, and patients. The overall consensus of the NLP-CDS workshop was that there are promising opportunities for NLP and CDS to deliver cognitive support for healthcare professionals, caregivers, and patients.
Effect of supplemental zinc on the growth and serum zinc concentrations of prepubertal children: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Background Multiple studies have been carried out to assess the effect of zinc supplementation on children's growth. The results of these studies are inconsistent, and the factors responsible for these varied outcomes are unknown. Objective Meta-analyses of randomized controlled intervention trials were therefore completed to assess the effect of zinc supplementation on the physical growth and serum zinc concentrations of prepubertal children. Design A total of 33 acceptable studies with appropriate data were identified by MEDLINE (National Library of Medicine, Bethesda, MD) searches and other methods. Weighted mean effect sizes (expressed in SD units) were calculated for changes in height, weight, weight-for-height, and serum zinc concentration by using random-effects models; factors associated with effect sizes were explored by meta-regression techniques. Results Zinc supplementation produced highly significant, positive responses in height and weight increments, with effect sizes of 0.350 (95% CI: 0.189, 0.511) and 0.309 (0.178, 0.439), respectively. There was no significant effect of zinc on weight-for-height indexes [weighted mean effect size: -0.018 (-0.132, 0.097)]. Zinc supplementation caused a large increase in the children's serum zinc concentrations, with an effect size of 0.820 (0.499, 1.14). Growth responses were greater in children with low initial weight-for-age z scores and in those aged >6 mo with low initial height-for-age z scores. Conclusions Interventions to improve children's zinc nutriture should be considered in populations at risk of zinc deficiency, especially where there are elevated rates of underweight or stunting. The population mean serum zinc concentration is a useful indicator of the successful delivery and absorption of zinc supplements in children.
A Wavefront Array Architecture For Executing Sequences Of Matrix Operations

This paper describes a new wavefront array architecture which can efficiently execute sequences of matrix operations, as are typically found in many real-world signal processing problems. The systolic algorithms described in the literature have usually been derived for single matrix operations, without regard for how one might combine them with other matrix operations in a useful sequence. A modified wavefront array architecture allows a sequence of operations to be systolized without sacrificing the efficiency of the individual systolic algorithms in the sequence. The approach consists of dividing the sequence of matrix operations into tasks (each task is one operation) and systolizing each task such that the positioning of data values for input and output is compatible with that required by the preceding and following tasks. The wavefront array then pipelines a sequence of tasks, with the head element of the array beginning a new task as soon as it completes the preceding task. Each wavefront initiates a task iteration when it arrives at a processing element. To increase the speed of the array, wavefronts are passed on when an element begins executing a task iteration rather than after it finishes the task iteration. When this is done, dataflow rather than wavefront propagation determines the execution time of the array for each task. Several examples of matrix operation sequences have been tested on the architecture in simulation, and the results are reported.
Rhinology and medical malpractice: An update of the medicolegal landscape of the last ten years

Objectives/Hypothesis Malpractice claims pertaining to rhinological procedures are a potentially important source of information that could be used to minimize the risk of future litigation and improve patient care. Study Design A retrospective review of a publicly available database containing jury verdicts and settlements. Methods The LexisNexis Jury Verdicts and Settlements database was reviewed for all lawsuits and out-of-court adjudications related to the practice of rhinology. Data including patient demographics, type of surgery performed, plaintiff allegation, nature of injury, outcomes, and indemnities were collected and analyzed. Results Of 85 cases meeting inclusion criteria, 42 were decided by a jury and 43 were adjudicated out of court. Endoscopic sinus surgery was the most commonly litigated surgery. The plaintiff was favored when the eye was injured (P = 0.0196), but the defendant was favored when neuropsychological injuries (P = 0.0137) or recurrent/worsened symptoms (P = 0.0050) were cited. No difference was found when death or skull base injuries occurred. When lack of informed consent was an allegation, the defendant was favored (P = 0.0001). A payout was made in two-thirds of cases overall, but the defendant was favored in two-thirds of cases decided by a jury. Payments were significant for both out-of-court settlements ($1.3 million) and jury verdicts ($2 million). Conclusions Endoscopic sinus surgery remains the most commonly litigated rhinology procedure and has the potential to result in large payouts. Meticulous dissection, recognition of complications, and documentation of informed consent remain paramount for providing optimal patient care. Level of Evidence N/A. Laryngoscope, 126:14–19, 2016
Differential Inhibition by Azathioprine and 6-Mercaptopurine of Specific Suppressor T Cell Generation in Mice

