cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Visual attention within and around the field of focal attention: A zoom lens model

The operation of attention in the visual field has often been compared to a spotlight. We propose that a more apt analogy is that of a zoom or variable-power lens. Two experiments focused upon the following questions: (1) Can the spatial extent of the attentional focus be made to vary in response to precues? (2) As the area of the attentional focus increases, is there a decrease in processing efficiency for stimuli within the focus? (3) Is the boundary of the focus sharply demarked from the residual field, or does it show a gradual dropoff in processing resources? Subjects were required to search eight-letter circular displays for one of two target letters and reaction times were recorded. One to four adjacent display positions were precued by underlines at various stimulus onset asynchronies before display presentation. A response competition paradigm was used, in which the “other target” was used as a noise letter in noncued as well as cued locations. The results were in good agreement with the zoom lens model.
Land management effects on nitrogen and carbon cycling in an Ultisol

Abstract Soil carbon (C) content in agro‐ecosystems is important in a global context because of the potential for soil to act as a sink for atmospheric CO2. However, soil C storage in agro‐ecosystems can be sensitive to land management practices. The objective of this study was to examine the impact of land management systems on C and nitrogen (N) cycling in an Ultisol in Alabama. Soil samples (0–10, 10–20, and 20–30 cm depths) were collected from a Marvyn sandy loam soil (fine‐loamy, siliceous, thermic Typic Hapludults) under five different farm scale management systems for at least 5 years. The five systems were cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) production managed with 1) conventional tillage only, 2) conventional tillage with a grazed winter cover crop (wheat, Triticum aestivum L.), 3) conservation tillage with a winter cover crop grown for cover only with strip tillage; or taken out of cotton production with either 4) long‐term fallow (mowed), or 5) Conservation Reserve Program with loblolly pine (Pinus ...
In vivo imaging and vibration measurement of Guinea pig cochlea

An optical coherence tomography (OCT) system was built to acquire in vivo, both images and vibration measurements of the organ of Corti of the guinea pig. The organ of Corti was viewed through a ~500-μm diameter hole in the bony wall of the scala tympani of the first cochlear turn. In imaging mode, the image was acquired as reflectance R(x,z). In vibration mode, the basilar membrane (BM) or reticular lamina (RL) was selected based on the image. Under software control, the system would move the scanning mirrors to bring the sensing volume of the measurement to the desired tissue location. To address the gain stability problem of the homodyne OCT system, arising from the system moving in and out of the quadrature point and also to resolve the 180 degree ambiguity in the phase measurement using an interferometer, a vibration calibration method is developed by adding a vibrating source to the reference arm to monitor the operating point of the interferometric system. Amplitude gain and phase of various cochlear membranes was measured for different sound pressure level (SPL) varying from 65dB SPL to 93 dB SPL.© (2008) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Radioiodination of microgram quantities of ribosomal proteins from polyacrylamide gels.

A method has been developed for radiolabeling small amounts of ribosomal proteins extracted from polyacrylamide gels with potassium [125]Iiodide. The procedure was used to label even those proteins which lack tyrosine and histidine residues by the modification of proteins with methyl p-hydroxybenzimidate. Specific radioactivities obtained range from 20,000 to 200,000 cpm/μg. The method has been used in the identification of eukaryotic ribosomal proteins from rabbit reticulocytes separated by polyacrylamide/sodium dodecyl sulfate gel electrophoresis.
Evaluation of the Stability, Bioavailability, and Hypersensitivity of the Omega-3 Derived Anti-Leukemic Prostaglandin: Δ12-Prostaglandin J3

Previous studies have demonstrated the ability of an eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA)-derived endogenous cyclopentenone prostaglandin (CyPG) metabolite, Δ12-PGJ3, to selectively target leukemic stem cells, but not the normal hematopoietic stems cells, in in vitro and in vivo models of chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML). Here we evaluated the stability, bioavailability, and hypersensitivity of Δ12-PGJ3. The stability of Δ12-PGJ3 was evaluated under simulated conditions using artificial gastric and intestinal juice. The bioavailability of Δ12-PGJ3 in systemic circulation was demonstrated upon intraperitoneal injection into mice by LC-MS/MS. Δ12-PGJ3 being a downstream metabolite of PGD3 was tested in vitro using primary mouse bone marrow-derived mast cells (BMMCs) and in vivo mouse models for airway hypersensitivity. ZK118182, a synthetic PG analog with potent PGD2 receptor (DP)-agonist activity and a drug candidate in current clinical trials, was used for toxicological comparison. Δ12-PGJ3 was relatively more stable in simulated gastric juice than in simulated intestinal juice that followed first-order kinetics of degradation. Intraperitoneal injection into mice revealed that Δ12-PGJ3 was bioavailable and well absorbed into systemic circulation with a Cmax of 263 µg/L at 12 h. Treatment of BMMCs with ZK118182 for 12 h resulted in increased production of histamine, while Δ12-PGJ3 did not induce degranulation in BMMCs nor increase histamine. In addition, in vivo testing for hypersensitivity in mice showed that ZK118182 induces higher airways hyperresponsiveness when compared Δ12-PGJ3 and/or PBS control. Based on the stability studies, our data indicates that intraperitoneal route of administration of Δ12-PGJ3 was favorable than oral administration to achieve effective pharmacological levels in the plasma against leukemia. Δ12-PGJ3 failed to increase histamine and IL-4 in BMMCs, which is in agreement with reduced airway hyperresponsiveness in mice. In summary, our studies suggest Δ12-PGJ3 to be a promising bioactive metabolite for further evaluation as a potential drug candidate for treating CML.
Feminist Queries for Ruth and Joshua: Complex Characterization, Gapping, and the Possibility of Dissent

