cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Prediction of Diabetes by Employing a New Data Mining Approach Which Balances Fitting and Generalization

The Pima Indian diabetes (PID) dataset [1], originally donated by Vincent Sigillito from the Applied Physics Laboratory at the Johns Hopkins University, is one of the most well-known datasets for testing classification algorithms. This dataset consists of records describing 786 female patients of Pima Indian heritage which are at least 21 years old living near Phoenix, Arizona, USA. The problem is to predict whether a new patient would test positive for diabetes. However, the correct classification percentage of current algorithms on this dataset is oftentimes coincidental. The root to the above critical problem is the overfitting and overgeneralization behaviors of a given classification algorithm when it is processing a dataset. Although the above situation is of fundamental importance in data mining, it has not been studied from a comprehensive point of view. Thus, this paper describes a new approach, called the Homogeneity- Based Algorithm (or HBA) as developed by Pham and Triantaphyllou in [2-3], to optimally control the overfitting and overgeneralization behaviors of classification on this dataset. The HBA is used in conjunction with traditional classification approaches (such as Support Vector Machines (SVMs), Artificial Neural Networks (ANNs), or Decision Trees (DTs)) to enhance their classification accuracy. Some computational results seem to indicate that the proposed approach significantly outperforms current approaches.
Complete Triaxial Stress-Strain Curves for Concrete

A method to predict the ascending and the descending parts of stress-strain curve of concrete subjected to triaxial compressive stresses is presented. The proposed analytical stress-strain relationship depends on the values of the three principal stresses and strains at the ultimate compressive strength. A criterion to predict the triaxial compressive strength is proposed, which is sensitive to all three stress invariants. To enable predictions of the post-peak stress-strain relation, experiments were conducted on concrete confined by steel tube. Concretes with different compressve strengths were confined by steel tubes of varying thicknesses. The predicted stress-strain curves compared favorably with the available experimental data on uniaxial, biaxial, and triaxial compression.
Mobility of Innovators and Prosperity of Geographical Technology Clusters

Knowledge spillovers have long been considered a critical element for development of technology clusters by facilitating innovations. Based on patent co-authorship data, we construct inventor networks for two geographical telecom clusters — New Jersey and Texas — and investigate how the networks evolved longitudinally as the technology clusters were undergoing different stages of their lifecycles. The telecom industry in the former state had encountered a significant unfavorable environmental change, which was largely due to the breakup of the Bell System and evolution of the telecom industry. Meanwhile, the telecom cluster of Texas has been demonstrating a growing trend in terms of innovation output and is gradually replacing New Jersey’s leadership in telecom innovation as measured by number of patents per year. We examine differences and similarities in dynamics of the innovator networks for the two geographical clusters over different time periods. The results show that TX’s innovator networks became significantly better connected and less centralized than the ones of NJ in the later years of the time series while the two clusters were experiencing different stages of lifecycle. By using network visualization tools, we find the overwhelming power of Bell System’s entities in maintaining the NJ innovator network to be lasting a very long time after the breakup of the company. In contrast the central hubs of TX’s networks are much less important in maintaining the networks.
Human amniotic fluid lecithin-sphingomyelin ratio changes with estrogen or glucocorticoid treatment.

Abstract Transabdominal amniocenteses were performed at 2 week intervals in pregnant women between 28 and 32 weeks of gestation. The women were treated during that 2 week interval with no steroids (control) (No. = 32), an estrogen steroid (No. = 9), or a glucocorticoid steroid (No. = 10). The amniotic fluid lecithin sphingomyelin (L/S) ratio was measured in each of the fluid specimens. There was a significantly greater rate of rise of the L/S ratio in the women receiving the glucocorticoid steroid treatment. The applications of these data to fetal therapy are discussed.
Repair of 8-MOP photoadducts in human lymphocytes.

Psoralen phototherapy in the form of psoralen plus long-wavelength ultraviolet light (UVA, 320-400 nm) has been used in the treatment of a variety of different skin disorders, including psoriasis (Parrish et al., 1974), vitiligo (Parrish et al., 1976), and patch-plaque stage cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL) (Gilchrest et al., 1976). More recently, photopheresis, a new form of psoralen photochemotherapy, has been developed and successfully used to treat patients with the erythrodermic form of CTCL (Edelson et al., 1987). In this treatment, a patient’s lymphocytes are extracorporeally irradiated with UVA in the presence of 8-methoxy-psoralen (8-MOP), and then are reinfused.
A Longitudinal Study of the Effectiveness of a K-12 Engagement Program on Graduate Student Learning Outcomes

Programs that connect higher and K-12 education provide benefits to K-12 students, teachers, and higher education. The National Science Foundation (NSF) invested in programs connecting domestic STEM graduate students with K-12 education for over a decade (GK-12), intending that such engagement would help achieve graduate student learning outcomes and would be sustained after NSF funding. By comparing two cohorts of graduate student participants in a sustained GK-12 we have begun longitudinal assessment of a program as it matures and diversifies by integrating non-STEM and international students. Qualitative analysis of participant journals shows that the sustained GK-12 has continuing impacts on graduate students’ teaching, teamwork, and communication skills, and aids in shaping their future career plans. A new theme in Cohort 2 related to changing perspectives on pedagogy and teaching in faculty responsibilities. We encourage universities seeking to meet expanded graduate student learning outcomes to consider adopting/adapting the GK-12 model.
Tools for Prevention Work in Schools

The first steps of addressing mental health problems in schools include strategic planning (involving goals, objectives, and policies), capacity development, and needs assessment. It is helpful and in most cases necessary to create a team to do the work of addressing student mental health needs in a school. Teams provide multiple perspectives and provide partnerships when addressing problems (Watkins, Meiers, & Visser, 2012).
Phase I and pharmacokinetic trial of the proapoptotic sulindac analog CP-461 in patients with advanced cancer.

