cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Lower bounds for the maximal Lyapunov exponent

Upper bounds for the maximal Lyapunov exponent,E, of a sequence of matrix-valued random variables are easy to come by asE is the infimum of a real-valued sequence. We shall show that under irreducibility conditions similar to those needed to prove the Perron-Frobenius theorem, one can find sequences which increase toE. As a byproduct of the proof we shall see that we may replace the matrix norm with the spectral radius when computingE in such cases. Finally, a sufficient condition for transience of random walk in a random environment is given.
Obstruction of solitary kidney due to epsilon-aminocaproic-acid-induced fibrin clot formation.

Abstract A case is reported of complete obstruction of a solitary kidney induced by epsilonaminocaproic acid used to treat significant idiopathic bleeding. The pharmacology and complications of epsilon-aminocaproic acid are also reviewed.
Confounding in the estimation of mediation effects

A mediation effect explains the relationship of a risk factor and an outcome through a mediator variable which is a step in their pathway. Under the assumption of no cycling in the causal relationship, we consider various situations in which a fourth variable may interfere the estimation of a mediation effect as a confounding factor. Our asymptotic results, which are supported by a Monte Carlo study, show that adjusting for confounding factors under certain conditions might lead to biased estimates. A general guideline is provided for when it is appropriate to adjust for confounding factors in estimating a mediation effect. We apply the guideline to the estimation of the mediation effect of Alzheimer's disease pathology in the relationship between the Apolipoprotein E @?4 allele and cognitive function among 125 deceased participants from the Religious Orders Study, a longitudinal, clinical-pathologic study of aging and Alzheimer's disease.
Gas chromatography-electron-capture detection investigation of trihalomethanes produced by chlorination of humic acid in the presence of bromide

Abstract Concern over the production of hazardous trihalomethanes (THMs) as byproducts of the chlorination of drinking water prompted the examination of the chlorination of naturally occurring aquatic humic acid in the presence of bromide ion. The effect on THM production of varying reaction conditions such as pH, chlorine-to-bromine ratio, and reaction time was investigated using gas chromatography—electron-capture detection. THMs were formed under all conditions examined, the production of highly brominated compounds being favored.
Particle systems with stochastic passing

We study a system of particles moving on a line in the same direction. Passing is allowed and when a fast particle overtakes a slow particle, it acquires a new velocity drawn from a distribution ${P}_{0}(v),$ while the slow particle remains unaffected. We show that the system reaches a steady state if ${P}_{0}(v)$ vanishes at its lower cutoff; otherwise, the system evolves indefinitely.
Translational considerations for CNS gene therapy.

Gene transfer is being rigorously evaluated in the laboratory in the preparation for the development of clinical therapies. Many CNS diseases, which have proved more challenging to treat than peripheral disorders, are prime candidates for gene therapy. However, there are numerous considerations in the development of gene therapy, including delivery, maintenance of expression, transgene level regulation, toxicity of the viral vector system and safety of the gene product. The authors review these issues and discuss various approaches used in preclinical studies. Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease are employed as models, in which much research has already been performed, to address disease-specific questions about gene therapy approaches.
The University of Michigan digital library program: a retrospective on collaboration within the academy

The University of Michigan Digital Library Program is a collaborative enterprise that has built digital content and an information infrastructure for the campus community. A near‐term strategy of project‐based activity has provided visible successes, opportunities for development and elaboration of skills, and a context in which to explore broader issues of the networked information arena. The program’s early focus on developing an architecture for digital collections and durable formats for information resources has provided a foundation on which to build future domain‐based, knowledge environments.
Uncoupling of phosphorylation in chlorella by 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid

The plant growth regulator 2,4-D inhibits the incorporation of P32O4 into ATP and ADP by Chlorella to a much greater extent than it does the accumulation of inorganic phosphate by the cells.
Detection of Immunologically Significant Factors for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Using Neural-Network Classifiers

Neural-network classifiers were used to detect immunological differences in groups of chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) patients that heretofore had not shown significant differences from controls. In the past linear methods were unable to detect differences between CFS groups and non-CFS control groups in the nonveteran population. An examination of the cluster structure for 29 immunological factors revealed a complex, nonlinear decision surface. Multilayer neural networks showed an over 16% improvement in an n-fold resampling generalization test on unseen data. A sensitivity analysis of the network found differences between groups that are consistent with the hypothesis that CFS symptoms are a consequence of immune system dysregulation. Corresponding decreases in the CD19+ B-cell compartment and the CD34+ hematopoietic progenitor subpopulation were also detected by the neural network, consistent with the T-cell expansion. Of significant interest was the fact that, of all the cytokines evaluated, the only one to be in the final model was interleukin-4 (IL-4). Seeing an increase in IL-4 suggests a shift to a type 2 cytokine pattern. Such a shift has been hypothesized, but until now convincing evidence to support that hypothesis has been lacking.
Effect of temperature, strain, and strain rate on the tensile flow stress of I.F. steel and stainless steel type 310

Etude experimentale sur les aciers IF a bas carbone et de type 310 contenant un fort pourcentage en chrome et en nickel
Aromatic Stacking and Bending of the DNA Helix by the Individual Repeat Units of the Carboxy-Terminal Domain of RNA Polymerase II