AbstractThis essay positions reflections on Ruth and Joshua at the nexus of literary analysis and feminist inquiry. Building on the contributions of Robert Alter and Meir Sternberg, the arguments here explore the characterization of Ruth and the force of gapping in Josh 5,13-15. Nothing Foucault’s configuring of discourse as a space of multiple dissensions, this essay argues that the complexity of characterization of Ruth the Moabite and aporetic narrativity in the story of Joshua’s encounter with the commander of YHWH’s army constitute resource for feminist dissent. Readings of Ruth and Joshua may use these texts to destabilize ideologies of subjugation, move beyond essentialism in the identity formation of individuals and communities gathered around Scripture, and facilitate work for justice and shalom.
Reversal of premature ovarian failure in a patient with Sjögren syndrome using an elimination diet protocol

Abstract Background: Premature ovarian failure is diagnosed with a picture of amenorrhea, elevated follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and age under 40 years. Twenty percent (20%) of patients with premature ovarian failure have a concomitant autoimmune disease. Cases of premature ovarian failure associated with Sjogren syndrome have been reported in the literature. Patient and method: We report a case of a 42-year-old white woman with Sjogren syndrome and premature ovarian failure who underwent a reversal of her premature ovarian failure and restoration of normal menses using an elimination diet protocol. The patient was diagnosed with her rheumatological condition in 2005 and started on disease-modifying antirheumatoid drugs, which were taken intermittently due to a concern over medication side-effects. Her menses became irregular at the time of initial diagnosis and finally ceased in 2006, with a dramatic elevation in her FSH, indicative of autoimmune-induced premature ovarian failure. In March 2009, sh...
Conceptual model for quantifying pre‐smolt production from flow‐dependent physical habitat and water temperature

A conceptual model has been developed to test river regulation concepts by linking physical habitat and water temperature with salmonid population and production in cold water streams. Work is in progress to examine numerous questions as part of flow evaluation and habitat restoration programmes in the Trinity River of California and elsewhere. For instance, how much change in pre-smolt chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) production in the Trinity River would result from a different annual instream allocation (i.e. up or down from 271 × 106 m3 released in the late 1980s) and how much change in pre-smolt production would result from a different release pattern (i.e. different from the 8.5 m3 s−1 year-round release). The conceptual model is being used to: design, integrate and improve young-of-year population data collection efforts; test hypotheses that physical habitat significantly influences movement, growth and mortality of salmonid fishes; and analyse the relative severity of limiting factors during each life stage. The conceptual model, in conjunction with previously developed tools in the Instream Flow Incremental Methodology, should provide the means to more effectively manage a fishery resource below a regulated reservoir and to provide positive feedback to planning of annual reservoir operations.
Amino acid composition and specificity of a keratinase of Trichophyton mentagrophytes

Abstract An extracellular keratinase with a specific activity of 34.0 KU/mg was purified from a culture filtrate of Trichophyton mentagrophytes with a recovery of 20%. The keratinase appeared to be homogeneous on disc polyacrylamide electrophoresis and analytical ultracentrifugation. The pure enzyme had an isoelectric point of pH 9.4. The antigenic components of the pure enzyme and the culture filtrate appeared to be identical on immunodiffusion analysis. Amino acid composition was determined and no carbohydrate was found in the pure enzyme. The pure keratinase hydrolyzed hair, casein, collagen, elastin, fibrin, fibrinogen, gelatin, hemoglobin, insulin, ovalbumin, 47 amides and peptides of known structure. The pure enzyme, however, did not hydrolyze 37 esters, amides, peptides, and polypeptides.
PERIPHERAL NEUROPATHY IN MOUSE HEREDITARY DIABETES MELLITUS. II. ULTRASTRUCTURAL CORRELATES OF DEGENERATIVE AND REGENERATIVE CHANGES

The fine structural changes in some peripheral nerves and sensory ganglia from mice (C57BL/KsJ, db/db) with an hereditary diabetic syndrome, similar to human maturity-onset diabetes mellitus, were studied during development of the mild peripheral neuropathy. The abnormalities observed included axonal degeneration, disruption of myelin, accumulation of electro-dense material in axons, satellite cells and Schwann cells, increased frequency of pi granules of Reich in Schwann cells, enlarged mitochondria, and proliferated and thickened Schwann cell basal laminae. Distal hind limb nerves were most affected. Sensory ganglion neurons were normal except for occasional chromatolytic cells, so that nerve cell loss was not present in this peripheral neuropathy. Morphological indications of Schwann cell hyperplasia, hypertrophy, and axonal sprouting supported the contention that a continuous cycle of axonal degeneration and regeneration was occurring. The ultrastructural changes and accumulation of electron-opaque, lipid material suggested that a defect in lipid metabolism, secondary to the diabetic condition, could be an important factor in the peripheral neuropathy in the diabetic mouse.
High-resolution Z-contrast imaging of crystals

