cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
ensembleTax: an R package for determinations of ensemble taxonomic assignments of phylogenetically-informative marker gene sequences

Background High-throughput sequencing of phylogenetically informative marker genes is a widely used method to assess the diversity and composition of microbial communities. Taxonomic assignment of sampled marker gene sequences (referred to as amplicon sequence variants, or ASVs) imparts ecological significance to these genetic data. To assign taxonomy to an ASV, a taxonomic assignment algorithm compares the ASV to a collection of reference sequences (a reference database) with known taxonomic affiliations. However, many taxonomic assignment algorithms and reference databases are available, and the optimal algorithm and database for a particular scientific question is often unclear. Here, we present the ensembleTax R package, which provides an efficient framework for integrating taxonomic assignments predicted with any number of taxonomic assignment algorithms and reference databases to determine ensemble taxonomic assignments for ASVs. Methods The ensembleTax R package relies on two core algorithms: taxmapper and assign.ensembleTax. The taxmapper algorithm maps taxonomic assignments derived from one reference database onto the taxonomic nomenclature (a set of taxonomic naming and ranking conventions) of another reference database. The assign.ensembleTax algorithm computes ensemble taxonomic assignments for each ASV in a data set based on any number of taxonomic assignments determined with independent methods. Various parameters allow analysts to prioritize obtaining either more ASVs with more predicted clade names or more robust clade name predictions supported by multiple independent methods in ensemble taxonomic assignments. Results The ensembleTax R package is used to compute two sets of ensemble taxonomic assignments for a collection of protistan ASVs sampled from the coastal ocean. Comparisons of taxonomic assignments predicted by individual methods with those predicted by ensemble methods show that conservative implementations of the ensembleTax package minimize disagreements between taxonomic assignments predicted by individual and ensemble methods, but result in ASVs with fewer ranks assigned taxonomy. Less conservative implementations of the ensembleTax package result in an increased fraction of ASVs classified at all taxonomic ranks, but increase the number of ASVs for which ensemble assignments disagree with those predicted by individual methods. Discussion We discuss how implementation of the ensembleTax R package may be optimized to address specific scientific objectives based on the results of the application of the ensembleTax package to marine protist communities. While further work is required to evaluate the accuracy of ensemble taxonomic assignments relative to taxonomic assignments predicted by individual methods, we also discuss scenarios where ensemble methods are expected to improve the accuracy of taxonomy prediction for ASVs.
Basis Assets, Multiple-Factor Beta Models, and Systematic Risk

This chapter studies basis assets, the multiple-factor beta model, and characterizes systematic risk. This is done for an incomplete market where asset prices can have discontinuous sample paths. Multiple-factor beta models are used for active portfolio management and the determination of positive alphas trading strategies. These models can be derived using only the Third Fundamental Theorem 16 of asset pricing in Chap. 2. A special case of this chapter is Ross’s APT, which illustrates the notion of portfolio diversification. This chapter is based on Jarrow and Protter (Math Financial Econom 10:29–48, 2016).
Experimental Studies of Liquefaction and Densification of Liquid Oxygen

The propellant combination that offers optimum performance is very reactive with a low average molecular weight of the resulting combustion products. Propellant combinations such as oxygen and hydrogen meet the above criteria, however, the propellants in gaseous form require large propellant tanks due to the low density of gas. Thus, rocketry employs cryogenic refrigeration to provide a more dense propellant stored as a liquid. In addition to propellant liquefaction, cryogenic refrigeration can also conserve propellant and provide propellant subcooling and propellant densification. Previous studies analyzed vapor conditioning of a cryogenic propellant, with the vapor conditioning by either a heat exchanger position in the vapor or by using the vapor in a refrigeration cycle as the working fluid. This study analyzes the effects of refrigeration heat exchanger located in the liquid of the common propellant oxidizer, liquid oxygen. This study predicted and determined the mass condensation rate and heat transfer coefficient for liquid oxygen.
Enzymatic synthesis of deoxyribonucleic acid. XXIX. Hydrolysis of deoxyribonucleic acid from the 5' terminus by an exonuclease function of deoxyribonucleic acid polymerase.

Abstract The hydrolytic activity associated with homogeneous preparations of Escherichia coli DNA polymerase, previously designated exonuclease II, hydrolyzes polydeoxyribonucleotides from the 5' as well as the 3' terminus. 3'-Phosphate-terminated DNA is hydrolyzed only from the 5' terminus. The principal products of exhaustive hydrolysis of 3'-phosphate-terminated DNA are 5'-mononucleotides and oligonucleotides terminating in a 3'-phosphate group; the latter are not hydrolyzed from either end of the chain. The rates of hydrolysis from either end of a DNA chain are similar with native DNA as substrate. The ability of DNA polymerase to recognize and degrade from the 5' terminus (5' → 3') as well as the 3' terminus (3' → 5') of a DNA chain is considered in relation to possible models for DNA replication and to the active center of the enzyme.
Location and role of sterol at nystatin-binding sites.

