cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Law Enforcement's Lochner

Long-established rules of constitutional criminal procedure empower the government to cheaply and efficiently demand information from businesses and corporations, even when those entities are themselves targets of criminal investigations. These rules have become extremely valuable to government investigators, notwithstanding their contestable premises and wide-ranging effects on employees, owners, and consumers. This ease of access era, however, may be nearing its end. A convergence of changes in how the Supreme Court views Fourth Amendment privacy rights on the one hand, and how it conceptualizes corporate personhood on the other, is apt to trigger an erosion of government enforcement power. At the very moment the Court is poised to recognize stronger protections of personal privacy, it seems equally willing to enlarge the concept of corporate personhood. One need not be clairvoyant to see the ways in which constitutional privacy and corporate personhood’s convergence spells trouble for regulators and prosecutors. How might federal enforcers respond to this shift? This Article forecasts an array of imperfect enforcement strategies that leave the general public worse off, creating a world in which corporate enforcement gradually grows less frequent and less effective. The upshot of this analysis is therefore a warning. If corporations can generate a First Amendment version of the Court’s 1905 Lochner decision, they can potentially weaponize other constitutional rights. Those worried about the “next Lochner” should therefore turn their attention to the understudied field of corporate constitutional criminal procedure.
Immunopathology of Chronic Hepatitis B Infection: Role of Innate and Adaptive Immune Response in Disease Progression

More than 250 million people are living with chronic hepatitis B despite the availability of highly effective vaccines and oral antivirals. Although innate and adaptive immune cells play crucial roles in controlling hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, they are also accountable for inflammation and subsequently cause liver pathologies. During the initial phase of HBV infection, innate immunity is triggered leading to antiviral cytokines production, followed by activation and intrahepatic recruitment of the adaptive immune system resulting in successful virus elimination. In chronic HBV infection, significant alterations in both innate and adaptive immunity including expansion of regulatory cells, overexpression of co-inhibitory receptors, presence of abundant inflammatory mediators, and modifications in immune cell derived exosome release and function occurs, which overpower antiviral response leading to persistent viral infection and subsequent immune pathologies associated with disease progression towards fibrosis, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma. In this review, we discuss the current knowledge of innate and adaptive immune cells transformations that are associated with immunopathogenesis and disease outcome in CHB patients.
Experimental study on concrete filled steel tubes to footing connection using ultra-high performance concrete

Abstract Concrete filled steel tubes (CFSTs) provide improved structural strength and ductility in addition to eliminating the need for column formwork. This research proposes new connection details for column-to-footing connection using ultra-high performance concrete (UHPC). Two connections consisting of an embedded and an encased layer of UHPC were selected for the experimental program. In these details, the CFST is embedded in a layer of UHPC located near the plastic hinge zone of the column and steel dowels from the footings are used for force transfer. The sequence of construction and detailing allows the use of these connection details for accelerated bridge construction (ABC) applications. Two columns were tested under a combination of constant axial and incremental cyclic lateral load. The embedded type connection failed by fracture of the tube while the encased type connection induced damages in the UHPC encasement. Both connections exhibited high levels of ductility and did not show significant loss of lateral load capacity. The load hysteresis of the embedded connection showed higher energy dissipation for the embedded connection when compared to the encased connection due to damages in the UHPC encasement. The capacity protected footing did not show any signs of cracking.
Brain plasticity in response to short-term exposure to corticosterone in larval amphibians

Exposure to stressors and elevation of glucocorticoid hormones such as corticosterone (CORT) has widespread effects on vertebrate brain development. Previous studies have shown that exposure to env...
Non-Fundamental Volatility in Financial Markets

I use coarse Bayesian updating to explain three stylized facts: trading anomalies around major stock market milestones, excess price volatility and trade volume, and heavy-tailed prices. When expectations are coarse and traders are heterogeneous, traders make heterogeneous expectation errors. This disagreement generates substantial trade volume and I show that the ensuing price discovery process converges in distribution to an empirically relevant class of Levy processes. Notably, I obtain this result without any exogenous shocks or processes; the only exogenous random variable is a heterogeneity parameter drawn at time zero. I then establish a perfectly non-revealing equilibrium: because traders are different, their aggregated trades generate volatile prices, yet this volatility impedes traders from learning their differences.
Engineering high-coherence superconducting qubits

Advances in materials science and engineering have played a central role in the development of classical computers and will undoubtedly be critical in propelling the maturation of quantum information technologies. In approaches to quantum computation based on superconducting circuits, as one goes from bulk materials to functional devices, amorphous films and non-equilibrium excitations — electronic and phononic — are introduced, leading to dissipation and fluctuations that limit the computational power of state-of-the-art qubits and processors. In this Review, the major sources of decoherence in superconducting qubits are identified through an exploration of seminal qubit and resonator experiments. The proposed microscopic mechanisms associated with these imperfections are summarized, and directions for future research are discussed. The trade-offs between simple qubit primitives based on a single Josephson tunnel junction and more complex designs that use additional circuit elements, or new junction modalities, to reduce sensitivity to local noise sources are discussed, particularly in the context of materials optimization strategies for each architecture. Superconducting qubits hold great promise for quantum computing, and recently there have been dramatic improvements in both coherence times and the power of quantum processors. This Review explores how the path forward involves balancing circuit complexity and materials perfection, eliminating defects while designing qubits with engineered noise resilience.
Glucose consumption of vascular cell types in culture; toward optimization of experimental conditions.