Abstract The use of a high-angle annular detector in a scanning transmission electron microscope is shown to provide incoherent images of crystalline materials with strong compositional sensitivity. How this occurs, even in the presence of strong dynamical diffraction of the low-angle beams, becomes very clear in a Bloch wave description of the imaging, which shows that only tightly bound s -type Bloch states contribute significantly to the image. Interference effects are therefore precluded and the image can be described as a convolution. There are no contrast reversals with thickness or defocus and no Fresnel fringe effects at interfaces. Each atomic column contributes to the image independently of its neighbors until the s -states themselves overlap. With an optimum imaging probe the nature of the convolution can be visualized intuitively to a scale well below the resolution limit. To first order, therefore, each object has only one possible image, and since the same probe is used for all objects, an unknown structure can be interpreted directly. These ideas will be illustrated with images from semiconductors, superconductors, and alloys.
Microencapsulation selection for isolation of yeast mutants with increased secretion of Aspergillus awamori glucoamylase

We have developed a microencapsulation selection method which allows the rapid and quantitative screening of >106 yeast cells for enhanced secretion of Aspergillus awamori glucoamylase. The method provides a 400-fold single-pass enrichment for high-secreting mutants, and can be straightforwardly adapted for application to growth-based selection schemes with other microorganisms and enzymes. © 1993 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Generation of Entangled Photon-States in a Quantum Dot

A quantum dot in a microcavity is a promising device to generate entangled photon pairs. We show an efficient scheme to obtain entangled two-mode N-photon states based on a two-mode Jaynes-Cummings model.
CRTC3 links catecholamine signalling to energy balance

The adipose-derived hormone leptin maintains energy balance in part through central nervous system-mediated increases in sympathetic outflow that enhance fat burning. Triggering of β-adrenergic receptors in adipocytes stimulates energy expenditure by cyclic AMP (cAMP)-dependent increases in lipolysis and fatty-acid oxidation. Although the mechanism is unclear, catecholamine signalling is thought to be disrupted in obesity, leading to the development of insulin resistance. Here we show that the cAMP response element binding (CREB) coactivator Crtc3 promotes obesity by attenuating β-adrenergic receptor signalling in adipose tissue. Crtc3 was activated in response to catecholamine signals, when it reduced adenyl cyclase activity by upregulating the expression of Rgs2, a GTPase-activating protein that also inhibits adenyl cyclase activity. As a common human CRTC3 variant with increased transcriptional activity is associated with adiposity in two distinct Mexican-American cohorts, these results suggest that adipocyte CRTC3 may play a role in the development of obesity in humans.
AFRICAN AND WORLD HISTORIOGRAPHY

African history and world history each became substantial fields of historical study in the aftermath of the Second World War. African history organized rapidly in the 1950s and 1960s, an era dominated by modernization-thinking. World history developed slowly until the 1990s, then quickly expanded and generated institutional homes in a time of globalization-thinking. This piece considers issues of time, scale, and scholarly diversity within the two fields. The conclusion argues that world historians should pay more attention to Africa and that African historians should do more to set the African past in a global context.
A Study of Orgasm as a Condition of Women's Enjoyment of Intercourse

(1960). A Study of Orgasm as a Condition of Women's Enjoyment of Intercourse. The Journal of Social Psychology: Vol. 51, No. 1, pp. 191-198.
Correlations Spanning the Entire Biot Number Range to Predict Near Steady State Condition in Transient 1-D Heat Conduction Problems

Steady state criteria for vanishing small values of Biot number (lumped case) is well known and is reported in every undergraduate text on heat transfer. The heat conduction time scale for pure thermal diffusion problems (extremely large values of Biot number) is also a very well established fact and common knowledge to all well-schooled thermal engineers. However, to the best of the authors’ knowledge no attempt has been made so far to develop a generalized criterion encompassing the entire Biot number range. Hence, the objective of this paper is to construct a simple, but accurate, correlation to predict the onset of steady state for the three basic configurations (plane layer, cylinder, and sphere) for the complete range of Biot number from the high (Bi → ∞) to the low (Bi →0) Bi value limits, while spanning all values in between. Correlations are developed and reported in this paper such that they predict the transient time duration very close to those obtained from the theoretical solution to the problem. Moreover these proposed correlations are extremely simple in form and, as such, are ideal to be used by practicing thermal engineers in need of a quick estimate for the required time period to achieve steady state for problems that can be modeled from these basic geometries. A more accurate correlation, for the case of slab has also been proposed (containing two additional terms) which can be used if higher accuracy in the intermediate Biot number range were to be desired.© 2004 ASME
Peptide and small molecules rescue the functional activity and agonist potency of dysfunctional human melanocortin-4 receptor polymorphisms.