CP-461 is a member of a class of novel proapoptotic drugs that specifically inhibit cyclic GMP phosphodiesterases but not cyclooxygenase-1 or -2. CP-461 inhibits the growth of a broad range of human tumor cell lines in vitro at micromolar concentrations and selectively induces apoptosis in cancer cell lines but not normal cells. Preclinical studies revealed good oral bioavailability and no toxicity in dogs and rats at single doses up to 500 mg/kg. In a Phase I trial, 21 patients with a range of solid tumors and good performance status received CP-461 p.o. twice daily for 28 consecutive days. Cycles were repeated without a treatment-free interval. CP-461 doses ranged from 100 to 800 mg/day. Therapy was well tolerated overall, and a maximum tolerated dose was not reached. Grade 3 asymptomatic aspartate aminotransferase/alanine aminotransferase elevation in 1 patient treated at 800 mg/day was the only dose-limiting toxicity. No hematologic toxicity was noted. Peak plasma concentrations occurred between 1 and 2 h after dosing, and doses above 200 mg/day exceeded the known in vitro EC(50) (1-2 micro M) for apoptosis in cancer cells. No drug was detectable after 24 h of administration, and the terminal half-life was 6.7 h. The area under the plasma concentration-time curve was dose-proportional from 200 to 800 mg/day. Four patients exhibited disease stability after two cycles of treatment. CP-461 is minimally toxic at doses up to 800 mg/day when administered p.o. on a twice-daily schedule.
Optimal Conditions for the Enzymatic Production of l-Aromatic Amino Acids from the Corresponding 5-Substituted Hydantoins

The reaction conditions for the production of d-β-hydroxyphenylglycine (d-HPG) from dl-5-(β-hydroxyphenyl)hydantoin (dl-HPH) by cells of Pseudomonas sp. AJ-11220, and the cultural conditions for this bacterium for the formation of the d-HPG-producing enzyme involved by this bacterium were investigated. The optimal pH of this reaction was about 8.0 and the optimal temperature about 43°C. The d-HPG-producing enzyme was inducibly produced in Pseudomonas sp. AJ-11220 in proportion to the cell growth. Cells containing high activity were obtained when Pseudomonas sp. AJ-11220 was grown in a medium containing 20 g of glucose, 5g of (NH4)2SO4,. 1 g of KH2PO4, 3g of K2HPO4, 0.5g of MgSO4–7H2O, 0.01 g of FeSO4–7H2O, 0.01 g of MnSO4 -4H2O, 10 g of yeast extract, 5g of dl-5-cyanoethylhydantoin and 20 g of CaCO3 in a total volume of 1 liter (pH 7.0). Under the optimal conditions, 25 mg/ml of d-HPG was asymmetrically and directly produced from 30 mg/ml of dl-HPH with a molar yield of 92%. Various d-amino acids could al...
Diagramming Conflicts: A Graphic Understanding of Interest Analysis

This article displays a diagramming technique for illustrating Brainerd Currie's Interest Analysis method for choice of law. It introduces graphic depictions of false conflicts, true conflicts and unprovided for cases.
Hyperglycemia induced by tacrolimus and sirolimus is reversible in normal sprague–dawley rats

Post-transplant diabetes mellitus (PTDM) worsens outcomes after kidney transplantation, and immunosuppression agents contribute to PTDM. We have previously shown that tacrolimus (TAC) and sirolimus (SIR) cause hyperglycemia in normal rats. While there is little data on the mechanism for immunosuppressant-induced hyperglycemia, we hypothesized that the TAC and SIR-induced changes are reversible. To study this possibility, we compared normal rats treated for 2 weeks with either TAC, SIR, or a combination of TAC and SIR prior to evaluating their response to glucose challenge, with parallel groups also treated for 2 weeks after which treatment was stopped for 4 weeks, prior to studying their response to glucose challenge. Mean daily glucose and growth velocity was decreased in SIR, and TAC+SIR-treated animals compared to controls (P < 0.05). TAC, SIR, and TAC+SIR treatment also resulted in increased glucose response to glucose challenge, compared to controls (P < 0.05). SIR-treated animals also had elevated insulin concentrations in response to glucose challenge, compared to controls (P < 0.05). Insulin content was decreased in TAC and TAC+SIR, and islet apoptosis was also increased after TAC+SIR treatment (P < 0.05). Four weeks after treatments were stopped, all differences resolved between groups. In conclusion, TAC, SIR, and the combination of TAC+SIR-induced changes in glucose and insulin responses to glucose challenge that were accompanied by changes in islet apoptosis and insulin content. These changes were no longer present 4 weeks after cessation of therapy suggesting immunosuppressant-induced changes in glucose metabolism are likely reversible.
Cell determination in Drosophila with paradoxical genotypes