Doses of 100 mg/kg/day and 55 mg/kg/day of azathioprine (AZ) and 6-mercaptopurine (6-MP), respectively, significantly suppressed anti sheep red blood cell (SRBC) responses in CBA mice, assayed by the complement-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (CDCC) test and by serum titration. Four injections of similar doses of the agents were given to donors of carrier-specific suppressor T cells, generated by two immunizations with SRBC, and transferred to syngeneic recipients sensitized with the TNP hapten on SRBC carrier. Anti-TNP response of the recipients was assayed by the CDCC, using TNP-coated EL4 target cells. Whereas 6-MP, given after or before the second immunization of the donors with carrier SRBC, caused abrogation of suppressor cell activity, equimolar doses of AZ were less inhibitory to suppressor cell generation.
Structure and Mechanism of the 6-Deoxyerythronolide B Synthase

Abstract6-Deoxyerythronolide B, the macrocyclic aglycone of the antibiotic erythromycin, is synthesized by a polyketide synthase (PKS) that has emerged as the prototypical modular megasynthase. A variety of molecular biological, protein chemical, and biosynthetic experiments over the past two decades have yielded insights into its mechanistic features. More recently, high-resolution structural images of portions of the 6-deoxyerythronolide B synthase have provided a platform for interpreting this wealth of biochemical data, while at the same time presenting a fundamentally new basis for the design of more detailed investigations into this remarkable enzyme. For example, the critical roles of domain-domain interactions and nonconserved linkers, as well as large interdomain movements in the structure and function of modular PKSs, have been highlighted. In turn, these insights point the way forward for more sophisticated and efficient biosynthetic engineering of complex polyketide natural products.
Diffeomorphisms as Symplectomorphisms in History Phase Space : Bosonic String Model

The structure of the history phase space $\mathcal{G}$ of a covariant field system and its history group (in the sense of Isham and Linden) is analyzed on an example of a bosonic string. The history space $\mathcal{G}$ includes the time map $T$ from the spacetime manifold (the two-sheet) $\mathcal{Y}$ to a one-dimensional time manifold $\mathcal{T}$ as one of its configuration variables. A canonical history action is posited on $\mathcal{G}$ such that its restriction to the configuration history space yields the familiar Polyakov action. The standard Dirac-ADM action is shown to be identical with the canonical history action, the only difference being that the underlying action is expressed in two different coordinate charts on $\mathcal{G}.$ The canonical history action encompasses all individual Dirac-ADM actions corresponding to different choices $T$ of foliating $\mathcal{Y}.$ The history Poisson brackets of spacetime fields on $\mathcal{G}$ induce the ordinary Poisson brackets of spatial fields in the instantaneous phase space ${\mathcal{G}}_{0}$ of the Dirac-ADM formalism. The canonical history action is manifestly invariant both under spacetime diffeomorphisms $\mathrm{Diff}\mathcal{Y}$ and temporal diffeomorphisms $\mathrm{Diff}\mathcal{T}.$ Both of these diffeomorphisms are explicitly represented by symplectomorphisms on the history phase space $\mathcal{G}.$ The resulting classical history phase space formalism is offered as a starting point for projection operator quantization and consistent histories interpretation of the bosonic string model.
State and Federal Legislature Restrictions on Municipal Wi-Fi