The melanocortin pathway, specifically the melanocortin-4 receptor and the cognate endogenous agonist and antagonist ligands, have been strongly implicated in the regulation of energy homeostasis and satiety. Genetic studies of morbidly obese human patients and normal weight control patients have resulted in the discovery of over 70 human melanocortin-4 receptor (MC4R) polymorphisms observed as both heterozygous and homozygous forms. A number of laboratories have been studying these hMC4R polymorphisms attempting to understand the molecular mechanism(s) that might explain the obese human phenotype. Herein, we have studied 13 polymorphic hMC4Rs that have been identified to possess statistically significant decreased endogenous agonist potency with synthetic peptides and small molecules attempting to identify ligands that can pharmacologically rescue the hMC4R polymorphic agonist response. The ligands examined in this study include NDP-MSH, MTII, Ac-His-DPhe-Arg-Trp-NH2 (JRH887-9), Ac-Anc-DPhe-Arg-Trp-NH2 (amino-2-naphtylcarboxylic acid, Anc, JRH420-12), Ac-His-(pI)DPhe-Arg- Trp-NH2 (JRH322-18), chimeric AGRP-melanocortin based ligands (Tyr-c(Cys-His-DPhe-Arg-Trp-Asn- Ala-Phe-Cys)-Tyr-NH2, AMW3-130 and Ac-mini-(His-DPhe-Arg-Trp)-hAGRP-NH 2, AMW3-106), and the small molecules JB25 and THIQ. The hMC4R polymorphisms included in this study are S58C, N97D, I102S, L106P, S127L, T150I, R165Q, R165W, L250Q, G252S, C271Y, Y287Stop, and I301T. These studies resulted in the NDP-MSH, MTII, AMW3-130, THIQ, and AMW3-106 ligands possessing nanomolar to subnanomolar agonist potency at the hMC4R polymorphisms examined in this study. Thus, these ligands could generically rescue the potency and stimulatory response of the abnormally functioning hMC4Rs studied and may provide tools to further clarify the molecular mechanism(s) involving these receptor modifications.
A bacterial enzymatic method for determining tyrosine in cheese.

Summary A rapid quantitative method, specific for free tyrosine in ripened Cheddar cheese, is presented. In this procedure an active bacterial decarboxylase preparation converts free tyrosine to its amine, tyramine, under suitable conditions. A multiple ether extraction at pH 10.5 quantitatively recovers both the initial free tyramine and any resulting from decarboxylation. Then from a second sample of the same cheese not subject to decarboxylation only the initial free tyramine is recovered. Colorimetric analysis of the amine with Millon's reagent, preferably, or Folin-Ciocalteu's reagent follows, and through the use of suitable formulas the free tyrosine of cheese, total tyrosine liberated from protein during ripening, and free tyramine can be calculated. Recovery experiments, precautions, and an apparatus designed for the rapid and simultaneous extraction of the tyrosine contents of ten samples of cheese as tyramine are described and discussed.
Erratum to: Tricuspid Atresia With Progressive Ductal Restriction in a Fetus

The online version of the original article can be found underdoi:10.1007/s00246-012-0391-8.A. Lowenthal A. Lal E. S. Selamet Tierney T. A. Tacy (&)Echocardiography Laboratory, Division of Pediatric Cardiology,Department of Pediatrics, Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital,Stanford University, 750 Welch Road, Suite # 325, Palo Alto,CA 94304, USAe-mail: tatacy@stanford.edu
Correlations in global DNA methylation measures in peripheral blood mononuclear cells and granulocytes

Alterations in global DNA methylation levels have been associated with chronic diseases. Despite the increase in the number of studies measuring markers of global methylation, few have adequately examined within-individual differences by source of DNA and whether within-individual differences by source of DNA differ by age, race and other lifestyle factors. We examined correlations between peripheral mononuclear cell (PBMC) and granulocyte DNA methylation levels measured by the luminometric methylation assay (LUMA), and in LINE-1, Sat2, and Alu by MethyLight and pyrosequencing, in the same individual in 112 women participating in The New York City Multiethnic Breast Cancer Project. Levels of DNA methylation of Sat2 by MethyLight (r = 0.57; P < 0.01) and LINE-1 by pyrosequencing (r = 0.30; P < 0.01) were correlated between PBMC and granulocyte DNA of the same individuals, but LUMA and Alu levels were not. The magnitude of the correlations for Sat2 and LINE-1 varied when stratified by selected demographic a...
Highly Strained Mid-Infrared Type-I Diode Lasers on GaSb

We describe how growth at low temperatures can enable increased active layer strain in GaSb-based type-I quantum-well diode lasers, with emphasis on extending the emission wavelength. Critical thickness and roughening limitations typically restrict the number of quantum wells that can be grown at a given wavelength, limiting device performance through gain saturation and related parasitic processes. Using growth at a reduced substrate temperature of 350 °C, compressive strains of up to 2.8% have been incorporated into GaInAsSb quantum wells with GaSb barriers; these structures exhibited peak room-temperature photoluminescence out to 3.96 μm. Using this growth method, low-threshold ridge waveguide lasers operating at 20 °C and emitting at 3.4 μm in pulsed mode were demonstrated using 2.45% compressively strained GaInAsSb/GaSb quantum wells. These devices exhibited a characteristic temperature of threshold current of 50 K, one of the highest values reported for type-I quantum-well laser diodes operating in this wavelength range. This temperature stability is attributable to the increased valence band offset afforded by the high strain values, due to the simultaneously high quantum well indium and antimony mole fractions. Exploratory experiments using bismuth both as a surfactant during quantum well growth, as well as in dilute amounts incorporated into the crystal were also studied. Both methods appear to be promising avenues to surmount current strain-related limitations to laser performance and emission wavelength.
The Keynes-Hansen-Samuelson multiplier-accelerator model of secular stagnation

