cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Lmx1a is required for segregation of sensory epithelia and normal ear histogenesis and morphogenesis

At embryonic day 8.5, the LIM-homeodomain factor Lmx1a is expressed throughout the otic placode but becomes developmentally restricted to non-sensory epithelia of the ear (endolymphatic duct, ductus reuniens, cochlea lateral wall). We confirm here that the ears of newborn dreher (Lmx1a (dr)) mutants are dysmorphic. Hair cell markers such as Atoh1 and Myo7 reveal, for the first time, that newborn Lmx1a mutants have only three sensory epithelia: two enlarged canal cristae and one fused epithelium comprising an amalgamation of the cochlea, saccule, and utricle (a "cochlear-gravistatic" endorgan). The enlarged anterior canal crista develops by fusion of horizontal and anterior crista, whereas the posterior crista fuses with an enlarged papilla neglecta that may extend into the cochlear lateral wall. In the fused endorgan, the cochlear region is distinguished from the vestibular region by markers such as Gata3, the presence of a tectorial membrane, and cochlea-specific innervation. The cochlea-like apex displays minor disorganization of the hair and supporting cells. This contrasts with the basal half of the cochlear region, which shows a vestibular epithelium-like organization of hair cells and supporting cells. The dismorphic features of the cochlea are also reflected in altered gene expression patterns. Fgf8 expression expands from inner hair cells in the apex to most hair cells in the base. Two supporting cell marker proteins, Sox2 and Prox1, also differ in their cellular distribution between the base and the apex. Sox2 expression expands in mutant canal cristae prior to their enlargement and fusion and displays a more diffuse and widespread expression in the base of the cochlear region, whereas Prox1 is not detected in the base. These changes in Sox2 and Prox1 expression suggest that Lmx1a expression restricts and sharpens Sox2 expression, thereby defining non-sensory and sensory epithelium. The adult Lmx1a mutant organ of Corti shows a loss of cochlear hair cells, suggesting that the long-term maintenance of hair cells is also disrupted in these mutants.
Going‐Concern Opinions in the “New” Legal Environment

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC 2000) recently asserted that the litigation environment facing auditors has changed significantly since 1994, and that the reduced threat of litigation can influence auditor behavior. This study examines the potential impact of the “new” legal environment described by the SEC by examining the audit reports on 1,871 companies under financial stress during the years 1992–93, 1996–97, and 1999–2000. We find that after controlling for financial stress, company size, and default status, going‐concern audit reports were less likely (1) in 1996–97 than in 1992–93, and (2) in 1999–2000 than in 1996–97. Our results indicate that changes in the litigation environment are associated with the issuance of fewer going‐concern‐modified opinions to stressed companies in recent years. This finding is consistent with the SEC's claim that auditors' behavior in recent years has been influenced by reduced litigation pressures.
Nanomaterials in Sensors

This Special Issue of Nanomaterials is focused on the continuing implementation of nanomaterials and nanostructures in the development of more sensitive and more specific sensing devices. As a result, these new devices employ smaller sensing elements and provide more "real time" capability. Often, the inclusion of nanomaterials leads to sensing elements for targets that were previously inaccessible. [...].
Methodology for Studying Research Networks in the Development World: Generating Information for Science and Technology Policy

Science and technology policy in the developing world involves special problems since much of the financial support for S&T originates outside the countries where research is done. The development of information for policy and strategic planning decisions is therefore critical for national research policymakers, international organizations, and donors. However, prior attempts have been plagued by serious methodological problems. We describe a multifaceted approach for generating systematic information on scientific and technological institutions in developing countries based on the concept of the research system as a multiorganizational network. By providing an account of how this approach was implemented in a three-country study we hope to shed light on several related problems in developing information for policy. First, how can relevant actors in research systems be identified? Second, how can a national research system be systematically surveyed? Third, how can system-wide estimates of organizational linkages and performance be obtained?
Rates of spontaneous movement of water in capillary tubes

Abstract The neglect of inertia terms and assumption of Poiseuille's flow approximations in describing the motion of a liquid with a free surface in narrow passages are inappropriate for certain motions. This is demonstrated with experiments in which the rates of spontaneous rise of a meniseus in an empty capillary tube, when one end is suddenly contacted with a pool of water, were determined with the aid of a high-speed camera. Glass capillary tubes 266 to 1191 μm in diamter were used in the vertical and horizontal orientations. The results indicate that the mean rise velocity falls steadily with time in a logarithmic fashion for the horizontal arrangement and linearly for the initial stage of vertical rise. Deviations from theoretical predictions in which the assumptions above are made are significant and not similar for the different tube sizes. Actual velocity was initially less than predicted. For vertical rise, the velocity after a while exceeds the prediction at different elapsed times for each tube size. It is suggested that, since the highest Reynolds number (
Doing Justice to Bodies? Reflections on Food Justice, Race, and Biology

