cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Transcriptional signals of a U4 small nuclear RNA gene

The signals controlling the expression of a chicken U4 small nuclear RNA (snRNA) gene have been studied by microinjection into Xenopus oocytes. At least two distinct regions in the 5'-flanking DNA contribute to U4B RNA gene expression. The proximal regulatory element, which is inactivated by a 5'-flanking DNA deletion to position -38, provides a basal level of U4B RNA synthesis. The distal regulatory region, centered near position -200, acts as a transcriptional enhancer. It provides a 4-5 fold stimulation of U4B RNA gene expression above the basal level, and, like mRNA enhancers, is composed of multiple functional motifs. One of these, the octamer sequence ATGCAAAG, has previously been recognized as an important element of U1 and U2 snRNA gene enhancers, as well as being involved in the expression of a number of mRNA genes. However, the octamer sequence is not sufficient for U4B enhancer activity. An additional element, an "Sph motif," is located 12 base pairs downstream of the octamer and is an essential component of the U4B enhancer. Transcriptional competition studies indicate that the U4B and U1 snRNA genes utilize a common set of transcription factors.
Quaternary sedimentation in Shelikof Strait, Alaska

Abstract Shelikof Strait, a nearly parallel-sided marine channel between the Kodiak island group and the Alaska Penninsula, has experienced a succession of distinct sedimentary environments during Quaternary time. Pleistocene glaciers carved a deep basin into bedrock in the southwest part of the strait and a shallower platform surface with incised channels in the northeast. The basin and channels were filled with glacial and glacialmarine sediment before and during the time that ice retreated and oceanic conditions returned. Restricted marine conditions prevailed in early Holocene time and sediment prograded transversely into the strait from the adjacent landmasses, with some localized dispersal to the deep, central strait. Onset of modern open-marine conditions commenced when regional currents breached the sill across Kennedy and Stevenson Entrances to combine with sediment-laden outflow from Cook Inlet and deposit a blanket of well-stratified sediment throughout the strait.
Gene regulatory network for neurogenesis in a sea star embryo connects broad neural specification and localized patterning

A great challenge in development biology is to understand how interacting networks of regulatory genes can direct the often highly complex patterning of cells in a 3D embryo. Here, we detail the gene regulatory network that describes the distribution of ciliary band-associated neurons in the bipinnaria larva of the sea star. This larva, typically for the ancestral deuterostome dipleurula larval type that it represents, forms two loops of ciliary bands that extend across much of the anterior-posterior and dorsal-ventral ectoderm. We show that the sea star first likely uses maternally inherited factors and the Wnt and Delta pathways to distinguish neurogenic ectoderm from endomesoderm. The broad neurogenic potential of the ectoderm persists throughout much of gastrulation. Nodal, bone morphogenetic protein 2/4 (Bmp2/4), and Six3-dependent pathways then sculpt a complex ciliary band territory that is defined by the expression of the forkhead transcription factor, foxg. Foxg is needed to define two molecularly distinct ectodermal domains, and for the formation of differentiated neurons along the edge of these two territories. Thus, significantly, Bmp2/4 signaling in sea stars does not distinguish differentiated neurons from nonneuronal ectoderm as it does in many other animals, but instead contributes to the patterning of an ectodermal territory, which then, in turn, provides cues to permit the final steps of neuronal differentiation. The modularity between specification and patterning likely reflects the evolutionary history of this gene regulatory network, in which an ancient module for specification of a broad neurogenic potential ectoderm was subsequently overlaid with a module for patterning.
Does delay discounting play an etiological role in smoking or is it a consequence of smoking

Although higher delay discounting rates have been linked to cigarette smoking, little is known about the stability of delay discounting, whether delay discounting promotes smoking acquisition, whether smoking contributes to impulsive choices, or if different relationships exist in distinct subgroups. This study sought to fill these gaps within a prospective longitudinal cohort study (N=947) spanning mid-adolescence to young adulthood (age 15-21 years old). Smoking and delay discounting were measured across time. Covariates included peer and household smoking, academic performance, depression, novelty seeking, inattention and hyperactivity/impulsivity symptoms, and alcohol and marijuana use. The associated processes latent growth curve modeling (LGCM) with paths from the delay discounting level factor (baseline measure) and the trend factor (slope) to the smoking trend factor (slope) fit the data well, chi(2)((19,n=947)) =15.37, p=.70, CFI=1.00, RMSEA=0, WRMR=.36. The results revealed that delay discounting did not change significantly across time. Baseline delay discounting had a significant positive effect on smoking trend (beta=.08, z=2.16, p=.03). A standard deviation (SD=1.41) increase in baseline delay discounting resulted in an 11% increase (OR=1.11, 95% CI=1.03, 1.23) in the odds of smoking uptake. The alternative path LCGM revealed that smoking did not significantly impact delay discounting (p's>.05). Growth mixture modeling identified three smoking trajectories: nonsmokers, early/fast smoking adopters, and slow smoking progressors. Delay discounting was higher in the smoking versus nonsmoking trajectories, but did not discriminate between the smoking trajectories, despite different acquisition patterns. Delay discounting may provide a variable by which to screen for smoking vulnerability and help identify subgroups to target for more intensive smoking prevention efforts that include novel behavioral components directed toward aspects of impulsivity.
Fidelity of Complex Spike-Mediated Synaptic Transmission between Inhibitory Interneurons