Abstract A paradoxical genotype for Drosophila melanogaster is constructed by combining two homeotic mutations, which cause contradictory transformations of the first abdominal segment to metathorax and second abdominal segment. The resulting conflict in genetic instructions is resolved by the individual cells which normally give rise to the first abdominal segment. Each cell elects to follow only one set of instructions and determines to either metathorax or second abdominal segment. The choice between pathways can be characterized by the “determination equilibrium,” which is a measure of the probability that no cell in a presumptive first abdominal histoblast determines to second abdominal segment. The determination equilibrium allows a quantitative assessment of genotypic and physiological factors which can influence the probability of a determinative decision. These results are discussed from the point of view of the abstract nature of determinative decisions and from the point of view of the mechanisms involved.
Brain pyridoxal kinase. Mobility of the substrate pyridoxal and binding of inhibitors to the nucleotide site.

Pyridoxal kinase has been purified 2000-fold from pig brain. The enzyme preparation migrates as a single protein and activity band on analytical gel electrophoresis. The interactions of the substrate pyridoxal and the inhibitor N-dansyl-2-oxopyrrolidine (dansyl = 5-dimethylaminonaph-thalene-1-sulfonyl) with the catalytic site were examined by means of fluorescence spectroscopy. The increase in emission anisotropy that follows the binding of pyridoxal to the kinase was used to determine the equilibrium dissociation constant. Pyridoxal kinase binds one molecule of substrate with a Kd= 11 μM at pH 6. The emission anisotropy spectrum of bound pyridoxal reveals that the substrate is not rigidly trapped by the protein matrix. N-Dansyl-2-oxopyrrolidine is a competitive inhibitor with respect to ATP at saturating concentrations of pyridoxal. It binds to the enzyme with a dissociation constant of 6 μM. N-Dansyl-2-oxopyrrolidine is immobilized by strong interactions with the enzyme, but it is displaced from the catalytic site by ATP. The results are consistent with the hypothesis that N-dansyl-2-oxopyrrolidine binds at the nucleotide binding site of pyridoxal kinase.
Analysis of Poly-β-Hydroxybutyrate in Rhizobium japonicum Bacteroids by Ion-Exclusion High-Pressure Liquid Chromatography and UV Detection

Ion-exclusion high-pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) was used to measure poly-β-hydroxybutyrate (PHB) in Rhizobium japonicum bacteroids. The products in the acid digest of PHB-containing material were fractionated by HPLC on Aminex HPX-87H ion-exclusion resin for organic acid analysis. Crotonic acid formed from PHB during acid digestion was detected by its intense absorbance at 210 nm. The Aminex-HPLC method provides a rapid and simple chromatographic technique for routine analysis of organic acids. Results of PHB analysis by Aminex-HPLC were confirmed by gas chromatography and spectrophotometric analysis.
Highly stable porous polymer networks with exceptionally high gas-uptake capacities.

Figure 1 . a) Synthetic route for PPN-3 (X: Adamantane), PPN-4 (X: Si), PPN-5 (X: Ge), and PAF-1 (X: C). b) The default noninterpenetrated diamondoid network of PPN-4 (black, C; pale grey, H; grey, Si). For several decades, porous materials have been exploited for their applications in gas storage. [ 1 ] Recently, several metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) with high surface area and gas-uptake capacity have been reported. [ 2 ]
Social Identity as a Moderator of the Association Between Perceived Norms and Marijuana Use

Objective:This study extends previous examinations of social influences and marijuana use in considering how heavy marijuana users view themselves relative to their peers. We were specifically interested in evaluating whether (a) heavy-using marijuana users would identify more strongly with other users than with typical students, (b) identification with other marijuana users would be more strongly associated with own use, and (c) the association between perceived norms and marijuana use would be moderated by identification with peers.Method:Participants were 107 heavy (five or more times per month) marijuana users who completed an online survey assessing perceived norms for marijuana use, identification with typical students and other marijuana-using students, and marijuana use (frequency of use, joints per week, and hours high).Results:Participants unexpectedly identified more strongly with typical students rather than with other marijuana-using students. Identification with other marijuana users was, ho...
Friedrich von Wieser and Friedrich A. Hayek: The General Equilibrium Tradition in Austrian Economics