Abstract: The food justice concept takes disproportionate prevalence of obesity and type 2 diabetes among people of color as evidence of injustice. Yet several measurements of obesity are based on norms derived from white bodies, which can also be a source of injustice. Part of the conceptual problem lies with reticence to discuss questions of material bodily difference as it relates to race given the legacy of racial science. Noting the distinction between racialism and racism, this article explores ways to think about biological difference in raced bodies, without reducing it to genetics. It draws on insights from Foucauldian notions of race and the new science of epigenetics to suggest that biological difference is more an effect of racism than a cause. Several pathways to obesity exist that have less to do with current day food access or genetic inheritance than with differential exposures that are somatized epigenetically.
A counter example to an ideal membership test

An ideal membership test is presented by A. Leykin in Numerical primary decomposition using dual bases. A counter example is presented to demonstrate that the proposed test is invalid.
STRUCTURAL FEATURES OF NUCLEAR GENES IN THE CENTRIC DIATOM THALASSIOSIRA WEISSFLOGII (BACILLARIOPHYCEAE)

Thalassiosira weissflogii (Grun.) Fryxell et Hasle is one of the more commonly studied centric diatoms, and yet molecular studies of this organism are still in their infancy. The ability to identify open reading frames and thus distinguish between introns and exons, coding and noncoding sequence is essential to move from nuclear DNA sequences to predicted amino acid sequences. To facilitate the identification of open reading frames in T. weissflogii, two newly identified nuclear genes encoding β-tubulin and t -complex polypeptide (TCP)-γ, along with six previously published nuclear DNA sequences, were examined for general structural features. The coding region of the nuclear open reading frames had a G + C content of about 49% and could readily be distinguished from noncoding sequence due to a significant difference in G + C content. The introns were uniformly small, about 100 base pairs in size. Furthermore, the 5′ and 3′ splice sites of introns displayed the canonical GT/AG sequence, further facilitating recognition of noncoding regions. Six of the nuclear open reading frames displayed relatively little bias in the use of synonymous codons, as exemplified by the cDNAs encoding β-tubulin and TCP-γ. Two open reading frames displayed strong bias in the use of particular codons (although the codons used were different), as exemplified by the cDNA encoding fucoxanthin chlorophyll a/c binding protein. Knowledge of codon bias should facilitate, for example, design of degenerate PCR primers and potential heterologous reporter gene constructs.
Chewing and spitting in eating disorders and its relationship to binge eating.

Abstract Objective This study examined (i) the frequency of chewing and spitting and (ii) its association with other pathological eating behaviors in eating-disordered inpatients. We hypothesized a positive association between chewing and spitting and binge eating given the phenomenological similarities between these disordered eating behaviors. Method Frequent chewers/spitters were compared with those who did not regularly engage in this behavior with regard to diagnosis, psychometric test results, and associated eating pathology. Results Chewing and spitting was not associated with elevated bingeing. Rather, frequent chewers/spitters exhibited higher levels of restrictive eating behaviors and the behavior was more prevalent in younger patients. Discussion Contrary to our predictions, chewing and spitting is more closely associated with restrictive than with binge behaviors. This suggests that most individuals chew and spit small portions of food. The behavior is frequent, occurs across diagnostic groups, and may be associated with greater psychopathology. Future studies should clarify the amount of food consumed during chew/spit episodes and the presence of a sense of loss of control.
Poststocking Movements and Habitat Use of Hatchery-Reared Juvenile Pallid Sturgeon in the Missouri River below Fort Randall Dam, South Dakota and Nebraska

Abstract Telemetry was used to evaluate seasonal and diel movement patterns, general habitat use, survival, and spatial distributions of hatchery-reared juvenile pallid sturgeon Scaphirhynchus albus stocked in the Missouri River below Fort Randall Dam, South Dakota and Nebraska. Sampling occurred at about 2-week intervals during spring through fall. Of 22 ultrasonically tagged fish, 13 were intensively followed to assess hourly diel movement rates. A total of 258 relocations were made for the 22 tagged fish; 19 fish were relocated at least once, and 16 were relocated multiple times. At least 68% of tagged fish survived for 2.5 years. In 2000, fish were found mainly upstream of the stocking site, whereas in 2001 and 2002 the entire reach was used. Juveniles were found primarily in the main channel at depths exceeding 80% of the maximum channel cross-section depth, where bottom current velocities ranged from 0.1 to 0.9 m/s. Clusters of juvenile pallid sturgeon (i.e., two or more fish) within 750 m of each o...
Generative approaches for application tailoring of mobile devices