In this study, we have looked for an optimum media glucose concentration and compared glucose consumption in three vascular cell types, endothelial cells (EC), vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC) and adventitial fibroblasts (AF) with or without angiotensin II (AngII) stimulation. In a sub-confluent 6-well experiment in 1 mL DMEM with a standard low (100 mg/dL), a standard high (450 mg/dL), or a mixed middle (275 mg/dL) glucose concentration, steady and significant glucose consumption was observed in all cell types. After 48-hour incubation, media that contained low glucose was reduced to almost 0 mg/dL, media that contained high glucose remained significantly higher at ~275 mg/dL, and media that contained middle glucose remained closer to physiological range. AngII treatment enhanced glucose consumption in AF and VSMC but not in EC. Enhanced extracellular acidification rate by AngII was also observed in AF. In AF, AngII induction of target proteins at 48 hours varied depending on the glucose concentration used. In low glucose media induction of glucose regulatory protein 78 or hexokinase II was highest, whereas induction of VCAM-1 was lowest. Utilization of specific inhibitors further suggest essential roles of AT1 receptor and glycolysis in AngII-induced fibroblast activation. Overall, the present study demonstrates a high risk of hypo- or hyperglycemic conditions when standard low or high glucose media is used with vascular cells. Moreover, these conditions may significantly alter experimental outcomes. Media glucose concentration should be monitored during any culture experiments and utilization of middle glucose media is recommended for all vascular cell types.
A STUDY OF TECHNOLOGICAL IMPROVEMENTS IN AUTOMOBILE FUEL CONSUMPTION

A study was conducted to determine the potential reduction in automotive fuel consumption based on the use of innovative systems and improved components. Technological areas investigated were: spark ignited engines with and without turbocharging, electronic feedback controlled fuel injection with duel bed catalytic converters, stratified charge combustion, light weight diesels, lock-up torque converters, continuously variable ratio transmission, tires aerodynamic drag, vehicle weight, engine accessories and optional equipment. The study results indicated that the goal of 43% improvement in fuel economy (mph), or 30% reduction in fuel usage (gpm) of a 1973 model year compact and standard size vehicle could be attained on a mass produced scale by the early 1980s.
Improving the Rank Precision of Population Health Measures for Small Areas with Longitudinal and Joint Outcome Models.

Objectives The University of Wisconsin Population Health Institute has published the County Health Rankings since 2010. These rankings use population-based data to highlight health outcomes and the multiple determinants of these outcomes and to encourage in-depth health assessment for all United States counties. A significant methodological limitation, however, is the uncertainty of rank estimates, particularly for small counties. To address this challenge, we explore the use of longitudinal and pooled outcome data in hierarchical Bayesian models to generate county ranks with greater precision. Methods In our models we used pooled outcome data for three measure groups: (1) Poor physical and poor mental health days; (2) percent of births with low birth weight and fair or poor health prevalence; and (3) age-specific mortality rates for nine age groups. We used the fixed and random effects components of these models to generate posterior samples of rates for each measure. We also used time-series data in longitudinal random effects models for age-specific mortality. Based on the posterior samples from these models, we estimate ranks and rank quartiles for each measure, as well as the probability of a county ranking in its assigned quartile. Rank quartile probabilities for univariate, joint outcome, and/or longitudinal models were compared to assess improvements in rank precision. Results The joint outcome model for poor physical and poor mental health days resulted in improved rank precision, as did the longitudinal model for age-specific mortality rates. Rank precision for low birth weight births and fair/poor health prevalence based on the univariate and joint outcome models were equivalent. Conclusion Incorporating longitudinal or pooled outcome data may improve rank certainty, depending on characteristics of the measures selected. For measures with different determinants, joint modeling neither improved nor degraded rank precision. This approach suggests a simple way to use existing information to improve the precision of small-area measures of population health.
EGFR and KRAS mutations in lung carcinoma: Molecular testing by using cytology specimens

