cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
RNA Catalysis in Model Protocell Vesicles

We are engaged in a long-term effort to synthesize chemical systems capable of Darwinian evolution, based on the encapsulation of self-replicating nucleic acids in self-replicating membrane vesicles. Here, we address the issue of the compatibility of these two replicating systems. Fatty acids form vesicles that are able to grow and divide, but vesicles composed solely of fatty acids are incompatible with the folding and activity of most ribozymes, because low concentrations of divalent cations (e.g., Mg(2+)) cause fatty acids to precipitate. Furthermore, vesicles that grow and divide must be permeable to the cations and substrates required for internal metabolism. We used a mixture of myristoleic acid and its glycerol monoester to construct vesicles that were Mg(2+)-tolerant and found that Mg(2+) cations can permeate the membrane and equilibrate within a few minutes. In vesicles encapsulating a hammerhead ribozyme, the addition of external Mg(2+) led to the activation and self-cleavage of the ribozyme molecules. Vesicles composed of these amphiphiles grew spontaneously through osmotically driven competition between vesicles, and further modification of the membrane composition allowed growth following mixed micelle addition. Our results show that membranes made from simple amphiphiles can form vesicles that are stable enough to retain encapsulated RNAs in the presence of divalent cations, yet dynamic enough to grow spontaneously and allow the passage of Mg(2+) and mononucleotides without specific macromolecular transporters. This combination of stability and dynamics is critical for building model protocells in the laboratory and may have been important for early cellular evolution.
A hybrid PDMS-Parylene subdural multi-electrode array

In this paper, we report on a cost effective and simple method for fabricating a flexible multi-electrode array for subdural neural recording. The electrode was fabricated using a PDMS-Parylene bilayer to combine the major advantages of both materials. Mechanical and electrical characterizations were performed to confirm functionality of a 16-site electrode array under various flexed/bent conditions. The electrode array was helically wound around a 3 mm diameter cylindrical tube and laid over a 2 cm diameter sphere while maintaining its recording capability. Experimental results showed impedance values between 300 kΩ and 600 kΩ at 1 kHz for 90 μm diameter gold recording sites. Acoustically evoked neural activity was successfully recorded from rat auditory cortex, confirming in vivo functionality.
Cumulative Risks of Developing Extrapyramidal Signs, Psychosis, or Myoclonus in the Course of Alzheimer's Disease

Cumulative risks of developing extrapyramidal signs, psychosis, and myoclonus in the course of Alzheimer's disease (AD) were estimated in 72 patients with probable AD by the Kaplan-Meier survival method. The cumulative risk functions were found to increase at different rates for different signs as AD progressed. Comparisons of the cumulative risk functions revealed that in the early stages of AD, extrapyramidal signs and psychosis were more likely to develop than myoclonus. As AD progressed, the risk of developing myoclonus became as great as that of developing the other two signs. This study suggests that extrapyramidal signs, psychosis, and myoclonus represent developmental features that mark the progression of AD, rather than indicators of disease subtypes. The estimated cumulative risk functions set a reasonable expectation for the timing and likelihood of the emergence of the clinical signs. This, in turn, might aid in disease prognosis because the biological bases of these signs have been established and they have been shown to be predictive of other markers of disease course.
Constrained Model Predictive Control for Nonholonomic Vehicle Regulation Problem

Abstract A model predictive control architecture based on discrete time nonlinear car model is derived to solve regulation(“parking”) problem. Parameters of the proposed controller are chosen by considering terminal state constraints. This setup combined with terminal state penalty in the cost function could assure control stability. The generated trajectory satisfies minimum curvature requirements and actuator saturations of the vehicle are considered in controller design. Obstacle avoidance is realized by considering distance constraints in the open-loop optimization process. Simulation results are given to illustrate the feasibility of the proposed control architecture.
Secondary Colonization of Pear Blossoms by Two Bacterial Antagonists of the Fire Blight Pathogen

Nuclo, R. L., Johnson, K. B., Stockwell, V. O., and Sugar, D. 1998. Secondary colonization of pear blossoms by two bacterial antagonists of the fire blight pathogen. Plant Dis. 82:661-668. Dispersal of the bacteria Pseudomonas fluorescens strain A506 and Erwinia herbicola strain C9-1S from treated to nontreated pear blossoms, and the effect of their spread on fire blight, were investigated in an orchard block of 10 rows containing 4 trees per row. Center rows of trees were sprayed with a mixture of P. fluorescens A506 and E. herbicola C9-1S at 30, 15, and 50% bloom in 1994, 1995, and 1996, respectively. Immediately after spraying, antagonists were detected only on treated blossoms. In 1994 and 1996, as bloom progressed, both P. fluorescens A506 and E. herbicola C9-1S were detected on nontreated blossoms located up to 4 rows (10 m) from the treated rows. In 1995, establishment of the antagonists on treated blossoms was poor and spread to nontreated trees was limited, apparently b ecause of cold temperatures. Each year, honey bees were used to inoculate all trees with E. amylovora at 80% bloom. After full bloom in 1994 and 1996, the proportion of blossoms with E. amylovora populations >105 CFU per flower were highest in the outermost rows, and decreased linearly ( P < 0.05) with proximity to treated rows. In 1994, diseased blossom clusters decreased significantly ( P < 0.05) from the outermost rows to the treated rows, but there was no significant effect of distance on disease incidence in 1995 or 1996. Secondary colonization of blossoms by P. fluorescens A506 and E. herbicola C9-1S can play a role in disease suppression, but, among seasons, rates of secondary colonization by P. fluorescens A506 and E. herbicola C9-1S were variable, indicating that multiple applications of antagonists may be n ecessary to optimize biological control. Additional keywords: Pyrus communis
Total Neutron Cross Section of Vanadium from 10 to 1000 Kev