Abstract In the Galton lecture published in Eugenics Review of 1937, Keynes noted that, if the system's exogenous rate of population and real growth was halved, the need for ‘widening of capital’ to keep the same per capita capital intensity would thereby drop by one-half — leading to a big increase in the average percentage unemployment if there were no change in the propensity to consume. Here the historical Keynes-Hansen-Samuelson multiplier-accelerator model is augmented by incorporating a life-cycle savings model. Interestingly, although the life cycle effects do reduce quantitatively the stagnation effects of population decline, they do not negate the qualitative intuitions of Hansen and Keynes.
Spreading Kinetics of Molten 60Sn40Pb on Higher Melting Temperature Pb-Sn Alloy Substrates

The spreading of molten 60Sn40Pb drops on higher melting point Pb-Sn alloy substrates (3 to 10 wt.% Sn) was investigated for reflow temperatures of 205° to 300°C. Following melting the drop assumed the form of a slightly flared, spherical cap with some penetration into the substrate beneath the contact area. The effects of time and temperature on the contact angle θ and the depth of penetration h were of the form where the apparent activation energy Q was 4.2 kcal/mole for θ and 16 kcal/mole for h. The time exponent m (negative for θ and positive for h) decreased with temperature from ∼ 0.2–0.3 at 205°C to ∼0.05 at 260° and then increased again at higher temperatures. The magnitude of Q for θ is in accord with that for the viscosity of molten Pb-Sn alloys and that for h with a combined liquid-solid diffusion involved in the dissolution. Further work is however needed to identify unequivocally the mechanisms which govern the wetting in these duplex Pb-Sn alloy systems.
A rapid and precise method for sampling and determining the oxygen isotope ratio of atmospheric water vapor

A quantitative method for cryogenically sampling atmospheric water vapor on the temporal scale of 10 to 15 min in the field or laboratory is described. The sample apparatus is lightweight, affordable, and easy to assemble. The method allows for H2O:CO2 equilibration within the same sampling tubes and hence increases turnaround time for δ18O analysis. Quantitative analysis in the laboratory showed recovery of a vaporized, known, 18O water standard to 0.2‰ precision. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Postoperative delirium: are there modifiable risk factors?

Delirium is an acute confusional state with alterations in attention and consciousness.1 Delirium occurs in 14–50% of hospitalized medical patients and its associated mortality rate is 10–65%.2,3 After major noncardiac surgery, 10–60% of patients have delirium.4 Delirium is a serious problem for hos
Improving human health in the Arctic: the expanding role of the Arctic Council’s Sustainable Development Working Group

Human health is now a critical component of the Arctic Council’s sustainable developmentprogram. The newly formed Arctic Human Health Expert Group (AHHEG), a subsidiary bodyof experts within the Sustainable Development Working Group (SDWG), will focus on identifyinghuman health priorities that will improve the health of Arctic residents; engage experts inthe field to evaluate possible actions; strengthen co-operation and collaboration between ArcticCouncil working groups and other Arctic co-operatives; and promote the translation of researchinto actions that will improve the health of Arctic peoples. (Int J Circumpolar Health 2010; 69(3):304-313) Keywords: Arctic, human health, Arctic Council
Multivariable decentralized integral controllability

Abstract General existence conditions under which the stability of the individual loops of a multivariable system in a given compact and bounded gain space imply the global asymptotic stability of the multivariable system in the same space are very useful in practice and essentially indicate when in principle it is possible to obtain stable closed loop performance of a multivariable system by tuning every loop separately. Such conditions are particularly useful for fault tolerant control of multivariable systems. This paper gives the required necessary and sufficient conditions but proceeds from there to derive the stronger existence conditions for stability in the gain space when every loop contains an integrator. Such conditions are called decentralized integral controllability and are needed to guarantee not only robust stability in the gain space but also zero steady state performance errors in the same space, thus assuring system fault tolerance.
CELL FACE CORRELATIONS AND GEOMETRICAL NECESSITY