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to validate clinical utilization of routinely prepared cytology specimens for molecular testing to detect EGFR or KRAS mutations in lung cancer. METHODS: From September 2009 to April 2010, the authors collected 209 cytology specimens from patients with lung cancer at the MD Anderson Cancer Center Department of Pathology. The specimens included 99 cases of endobronchial ultrasound-guided (EBUS) fine-needle aspiration (FNA), 67 cases of computed tomography (CT)-guided FNA, 27 cases of body fluid, 10 cases of ultrasound-guided of superficial FNA, and 6 cases of other cytology specimens. DNA sequencing for EGFR exons 18-21 and KRAS codons 12, 13, and 61 was performed. RESULTS: The overall specimen insufficiency rate was low (6.2%). EBUS (4%) and body-fluid cases (3.7%) showed lower insufficiency rates than the other cases. Similar insufficiency rates were observed in smears (6.1%) and cell-block sections (6.4%). EGFR mutations were detected in 19.4% (34 of 175) of nonsmall cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) with a significantly higher frequency in adenocarcinoma (29%, 29 of 100) than in nonadenocarcinoma (7%, 5 of 75, P = .002). KRAS mutations were detected in 23.6% (41 of 174) of NSCLCs with no statistical differences between adenocarcinoma (26%, 26 of 102) and nonadenocarcinoma (21%, 17 of 72, P = .86). Higher frequencies of EGFR mutations in exons 19 and 21 (65%) than in exons 18 and 20 were detected. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings support clinical utilization of routinely prepared cytology specimens, including EBUS, CT/US. FNAs and body fluid specimens, as a reliable source for molecular testing to detect EGFR or KRAS mutations in patients with NSCLC. Cancer (Cancer Cytopathol) 2011;. © 2011 American Cancer Society.
An Argument Against Cloning

It is technically possible to clone a human being. The result of the procedure would be a human being in its own right. Given the current level of cloning technology concerning other animals there is every reason to believe that early human clones will have shorter-than-average life-spans, and will be unusually prone to disease. In addition, they would be unusually at risk of genetic defects, though they would still, probably, have lives worth living. But with experimentation and experience, seriously unequal prospects between cloned and noncloned people should erode. We shall ignore arguments about cloning that focus on the potential for harm to the fetus or resultant human being, where harm is understood solely in terms of physical and mental health. Unless the resultant people would generally have lives worth living there is no positive case for cloning, or any other form of reproduction, for that matter. If the resultant beings will generally have lives worth living there is a prima facie case for allowing cloning. We imagine the case in which the resultant beings will have lives well worth living.
Differential Heat Stabilities of Bacillus Amylases

Seventeen cultures representing eight strains of Bacillus coagulans and twelve cultures representing eight strains of Bacillus stearothermophilus did not yield a culture that would produce amylase at both 37 and 55 C.
InAs quantum dot microdisk injection laser

An airbridge contacted quantum dot microdisk diode with continuous-wave lasing at 5 K is reported. The threshold current is as low as 43 /spl mu/A in 4 /spl mu/m diameter microdisks. Peak shifts indicate thermal heating of the structure.
Sex, sexism, and the preparation of educators

Separation of sex and school has been an important assumption in the history of education. In the past, the image of the teacher was that of a "know-nothing" when it came to sexual matters. As Rury makes clear in this issue, coeducation caused concern about the purity and moral development of young women, and so the desexualized school emerged with educators designated as its moral guardians. In the 1920s, the lack of sexual knowledge was a criterion for hiring and retention. Contracts often specified that teachers (read only women apply) "were not to keep company with men" and that their employment would be terminated if they should marry. Later, marriage became acceptable, but pregnancy could cause dismissal. In many districts, especially during the 1950s, divorced teachers were seen as inappropriate role models for the youth of the nation. Recently court cases have surrounded efforts to remove homosexual teachers from the classroom.
Mexican American Adolescents’ Sleep Patterns: Contextual Correlates and Implications for Health and Adjustment in Young Adulthood

Late adolescence is a period of substantial risk for unhealthy sleep patterns. This study investigated the contextual correlates and health and adjustment implications of sleep patterns among Mexican American youth (N = 246; 51% female). We focused on Mexican American youth because they represent a large and rapidly increasing subgroup of the US population that is at higher risk for health and adjustment problems; this higher risk may be explained, in part, by sleep patterns. Using data from seven phone diary interviews conducted when youth averaged 18 years of age, we assessed average nighttime sleep duration and night-to-night variability in sleep duration. Guided by socio-ecological models, we first examined how experiences in the family context (time spent and quality of relationships with parents, parents' familism values) and in extra-familial contexts (school, work, peers) were related to sleep duration and variability. The findings revealed that time spent in school, work, and with peers linked to less sleep. Further, conflict with mothers was related to greater sleep variability. Next, we tested the implications of sleep in late adolescence for health (perceived physical health, body mass index) and adjustment (depressive symptoms, risky behaviors) in young adulthood. These findings indicated that more sleep variability predicted relative decreases in health and increases in risky behaviors, and shorter sleep duration predicted relative decreases in poorer perceived health for males. The discussion highlights the significance of the transition to young adulthood as a target for sleep research and the importance of studying sleep within its socio-cultural context.
A phosphate-selective electrode based on immobilized alkaline phosphatase and glucose oxidase.