The carboxy-terminal domain (CTD) of RNA polymerase II consists of multiple repeats of the unique heptad sequence -(Ser-Pro-Thr-Ser-Pro-Ser-Tyr)- which may interact with DNA through the intercalation of adjacent tyrosine aromatic rings. We have examined details of the interaction of this motif with calf thymus DNA through analysis of peptide analogues that contain (1) an amino-terminal tyrosine which mimics the presence of an adjacent heptad repeat and (2) positively-charged lysine residues which facilitate the initial contact between peptide and DNA. Results of fluorescence experiments, NMR titrations, and viscometric analyses indicate that these peptides bind to the DNA helix through a non-classical intercalation mode involving partial aromatic stacking of the tyrosine rings with the Watson-Crick base pairs.
Regulating Firearm Advertisements That Promise Home Protection: A Public Health Intervention

Firearms are a consumer product responsible for 38 500 deaths in the United States in 1994. Like other products, firearms are advertised. In the absence of rules governing the design of firearms, regulating the way guns are advertised may be a useful public health intervention. Some gun advertisements include messages suggesting that bringing a handgun into the home is generally protective for the occupants of the home. The best available scientific information contradicts this message. Given this disjunction, regulating those advertisements may be an appropriate response. Under federal law, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has authority to prohibit advertisements that are "deceptive" or "unfair." Under the FTC's deception analysis, the focus is on whether consumers are misled by an advertisement. For a finding of unfairness, the FTC looks for advertisements that may cause substantial injury to consumers. Under either analysis, a strong argument can be made that firearm advertisements promising home protection are unlawful. On February 14,1996, several organizations sent separate petitions to the FTC asking it to consider the issues raised by firearm advertisements that promise home protection. The FTC is still reviewing the information presented. There are no First Amendment or Second Amendment impediments to FTC regulation of deceptive firearm advertising under the US Constitution.
Cancer and malpractice claims

An analysis of 36 closed malpractice claims related to the diagnosis of cancer was conducted at a time when both subjects are receiving particular attention. Awareness of cancer statistics and the medicolegal literature is necessary. Factors related to the allegation of delay as well as the psychological aspects of cancer are presented. Suggestions for claims prevention have been delineated.
HLA studies in acquired immune deficiency syndrome patients with Kaposi's sarcoma.

To investigate the possible contribution of genetic susceptibility to Kaposi's sarcoma associated with acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS-KS), 21 patients were typed for HLA-A, B, C, and DR antigens. Significantly increased frequencies of HLA-Aw23, and HLA-Bw49 antigens were observed in the Caucasian AIDS-KS group. In this same group, the frequencies of HLA-DR5 and HLA-Bw44 antigens were increased at theP 0.1, in the Caucasian AIDS-KS group.
The cholinergic contribution to neuromodulation in the cerebral cortex

Abstract The cerebral cortex of the human brain receives an intense cholinergic innervation from the nucleus basalis of Meynert. This nucleus is very highly developed and quite heterogeneous in composition. The cholinergic contingent of neurons associated with the nucleus basalis is designated the Ch4 cell group. The Ch4 cell group has topographically organized cortical projections which are directed to all parts of the cerebral cortex, but particularly to the limbic cortex and the amygdala. The organization of this projection suggests that it may play a critical role in enhancing the neural encoding of behaviorally relevant events by the appropriate cortical neurons. The cortical cholinergic projection from Ch4 is a principal component of the ascending reticular activating system.
Chemotherapy is linked to severe vitamin D deficiency in patients with colorectal cancer

Preclinical and clinical evidence support an association between vitamin D deficiency and an increased risk of colorectal cancer. Normal vitamin D status has been linked to favorable health outcomes ranging from decreased risk of osteoporosis to improved cancer mortality. We performed a retrospective study to assess the impact of metastatic disease and chemotherapy treatment on vitamin D status in patients with colorectal cancer residing in Western New York. Patients, 315, with colorectal cancer treated in a single institute were assayed for 25-OH vitamin D. The association of age, gender, primary disease site and stage, body mass index, and chemotherapy with vitamin D status was investigated. Vitamin D deficiency was common among participants with a median 25-OH vitamin D level of 21.3 ng/ml (optimal range 32–100 ng/ml). Primary site of disease and chemotherapy status were associated with very low 25-OH vitamin D levels (≤15 ng/ml) on multivariate analysis. Patients receiving chemotherapy and patients with a rectal primary were 3.7 and 2.6-fold more likely to have severe vitamin D deficiency on multivariate analysis than nonchemotherapy patients and colon cancer primary patients, respectively. Chemotherapy is associated with a significant increase in the risk of severe vitamin D deficiency. Patients with colorectal cancer, especially those receiving chemotherapy, should be considered for aggressive vitamin D replacement strategies.
Zellweger syndrome: biochemical and morphological studies on two patients treated with clofibrate.