As PHYSICAL entities, the cells which make up tissues are subject to certain geometrical laws operating on all such three-dimensional bodies. But one of the aims of biological investigations is the eluicidation of those phenomena peculiar to living systems as contrasted with non-living systems. If an understanding of cell form is to be useful in such studies, cell shape attributes which result from .mathematical necessity" must be clearly recognized; otherwise, they may obscure the effects of the more fundamental biological processes. This is an attempt to distinguish these two groups of factors as they influence the correlations found among cell faces (classified as to polygon type). Inasmuch as the study is based on data already published, conclusions cannot properly be extended beyond the samples furnishing the data. Although such an approach limits the applicability of the results, it is possible, nevertheless, to uncover important trends which may be bases for further study. LITERATURE REVIEW.-Almost all writers on cell shape have remarked on one or another of the relations found among cell faces. But such references, especially with respect to the faces of cells completely surrounded by other cells, are brief and scattered. Even Thompson (1942), considering form in living things from a primarily mathematical point of view, said little abiout cell face correlations. The usefulness of Euler's Theorem in studies of cell faces was emphasized by Lewis (1933a, 1933b), by Marvin (1944), and by Matzke and Duffy (1956). Although almost every author has noted that larger cells tend to have more faces, this is not inevitable (Lewis, 1944; Matzke and Duffy, 1956). Lewis (1931) discussed the tendency of larger faces to have more sides, and Marvin (1939) confirmed it with actual measurements. In this connection, too, there are exceptions: Siegerman (1951) and Wheeler (1955) found that criss-crossed divisions may produce unusually small faces. Contiguity of large with small bodies has definite effects on number and on kinds of faces (Matzke, 1939, 1945; Marvin, 1944;' Mozingo, 1951; Matzke and Duffy, 1956). Cell division strongly influences a number of cell shape attributes. Dodd (1948) and Lier (1952) explained certain cell face peculiarities in terms of unequal rates of cell division among adjacent cells. Lewis (1943) and Duffy (1951) stressed the importance of "regular" and "irregular" planes of division. Criss-crossed divisionsare inseparably linked with the formation of triangles, of lensshaped faces, and of several other types (Siegerman, 1951; Wheeler, 1955; Rahn, 1956). More
Quality by design for biopharmaceuticals

The US Food and Drug Administration's 'quality by design' approach is likely to transform the manufacture of biologics.
Congressional Staff and Public Policy-Making: The Joint Committee on Internal Revenue Taxation

MZ /[ANY STUDENTS OF Congress have observed that, due to the increased scope and complexity of governmental activity, congressmen need expert staff assistance if they are to legislate in an informed way and retain some independence of the executive branch and its expertise.' Confronted with multifarious demands on their time, the argument goes, legislators have a difficult time mastering the intricacies of substantive policy proposals; partly as a result, many policy-making functions theoretically reserved for the legislative branch have been transferred, in fact if not always in form, to the executive. Carried out to its logical conclusion this development would appear to culminate in the suggestion made by Samuel P. Huntington that Congress give up whatever lawmaking power it still has: "Explicit acceptance of the idea that legislation was not its primary function would, in large part, simply be recognition of the direction which change has already been taking. It would legitimize and expand the functions of constituent service and ad-
Averting behavior and the benefits of reduced soiling

Abstract The individual's choice of cleaning frequency is examined theoretically under assumptions more general than those of previous authors. The individual is assumed to maximize utility over “cleanliness” and a general commodity, where cleanliness is determined by frequency of cleaning and ambient pollution. Allowance is made for the possibility that the cost per cleaning episode is positively affected by pollution and negatively affected by the frequency of cleaning. The present framework is used to make comparisons and comments regarding the assumptions and results of Watson and Jaksch [J. Environ. Econ. Manag. 9 (1982), 248–262] and Courant and Porter [J. Environ. Econ. Manag. 8 (1981), 321–329].
Pollen Influx to Laminated Sediments: A Pollen Diagram from Northeastern Minnesota

A pollen diagram is presented from Lake of the Clouds, Lake County, Minnesota, in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area. Of the 5.6 m of sediment analyzed, almost 5 m are laminated. The 9,349 laminations counted, composed of alternating dark organic and light layers, are annual varves which provide a time scale for study of vegetational history and calculation of pollen influx. The pollen concentration in each sample was determined by a technique involving the addition of microspheres. The pollen influx was calculated from the pollen concentration and varve count. Pollen concentration was very low in the herb pollen zone of late—glacial time. During postglacial time the pollen influx was generally 2—4 x 104 grains cm-2 years-1. The pollen diagram has been divided into six zones. Zone 1 records tundra—like vegetations; most of the pollen rain, which was sparse, was probably blown in from a great distance. Zone 2 records spruce forest, with some pine and thermophilous deciduous trees, succeeded in zone 3 about 9,200 years ago by forests dominated by jack or red pine or both. With the start of zone 4, dated about 8,300 years ago, alder migrated into the area, followed about 7,000 years ago by white pine, concurrently with the maximum eastward extension of prairie in the state. In the period represented by zone 5, commencing about 6,500 years ago, white pine was very important, spruce was at a minimum, and the climate was probably relatively dry. Environmental changes brought about increases of spruce and cedar and a decline of pine in zone 6, commencing about 3,000 years ago. The diagram is truncated at 200 years or more before the present.
Reference and Media-Instruction by Any Means Necessary

Summary Reference services involve using technologies to teach users how to locate and use needed resources. The use of various media for the presentation of library instruction has gone on since the 1930s. A chronology of the use of film, slides, audio tape, videotape, television, and computer-assisted instruction is presented here with brief commentary on the positive and negative aspects of the use of each type of technology and some combinations of technologies for instruction.
Distribution, condition, and growth of newly settled southern flounder (Paralichthys lethostigma) in the Galveston Bay Estuary, TX