Abstract An enzyme electrode which senses oxygen consumption for the assay of phosphate ion (10 -3 -10 -4 M ), was constructed by using two enzymes together: The competitive inhibition by phosphate ion added caused a smaller and slower oxygen consumption which could be detected by a platinum disc electrode at -0.6 V vs. SCE amperometrically. This dual enzyme electrode was also found useful for the assay of oxyacids other than phosphate, such as arsenate, tungstate, molybdate and borate.
Grammatical approaches to engineering design, part I: An introduction and commentary

A grammar is a definition of a language written in a transformational form. To the extent that design requirements and designed artifacts can be represented by some language, and to the extent that design is a transformation from function to form, grammars might facilitate the development of theories and methods for design. The syntax, lexicon, and semantics of a formal language are analogous to the configuration, components, and behavior of an engineering design. Furthermore, the computational complexity of various grammatical formalisms might provide a foundation upon which to base complexity measures in design. We discuss grammatical formalisms and give examples of how grammars might facilitate design automation.
The thermodynamics of the system CaNi5-H2 using differential heat conduction calorimetry

Abstract The pressure-composition isotherms and enthalpies at 313.16 K are reported for hydrogen absorption and desorption in CaNi 5 H x with 0 x 2 ) −1 , the quoted errors being the total probable errors.
Mechanism of phthalate-induced inhibition of hepatic mitochondrial β-oxidation

Abstract Studies show that peroxisome proliferators inhibit mitochondrial β-oxidation of fatty acids. However, mechanism(s) of this inhibitory effect has not been identified. This study was undertaken to delineate such mechanism(s). Ketogenesis was significantly diminished in perfused livers from rats pre-treated with diethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP) compared with livers from control rats. Monoethylhexyl phthalate (MEHP; 200 μM), a primary metabolite of DEHP and a known peroxisome proliferator, inhibited the oxidation of palmitic acid as well as its acyl-CoA and acylcarnitine derivatives in isolated mitochondria by about 50–60%. Similar concentrations of MEHP also inhibited mitochondrial respiration of succinate and malate plus glutamate. However, respiration of ascorbate was not influenced by MEHP. Considering the assembly of the mitochondrial respiratory chain, these data indicate that phthalates inhibit fatty acid metabolism as a result of inhibiting the respiratory chain at the level of cytochrome c reductase. This effect may represent an early step in the mechanism by which phthalates cause hepatic proxisome proliferation.
Review of Sofia Gruskin, Michael A. Grodin, George J. Annas, and Stephen P. Marks (eds.), Perspectives on Health and Human Rights. Oxford, UK: Routledge, 2005. 672 pp. $36.95, paperback

Health Care and Human Rights is an emerging field of study for scholars in the areas of health law and international human rights law. It focuses on the intersection of health law issues and human ...
Application of an inexpensive, general-purpose microcomputer in analytical chemistry

Minicomputers are often underemployed and could be replaced by less powerful systems. The need for a product with characteristics intermediate between the minicomputer and hardwired systems resulted recently in the commercialization of inexpensive microprocessor units. A general purpose microcomputer has been designed around such a microprocessor unit, and the capabilities and limitations of this new device, when used to solve problems encountered in an analytical laboratory, are reported. Examples include: (1) on-line filtering of an analog signal at the output of a liquid chromatograph, (2) use as a buffer memory to rapidly store data from a GC/MS and then output it slowly on an inexpensive recorder, and (3) the analysis of noise from a new liquid chromatography detector using a conventional recorder as a storage oscilloscope. Applications for these inexpensive units are limitless, and we foresee their use in almost every field of instrumentation in future years.
Seed germination in relation to salt concentration in three populations of Prosopis farcta.

Prosopis farcta (Banks et Sol.) Eig., is a widespread perennial shrub in a variety of habitats over a large geographic area in the Middle East. In iraq it occurs in non-saline deserts of the west and saline agricultural lands of the Mesopotamian Plain. The species is economically important as fuel for a sizable segment of the population in rural areas. Seeds were collected in three environmentally distinct habitats, with regard to annual precipitation and soil salt content. The seeds were germinated in various concentrations of sodium chloride and their germination, seedling radicle growth, and dark respiration studied. The results indicate that the three populations differend in their response to NaCl with the northern population being generally more sensitive than the other two populations. The three populations represent “salt ecotypes” of this very widely distributed shrub. The salt ecotypes seem to be of somewhat recent origin and apparently have been further spread by improper agricultural land-use which created vast saline areas.
Simultation Network News

This column focuses on a single topic within the field of computer simulation. All the material comes directly from the electronic news group (bulletin board) called Simulation Digest. The Digest can be obtained over INTERNET by accessing the news group 'comp.simulation' or by sending e-mail to: 'simulation-request@bikini.cis.ufledu'
Stenting and secondary coiling of intracranial internal carotid artery aneurysm: technical case report.