ABSTRACT: Two infants with Zellweger syndrome (cerebro- hepato-renal syndrome) have been studied biochemically and morphologically. Peroxisomal enzymes involved in respiration, fatty acid β-oxidation, and plasmalogen biosynthesis were assessed. In liver, catalase was present in normal amounts but was located in the cell cytosol. Dihydroxyacetone phosphate acyltransferase activity was less than one-tenth of normal. The amount of the bifunctional protein catalyzing two β-oxidation reactions was found by immunoblotting to be greatly reduced. Catalase activity was normal in intestine. D-Amino acid oxidase was subnormal in kidney. The observed enzyme deficiencies may plausibly explain many of the metabolite imbalances observed clinically. Morphologically, peroxisomes were absent from liver. In intestine, normal peroxisomes were also missing, but some rare, smaller (0.04–0.13μm) bodies were seen with a slight positive cytochemical reaction for catalase. These results, together with current concepts of peroxisome biogenesis, suggest but do not prove, that the primary defect in Zellweger syndrome may be in peroxisome assembly. The infants were treated with clofibrate, but it was ineffectual as assessed biochemically, morphologically, and clinically.
Global and along-strike variations of source duration and scaling for intermediate-depth and deep-focus earthquakes

The systematic behavior of earthquake rupture as a function of earthquake magnitude and/or tectonic setting is a key in our understanding of the physical mechanisms involved during earthquake rupture. Geophysical evidence suggests that although deep earthquakes—including intermediate-depth and deep—are similar to shallow ones, the mechanism involved during deep earthquakes is different from that of shallow ones. In particular, the magnitude and depth dependence of scaled duration, a measure of earthquake rupture duration, has led to controversy of what controls deep earthquake behavior. Here we estimate scaled source durations for 600 intermediate-depth and deep-focus earthquakes recorded at teleseismic distances and show deviation from self-similar scaling. No depth dependence is observed which we interpret as due to little differences between intermediate-depth and deep-focus earthquake mechanisms. The data show no correlation between durations and plate age or thermal parameters, suggesting that the thermal properties of the plate have little effect on source durations. We nevertheless report differences in average source duration and scaling between subduction zones and along-strike variations of source durations that more closely resemble the geometry of subduction (flat or steep subduction) rather than plate age.
Running for stimulus change

In three stages of training, two groups of rats were (a) exposed to a runway goal box, (b) presented with different amounts of visual change in the goal box, and (c) treatment conditions in the second phase were reversed. Speed of running was found to be a function of the amount of change in goal box stimulation.
Data Sources for Engineering Geologic Studies

This paper compiles sources of earth science data useful in engineering geologic studies. Included are six broad categories: topography, geology, geophysics, remote sensing, hydrology, and climatology. For each category, the most common types of available information, and how to obtain them, are outlined.
Thermal conductivity measurements of insulators for fusion blankets

Alumina-silica mat (8 lb/ft/sup 3/) varied in thermal conductivity in air and Ar from 0.06 W/m- K at 300/sup 0/C to 0.22 W/m- K at 1000/sup 0/C, but in He it increased to 0.24 W/m- K at 300/sup 0/C and 0.54 W/m- K at 1000/sup 0/C, while in steam it was about midway between these values. The carbon and graphite felts behaved similarly, but the rigid and denser (24 lb/ft/sup 3/) zirconia fiberboard exhibited superior insulating properties: 0.07 W/m- K at 300/sup 0/C and 0.14 W/m- K at 1000/sup 0/C in air and Ar, and 0.13 W/m- K at 300/sup 0/C and 0.17 W/m- K at 1000/sup 0/C in steam, but rising to 0.15 W/m- K at 300/sup 0/C and 0.49 W/m- K at 1000/sup 0/C in He. The lighter zirconia felt (14 lb/ft/sup 3/) in steam at 1000/sup 0/C was thought to be best at 0.23 W/m- K and only 0.40 W/m- K in He at 1000/sup 0/C.
A Report on the Design and Construction of Sumbox: A Level 1 Trigger for CDF at Fermilab

Sumbox is the end point of level 1 calorimetry trigger at the Collider Detector at Fermilab (CDF), though the final level 1 decision is made by another logic board which considers both calorimetry triggers and other triggers. The total energies (linear or weighted) deposited on the entire detector are summed here, and compared with preset thresholds to make level 1 calorimetry decisions. Sumbox is a fastbus slave implemented with geographical and logical addressing, secondary address and random data cycles, and various responses to incorrect internal addresses and imprudent accesses. Its summing and comparing can be fully tested via fastbus.
The U.S. health care system: challenges for the academic health professions community.

The author discusses the need to create structural reforms in the nation's health care system, built around a consensus on workable, affordable solutions, the first of four needs in this area, and presents a set of principles that must frame the debate on health care reform (e.g., that health care must be accessible to all Americans). He also presents practical options that address the United States' most urgent health care concerns (e.g., making the cost of health insurance more affordable for small businesses). The second need is to preserve and strengthen the nation's biomedical research enterprise; the author outlines steps that are already under way to deal with this need (e.g., the development of a Biomedical Research Initiative in the Public Health Service and the allocation of funds for various research-connected activities). The third need is to increase the participation of minority youth in science and the health professions; the author outlines steps that are being taken to encourage such participation (e.g., helping historically black colleges and universities and funding training programs for training minority professionals in health care). The last need discussed is to foster a culture of character: empowering citizens to take control of their own lives to eliminate costly debilitating illness before it strikes. For all these needs to be addressed successfully, it is crucial that the involvement of the academic health professions community and the community at large be expanded.
Exposure to odors from stressed conspecifics increases preference for higher ambient temperatures in C57BL/6J mice.