Bruce Caldwell has disputed a number of points in my earlier account of the development of the Austrian school of economics from Carl Menger to Ludwig von Mises and F.A. Hayek. The issues in contention regard Friedrich von Wieser's intellectual affiliation with Hayek and his influence on the formation of Hayek's economic thought; Wieser's status as a general equilibrium theorist; and the reason for Hayek's early flirtation with general equilibrium theory. In this article I argue that Hayek was a self-conscious adherent of the Wieserian tradition and remained so even after he received the Nobel Prize in 1974 and that he distinguished between this tradition and the Bohm-Bawerkian tradition followed by Ludwig von Mises. I also contend that Wieser used the construction of a general equilibrium economy subject to a single will as both a normative benchmark by which to appraise the performance of the real-world market economy and as an analytical tool to explain the formation of market prices. Finally, I argue that Hayek concerned himself with the problems of the Wieser-type general equilibrium economy beginning with his earliest writings as a professional economist, years before he began to focus on the theoretical problems of money and the business cycle.Bruce Caldwell a discute un certain nombre de points de mon article recent sur le developpement de l'ecole autrichienne d'economie de Carl Menger en passant par Ludwig von Mises et F.A. Hayek. Les controverses concernant l'affiliation intellectuelle de Hayek vis-a-vis de Friedrich von Wieser et l'influence de ce dernier sur la pensee economique de Hayek, le statut de Wieser en tant que theoricien de l'equilibre general, et les raisons pour lesquelles le jeune Hayek flirta avec la theorie de l'equilibre general.Dans cet article je defends la these selon laquelle Hayek etait conscient du fait qu'il s'inscrivait dans la tradition Wieserienne et qu'il l'etait toujours meme apres sa reception du prix Nobel en 1974 et quand il fit la distinction entre cette tradition et la tradition inauguree par Bohm-Bawerk et poursuivie par Mises. L'article affirme aussi que Wieser utilisa la construction d'une economie en equilibre general sujette a une volonte unique a la fois comme standard normatif pour evaluer les performances des marches dans le monde reel et comme outil analytique pour expliquer la formation des prix marchands. Enfin, l'article argumente que Hayek s'interessa aux problemes relevant d'une economie en equilibre general a la Wieser dans ses premiers ecrits en tant qu'economiste et cela bien avant qu'il ne se concentrât sur les problemes theoriques de la monnaie et du cycle des affaires.
Modeling Price Volatility Linkages between Corn and Wheat: A Multivariate GARCH Estimation

The present paper attempts an empirical investigation on price volatility linkages between two important agricultural commodities: corn and wheat, by using a multivariate GARCH-BEKK model. Evidence of bidirectional linkages were found between corn and wheat in terms of returns and volatility. Multivariate conditional Student’s-t distribution results show a unidirectional volatility transmission from corn to wheat. Diagnostic tests reveal that the Student’s-t distribution will better model the volatility of returns when compared to the Gaussian distribution. Overall, the results show that the conditional variances and covariances between agricultural commodity market returns exhibit significant changes over time.
Aharonov-Bohm effect in bound states: Theoretical and experimental status

The Aharonov-Bohm effect has recently been questioned on theoretical and experimental grounds. Such discussions have suffered from ambiguities which resulted from their focusing on scattering states. It is noted here that the bound-state problem is much simpler. To avoid the Aharonov-Bohm effect in theory requires us to abandon the most fundamental ideas of quantum mechanics. The quantization of flux in superconducting rings and Josephson junctions is a powerful experimental confirmation.
Temporal features of the outflow of heavy ionospheric ions in response to a high altitude plasma cavity

Using a hydrodynamic model for the plasma, it is demonstrated that the auroral plasma cavity is capable of drawing an appreciably large flux of oxygen ions, which are normally gravitationally bound. This escape mechanism of O(+) does not involve any additional heating or acceleration of the plasma in the ionosphere. The temporal evolution of the outflow shows that it starts near the cavity and penetrates into the ionosphere with a flux front moving down with the ion-acoustic speed. A steady outflow is reached in a few hours for a cavity at a height of one R(e) if the cavity is maintained. This time reduces to less than 1 hour for cavity heights less than 3000 km. During the transient state the outflux can appreciably exceed that in the steady state. In view of the horizontal convection, the transient outflow is of special significance. As the cavity descends, the ionospheric flux of O(+) increases; for the lower edge of the cavity in the altitude range 3000-10,000 km, the steady flux is found to be in the range 10 to the 7th to 10 to the 9th. An analysis for the steady state shows that outflow is controlled by the density scale height in the cavity.
Bessie Smith's ‘Back-Water Blues’: the story behind the song

‘Back-Water Blues’, composed by Bessie Smith and recorded by her on 17 February 1927, has long been associated in the popular mind and even by some writers with the great flood of the lower Mississippi River and its tributaries that occurred that year. This is historically problematical because that flood began two months after Smith recorded her song. Through an examination of Smith's touring itinerary, the testimony of fellow entertainers who toured with her, newspaper reports, and other documents, it can be shown that the song was composed about a flood of the Cumberland River that struck Nashville, Tennessee, on Christmas morning, 1926. The lyrics of the song are interpreted with respect to the events of that flood.
Structure of a human A-type potassium channel interacting protein DPPX, a member of the dipeptidyl aminopeptidase family

It has recently been reported that dipeptidyl aminopeptidase X (DPPX) interacts with the voltage-gated potassium channel Kv4 and that co-expression of DPPX together with Kv4 pore forming α-subunits, and potassium channel interacting proteins (KChIPs), reconstitutes properties of native A-type potassium channels in vitro. Here we report the X-ray crystal structure of the extracellular domain of human DPPX determined at 3.0 A resolution. This structure reveals the potential for a surface electrostatic change based on the protonation state of histidine. Subtle changes in extracellular pH might modulate the interaction of DPPX with Kv4.2 and possibly with other proteins. We propose models of DPPX interaction with the voltage-gated potassium channel complex. The dimeric structure of DPPX is highly homologous to the related protein DPP-IV. Comparison of the active sites of DPPX and DPP-IV reveals loss of the catalytic serine residue but the presence of an additional serine near the “active” site. However, the arrangement of residues is inconsistent with that of canonical serine proteases and DPPX is unlikely to function as a protease (dipeptidyl aminopeptidase).
Chemical and structural instabilities of lithium ion battery cathodes