Complex spikes are high-frequency bursts of Na + spikes, often riding on a slower Ca 2+ -dependent waveform. Although complex spikes may propagate into axons, given their unusual shape it is not clear how reliably these bursts reach nerve terminals, whether their spikes are efficiently transmitted as a cluster of postsynaptic responses, or what function is served by such a concentrated postsynaptic signal. We examined these questions by recording from synaptically coupled pairs of cartwheel cells, neurons which fire complex spikes and form an inhibitory network in the dorsal cochlear nucleus. Complex spikes in the presynaptic soma were reliably propagated to nerve terminals and elicited powerful, temporally precise postsynaptic responses. Single presynaptic neurons could prevent their postsynaptic partner from firing complex but not simple spikes, dramatically reducing dendritic Ca 2+ signals in the postsynaptic neuron. We suggest that rapid transmission of complex spikes may control the susceptibility of neighboring neurons to Ca 2+ -dependent plasticity.
AN ANALYSIS OF SURFACE CRACKING DURING ORTHOGONAL MACHINING OF GLASS

It has been proposed that a rough–semi-finish–finish strategy may be possible in the machining of glass and other brittle materials to achieve higher productivity than is realized through either grinding or ductile-mode machining, both of which have been studied extensively to date. A previously presented experimental study of orthogonal glass cutting exhibited clear transitions in machining modes as the uncut chip thickness is increased. One of those modes involves ductile-mode chip formation combined with surface damage in the form of surface cracks that protrude down into the machined surface and ahead of the cutting edge. Here, a model is formulated and exercised to better understand this surface-cracking damage. The finite element method is used with a custom written re-meshing subroutine employed under a commercial software package. The analysis focuses on the crack depth and lead (ahead of the tool) as a function of the normalized process force and the fracture toughness of the work material. It is...
Three applications to $SO(4)$ invariant systems of a theorem of L. Michel relating extremal points to invariance properties

We consider a theorem due to Michel [1] which relates the invariance properties in peculiar directions in a linear space on which we represent a Lie groupG to the extremal points of an arbitrary smoothG-invariant function.
Transvestism in women.

Three cases are reported of a previously undefined condition—fetishistic cross-dressing in women. The outstanding common feature found in each woman is a powerful masculinity present since childhood, but no full answer is available yet to the question why these masculine women use men's garments for erotic excitement. Transvestism in women is compared with other types of cross-dressing in women and—in more detail—with transvestism in men. It is hoped that closer observation of sexual states will let us find their true nature and help to determine how women and men differ in their erotic experiences.
Taming the Dragon Effective Use of Dragon NaturallySpeaking Speech Recognition Software as an Avenue to Universal Access

This article examines the usefulness of voice recognition software both inside and outside the classroom. In particular, the program Dragon Naturally Speaking is considered. Relevant research is presented along with the author’s own experiences as a long time user of voice recognition software and those of students as well. Methods for overcoming drawbacks, such as training the software and correcting errors, are detailed. Means for maximizing the software’s effectiveness for note taking, freewriting, and revising are detailed, and points are made about the desirability of use of voice recognition software for universal access.
Integrating Metadata Creation into Catalog Workflow

The University of Oklahoma Libraries recently undertook a project designed to integrate digital library metadata creation into the workflow of the Cataloging Department. This article examines the conditions and factors that led to the project's genesis, the proposed and revised workflows that were developed, the staff training efforts that accompanied implementation of the project, and the results and benefits obtained through the project's implementation. The project presented several challenges but resulted in an improved workflow, greater use of Cataloging Department resources, and more accurate and useful metadata while increasing the Library's capacity to support digitization efforts in a timely fashion.
Ultraviolet spectrophotometric assay of p-aminobenzenesulfonamides

Abstract A simple ultraviolet spectrophotometric method for the assay of microgram amounts (0.1–25 μg/ml) of 16 different p -aminobenzenesulfonamides (sulfonamides) in 0.1 N sodium hydroxide has been developed. The method is simple, accurate, and highly sensitive within the limits of the experimental conditions described and can be used in pharmacies for the assay of sulfonamides in tablets and in pharmaceutical industries for quality control or environmental monitoring as well. The present method is more rapid than any analytical assay reported for these compounds thus far. The values of λ max and ϵ max for these sulfonamides have also been presented.
Role of phospholipase Cγ-induced activation of protein kinase Cϵ (PKCϵ) and PKCβI in epidermal growth factor-mediated protection of tight junctions from acetaldehyde in Caco-2 cell monolayers.