The popularity of mobile devices has propelled the development of many useful location-aware applications. However, the heterogeneity of mobile devices necessitates that the software be customized and tailored for each device. The research described in this paper demonstrates the possibilities of generative programming applied to application tailoring. This is done in order to assist in porting software to specific devices without manually rewriting code. The Java 2 Micro Edition (J2ME) is an integral part of the application tailoring solution. Many mobile devices are capable of using J2ME, but require the code to be packaged specifically to run in each different mobile environment. J2ME applications alone are not sufficient for porting the code to different mobile devices.The first solution that will be presented uses a specifically structured VoiceXML file as input to an XSL transformation. The transformation produces J2ME source code. Java servlets are used to compile the resulting code and package it with respect to a specific device. This first solution works well for users who have programming experience and are comfortable with editing XML files. However, a different solution is needed to enable users with limited programming experience to specify the essential properties of the mobile application.A second solution to application tailorability uses a metamodeling tool (we use the Generic Modeling Environment -- GME) to create a domain-specific modeling language. This environment allows an end-user to capture the essence of a design in a notation that is familiar to the users. From the specified models, an application can be generated directly from a model interpreter. The modeling approach provides a higher-level of abstraction, which removes the user from the accidental complexities regarding the details of the mobile application implementation. A case study is presented that enables a restaurateur to create an online menu for use on several different mobile devices.
Preparation of [60]fullerene tris-malonate adducts by addend removal from higher adducts via the electrochemical retro-Bingel reaction

Systematic application of the electrochemical retro-Bingel reaction to tetrakis-, pentakis- and hexakis-malonate adducts of C60, produced tris-adducts in ca. 30% yield. Of the tris-adducts obtained, the (trans-4, trans-2, e) and the (trans-3, trans-4, e) isomers were the major products, while unexpectedly, the (e, e, e) and (trans-3, trans-3, trans-3) isomers were formed in relatively small amounts. New tetrakis-adducts were also formed via the isomerization reaction as indicated by HPLC studies.
Molecular diagnosis of oligodendroglioma in paraffin sections

Distinction of oligodendrogliomas from other gliomas is clinically important, but the histologic diagnosis of oligodendroglioma has been a difficult and notoriously subjective task. Testing for loss of heterozygosity (LOH) on chromosomal arms 1p and 19q, the genetic signature of oligodendroglioma, has emerged as a useful, objective adjunct to the traditional histologic evaluation. However, LOH testing of glioma specimens has not yet been widely implemented, presumably because of a lack of a practical LOH assay. We describe a 1p and 19q LOH assay suitable for routine diagnostics. In contrast to traditional microsatellite-based LOH analysis, we show that detection of LOH is usually possible even without normal tissue or blood from the same patient. A small area of tumor on a single paraffin section is sufficient for the assay. The assay protocol consists of a one-step DNA extraction, multiplex PCR for microsatellites on 1p and 19q, and capillary electrophoresis of the PCR products. LOH is detected by analysis of the allelic patterns and by integration of data from multiple highly polymorphic microsatellites. In a validation study on 19 gliomas, the results were concordant with results obtained by established methods and correlated well with histologic diagnoses. Because only a paraffin section is required, the pathologist can perform both the traditional histopathologic evaluation and this supporting molecular assay from the material at hand.
The design of trellis coded MPSK for fading channels: performance criteria

It has been well established that the appropriate criterion for optimum trellis-coded modulation design on the additive white Gaussian noise channel is maximization of the free Euclidean distance. It is shown that when the trellis-coded modulation is used on a Rician fading channel with interleaving/deinterleaving, the design of the code of optimum performance is guided by other factors, in particular, the length of the shortest error-event path, and the product of branch distances (possibly normalized by the Euclidean distance of the path) along the path. Although maximum free distance (d/sub free/) is still an important consideration, it plays a less significant role the more severe the fading is on the channel. These considerations lead to the definition of a new distance measure of optimization of trellis codes transmitted over Rician fading channels. If no interleaving/deinterleaving is used, then once again the design of the trellis code is guided by maximizing d/sub free/. >
Fixed-priority global scheduling for mixed-criticality real-time systems

There has been a growing interest in recent years in mixed-criticality real-time systems in which tasks are attributed different levels of criticality based on the degree to which their deadlines must be assured. While most of the initial efforts on mixed-criticality systems targeted single-processor systems, the research community has recently started to investigate multiprocessor mixed-criticality real-time systems. In this paper we investigate how global, fixed-priority algorithms can be applied in the context of multiprocessor mixed-criticality systems. We identify the two key dimensions of the problem – priority assignment and schedulability testing, and consider candidate algorithms for each dimension. We also propose a new and simple priority assignment policy called CPRatio that considers both task criticality and timing constraints to improve the schedulability of mixed-criticality task sets. We experimentally evaluate the performance of priority assignment strategies and schedulability tests in the global multiprocessor mixed-criticality scheduling context.
Comparison of Ampere's circuital law (ACL) and the law of Biot-Savart (LBS)

Ampere's circuital law (ACL) and the law of Biot-Savart (LBS) are applied to the computation of the magnetic flux density at the center of the square loop. The results are compared and some common misunderstandings of students are clarified. It is seen that LBS is general and applies to closed or open circuits. In the case of open circuits, care must be exercised in applying the ACL. Here, two choices present themselves; one is to use a modified form of ACL appropriate to the problem at hand and the second is to use ACL in its generalized form, which takes into account the inevitable charge accumulations. >
Safeguarding Investments in Asymmetric Interorganizational Relationships: Theory and Evidence

We model the governance strategies adopted by suppliers to safeguard relationship-specific investments in asymmetric interoganizational relationships using two dimensions: quasi integration and joi...
The interactions of plant clone and abiotic factors on a gall-making midge.