Exposure to odors from stressed conspecifics increases preference for higher ambient temperatures in C57BL/6J mice. C57BL/6J male mice were individually allowed preferences on a thermal gradient ranging in temperature from 22°C to 42°C. Group 1 (N=10) was exposed to odors from triads of foot-shocked conspecifics during the first 2-hr temperature preference trial. Group 2 (N=10) was exposed to odors from triads of nonstressed conspecifics during similar testing. Body temperature (TB) variations were measured in three animals of each group. Thermal preference was significantly higher for animals exposed to odors from stressed conspecifics than for animals exposed to odors from nonstressed animals (32.0°C vs. 29.0°C).TB changes on the heated gradient were significantly higher for animals exposed to odors from stressed animals (+1.5°C) than for animals exposed to odors from nonstressed animals (−0.33°C). Additional animals on a non-heated thermogradient were tested for TB when exposed to odors from stressed or from nonstressed animals (N=3 per condition). There was no difference inTB between these two groups. Increases in TB on the heated gradient are apparently due to the higher ambient temperature choices and not due to the odor per se.
Excimer laser debulking for percutaneous coronary intervention in left main coronary artery disease

Excimer laser has been successfully applied to complex atherosclerotic plaques in acute coronary syndromes; however, its role in debulking in left main coronary artery disease has not been fully explored. Details of a series of 20 patients who underwent excimer laser revascularization of a spectrum of left main coronary artery lesions are presented. Twenty symptomatic patients who received excimer laser debulking were examined for procedural outcome and follow up results. The left main coronary artery was characterized as protected, semi-protected, poorly protected, or unprotected, depending on the presence or absence of patent bypass grafts to the left anterior descending (LAD) and circumflex (CX) arteries. A fully protected left main coronary artery (LMCA) was present in only 20% of the patients. The target lesions included 11(55%) distal LMCA stenoses, six (30%) ostial stenoses, and one (5%) mid-portion lesions. Two (10%) patients had in-stent re-stenosis of the entire length of the LMCA. Small (0.7 mm-1.4 mm) excimer laser catheters were mostly used. A relatively high number of laser energy pulses (1,334 +/- 643) were required to achieve adequate debulking. Successful LMCA intervention was performed in 19 (95%) patients, while in-hospital complications occurred in only one (5%) patient. Subacute/late stent thrombosis developed 3 months after the procedure in one patient, and two patients died from non-cardiac causes during follow-up. Lesions in LMCAs can be revascularized in selected patients by laser debulking and adjunct stenting. Inadequate protection by bypass grafts and decreased left ventricular function do not contradict utilization of excimer laser. Small laser catheters and high energy levels are required during laser debulking of stenoses of left main coronary arteries.
Weed Control and Yield Comparisons of Glyphosate- and Glufosinate-Resistant Corn Grown in Rotation

Information on long-term glyphosate- and glufosinate-resistant corn (Zea mays L.) production on weed control and rotation benefits is lacking. A six-year field study was conducted from 2004 to 2009 at Stoneville, MS, to examine the effects of rotating glyphosate-resistant and glufosinate-resistant corn under reduced tillage conditions on weed control, soil weed seedbanks, and yield. The four rotation systems were glyphosate-resistant and glufosinate-resistant corn grown continuously and in rotation with two herbicide programs, post-emergence-only herbicides (POST) and preemergence herbicides followed by POST (PRE + POST). Control of 13 predominant weed species in glyphosate-resistant and glufosinate-resistant corn was >95%, regardless of herbicide program, with the exception of johnsongrass and yellow nutsedge, both perennial weeds. Johnsongrass and yellow nutsedge control was lower in the continuous glufosinate-resistant corn system compared with other rotation systems. Yellow nutsedge control was higher...
Combined Percutaneous And Retrograde Approach To Staghorn Calculi With Application Of The Ureteral Access Sheath To Facilitate Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy

ABSTRACTPurpose: We describe our technique and clinical experience with application of the ureteral access sheath for single access ablation of staghorn and partial staghorn calculi.Materials and Methods: We retrospectively reviewed our experience with 9 patients who underwent percutaneous nephrolithotomy for staghorn (6) or partial staghorn (3) renal calculi using a combined antegrade and retrograde approach. Patient data, operative parameters, efficacy of stone ablation and convalescence parameters were reviewed.Results: Mean operative time for the primary procedure was 3.1 hours with a mean estimated blood loss of 290 ml. Postoperatively, the mean analgesic requirement was 33.2 mg. MSO4 equivalents. Hospital stay was 3.2 days. There were no major and 4 minor (44%) complications. No patient required transfusion. Complete stone clearance was achieved in 7 of the 9 cases (78%) using a single percutaneous nephrostomy tract.Conclusions: Our preliminary clinical experience using the ureteral access sheath du...
Pen computing: digital ink and printed document