Epidermal growth factor (EGF) protects the intestinal epithelial tight junctions from acetaldehyde-induced insult. The role of phospholipase Cgamma (PLCgamma) and protein kinase C (PKC) isoforms in the mechanism of EGF-mediated protection of tight junction from acetaldehyde was evaluated in Caco-2 cell monolayers. EGF-mediated prevention of acetaldehyde-induced decrease in transepithelial electrical resistance and an increase in inulin permeability, and subcellular redistribution of occludin and ZO-1 was attenuated by reduced expression of PLCgamma1 by short hairpin RNA. EGF induced a rapid activation of PLCgamma1 and PLC-dependent membrane translocation of PKCepsilon and PKCbetaI. Inhibition of PKC activity or selective interference of membrane translocation of PKCepsilon and PKCbetaI by RACK interference peptides attenuated EGF-mediated prevention of acetaldehyde-induced increase in inulin permeability and redistribution of occludin and ZO-1. BAPTA-AM and thapsigargin blocked EGF-induced membrane translocation of PKCbetaI and attenuated EGF-mediated prevention of acetaldehyde-induced disruption of tight junctions. EGF-induced translocation of PKCepsilon and PKCbetaI was associated with organization of F-actin near the perijunctional region. This study shows that PLCgamma-mediated activation of PKCepsilon and PKCbetaI and intracellular calcium is involved in EGF-mediated protection of tight junctions from acetaldehyde-induced insult.
Dissertation Research in School Psychology: Changes in Topics and Methodology Over the Past 25 Years

Eighty school psychology programs offering training at the doctoral level were contacted with a request for lists of authors, titles, and abstracts of dissertations completed between the years 2000 and 2007. Titles and abstracts from 1119 dissertations were reviewed to assess the interests and experiences of new researchers and practitioners in school psychology and to compare recent trends to findings of earlier surveys of school psychology dissertations conducted more than two decades ago. Results indicated that social issues, instruction, intervention, and assessment continue to be popular areas of research, whereas topics of cognitive or personality research have been nearly abandoned. Many fewer dissertations in this sample used experimental designs, though an increase was observed in the use of single-subject designs.
Complement C5a anaphylatoxin is an innate determinant of dendritic cell-induced Th1 immunity to Mycobacterium bovis BCG infection in mice

During acquired immunity to Mycobacterium bovis bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) infection in mice, dendritic cells (DCs) present mycobacterial antigens to naive T cells to prime an immune response. Complement C5a (anaphylatoxin) secreted by mycobacteria-infected macrophages regulates IL-12p70 production. As IL-12p70 regulates Th1 immunity against mycobacteria in mice, we examined the effects of C5a on IL-12p70 secretion by murine DCs and Th1 immunity. DCs cultured from C5-deficient (C5(-/-)) and -sufficient (C5(+/+)) mice were infected with BCG in the presence or absence of the C5a peptide. ELISA showed that C5(-/-) DCs secreted less IL-12p70 (600 pg/mL vs. 100 pg/mL) than C5(+/+) DCs, and they secreted more IL-10. Using immunophenotyping, reduced CD40 expression was found on C5(-/-) DCs after BCG infection. BCG-primed DCs were then cocultured with naive or BCG-immune T cells to differentiate them into IFN-gamma-secreting Th1 T cells. Coincident with increased IL-12p70 levels, BCG-primed C5(+/+) DCs cocultured with naive or immune C5(+/+) T cells showed a larger increase in CD4+ IFN-gamma/CD8+ IFN-gamma+ T cells compared with cocultured DCs and T cells from C5(-/-) mice. Thus, BCG-primed C5(+/+) DCs were better able to drive a Th1 response. Furthermore, BCG aerosol-infected C5(-/-) mice showed reduced CD4 and CD8 IFN-gamma-secreting T cells in the lungs, concurrent with an increased growth of BCG. Thus, C5a, an innate peptide, appears to play an important role in the generation of acquired immune responses in mice by regulating the Th1 response through modulation of IL-12p70 secretion from DCs.
Long‐term effects of the going concern opinion

Studies have suggested that the auditor's fear of self‐fulfilling prophecy may alter an auditor's behavior concerning the issuance of a going concern opinion. This study investigates a sample of firms that received auditor going concern opinions and ultimately resolved these opinions successfully, as evidenced by subsequent unqualified opinions. The study finds that over 70 percent of these firms provide value to shareholders when monitored over a 12 to 18 year time period. Additionally, the study finds that this result is consistent with a matching sample of firms that had not received going concern opinions. The study further suggests that shareholders do best when the firm is acquired rather than when it continues in business. Larger firms are more likely subjects of acquisition while the smallest firms simply go out of existence over time. Considering the similarity in outcomes between the resolved going concern sample and the matching sample, it appears that there is no long‐term stigma attached to having received a going concern opinion.
TOF-SIMS characterization of lubricants used in magnetic recording media

In this study, TOF-SIMS was used to characterize lubricants used in magnetic recording media. Films of lubricants, perfluoropolyether (PFPE) Fomblin Z-DOL, Z-TETRAOL, AM3001, and cyclo triphosphazene X-1P were deposited on carbon overcoats of the magnetic disks from solutions. TOF-SIMS results showed that each thin film lubricant produces characteristic ions that are closely related to its chemical structure. Ratios of characteristic ions from the Z-DOL and carbon overcoat can be used to monitor the thickness and molecular weights of the lubricant. Molecular or molecule related ions have been observed for Z-DOL and X-1P. It was also found that the average mass of molecular ions correlates very well with the number average molecular weight determined by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) for Z-DOL.
The application of evolutionary models to the study of decisions made by children during object possession conflicts