Within and around Tampa Bay, Florida, monoclonal populations of the sea daisy, Borrichia frutescens, can be found on small, isolated islands growing within the intertidal zone. Stem tips of Borrichia are attacked by the gall-making cecidomyiid, Asphondyliaborrichiae. We used reciprocal transplants of Borrichia clones between islands to assess the importance of plant genotype and local environmental conditions (shade and host-plant nitrogen) on gall abundance. In another experiment, we controlled for host genotype effects by inducing differences in local environmental conditions through the addition of NH4NO3 fertilizer and/or shade to field plots at the only monoclonal site with a large enough population of Borrichia to facilitate the experiment. We also examined the effect of these variables on attack levels of Asphondylia by parasitoids. In the reciprocal transplant, while some Borrichia clones always supported more galls than others, regardless of environmental conditions, all four clones developed more galls when they were placed in the shade, compared to those in the sun, at all four sites. In addition, some islands always supported more galls than others and we found a significant clone × site interaction. In the single-clone experiment, Borrichia in fertilized- and shaded-only plots developed more Asphondylia galls than those from nonmanipulated control plots, and plants that received both shading and fertilizer developed the most galls. Although shade and fertilization produced an additive increase in plant nitrogen content, their effects resulted in a synergistic decrease in C:N ratio. Neither shading nor host plant nitrogen content had a significant effect on levels of parasitism between experimental and control plants. Our results suggest that genetic differences in Borrichia's susceptibility to Asphondylia attack are important in shaping the distribution of galls, but environmental factors such as soil nitrogen and degree of shading are at least as important as genetic differences between host plants.
Swallow sound analysis for automated ingestion detection

Obesity is a worldwide epidemic and is an underlying cause for most major chronic diseases. In majority of cases the underlying cause for obesity is a greatly skewed imbalance between the food intake and the number of calories burnt by the patient. One of the first steps in managing obesity is the correct recording of food and fluids that are ingested in the body. Traditional methods like food diaries have generally produced grossly inaccurate results. In order to automate the process of capturing ingestion, a method for detecting, analyzing, and recording sounds related to ingestion is being developed. In this paper, preliminary swallow sound analysis is presented with the intention of implementing automated ingestion detection as part of an obesity and overweight management system. Three basic algorithmic approaches are discussed as well as filtering options. More complex methods for analysis are explored as well, which include nonlinear analysis and the use of Self Organizing Maps (SOM).
Noise, variability, and the development of children’s perceptual-motor skills

Abstract In this paper we examine two long-standing assumptions of the information processing perspective of perceptual-motor development, namely that: (1) the amount of noise in children’s sensori-motor system decreases with increases in age up to adulthood; and (2) this age-related reduction in noise level leads to associated improvements in the accuracy and variability of performance. We show that the age-related differences in the amount and structure of performance variability are influenced by many factors, including task goals, task relevant information, body scale, and practice. White Gaussian noise does not appear to play a role in driving the age-related differences in performance variability. The reduction in children’s performance variability with advancing age is primarily due to the evolving constraints of development and experience driven changes in the adaptive structure of their sensori-motor output.
The development of euclidean geometry in terms of translations

The following is a description of a two-year course (grades 10–11 or 11–12) encompassing plane and solid geometry, trigonometry and considerable additional material.
Polarized Sorting of Aquaporins 5 and 8 in Stable MDCK-II Transfectants

Abstract Localization of aquaporin (AQP) water channels to either apical or basolateral membranes is important for various epithelial functions. We have established MDCK-II cell transfectants stably expressing AQP5 (RW5 cells) or AQP8 (RW8 cells). The expression of both AQPs was confirmed by the results of immunofluorescence microscopy and immunoblot analysis. When grown on polycarbonate filters, osmotically-obliged transepithelial water flow across RW5 and RW8 monolayers was ∼3-fold greater than that occurring across a monolayer of the parental cell line. Importantly, results of confocal immunofluorescence microscopy studies showed that AQP5 sorted to the apical membranes of RW5 cells. In contrast, AQP8 sorted to the basolateral membranes of RW8 cells. This is the first report of (i) stable epithelial cell cultures exhibiting a functional, polarized distribution of AQPs 5 and 8, and (ii) a basolateral localization of AQP8 in a polarized epithelial cell.
Mammary Ductoscopy for Evaluation of Nipple Discharge

Background Most breast cancers originate in the ductal epithelium with normal cells progressing to atypia and finally to carcinoma. Ductoscopy enables one to visualize and sample the ductal epithelium and therefore identify early changes cytologically. This report describes our experience with mammary ductoscopy as a tool for evaluation of nipple discharge at Beth Israel Medical Center.
Expressive inhibition in response to stress: Implications for emotional processing following trauma