Lampen, J. O. (Rutgers, The State University, New Brunswick, N.J.), Peter M. Arnow, Zofia Borowska, and Allen I. Laskin. Location and role of sterol at nystatin-binding sites. J. Bacteriol. 84:1152-1160. 1962.-The polyene antifungal antibiotics nystatin and N-acetylcandidin were bound rapidly at 0 C by isolated cell walls and derived polysaccharides or by protoplast membranes from Saccharomyces cerevisiae strain LK2G12. These binding sites were relatively inaccessible or unreactive in the intact cell, since polyene uptake by protoplasts, log-phase cells, or stationary-phase cells was slow, especially at 0 C. Binding by the membrane appears to be the critical event in cell damage; thus, uptake of nystatin by the cell wall may actually be protective. Binding by all cell forms showed little reversibility. Bound radioactive nystatin or N-acetyl (1-C(14)) candidin was not displaced during incubation of log-phase yeast cells with a large excess of unlabeled polyene. Saturation of the polyenic moiety of nystatin to form the perhydro compound eliminated almost completely the affinity of the molecule for the yeast cell. Essentially all of the polyene bound by protoplasts was present on the membrane. It was removed by treatment of the protoplasts with the sterol-complexing agent digitonin. A variety of evidence is offered that the binding site on the membrane contains a sterol. (The membrane sterol was mostly unesterified ergosterol.) This hypothesis is consistent with the ability of certain exogenous sterols to complex with polyenes and prevent their binding and growth-inhibiting action for fungi. The bound sterol of the wall structure may also participate in polyene binding, although a possible function of the wall polysaccharides cannot be excluded. The specific binding structure(s) appears to be absent from bacteria, since nystatin was not taken up even by heated or benzene-treated bacteria or by bacterial protoplasts. It should be noted that bacteria, which are insensitive to the polyene antibiotics, generally contain only traces of sterol, if any. Considerable quantities of sterol are present in fungi, algae, certain protozoa, and animal cells, all of which are sensitive in some degree.
The Future of Execution Methods

Lethal injection, the most common method of execution in the United States, is at a troubling impasse. Inmates continue to challenge the method on the grounds that it is an inhumane and unconstitutional method of execution, and states continue to cling to scientifically uninformed procedures in an effort to ensure the death penalty’s survival generally. In a landmark 2006 ruling, however, federal district court judge Jeremy Fogel stated that lethal injection could be “fixed.” Nevertheless, this Chapter declines to join the search for possible solutions without a complete understanding of the problems associated with lethal injection. Accordingly, this Chapter makes two recommendations. First, this Chapter recommends that states provide an adequate amount of time for in-depth studies of the proper implementation of lethal injection. Although lethal injection’s link to the medical profession can make executions appear more humane and palatable, the image of a serene, peaceful death shields states from carefully reviewing how lethal injection is implemented. Indeed, evidence suggests that lethal injection protocols have been adopted and modified speedily and without the support of medical or scientific inquiry. Second, this Chapter recommends that states make their lethal injection procedures transparent. In addition to evidence suggesting that states routinely fail to adhere to their own vaguely written procedures, states have begun withdrawing information in the face of challenges to their procedures. Indeed, the author’s 2005 study found that many state lethal injection protocols were not available to the public. Such secretiveness reinforces the belief that states lack the ability or willingness to conduct executions in a manner that is consistent with constitutional mandates.
Integrative Analyses of Human Reprogramming Reveal Dynamic Nature of Induced Pluripotency

Summary Induced pluripotency is a promising avenue for disease modeling and therapy, but the molecular principles underlying this process, particularly in human cells, remain poorly understood due to donor-to-donor variability and intercellular heterogeneity. Here, we constructed and characterized a clonal, inducible human reprogramming system that provides a reliable source of cells at any stage of the process. This system enabled integrative transcriptional and epigenomic analysis across the human reprogramming timeline at high resolution. We observed distinct waves of gene network activation, including the ordered re-activation of broad developmental regulators followed by early embryonic patterning genes and culminating in the emergence of a signature reminiscent of pre-implantation stages. Moreover, complementary functional analyses allowed us to identify and validate novel regulators of the reprogramming process. Altogether, this study sheds light on the molecular underpinnings of induced pluripotency in human cells and provides a robust cell platform for further studies. PaperClip
Task and resource coordination in human teams

Distributed decision making and coordination in multiperson teams are studied. The problems of resource allocation, in which a team shares a limited pool of resources to process a mix of tasks under various overlaps in team responsibility, are addressed. The modeling approach is to blend normative mathematical theories for team decision making with descriptive facets that capture known and observed human cognitive limitations and biases. Three modeling efforts in resource allocation and task sequencing are described: the first is for a dyad, the second for a three-person flat organization, and the third for a three-person team plus a leader. The resulting normative descriptive models show an excellent ability to replicate individual and team data across a wide range of independent variables and provide insight into the process of human decision making in distributed organizations. >
New properties of convex functions in the heisenberg group

We prove some new properties of the weakly H-convex functions recently introduced by Danielli, Garofalo and Nhieu. As an interesting application of our results we prove a theorem of Busemann-Feller-Alexandrov type in the Heisenberg groups H", n = 1,2.
Sampling Theory for Cytonuclear Disequilibria