Although wi-fi technology has existed for nearly a decade, only recently has there been a movement to provide it to the population at large. Local governments have begun offering wi-fi broadband service, which has touched off a conflict involving state legislatures, Congress, the federal courts, an incumbent telephone carriers. Some states have passed laws with outright prohibitions on municipal wi-fi or with onerous procedural prerequisites for municipal entry. The Supreme Court's 2004 decision in Nixon v. Missouri Municipal League upheld Missouri's prohibition of municipality-run telecommunications and seemed to give states the power to prevent local governments from providing wi-fi services. In 2006, Congress entered the municipal wi-fi debate with a variety of bills. Proposed federal legislation ranged from restricting local governments from offering wi-fi to preventing states from prohibiting municipality-run wi-fi. Because wi-fi technology is new and the effects of public-private partnerships are unknown, it remains unseen which trend Congress and the states ultimately will choose.
Policy issues in financing mental health services

Although a national health insurance program of some kind may soon be established in this country, public policy regarding prepaid and reimbursable outpatient mental health services has yet to be formulated. The author explores various options for a policy that may determine how services in this area are financed and provided.
Privatization of Welfare Services: Delegation by Commercial Contract

This article analyzes the privatization or outsourcing of government assistance programs (welfare) to for-profit contractors, which has become increasingly common. Privatization of welfare eligibility determinations is essentially a delegation of government power to private parties, and as such presents constitutional problems, under Due Process and the Nondelegation Doctrine. The contracts for such outsourcing arrangements are grouped into three categories, each of which presents unique pitfalls and conflicts of interest that harm the needy applicants for such programs.
Relation of Cerebral Dysrhythmia to Eclampsia.

SummarySeventy-seven percent of 17 eclamptic women had electroencephalograms indicative of cerebral dysrhythmia. Fifty-eight percent of this series gave a family history of convulsive disorders.
Biological Activity of Lymantria dispar Nucleopolyhedrosis Virus from Living and Virus-killed Larvae

Polyhedral inclusion body (PIB) yields and biological activity of the gypsy moth, Lymantria dispar (L), nucleopolyhedrosis virus (NPV) were monitored at different times post-infection. PIBs harvested from dead larvae were up to 7 × more active than PIBs from living infected larvae. Virus yields increased up to ca. 2 × 109 PIBs/larva during the first 11 days and then remained constant.
A New Beatbug: Revisions, Simplifications, and New Directions

In this paper we present recent changes to the original design of the Beatbug, an electronic percussion controller for capturing and manipulating struck rhythm patterns. We discuss the context of this interface, the evolution of its form and function, and recent developments in the design. In our description of this work we highlight key issues, such as the motivation to create a controller more suitable for impromptu, improvisational solo performance, new mappings, and the benefit of a compact performance system.
Environmental Impact and Future Role of Technological Change

Technological change affects not only the performance of products, processes, and services, but also their environment. There are many product technologies now which introduce completely new concepts as well as needs. In fact, many introduce or generate needs which people never thought they had or might have. Technology changes the behaviors of individuals, groups, and society. It introduces new challenges as well as new hazards. It unites people and drives them apart. It encourages confrontation of individuals, firms, and nations. The outcome of technological change is often perilous. It improves the means of communications, yet at the same time reduces the need for interpersonal and intersocietal communication, at least on a person-to-person level.
Integration, knowledge creation and B2B governance: The role of resource hierarchies in financial performance

Abstract Knowledge is a critical competitive resource for firms that increasingly exploit resources and capabilities combined with those of channel partners to create new knowledge. However, the opportunism risks inherent in any B2B relationship require firms to employ governance mechanisms to protect their interests. These tensions call for further study of how B2B partners exploit combined resources to produce new knowledge. This research employs a Resource Hierarchy View of resource bundling to describe the ways that firms integrate internal and external processes to achieve financial performance through knowledge creation, and the role that relational governance approaches play in enabling those resource combinations. The study finds that normative and formalized governance forms both enable complex combinations of knowledge creation and integration resources in a way that affects financial performance more than either resource could in simpler combination. However, there are differences in how knowledge is created through internal and external process integration.
Noninvasive assessment of tissue-engineered graft viability by oxygen-17 magnetic resonance spectroscopy.