Abstract Expressive inhibition – the willful restriction of expressed emotion – is documented in individuals reporting trauma-related distress, but its impact on global affective functioning remains unclear. Theoretical models propose that chronic activation of negative emotion and deliberate restriction of affect operate synergistically to produce trauma-related emotional deficits. The current project examined the impact of these factors on subjective experience and physiological activation following exposure to an analog trauma. University students (N = 192; Mage = 20, 57% female, 42% White/Non-Hispanic) viewed a graphic film depicting scenes of a televised suicide. Participants then viewed either a sadness- or humor-eliciting film under instructions to inhibit [nsadness = 45, nhumor = 52] or naturally express emotion [nsadness = 48, nhumor = 47]. Expressive inhibition was associated with restricted amusement specifically among participants viewing the humor film. Inhibition also produced attenuated sympathetic and parasympathetic recovery, irrespective of film assignment. Evidence of disruptions in emotional processing supports models identifying inhibition as a possible mechanism in post-trauma affect dysregulation.
Definition and characterization of the short αA-conotoxins : A single residue determines dissociation kinetics from the fetal muscle nicotinic acetylcholine receptor

We report the definition and characterization of a conotoxin subfamily, designated the short alphaA-conotoxins (alphaA(S)) and demonstrate that all of these share the unique property of selectively antagonizing the fetal subtype of the mammalian neuromuscular nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR). We have characterized newly identified alphaA(S)-conotoxins from Conus pergrandis and have conducted a more detailed characterization of alphaA-conotoxins previously reported from additional Conus species. Among the results, the characterization of the short alphaA-conotoxins revealed diverse kinetics of a block of the fetal muscle nAChR, particularly in dissociation rates. The structure-function relationships of native alphaA(S)-conotoxins and some analogues revealed a single amino acid locus (alternatively either His or Pro in native peptides) that is a critical determinant of the dissociation kinetics. The unprecedented binding selectivity for the fetal muscle nAChR, coupled with the kinetic diversity, should make alphaA(S)-conotoxins useful ligands for a diverse set of studies. The rapidly reversible peptides may be most suitable for electrophysiological studies, while the relatively irreversible peptides should be most useful for binding and localization studies.
Longer-term efficacy of a prophylactic monovalent human papillomavirus type 16 vaccine

We conducted an extended follow-up study (March 2006 – May 2008) to assess the longer-term efficacy of a prophylactic monovalent human papillomavirus (HPV) type 16 L1 virus-like particle vaccine in women (n = 290) who had enrolled in a randomized controlled trial of this vaccine during October 1998 – November 1999 in Seattle and remained HPV-16 DNA negative during the course of that trial. During the extended follow-up period, none of the vaccine recipients was found to be infected with HPV-16 or developed HPV-16-related cervical lesions; among placebo recipients, 6 women were found to be infected with HPV-16 (vaccine efficacy [VE] = 100%; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 29% – 100%) and 3 women developed HPV-16-related cervical lesions (VE = 100%; 95% CI: <0% – 100%). Approximately 86% of vaccine recipients remained HPV-16 competitive Luminex immunoassay seropositive at an average of 8.5 years of follow-up. During the combined original trial and extended follow-up period, 20 and 22 women developed any cervical lesion regardless of HPV type among the vaccine and placebo recipients, respectively (VE = 15%; 95% CI: <0% – 56%). The results suggest that this monovalent HPV-16 vaccine remains efficacious through 8.5 years after its administration.
Metadata elements for object description and representation: a case report from a digitized historical fashion collection project

This project's goal is to develop a catalog for a digitized collection of historical fashion objects held at the Kent State University Museum and to analyze and evaluate how well existing metadata formats can be applied to a fashion collection. The project considered the known and anticipated uses of the collection and the identification of the metadata elements that would be needed to support these uses. From a set of 90 museum accession records, 42 fashion objects were selected for cataloging. Three metadata treatments were created for these 42 items using (a) the Anglo-American Cataloguing Rules (AACR) in use with the United States MAchine-Readable Cataloging (USMARC) formats, (b) the Dublin Core set of elements designed for minimal level cataloging, and (c) the Visual Resources Association (VRA) Core Categories for Visual Resources created for developing local databases and cataloging records for visual resources collections. Comparison and analysis of the formats resulted in the adoption of a modified VRA metadata format to catalog the entire digitized historical fashion collection.
Factorization and modular invariance of multi-loop superstring amplitudes in the unitary gauge

Abstract We investigate the compatibility of unitary gauges in covariant fermionic strings with multi-loop modular invariance and factorization. Earlier objections regarding modular invariance disappear since arbitrary reference spin structures are admissible. The physical factorization hypothesis is confirmed, and a subclass of gauges is identified which factorizes bosonic amplitudes in the “zero” picture alone. Details are worked out explicitly in a two-loop example.
Sinus node deceleration during exercise as a marker of significant narrowing of the right coronary artery