Abstract Several flatfish species, including southern flounder ( Paralichthys lethostigma ) recruit to estuaries during early life. Therefore, evaluation of estuarine sites and habitats that serve as nurseries is critical to conservation and management. The present study used density data in conjunction with biochemical condition and growth measurements to evaluate settlement sites used by southern flounder in the Galveston Bay Estuary (GBE). In 2005, beam-trawl collections were made in three major sections of the GBE (East Bay, Galveston Bay, West Bay). Three sites were sampled in each bay. Within each sampling site, replicate collections were taken from three habitats: 1) marsh edge ( 100 m from marsh interface; depth > 1 m). Average size of southern flounder collected was 12–19 mm standard length, and peak densities occurred in January and February. Catch data indicated that densities of southern flounder were significantly greater in East Bay (2.75 per 100 m 2 ) than in Galveston Bay (0.91 per 100 m 2 ) or in West Bay (0.45 per 100 m 2 ). Densities were statistically similar among habitats. Otolith-based estimates of age indicated that the majority of southern flounder collected were 35–45 days old and derived from early December to early January hatch-dates. Growth rates were similar among bays and among habitats, with the average growth rate being 0.40 mm day − 1 (range: 0.21–0.76 mm day − 1 ). RNA:DNA was above the established baseline value for nutritional stress, indicating that newly settled southern flounder in the GBE were in relatively high condition. Habitat-specific differences in RNA:DNA ratios were not observed; however, ratios were significantly lower in West Bay (average 8.0) than in East Bay (average 9.5) or in Galveston Bay (average 9.8), suggesting the condition of new recruits may vary spatially within the GBE. Findings from the current study suggest density and condition of newly settled southern flounder vary at the bay scale, suggesting that parts of GBE do not function equally as nurseries.
Salt marsh vegetation as a carbonyl sulfide (COS) source to the atmosphere

Carbonyl sulfide (COS) is the most abundant and longest-lived reduced sulfur compound in the atmo- sphere; changes in its atmospheric concentration could significantly affect global climate and the biogeochemical sulfur cycle. The largest sink of COS in the troposphere is its destruction in plant leaves by the enzymes involved in photosynthesis. In this study, net fluxes of COS were measured from a coastal salt marsh on a subtropical barrier island on the Texas shore of the Gulf of Mexico. We find net emissions from sites with the common salt marsh plant Batis maritima compared to the net uptake from vegetated plots of most previously investigated biomes. The magnitude of the COS production from vegetated plots in this study was twice the emissions of soil-only salt marsh plots. This is the first time that emissions of COS have been found to be significantly enhanced by the presence of vegetation compared to soil alone. COS fluxes exceeded þ110 pmol m
Recruitment dynamics of bluefish (Pomatomus saltatrix) from Cape Hatteras to Cape Cod, 1973–1995

Recruitment dynamics are complicated in species in which multiple cohorts of young-of-the-year (YOY) are produced each year. Each summer, two cohorts of YOY bluefish (Pomatomus saltatrix), representing fish spawned in spring and summer, recruit to Mid-Atlantic Bight estuaries, but little is known about their interannual variability, environmental forcing, and relative contributions to later life stages. We addressed these questions by examining the distribution and abundance of YOY on the continental shelf of the US east coast in autumn from 1973 through 1995. Abundance on the continental shelf increased in autumn owing to emigration from estuaries. We found clear evidence of two cohorts in autumn length-frequency distributions in most years and used this information to construct cohort-specific indices of abundance, which were then compared with relevant environmental variables. Spring-spawned fish dominated the catch in 20 of the years examined. The summer cohort dominated only in 1992. The abundance of the two cohorts was positively correlated, rejecting the hypothesis that dominance of the spring cohort is the result of cannibalism on the summer cohort. Spring cohort abundance was not correlated with either shelf warming-rate or warm-core ring streamer activity. A strong relationship was found between winds in April and May and the abundance of spring-spawned bluefish, possibly indicating that wind-driven surface flow aids the transport of larvae and/or juveniles across the shelf-slope region. 2000 International Council for the Exploration of the Sea
Cyclooxygenase-2 inhibition in colorectal cancer: Boom or bust?

Currently, combination chemotherapy represents the standard of care treatment for patients with metastatic colorectal cancer in the United States. Despite recent improvements with the addition of biologic agents, novel treatment approaches are needed to further benefit patients. Cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 inhibition represents one such possibility. COX-2 is highly expressed in colorectal tumor neovasculature and nodal and liver metastases, and expression of COX-2 correlates with tumor stage and patient survival in selected series. COX-2 may be related to colorectal cancer development and propagation through multiple mechanisms, including stimulation of growth, migration, and invasiveness, resistance to apoptosis, and enhancement of angiogenesis. Epidemiologic data suggest nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) might prevent development of colorectal cancers, and preclinical data suggest selective COX-2 inhibitors might be additive or synergistic with specific chemotherapeutic agents used in the treatment of colorectal cancer. Despite the lack of published phase I data and the limited, preliminary results of phase II studies, combinations of celecoxib and standard colorectal cancer chemotherapy have entered randomized trials. It is too early to definitively state whether COX-2 inhibition represents a major breakthrough in the treatment of colorectal cancer. Pending the results of ongoing and planned phase III studies, use of COX-2 inhibitors as single agents or incorporation of COX-2 inhibition into combined modality therapy of colorectal cancer should be limited to the setting of clinical trials.
Intracellular single molecule microscopy reveals two kinetically distinct pathways for microRNA assembly