Pen computing is integral to the vision of natural user interface. This article presents research work on pen computing at Microsoft Research Asia in the areas of digital handwriting ink and digital printed document. Digital ink is a human-centric technology for a rich and natural human-computer interaction. It combines the expressive power of human handwriting with the power of a tablet PC. To make digital ink a first-class user experience, our researches are focusing on handwriting ink parsing, ink annotation and ink manipulation. With these technologies, unstructured handwriting noted is turned into structured and daily tasks such as note-taking and editing can be managed entirely in the ink domain, using a natural and friendly user interface. Our system can recognize the following handwriting structures: 1) automatic language script recognition; 2) layout (word, line and paragraph); 3) shape, diagram and table recognition. 3) Mathematics equation.
Quantum chromodynamics effects in electroweak and Higgs physics

Several examples of the often intricate effects of higher-order quantum chromodynamics (QCD) corrections on predictions for hadron-collider observables, are discussed, using the production of electroweak gauge boson and the Standard Model Higgs boson as examples. Particular attention is given to the interplay of QCD effects and experimental cuts, and to the use of scale variations as estimates of theoretical uncertainties.
Epigenetic changes induced by curcumin and other natural compounds

Epigenetic regulation, which includes changes in DNA methylation, histone modifications, and alteration in microRNA (miRNA) expression without any change in the DNA sequence, constitutes an important mechanism by which dietary components can selectively activate or inactivate gene expression. Curcumin (diferuloylmethane), a component of the golden spice Curcuma longa, commonly known as turmeric, has recently been determined to induce epigenetic changes. This review summarizes current knowledge about the effect of curcumin on the regulation of histone deacetylases, histone acetyltransferases, DNA methyltransferase I, and miRNAs. How these changes lead to modulation of gene expression is also discussed. We also discuss other nutraceuticals which exhibit similar properties. The development of curcumin for clinical use as a regulator of epigenetic changes, however, needs further investigation to determine novel and effective chemopreventive strategies, either alone or in combination with other anticancer agents, for improving cancer treatment.
Directed search with heterogeneous firms: an experimental study

Directed search models labor markets where workers observe wages before deciding where they will apply. This paper tests this model for the case of heterogeneous firms in a laboratory experiment. The theory predicts that more productive firms offer higher wages and workers apply more often to these higher wages. In consequence, more productive firms are more likely to match and the market is more efficient than the prediction of an alternative model where search is random. The main results of the experiment are that average firms offer wages that are close to or a little lower than the theoretical predictions but highly variable and workers apply more often to high offers but not to the extent predicted. The markets are no more efficient than random search predicts, because of the variation in wage offers.
β1,4-Oligoglucosides Inhibit the Binding of Aspergillus fumigatus Conidia to Human Monocytes

The binding of Aspergillus fumigatus conidia to human monocytes is mediated by a barley beta-glucan-inhibitable receptor. The simplest linkages in this glucan are present in the disaccharides laminaribiose (beta 1,3) and cellobiose (beta 1,4). Although laminaribiose gave strong inhibition of conidial binding to monocytes, cellobiose and oligosaccharides with beta 1,4-linked glucose residues were more potent as specific inhibitors of this binding over similar concentrations. Increasing the number of beta 1,4-linked glucose residues led to greater inhibition of conidial binding by human monocytes.
The Potential Roles of Self‐Fulfilling Prophecies, Stigma Consciousness, and Stereotype Threat in Linking Latino/a Ethnicity and Educational Outcomes

Acculturation and ethnic identity may be associated with Latino/as’ educational outcomes and be relevant to their lower levels of academic achievement. This article explores how these relationships might be mediated by considering several empirically supported and theory-based social psychological processes—the selffulfilling prophecy, stigma consciousness, and stereotype threat. These processes suggest specific mediational mechanisms that remain largely unexamined, thereby offering novel directions for research and the potential to enrich understanding of the relationship between Latino/a ethnicity and academic performance. Consideration of these mediational mechanisms suggests that some groups within the Latino/a population face even greater challenges with regard to educational achievement. Accordingly, the particular difficulties encountered by Latinas and the children of families of migrant workers and new and undocumented immigrants are discussed. In addition, the potential relevance of education policies to the operation of the reviewed processes is explored. Latino/as in the United States face a number of challenges regarding education and lag behind their Euro-American counterparts in terms of academic achievement. Educational disparities for Latino/as begin in preschool and are evident at all subsequent markers of achievement, including decreased rates of attaining undergraduate and graduate degrees (Fry, 2003; Llagas & Snyder, 2003; Verdugo, 2006). The cited reports review the multiple sociological and economic barriers faced by Latino/as and highlight limited English proficiency (LEP) as a major hurdle to academic success. Because English is the predominant language
The NMR structure of an internal loop from 23S ribosomal RNA differs from its structure in crystals of 50s ribosomal subunits.

Internal loops play an important role in structure and folding of RNA and in recognition of RNA by other molecules such as proteins and ligands. An understanding of internal loops with propensities to form a particular structure will help predict RNA structure, recognition, and function. The structures of internal loops 5'
Electrophysiologic effects of antiarrhythmic drug therapy in the prediction of successful suppression of induced ventricular tachycardia.