Abstract The theoretical evolutionary models of animal conflict developed by Maynard Smith were adapted for an empirical study of decisions made by preschool children during conflicts over object possession. The focus of analysis was the probability of resistance to the opponent's attempts to gain or maintain possession of an object. Factors predicted to affect the decision to resist were (1) the interactants' overall tendencies to (a) win object conflicts, (b) extend the duration of conflicts, and (c) be aggressive, and (2) contextual factors such as (a) currently having or not having possession of the contested object, (b) distance of the object from each interactant, and (c) degree of completion of the opponent's attempt at gaining possession. In accordance with evolutionary theory, children were predicted to make decisions that maximized the probability of obtaining a benefit and minimized the probability of incurring a cost. Results indicated that for both conflict initiators and defenders current possession significantly increased the probability of resistance. For defenders, with or without current possession, an increase in the aggressiveness of the decider relative to his opponent was associated with increased resistance. For defenders with possession, an increased degree of completion of the opponent's possession attempt resulted in a decreased probability of resistance. For initiators without current possession, an increase in their own conflict winning percentage was associated with increased resistance. These results were in general agreement with predictions. In contradiction to prediction, defenders were observed to resist more often against more aggressive opponents. The degree to which evolutionary theory is supported by these results, and the limitations of the methods of inference utilized, are discussed.
Lithium chloride in non-aqueous potentiometric titrations

Abstract The use of lithium chloride for improving instrument stability in non-aqueous potentiometric titrations is discussed, and its limitations are indicated.
Altered Properties of the Herpes Simplex Virus ICP8 DNA-Binding Protein in Cells Infected with ICP27 Mutant Viruses

Abstract Herpes simplex virus mutant strains that fail to encode a functional ICP27 polypeptide show a reduction in their ability to replicate viral DNA compared to wild-type virus. To define the nature of this defect,we examined the formation of viral DNA replication structures in the nucleus of cells infected with these mutant viruses. In cells infected with wild type HSV, viral DNA replication occurs in replication compartments. If viral DNA replication is blocked during infection, a subset of these proteins are found in a punctate staining pattern termed prereplicative sites. ICP8, an essential DNA replication protein, is required for formation of these structures and for localization of polymerase and other proteins to these structures. To study the assembly of replication proteins in cells infected with ICP27 defective mutants, we examined the intranuclear localization of ICP8. Our results suggest that assembly of replication proteins into active sites is defective in a majority of cells infected with mutant virus encoding altered ICP27 proteins. Furthermore, this defect in assembly occurs at an early step in localization of replication proteins, possibly due to an observed change in the conformation of ICP8. Last, only actively dividing cells at a certain stage of the cell cycle are able to form replication compartments when infected with ICP27 defective mutants. The residual DNA synthesis seen with these mutants occurs in a defined subpopulation of infected cells. Thus, ICP27 may promote the proper folding and/or localization of ICP8.
Fluctuating Fortunes: The Political Power of Business in America

The article presents a review of the book “Fluctuating Fortunes: The Political Power of Business in America,” by David Vogel.
Impact of Fluid-Thermal-Structural Coupling on Response Prediction of Hypersonic Skin Panels

DOI: 10.2514/1.J050617 The goal of the United States Air Force to field durable platforms capable of sustained hypersonic flight and responsive access to space depends on the ability to predict the response and the life of structures under combined aerothermal andaeropressure loading. However,current predictive capabilities are limitedfor these conditions due in part to the inability to seamlessly address fluid-thermal-structural interactions. This study aims to quantify the significance of a frequently neglected interaction, namely: the mutual coupling of structural deformation and aerodynamic heating, on response prediction. The quasi-static response of a carbon–carbon skin panel is investigated. It is found that the significance of this coupling depends largely on the in-plane boundary conditions, since increasing resistance to thermal expansion results in buckling and increasing deflections into the flow. Including these deformations in aerodynamic heating results in O10% increase in peak temperature and O100% increase in surface ply failure index for deflections O1% of panel length. In these cases, the locations of peaktemperaturesandstressesaresignificantlyaltered.Finally,neglectingdeformationsintheaeroheatinganalysis results in the prediction of snap-through for a gradual heating trajectory, whereas, inclusion leads to a higher mode dominated, dynamically stable response.
Equivalent Electric Circuit Modeling and Performance Analysis of a PEM Fuel Cell Stack Using Impedance Spectroscopy