The chemical and structural stabilities of various layered Li1−xNi1−y−zMnyCozO2 cathodes are compared by characterizing the samples obtained by chemically extracting lithium from the parent Li1−xNi1−y−zMnyCozO2 with NO2BF4 in an acetonitrile medium. The nickel- and manganese-rich compositions such as Li1−xNi1/3Mn1/3Co1/3O2 and Li1−xNi0.5Mn0.5O2 exhibit better chemical stability than the LiCoO2 cathode. While the chemically delithiated Li1−xCoO2 tends to form a P3 type phase for (1 − x) < 0.5, Li1−xNi0.5Mn0.5O2 maintains the original O3 type phase for the entire 0 ≤ (1 − x) ≤ 1 and Li1−xNi1/3Mn1/3Co1/3O2 forms an O1 type phase for (1 − x) < 0.23. The variations in the type of phases formed are explained on the basis of the differences in the chemical lithium extraction rate caused by the differences in the degree of cation disorder and electrostatic repulsions. Additionally, the observed rate capability of the Li1−xNi1−y−zMnyCozO2 cathodes bears a clear relationship to cation disorder and lithium extraction rate.
Identification of human acinar cell carcinoma by monoclonal antibody and in vitro differentiation.

Abstract Methylnitrosourea (MNU)-induced carcinomas in organ-cultured human pancreas when injected into nude mice produced subcutaneous carcinomas none of which were recognizable as being of acinar cell origin. Both monoclonal antibody to acinar cell surface marker produced by hybridoma, and in vitro tumor cell differentiation were used to detect tumors of acinar cell origin. Only 1 out of 14 tumors, a highly undifferentiated carcinoma, proved to be of acinar origin. This tumor was composed of cells devoid of zymogen granules but with abundant acinar cell surface marker. The acinar origin of this tumor was also confirmed by its differentiative features after 7 weeks of culture.
The effect of exercise duration and mode on the growth hormone responses in young women on oral contraceptives

Previous research is conflicting concerning the minimum time duration needed to elicit a growth hormone (GH) response to aerobic exercise; thus, the purpose of this project was to examine the effects of mode and duration on exercise-induced GH responses in young women taking oral contraceptives. Nine healthy young females on oral contraceptives exercised at 75% of their mode-specific peak aerobic power (VO2peak) on the treadmill and cycle ergometer for 10, 15 and 20 min, with serial blood samples taken at rest and every 10 min throughout the entire 5.5 h of the study. Each exercise bout was followed by 70 min of rest. A significant (P<0.02) GH response was observed at the end of exercise regardless of the duration or mode of exercise. The peak GH concentrations were 12.2 (1.8), 10.2 (1.6), and 7.6 (1.5) ng·ml−1 for the 10-, 15-, and 20-min exercise bouts on the treadmill, respectively. For the cycle ergometer, peak GH concentrations were 9.3 (2.0), 6.3 (1.0), and 9.8 (1.7) ng·ml−1, respectively. The total integrated area under the curve was not significantly different between the cycle and treadmill exercise for each exercise duration. Moderate-intensity aerobic exercise is sufficient to produce a GH response in as little as 10 min during both treadmill and cycling exercise in young women taking oral contraceptives. Overall, the mode of exercise does not impact the exercise-induced GH response.
The Hilltopping Mating System of Leschenaultia adusta (Loew) (Diptera: Tachinidae)

Males of the tachinid fly Leschenaultia adusta perch on small trees and shrubs on the highest parts of Usery Peak in central Arizona. Individuals select twig perches on the downwind side of these plants and fly out spontaneously from time to time or in response to another passing insect. Conspecific males elicit chases that on occasion escalate into elaborate, high-speed pursuit flights that go back and forth near the plant for several minutes. Although several males sometimes perch together briefly in the same plant, typically only one individual remains at a site for more than an hour on any given day. These site-faithful males can be considered territorial residents; they constituted about one-quarter of the males marked during the study. More than half of these residents returned to the same perch plant for two or more days. Perch plants varied in their attractiveness to male flies; male preferences were largely consistent across two years of study. Given that females were occasionally observed mating at male-occupied plants, we place the mating system of L. adusta within the hilltopping territorial category in which males compete for landmark perching sites attractive to receptive females. As is true for other hilltopping insects, receptive females of L. adusta appear to be rare and widely distributed.
Sorting the wheat from the chaff in dopamine neuron-based cell therapies.