The total cross section of vanadium for neutrons of 10 to 1000 kev has been measured with an energy resolution of \ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}6 kev. For low energy neutrons the values of the cross sections fluctuate rapidly, leveling off to an average of about 3 barns above 500 kev. By using a filtering technique a cross section of 0.0\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.5 barn was measured at 105 kev.
Multiple origins of allopolyploid wheatgrass Elymus caninus revealed by RPB2, PepC and TrnD/T genes.

We examined evolutionary mechanisms in the tetraploid Elymus caninus by comparing the phylogenetic relationships of 21 accessions suggested by sequence data from two single copy nuclear genes, the largest subunit of RNA polymerase II (RPB2) and phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase (pepC), and one non-coding chloroplast region, TrnD/T. Elymus caninus is known combining two different genomes, an St genome and an H genome. Data from two single copy nuclear genes showed that there are two versions of the St genome in the species, St1 and St2. Most accessions combined one of these versions with an H genome version but two accessions had both versions of the St sequence for RPB2. This suggests that the RPB2 gene may have been duplicated without chromosome doubling, possibly induced by transposable element. Our data also indicate that the H genome sequences in E. caninus have multiple origins, and a close phylogenetic relationship between Hordeum bogdanii and H sequences in some accessions of E. caninus. Thus, it is more likely that H. bogdanii is one of the major donors of the H copy in E. caninus. The maternal origin of E. caninus is the St genome species. There was no correlation between the geographic origin of the accessions and their sequence divergence.
The Relationship between Downward Irradiance and Upper Ocean Structure

Abstract The relationship between downward irradiance and upper ocean structure has been studied using a numerical model. Two general classes of irradiance parameterizations were utilized. The first (case I) employed a single attenuation length while the second (cast II) involved two attenuation lengths. The latter formulation provided for enhanced absorbance in the upper few meters. Wind speeds of 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 10 and 20 m.s−1 were used for the simulations in order to characterize heat versus wind dominated regimes. A one-dimensional second moment turbulent closure model was selected for the study so that heat could be treated differentially with depth. The case II results indicated warmer surface temperatures, shallower mixed layers, and more intense thermoclines than case I for wind speeds <10 m s−1. Results converged for higher wind speeds. There was considerably greater sensitivity to wind speed for case II when compared with case I. Mean horizontal velocity as well as thermal structure was sensi...
Efficient gene delivery to pancreatic islets with ultrasonic microbubble destruction technology

This study describes a method of gene delivery to pancreatic islets of adult, living animals by ultrasound targeted microbubble destruction (UTMD). The technique involves incorporation of plasmids into the phospholipid shell of gas-filled microbubbles, which are then infused into rats and destroyed within the pancreatic microcirculation with ultrasound. Specific delivery of genes to islet beta cells by UTMD was achieved by using a plasmid containing a rat insulin 1 promoter (RIP), and reporter gene expression was regulated appropriately by glucose in animals that received a RIP-luciferase plasmid. To demonstrate biological efficacy, we used UTMD to deliver RIP-human insulin and RIP-hexokinase I plasmids to islets of adult rats. Delivery of the former plasmid resulted in clear increases in circulating human C-peptide and decreased blood glucose levels, whereas delivery of the latter plasmid resulted in a clear increase in hexokinase I protein expression in islets, increased insulin levels in blood, and decreased circulating glucose levels. We conclude that UTMD allows relatively noninvasive delivery of genes to pancreatic islets with an efficiency sufficient to modulate beta cell function in adult animals.
Anaerobic Streptococcal Corneal Ulcer

Summary An anaerobic streptococcus caused a central corneal ulcer in a 10-year-old girl. There were no identifying clinical findings. The lesion healed promptly and satisfactorily with antibiotic therapy.
Numerical study of the transition to stripe phases in high-temperature superconductors under a strong magnetic field

The nature of the spin density wave (SDW) and charge density wave (CDW) in the mixed state of high-${T}_{c}$ superconductors (HTS) is investigated by using the self-consistent Bogoliubov\char21{}de Gennes equations and an effective model Hamiltonian with competing SDW and d-wave superconductivity interactions. We show that there exists a critical on-site Coulomb interaction ${U}_{c}.$ For optimally doped sample, two-dimensional SDW and CDW modulations are induced for $Ul{U}_{c}$ while SDW and CDW orders become antiferromagnetic (AF) and charge stripes for $Ug{U}_{c}.$ These stripe orders are stabilized and enhanced near the vortex cores. The wavelengths of the AF stripes and charge stripes are found respectively to be $8a$ and $4a,$ with a as the lattice constant. We show that our results could be applied to understand several recent experiments on HTS.
Sex-biased maternal expenditure in Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep

We examined maternal energy expenditure in Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep to test the hypothesis (Trivers and Willard 1973) that individual sons in polygynous mammals should obtain a larger maternal subsidy. In accord with theory, males weighed more at birth (an index of relative prenatal expenditure), tended to suckle more between 40 and 100 days of age (an index of relative postnatal expenditure) and imposed greater delays on their mothers' return to estrus in the subsequent breeding season (an index of relative total preweaning expenditure). Mothers rather than offspring appeared to have primary control over postnatal expenditure. The effect of maternal reproductive effort on return to estrus was cumulative over a period of 3–5 years so that ewes making relatively large expenditures gave birth progressively later. Ewe and lamb mortality was associated with late conception in the previous rut. Thus, differential reproductive effort by ewes in this population appeared to entail a fitness cost involving reductions in both offspring and maternal survivorship.
Collateral nerve sprouts produced experimentally.

WHEN a region loses all or part of its nerve supply, surviving axons in the vicinity may give off collaterals or side branches that take over the supply of the denervated elements. It may be of great clinical significance that nerve sprouting can bring about functional recovery long before this could be achieved by the process of classical regeneration. Collateral nerve sprouting was demonstrated first in somatic motor nerves1, later in somatic sensory nerves2. More recently, Murray and Thompson3 have provided strong physiological evidence that collateral sprouting of axons can occur in autonomic pathways. It can be presumed that all peripheral nervous system axons have collateral nerve sprouting potential. Is this potential characteristic also of mature mammalian central nervous system axons ? Windle in his review of the work done by Liu and Chambers states that the possibility does exist4.
Native American Drinking: A Neglected Subject of Study and Research

Although Native Americans are plagued by high rates of alcoholism, violence, suicide and early death, these social and clinical problems are usually given little more than cursory treatment in textbooks. A content analysis of twenty-six textbooks on alcoholism and substance misuse revealed that only four provided a detailed discussion of Native American drinking. Greater attention needs to be given to the cultural, psychological, and biological issues of drinking and drunkenness among this special population.
A Savings Index Heuristic Algorithm for Flowshop Scheduling with Sequence Dependent Set-up Times

This paper considers the permutation flowshop scheduling problem with significant sequence dependent set-up times and develops a savings index heuristic algorithm to find an approximately minimum makespan schedule. The proposed algorithm determines the savings in time associated with a particular sequence and selects the sequence with the maximum time savings as the best heuristic solution. Computational experience indicating the effectiveness and efficiency of the proposed savings index heuristic algorithm are reported and discussed.
Hindered diffusion in polymer-tethered phospholipid monolayers at the air-water interface: A single molecule fluorescence imaging study

Recently, our group was the first to apply the technique of single molecule fluorescence imaging toward homogeneous phospholipid monolayers at the air−water interface to study the lateral diffusion...
Sparse detector sensor: profiling experiments for broad-scale classification

This paper presents a simple prototype sparse detector imaging sensor built using sixteen off-the-shelf, retro-reflective, infrared-sensing elements placed at five-inch intervals in a vertical configuration. Profiling experiments for broad-scale classification of objects, such as humans, humans wearing large backpacks, and humans wearing small backpacks were conducted from data acquired from the sensor. Empirical analysis on models developed using fusion of various classifiers based on a diversity measure shows over ninety percent (90.07%) accuracy (using 10-fold cross validation) in categorizing sensed data into specific classes of interest, such as, humans wearing a large backpack. The results demonstrate that shadow images of sufficient resolution can be captured by the sensor such that broad-scale classification of objects is feasible. The sensor appears to be a low-cost alternative to traditional, high-resolution imaging sensors, and, after industrial packaging, it may be a good candidate for deployment in vast geographic regions in which low-cost, unattended ground sensors with highly accurate classification algorithms are needed.
A 20-Year Examination of the Perceptions of Business School Interns: A Longitudinal Case Study

The authors examined students’ attitudes toward specific elements of an ongoing internship program. The study sample consisted of 816 student interns from 25 different colleges and universities. Results indicate that despite significant changes in instructional design and the incorporation of new technologies into the learning environment, perceptions have remained relatively constant over the 20-year time frame studied.
Dual apodization with cross-correlation in the presence of phase aberration and noise

We have recently presented a new method to suppress side lobes and clutter in ultrasound imaging called dual apodization with cross-correlation or DAX. This method uses two apodization functions in receive mode which yield point spread functions with very similar main lobes but different side lobes and clutter. These similarities and differences are quantified by using normalized cross-correlation of the radio frequency (RF) data in the axial direction. These cross-correlation coefficients serve as a pixel-by-pixel weighting or filter to pass main lobe dominated signals and suppress clutter dominated signals. In this paper, we evaluate the robustness of DAX in the presence of phase aberration and noise. Aberrating layers of pig skin, fat, and muscle were used experimentally to mimic different level of aberrators. Experimental results are also presented using DAX in the presence of noise. With system signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of at least 15 dB, we have a contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) improvement of over 100 % compared to standard beamforming. This work shows that DAX is able to reliably improve contrast-to-noise ratio in the presence of phase aberration and noise.
Dictyostelid Cellular Slime Molds of Arkansas

Abstract During the period of 2003 to 2008, samples for isolation of dictyostelid cellular slime molds (dictyostelids) were collected from 17 localities throughout the state of Arkansas. The localities sampled included at least two examples in each of the six natural regions (Arkansas River Valley, Ozark Plateau, Ouachita Mountains, Gulf Coastal Plain, Crowley's Ridge and Mississippi Alluvial Plain) recognized for the State. The 167 samples collected from the 17 localities yielded a total of 2,082 individual clones representing 13 different species plus one form that could not be assigned to any described species. Six of the species recovered are reported from Arkansas for the first time, bringing the total number known from the State to 16. Polysphondylium pallidum was by far the most abundant species, comprising almost 50% of all isolates. Three other species (Dictyostelium minutum, P. violaceum and D. purpureum) made up approximately 30% of all remaining isolates, and the nine other species recovered w...
Bayesian detection for BLAST

This work demonstrates the use of the Bayesian methodology for detection in Bell Laboratories Layered Space-Time (BLAST) systems. First, we introduce a procedure for constructing prior distributions and propose the use of two types of prior distributions for the problem. From the corresponding posterior distributions, we obtain the Bayesian linear and decision-feedback detectors and show their equivalence to the popular zero forcing and minimum mean square error (MMSE)-based detectors. Then, we establish an equivalent whitening filter output system model whose unique structure lends itself to constructing a dynamic state space model (DSSM) for BLAST systems, which evolves in space. This DSSM allows for the application of sequential Monte Carlo sampling, or particle filtering (PF), for detection in BLAST systems. We introduce two different particle filtering detectors: the generic particle filtering detector and the stochastic M algorithm. The stochastic M algorithm exploits the discrete nature of the problem in the implementation and, therefore, is much more efficient. Overall, a distinct advantage of the PF detectors is that they can greatly reduce error propagation and thereby achieve near optimum performance. In addition, since they aim at the approximation of the posterior distribution using weighted samples, they can provide soft (probabilistic) information about the unknowns.
Olfactory changes after endoscopic pituitary tumor resection.

OBJECTIVES: Given that the transnasal endoscopic approach to the sella involves resection of anatomical structures known to contain olfactory neuroepithelium, the effect of this approach on olfaction was evaluated.STUDY DESIGN: Case series with planned data collection.SETTING: Single tertiary care institution.SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Adults diagnosed with a pituitary mass and scheduled to undergo transnasal endoscopic resection underwent preoperative olfactory evaluation using the University of Pennsylvania Smell Identification Test (UPSIT). Repeat testing was performed at one and three months postoperatively. Paired Student t tests were used to compare preoperative and postoperative scores.RESULTS: A total of 57 consecutive patients were enrolled. Fifty patients (24 males, 26 females) completed olfactory evaluation at one month. Forty-five (23 males, 22 females) completed a three-month evaluation. The average UPSIT score (out of 40) was 31.8 preoperatively, 30.5 at one month, and 32.6 at three months. A sig...
A CALCULUS FOR SELF-REFERENCE

An extension of the calculus of indications (of G. Spencer Brown) is presented to encompass all occurrences of self-referential situations. This is done through the introduction of a third state in the form of indication, a state seen to arise autonomously by self-indication. The new extended calculus is fully developed, and some of its consequences for systems, logic and epistemology are discussed
Herbivore and Fungal Pathogen Exclusion Affects the Seed Production of Four Common Grassland Species

Insect herbivores and fungal pathogens can independently affect plant fitness, and may have interactive effects. However, few studies have experimentally quantified the joint effects of insects and fungal pathogens on seed production in non-agricultural populations. We examined the factorial effects of insect herbivore exclusion (via insecticide) and fungal pathogen exclusion (via fungicide) on the population-level seed production of four common graminoid species (Andropogon gerardii, Schizachyrium scoparium, Poa pratensis, and Carex siccata) over two growing seasons in Minnesota, USA. We detected no interactive effects of herbivores and pathogens on seed production. However, the seed production of all four species was affected by either insecticide or fungicide in at least one year of the study. Insecticide consistently doubled the seed production of the historically most common species in the North American tallgrass prairie, A. gerardii (big bluestem). This is the first report of insect removal increasing seed production in this species. Insecticide increased A. gerardii number of seeds per seed head in one year, and mass per seed in both years, suggesting that consumption of flowers and seed embryos contributed to the effect on seed production. One of the primary insect species consuming A. gerardii flowers and seed embryos was likely the Cecidomyiid midge, Contarinia wattsi. Effects on all other plant species varied among years. Herbivores and pathogens likely reduce the dispersal and colonization ability of plants when they reduce seed output. Therefore, impacts on seed production of competitive dominant species may help to explain their relatively poor colonization abilities. Reduced seed output by dominant graminoids may thereby promote coexistence with subdominant species through competition-colonization tradeoffs.
Chemoprevention through the Keap1-Nrf2 signaling pathway by phase 2 enzyme inducers.

Abstract One successful strategy for cancer chemoprevention is modulation of drug metabolizing enzymes, leading to a facilitated elimination of endogenous and environmental carcinogens. Inducers of phase 2 enzymes such as dithiolethiones inhibit tumorigenesis of environmental carcinogens in various animal models and modulate the metabolism of the carcinogen aflatoxin B 1 in human clinical trials. Increasing lines of evidence show that the Keap1–Nrf2 complex is a key molecular target of chemopreventive phase 2 enzyme inducers. The transcription factor Nrf2 is a member of the basic leucine-zipper NF-E2 family and interacts with the antioxidant response element (ARE) in the promoter region of phase 2 detoxifying enzymes. A cytoplasmic actin-binding protein, Keap1, is an inhibitor of Nrf2 that sequesters it in the cytoplasm. Inducers dissociate this complex, allowing Nrf2 to translocate to the nucleus. Disruption of the nrf2 gene in mice leads to the loss of chemopreventive efficacy by inducers. This review focuses on (1) the role of Nrf2 in the regulation of phase 2 and antioxidative genes, (2) the molecular actions of dithiolethiones on the Keap1–Nrf2 pathway, and (3) the contribution of Nrf2-regulated gene families to the cytoprotective actions of dithiolethiones and other inducers. Rapidly accumulating data on this pathway is providing insight into the coordinated mammalian defense systems against electrophiles and oxidative stresses and the means by which it may be targeted by small molecules.
Nine Fallacies of Local Economic Change

This article examines current literature dealing with local economic change and concludes that there are serious confusions extant within that material. Nine specific fallacies are identified, and these are grouped into three distinct categories. In the first instance, definitional problems of time and space are dealt with, notably the assumptions that local economic initiatives are a recent phenomenon. The second group of fallacies examined includes discussion of the possibility of creating jobs, the political imperatives faced by local jurisdictions, and the extent to which local economic initiatives may benefit a specific locality. The third grouping extends the latter idea, and considers the nature of local economies within broader political and world economy contexts. The article concludes with an outline of how local economic development might be more successfully examined.
Short bowel syndrome after trauma.

Abstract Purpose Traumatic injury to the intestine and its vasculature is a potential cause of short bowel syndrome (SBS). Our aim was to determine the incidence and mechanisms of traumatic injury to the bowel resulting in massive resection. Methods We reviewed the records of 196 adult patients evaluated with SBS over a 23-year period. Results Sixteen (8%) patients had SBS secondary to traumatic injury. Injury to the intestinal blood supply accounted for 81% (n = 13), and direct injury to the bowel wall accounted for the remaining 19% (n = 3). Nineteen associated injuries were present in 11 (67%) patients. Conclusion Traumatic injury to the abdomen accounts for a small proportion of patients with SBS. These patients often have other associated injuries which might influence their outcome. Early diagnosis of vascular injury, use of second look procedures, appropriate resuscitation, and avoidance of all unnecessary resections may aid in prevention of this serious complication.
Integration of Service Systems for Homeless Persons With Serious Mental Illness Through the ACCESS Program

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the first of the two core questions around which the ACCESS (Access to Community Care and Effective Services and Supports) evaluation was designed: Does implementation of system-change strategies lead to better integration of service systems? METHODS: The study was part of the five-year federal ACCESS service demonstration program, which sought to enhance integration of service delivery systems for homeless persons with serious mental illness. Data were gathered from nine randomly selected experimental sites and nine comparison sites in 15 of the nation's largest cities on the degree to which each site implemented a set of systems integration strategies and the degree of systems integration that ensued among community agencies across five service sectors: mental health, substance abuse, primary care, housing, and social welfare and entitlement services. Integration was measured across all interorganizational relationships in the local service networks (over...
Lymphocyte Propionyl-CoA Carboxylase Is an Early and Sensitive Indicator of Biotin Deficiency in Rats, but Urinary Excretion of 3-Hydroxypropionic Acid Is Not

Recent clinical studies have provided evidence that marginal biotin deficiency is more common than previously thought. The validity of that conclusion rests on two indicators of biotin status that depend on renal function. Our goal was to develop and assess the usefulness of two additional indicators in detecting marginal biotin status in a rat model, i.e., 1) activity of the biotin-dependent enzyme propionyl-CoA carboxylase in lymphocytes; and 2) urinary excretion of 3-hydroxypropionic acid, an organic acid that reflects decreased activity of propionyl-CoA carboxylase. Marginal-to-moderate biotin deficiency was induced experimentally by an egg-white diet (deficient rats); the biotin-supplemented rats were fed the egg-white diet plus supplemental biotin. Propionyl-CoA carboxylase activity was determined by an optimized H(14)CO(3)(-) incorporation assay. Urinary organic acids were determined by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. Lymphocyte propionyl-CoA carboxylase activity decreased dramatically and in parallel with hepatic propionyl-CoA carboxylase activity. By d 7, lymphocyte propionyl-CoA carboxylase activity in each rat in the deficient group had decreased to less than the lowest value of any rat on d 0. By two-way ANOVA, the effects of diet (P < 0.0001), time (P < 0.005) and their interaction (P < 0.0001) were all significant. The urinary excretion of 3-hydroxypropionic acid did not differ between the two groups. Lymphocyte propionyl-CoA carboxylase activity is an early and sensitive indicator of marginal biotin deficiency, whereas the urinary excretion of 3-hydroxypropionic acid is not.
Formal power series: an algebraic approach to the GapP and Hash P functions