Transplantation of macroencapsulated tissue-engineered grafts (TEGs) is being investigated as a treatment for type 1 diabetes, but there is a critical need to measure TEG viability both in vitro and in vivo. Oxygen deficiency is the most critical issue preventing widespread implementation of TEG transplantation and delivery of supplemental oxygen (DSO) has been shown to enhance TEG survival and function in vivo. In this study, we demonstrate the first use of oxygen-17 magnetic resonance spectroscopy (17O-MRS) to measure the oxygen consumption rate (OCR) of TEGs and show that in addition to providing therapeutic benefits to TEGs, DSO with 17O2 can also enable measurements of TEG viability. Macroencapsulated TEGs containing βTC3 murine insulinoma cells were prepared with three fractional viabilities and provided with 17O2. Cellular metabolism of 17O2 into nascent mitochondrial water (H217O) was monitored by 17O-MRS and, from the measured data, OCR was calculated. For comparison, OCR was simultaneously measured on a separate, but equivalent sample of cells with a well-established stirred microchamber technique. OCR measured by 17O-MRS agreed well with measurements made in the stirred microchamber device. These studies confirm that 17O-MRS can quantify TEG viability noninvasively. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved
Coacervate Droplets, Proteinoid Microspheres, and the Genetic Apparatus

In this paper, coacervate droplets and proteinoid microspheres are compared, both as laboratory models and as sources of inference. Depending upon the definition used for coacervate droplets, proteinoid microspheres themselves constitute a type of coacervate droplet. Both in the Soviet Union* and the United States, this author has been asked to compare and contrast the two. The context of those questions indicated that coacervate droplets from gelatin and gum arabic were usually meant on the one hand, whereas microspheres assembled from proteinoid alone were meant on the other. Difficulties stem from the fact that either coacervate droplets or proteinoid microspheres are produced in many types. Coacervate droplets so designated are complexes of two or more polymers of markedly different composition. The simplest proteinoid microsphere consists mainly of a family of compositionally closely related copolyamino acids, rather than of two colloidal types of markedly different sources and polarities. It is also true that coacervate droplets of, for example, polyvinyl sulfonic acid (34) alone have been reported, but this type is not relevant to a question of associations of functions related to vital properties, associations such as are found in copolyamino acid preparations.
Immediate Vascular Imaging Needed for Efficient Triage of Patients With Acute Ischemic Stroke Initially Admitted to Nonthrombectomy Centers

Background and Purpose— Current guidelines for endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) used to select patients for transfer to thrombectomy-capable stroke centers (TSC) may result in unnecessary transfers. We sought to determine the impact of simulated baseline vascular imaging on reducing unnecessary transfers and clinical-imaging factors associated with receiving EVT after transfer. Methods— We identified patients with stroke transferred for EVT from 30 referring hospitals between 2010 and 2016 who had a referring hospitals brain computed tomography and repeat imaging on TSC arrival available for review. Initial Alberta Stroke Program Early CT scores and TSC vascular occlusion level were assessed. The main outcome variable was receiving EVT at TSC. Models were simulated to derive optimal triaging parameters for EVT. Results— A total of 508 patients were included in the analysis (mean age, 69±14 years; 42% women). Application at referring hospitals of current guidelines for EVT yielded sensitivity of 92% (95% confidence interval, 0.84–0.96) and specificity of 53% (95% confidence interval, 0.48–0.57) for receiving EVT at TSC. Repeated simulations identified optimal selection criteria for transfer as National Institute of Health Stroke Scale >8 plus baseline vascular imaging (sensitivity=91%; 95% confidence interval, 0.83–0.95; and specificity=80%; 95% confidence interval, 0.75–0.83). Conclusions— Our findings provide quantitative estimates of the claim that implementing vascular imaging at the referring hospitals would result in significantly fewer futile transfers for EVT and a data-driven framework to inform transfer policies.
How the Baldrige Award really works.