Abstract Predictors of a successful outcome of serial electrophysiologic (EP) and drug studies have been identified from among baseline patient characteristics but not from among measures of baseline and drug-related EP effects. Identifying such predictors would be useful in explaining the mechanism of successful drug therapy and in guiding drug development and selection. We prospectively studied EP characteristics in 159 trials in 62 patients with ventricular tachycardia or ventricular fibrillation during antiarrhythmic therapy and compared EP measures between successful (n = 30) and failed trials (n = 129). The average age of the patients was 64 years (range 27 to 78 years); 82% were men and 18% women; and 87% had coronary artery disease. Measurements included R-R, QRS, and QT intervals during intrinsic rhythm and during pacing at cycle lengths of 600 of 400 msec; ventricular effective refractory periods (ERP) during pacing at cycle lengths of 600 and 400 msec; and changes in these measures, comparing treatment with drug-free baseline. Univariate predictors of success (in order of significance) included ERP 600 QRS 600 , sotalol versus other drugs, ERP 400 QRS 400 , ΔERP600, ΔR-R, ERP600, QRS400 (negative association), ΔERP400, QRS600 (negative association), ERP400 (all p ERP 600 QRS 600 (p = 0.01) in the first model and ERP 400 QRS 400 (p = 0.01) in the second model were significantly and independently associated with achieving noninducibility with drug therapy. Therefore measures of greater refractoriness and lesser delays in conduction velocity (ie, greater “wavelength”) relate to drug success. These observations may assist in new drug development and, with other predictors, in drug selection for the treatment of patients.
A new multiple access protocol for two classes of population

A new contention-based multi-access protocol is introduced for a broadcast-type channel. This protocol is synchronous time-division multiple-access (TDMA) in its framing but it possesses many features of random access. The channel consists of slotted time-division frames. Each frame is divided into slots or packets. Each packet consists of a preamble, an address/control field, and an information field. Two classes of customers, voice and data are considered. Unlike many reservation type protocols, here, as long as there is demand from either a voice or a data class, no slot remains unattempted. As a result, the throughput efficiency is very high. The authors outline the underlying assumptions and present the analysis for throughput and blocking probability of voice customers. The authors present the delay and throughput analysis for data customers. >
‘Money itself discriminates’ Obstetric emergencies in the time of liberalisation

Citizenship rights in India are being transformed under economic liberalisation. In this article, we use obstetric crises to provide an entry point to explore recent changes in people's access to health care and their understandings of their civic rights and entitlements. We draw on our research in rural Bijnor district (Uttar Pradesh) between 1982 and 2005. Over this period, the state has increasingly failed to provide a safety net of emergency obstetric care. Poor villagers seeking institutional deliveries in private facilities face either exclusion or indebtedness. Moreover, ‘consumers’ have no capacity to regulate the quality of private health care provision—but nor do the state or civil society organisations. Villagers critique the state's failure to provide the health care that they regard as a citizen's entitlement. Yet the health care market is accorded no greater legitimacy by its ‘customers’. Far from providing opportunities for empowerment, then, changes in health care provision serve to disemp...
Nancy E. Betz A Consistent Vocational Profile

Nancy E. Betz is a deeply respected pioneer in the areas of vocational psychology, the career development of women, and measurement and vocational assessment. Her scholarship in these areas is recognized nationally and internationally and dates to her early, innovative collaboration with Gail Hackett to apply Bandura’s concept of self-efficacy to understand the vocational behavior of women. This interview traces the life and career stories of Nancy Betz and in doing so illustrates the personal and contextual influences that shaped the person and professional she was to become. Nancy’s story is a powerful illustration of a number of central themes of counseling psychology, including the critical importance of scientific rigor, humanistic values, social influences, and diverse perspectives.
The Status of the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning in the Discipline

The concept of the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SoTL) was developed over 15 years ago. Because scholarly recognition comes from the discipline, the researchers determined to find out how a range of disciplines deal with the SoTL. In that time, how has the SoTL been integrated into and used by the various academic disciplines? What publication outlets are available to professors within each of the disciplines to present and publish on the SoTL? This survey review of current associations, conferences, and journals examines the SoTL in 20 different disciplines as demonstrated by scholarly production within these disciplines. Adoption levels range from very high in some of the Natural Sciences, to surprisingly low in other disciplinary areas.
THE INTERACTION OF HABITAT FRAGMENTATION, PLANT, AND SMALL MAMMAL SUCCESSION IN AN OLD FIELD

We compared the density and spatial distribution of four small mammal species (Microtus ochrogaster, Peromyscus maniculatus, Sigmodon hispidus, and P. leucopus) along with general measures of an old field plant community across two successional phases (1984–1986 and 1994–1996) of an experimental study of fragmentation in eastern Kansas. During the early phase the plant community was characterized by little spatial or temporal variance across patch size, consistent with spatially neutral models of succession. In contrast, there was a strong, species-specific effect of patch size on small mammal species distribution and abundance. The lack of variance in vegetation structure across patch size during the early seres suggests that small mammal distributions were responding in large part to features of the system other than variance in vegetation structure and composition across patch size. As succession proceeded, the colonization of the system by woody plant species precipitated a series of patch size effect...
Polybrominated diphenyl ethers, 2,2',4,4',5,5'-hexachlorobiphenyl (PCB-153), and p,p'-dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene (p,p'-DDE) concentrations in sera collected in 2009 from Texas children.

Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and p,p′-dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene (p,p′-DDE) have been measured in surplus serum collected in 2009 from a convenience sample of 300 Texas children (boys and girls) in the birth to 13 years of age range. Serum concentrations of traditional persistent organic pollutants such as 2,2′,4,4′,5,5′-hexachlorobiphenyl (PCB-153) and p,p′-DDE did not change consistently with age. By contrast, serum concentrations of tetra-, penta-, and hexa-BDEs were lowest in the youngest children (birth to two year old) and increased 3.0 to 7.9 times, depending on the analyte, for children in the >4 to 6 years of age group. From the apex concentration to the 10 to 13 years of age group, concentrations decreased significantly except for 2,2′,4,4′,5,5′-hexabromodiphenyl ether (PBDE-153), which also had a longer apex concentration of >4 to 8 years of age. This concentration trend for PBDE-153 is most likely due to a longer half-life of PBDE-153 than of o...
ETIOLOGY OF OROYA FEVER : XV. EFFECT OF IMMUNE SERUM ON THE COURSE OF BARTONELLA BACILLIFORMIS INFECTION IN MACACUS RHESUS.

Experiments are reported on the effect upon the course of experimental verruga peruana in Macacus rhesus of the injection of (1) small quantities of rabbit immune serum simultaneously with living cultures, (2) one large dose of convalescent monkey serum 24 hours prior to inoculation, (3) a similar preliminary dose followed by three subsequent injections of the serum, (4) three large doses of convalescent serum, following the inoculation. The convalescent serum was found (1) to prevent the multiplication of Bartonella bacilliformis in the blood in most instances, and (2) to delay the development of the skin lesions for considerable periods, when given before inoculation. When the serum treatment was not begun until after the appearance of the skin lesions, it had no effect on the progress of the nodules, although the blood became free from Bartonella bacilliformis. Since the severe effects of verruga peruana (Carrion's disease) are believed to be due to the multiplication of Bartonella bacilliformis within the blood, the injection of convalescent serum in cases of Carrion's disease in man would appear to offer promise.
Reproductive health professionals' adoption of emerging technologies for health promotion.

The purpose of this study was to assess reproductive health professionals’ familiarity with and use of various electronic technologies to support health promotion. The study also examined the relationship between demographic characteristics and attitudes and beliefs of the effectiveness of new technologies and perceived barriers for usage. A total of 165 reproductive health professionals at two conferences related to reproductive health in the United States completed the study survey. Personal and organizational factors affected the adoption of electronic technologies for health promotion. This included lack of knowledge, skills, and confidence as well as privacy concerns. The results of the study also suggested that being from an older generation was associated with having lower levels of knowledge, skills, and confidence in using new media. These findings highlight the importance of creating learning opportunities on the use of new technology for health promotion as well as addressing specific perceived...
Ventriculoperitoneal Shunt Infections After Bladder Surgery: is Mechanical Bowel Preparation Necessary?

Purpose: We investigated whether children with a ventriculoperitoneal shunt who undergo mechanical bowel preparation before bladder reconstruction with bowel have a lower rate of infection than children who do not undergo preoperative bowel preparation.Materials and Methods: We performed an institutional review board approved, retrospective chart review of the incidence of ventriculoperitoneal shunt infections after bladder reconstruction using bowel and compared infection rates using Fisher's exact test. Mean ± SD followup was 2.9 ± 2.3 years.Results: Between 2003 and 2009, 31 patients with a ventriculoperitoneal shunt underwent bladder reconstruction using bowel, of whom 19 (61%) and 12 (39%) did and did not undergo mechanical bowel preparation, respectively. There was no significant difference in gender or age at surgery between the 2 groups. Infection developed in 3 children (9.6%) within 2 months postoperatively, including 2 (10.5%) with and 1 (8.3%) without bowel preparation (2-tailed p = 1.0).Concl...
Depolarization and cAMP Elevation Rapidly Recruit TrkB to the Plasma Membrane of CNS Neurons

Here, we describe a novel mechanism for the rapid regulation of surface levels of the neurotrophin receptor TrkB. Unlike nodose ganglion neurons, both retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) and spinal motor neurons (SMNs) in culture display only low levels of surface TrkB, though high levels are present intracellularly. Within minutes of depolarization or cAMP elevation, surface TrkB levels increase by nearly 4-fold, and this increase is not blocked by cycloheximide. These findings suggest that activity and cAMP elevation rapidly recruit TrkB to the plasma membrane by translocation from intracellular stores. We propose that a fundamental difference between peripheral nervous system (PNS) and central nervous system (CNS) neurons is the activity dependence of CNS neurons for responsiveness to their peptide trophic factors and that differences in membrane compartmentalization of the receptors underlie this difference.
A Rhythmic Bias in Preverbal Speech Segmentation