The field of neuronal transplantation for Parkinson’s disease has evolved through a remarkable convergence of ideas and techniques (1, 2). Over the last decade, attempts to replace missing dopamine neurons have evolved from an innovative and complex fetal dopamine cell transplantation method toward a potential scalable method that depends on stem cell-derived dopamine neurons (2⇓⇓⇓⇓⇓⇓⇓–10). For functional recovery to occur, the precise midbrain dopamine neuron (denoted A9) lost—which normally connects exactly with the caudate putamen target and inititates movement—needs to be replaced. A series of transplantation experiments using transgenic mice and elimination of the A9 neuron have documented the need for such specificity (1, 11). Therefore, in future transplantation trials, it will be essential to transfer the active and necessary midbrain dopamine neurons back to the patients.
Representational storage in picture memory

Just as subjects can be highly accurate in identifying the original sense modality of presentation of words, they are also easily able to remember whether items were originally presented in verbal or pictorial form. This finding suggests some representational storage in terms of symbolic as well as in terms of sensory modality.
Progress toward the cloning of CLN6, the gene underlying a variant LINCL.

Marked clinical heterogeneity is seen in the late-infantile subtype of NCL (LINCL), complicating genetic analysis. In addition to the classical subtype, encoded by CLN2 on chromosome 11p15.5, several variant subtypes have also been described. In this paper, we report our progress in cloning a variant LINCL gene mapped in a small group of Costa Rican families. Clinically, these patients appear similar to classical LINCL patients, except onset of the disease is delayed and the course is milder. Extended haplotype analysis confirms the localization of this gene to chromosome 15q21-22, where CLN6 has also been mapped. Using now-standard positional cloning techniques, we have developed a physical map of our candidate region. These clones have been used to order genetic markers, STSs, and ESTs in this region and will be used for the identification of the disease gene transcript.
Cheetah mothers bias parental investment in favour of cooperating sons

In species where members of one sex enjoy enhanced reproductive benefits through cooperation, parents are expected to invest disproportionately in offspring of that sex. Individuals in certain spec...
Hemolytic Disease of the Newborn Apparently Caused by Anti‐Lua

Report of the first example of pure anti-Lua associated with hemolytic disease of the newborn. Of special interest is the fact that this serum demonstrated a marked prozone reaction in saline, papain and indirect Coombs titrations, and is the first anti-Lua serum to react well by the indirect Coombs technic.
A General Equilibrium Model of Congressional Voting

In this paper we specify a model in which Congressmen, constituents, and campaign contributors simultaneously decide on behavior. Constituents and contributors desire to influence the voting behavior of Congressmen; Congressmen, on the other hand, want to be elected and vote accordingly. We empirically test this model using roll call voting on eight bills dealing with economic regulation and find support for the model. Our results indicate that part of the voting behavior of Congressmen may be explained by noneconomic factors. We also find that unions and businesses as campaign contributors are sometimes influential; unions are more often influential than is business. Ideological factors are also important in explaining voting.
Science Signaling Podcast: 17 February 2009

This is a conversation with Tomoshige Kino, corresponding author of a Research Article published in the 10 February issue of Science Signaling . He discusses his group’s findings about how osmotic stress triggers expression of the genes required to restore osmotic balance in cells of the immune system.
A knowledge architecture for IT security

The major benefits of knowledge management, particularly as it pertains to security measures, makes it critical that organizations have a mechanism for defining and identifying knowledge needs.
Role of phospholipase D1 in the regulation of mTOR activity by lysophosphatidic acid

Mitogens activate protein translation through phosphorylation of p7S6 kinase (p70(S6K)) and eIF4E binding protein 1 (4E-BP1) mediated by the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) or phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K). A recent report (Science 294, 1942, 2001) has implicated phospholipase D (PLD) in mTOR signaling. We studied the role of PLD in the phosphorylation of p70(S6K) and 4E-BP1 induced by lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) and platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) using fibroblasts deficient in PLD activity and also 1-butanol, which inhibits phosphatidic acid production by PLD. The reduction in PLD activity in both situations impaired the effect of LPA on mTOR signaling but did not inhibit the effect of PDGF. PDGF induced marked phosphorylation of Akt (a PI3K target) but this was not affected by PLD deficiency. LPA caused much less phosphorylation of Akt and this was dependent on PLD activity. Toxin B, which inactivates Rho GTPases, markedly impaired PLD1 activation and phosphorylation of Akt, p70(S6K), and 4E-BP1 induced by LPA but had a minimal or no effect on the actions of PDGF. These results support the hypothesis that LPA activates protein translation through the action of PLD1-generated PA on mTOR and the PI3K/Akt pathway whereas PDGF acts through P13K/Akt independent of PLD1.
Gender Differences in Bullying Victimization: The Role of Academics and School Context

Bullying encompasses a range of victimizations including being attacked verbally, physically, and socially by peers (Olweus 2001; Espelage and Swearer 2003). Verbal attacks include being called nam...
The decomposition of NO2 on Rh(111): product NO velocity and angular intensity distributions

Abstract The velocity and angular distributions of NO produced from the decomposition of NO2 on Rh(111) under both reducing and oxidizing conditions have been measured at surface temperatures between 500 K and 1000 K. When a concurrent H2 beam is used, which keeps the surface free of oxygen, the NO product has much more translational energy than expected for equilibration at the surface temperature, but is dependent on Ts. There is total energy scaling; the translational energy is independent of final angle. A small amount of N2 is also produced. When the H2 beam is turned off, oxygen builds up on the surface. Under this oxidizing condition, the NO product has an almost Maxwell–Boltzmann velocity distribution at the surface temperature.
Immunohistochemistry of synaptic input and functional characterizations of neurons near the spinal central canal