We examine the statistical properties of cytonuclear disequilibria within a system including one diploid nuclear locus and one haploid cytoplasmic locus, each with two alleles. The results provide practical guidelines for the design and interpretation of cytonuclear surveys seeking to utilize the novel evolutionary information recorded in the observed pattern of cytonuclear associations. Important applications include population studies of nuclear allozymes in conjunction with genes from mitochondria, chloroplasts, or cytoplasmically inherited microorganisms. Our attention focuses on the allelic and genotypic disequilibria, which respectively measure the nonrandom associations between the cytotypes and the nuclear alleles and genotypes. We first derive the maximum likelihood estimators and their approximate large sample variances for each disequilibrium measure. These are each in turn used to set up an asymptotic test of the null hypothesis of no disequilibrium. We then calculate the minimum sample sizes required to detect the disequilibria under specified alternate hypotheses. The work also incorporates the deviation from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium at the nuclear locus, which can significantly affect the results. The practical utility of this new sampling theory is illustrated through applications to two nuclear-mitochondrial data sets.
Dynamically detecting relevant program invariants

Explicitly stated program invariants can help programmers by characterizing certain aspects of program execution and identifying program properties that must be preserved when modifying code. In practice, these invariants are usually absent from code. An alternative to expecting programmers to annotate code with invariants is to automatically infer invariants from the program itself. This talk describes dynamic techniques for discovering invariants from execution traces; the essential idea is to look for patterns in and relationships among variable values over a set of executions. An implementation has indicated that the approach is both effective -- successfully rediscovering formal specifications -- and useful --discovering invariants that assisted a software evolution task. The talk will also discuss, both in terms of invariant detection and also in more general terms, issues related to the potential synergy between static and dynamic analysis techniques.
NLTE ionization and energy balance in high-Z laser-plasmas including two-electron transitions

Abstract We describe a new non-LTE statistical atomic kinetics model of plasmas in which the two-electron transitions of auto-ionization and its inverse, resonant-capture, play a dominant role in establishing ionization and energy balance. We show that, compared with a familiar collisional–radiative-equilibrium model which includes only the one-electron bound–bound and bound–free transitions: (1) the two-electron transitions force recombination of the plasma with decreasing density, (2) the two-electron transitions nevertheless further act to greatly increase the radiative emissivity of the plasma, and (3) the relaxation of the two-electron transition driven sysems proceeds much faster.
Induced Ca2+ release in skeletal muscle sarcoplasmic reticulum by sulfhydryl reagents and chlorpromazine

Sarcoplasmic reticulum is a specialized membrane system in muscle involved in the energized uptake, storage, and release of Ca2+. The sulfhydryl content of normal and reconstituted sarcoplasmic reticulum was measured using Ellman reagent. For both preparations, we find 17 and 26 mol sulfhydryls per mole calcium pump protein assayed in the absence and presence of sodium dodecyl sulfate. The release of Ca2+ from sarcoplasmic reticulum, which triggers muscle contraction, likely involves the regulation of a channel. This report deals with an experimental approach to studying the Ca2+ release in isolated sarcoplasmic reticulum. We find that sulfhydryl agents of which water-soluble mercurials were most effective induce Ca2+ release. Chlorpromazine acts synergistically with the sulfhydryl reagents. Ca2+ release under optimal conditions is very rapid compared with calcium leakage from preloaded but untreated sarcoplasmic reticulum. The imposed rapid release of Ca2+ is suggestive of the opening of a channel. Ca2+ release by mercurials is retained in reconstituted sarcoplasmic reticulum membrane vesicles.
A Method for Teaching Name Mnemonics

Name mnemonics provide a powerful technique for remembering names. This classroom demonstration teaches students how to construct and use name mnemonics. Students create mnemonics for each other in small groups. Students then describe their name mnemonics to the class. The exercise teaches mnemonics, gives students an experience with group creative problem solving, and ensures that nearly every class member's name will be known to all others in the class.
Characterization of a bipartite activator domain in transcription factor CREB

Abstract In this paper, we characterize a trans -activating region in CREB, termed α, that interacts cooperatively with the kinase A phosphorylation motif to stimulate transcription. The α region appears to be encoded by an alternate axon that is deleted in a CREB-related cDNA named ΔCREB. Both proteins are expressed in eukaryotic cells, although the activity of CREB is 10-fold higher than that of ΔCREB. Circular dichroism data on a synthetic "α peptide" combined with results from in vitro mutagenesis experiments support the hypothesis that the a region contains an amphipathic α helix whose structure is critical to CREB activity. We propose that phosphorylation by kinase A may stimulate CREB activity in part by modulating the structure of α and thus may stimulate its ability to interact with other proteins in the polymerase 11 complex.
Implications of neurophysiological parameters in persons with severe brain injury with respect to improved patient outcomes: a retrospective review.