"How the Baldrige Award Really Works" by David A. Garvin draws on a series of in-depth discussions with Baldrige Award judges and senior examiners to give the first clear account of the real purpose and operation of the prestigious--and contentious--award. Accompanying the article is "An Open Letter on TQM," a call from James D. Robinson III, Harold A. Poling, John F. Akers, Robert W. Galvin, Edwin L. Artzt, and Paul A. Allaire for closer cooperation between business and universities to promote quality.
Abstract 351: Nonlinear Dynamics in Long-Term Left Ventricular Remodeling in Chagas Heart Disease and Adverse Outcomes: SEARCH-Rio Substudy

Introduction: Left ventricular (LV) remodeling in Chagas heart disease (CHD) depends on the severity of the initial insult and may have clinical implication. SEARCH-Rio study investigated nonlinear dynamics in long-term LV remodeling in CHD. Methods: Fifty stable outpatients with CHD were enrolled and followed at scheduled visits. Cardiac death (sudden, arrhythmic or heart failure) was ascertained by review of medical records. LV dimension was assessed by echocardiogram, and mass estimated by Devereux. Subjects were distributed in four equally spaced groups according to initial mass. Intra-group standard deviation (SD) was calculated throughout follow-up. A plot of LV mass (corrected to initial value) vs recurrences during follow-up assessed non-linear relationship. Lyapunov exponent (LE) assessed LV mass dynamics during follow-up. Results: Median follow-up was 95 months; 10 subjects died. LV mass groups were [mean; Figure 1]: I-110g, II-140g, III-170g, IV-200g. No inter-group SD differences at baseline were observed (p=NS; table inset). At end of follow-up, intra-group SD increased roughly proportional to initial mean LV mass (Figure 1; p=0.01). A logistic parabolic-shaped equation was fit to corrected LV mass data in the plot (r²=0.98) and alpha coefficient was 3.9 (p Conclusion: In CHD, LV remodeling exhibits complex nonlinear dynamics. LV remodeling dynamics has prognostic implication in this population.
Do we need behavioral economics to explain law

Do we need behavioral economics to explain law? I analyze Judge Guido Calabresi’s claim that we do. I find that, actually, we don’t; traditional economic theory can explain law just fine.
Wind-induced shear and torsion in low-rise and medium-rise buildings: Provisions of National Building Code of Canada 2015

This paper discusses the shear and torsion induced in low-rise and medium-rise buildings, according to wind load specifications provided in NBCC 2015. Results from experimental studies, carried out...
Reducing Frequent Utilization of Psychiatric Emergency Services Among Veterans While Maintaining Quality of Care.

Objective:Use of psychiatric emergency services in emergency departments (EDs) and inpatient psychiatry units contributes substantially to the cost of mental health care. Among patients who utilize...
Thread-based analysis of patterns of collaborative interaction in chat

In this work we present a thread-based approach for analyzing synchronous collaborative math problem solving activities. Thread information is shown to be an important resource for analyzing collaborative activities, especially for conducting sequential analysis of interaction among participants of a small group. We propose a computational model based on thread information which allows us to identify patterns of interaction and their sequential organization in computer-supported collaborative environments. This approach enables us to understand important features of collaborative math problem solving in a chat environment and to envisage several useful implications for educational and design purposes.
Efficacy of Norfloxacin in Urinary Tract Infections: Biological Effects on Vaginal and Fecal Flora

Forty women with uncomplicated urinary tract infections were assigned randomly to receive 400 mg. norfloxacin or 160 mg. trimethoprim and 800 mg. sulfamethoxazole twice daily for 10 days. Of the 20 patients receiving norfloxacin none had bacteriuria during or 7 days after therapy and 5 patients were reinfected within 6 weeks of therapy discontinuation. Of the 20 patients receiving trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole therapy 1 presented with a strain resistant to trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole and was excluded from the study. The remaining 19 patients were uninfected during and 7 days after therapy, and 6 patients were reinfected 6 weeks after therapy. All documented recurrences were caused by bacteria sensitive to the initial therapeutic agent. Anal and vaginal Enterobacteriaceae maintained their sensitivity to norfloxacin. One patient on trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole presented with and 2 patients acquired resistant anal and vaginal Enterobacteriaceae. No adverse reactions occurred in either treatment group. Norfloxacin was as effective and safe as trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole without emergence of resistant bacteria associated with trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole.