cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Robotic single-site kidney surgery: evaluation of second-generation instruments in a cadaver model.

Objective To evaluate the second generation of single-site instruments for robotic laparoendoscopic single-site surgery (R-LESS) for kidney procedures in a cadaver model. Methods Three procedures, including 1 pyeloplasty, 1 partial nephrectomy, and 1 nephrectomy, were conducted in a female cadaver model. A da Vinci Si system (Intuitive Surgical, Sunnyvale, CA) and the second generation of single-site instruments, specifically designed for R-LESS, were used. Results All the procedures were completed successfully without the addition of extra ports. Time to set up the port and instruments was 40 minutes. In the pyeloplasty, time to complete the anastomosis was 39 minutes. In the partial nephrectomy, simulated ischemia time was 21 minutes. In the nephrectomy, time to complete the resection was 13 minutes. No significant gas leak was noticed during the procedures. There were no injuries to intraabdominal organs or vessels. Conclusion Robotic single-site renal surgery using a second generation of specifically designed instruments was feasible in a cadaver model, obviating many limitations of LESS. Lack of articulation at the tip of the instruments represents the main disadvantage of this novel instrumentation, especially in case of reconstructive procedures.
Stratigraphic record of Neoproterozoic ice sheet collapse: the Kapp Lyell diamictite sequence, SW Spitsbergen, Svalbard

The diamictites of the Neoproterozoic Kapp Lyell Sequence in northern Wedel Jarlsberg Land, southwest Spitsbergen, have long been recognized as ancient glacial deposits, but their place within the global stratigraphic framework of ‘snowball Earth’ has remained unclear, owing to the complexity of superimposed Caledonian deformation and to the relatively inaccessible terrain in which they occur. Recently deglaciated exposures of the rocks now provide a more complete picture of the changing environment in which the diamictites were deposited, and new understanding of regional correlations help constrain their place in the global chronostratigraphy of the Cryogenian Period. The 2500 m thick Kapp Lyell Sequence consists of three distinct types of glaciomarine diamictite. The succession begins with about 1000 m of finely laminated diamictite containing abundant lonestones. The millimetre- to centimetre-scale laminae, apparent suspension deposits, consist of sand- to silt-sized particles of quartz and dolomite alternating with thin films of graphitic phyllite. The laminated unit gives way abruptly to 500–1000 m of unsorted, unlayered diamictite that alternates and interfingers with graded beds of conglomerate to sandstone. These apparent turbidite deposits become increasingly prevalent toward the top of the exposed section. Regional lithostratigraphic relationships suggest that the Kapp Lyell sequence corresponds to the second major stage of Neoproterozoic glaciation at c. 635 Ma. The graphitic material in the laminated unit yields δ 13 C values in the range of −20 to −22 ‰, pointing to a biogenic origin and an active marine biosphere at the time of deposition. The preservation of organic carbon and unusually large ratios of highly reactive Fe to total Fe suggest that low oxygen conditions prevailed in the deep basin that received these sediments. The transition from laminated, to unsorted, to graded diamictites may represent change from (1) a stable ice margin that released rare icebergs into a deep, quiet basin to (2) a collapsing ice sheet that unleashed flotillas of icebergs and large volumes of sediment to (3) submarine landslides that triggered turbidity flows from the rapidly deposited, gravitationally unstable sediments. The Kapp Lyell diamictite sequence appears to chronicle the demise of a large ice mass in this part of the Neoproterozoic world.
A self-control classroom for hyperactive children

In this study we investigated the effectiveness of a package of self-control procedures in a classroom with six hyperactive boys ages 7 to 10. A within-subjects reversal design was used. Measures of on-task behavior and class misbehavior, as well as measures of activity level, were recorded. Results indicated that the self-control package was effective in improving misbehavior and attention to tasks during the individual seat work but not during group instruction. Activity level was not affected by the treatment. Changes in the schedule of self-monitoring for the boys in the class produced an increase in variability and some deterioration in their behavior. Those boys of lower mental age seemed most affected by the schedule shift.
Use of Serum Protein Concentration to Predict Mortality in Mixed-Source Dairy Replacement Heifers

The relationship between serum protein concentration in the 1st week of life and survival to 16 weeks of age was examined in 3,479 Holstein replacement heifers over a period of 10 years on a farm with endemic salmonellosis. Thirty-four percent of calves studied had serum protein concentrations 5.5 g/dL. Calves with serum protein concentrations of 5.0-5.4 g/dL had only a slightly increased relative risk (RR) of mortality (RR = 1.3) compared to calves with serum protein concentrations > 5.5 g/dL. The highest RR was experienced by calves with serum protein concentrations < 4 g/dL (RR = 4.6) and 4.0-4.4 g/dL (RR = 3.1). Calves with inadequate passive transfer (serum protein concentration < 5.0 g/dL), experienced increased mortality until at least 10 weeks of age, indicating that failure of passive transfer has an effect on calf health that extends into the juvenile period. Models in which serum protein concentration was treated with as a continuous variable or as a categorical variable failed to demonstrate any significant interaction between baseline mortality and the RR of mortality. This finding suggests that the RR derived in the present study should be applicable to farms with dramatically different baseline mortality rates.
Detection of Gas Phase Free Radicals by Electron Spin Resonance Spin Trapping Techniques