Primary objective: To determine whether neurophysiologic parameters—intracranial pressure (ICP), mean arterial pressure (MAP), cerebral perfusion pressure (CPP), partial brain tissue oxygenation (PbtO2) and pressure reactivity index (PRx, calculated)—captured during the management of traumatic brain injury (TBI) have a relationship to patient outcome.Research design: A retrospective analysis of neurophysiologic data collected from persons under medical management of TBI per Conemaugh Memorial Medical Center (CMMC) standard treatment algorithms.Methods and procedures: Nine patients’ medical records that matched International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems (ICD-9) code for head injury and a Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) code for an ICP monitoring device or ventriculostomy were analysed on the aforementioned parameters.Main outcomes and results: Statistical significance by mortality (α = 0.05) was found for ICP, CPP and PbtO2. PRx showed a pattern of significance ov...
Iterative subspace pursuit decoding of weighted euclidean superimposed codes

We propose a new iterative algorithm, termed subspace pursuit (SP), for decoding of weighted Euclidean superimposed codes (WESCs). WESCs allow for unique identification of small subsets of codewords based on their superposition, and therefore can be viewed as a specialization of compressive sensing schemes. Motivated by various algorithms for compressive sensing reconstruction, we propose the SP algorithm that has both small computational complexity and high decoding accuracy. Our analysis shows that accurate decoding is guaranteed as long as the codeword matrix satisfies the restricted isometry property with a constant parameter. Also presented is an upper bound on the computational complexity of the algorithm.
Semiconducting YBaCuO pyroelectric infrared detectors on suspended Si3N4 films

Uncooled, micromachined pyroelectric infrared detectors based on semiconducting YBaCuO were fabricated and characterised at room temperature. The detectors were fabricated with CMOS compatible techniques that demonstrate a future ability to fabricate low-cost focal plane arrays. Pyroelectric coefficients were measured to be as high as 4.1 µC/cm2 K and detectivities over 108 cm·Hz1/2/W were measured.
S-nitrosoglutathione modulates CXCR4 and ICOS expression

The expression of CXCR4, a membrane protein which is involved in the entry of HIV-1, is down-modulated from the cell surface by Phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) and the Ca+ ionophore, Ionomycin. Inducible co-stimulator (ICOS), which contributes to lymphocyte proliferation, is up-regulated by PMA/Ionomycin. We examined the influence of S-nitrosoglutathione (SNG), an inhibitor of Vacuolar H+-ATPase (V-ATPase), on the expression of CXCR4 and ICOS in PMA/Ionomycin-treated peripheral mononuclear cells (PBMC), and of CXCR4 alone in lymphoid cell lines. In this report, we show that SNG interferes with both effects of PMA/Ionomycin, namely CXCR4 down-regulation and ICOS up-regulation. These studies imply opposing roles of V-ATPase in the regulation of CXCR4 and ICOS. The influence of SNG in modulating the susceptibility of T cells to HIV-1 and on their immune responses needs further investigation.
Should I Stay or Should I Go? Chromodomain Proteins Seal the Fate of Heterochromatic Transcripts in Fission Yeast

In this issue of Molecular Cell, Ishida et al. (2012) and Keller et al. (2012) show distinct outcomes for heterochromatic RNAs that bind different chromodomain proteins; Chp1 tethers transcripts to centromeres, whereas Swi6HP1-bound transcripts are evicted from chromatin and destroyed.
Fast-Neutron Damaging in Nuclear Reactors: Its Kinetics and the Carbon Atom Displacement Rate

It is shown that the radiation damage produced in graphite at near room temperature is labile. A theory describing this lability is developed. Then using this theory and an identification and determination of the portion of the neutron flux spectrum responsible for the damage as obtained in another paper, the displacement rates for the condition that no annealing had intervened are calculated from the number of displacements which had been determined in graphite samples which had been irradiated near room temperature. From several different methods there is obtained, within a factor of 2, the following result: ${10}^{\ensuremath{-}21}$ displacements atom per damaging neutron/${\mathrm{cm}}^{2}$ for the number of displacements which remain after a scattering event involving a fast neutron near the beginning of the irradiation under conditions in which thermal annealing is not occurring.
Chronic Arthritis in Goats Caused by a Retrovirus

A virus was isolated from an adult goat with chronic arthritis and shown to belong to the retrovirus group by electron microscopy and biochemical methods. Inoculation of the virus into cesarean-derived specific-pathogen-free goats' kids produced arthritic lesions similar to those in the spontaneous disease. Vrus was reisolated from the experimentally induced lesions.
Few reports of hemoglobin E/β-thalassemia in Northeast India: underdiagnosis or complete exclusion of β-thalassemia by hemoglobin E.