The algebraic structure of GapP and Hash P functions is introduced by formalizing them as power series ring and semiring, respectively. It is proved that for every invertible GapP function g, P/sup g/=P/sup 1/g/, and for all positive integers i, P/sup g/=P to the g/sup i/, power. Applying the Ladner theorem for functions, it is shown that P/sup s/=P/sup (s)/ for all S if and only if P=PP, where (S) is the subring generated by S. It also concluded that the class of rational series is contained in FP. Considering the group of all invertible functions, it is proved that all functions in the same coset with respect to FP are Turing equivalent, every Turing degree inside GapP except FP contains infinitely many cosets, and P not=PP if and only if the index of FP is infinite. >
Small-scale magnetic fields in turbulence - Saffman's approximation revisited

The subject is the small-scale structure of a magnetic field in a turbulent conducting fluid, ‘small scale’ meaning lengths much smaller than the characteristic dissipative length of the turbulence. Philip Saffman developed an approximation to describe this structure and its evolution in time. Its usefulness invites a closer examination of the approximation itself and an attempt to place sharper limits on the numerical parameters that appear in the approximate correlation functions, topics to which the present paper is addressed. A Lagrangian approach is taken, wherein one makes a Fourier decomposition of the magnetic field in a neighbourhood that follows a fluid element. If one construes the viscous-convective range narrowly, by ignoring magnetic dissipation entirely, then results for a magnetic field in two dimensions are consistent with Saffman's approximation, but in three dimensions no steady state could be found. Thus, in three dimensions, turbulent amplification seems to be more effective than Saffman's approximation implies. The cause seems to be a matter of geometry, not of correlation times or relative time scales. Strictly-outward spectral transfer is a characteristic of Saffman's approximation, and this may be an accurate description only when dissipation suppresses the contributions from inwardly directed spectral transfer. In the spectral region where dominance passes from convection to dissipation, one can generate expressions for the parameters that arise in Saffman's approximation. Their numerical evaluation by computer simulation may enable one to sharpen the limits that Saffman had already set for those parameters.
Organic complexation and total dissolved trace metal analysis in estuarine waters: comparison of solvent-extraction graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometric and chelating resin flow injection inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometric analysis

The measured concentrations of cadmium, cobalt, copper, nickel, lead, zinc, and manganese in acidified (pH 0.961, simple linear regression) to the dissolved organic carbon (DOC) concentration of the samples. Good agreement between the two methods for cobalt and copper was achieved after ultraviolet (UV) digestion of the acidified samples. Samples collected from the South Bay of the San Francisco Estuary with high DOC showed the greatest difference for cobalt, copper, and nickel which is tentatively attributed to complexation with humic material for copper and cobalt and strong synthetic chelating agents such as ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) for nickel. This is consistent with previous studies on copper, nickel and cobalt complexation in this region. We recommend UV digestion of acidified estuarine samples prior to multi-element analysis by chelating resin flow injection ICP-MS methods. © 2003 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.
Burn injuries related to motorcycle exhaust pipes: A study in Greece

Purpose: To identify measures that should reduce the incidence of burn injuries resulting from motorcycle exhaust pipes through epidemiological analysis of such injuries. Basic procedures: During a 5-year period, 251 persons who suffered burn injuries related to motorcycle exhaust pipes have contacted four major hospitals belonging to the Emergency Department Injury Surveillance System (EDISS) operating since 1996 in Greece. These burn injuries were studied in relation to person, environment and vehicle characteristics. Main findings: The estimated countrywide incidence of burns from motorcycle exhaust pipes was 17 per 100,000 person-years (208 per 100,000 motorcycle-years). The incidence was two times higher for children than for older persons and among the latter it was 60% higher among females than among males. Most of burn injuries (70.5%) concerned motorcycle passengers, mainly when getting on or off motorcycle, with peak incidence during summer. The most frequent location of burn wounds was below the knee and particularly the right leg. It was estimated that the risk of motorcycle exhaust pipe burns when wearing shorts could be reduced by 46% through wearing long pants. Among the victims 65.3% experienced second degree burns. Principal conclusions: Motorcycle exhaust burns could be substantially reduced by systematically wearing long pants, by incorporating in the design of motorcycles external thermo resistant shields with adequate distance to the exhaust pipe, and by avoiding riding with children on motorcycles.
Teaching and learning with Chemistry in Context

Chemistry in Context is an issues-based curriculum model developed by the American Chemical Society for non-science majors at the college level. Through six editions, the goal has been to establish chemical principles on a “need-to-know” basis, always within a framework of significant issues at the science-society interface. Global warming, air and water quality, acid rain, energy choices, and genetic engineering are just some of the topics that our students explore, helped by appropriate use of web-based materials. Allowing these students the opportunity to develop the skills and knowledge necessary for becoming responsible citizens is essential if we are successfully to address global challenges. This paper will discuss features of this successful curricular approach and how it changes both students and faculty.
Online Responsiveness: Legislative Websites and the Dimensions of Political Representation