Objective and importance Endovascular stents have been successfully used in the treatment of fusiform and dissecting aneurysms of the peripheral circulation and extracranial carotid and vertebral arteries. Technical limitations related to the inability to navigate the stent and the delivery system through tortuous vascular segments has limited their application with intracranial lesions. Availability of new flexible and pliable stent systems might overcome these difficulties. Clinical presentation A 49-year-old woman presented with a dissecting pseudoaneurysm of the horizontal portion of the petrous internal carotid artery that increased in size, as revealed by serial angiographic studies. Intervention The aneurysm was treated by deploying a new flexible stent across the aneurysm neck and by then packing the aneurysm sac with Guglielmi detachable coils that were delivered by a microcatheter positioned through the stent struts into the aneurysm lumen. Conclusion New flexible stents can be used to treat intracranial internal carotid artery aneurysms in difficult-to-access areas, such as the horizontal petrous segment. The stent may disrupt the aneurysm inflow tract, thereby inducing stasis and facilitating intra-aneurysmal thrombosis. In addition, the stent acts as an endoluminal scaffold to prevent coil herniation into the parent artery, which allows tight packing of even wide-necked and irregularly shaped aneurysms. The stent may also serve as a matrix for endothelial growth. We think this new generation of flexible stents and the use of this described technique will usher in the next era of endovascular management of intracranial aneurysms.
The influence of two differently sized dams on mussel assemblages and growth

Dams have been shown to impact freshwater mussels. We examined how mussels respond to differently sized dams (18 vs. 4 m) on the St. Croix River and its tributary, the Sunrise River. We hypothesized that: mussel density and growth rate would be greater downstream of the smaller dam due to the relatively greater food subsidies and temperature effects of the reservoir above it; and the effects of the small dam would moderate downstream as the localized impacts of the dam were reduced. We quantitatively sampled mussels upstream and downstream of the dams. For a common species, Actinonaias ligamentina, we ascertained growth rates by measuring successive growth rings. The highest mussel richness and diversity were upstream and downstream of the large dam. Higher mussel density was found immediately below the small dam but declined downstream. A. ligamentina downstream of the small dam grew faster and were larger than individuals in other reaches. Food availability and temperature appeared to influence mussel density and growth rate for A. ligamentina downstream of the small dam. This study provides information that may help managers decide whether to remove small dams or to maintain them because of the unique mussel habitats below these structures.
Measurement of cerebrovascular changes in cats after transient ischemia using dynamic magnetic resonance imaging.

Hemodynamic changes associated with acute ischemia cannot be measured with conventional nuclear magnetic resonance imaging. In this study, we used dynamic susceptibility-contrast magnetic resonance imaging to measure the changes in vascular transit time and relative cerebral blood volume in a feline occlusion-reperfusion model.Dynamic susceptibility-contrast measurements were obtained before and during 10 minutes of global cerebral ischemia and for up to 3 hours after the onset of reperfusion. A cerebral blood flow index was calculated from the vascular transit time and relative cerebral blood volume measurements. Functional maps were constructed to demonstrate the regional hemodynamic differences resulting from the induced ischemia.During the early phase after reperfusion, both the relative cerebral blood volume and blood flow index rose sharply, followed by a fall to near-basal levels at 45 minutes (1 x control and 1.3 x control, respectively). Thereafter, the volume rose slowly, whereas the flow index ...
Multimodal far-field acoustic radiation pattern: An approximate equation

The far-field sound radiation theory for a circular duct was studied for both single mode and multimodal inputs. The investigation was intended to develop a method to determine the acoustic power produced by turbofans as a function of mode cut-off ratio. With reasonable simplifying assumptions the single mode radiation pattern was shown to be reducible to a function of mode cut-off ratio only. With modal cut-off ratio as the dominant variable, multimodal radiation patterns can be reduced to a simple explicit expression. This approximate expression provides excellent agreement with an exact calculation of the sound radiation pattern using equal acoustic power per mode.
Exercise is superior to pacing for T wave alternans measurement in subjects with chronic coronary artery disease and left ventricular dysfunction.

Exercise vs Pacing for TWA Measurement.Introduction: T wave alternans (TWA) is a heart rate-dependent marker of vulnerability to ventricular arrhythmias. Atrial pacing and exercise both are used as provocative stimuli to elicit TWA. However, the prognostic value of the two testing methods has not been compared. The aim of this prospective study was to compare the prognostic value of TWA measured during bicycle exercise and atrial pacing in a large cohort of high-risk patients with ischemic heart disease and left ventricular dysfunction. Methods and Results: This was a prospective study of 251 patients with coronary artery disease and left ventricular dysfunction who were referred for electrophysiologic studies (EPS) for standard clinical indications. Patients underwent TWA testing using bicycle ergometry (exercise TWA, n = 144) and/or atrial pacing (pacing TWA, n = 178). The primary endpoint was the combined incidence of death, sustained ventricular arrhythmias, and appropriate implantable cardioverter defibrillator therapy. The predictive value of exercise and pacing TWA for EPS results and for endpoint events was determined. Exercise and pacing TWA both were significant predictors of EPS results (odds ratios 3.0 and 2.9 respectively, P < 0.02). Kaplan-Meier survival analysis of the primary endpoint revealed that exercise TWA was a significant predictor of events (hazard ratio 2.2, P = 0.03). In contrast, pacing TWA had no prognostic value for endpoint events (hazard ratio 1.1, P = 0.8). Conclusion: TWA should be measured during exercise when it is used for clinical risk stratification. EPS results may not be an adequate surrogate for spontaneous events when evaluating new risk stratification tests.
The Coupled Ocean—Atmosphere Modeling Problem in the Tropical Pacific and Asian Monsoon Regions