Abstract The hallmark of exercise-induced ischemia is ST-segment depression on the exercise electrocardiogram. Other indicators of exercise-induced ischemia include ST-segment elevation, U-wave inversion, chronotropic incompetence, hypotension and ventricular ectopy. 1 Sinus node deceleration, defined as an initial increase and subsequent decrease in heart rate with continued exercise at the same or higher work load, has not been described as a marker of coronary artery disease. We previously reported a patient with sinus node deceleration and subsequent resolution on repeat exercise testing after angioplasty of a right coronary artery stenosis. 2 In this study, we report an additional 7 patients with sinus node deceleration, all of whom had angiographically confirmed disease of the right coronary artery.
Privatization, Marketization, and Neoliberalism—The Political Dynamics of Post-Katrina New Orleans: A Discussion of Cedric Johnson's The Neoliberal Deluge: Hurricane Katrina, Late Capitalism, and the Remaking of New Orleans—Matt Sakakeeny

Hurricane Katrina was a “disaster” both “natural” and “social.” The storm destroyed a major American city that, like most American cities, was already the site of great inequality and vulnerability. It also dramatically put to the test both the logistical capabilities and the political responsibilities of national, state, and local governmental institutions. The Neoliberal Deluge: Hurricane Katrina, Late Capitalism, and the Remaking of New Orleans is an important collection of essays on the dynamics of “remaking New Orleans” and the limits of that effort. We have thus asked a diverse group of political scientists to review the book, and at the same time to treat it as an opportunity to reflect on two related questions: 1) What are the most important economic, cultural, and political dimensions of the crisis precipitated by Katrina, both for New Orleans and for US cities more generally? 2) What resources does political science as a discipline possess to help us understand these issues, and can political science as a discipline do a better job on this score?—Jeffrey C. Issac, Editor
Production of characteristic x rays by low-energy protons

The cross sections for the production of characteristic x rays emitted by targets bombarded with low-energy protons have been measured for a number of elements. Scintillation counters capable of resolving x rays with quantum energies as low as 2 keV were used as detectors. X rays from $K$, $L$, and $M$ shells were observed and the behavior of the production cross section for these was measured as a function of incident proton energy. Proton beams with energies between 100 and 500 keV produced by the Lawrence Radiation Laboratory (LRL) Cockcroft-Walton accelerator were used for the bombardments. The ionization cross sections for the shells have also been computed using measured or extrapolated values of the appropriate fluorescence yields. The experimental results for $K$-shell ionization are in good agreement with previous measurements for a number of elements. The dependence of the $K$-shell ionization cross section on atomic number ($Z$) and on the energy of the bombarding protons is also in accord with the theoretical predictions provided that the deflection of the bombarding particle by the Coulomb field of the nucleus is taken into account. The measured $L$-shell ionization cross sections are smaller than the values predicted by a Born approximation calculation in which Coulomb effects are neglected. No calculations are available for $M$-shell ionization cross sections so only a qualitative explanation of their behavior is presented.
Qualitative relativizations of complexity classes

The principal result of this paper is a “positive relativization” of the open question “P = ?NP ⌢ co-NP.” That is, the nondeterministic polynomial time-bounded oracle Turing machine endowed with designated accepting states and with designated rejecting states is considered, and suitable restrictions R of this device are developed such that P = NP ⌢ co-NP if and only if for every oracle D, P(D) = NPR(D), where NPR(D) is the class of languages LϵNP(D) that are accepted by oracle machines operating with restrictions R. Positive relativizations are obtained for the P = ? U ⌢ co - U and U = ? NP questions also, where U is the class of languages L in NP accepted by nondeterministic machines that operate in polynomial time and that have for each input at most one accepting computation. The restrictions developed here are “qualitative” in the sense that they restrict the form and pattern of access to the oracle. In contrast, a previous paper [3] developed quantitative relativizations-the number of distinct queries to the oracle is restricted-but no quantitative positive relativization of P = ? NP ⌢ co-NP is known.
As the Flocks Gather: How Religion Affects Voluntary Association Participation

This study investigates the relationship between different dimensions of religiosity and voluntary association participation using data from Queen’sUniversity’s 1996 “God and Society in North America” survey. I look at the participatory, devotional, affiliative, and theological dimensions of religiosity and examine how they affect voluntary association participation at three different levels: membership, volunteering, and serving on a committee. The results show that all four religious dimensions have considerable, but distinctive, influences on secular voluntary association participation.
Massive tumor embolism occurring during pneumonectomy.

Abstract A case of gross tumor embolism occurring during pneumonectomy for giant cell carcinoma is presented. Seven similar cases of massive tumor embolism during pulmonary resection for malignant disease have been previously described. Ours is the first recorded patient to have survived such an episode.
Incorporation of 203Hg into methylmercury in fish liver: Studies on biochemical mechanisms in vitro

Abstract It was found that livers of all fish species particularly pelagic species studied were capable of transforming mercuric ion into methylmercury in vitro . The factors involved in the process of methylmercury formation from Hg 2+ ion in the fish liver were studied. The methylation activities were not destroyed by either heat or uv and visible light irradiation treatments. It was thus concluded that the reaction(s) studied here was not mediated by methylcobalamine. Mersalyl, a SH inhibitor, could, however, abolish most of the methylation reaction.
News from Online: The Chemistry of Sports

A collection of chemistry-related sports online resources is presented. Sources discuss a variety of topics, including the recent nanotechnology advances that improve sports equipment, and the athlete's nutrition and metabolism.
Assessing protection against OP pesticides and nerve agents provided by wild-type HuPON1 purified from Trichoplusia ni larvae or induced via adenoviral infection.

Abstract Human paraoxonase-1 (HuPON1) has been proposed as a catalytic bioscavenger of organophosphorus (OP) pesticides and nerve agents. We assessed the potential of this enzyme to protect against OP poisoning using two different paradigms. First, recombinant HuPON1 purified from cabbage loopers (iPON1; Trichoplusia ni) was administered to guinea pigs, followed by exposure to at least 2 times the median lethal dose (LD50) of the OP nerve agents tabun (GA), sarin (GB), soman (GD), and cyclosarin (GF), or chlorpyrifos oxon, the toxic metabolite of the OP pesticide chlorpyrifos. In the second model, mice were infected with an adenovirus that induced expression of HuPON1 and then exposed to sequential doses of GD, VX, or (as reported previously) diazoxon, the toxic metabolite of the OP pesticide diazinon. In both animal models, the exogenously added HuPON1 protected animals against otherwise lethal doses of the OP pesticides but not against the nerve agents. Together, the results support prior modeling and in vitro activity data which suggest that wild-type HuPON1 does not have sufficient catalytic activity to provide in vivo protection against nerve agents.
The Impact of Removing Centerline Barriers from Highway–Rail Grade Crossings on Drivers’ Violations

The objective of this study was to assess changes in drivers’ unsafe maneuvers after removal of a centerline barrier installed at a dual-quadrant gated highway–rail grade crossing to improve safety. Such barriers limit drivers’ ability to pass around closed dual-quadrant gates, thereby reducing the possibility of motor vehicle collisions with trains. Highway safety-related appurtenances installed as countermeasures are usually left in place for extended periods, and the effects of their removal are not well researched. The removal of a barrier installed along the road centerline at a highway–rail grade crossing in Nebraska provided the opportunity to investigate the accompanying changes in drivers’ violations. Analysis of data collected before and after removal of the barrier showed that unsafe driver maneuvers increased after removal of the barrier. Specifically, passing around dual-quadrant gates with an oncoming train and making U turns to drive away from the closed crossing increased. The conclusion i...
A classification of illocutionary acts

There are at least a dozen linguistically significant dimensions of differences between illocutionary acts. Of these, the most important are illocutionary point, direction of fit, and expressed psychological state. These three form the basis of a taxonomy of the fundamental classes of illocutionary acts. The five basic kinds of illocutionary acts are: representatives (or assertives), directives, commissives, expressives, and declarations. Each of these notions is defined. An earlier attempt at constructing a taxonomy by Austin is defective for several reasons, especially in its lack of clear criteria for distinguishing one kind of illocutionary force from another. Paradigm performative verbs in each of the five categories exhibit different syntactical properties. These are explained. (Speech acts, Austin's taxonomy, functions of speech, implications for ethnography and ethnology; English.)
Early response to COX-2 inhibitors as a predictor of overall response in osteoarthritis: pooled results from two identical trials comparing etoricoxib, celecoxib and placebo

Objective. We evaluated whether early response to NSAIDs predicted later response, and when this was established. Methods. We evaluated pooled data from two identical 26-week, double-blind, randomized trials comparing once-daily etoricoxib 30 mg (n ¼ 475), celecoxib 200 mg (n ¼ 488) and placebo (n ¼ 244) in patients with knee or hip OA. The present analysis was limited to the 12-week placebo-controlled period. Patient-level OMERACT-OARSI response was determined at 2, 4, 8 and 12 weeks. The proportion of patients who maintained response status between these times was determined from binomial distribution using the exact method. Results. After 12 weeks of treatment, there were significantly more responders in the etoricoxib (59.8%) and celecoxib (57%) groups compared with placebo (34%; P < 0.001 for etoricoxib or celecoxib vs placebo). About 77.2% of the patients receiving etoricoxib, 75.4% celecoxib and 58% placebo (P ¼ 0.001 vs etoricoxib; P ¼ 0.003 vs celecoxib) who were responders at 2 weeks were also responders at 12 weeks. When comparing response agreement (responder or non-responder) at 2 weeks and 12 weeks, 74.3% of the patients receiving etoricoxib, 73.2% celecoxib and 71.3% placebo had the same response status (k-coefficient 0.459, 0.449 and 0.357, respectively). There were small incremental increases in agreement between Weeks 4 and 8 and 12 weeks. Logistic regression showed that agreement was not affected by index joint (P ¼ 0.965). Conclusions. The overwhelming majority of the patients who responded to treatment by 2 weeks remained responders at 12 weeks, with response status largely established within 2 weeks of treatment initiation. Early identification of NSAID response or non-response may allow clinicians to better and more rapidly adjust symptomatic OA management.
Sensitivity analysis of sediment resuspension parameters in coastal area of southern Lake Michigan