Scholars of American politics typically conceptualize representation narrowly as mass-elite policy congruence, with many studies identifying factors that hinder the relationship. These findings are at odds with the high re-election rates often observed in American legislatures. I present an explanation for this puzzle by showing that policy is only one of several dimensions through which legislators provide representation, and thus earn support. I unify policy, service, allocation, and descriptive representation in a single theoretical model of legislators’ priorities, then test it with data coded from the content of 510 state legislators’ websites. I posit that, given the constraints of resources and costs, legislators systematically emphasize some dimensions over others to further the goal of re-election. Results provide support; factors that alter resources, costs, and benefits — legislative institutions, district demand, and individual traits — structure legislators’ strategic representational priorities. I conclude by discussing the implications of these results for assessments of inequality in American political representation.
The Risk of International Justice: A Tribute to Aryeh Neier

Aryeh Neier has a talent for risk and a talent for trust.The first time I met Aryeh I was a bored child, glumly tagging along with my mother to a workshop at the New York Institute for the Humanities, where she was a fellow. I don’t think I was older than ten or eleven, but Aryeh introduced himself to me as gravely as if I were a visiting dignitary–an emissary from the far-off planet of childhood.The second time I met Aryeh, I was twenty-five or so, and only a little bit wiser than I had been at ten. Gara LaMarche had just been lured away from Human Rights Watch, where I had been a law school intern, to run OSI’s new U.S. Programs Office. Gara hired me as a consultant, asking me to identify and interview experts who might suggest interesting new directions for the US Programs Office. I did so, then wrote several lengthy and enthusiastic memos, outlining numerous potential initiatives new OSI initiatives. Gara took me in to see Aryeh, who received me as gravely as he had fifteen years earlier. I babbled away. Aryeh nodded solemnly, and said little. I left convinced he thought I was young, foolish, and possibly insane.But within a few weeks, I was meeting once again with Aryeh, this time at George Soros’s house in New Bedford. I felt as out of place as my battered little Toyota Tercel looked in George Soros’s driveway. I was so dazed by my surroundings – I was at a billionaire’s house! My dented little car was parked in a billionaire’s driveway! There were horses somewhere close by! There was a butler! – that I almost missed Aryeh’s suggestion that we go speak to George. (George! We were calling a billionaire “George”!)
Ultrastructral effects of in virto experimentation on right ventricular papillary muscle from cats in hypovolemic shock (38487).

SummaryThe present data demonstrate for the first time that repeated stimulation (2-3 hr in an oxygenated perfusate) of right ventricular papillary muscles from cats subjected to hypovolemic shock does not alter the ultrastructure of the shock lesions. Neither does the in vitro experimentation cause functional impairment as determined by the measured isometric twitch tension. The data also indicate that electron microscopy is important to the evaluation of papillary muscles from cats subjected to shock.
Antidiuretic Effect of Posterior-Pituitary Extract in Completely and Partially Hypophysectomized Rats.

SummaryWater diuresis in rats is greatly decreased both in rate and in quantity by complete hypophysectomy or by removal of the anterior hypophysis. Completely hypophysectomized rats are not suitable for the estimation of the antidiuretic principle of the posterior hypophysis. Rats after removal of the posterior hypophysis respond to the antidiuretic principle of the posterior-pituitary extract similarly as the normal animals.
Role of the adrenals in the pressor response to 1,1-dimethyl-4-phenylpiperazinium iodide (DMPP) in the rat.

SummaryThe blood pressure response of the rat to the ganglionic stimulant 1,1-dimethylphenylpiperazinium iodide (DMPP) was much less sensitive than that of the cat. Acute bilateral adrenalectomy did not diminish the pressor response to DMPP in the rat. Bretylium or guanethidine completely or virtually abolished the pressor response produced by DMPP. It was concluded that, in the rat, the adrenals appear not to play a role in the pressor response produced by DMPP.
Clinical neuromythology IX. Pyramid sale in the bucket shop: DATATOP bottoms out.

The DATATOP project (Deprenyl And Tocopherol Antioxidative Therapy Of Parkinsonism) is a 2-year inter-institutional study designed to test the hypothesis that, «the pathogenesis of nigral degeneration in [Parkinson's disease is] linked... to oxidative-mediated mechanisms of intrinsic and envrionmental origins»
Tasini v. New York Times: Problem of Unauthorized Secondary Usage of An Author's Works

s created in connection with one of the disputed technologies, 'General Periodicals OnDisc.' "27 Despite these rational, seemingly persuasive arguments, Judge Sotomayor denied the motion for a rehearing, leaving the plaintiffs to seek relief in the court of appeals or in Congress.28 Judge Sotomayor found that the compilation of electronic databases constituted permissible "revisions" within the parameters of section 201(c) of the Copyright Act of 1976.29 She agreed with the defendants' position that they did not improperly exploit the plaintiffs' articles but permissibly reproduced the articles as "electronic revisions" of the collective works in which the articles originally appeared. ° The judge construed the controlling language of the Copyright Act as follows: The first sentence of Section 201(c)-providing that the "[clopyright in each separate contribution to a collective work is distinct from copyright in the collective work as a whole, and vests initially in the author of the contribution"-essentially reiterates the substance of Section 103(b). If the provision ended with its first sentence, plaintiffs would prevail in this action .... In its second sentence, however; Section 201(c) expands upon the baseline established in
Künstliche Zeugung—juristische und rechtspolitische Situation