In this paper, equivalent electric circuit models of a commercial 1.2-kW proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cell stack are proposed based on AC impedance studies. The PEM fuel cell stack was operated using room air and pure hydrogen (99.995%). Using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) technique, impedance data were collected in the laboratory under various loading conditions. Impedance data were analyzed and circuit models developed using basic circuit elements like resistors and inductors, and distributed elements such as Warburg and constant-phase elements. A nonlinear least-square fitting technique is employed to obtain the circuit parameters by fitting a curve to the experimental impedance data. Two circuit models of the fuel cell, one for low and one for high currents are proposed. The average ohmic resistance for the whole stack is estimated to be 41 mΩ. Double-layer capacitances are determined at anode and cathode at various current densities. As expected, cathode charge transfer resistance turns out to be much higher than the anode charge transfer resistance because of slower kinetics of the oxygen reduction reaction. At higher load currents, a significant increase in mass transfer resistance as well as low-frequency inductive effects is observed. These low-frequency inductive effects are recognized and modeled in the fuel cell models of this work. Finally, a semiquantitative analysis was used to determine the contribution of individual performance factors to the overall fuel cell voltage drop. The transient response of the fuel cell circuit models is simulated using MATLAB/Simulink and their performance is validated by comparison with experimental data.
Rapid-onset dystonia-parkinsonism associated with the I758S mutation of the ATP1A3 gene: a neuropathologic and neuroanatomical study of four siblings

Rapid-onset dystonia-parkinsonism (RDP) is a movement disorder associated with mutations in the ATP1A3 gene. Signs and symptoms of RDP commonly occur in adolescence or early adulthood and can be triggered by physical or psychological stress. Mutations in ATP1A3 are also associated with alternating hemiplegia of childhood (AHC). The neuropathologic substrate of these conditions is unknown. The central nervous system of four siblings, three affected by RDP and one asymptomatic, all carrying the I758S mutation in the ATP1A3 gene, was analyzed. This neuropathologic study is the first carried out in ATP1A3 mutation carriers, whether affected by RDP or AHC. Symptoms began in the third decade of life for two subjects and in the fifth for another. The present investigation aimed at identifying, in mutation carriers, anatomical areas potentially affected and contributing to RDP pathogenesis. Comorbid conditions, including cerebrovascular disease and Alzheimer disease, were evident in all subjects. We evaluated areas that may be relevant to RDP separately from those affected by the comorbid conditions. Anatomical areas identified as potential targets of I758S mutation were globus pallidus, subthalamic nucleus, red nucleus, inferior olivary nucleus, cerebellar Purkinje and granule cell layers, and dentate nucleus. Involvement of subcortical white matter tracts was also evident. Furthermore, in the spinal cord, a loss of dorsal column fibers was noted. This study has identified RDP-associated pathology in neuronal populations, which are part of complex motor and sensory loops. Their involvement would cause an interruption of cerebral and cerebellar connections which are essential for maintenance of motor control.
HYDROLOGIC INTERACTIONS BETWEEN AN ALLUVIAL FAN AND A SLOPE WETLAND IN THE CENTRAL ROCKY MOUNTAINS, USA

Slope wetlands generally occur at breaks in slope where discharging ground water maintains moist soil conditions. They often are found on the perimeter of highly permeable alluvial fans, but there have been no detailed hydrologic studies of these particular wetlands. We combined stream and spring flow measurements with five years of water-level and piezometric data to understand the hydrology of a 1.6 ha slope wetland at the base of a 5.2 ha alluvial fan in the central Rocky Mountains of Colorado. Step changes in streamflow inputs resulting from an upstream water diversion helped confirm the linkages inferred from the hydrometric data. Nearly 30% of the streamflow along a 180-m reach on the alluvial fan was lost to seepage. Discharge from two springs at the toe of the alluvial fan was eliminated and the piezometric head in the toe of the fan decreased by more than 80 cm within 1-2 days after the stream was diverted, indicating that stream seepage is the primary source of ground-water recharge for the alluvial fan. Streamflow and ground water discharging at the base of the alluvial fan were the primary wetland inflows, with summer precipitation playing a relatively minor role. Consequently, wetland water levels declined by up to 75 cm after the diversion began operating. The largest declines were in the lower part of the wetland, where surface sheet flow from the stream was the main water source. Continuing ground-water discharge into the upper part of the wetland limited the water level declines to less than 40 cm. The importance of streamflow as a water source distinguishes slope wetlands adjacent to alluvial fans from those found in other settings and makes them particularly vulnerable to upstream water diversions.
Alpha particles at energies of 10 MeV to 1 TeV: conversion coefficients for fluence-to-absorbed dose, effective dose, and gray equivalent, calculated using Monte Carlo radiation transport code MCNPX 2.7.A

Conversion coefficients have been calculated for fluence to absorbed dose, fluence to effective dose and fluence to gray equivalent, for isotropic exposure to alpha particles in the energy range of 10 MeV to 1 TeV (0.01-1000 GeV). The coefficients were calculated using Monte Carlo transport code MCNPX 2.7.A and BodyBuilder 1.3 anthropomorphic phantoms modified to allow calculation of effective dose to a Reference Person using tissues and tissue weighting factors from 1990 and 2007 recommendations of the International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP) and gray equivalent to selected tissues as recommended by the National Council on Radiation Protection and Measurements. Coefficients for effective dose are within 30 % of those calculated using ICRP 1990 recommendations.
Arthroscopic release of the stiff elbow.