Abstract Two ocean formulations, one a simple, 50-m slab ocean and another a coarse-resolution global ocean general circulation model (GCM), are coupled to a global atmospheric GCM. To determine what part of the simulation errors is introduced by the atmospheric model and what part arises from limitations of the ocean formulation, results are compared to observations as well as to integrations involving the ocean GCM run with observed atmospheric forcing and the atmospheric GCM run with specified observed sea surface temperatures (SSTs). The tropical Indian and Pacific regions are studied because of the associations involving the dynamically coupled ocean-atmosphere system in those regions related to large-scale tropics and global interannual variability. Analysis of the net surface heat flux leads to the conclusion that limitations in the ocean formulations contribute more to errors in the coupled climate simulations than inherent deficiencies in the atmospheric model. In spite of the limitations of the ...
An advanced darlington transistor for switch mode power control

A recently developed three-stage Darlington transistor is described which has been specifically designed for direct off-line power control. The device features fast, low-loss switching with direct drive from an integrated circuit. The transistor has been designed with a very extensive safe operating area so that a snubber network is not required. The device is sufficiently robust to survive a number of system fault conditions and when used in conjunction with a suitable drive circuit, it can even withstand a short circuit load without damage.
Effect of GDNF on schwann cell differentiation and interaction with neurons in vitro

Schwann cells (SCs) are known to provide chemical and physical cues to enhance regeneration following peripheral nerve injury, yet it remains to be shown the effect that specific SC phenotypes (motor or sensory) have on axonal regeneration and functional recovery. In particular, the difference between motor and sensory SC phenotypes may encourage specific motor or sensory axonal guidance in cell transplantation therapies. Thus, the goal of this study was to determine whether phenotypically matched combinations of neurons and SCs stimulate greater neurite extension over mismatched combinations and whether treatment with glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) affects this SC-neuronal interaction. Our aim is to study the effects of secreted, soluble factors without the interference of cell-to-cell contact cues using microfluidic devices. By elimination of cell-cell contact, we can isolate soluble factors secreted by motor or sensory SCs and determine differential expression of growth factors that induce a particular response from phenotypically matched SCs. Results demonstrated statistically greater neurite extension when neurons were cultured with phenotypically matched SCs, however, mismatched cultures could be compensated for when SCs were pre-treated with GDNF. In addition, exogenous GDNF treatment increased endogenous GDNF mRNA and protein expression levels. As sensory autografts are often used to bridge motor nerve defects, motor axons may not regenerate correctly without transplantation of motor SCs. However, these results suggest that treatment of SCs with GDNF prior to transplantation could enhance their ability to promote proper reinnervation even with mismatched transplanted SCs or graft phenotypes.
Cloning, mapping, and analyses of expression of the Em-like gene family in soybean [Glycine max (L). Merr.]

The entire Em-like Group-1 late embryogenesis abundant (Lea) gene family from soybean was cloned and characterized. The five Group-1 Lea genes (Sle1-5) were divided into two classes based on sequence identity. Sle1-4 were genetically mapped to four different linkage groups. Nucleotide sequencing indicated that Sle1, Sle2, Sle3, and Sle5 encode polypeptides differing primarily by the presence of a repeated 20-amino acid motif. Sle1 and Sle5 were shown by Northern analysis to be expressed in developing embryos weeks earlier than Sle2 and Sle3. Sle4 was shown to be a pseudogene. Maximal levels of mRNA for all functional Sle genes accumulated in maturation-phase seeds, before significant desiccation had occurred, and declined rapidly upon seed imbibition. Desiccation did not induce Sle expression in seeds or vegetative tissue. Sle expression was confined to embryo tissues and Sle mRNA accumulated at similar levels in both the embryo axis and in the cotyledons.
On group rings of nilpotent groups

It is shown that ifG is a non-abelian torsion free nilpotent group andF is a field, then the classical skew field of fractionsF(G) of the group ring,F[G] contains a noncommutative free subalgebra.
Aggression-altering effects of cyclic AMP

Abstract Dibutyryl cyclic AMP, infused intraventricularly in rats and mice, produced dosedependent increases in cyclic AMP and dose-dependent decreases in shock-induced rat fighting and isolation-induced mouse fighting and cricket attack, but not in cricket killing or mouse killing. Reduction in aggression with 25 μg was not related to sedation or motor disturbance since motor activity counts were normal, as were whole brain levels of serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine. These data are consistent with the hypothesis that neuronal cyclic AMP, in part, functions as a second messenger mediating the effects of released neurotransmitters in regulating behavior.
Molecular Basis of Inherited Epilepsy