Die neuen Verfahren der Fortpflanzungsmedizin ermoglichen es, in bestimmten Fallen Sterilitat zu uberwinden und den Lebenswunsch nach einem Kind zu erfullen. Sie konfrontieren die Medizin, die Gesellschaft und die Rechtspolitik jedoch auch mit der Frage, ob alles erlaubt ist, was machbar ist. Im Mittelpunkt der Diskussion stehen die Fragen, ob bei der kunstlichen Insemination und der IvF die Verwendung von Spendersamen mit Einschrankungen (Verbot der Anonymitat des Spenders) erlaubt oder generell verboten werden soll, ob Ei- und Embryospenden sowie Leihmutterschaften untersagt werden sollen (wird uberwiegend bejaht), was mit „uberzahligen“ Embryonen geschehen soll und ob Forschung mit menschlichen Embryonen zulassig sein soll (wird uberwiegend verneint).
Survey of nasolacrimal duct by spiral CT 3D reconstruction in children

Aim:To measure the anatomical character of nasolacrimal duct by spiral CT 3D reconstruction in children.Methods: The length of nasolacrimal duct and the angles between nasolacrimal duct and vertical plane,horizontal plane and coronal plane in 27 children and 15 adults were surveyed using spiral CT 3D reconstruction.While the length of nasolacrimal duct in 7 dead children body were surveyed as comparison by anatomical method.The results were analyzed by software SPSS13.0 statistically.Results: The length of nasolacrimal duct was 10.06±0.29 mm in children,11.51±1.54 mm in adults by spiral CT 3D reconstruction,and 9.95±0.31 mm in dead children body by anatomical method,with significant statistical difference between children and adults.The angles between nasolacrimal duct and vertical plane,horizontal plane and coronal plane in children were 7.96°±1.62°,73.24°±6.75°,and 12.31±2.03° respectively,while the corresponding angels in adults were 8.08°±0.63°,72.69°±3.85°,12.09°±1.21°.The difference between them had no statistical significant.Conclusion:The anatomical data of children nasolacrimal duct obtained from spiral CT 3D reconstruction have important guidance to the therapy of nasolacrimal duct diseases in children.
The n c -Unique Shortest Vector Problem is Hard.

The unique Shortest Vector Problem (uSVP) gained prominence because it was the problem upon which the first provably-secure lattice-based cryptosystems were built. But it was an open problem as to whether uSVP was as hard as the standard, more general, version of the shortest vector problem. We show that there is a reduction from the approximate decision version of the shortest vector problem (GapSVP) to the unique shortest vector problem. In particular, we show that for any γ > 6 √ n, there is a reduction from GapSVPγ to γ 6n -uSVP. This implies that the AjtaiDwork and the Regev cryptosystems are based on the hardness of the worst-case GapSVPO(n2.5) and GapSVPO(n2), respectively. Our reduction is quite elementary, but it does use a clever, yet surprisingly simple (in retrospect!), idea of Peikert that was recently used by him to construct a cryptosystem based on the worst-case hardness of GapSVPO(n3).
Lösungsanzahl von Kongruenzen

In diesem Kapitel werden die Ergebnisse der letzten beiden Kapitel genutzt, um die Losungen von Kongruenzen in k Unbekannten zu zahlen. Wenn von einer Losung einer Kongruenz zum Modul q gesprochen wird, heist dies, dass die Losung modulo q betrachtet wird. Praziser formuliert: Eine Losung ist ein geordnetes k-Tupel \((x_{1},{\ldots},x_{k})\) (mod q). Hierbei werden zwei Losungen \((x_{1},{\ldots},x_{k})\) und \((y_{1},{\ldots},y_{k})\) genau dann als gleich angesehen, wenn \(x_{j}\equiv y_{j}\leavevmode\nobreak\ \left(\operatorname{mod}q\right)\) fur alle 1 ≤ j ≤ k gilt.
Coaches’ Perceptions of the Reduction of Athletic Commitment for Division II Student-Athletes: Development and Validation of a Measure of Athletic/Academic Balance

Growing concerns exist regarding the amount of time student-athletes spend honing their athletic craft at the potential expense of their academic pursuits. Recently, the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division II Management Council approved the Life in the Balance (LITB) initiative to allow student-athletes more time for academics and other extracurricular activities beyond their sport(s). The purpose of this study was to develop a reliable and valid measurement scale assessing coaches’ perceptions of balancing athletics and academics for studentathletes. Results of this study indicated three factors comprise the Athletic Academic Balance Scale (AABS): (a) policy impact, (b) contest reductions, and (c) midyear break. The AABS represents a reliable and valid scale to measure policy effectiveness for balancing athletics and academics for student-athletes. The scale extends role theory into student-athlete literature and helps assess the perception of internal stakeholders regarding future N...