Treatment of the stiff elbow by arthroscopic capsular release is a relatively new and effective procedure. The surgery is technically demanding and is not indicated in all cases of stiff elbow. Although neurologic complications are unusual, they can be severe and permanent. Neurologic structures at particular risk are the posterior interosseous and ulnar nerves. Rehabilitation is as important as the surgical procedure itself. Arthroscopic capsular release is particularly effective in elbows with minor flexion contractures (less than 30°) and might have some advantages over an open procedure for these minor contractures.
Molecular weight control of polyacrylamide with sodium formate as a chain-transfer agent: Characterization via size exclusion chromatography/multi-angle laser light scattering and determination of chain-transfer constant

We discuss the synthesis and characterization of polyacrylamide (PAM) homopolymers with carefully controlled molecular weights (MWs). PAM was synthesized via free-radical solution polymerization under conditions that yield highly linear polymer with minimal levels of hydrolysis. The MW of the PAM homopolymers was controlled by the addition of sodium formate (NaOOCH) to the polymerization medium as a conventional chain-transfer agent. MWs and polydispersity indices (PDIs) were determined via size exclusion chromatography/multi-angle laser light scattering analysis; for polymerizations carried out to high conversion, PAM MWs ranged from 0.23 to 6.19 × 106 g/mol, with most samples having PDI ≈2.0. Zero-shear intrinsic viscosities of the polymers were determined via low-shear viscometry in 0.514 M NaCl at 25 °C. Data derived from the polymer characterization were used to determine the chain-transfer constant to NaOOCH under the given polymerization conditions and to calculate Mark–Houwink–Sakurada K and a values for PAM in 0.514 M NaCl at 25 °C. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 41: 560–568, 2003
CLTC: a cluster-based topology control for ad hoc networks

The topology of an ad hoc network has a significant impact on its performance in that a dense topology may induce high interference and low capacity, while a sparse topology is vulnerable to link failure and network partitioning. Topology control aims to maintain a topology that optimizes network performance while minimizing energy consumption. Existing topology control algorithms utilize either a purely centralized or a purely distributed approach. A centralized approach, although able to achieve strong connectivity (k-connectivity for k /spl ges/ 2), suffers from scalability problems. In contrast, a distributed approach, although scalable, lacks strong connectivity guarantees. We propose a hybrid topology control framework, cluster-based topology control (CLTC) that achieves both scalability and strong connectivity. By varying the algorithms utilized in each of the three phases of the framework, a variety of optimization objectives and topological properties can be achieved. In this paper, we present the CLTC framework; describe topology control algorithms based on CLTC and prove that k-connectivity is achieved using those algorithms; analyze the message complexity of an implementation of CLTC, namely, CLTC-A, and present simulation studies that evaluate the effectiveness of CLTC-A for a range of networks.
Validation of the detection of Pseudo-nitzschia spp. using specific RNA probes tested in a microarray format: Calibration of signal based on variability of RNA content with environmental conditions

Harmful algal blooms (HAB) occur worldwide and cause health problems and economic damage to fisheries and tourism. Monitoring for toxic algae is therefore essential but is based primarily on light microscopy, which is time consuming and can be limited by insufficient morphological characters such that more time is needed to examine critical features with electron microscopy. Monitoring with molecular tools is done in only a few places world-wide. EU FP7 MIDTAL (Microarray Detection of Toxic Algae) used SSU and LSU rRNA genes as targets on microarrays to identify toxic species. In order to comply with current monitoring requirements to report cell numbers as the relevant threshold measurement to trigger closure of fisheries, it was necessary to calibrate our microarray to convert the hybridisation signal obtained to cell numbers. Calibration curves for two species of Pseudo-nitzschia for use with the MIDTAL microarray are presented to obtain cell numbers following hybridisation. It complements work presented by Barra et al. (2012b. Environ. Sci. Pollut. Res. doi: 10.1007/s11356-012-1330-1v) for two other Pseudo-nitzschia spp., Dittami and Edvardsen (2012a. J. Phycol. 48, 1050) for Pseudochatonella, Blanco et al. (2013. Harmful Algae 24, 80) for Heterosigma, McCoy et al. (2013. FEMS. doi: 10.1111/1574-6941.12277) for Prymnesium spp., Karlodinium veneficum, and cf. Chatonella spp. and Taylor et al. (2014. Harmful Algae, in press) for Alexandrium.
Long distance migration and marine habitation in the tropical Asian catfish, Pangasius krempfi