Four studies using a variant of the conditioned head turning procedure, in which response latencies to extraneous noises occurring at different junctures within synthetic syllable strings served as the dependent variable, investigated 6- and 9-month-old infants’ representations of familiar and novel syllable pairs manifesting diverse rhythmic patterns. Familiar bisyllables tended to be perceived similarly by both age groups: These bisyllables were perceived as being cohesive, without regard to whether they manifested trochaic (longer ‐ shorter) or iambic (shorter ‐ longer) rhythm. Novel bisyllables were perceived differently by the two age groups. Six-montholds appeared to perceive segmentally novel, but rhythmically familiar, bisyllables as cohesive, whereas they failed to perceive rhythmically novel, but segmentally familiar bisyllables in the same fashion. Similar patterns of results were obtained with trochaic and iambic bisyllables. Nine-month-olds, however, were differentially sensitive to different rhythmic patterns. Older infants appeared to perceive novel bisyllables as cohesive only when they manifested trochaic rhythm, whether the bisyllables were segmentally or rhythmically novel. Nine-month-olds’ behavior is consistent with the possibility that they have adopted a metrical strategy for segmentation, as A. Cutler (1990 and elsewhere) has argued is the case for novice and expert English speakers alike. The plausibility of such a strategy with respect to the nature of child-directed speech is discussed, as are possible consequences for acquisition of such a strategy. q 1996
Effects of Chronic Ethanol Consumption on Benzo(a)pyrene Metabolism and Glutathione S-Transferase Activities in Syrian Golden Hamster Cheek Pouch and Liver

The metabolism of benzo( a )pyrene (BaP) by hepatic or cheek pouch epithelium microsomes obtained from Syrian golden hamsters which had been consuming an ethanol-containing liquid diet for 4 wk and from pair-fed controls was measured. Glutathione S -transferase activity with 1-chloro-2,4-dinitrobenzene or (±)- r -7, t -8-dihydroxy- t -9,10-epoxy-7,8,9,10-tetrahydrobenzo( a )-pyrene as substrates was measured in cytosol obtained from the liver or cheek pouch epithelium of the same animals. Cytosolic hepatic glutathione levels were measured in both ethanol-consuming and control animals. The metabolism of BaP to 4,5-dihydro-4,5-dihydroxybenzo( a )pyrene (BaP-4,5-diol), 7,8-dihydro-7,8-dihydroxybenzo( a )pyrene (BaP-7,8-diol), 9-hydroxybenzo( a )pyrene (9-OH-BaP), and 3-hydroxybenzo( a )pyrene (3-OH-BaP) by hepatic microsomes from ethanol-consuming hamsters was significantly reduced (40–52%) ( P < 0.05) compared to control microsomes. However, a 2-fold increase ( P < 0.05) in the metabolism of BaP to BaP-7,8-diol and 9,10-dihydro-9,10-dihydroxybenzo( a )pyrene was measured with microsomes from the cheek pouch epithelium of ethanol-consuming animals. There was no significant change in the production of BaP-4,5-diol, 9-OH-BaP, or 3-OH-BaP by cheek pouch epithelium microsomes of ethanol-consuming hamsters compared to controls. No difference in glutathione S -transferase activity of hepatic or cheek pouch epithelium cytosol between control and ethanol-consuming hamsters towards 1-chloro-2,4-dinitrobenzene or (±)- r -7, t -8-dihydroxy- t -9,10-epoxy-7,8,9,10-tetrahydrobenzo( a )pyrene was observed. Hepatic glutathione content was significantly ( P < 0.05) decreased after 2 wk (23%) and 4 wk (33%) of ethanol consumption. The results suggest a mechanism by which ethanol might enhance BaP tumorigenesis in the hamster cheek pouch.
Photosynthetic Response to Flooding of Acer rubrum Seedlings from Wet and Dry Sites

Abstract Seeds were collected from three red maple swamps (wet sites) and three uplands (dry sites) near Ithaca, New York, and the resulting seedlings were used in flood tolerance studies to investigate if red maple's broad habitat range is due to ecotypic differentiation. One-year-old seedlings were flooded while still dormant (spring flooding study) and net photosynthesis, growth and chlorophyll levels were measured at 1 mo intervals for 3 mo. Flooding reduced net photosynthesis, growth and chlorophyll levels in seedlings from both sites, but survival of both wet and dry site seedlings was near 100%. After 1 mo of flooding net photosynthesis of wet and dry site seedlings were similar, but after 3 mo, flooded wet site seedlings had higher photosynthetic rates than did dry site seedlings. Control wet site seedlings were significantly larger than dry site seedlings and had significantly higher photosynthetic rates and chlorophyll levels. These differences suggest either genetic variation between seedlings ...
A Distributed Spanning Tree Method for Extracting Systems and Environmental Information from a Network of Mobile Robots

A multi-robot system, like a robot formation, contains information that is distributed throughout the system. As the collective increases in numbers or explores distant or difficult areas, obtaining collective situational awareness becomes critical. We propose a method for extracting system and environmental information distributed over a collective of robots.