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) associate with components of the RNA-induced silencing complex (RISC) to assemble on mRNA targets and regulate protein expression in higher eukaryotes. Here we describe a method for the intracellular single-molecule, high-resolution localization and counting (iSHiRLoC) of miRNAs. Microinjected, singly fluorophore-labelled, functional miRNAs were tracked within diffusing particles, a majority of which contained single such miRNA molecules. Mobility and mRNA-dependent assembly changes suggest the existence of two kinetically distinct pathways for miRNA assembly, revealing the dynamic nature of this important gene regulatory pathway. iSHiRLOC achieves an unprecedented resolution in the visualization of functional miRNAs, paving the way to understanding RNA silencing through single-molecule systems biology.
An Event-Driven Architecture for Fine Grained Intrusion Detection and Attack Aftermath Mitigation

In today's computing environment, unauthorized accesses and misuse of critical data can be catastrophic to personal users, businesses, emergency services, and even national defense and security. To protect computers from the ever-increasing threat of intrusion, we propose an event-driven architecture that provides fine grained intrusion detection and decision support capability. Within this architecture, an incoming event is scrutinized by the subject-verb-object multipoint monitors. Deviations from normal behavior detected by SVO monitors will trigger different alarms, which are sent to subsequent fusion and verification modules to reduce the false positive rate. The system then performs impact analysis by studying real-time system metrics, collected through the Windows management instrumentation interface. We add to the system the capability to assist the administrator in taking effective actions to mitigate the aftermath of an intrusion
Kinetics of chemical marker formation in whey protein gels for studying microwave sterilization

Abstract The kinetics of 4-hydroxy-5-methy-3(2H)-furanone (M-2) formation in a model food system (20% whey protein gel) was determined for studying cumulative time–temperature effects in high-temperature-short-time processes. M-2 was formed from d -ribose and amines through non-enzymatic browning reactions and enolization under low acid conditions (pH > 5). The order of the reaction for M-2 formation was determined by non-linear regression analysis and further confirmed by graphical method. M-2 formation followed a first-order kinetics and the rate constant temperature dependence was described using an Arrhenius relationship. The reaction rates and activation energy were determined using two-step, multi-linear and non-linear regression analyses. This study also demonstrated the use of M-2 formation in determining the cumulative heating effect in a model food system subjected to 915 MHz microwave heating.
Genetic and environmental contributions to the diversity of substances used in adolescent twins: a longitudinal study of age and sex effects.

Aims To determine how genetic and environmental contributions affecting the number of psychoactive substances used varies with age and gender over the course of adolescence. Design Estimates of genetic, shared environmental and non‐shared environmental contributions to total variance in diversity of substances used at ages 11, 14 and 17 years were obtained by fitting a multivariate behavior genetic (Cholesky) model. Participants A total of 711 male and 675 female twins. Measurements Participants reported whether they had used each of 11 substances. Findings The average diversity of substances used increased over time for both males and females, and males generally reported a wider diversity of substances used than females. Influences of genetic factors increased with age and were greater for males than for females at ages 14 and 17 years. Genetic factors remained consistent (i.e. highly correlated) across ages for both males and females, as did shared environmental influences for males. Non‐shared environmental factors for both sexes and females' shared environmental factors were age‐specific. Conclusions Regardless of sex, the proportion of variance in substances used attributable to genetic factors increases during adolescence, although it is greater for males than females at later ages. These findings indicate that prevention interventions may be most effective if they target early adolescence when environmental factors account for the majority of variance in substance use. The high correlation of genetic factors across ages suggests that early use may sometimes signal an early expression of a developmentally stable genetic predisposition.
Stress Failure of the Pulmonary Blood–Gas Barrier

The ultrastructure of the blood–gas barrier was a mystery for many years because this is beyond the resolution of the light microscope. However, when Frank Low published the first electron micrographs of the human blood–gas barrier in 1953, it was immediately clear that a vanishingly small amount of tissue, only 0.2 µm thick, separated the pulmonary capillaries from the alveolar gas. Astonishingly, however, it was 40 years before the fragility of the barrier was recognized. Two selective forces determine the structure of the barrier. First, it must be exceedingly thin to allow adequate transfer of gases across it by diffusion. Even so, under some physiological conditions, humans develop arterial hypoxemia because the diffusion rate of oxygen through the barrier is insufficient. Next, the barrier must be immensely strong to prevent bleeding into the alveoli. However, again this occurs in humans under some physiological conditions, and it is particularly striking in animals such as the Thoroughbred racehorses that are capable of very high aerobic activity. Mechanical failure of the barrier can occur when it is exposed to high stresses. Failure is seen if the capillary transmural pressure is greatly increased, the lung is inflated to very high volumes, or the type IV collagen that is responsible for the strength becomes abnormal in disease. Remodeling of the barrier is seen if the stresses are increased over a period of time. The basic structure of the barrier has been highly conserved throughout the evolution from the lungfishes through the amphibians, reptiles, mammals, and birds.