A synthesis of catch data from southern Laos and life-history information indicate that adult Pangasius krempfi, an important Asian catfish, migrates up the Mekong River from the South China Sea in Vietnam past Cambodia, arriving in southern Laos each year in May. Strontium concentrations in the otoliths of river-caught P. krempfi are, on average, three to four times higher than the levels of strontium in the otoliths of related freshwater species, indicating marine and estuary habitation for fish caught in southern Laos. Pangasius krempfi muscle tissue samples from the same fish also exhibit stable isotope (δ15N and δ13C) values characteristic of marine environments. The results of this investigation support the conclusion that P. krempfi is anadromous, spending a part of its life at sea and in the brackish water of the Mekong Delta before returning to spawn in fresh water. The fish travels at least 720 km to the Khone Falls in southern Laos, and possibly further. Spawning probably occurs in fresh water from June to August at which time young fish move down the Mekong River to the Mekong Delta. The data answer a previously unresolved question (the long-distance migratory behaviour of P. krempfi) and have important implications for the management and conservation of Mekong River fishes.
Occupation and Partition 1945–1949

Implied in the above quotation is the belief that the Occupying Powers were acting in relation to a genuine political entity, that the German state had never ceased to exist. There was an opportunity and a responsibility on the part of the victors to deal with this state even though it had presumably been annihilated by an “unconditional surrender.” The attempts of the European Advisory Commission, which were later ratified at Yalta and Potsdam, to create a unified occupation regime which would function as a German government were indicative of a belief in this opportunity and an effort to meet the responsibility.
The expansion of the universe and the cosmological constant problem

The discovery that the expansion of the universe is accelerating in time is a major discovery which still awaits adequate explanation. It is generally agreed that this implies a cosmic repulsion as a result of the existence of a cosmological constant ∧>0. However, estimates of ∧, based on calculations of the zero-point fluctuations of quantum fields are too large by over a hundred orders of magnitude. This result is obtained by summing the zero-point energies up to a large cutoff energy Ω, based on the Planck scale. Since there is no compelling reason for this choice, we argue that since all known quantum electrodynamic (QED) effects involves interaction with matter, a preferred choice should be based on causality and other considerations, leading to a much lower value for ∧.
Residual susceptibility of fifth instar Plodia interpunctella to cyfluthrin wettable powder

Abstract Wandering-phase fifth instar Plodia interpuntella (Hubner) were exposed at 3-week intervals for 0.5, 1, 2, and 4 h on concrete treated with sprays of 100, 150, and 200 mg 20% cyfluthrin wettable powder (WP) per m 2 over a 15-week period. Pupation rate and adult emergence were not significantly different ( P ≥0.05) with respect to exposure interval at any application rate. Of the larvae exposed at week 0 (1 day after treatment) on concrete treated with 100 mg per m 2 cyfluthrin WP, 8.7±3.8% reached the pupal stage and 3.8±1.5% emerged as adults, but adult emergence at all subsequent weeks was at least 63.8%. No adults emerged from larvae exposed at week 0 or week 3 on concrete treated with 150 mg cyfluthrin WP per m 2 . Pupation and adult emergence for larvae exposed at week 0 on concrete treated with 200 mg cyflutrhin WP per m 2 was 12.7±6.8 and 11.4±6.6%, respectively, but adult emergence at week 3 was only 1.9±1.0%. Residual control, defined as the time when pupation and adult emergence were less than 10%, exceeded 3-week only at the intermediate label rate of 150 mg cyfluthrin WP per m 2 .
The volatile microbiome

The first detailed temporal study of the human microbiome shows that individual body habitats exhibit surprising variation over time yet maintain distinguishable community structures.
A Pilot Open Randomized Trial of Valproate and Phenobarbital in the Treatment of Acute Alcohol Withdrawal

The authors conducted a randomized, open comparison of the GABAergic anticonvulsant sodium valproate (divalproex sodium; Depakote) and phenobarbital as an active control in the management of acute withdrawal from alcohol. Repeated measures ANOVA was used to assess treatment effects in the first 37 inpatients, evaluating mood, hostility, and subjective and objective measures of withdrawal at index, 3, and 5 days of detoxification. Subjective and objective ratings of abstinence symptoms and subjective mood disturbance decreased significantly in intensity in both groups over 5 days, but there were no significant treatment differences nor treatment by time interactions. Hostility scores did not differ overall, but a group by time effect was observed (F = 5.42, df = [1,13], P < 0.05), with phenobarbital subjects reporting less hostility/aggression than those in the valproate group. There were no withdrawal-related seizures or other acute sequelae. This study offers pilot confirmation that sodium valproate is as effective as phenobarbital in the management of acute alcohol withdrawal, but it is unclear whether valproate offers a clinical advantage with respect to stabilizing changes in mood and interpersonal hostility during detoxification.
Photovoltaic module and array reliability

Several statistical reliability studies have been conducted in areas of photovoltaic component design covering cell failure, interconnect fatigue, glass breakage and electrical insulation breakdown. This paper integrates the results from these various studies and draws general conclusions relative to optimal reliability features for future modules. The described analysis is based on designing for specified low levels of component failures and then controlling the degrading effects of the failures through the use of fault tolerant circuitry and module replacement. Means of selecting the cost-optimal level of component failures, circuit redundancy, and module replacement are described.
Intravesical Potassium Sensitivity in Patients With Prostatitis