PURPOSE India bears a major burden of homozygous beta-thalassemia. Hemoglobin (Hb) E/beta-thalassemia has been described mainly among Bengalis in Eastern India. Ethnic groups in northeastern India have among the highest known gene frequency for Hb E. However, there are few reports of Hb E/beta-thalassemia from these ethnic groups. This study aims to determine whether the paucity of reports of Hb E/beta-thalassemia from this region are because of underdiagnosis or complete elimination of beta-thalassemia by Hb E. POPULATIONS AND METHODS The published literature concerning Hb E, beta-thalassemia, and the syndrome of Hb E/beta-thalassemia in Indid, Tibeto-Burman, and Austro-Asiatic ethnic groups in northeast India was analyzed to determine the gene frequency of Hb E and beta-thalassemia for different ethnic groups. The expected cases of Hb E/beta-thalassemia were calculated using the Hardy-Weinberg law. RESULTS The Bodo-Kachari have a gene frequency of 0.50 for Hb E, the highest anywhere in the world. There are, however, no reports of beta-thalassemia in this group. Among ethnic groups in which prevalence of Hb E and beta-thalassemia are known, there is a vast discrepancy between the reported number of cases of Hb E/beta-thalassemia and the number predicted by Hardy-Weinberg law. Thus, there are only seven cases of Hb E/beta-thalassemia from northeast India reported in the literature as opposed to 67,332 predicted cases. CONCLUSION A potentially large pool of unsuspected Hb E/beta-thalassemia cases exist in northeast India. The significance of this finding and possible contributory factors are discussed.
A mechanistic model for internal bone remodeling exhibits different dynamic responses in disuse and overload

Bone is a dynamic tissue which, through the process of bone remodeling in the mature skeleton, renews itself during normal function and adapts to mechanical loads. It is, therefore, important to understand the effect of remodeling on the mechanical function of bone, as well as the effect of the inherent time lag in the remodeling process. In this study, we develop a constitutive model for bone remodeling which includes a number of relevant mechanical and biological processes and use this model to address differences in the remodeling behavior as a volume element of bone is placed in disuse or overload. The remodeling parameters exhibited damped oscillatory behavior as the element was placed in disuse, with the amplitude of the oscillations increasing as the severity of disuse increased. In overload situations, the remodeling parameters exhibited critically sensitive behavior for loads beyond a threshold value. These results bear some correspondence to experimental findings, suggesting that the model may be useful when examining the importance of transient responses for bone in disuse, and for investigating the role fatigue damage removal plays in preventing or causing stress fractures. In addition, the constitutive algorithm is currently being employed in finite element simulations of bone adaptation to predict important features of the internal structure of the normal femur, as well as to study bone diseases and their treatment.
Large lanthanide‐induced chemical shifts in cobalt complexes of enethials (α,β‐unsaturated thioaldehydes)

Eu(fod)3-, Yb(fod)3- and Pr(fod)3-induced chemical shifts of the ‘thioaldehydic’ protons in enethial ligands complexed to a cobalt cyclopentadienyl group are unusually large and in the same direction (10–30 ppm downfield per mole of shift reagent per mole of substrate). The shifts of the protons induced by Eu(fod)3 and Pr(fod)3 in the enethial ligands show an alternation in sign on proceeding away from the sulfur atom. In contrast to the results with the fod reagents, the ytterbium and lanthanum shift reagents Yb(thd)3 and La(thd)3 caused only small shifts of protons in the 2-phenylpropenethial ligand. No induced shifts with the Eu or Pr reagents were observed for a cyclopentadienyl cobalt complex of dithioglyoxal. The induced shifts in these enethial complexes may be caused by varying blends of complex formation, contact and pseudocontact shifts. Caution is advised in assigning origins to lanthanide induced shifts in such organometallic systems.
Wind-tunnel study of wind loading on loose-laid roofing systems

Abstract The paper presents the results of an experimental study of the wind loading on loose-laid paver system on the flat roof of a low-rise building. Attention is focused on the underneath pressure distribution, the distribution of correlation of external and underneath pressures, and the statistical characteristics of the underneath pressure. The effects of a void space under pavers on the pressure distribution and the pressure correlation, and the effects of roof parapet height on the pressure correlation, are also discussed.
A simple method for the preparation of D-alpha-aminoadipic acid.

Abstract High quantity (1 g and more) of racemically and chromatograph-ically pure D-α-aminoadipic acid was Drepared by selective metabolism of the L-isomer of the commercially available DL-α-aminoadi-pate by Pseudomonas putida. The overall yield of this preparation averaged 40%. The final product has a [a]25 D value of −25°. This procedure can be useful in the synthesis of high purity D-α-amino-adipate, a compound shown recently to be a useful tool in the study of neurotransmission mechanism mediating synaptic excitation.
Design of a Microwave-Frequency Light Modulator

A device is described which intensity modulates a light beam at modulating frequencies in the microwave region. A high-Q re-entrant capacity-loaded coaxial-line resonator employing a properly oriented slab of uniaxial crystal of the dihydrogen phosphate variety as its dielectric medium is coupled to a microwave-frequency generator tuned to the fundamental cavity mode. A light path is provided through the resonator so that a beam of plane polarized light can pass through the crystal into a suitably oriented analyzer. The intensity of the light beam emerging from the latter varies at the same rate as the cavity frequency.
Pseudo-subarachnoid hemorrhage in cerebellar infarction

The computed tomography (CT) appearance of subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) without subarachnoid blood has been labeled “pseudo-subarachnoid hemorrhage” (pseudo-SAH) and has been reported with several diffuse intracerebral insults including intrathecal contrast agents, meningitis, generalized cerebral edema, anoxic encephalopathy, and intracranial hypotension. Single case report. We present a 43-year-old female who presented with vertigo and severe headache. Initial CT brain suggested SAH with hydrocephalus. Subsequent cerebral angiography was negative. Cerebrospinal fluid from an external ventricular drain (EVD) was negative for blood, and MRI brain revealed an acute stroke in the posterior inferior cerebellar artery (PICA) territory. Our case suggests that PICA infarction can be associated with the CT finding of pseudo-SAH, thereby mimicking the clinical and radiographic presentation of SAH.
Half-chair conformations of unsaturated heterocyclic compounds

The vicinal proton coupling constants were obtained for some 6-membered ring unsaturated heterocyclic compounds. The R values and ring dihedral angles were determined and found to be consistent with half-chair conformations. Relative to saturated heterocyclic compounds, the effect of the sulfur atom on ring puckering was attenuated. However, an increase in ring puckering resulted from the sulfone group and was attributed to torsional energy.
The Male-to-Male Embrace: Breaking the Touch Taboo in a Men's Therapy Group.

Because traditional male gender-role socialization prohibits male-to-male touching except in specific situations, many men in North American culture rarely have the chance to use physical contact to convey caring or closeness in male relationships. The author describes a men's therapy group in which touch seems to facilitate self-disclosure and interpersonal communication.
Two new species of the genus Cheyletus latreille, 1796 (Acari: Cheyletidae) associated with Philippine vertebrates

Abstract Two new cheyletid mites, Cheyletus ascutatus n. sp. and C. batomysi n. sp. (Acari: Cheyletidae) collected from Batomys salomonseni (Rodentia: Muridae) are described from the Philippines. These species being predators, probably live in nests of their hosts.
Fine polishing of polycrystalline GaAs

Abstract A polishing procedure for polycrystalline GaAs was developed where orientational selectivity of the chemical etch was almost completely suppressed. As a result, the maximum step between various grains is a fraction of 1 μm. The role of temperature and mechanical pressure in the new technique is discussed.
Molecular cloning, sequence and functional expression of the cDNA for the human thyrotropin receptor

We screened a human thyroid cDNA library with two synthetic oligonucleotides based on the reported amino acid sequence of the 3rd and 4th transmembrane domains of a putative human TSH receptor and related receptors. The nucleotide sequence of a 4 kb clone revealed an open reading frame of 764 amino acids (86,816 Daltons) with a putative signal peptide, seven transmembrane domains, five potential glycosylation sites, and a very short intracytoplasmic region. Homology with the extracellular domain of the pig LH/CG receptor was only 33%. Chinese hamster ovary cells stably transfected with this cDNA in an expression vector generated a functional receptor, able to activate adenylate cyclase, specifically in response to TSH stimulation.
Separation of 1,3-propanediol from aqueous solutions using pervaporation through an X-type zeolite membrane

1,3-Propanediol was separated from aqueous solutions by pervaporation through an X-type zeolite membrane on a γ-Al2O3 support. Binary, ternary, and quaternary mixtures and a cell-free fermentation broth were used. At 308 K, the total fluxes for the quaternary solution and the fermentation broth were 2.1 and 1.2 kg/(m2 h), respectively. Pervaporation fluxes of all components increased with temperature, but the water flux increased at the fastest rate. From 308 to 328 K, the 1,3-propanediol/glycerol selectivity for the quaternary model solution increased from 59 to 67; it increased from 61 to 110 for the broth. The 1,3-propanediol/glucose selectivity increased from 1900 to 2200. The 1,3-propanediol/glycerol selectivity was mainly controlled by preferential adsorption, and the 1,3-propanediol/glucose selectivity was mainly controlled by differences in diffusion rates. The membrane was stable during the pervaporation of the quaternary mixture for at least one week. In contrast, after 60 h, the broth started t...
Enhancement of thrombogenesis by plasma fibronectin cross-linked to fibrin and assembled in platelet thrombi.

To learn how plasma fibronectin stabilizes platelet-rich thrombi in injured mesenteric arterioles of mice, we studied the impact of plasma fibronectin on platelet thrombus formation ex vivo in a parallel flow chamber. Thrombi were greater on surfaces coated with fibrin cross-linked to fibronectin by activated factor XIII than on surfaces coated with fibrin lacking cross-linked fibronectin or with fibronectin alone. Platelet thrombi were even greater when plasma fibronectin was perfused with platelets, resulting in deposition of the perfused fibronectin in platelet thrombi. The effect of perfused fibronectin on thrombogenesis was lost if fibronectin deposition was blocked by coperfusion with the N-terminal 70-kDa fragment of fibronectin or a peptide based on the functional upstream domain of protein F1 of Streptococcus pyogenes. Increases in thrombus formation were dependent on a platelet activator such as lysophosphatidic acid, amount of fibronectin cross-linked to fibrin, and concentration of fibronectin in the perfusate. The dependency of fibronectin concentration extended into the range of fibronectin concentrations associated with increased risk of coronary artery disease. At such concentrations, the 2 mechanisms for insolubilization of plasma fibronectin—cross-linking to fibrin and assembly by adherent and aggregating platelets—synergize to result in many-fold enhancement of platelet thrombus formation.
In vitro responses of VLM neurons to hypoxia after normobaric hypoxic acclimatization

Abstract Hypoxic acclimatization involves an initial rapid ventilatory response followed by a more gradual increase in ventilation over a period of 24 to 48 h in both humans and rats. In addition, the acute ventilatory response to hypoxia is accentuated following hypoxic acclimatization. The purpose of the present investigation was to determine if hypoxic acclimatization augments the acute hypoxic response of neurons in the ventrolateral medulla (VLM). Brain slices (400 μm) containing the ventrolateral medulla were prepared from Sprague-Dawley rats acclimatized to hypoxia (10% O 2 ) for 4–5 days ( n = 4) and 9–10 days ( n = 4) and from rats maintained in a normoxic environment ( n = 4). Extracellular recordings demonstrated that there were no significant differences in the basal pattern or discharge rate of VLM neurons from animals exposed to short (10.8 ± 0.9 Hz, n = 51), or long (10.1 ± 1.1 Hz, n = 59) periods of hypoxia compared to control neurons (10.8 ± 1.1 Hz, n = 52). The proportion of neurons stimulated (∼70%), inhibited (∼20%) and unaffected (∼10%) by an acute bout of hypoxia (10% O 2 ) was also similar among groups. However, acute hypoxia elicited a greater increase in discharge frequency in neurons from rats exposed to the short period of hypoxia compared to the responses from neurons in the control and longer acclimatization groups. Thus, the responsivity of VLM neurons during the early stages of hypoxic acclimatization is altered in a manner consistent with the respiratory responses associated with acclimatization.
Building blocks to a knowledge valuation system (KVS)

Purpose – This paper proposes a logical approach to valuing knowledge within the context of the business enterprise.Design/methodology/approach – The methodology or approach to knowledge valuation is derived from empirical research based on a framework of intangible valuation areas (FIVA). The key valuation components of FIVA are used as the basis for the evolution of an enterprise knowledge valuation system (KVS).Findings – A conceptual model provides the foundation a business needs to construct a KVS that aligns with business performance. This aids businesses in modeling their business intelligence and identifying intelligent behavior that significantly contributes to the decision‐making process of stakeholders in today's business enterprises.Originality/value – Businesses enterprises are challenged with the development and use of knowledge within the business to positively affect the performance and market valuation of a business enterprise. The conceptual model presented in this paper expands on exist...
Nonlinear fuzzy controller

Abstract We consider a fuzzy controller with two inputs, triangular fuzzy numbers, Zadeh logic to evaluate linear control rules, and a center of gravity defuzzifier. We derive a closed form expression for the defuzzified output and show it is a nonlinear controller. We then analyze the nonlinearities of the fuzzy controller with respect to the PI controller.
CpG Island Methylation in Colorectal Adenomas

Methylation of cytosines in CpG islands silences gene expression. CpG island methylator phenotype (CIMP) in colorectal cancers is characterized by abnormal methylation of multiple CpG islands including those in several tumor suppressor genes such as p16, hMLH1, and THBS1. CpG island methylation has not been well characterized in adenomas. We evaluated methylation status at p16, MINT2, and MINT31 loci, which are frequently methylated in colorectal carcinomas, in 108 colorectal adenomas from a prospective study of 50 patients without cancer. Methylation at one or more loci was present in 48% (52 of 108) of adenomas with 25% (19 of 76) CIMP-high (two or more methylated loci) and 32% (24 of 76) CIMP-low (one methylated locus). The p16 gene was methylated in 27% (19 of 71) of adenomas. Methylation status of different adenomas from the same patient was not correlated (odds ratio, 0.93; P = 0.77). Adenomas with tubulovillous or villous histology were frequently methylated: 73% (17 of 26) versus 41% (35 of 85) of tubular adenomas (odds ratio, 3.46; P = 0.02). High levels of microsatellite instability were more frequent in adenomas without methylation (13% versus 2%; odds ratio, 8.48; P = 0.05). Our results indicate that methylation plays an important role early in colorectal tumorigenesis. CpG island methylation is more common in adenomas with tubulovillous/villous histology, a characteristic associated with more frequent predisposition to invasive carcinoma. Methylation is distinct from microsatellite instability and develops in individual adenomas rather than resulting from a field defect in an individual patient.
Ontogenetic oxygen changes alter zebra fish size, behavior, and blood glucose.