Epilepsy is a common, paroxysmal, and heterogeneous neurological disorder. Many factors, including complex genetic influences, contribute to the pathogenesis of epilepsy. However, several epilepsy syndromes are caused by mutations in single genes (Table). Most epilepsy-associated genes that have been identified within the past 5 years encode ion channels. This review illustrates the progress in defining the molecular basis of inherited epilepsies and highlights conditions caused by dysfunctional ion channels. Ion channels may be broadly classified as voltage or ligand gated, depending on whethertheprimarystimulusfortheiractivity is a change in local membrane potential or a chemical messenger (eg, neurotransmitter). The role of ion channels in neuronal excitability is well established, and the identification of mutationsinneuronalionchannelgeneslinked to inherited epilepsy emphasizes the delicate balances that maintain electrical harmonyinthecentralnervoussystem.These discoveries have also revealed new approaches to diagnosis and disease categorization, with the ultimate hope of new, gene-specific therapeutics.
Dynamo and electrical jet in Hall plasmas, application to astrophysics

The magnetic field in Hall plasmas is frozen in the electron component and is advected not only with the plasma motion but also with the electrical current flow. Its coupling with the plasma may be not as strong as characteristic of the MHD approximation. The rotation and slipping of the magnetic field result in a very different and less efficient magnetic field generation by dynamo-rotating plasma disk in magnetic field. We found some exact analytical solutions of nonlinear equations describing the dynamo. In particular, the dynamo may not dissipate the energy in the steady state limit. The 3-component magnetic field and magnetic energy are generated and accumulated during the transition time only. An electrical jet is another unusual phenomenon for MHD. It was investigated theoretically and experimentally for laboratory plasmas during the last 15 years and now is used for fast current switching. We found periodical or shock-like nonlinear wave traveling along a Hall plasma column and not associated with plasma motion. A nonlinear equation describing a possible steady state magnetic field distribution and current flow in a Hall plasma conductor is derived, which differs from the Grad-Shafranov equation. In conclusion we discuss how transfer our results onto astrophysical plasmas. This physics could be important for understanding the evolution of dusty plasma disks and jets around new stars.
Wavelet-based multi-scale anomaly identification in cloud computing systems

Modern cloud computing systems contain thousands of computing and storage servers. Such a scale combined with ever-growing system complexity of their components and interactions, introduces a key challenge to failure and resource management for highly dependable cloud computing. Automated anomaly detection is a crucial technique for understanding emergent, cloud-wide phenomena and self-managing cloud resources for system level dependability assurance. In this paper, we present a wavelet-based multi-scale anomaly identification mechanism, that can analyze profiled cloud performance metrics in both time and frequency domains and identify anomalous cloud behaviors. Learning technologies are exploited to adapt the selection of mother wavelets and a sliding detection window is employed handle cloud dynamicity and improve anomaly detection accuracy. We test a prototype implementation of our cloud anomaly detection mechanism on an institute-wide cloud system. Experimental results show our approach can identify cloud failures accurately.
Characterization of the Calicheamicin Orsellinate C2-O-Methyltransferase CalO6

Although bacterial iterative type I polyketide synthases are now known to participate in the biosynthesis of a small set of diverse natural products, the subsequent downstream modification of the resulting polyketide products is poorly understood. We report the functional characterization of the putative orsellinic acid C2-O-methyltransferase, which is involved in calicheamicin biosynthesis. This study suggests that C2-O-methylation precedes C3-hydroxylation/methylation and C5-iodination and requires a coenzyme A- or acyl carrier protein-bound substrate.
The Peso problem hypothesis and stock market returns

Abstract The Peso problem hypothesis has often been advocated in the financial literature to explain the historically puzzlingly high risk premium of stock returns. Using a dynamic model of learning, this paper shows that the implications of the Peso problem hypothesis are much more far reaching than the ones commonly advocated, implying most of the stylized facts about stock returns. These include high risk premia, time-varying volatility, asymmetric volatility reaction to good and bad news, excess sensitivity of price reaction to dividend changes and thus excess return volatility.
Whatever Happened to the Concept of Involuntary Unemployment

Little notice has been taken in recent years of the phenomenon of involuntary unemployment. Neglect of Keynes' concept was understandable during the prosperous 1950s and early 1960s but its neglect since that time reflects the persuasiveness of the marriage which has been effected between the job search models of household behaviour and models of rational expectations responses to inflation. The joining of these models has provided a rationale for the notion that there is an equilibrium level of unemployment toward which the economy tends. This perspective presents several problems which come into focus when the analysis is examined within the framework of Keynes' concept of involuntary unemployment, his perception of the relationship between real and money wages and his labour supply function.
The Use of Early and Midpoint Adenoma-Carcinoma Sequence Biomarkers in Prediction of Neoplastic Progression in Patients with a History of Colorectal Neoplasia