ABSTRACTPurpose: Prostatitis and interstitial cystitis encompass similar symptoms and may be manifestations of a single pathophysiological process in the lower urinary tract. Most patients with interstitial cystitis have urinary epithelial dysfunction, as indicated by a positive intravesical potassium sensitivity test. We used the potassium sensitivity test for the presence of epithelial dysfunction in men with diagnosed prostatitis.Materials and Methods: We administered the potassium sensitivity test in men who presented with the signs and symptoms of prostatitis (urgency/frequency and/or pelvic pain) after being diagnosed with prostatitis and receiving at least 1 course of antibiotic treatment administered by a urologist other than one of us. We also surveyed the patients for urinary symptoms and pain locations using 2 self-evaluation questionnaires.Results: A total of 44 patients with prostatitis completed the questionnaires and underwent the potassium sensitivity test. Of the 44 men 37 (84%) had posit...
Chiral spin states and superconductivity

It is shown that several different order parameters can be used to characterize a type of P- and T-violating state for spin systems, that we call chiral-spin states. There is a closely related, precise notion of chiral-spin-liquid states. We construct soluble models, based on P- and T-symmetric local-spin Hamiltonians, with chiral-spin ground states. Mean-field theories leading to chiral spin liquids are proposed. Frustration is essential in stabilizing these states. The quantum numbers of quasiparticles around the chiral spin liquids are analyzed. They generally obey fractional statistics. Based on these ideas, it is speculated that superconducting states with unusual values of the flux quantum may exist.
The Diplomatic Importance of States, 1816–1970: An Extension and Refinement of the Indicator

In an earlier issue of this journal, we presented our findings on the composition of the interstate system, along with the diplomatic importance or “status” attributed to each member by die others in the system. Covering the period between the Napoleonic Wars and the onset of World War II, we set out both to calculate the ranking of the states every five years during those 125 years, and to make explicit the criteria by which system membership and status ranks were established. Our major motivation was to identify the empirical domain within which our own research would go forth and to develop certain indicators which were relevant to me Correlates of War project; it also seemed likely that these data might be of use to others in tiie scholarly community.
Growth and grazing rates of bacteria groups with different apparent DNA content in the Gulf of Mexico

Growth rates and grazing losses of bacterioplankton were assessed by serial dilution experiments in surface waters in the Mississippi River plume, the northern Gulf of Mexico, a Texas coastal lagoon (Laguna Madre), southeast Gulf of Mexico surface water, and the chlorophyll subsurface maximum layer in the southeast Gulf of Mexico. Bacteria were quantified by flow cytometry after DNA staining with SYBR Green, which allowed for discrimination of growth and grazing rates of four bacteria subpopulations distinguished by their apparent DNA content and cell size (light scatter signal). Total bacteria growth rates (0.2–0.9 day−1) were mostly balanced by grazing losses, resulting in net growth rates of −0.18 to 0.45 day−1. Growth rates of DNA subpopulations varied within experiments, sometimes substantially. In most, but not all, experiments, the largest bacteria with highest DNA content exhibited the highest growth rates, but a relationship between DNA content and growth rates or grazing losses was absent. Small bacteria with the lowest DNA content showed positive growth rates in most experiments, sometimes higher than growth rates of bacteria containing more DNA, and were grazed upon actively. Low-DNA bacteria were not inactive and were an integral part of the microbial food web.
Robust Noise Filtering in Wideband Frequency-Invariant Beamforming with Uniform Circular Arrays

Accurate signal measurement in the spatial-temporal domain is critical, amongst other applications, to the commercial success of UWB-MIMO communication systems and UWB standalone location systems. Antenna arrays can measure the spatial dimension of a signal through beamforming; to this end we chose to implement the uniform circular array in our spatial-temporal channel sounder due to its constant beam pattern around the azimuth angle. In wideband systems such as ours, it is important that the beam pattern also be constant across the band of operation to enable linear methods for multipath extraction or sidelobe suppression. Frequency-invariant beamforming can achieve this but at the expense of greater noise. Most literature treating the practical implementation of frequency-invariant beamforming concentrates on mutual coupling and physical-array imperfection. Rather in this paper we propose a novel filtering technique specific to the characteristic noise in frequency-invariant beamforming. It employs the eigendecomposition followed by least-squares minimization and proves robust even at low signal-to-noise ratios as substantiated through simulations as well as measurements using our sounder.
Some Notes on Mutual Information Between Past and Future

. We present some new results on the mutual information between past and future for Gaussian stationary sequences. We provide several formulae to calculate this quantity. As a by-product, we establish the so-called reflectrum identity that links partial autocorrelation coefficients and cepstrum coefficients. So as to obtain these results, we provide an account of several regularity conditions for Gaussian stationary processes in terms of properties of the associated Toeplitz and Hankel operators. We discuss conditions under which the mutual information is finite. These results lead us to an interesting perspective towards the definition of long-memory processes. Our result implies that zeros on the unit circle can cause mutual information to be infinite. Examples include fractional autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA) models. In addition, we consider a finite sample from a Gaussian stationary sequence. In the expansion of the determinant of its covariance matrix, the Toeplitz matrix, the first and second term are, entropy and mutual information respectively. A form of approximation to the likelihood using entropy and mutual information is presented.