Abstract Neurons surrounding the central canal in sacral spinal segments were functionally characterized on the basis of somatic and/or visceral afferent input, the intracellularly marked with horseradish peroxidase (HRP). Tissue sections containing portions of HRP-stained neurons were subsequently immunohistochemically examined for the presence of contacts made by axonal enlargements containing vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP), substance P (SP), somatostatin (SS), Leu-enkephalin (ENK), or serotonin (5-HT). ENK- and 5-HT-containing enlargements were found to contact all neurons examined. SP and SS terminals contacted fewer neurons, and were not associated with specific functional classes. On the other hand, VIP-containing fibers contacted only those neurons receiving visceral afferent input, thus supporting the contention that VIP is contained in a population of visceral afferent fibers projecting to the gray matter surrounding the central canal at sacral levels.
Incipient Cavitation in a Bulb Turbine: Model Test and CFD Calculation

【For a certain operating point of a horizontal shaft bulb turbine (i.e. volume flow, net head, blade angle, guide vane angle) the efficiency for different pressure levels (i.e. different Thoma-coefficient ${\sigma}$ ) is calculated using a commercial Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD-)-code including two-phase flow and a cavitation model. The results are compared with experimental results achieved at a closed loop test rig for model turbines. The comparison of the experimentally and numerically obtained efficiency and the visual impression of the cavitation show a good agreement. Especially the drop in efficiency is calculated with satisfying accuracy. This drop in efficiency in combination with the visual impression is of high practical importance since it contributes to determine the admissible cavitation in a bulb-turbine. It is seen that the incipient cavitation in Kaplan type turbines has no major importance in determing this admissible amount of cavitation.】
Unintended Consequences of Granting Small Firms Exemptions from Securities Regulation: Evidence from the Sarbanes‐Oxley Act

This paper provides evidence about the unintended consequences arising when small companies are exempted from costly regulations—these firms have incentives to stay small. Between 2003 and 2008, the SEC postponed compliance with Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (SOX) for “non-accelerated filers” (firms with public float less than $75 million). We hypothesize and find that some of these firms had an incentive to remain below this bright line threshold. Moreover, we document that these firms remained small by undertaking less investment, making more cash payouts to shareholders, reducing the number of shares held by non-affiliates, making more bad news disclosures, and reporting lower earnings than control firms. Finally, there is no evidence that firms remaining small are doing so to maintain insiders' private control benefits. These findings have implications beyond SOX because numerous federal and state regulations exempt small firms via bright line size thresholds.
Borders, Globalization and Eucharistic Hospitality

Abstract: This article relates the sacrament of the Eucharist to world migration and hospitality. To weave these themes is to find borders all around the Eucharistic table/altar, borders often unnoticed but borders that define economic, social, cultural, sexual and class divides. Using the notion of borderless borders and engaging Jacques Derrida's notion of hospitality, the author tries to expand the possibilities of the Christian demand to welcome people in and around and through the eucharistic sacrament as people gather with one another to be with one another and issue this constant call of welcome to whomever wants to come and eat.
The importance of edge for natant macrofauna in a created salt marsh

The relationship between marsh edge and animal use was examined in a plantedSpartina alterniflora marsh located in the Galveston Bay system of Texas. A completely randomized block experimental design was used with each of four blocks containing a control and experimental sector. Marsh edge was increased through the construction of channels in experimental sectors. Channel construction had no detectable effect on marsh surface elevation. Effects of these simulated tidal creeks on habitat use were examined by sampling nekton at high tide with drop enclosures both on the marsh surface and within the channels. Crustaceans dominated the nekton, and use of the marsh surface in experimental sectors was significantly higher than in controls; densities of brown shrimpPenaeus aztecus, white shrimpP. setiferus, and daggerblade grass shrimpPalaemonetes pugio were 4.6 to 13 times higher near the channels. Polychaete densities in marsh sediments were also significantly higher near channels, and densities of decapod predators were positively correlated with densities of these infaunal prey. Thus, channel effects on natant decapods may have been related to the distribution of prey organisms. However, increased densities of natant fauna along the channel edge may simply reflect a requirement for departure from the marsh surface at low tide. Marshsurface densities of small bait fishes, bay anchovyAnchoa mitchilli and the inland silversideMenidia beryllina, also increased near channels, but highest densities of these fishes were in the creeks themselves. The abundance and distribution of juvenile blue crabsCallinectes sapidus and gulf marsh fiddler crabsUca longisignalis were not affected by the addition of experimental channels. Overall, the study results indicate that habitat value of created salt marshes can be enhanced by incorporating tidal creeks into the marsh design.
Noninvasive imaging for coronary artery disease: a technology assessment for the Medicare Coverage Advisory Commission.