Since significant neoplasia after initial colonoscopy is low, we conducted this pilot study to compare the predictive role for colorectal neoplasia recurrence of anti-DCC with that of Adnab-9 binding to colonic effluent of high-risk patients. DCC and Adnab-9 effluent ELISA were performed at baseline colonoscopies. The results of follow-up colonoscopies were reviewed. To ensure specificity, immunohistochemistry and Western blot was performed with anti-DCC and for Adnab-9 where optimal fixation times were also evaluated. Mean follow-up was 2.6 years. Of 21 patients, 6 of 10 who progressed to CRN and 2 of 11 who did not had a positive Adnab-9 ELISA result (P=0.08). Despite an initial good correlation with Adnab-9 ELISA results in a smaller dataset, we were unable to obtain consistent subsequent DCC immunohistochemistry or Western blot data using antibody from two different sources. However, the original dataset of Adnab-9 results was reproducible on repetition of the ELISA with a larger set of samples that included this initial dataset and optimal fixation time was 20 min. We conclude that Adnab-9 appears to be a promising prognostic marker for neoplasia in the high-risk population. Industry standards need to be developed for DCC monoclonal antibodies that may have similar utility.
Automatic real time arrhythmia monitoring in the intensive coronary care unit

A prospective study was carried out to evaluate accuracy of a real time computer system for arrhythmia monitoring in a coronary care unit. QRS complexes in 57 continuously recorded 30 minute electrocardiographic rhythm strips from 30 patients were classified by the computer. Blinded interpretation of each beat was made by a cardiologist. A total of 146,638 QRS complexes were classified during the monitoring period of 1,710 minutes. The accuracy rate of computer detection was 99.94 percent. During this period 67 artifacts were identified as beats. The computer correctly identified 5,467 of 5,729 ventricular premature beats (accuracy of detection rate 95.43 percent). The incidence rate of false positive diagnosis of beats other than ventricular ectopic beats was 0.1 percent. The rate of computer accuracy in detecting ventricular premature beats was 93.33 percent in two patients with atrial fibrillation. In individual patients, computer interpretation did not deviate from the cardiologist's interpretation by more than 1 beat/min. The rate of computer accuracy in detecting supraventricular premature beats was lower (82.45 percent). The distinctly improved accuracy of computer monitoring of ventricular arrhythmia in a coronary care unit reported is the result of a new algorithm. This approach combines major elements of cross correlation of QRS signals as well as grouping of complexes into families. Normal and abnormal templates are stored and newly detected QRS complexes are matched. The program appears to be sufficiently accurate to warrant further applications.
Sulcal Hyperintensity on Fluid-Attenuated Inversion Recovery MR Images in Patients Without Apparent Cerebrospinal Fluid Abnormality

OBJECTIVE. Failure to suppress cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) signal intensity (sulcal hyperintensity) on fluid-attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) images has been reported in patients with abnormal CSF, such as those with meningitis and subarachnoid hemorrhage. Our study investigates the clinical history and MR findings associated with sulcal hyperintensity on FLAIR images in patients without apparent CSF abnormality.SUBJECTS AND METHODS. Three hundred consecutive MR imaging examinations were prospectively screened for patients with sulcal hyperintensity on FLAIR images. Nine patients with clinical, CT, or laboratory evidence suggesting abnormal CSF were excluded. The distribution of sulcal hyperintensity on FLAIR images and associated abnormal enhancement were evaluated. The presence of the “dirty CSF” sign (mild increase in CSF signal on unenhanced T1-weighted images or mild decrease on T2-weighted images) in the corresponding hyperintense sulcus was also assessed.RESULTS. Twenty-six (8.9%) of the 291 pat...
Electroconvulsive therapy in delirium tremens.

Abstract A retrospective controlled study of the use of ECT in delirium tremens is presented to call attention to the usefulness of ECT in the management of these patients. A prompt response to ECT was observed in all cases. Before firm conclusions can be reached, however, a prospective controlled study of ECT in delirium tremens is warranted.
Uranium isotope-amount ratios in certified reference material 116-A—Uranium (enriched) metal assay and isotopic standard

Abstract Certified reference material (CRM) 116-A, uranium (enriched) metal assay and isotopic standard, was analyzed using TRITON and MAT261 thermal ionization mass spectrometer (TIMS) instruments to characterize the uranium isotope-amount ratios. The certified n(238U)/n(235U) “major” ratio in CRM 116-A was determined using a combination of two analytical techniques: total evaporation (TE) and modified total evaporation (MTE). The “minor” isotope-amount ratios n(234U)/n(235U) and n(236U)/n(235U) in CRM 116-A were characterized using a combination of MTE and conventional analysis techniques. For the n(234U)/n(235U) and n(236U)/n(235U) ratios, both the MTE and conventional analysis routines incorporate an internal mass bias correction using the measured n(238U)/n(235U) ratio as well as corrections for peak tailing from 235U to 238U. The abundance of 233U, present in CRM 116-A at trace levels, was characterized using a conventional analysis technique that incorporates a secondary electron multiplier (SEM) equipped with an energy filter. CRM 116-A isotope-amount ratios are traceable to the national measurement base and to the International System of Units (S.I.). The measurements leading to the certification of the uranium isotopic abundances in CRM 116-A are discussed.