ELECTRON spin resonance (ESR) spectroscopy provides the best readily available method for detecting free radicals in reacting systems. Stable free radicals can be detected at concentrations as low as 10−8 M with commercially available equipment. Special techniques, however, are necessary for the direct detection of short lived free radicals (for example, flow systems). Recently an indirect ESR method of detecting short lived free radicals in solution has been developed which involves free radical addition to a nitroso function, for example, 2-nitroso-2-methylpropane1, or a nitrone function, for example, phenyl N-t-butyl nitrone2–5. The reaction produces stable nitroxides which build up to readily detectable concentrations in the presence of a free radical source. The general usefulness of the nitrone has been found to exceed that of the nitroso compound because of its greater stability in a variety of reaction conditions. Most work has been done with phenyl N-t-butyl nitrone (PBN) in solution3–5. The free radical addition reaction is called a spin trapping reaction. The nitrone or nitroso compound is called a “spin trap” and the radical addition product is called a “spin adduct”. In this report we describe our first results on the trapping of free radicals in the gas phase.
Worker size and seed size selection by harvester ants in a neotropical forest

The rules ants follow when selecting seeds are important both to theories of colony organization and to the shaping of their impact as harvesters. Two Costa Rican forests yielded the most diverse harvester ant assemblages yet studied (41 and 44±4 species). I assayed seed size preferences within and between species using milled barley. Seed size selection varied at a number of levels. First, species differed in seed size use: small species mainly carried off small seeds; large species retrieved a broad range of seed sizes. Within species, one-third of those tested yielded inter-colony differences in preferred seed sizes. Finally, workers of polymorphic species tested showed significant worker/seed size correlations. Species, colony, and worker level differences are common among harvester ants. Their significance to community organization and colony ergonomics however is hotly debated and requires a better understanding of the dynamics of food limitation. From the plant's perspective, small seeds will be harvested by a wider variety of ants than large seeds.
Can performance in medical school predict performance in residency? A compilation and review of correlative studies

Background The current resident selection process relies heavily on medical student performance, with the assumption that analysis of this performance will aid in the selection of successful residents. Although there is abundant literature analyzing indicators of medical student performance measures as predictors of success in residency, wide-ranging differences in beliefs persist concerning their validity. Objective We sought to collect and review studies that have correlated medical student performance with residency performance. Methods The English-language literature from 1996 to 2009 was searched with PubMed. Selected studies evaluated medical students on the basis of US Medical Licensing Examination scores, preclinical and clinical performance, research experience, objective structured clinical examination performance, medical school factors, honor society membership, Medical Student Performance Evaluations, letters of recommendation, and faculty interviews. Outcome measures were standardized residency examinations and residency supervisor ratings. Results The medical student factors that correlated most strongly with performance on examinations in residency were medical student examination scores, clinical performance, and honor society membership. Those that correlated most strongly with supervisor ratings were clinical grades, faculty interview, and medical school attended. Overall, there were inconsistent results for most performance measures. Limitations In addition to the lack of a widely used measure of success in residency, most studies were small, single institution, and single specialty, and thus of limited ability to generalize findings. Conclusion No one medical student factor can be used to predict performance in residency. There is a need for a more consistent and systematic approach to determining predictors of success in residency.
Impact of Forecast Errors in CPFR Collaboration Strategy

The primary objective of this research is to investigate the impact of random forecast error and bias forecast error in Collaborative Planning, Forecasting and Replenishment (CPFR) strategy on the cost of inventory management for both the manufacturer and retailer. Discrete-event simulation is used to develop a CPFR collaboration model where forecast, sales and inventory level information is shared between a retailer and a manufacturer. Based on the results of this study, we conclude that the higher random forecast error and negative bias forecast error increases the cost of inventory management for both the manufacturer and the retailer. When demand variability is high, a bias forecast error has a bigger impact on inventory management cost compared to a random forecast error for both the manufacturer and retailer. Also, a positive bias forecast error is more beneficial than a negative bias forecast error to gain maximum benefits of CPFR strategy.
Activation and detoxification of dinitropyrenes by cytosol and microsomes from Aroclor-pretreated rats in the Ames and umu assays.

1,3-, 1,6-, and 1,8-Dinitropyrene (1,3-, 1,6-, and 1,8-DNP) are direct-acting mutagens in that they do not require an exogenous source of enzymes for activation to mutagens in the Ames assay. However, the addition of mammalian S9 preparations, or the microsomal and cytosolic compartments comprising S9, modulate the mutagenic response of these DNPs. In this study, we compared the mutagenic response of these DNPs in the presence of cytosol and microsomal fractions from the liver of Aroclor-pretreated (AR) and control rats, in the Ames mutagenicity assay and umu gene induction assay. 1,3- and 1,8-DNP were deactivated to a greater extent by microsomes from AR-induced and control rats than was 1,6-DNP, in both the umu and Ames assays. In the Ames assay, S9 was more potent in deactivating the DNP than an equivalent concentration of microsomes from the same S9 preparation. Also, S9 from AR-pretreated rats deactivated the isomers to a greater extent than S9 from control rats. In contrast to the constant deactivation of all the isomers in the two assays catalyzed by microsomes and S9, the response with cytosol from AR-pretreated rats differed with respect to the three isomers in the Ames and umu assays. When cytosol from AR-treated rats was added, the mutagenicity of 1,3- and 1,6-DNP, but not 1,8-DNP, was significantly (P < 0.05) increased in the Ames assay while the mutagenicity of the three DNPs was increased in the umu assay. Also, a biphasic response was observed in the umu assay with 1,6- and 1,8-DNP, in that AR-cytosol enhanced the mutagenicity at low protein concentrations (5–50 μg protein/reaction) but abrogated the response at higher protein concentrations. The effect of cytosol from control rats depended on the isomer tested; 1,3-DNP was activated above the background level in both assays (nearly twofold) while 1,6-DNP and 1,8-DNP were only activated at low protein concentrations in the umu assay. In the Ames assay, cytosol from AR-pretreated rats did not alter the mutagenic response with 1,8-DNP, while control cytosol significantly (P < 0.05) deactivated 1,8-DNP at all substrate concentrations tested. In summary, this study showed that the mutagenicity of 1,3-DNP was similar in the two assays but the responses with 1,6- and 1,8-DNP differed in the two assays. These isomeric differences could be due to the varying metabolic pathways of the three DNPs as well as the detectable end points of the two assays. Environ. Mol. Mutagen. 30:303–311, 1997. © 1997 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Preliminary gas chromatographic analysis of flavor compounds in mayonnaise

The flavor compounds in fresh, 3- and 6-month-old mayonnaise at room temperature have been analyzed by a gas chromatographic method. The results indicate that as the storage time of mayonnaise increased, the flavor compounds formed from oil in mayonnaise increased. However, the concentrations of allyl isothiocyanate which is the major flavor compound of mustard, and acetic acid and ethyl acetate which are the major compounds in vinegar did not change during the 6 months’ storage at room temperature. The analytical method described has shown good reproducibility in the analysis of mayonnaise flavor compounds and can be used as an instrumental analytical method to evaluate the mayonnaise flavor quality and to complement the sensory evaluation of mayonnaise.
A Three-Dimensional Axisymmetric Calculation Procedure for Turbulent Flows in a Radial Vaneless Diffuser

An analytical model is proposed to calculate the three-dimensional axisymmetric turbulent flowfield in a radial vneless diffuser. The model assumes that the radial and tangential boundary layer profiles are approximated by power law profiles. Then, using the integrated radial and tangential momentum and continuity equations for the boundary layer and corresponding inviscid equations for the core flow, there results six ordinary differential equation in six unknowns which are easily solved using a Runge-Kutta technique. A model is also proposed for fully developed flow. The results using this technique were compared with the results from a three-dimensional viscous, axisymmetric duct code and with experimental data and good quantitative agreement was obtained.
Data debugging with continuous testing

Today, systems rely as heavily on data as on the software that manipulates those data. Errors in these systems are incredibly costly, annually resulting in multi-billion dollar losses, and, on multiple occasions, in death. While software debugging and testing have received heavy research attention, less effort has been devoted to data debugging: discovering system errors caused by well-formed but incorrect data. In this paper, we propose continuous data testing: using otherwise-idle CPU cycles to run test queries, in the background, as a user or database administrator modifies a database. This technique notifies the user or administrator about a data bug as quickly as possible after that bug is introduced, leading to at least three benefits: (1) The bug is discovered quickly and can be fixed before it is likely to cause a problem. (2) The bug is discovered while the relevant change is fresh in the user's or administrator's mind, increasing the chance that the underlying cause of the bug, as opposed to only the discovered side-effect, is fixed. (3) When poor documentation or company policies contribute to bugs, discovering the bug quickly is likely to identify these contributing factors, facilitating updating documentation and policies to prevent similar bugs in the future. We describe the problem space and potential benefits of continuous data testing, our vision for the technique, challenges we encountered, and our prototype implementation for PostgreSQL. The prototype's low overhead shows promise that continuous data testing can address the important problem of data debugging.
HAMILTONIAN MODEL OF LORENTZ INVARIANT PARTICLE INTERACTIONS

A model is constructed of interaction in a quantum mechanical system of two spinless particles. The interaction is shown to produce nontrivial scattering. Lorentz symmetry of the model is established by the construction of generators of a unitary representation of the inhomogeneous Lorentz group. The total momentum and angular momentum operators are the same as for a system of two free particles. This ensures familiar transformation properties under space translations and space rotations. The Hamiltonian satisfies the asymptotic condition relative to the Hamiltonian for a system of free particles. The use of the asymptotic condition is shown to be Lorentz invariant. The scattering amplitude is a manifestly invariant function of the particle momentum variables, and can be made to have a variety of analyticity properties by a suitable choice of the arbitrary form factors which occur in the model.
Effect of Antihypertensive Therapy on Incident Stroke in Cohorts With Prehypertensive Blood Pressure Levels A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

Background and Purpose—Compared with normotensive individuals, there is a higher incidence of stroke in patients with hypertensive, as well as prehypertensive, blood pressure levels (ie, 120–139/80–89 mm Hg). Although several studies have shown that blood pressure reduction in hypertensive patients reduces the incidence of cardiovascular events, including stroke, it is still unknown whether treatment of prehypertensive blood pressure levels has a similar effect. We sought to determine whether reduction in blood pressure in the prehypertensive range reduces the incidence of stroke by performing a meta-analysis of randomized trials comparing an antihypertensive drug against placebo in cohorts with prehypertensive baseline blood pressure levels. Methods—Randomized controlled trials performed with the 95 different antihypertensive agents available in the market were identified using MEDLINE, returning a total of 2852 results. Exclusion criteria included: average blood pressure of ≥140/90 mm Hg at baseline, cr...
Static and dynamic instability of panels and cylindrical shells in subsonic potential flow

It is proved that cylindrical shells and two dimensional flat panels constrained to zero displacement at their leading and trailing edges, and exposed to subsonic flow, can lose their stability by divergence (buckling) while in supersonic flow two-dimensional panels can only flutter. Moreover, it is proved that in incompressible flow flutter can only occur—if at all—above the critical divergence velocity. The proofs are based on a qualitative analysis of the expressions for generalized aerodynamic forces derived in references [1]–[3], and on the assumptions that linearization of the stability problem is admissible and that Galerkin's method is convergent.
Alkalinity in the south-eastern United States continental shelf waters

Abstract The distributions of salinity, alkalinity and specific alkalinity, and the relationship between alkalinity and salinity in the south-eastern United States continental shelf waters, commonly known as the South Atlantic Bight, in April, 1985 indicate that the primary mixing process is between Gulf Stream water and shelf water. However, in the inner shelf the influence of the Cape Fear/Pee Dee Rivers and the Savannah River were also detectable. The influence of the outflows from the other rivers, which also drain into this Bight, was not as clearly evident. In the outer shelf, and over the shelf break, the presence of the altered (Gulf Stream) continental edge water was found. The mixture of shelf and Gulf Stream waters was characterized by a specific alkalinity of about 6·6 × 10 −2 meq l −1 ‰ −1 . While the river waters were characterized by significantly lower salinity and specific alkalinity, the altered (Gulf Stream) continental edge water had only slightly lower salinity but a significantly lower specific alkalinity relative to the shelf water. The intrusion of offshore water over the shelf break onto the outer and middle shelves as a result of the meandering of the Gulf Stream has been recognized as one of the major contributors to the exchange of water between the shelf and the Gulf Stream. The distributions of specific alkalinity and salinity in the middle and outer shelves were consistent with the occurrence of such a process. Alkalinity/specific alkalinity may be a potentially useful complementary tracer for studying mixing processes in coastal areas where seawater mixes with outflows from multiple rivers.
A Practical Test of Organic Chemistry Laboratory Skills

We have developed several alternative practical laboratory examinations for the beginning organic chemistry course and have field tested these laboratory exercises as a component of the final examination in the laboratory component of that course. Data correlating practicum scores with overall scores in the laboratory course show significant scatter, suggesting to us possible shortcomings in the traditional methods of evaluation of laboratory skills.
Quantum fluctuations of axions

We study the time evolution of the quantum fluctuations of the axion field for both the QCD axion as well as axions arising in the context of supergravity and string theories. We explicitly keep track not only of the coherently oscillating zero momentum mode of the axion but also of the higher non-zero momentum modes using the full axion potential. The full axion potential makes possible two kinds of instabilities: spinodal instabilities and parametric resonance instabilities. The presence of either of these instabilities can lead to a quasi-exponential increase in the occupation of non-zero momentum modes and the build-up of the quantum fluctuations of the axions. If either of these becomes a significant effect then axions would no longer be a suitable cold dark matter candidate. Our results confirm the conventional wisdom that these effects are not significant in the setting of an expanding FRW universe and hence axions are indeed cold dark matter candidates. {copyright} {ital 1998} {ital The American Physical Society}
Mechanism of glial activation by S100B: involvement of the transcription factor NFκB

Abstract Compelling evidence links chronic activation of glia and the subsequent cycle of neuroinflammation and neuronal dysfunction to the progression of neurodegeneration in disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD). S100B, a glial-derived cytokine, is significantly elevated in the brains of AD patients and high concentrations of S100B are believed to be detrimental to brain function. As a first step toward elucidating the mechanisms by which S100B might be serving this detrimental role, we examined the mechanisms by which S100B stimulates glial inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), an oxidative stress related enzyme that has been linked to neuropathology through the production of neurotoxic peroxynitrite. We report here that S100B stimulates iNOS in rat primary cortical astrocytes through a signal transduction pathway that involves activation of the transcription factor NFκB. NFκB activation was demonstrated by nuclear translocation of the p65 NFκB subunit, stimulation of NFκB-specific DNA binding activity, and stimulation of NFκB-dependent transcriptional activity. Furthermore, S100B-induced iNOS promoter activation was inhibited upon mutation of the NFκB response element in the promoter, and transfection of cells with an NFκB inhibitor blocked S100B-induced iNOS promoter activation and nitric oxide production. These studies define a signal transduction pathway by which S100B activation of glia could participate in the generation of oxidative stress in the brain.
A 21.8–27.5GHz PLL in 32nm SOI using Gm linearization to achieve −130dBc/Hz phase noise at 10MHz offset from a 22GHz carrier

This paper describes a new approach to low phase noise LC VCO design based on transconductance linearization of the active devices. A prototype 25GHz VCO based on this approach is integrated in a dual loop PLL and achieves superior performance compared to the state of the art. The design is implemented in the 32nm SOI deep sub-micron CMOS technology and achieves a phase noise of −130dBc/Hz at 10MHz offset from a 22GHz carrier. Additionally, the paper introduces a new layout approach for switched capacitor arrays that enables a wide tuning range of 23%. More than 500 measurements across PVT variations validate the proposed PLL design: phase noise variation across 46 dies for 3 different frequencies is σ &#60; 0.6dB, across supply variation over 0.7–1.5V is 2dB and across 80°C temperature variation is 2dB. At the 25GHz center frequency, the VCO FOM T is 188dBc/Hz.
Melancholic symptoms as assessed by the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale and outcomes with and without electroconvulsive therapy on an in-patient mood disorders unit

Rasmussen KG, Stevens SR, Kung S, Mohan A. Melancholic symptoms as assessed by the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale and outcomes with and without electroconvulsive therapy on an in-patient mood disorders unit. Background: We investigated whether 24-item Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HamD24)-based melancholia ratings correlated with treatment outcome, with special focus on whether electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) was used in depressed patients treated on an in-patient mood disorders unit. Methods: We analysed the data on ECT- versus non-ECT-treated patients' outcomes relative to melancholia subscale scores. Two HamD24-based melancholia rating scale scores were computed for 201 depressed in-patients at admission and discharge. Baseline melancholia ratings were analysed to see if they correlated with improvement in total HamD24 scores. We also tested to see if the melancholia subscales followed unimodal or bimodal distributions. Results: Melancholic symptoms as assessed by one of the HamD24-based subscales directly correlated with overall improvement. Although ECT treatment was associated with greater improvement than was noted in non-ECT-treated patients, severity of melancholia ratings did not affect this relationship. Finally, both melancholia subscale scores followed approximately unimodal distributions. Conclusions: HamD24-based methods to assess severity of melancholic symptoms have limited clinical utility on an in-patient mood disorders unit in general, and for predicting ECT response in particular. Furthermore, these methods do not seem to identify bimodal populations of depressed patients (i.e. melancholic vs. non-melancholic).
Intra- and Intergranular Fracture of Diamond Thin Films

Diamond thin films have been synthesized at low pressures by chemical vapor deposition (CVD) and, recently, at ambient atmosphere with an oxygen-acetylene welding torch. By the application of appropriate thermal or mechanical stresses to the substrate, the diamond films can be delaminated. The delaminated films which are only a few microns thick have been fractured by manual bending. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) examination of fractured CVD diamond films shows the presence of primarily intragra-nular fracture attesting to the inherent strength of the films. Using transmission electron microscopy (TEM), twinning and stacking faults are seen within the crystallites of the films along the fracture surfaces. By combining SEM and TEM examination, the relative degree of intragranular fracture found in films synthesized by both CVD and oxygen-acetylene torch has been investigated. Possible mechanisms for the intragranular fracture and the relative strength of such films are discussed.
Efficient building and placing of gating functions

In this paper, we present an almost-linear time algorithm for constructing Gated Single Assignment (GSA), which is SSA augmented with gating functions at o-nodes. The gating functions specify the control dependences for each reaching definition at a o-node. We introduce a new concept of gating path, which is path in the control flow graph from the immediate dominator u of a node v to v, such that every node in the path is dominated by u. Previous algorithms start with o-function placement, and then traverse the control flow graph to compute the gating functions. By formulating the problem into gating path construction, we are able to identify not only a o-node, but also a gating path expression which defines a gating function for the o-node.
Comment on "Clustering by Passing Messages Between Data Points"

Frey and Dueck (Reports, 16 February 2007, p. 972) described an algorithm termed "affinity propagation" (AP) as a promising alternative to traditional data clustering procedures. We demonstrate that a well-established heuristic for the p-median problem often obtains clustering solutions with lower error than AP and produces these solutions in comparable computation time.
Mechanism of proton transfer inhibition by Cd2+ binding to bacterial reaction centers: Determination of the pKA of functionally important histidine residues

The bacterial photosynthetic reaction center (RC) uses light energy to catalyze the reduction of a bound quinone molecule QB to quinol QBH2. In RCs from Rhodobacter sphaeroides the protons involved in this process come from the cytoplasm and travel through pathways that involve His-H126 and His-H128 located near the proton entry point. In this study, we measured the pH dependence from 4.5 to 8.5 of the binding of the proton transfer inhibitor Cd 2+ , which ligates to these surface His in the RC and inhibits proton-coupled electron transfer. At pH 7, KD becomes essentially independent of pH. A theoretical fit to the data over the entire pH range required two protons with pKA values of 6.8 and 6.3 ((0.5). To assess the contribution of His-H126 and His-H128 to the observed pH dependence, KD was measured in mutant RCs that lack the imidazole group of His-H126 or His-H128 (His f Ala). In both mutant RCs, KD was approximately pH independent, showing that Cd 2+ does not displace protons upon binding in the mutant RCs, in contrast to the native RC in which His-H126 and His-H128 are the predominant contributors to the observed pH dependence of KD. Thus, Cd 2+ inhibits RC function by binding to functionally important histidines.
Neural Coding Mechanisms Underlying Perceived Roughness of Finely Textured Surfaces

Combined psychophysical and neurophysiological studies have shown that the perceived roughness of surfaces with element spacings of >1 mm is based on spatial variation in the firing rates of slowly adapting type 1 (SA1) afferents (mean absolute difference in firing rates between SA1 afferents with receptive fields separated by approximately 2 mm). The question addressed here is whether this mechanism accounts for the perceived roughness of surfaces with element spacings of <1 mm. Twenty triangular and trapezoidal gratings plus a smooth surface were used as stimulus patterns [spatial periods, 0.1-2.0 mm; groove widths (GWs), 0.1-2.0 mm; and ridge widths (RWs), 0-1.0 mm]. In the human psychophysical studies, we found that the following equation described the mean roughness magnitude estimates of the subjects accurately (0.99 correlation): 0.2 + 1.6GW - 0.5RW - 0.25GW(2). In the neurophysiological studies, these surfaces were scanned across the receptive fields of SA1, rapidly adapting, and Pacinian (PC) afferents, innervating the glabrous skin of anesthetized macaque monkeys. SA1 spatial variation was highly correlated (0.97) with human roughness judgments. There was no consistent relationship between PC responses and roughness judgments; PC afferents responded strongly and almost equally to all of the patterns. Spatial variation in SA1 firing rates is the only neural code that accounts for the perceived roughness of surfaces with finely and coarsely spaced elements. When surface elements are widely spaced, the spatial variation in firing rates is determined primarily by the surface pattern; when the elements are finely spaced, the variation in firing rates between SA1 afferents is determined by stochastic variation in spike rates.
Cryogenic Dark Matter Search Detector Fabrication Process and Recent Improvements

Abstract A dedicated facility has been commissioned for Cryogenic Dark Matter Search (CDMS) detector fabrication at Texas A&M University (TAMU). The fabrication process has been carefully tuned using this facility and its equipment. Production of successfully tested detectors has been demonstrated. Significant improvements in detector performance have been made using new fabrication methods/equipment and tuning of process parameters.
Impaired striatal dopamine receptor development: differential D-1 regulation in adults.

Abstract Previous reports have indicated that prenatal, but not postnatal, haloperidol impairs the ontogenic development of striatal dopamine D-2 receptors. In the present study a specific D-2 receptor antagonist, spiroperidol (1.0 mg/kg i.p.) and/or a specific D-1 receptor antagonist, SCH 23390 (0.30 mg/kg i.p.), was administered to rats for 32 successive days from birth. Postnatal spiroperidol and SCH 23390 treaments markedly impaired the development of striatal dopamine D-2 and D-1 receptors, respectively, at 12 weeks after birth. Spiroperidol did not affect D-1 receptor development and did not modify the effect of SCH 23390 treatment. Also, SCH 23390 did not affect D-2 receptor development and did not modify the effect of spiroperidol treatment. When rats with impaired development of striatal D-2 receptors were challenged at 12 weeks with spiroperidol (1.0 mg/kg per day i.p. × 17 days) D-2 receptors did not up-regulate. However, when rats with impaired development of striatal D-1 receptors were challenged at 12 weeks with SCH 23390 (0.30 mg/kg per day i.p. × 17 days) D-1 receptors did up-regulate. These findings demonstrate that postnatal treatment with D-1 and D-2 receptor antagonists can permanently impair the development of striatal D-1 and D-2 receptors. Moreover, the ability of developmentally impaired striatal D-1 receptors to up-regulate in adulthood appears to be greater than that for the developmentally impaired striatal D-2 receptors.
On the complexity of epistemic reasoning

A study is made of the complexity of the decision problem for epistemic logics based on R. Montague's (1968) and R. Scott's (1970) semantics. The interest is in finding out how assumptions about the agents' reasoning power affect the complexity of reasoning about the agents' knowledge. A spectrum of assumptions is studied, and it is shown that the complexity of the logic under different assumptions is always in NP or PSPACE. The mental faculty that raises the complexity of the logic from NP to PSPACE is pinpointed. It is the ability to combine distinct items of knowledge. >
Multifeaf collimation versus alloy blocks: Analysis of geometric accuracy

Purpose To compare the misalignment error due to the fabrication of custom lead alloy blocks with the displacement error introduced by the finite resolution of a multileaf collimator relative to the prescribed smooth apertures. Methods and materials Treatment field apertures for randomly selected patients for four clinical sites were obtained at various stages of the block fabrication process. These apertures and the corresponding multileaf collimator (MLC) apertures for each field were superimposed with the smooth apertures prescribed by physicians. The deviations from the prescribed apertures were measured at 10 degrees intervals. Comparisons of the magnitude and frequency of errors from block fabrication with those from the geometric displacements introduced by the finite leaf width of the multileaf collimator were made. Results The degree of conformity of the multileaf collimator is treatment-site dependent as, in general, are the shapes of fields. For three of the four sites examined, the multileaf collimator apertures track the prescribed apertures at least as accurately as custom blocking when the block design, construction, mounting, and alignment on the treatment machine are considered. Conclusions The geometric conformality of multileaf collimation is comparable to, and in some cases superior to, that of custom blocks.
Immobilization of glucose oxidate on nickel-silica alumina

The preparation of a water-insoluble derivative of glucose oxidase by covalent coupling to nickel on silica alumina is described. The catalyst has superior physical characteristics to conventional immobilized enzymes; although its activity and stability are now comparable to conventional catalysts, potential for significant further improvements has been demonstrated.
Novel Golgi to vacuole delivery pathway in yeast: identification of a sorting determinant and required transport component

More than 40 vacuolar protein sorting (vps) mutants have been identified which secrete proenzyme forms of soluble vacuolar hydrolases to the cell surface. A subset of these mutants has been found to show selective defects in the sorting of two vacuolar membrane proteins. Under non-permissive conditions, vps45tsf (SEC1 homolog) and pep12/vps6tsf (endosomal t-SNARE) mutants efficiently sort alkaline phosphatase (ALP) to the vacuole while multiple soluble vacuolar proteins and the membrane protein carboxypeptidase yscS (CPS) are no longer delivered to the vacuole. Vacuolar localization of ALP in these mutants does not require transport to the plasma membrane followed by endocytic uptake, as double mutants of pep12tsf and vps45tsf with sec1 and end3 sort and mature ALP at the non-permissive temperature. Given the demonstrated role of t-SNAREs such as Pep12p in transport vesicle recognition, our results indicate that ALP and CPS are packaged into distinct transport intermediates. Consistent with ALP following an alternative route to the vacuole, isolation of a vps41tsf mutant revealed that at non-permissive temperature ALP is mislocalized while vacuolar delivery of CPS and CPY is maintained. A series of domain-swapping experiments was used to define the sorting signal that directs selective packaging and transport of ALP. Our data demonstrate that the amino-terminal 16 amino acid portion of the ALP cytoplasmic tail domain contains a vacuolar sorting signal which is responsible for the active recognition, packaging and transport of ALP from the Golgi to the vacuole via a novel delivery pathway.
A Historiography of German Togoland, or, the Rise and Fall of a Model Colony

The literature on German Togoland, as compared with that of most of the other former European colonies on the African continent, is far from extensive. While the colony was relatively small and short-lived, the dearth of academic work is notable, since Togoland not only was prized by the Germans as their most successful colonial venture but was also viewed as a “model colony” by contemporary observers in other European imperial nations.Only a handful of books devoted exclusively to the colony have been published since the emergence of African history in the late 1950s as an academic field in the West. The authors of these books, as well as a number of articles and dissertations, thoroughly consulted the relevant archival materials housed in Europe and North America and, to a lesser extent, in West Africa, but failed to collect the oral history of the period. Thus these studies tend to be based almost solely on the observations of Europeans and focus on the activities of the German imperialists, in particular on their administrative and economic policies. A few scholars have attempted to emphasize African experiences during this historical episode, despite a reliance on those same archival materials.The Togoland colony dates to February 1884, when a group of German soldiers kidnapped chiefs in Anecho, a town located in present-day southeastern Togo, and forced them into negotiations aboard the German warship Sophie. Further west, a protectorate was proclaimed over the Lome area in a treaty signed in July by Gustav Nachtigal, a German Imperial Commissioner, and one Plakkoo, an official of the town of Togo, after which the new colony was named by the Germans.
The Normative Efficiency Ranking of Output and Export Subsidies under Costly and Imperfect Enforcement

This paper builds on the literature on agricultural policy analysis under costly and imperfect enforcement by analyzing the effect of enforcement costs and noncompliance on the relative transfer efficiency of output and export subsidies. Analytical results show that, in addition to changing the incidence of output and export subsidies, relaxing the assumption of perfect and costless enforcement found in the traditional analysis of these policy instruments can affect their relative efficiency in transferring income to producers. The effect of enforcement issues is shown to depend on the way export subsidies are being administered and the size of the exporting country.
Effect of music and induced mental load in word processing task

An experimental study was conducted to determine the effect of music and induced mental load in a word processing task. Eight subjects participated in the study. A 2×2 repeated measure design was implemented, with or without background music and with or without induced mental load. Applied typing force, typing productivity, and electromyography (EMG) of the left hand extensor digitorum muscle were measured. A computer algorithm detected the patterns of typing force, which were the cause of variability of typing force. Although overall typing productivity was compromised by music, the beneficial effect of music appeared to be a reduction of wrong finger touch during typing. The behavior change by music resulted in an increased extensor digitorum muscle activity for lifting and controlling fingers. This study contributes to the field of utilizing music to influence human performance in the workplace.
Synthesis of allenes by [2,3]-sigmatropic rearrangement of prop-2-yn-1-yl oxonium ylides formed in rhodium(II) carboxylate catalysed reactions of diazo compounds

High oxophilicity of metal carbenes formed in rhodium(II) perfluorobutyrate catalysed decomposition of diazo carbonyl compounds allows selective ylide generation from methyl prop-2-yn-1-yl ethers with resulting allene production through the [2,3]-sigmatropic rearrangement.
Mechanisms of Intestinal Serotonin Transporter (SERT) Upregulation by TGF-β1 Induced Non-Smad Pathways.

TGF-β1 is an important multifunctional cytokine with numerous protective effects on intestinal mucosa. The influence of TGF-β1 on serotonin transporter (SERT) activity, the critical mechanism regulating the extracellular availability of serotonin (5-HT), is not known. Current studies were designed to examine acute effects of TGF-β1 on SERT. Model human intestinal Caco-2 cells grown as monolayer’s or as cysts in 3D culture and ex vivo mouse model were utilized. Treatment of Caco-2 cells with TGF-β1 (10 ng/ml, 60 min) stimulated SERT activity (~2 fold, P<0.005). This stimulation of SERT function was dependent upon activation of TGF-β1 receptor (TGFRI) as SB-431542, a specific TGF-βRI inhibitor blocked the SERT stimulation. SERT activation in response to TGF-β1 was attenuated by inhibition of PI3K and occurred via enhanced recruitment of SERT-GFP to apical surface in a PI3K dependent manner. The exocytosis inhibitor brefeldin A (2.5 μM) attenuated the TGF-β1-mediated increase in SERT function. TGF-β1 increased the association of SERT with the soluble N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive factor attachment protein receptor (SNARE) syntaxin 3 (STX3) and promoted exocytosis of SERT. Caco-2 cells grown as cysts in 3D culture recapitulated the effects of TGF-β1 showing increased luminal staining of SERT. Ussing chamber studies revealed increase in 3H-5-HT uptake in mouse ileum treated ex vivo with TGF-β1 (10 ng/ml, 1h). These data demonstrate a novel mechanism rapidly regulating intestinal SERT via PI3K and STX3. Since decreased SERT is implicated in various gastro-intestinal disorders e.g IBD, IBS and diarrhea, understanding mechanisms stimulating SERT function by TGF-β1 offers a novel therapeutic strategy to treat GI disorders.
Leg ulceration due to the antiphospholipid syndrome: successful treatment with intralesional corticosteroids and failure of prolonged stanozolol therapy

The clinical manifestations of the antiphospholipid antibody syndrome (APLA) include thrombosis, thrombocytopenia and recurrent fetal loss. Livedo reticularis and leg ulceration may occur as the result of vascular occlusion, and are difficult to treat. We report a patient with a painful leg ulceration and livedo reticularis secondary to APLA in whom intralesional triamcinolone injections induced rapid and complete healing of the ulceration. A year later, the ulcer has not recurred. Initial and prolonged treatment with stanozolol, an androgenic steroid with fibrinolytic properties that has been proposed as a treatment for this condition, seemed to help at first but failed to cause persistent healing. We suggest that intralesional injection of corticosteroids should be the initial treatment of choice in ulcers due to APLA.
Small Airways Dysfunction in Asthma: Evaluation and Management to Improve Asthma Control

The small airways have been neglected for many years, but interest in the topic has been rekindled with recent advances in measurement techniques to assess this region and also the ability to deliver therapeutics to the distal airways. Current levels of disease control in asthmatic patients remain poor and there are several contributory factors including; poor treatment compliance, heterogeneity of asthma phenotypes and associated comorbidities. However, the proposition that we may not be targeting all the inflammation that is present throughout the whole respiratory tree may also be an important factor. Indeed decades ago, pathologists and physiologists clearly identified the importance of small airways dysfunction in asthmatic patients. With improved inhaler technology to deliver drug to target the whole respiratory tree and more sensitive measures to assess the distal airways, we should certainly give greater consideration to treating the small airway region when seeing our asthmatic patients in clinic. The aim of this review is to address the relevance of small airways dysfunction in the daily clinical management of patients with asthma. In particular the role of small particle aerosols in the management of patients with asthma will be explored.
Toward a Reconceptualization of Confidentiality Protection in the Context of Linkages with Administrative Records

Gates has contributed over an extended period of time to efforts to advance the use of administrative records for statistical purposes, especially at the U.S. Census Bureau, and thus it is a pleasure to be able to comment on this paper which reflects his experiences and his thinking on the topic. He focuses largely on the policy aspects of expanding the use of administrative records using ideas and approaches already in the Bureau’s repertoire.