This report describes a review of the available scientific evidence through 2005 on direct noninvasive imaging tests (NITs) for coronary artery disease. In particular, the report addresses 6 key questions provided by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. The questions examine the degree to which current evidence supports confident judgments about the use of NITs in the assessment of native coronary artery stenosis in clinical practice. The 2 NITs that are examined in detail in this report are 16 (and higher)-multidetector computed tomography angiography and 1.5-T magnetic resonance angiography to evaluate for stenosis in native coronary arteries. Reported sensitivity of NITs ranged from 68% to 100%; reported specificity ranged from 57% to 100% (patient-based analysis). Limitations include the exclusion of significant numbers of segments and patients, with often only the proximal coronary segments visualized. There is no direct evidence assessing the clinical use of NITs in terms of the incremental benefits or risks compared to alternative testing strategies. Although the ability of noninvasive direct coronary imaging technologies is promising—particularly the 64-multidetector computed tomography angiography—the evidence does not provide strong guidance on whether and how such technologies should be used in the population generally, or for Medicare beneficiaries specifically. Informed clinical and policy decision making will require further study of these technologies in well-characterized clinical contexts, in typical practice settings, and with attention to impact on management and health outcomes.
High resolution tephra and U/Pb chronology of the 3.33–3.26 Ga Mendon Formation, Barberton Greenstone Belt, South Africa

Abstract The Mendon Formation in the Barberton Greenstone Belt of South Africa marks the boundary between the Onverwacht and Fig Tree Groups. These groups are characterized by mafic to ultramafic volcanism and felsic volcanism with related epiclastic sedimentation, respectively. This transition marks the end of komatiitic volcanism in the Barberton Greenstone Belt and is accompanied by numerous impact-related spherule layers. This study characterizes the upper Mendon Formation texturally and geochemically over a wide areal extent and across structure and facies changes in an attempt to better understand the evolution of tectonic processes at this boundary. A suite of whole rock and handheld X-ray fluorescence analyses are presented in conjunction with textural information, stratigraphic relationships, and U/Pb ages to create a temporal and chemostratigraphic framework for the Mendon Formation. Local and regional stratigraphic variations, including absence of distinctive layers and variation in layer thickness, seen across the Mendon preclude ascription of a single stratigraphy that accurately describes the >1.2 km of section present in this formation. These variations indicate diachronous deposition of the Mendon Formation over a wide areal extent and into multiple basins or sub-basins by more than one magmatic source. 204 Pb-corrected 206 Pb/ 238 U and 207 Pb/ 235 U concordia model ages of 3279 ± 9.1 Ma and 3287.3 ± 2.9 Ma for two samples from upper portions of the Mendon Formation provide temporal context for deposition. Two samples from the basal 10 m of the Fig Tree Group, above the S2 spherule bed that marks the boundary between the Onverwacht and Fig Tree Groups, give model ages of 3267.8 ± 6.9 Ma and 3261 ± 18 Ma. These ages provide added constraints for the Onverwacht-Fig Tree boundary and confirm that the Weltevreden Formation is roughly age-correlative with the uppermost Mendon Formation. While the Mendon and Weltevreden Formations are in part age-correlative and have similar lithologies, they do not appear to be genetically related. The dominance of ultramafic volcanic rocks and the paucity of felsic volcanic and terrigenous sedimentary rocks within the Mendon and Weltevreden Formations indicate that the primary mode of crustal formation was likely plume-related magmatic accretion and not subduction. The relatively sharp transition within the Barberton Greenstone Belt from ultramafic volcanic sequences to more felsic volcanic and epiclastic sedimentary sequences is everywhere marked by impact-related spherule layers, which suggest that major impacts may have played a role in the evolution of early tectonics to more modern, subduction-related styles.
Advancing Entertainment Education: Using The Rosie O'Donnell Show to Recognize Implementation Strategies for Saturated Markets

Entertainment-education (E-E) has been widely and successfully implemented in developing countries around the world, but it is much harder to utilize in media-saturated countries. However, talk shows can be a niche market for E-E campaigns. As evidence, The Rosie O'Donnell Show has made a significant contribution to the television industry and to entertainment-education research by redefining how advocacy, education, and entertainment can work through a variety talk show format. An extemporaneous talk show can implement E-E campaigns through four main strategies to target its viewers: (1) Variability, or using a variety of forms to provide campaign information, (2) using multimediated synergistic avenues and online connections, (3) creating audience proactivity by using a small group elements to promote self and collective efficacy, and host appeal to bridge the local to national gap, and (4) the host's use of instinctive intentionality in aggregating campaign messages. As executive producer and host of her show, Rosie O'Donnell affected awareness, disseminated educational information, and encouraged proactive behavior with social, political, and philanthropic agendas through repetitive, positive, and proactive entertainment-education messages.
Memory architecture template for Fast Block Matching algorithms on FPGAs

Fast Block Matching (FBM) algorithms for video compression are well suited for acceleration using parallel data-path architecture on Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs). However, designing an efficient on-chip memory subsystem to provide the required throughput to this parallel data-path architecture is a complex problem. This paper proposes a memory architecture template that is explored using a Bounded Set algorithm to design efficient on-chip memory subsystems for FBM algorithms. The resulting memory subsystems are compared with three existing memory subsystems. Results show that our memory subsystems can provide full parallelism in majority of test cases and can process integer pixels of a 1080p video sequence up to a rate of 275 frames per second.
Unexpected decarbonylation during an acid-mediated cyclization to access the carbocyclic core of zoanthenol

An unusual loss of CO was observed during a key cyclization event in efforts toward the total synthesis of zoanthenol. The synthesis of the cyclization precursor and a proposed mechanism for decarbonylation are detailed.