[1] Model sensitivity analysis was performed to identify and compare quantitatively the important resuspension parameters in the coastal area of southern Lake Michigan. A one-dimensional resuspension and bed model capable of dealing with the type of mixed sediments (fine-grained+sand) common in the coastal area was developed and utilized to compare with measured suspended sediment concentrations. The results show that the most sensitive parameters in the model are the fraction of fine-grained materials and sediment availability. Other resuspension parameters such as settling velocity, critical shear stress, and erosion rate constant are also found to be important and may cause up to a 40% difference in suspended sediment concentration. Among those, the absolute magnitude of settling velocity is most crucial in controlling the first order prediction.
Determining Moldability and Parting Directions for Polygons With Curved Edges

We consider the problem of whether a given geometry can be molded in a two part, rigid, reusable mold with opposite removal directions. We describe an efficient algorithm for solving the opposite direction moldability problem for a 2D “polygon” bounded by edges that may be either straight or curved. We introduce a structure, the normal graph of the polygon, that represents the range of normals of the polygon’s edges, along with their connectivity. We prove that the normal graph captures the directions of all lines corresponding to feasible parting directions. Rather than building the full normal graph, which could take time O(n log n) for a polygon bounded by n possibly curved edges, we build a summary structure in O(n) time and space, from which we can determine all feasible parting directions in time O(n).Copyright © 2004 by ASME
A Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase Kinase Required for Induction of Cytokinesis and Appressorium Formation by Host Signals in the Conidia of Colletotrichum gloeosporioides

Differentiation of fungal conidia of phytopathogens into the infection structure, appressorium, requires contact with a hard surface and host signals. The molecular signaling involved in the induction of this differentiation is poorly understood. We report the cloning of a mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase (MEK), CgMEK, from Colletotrichum gloeosporioides and its role in the induction of these developmental processes involved in pathogenesis. Disruption of CgMEK1 resulted in the loss of its ability to form appressoria in response to the host’s signals and a loss of virulence. Results of confocal microscopic examination of germinating conidia of the gene-disrupted mutants were similar to those for wild-type conidia treated with an MEK inhibitor, suggesting that CgMEK1 is involved in two developmental processes in the differentiation into appressorium: (1) polarized cell division, with the preferential increase in F-actin in one of the daughter nuclei after nuclear division and the formation of septum; and (2) differentiation of the germ tube into an appressorium. CgMEK1 is required for the differentiation.
The Split Inventory: A War Expedient, A Solution in Peace

I. Origin of the split inventory. — Definition, 493.—The splitting date, 494. — Built-up value, 494. — Relation to pre-war valuation procedure, 495. — Objects of war-time valuation, 497. — Other war-time methods of valuation, 497. — Superiority of the split inventory, 498. — II. Development of the split inventory. — Early use of this method, 499. — Brooklyn Borough Gas case, 500. — The split inventory in the District of Columbia, 502. — The split inventory in Wisconsin, 506. — The Ashland decision, 508. — The end of the split inventory, 509. — III. The Interstate Commerce Commission and the split inventory. — The Commission's policy, 510. — The Transportation Act of 1920, 511. — The O'Fallon valuation, 512. — The source of the Commission's policy, 512. — IV. The split inventory in the Supreme Court. — The Galveston case, 513. — The Georgia case, 514. — The OTallon case, 515. — V. The split inventory in the future. — Its relation to prudent investment, 517. — Present conditions are favorable, 519. — The attitude of utilities, 520. — The attitude of the courts, 521.
Female Ministry in the Thought and Work of Catherine Booth

As with other professions, the ministry has a long record of excluding women from its ranks. Virtually all women, unlike all men, have been categorized as laity, although they have failed even to achieve that designation on occasion. George Bernard Shaw, in The Doctor's Dilemma, observed that “every profession is a conspiracy against the laity.” Certainly this has been the case among lay women aspiring to become members of the clergy. But Shaw recognized in his play, Major Barbara (1905), a new kind of Christian minister, one who contested her business-tycoon father on a significant contemporary issue of how best to relieve poverty in Britain. Indirectly Shaw was paying tribute to the influence of Catherine Booth (1829–1890), co-founder of the Salvation Army, who recognized women's powers of intellect and innate equality and elevated them to clerical parity with men.
A high-resolution laser Doppler anemometer for three-dimensional turbulent boundary layers

A new laser Doppler anemometer optimized for high spatial resolution near a wall is described. The instrument uses short focal length optics, a mirror probe in the flow, and side-scatter collection to produce a measuring volume 35 lm in diameter by 66 lm long. Data are presented for a two- dimensional boundary layer, demonstrating the instrument's ability to measure Reynolds shear stresses as close to the wall as 0.1 mm, or y'+3. List of symbols