AbstractFour male and four female zebra fish were crossed in all possible combinations, resulting in 389 offspring. These offspring were divided among four treatments: normoxia for 90 d, hypoxia for 90 d, normoxia for 30 d followed by hypoxia for 60 d, and hypoxia for 30 d followed by normoxia for 60 d. The effects of early oxygen environment, later oxygen environment, and genotype were then assessed with respect to zebra fish behavior, size, and blood glucose. Fish were tested in an arena where they could shoal with conspecifics before, during, and after the introduction of a novel stimulus. Blood glucose and size were also measured. Early oxygen environment influenced fish size, time spent swimming, and reactivity to a novel stimulus. Environmentally induced plasticity was predominate, with little evidence of among-sire variation for any of the measured parameters.
Biomimetic backstepping slip prevention for a dexterous hand via wrist velocity feedback

A proportional controller is compared to a nonlinear backstepping controller for a dexterous anthropomorphic hand. The tracking results from the proportional and backstepping controllers are compared in simulation and with the actual hand. Results from the simulation and the actual system show a reduction in system error and an improvement in tracking a sinusoidal trajectory. A multi-joint backstepping control scheme which autonomously modulates grip force in accordance with wrist velocity is also introduced. The biomimetic controller can successfully increase grip force in response to wrist velocity increases in a robustly stable fashion. Results show a close correlation in grip force modulation characteristics between the backstepping control scheme and human test subjects. Experimental data also demonstrate the slip prevention capabilities of the backstepping control scheme.
Ginzberg's theory of occupational choice: A reanalysis of increasing realism

Abstract A causal model of indicators was derived from Ginzberg, Ginsburg, Axelrad, and Herma's developmental framework of occupational choice. This theoretical perspective suggests that high school age adolescents' “fantasy” choices are diverted into more “realistic” anticipations mainly through awareness of the work world and work roles and perceived “reality factors” (perceived goal-blocks) which function to inhibit the maintenance of such “fantasy” desires. Panel data from a three-state sample of nonmetropolitan Southern males interviewed while in the tenth-grade in 1966 and reinterviewed in 1968 were examined using path analytic models. Findings suggest that “realistic” choices (expectations) demonstrate an increasing dissociation from earlier “fantasy” choices (aspirations) primarily through the formation of perceived “reality factors.” An alternative model which incorporates race as a predetermined variable seems to indicate that racial differences in occupational knowledge affect the formation of perceived “reality factors” which are significant mediators of social origin for high school seniors' occupational expectations. While race affects occupational knowledge directly, most of the causal effects of race on 1968 expectations are actually due to the association of race with SES. Areas of other research are specified.
Effect of Rifampicin on the Radiation Sensitivity of Several Strains of Escherichia coli

THE study of the action of ionizing radiation on microorganisms is of interest as a model system for human cells. Actinomycin D (which binds to DNA and inhibits transcription) modifies the response of Chinese hamster cells to ionizing radiation1. It also increases the amount of radiation-induced DNA degradation in Bacillus subtilis2. Actinomycin D, however, does not enter Escherichia coli. But recently, rifampicin has been shown to bind to the DNA-directed RNA polymerase and also to stop transcription3. Because rifampicin readily enters E. coli, it is of interest to see whether it has a potentiating effect on the action of ionizing radiation. We chose to study the effect of radiation plus rifampicin on the process of DNA degradation in several strains, on the formation of colonies as seen by plating, and on the oxygen effect.
Justifying the Value of a Formal Planning Education

Faculty members in planning schools operate with the inherent assumption that the education they are providing is essential to the adequate preparation of future planning professionals. Yet, public-sector positions continue to require a “degree in planning or related field”. Many advertisements state that work experience will be accepted as a direct substitute for education. If there is not a widespread recognition of the value of a formal planning education as a prerequisite for practicing in the field, how can planning educators continue to justify what it is that they are doing and teaching? This paper is focused on three related issues: (1) What should be the value of a formal planning education? (2) How can the actual value of a formal planning education in general, and more specifically of that education provided by individual planning schools, be assessed? (3) How can planning schools more effectively assess how they are doing, and which changes to make?
Path- and Area-Integrated Rainfall Measurement by Microwave Attenuation in the 1–3 cm Band

At a wavelength of about 0.9 cm, microwave attenuation is demonstrated to be linearly related to rainfall rate and independent of drop size distribution and temperature. In addition, practical methods for measuring path- and area-averaged rainfall rate are reviewed. A compromise between maximum path-averaged rainfall rate sensitivity and minimum sensing errors may be achieved by the use of one-way methods between the transmitter and the receiver, with a wavelength of 1.5 to 2.0 cm. Corrections for nonspherical drops and for multiple scattering are also discussed.
Performance of Field-Independent and -Dependent College Students, and Their “Fixed” and “Mobile” Subtypes, on Two Formats of a Cognitive Task:

This study compared the performance of 101 college students classified as field-independent and -dependent, who were also divided into “fixed” (or rigid) and “mobile” (or flexible) subtypes. The divisions were based on the median-split technique being applied to the students' scores on the Group Embedded Figures Test and the Breskin Rigidity Test. The dependent variables were performance on the open-answer and multiple-choice versions of a complex cognitive task, Gorham's Proverbs Test. As expected, field-independent subjects outperformed field-dependent ones on both versions, and the field-independent-fixed subtype tended to outperform the other three subtypes (field-independent-mobile, field-dependent-fixed and -mobile). Implications of the results are discussed and suggestions for further research are provided.
THE USE OF THE GOVERNING EQUATIONS IN DIMENSIONAL ANALYSIS

Abstract This paper develops the idea that the most effective use of dimensional analysis in fluid mechanics is to combine it with the known mathematical form of the governing equations. It is shown that additional information can frequently be obtained in this way, especially when physical approximations can be reasonably made.