cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The economic valuation of train horn noise: A US case study

This paper provides a property value-based estimate of the dollar cost of train horn noise in a residential neighborhood in a small town, Wormleysburg, Pennsylvania, US. Residential property values are found to decrease by about $4800, or 4.1%, per 10 db of added noise exposure, for an aggregate total of $4,088,799 in 2004 dollars. The primary study was supplemented with information from a neighborhood survey. Dollar value estimates of train horn costs could prove useful in facilitating balanced benefit-cost analyses of horn noise abatement policies such as quiet zones, wayside horns, underpasses, or street closures.
Hugo Grotius on Ethics and War

Interest in the thought of Hugo Grotius on international law and ethics is justified inasmuch as he attempted to define a theoretical position between an idealism he thought counterproductive and an amoral realism he found unacceptable. Grotius constructed a system in which the moral authority of natural law was combined with the flexibility of human law. This required him to develop a special understanding of the nature and relation of these two types of law. In giving the law of nations, as a product of human will, the authority to suspend provisions of natural law, he provided for a code of international conduct that could permit injustice where necessary, without abandoning moral ideals altogether.
Development of a qPCR method to rapidly assess the function of NKT cells.

Abstract Introduction NKT cells comprise a rare, but important subset of T cells which account for ~ 0.2% of the total circulating T cell population. NKT cells are known to have anti-tumor functions and rapidly produce high levels of cytokines following activation. Several clinical trials have sought to exploit the effector functions of NKT cells. While some studies have shown promise, NKT cells are approximately 50% lower in cancer patients compared to healthy donors of the same age and gender, thus limiting their therapeutic efficacy. These studies indicate that baseline levels of activation should be assessed before initiating an NKT cell based immunotherapeutic strategy. Aim The goal of this study was to develop a sensitive method to rapidly assess NKT cell function. Methods We utilized artificial antigen presenting cells in combination with qPCR in order to determine NKT cell function in peripheral blood mononuclear cells from healthy donors and breast cancer patients. Results We found that NKT cell activation can be detected by qPCR, but not by ELISA, in healthy donors as well as in breast cancer patients following four hour stimulation. Conclusion This method utilizing CD1d-expressing aAPCs will enhance our knowledge of NKT cell biology and could potentially be used as a novel tool in adoptive immunotherapeutic strategies.
Long-Term Potentiation of Glial Synaptic Currents in Cerebellar Culture

Abstract Glial cells in the brain express neurotransmitter receptors and can respond appropriately to application of exogenous neurotransmitters such as glutamate. However, activation of receptors by endogenous, synaptically released transmitter has been difficult to demonstrate directly. Using cell-pair recording in cerebellar cultures from embryonic mouse, it is shown that activation of a cerebellar granule neuron can give rise to a rapid inward current in an adjacent glial cell. This current is mediated by activation of Ca 2+ -permeable AMPA/kainate receptors and is largely independent of glutamate reuptake or gap junctional coupling. Furthermore, prolonged stimulation of the granule neuron at 4 Hz can give rise to long-term potentiation (LTP) of the glial synaptic current that has similar properties to LTP of granule neuron–Purkinje neuron synaptic transmission—its induction is independent of postsynaptic depolarization, postsynaptic Ca 2+ influx, or glutamate receptor activation but requires presynaptic Ca 2+ influx. These findings suggest a model in which cerebellar LTP is both induced and expressed presynaptically and therefore may be detected by either neuronal or glial postsynaptic cells.
Stability of Self-Esteem Ratings and Their Relation to Academic Achievement: A Longitudinal Study.

In a sample of 380 children, self-esteem as measured by the Coopersmith Self-Esteem Inventory (SEI) became more stable and more highly correlated with school achievement as the children grew older. Subjects taking the SEI at ages 12 and 15 showed greater test-retest consistency (r = .64) than did subjects tested at ages 9 and 12 (r = .42). Correlations between SEI and school achievement scores also increased over the age range from 9 to 15. Children's self-perceptions appear less firmly established, and therefore may be more responsive to intervention, at earlier ages.
Combined ultrahigh vacuum–electrochemistry study of aniline oxidation at oxidized polycrystalline nickel

The oxidation of aniline at a polycrystalline Ni electrode in a phosphate buffered solution (pH = 5.8) has been studied by the use of combined ultrahigh vacuum-electrochemistry methodology. XPS analysis shows the presence of a surface bound aniline derived species similar to polyaniline. The amine to imine content of this species is dependent on potential, even though voltammetry shows no redox peaks characteristic of what is conventionally referred to as polyaniline. XPS spectra show the formation of a Ni 3+ species on Ni when it is oxidized in a phosphate buffer solution. This species is not formed when Ni is oxidized in phosphate buffer solutions containing aniline. The overall content of oxidized Ni in the surface layer formed at anodic potentials is lower when Ni is emersed from aniline containing solutions in comparison to emersion from aniline free solutions. Studies of the growth of the surface bound film by a time dependent pulsed potential method show that the growth of surface bound aniline derived polymeric species occurs after a brief induction period during which the growth of nickel oxide occurs. This aniline derived polymer species is found to be approximately five monolayers thick.
Proper-connected-diagram expansion of electrical conductivity for electron-impurity system

The straightforward expansion of the electric conductivityσ for an electron-impurity system in powers of the impurity densityns is known to diverge term by term. It is shown that this difficulty which arises from the average potential field of impurities, can be removed by using the expansion in terms of proper connected diagrams. This expansion, however, leads to a complicated dependence ofσ onn s . The analytical behavior ofσ(n s ) in the neighborhood ofn s =0 is investigated qualitatively with the assumption that the interaction potential between electron and impurity is arbitrarily strong but has a finite range. It is found that this investigation doesnot support the argument recently advanced by several authors thatσ(n s ) should contain in its asymptotic expansion terms in the combination ofn s and lnn s The present theory starts with Kubo's current correlation function formula forσ and proceeds with the aid of connected diagrams. It is developed for a quantum system but also applies for a classical system with few modifications in definitions.
Two-step K(+)-Na+ and Ag(+)-Na+ ion-exchanged glass waveguides for C-band applications.

A two-step K+–Na+ and Ag+–Na+ ion-exchange technique is introduced to fabricate single-mode channel waveguides in BK7 glass for the telecom-wavelength region. The dependencies of insertion loss, polarization-dependent loss (PDL), and bending loss of curved waveguides on channel width, diffusion time, and annealing time are investigated. Results show that postannealing is a required process for improving waveguide properties and an optimal annealing time exists. Although relatively narrow mask openings are used in most one-step ion-exchange processes, a wider channel width, to as wide as 10 µm, is preferred for this two-step method. The minimum coupling loss to/from single-mode fiber and the propagation loss is found to be 0.4 dB and 0.3 dB/cm, respectively. For 5-cm-long waveguides the PDL is less than 0.1 dB. For the S-bend structure the cosine curve exhibits apparently a lower bending loss than the double-arc curve.
Postsynaptic PDLIM5/Enigma Homolog binds SPAR and causes dendritic spine shrinkage

Dendritic spine morphology is thought to play important roles in synaptic development and plasticity, and morphological derangements in spines are correlated with several neurological disorders. Here, we identified an interaction between Spine-Associated RapGAP (SPAR), a postsynaptic protein that reorganizes actin cytoskeleton and drives dendritic spine head growth, and PDLIM5/Enigma Homolog (ENH), a PDZ-LIM (postsynaptic density-95/Discs large/zona occludens 1-Lin11/Isl-1/Mec3) family member. PDLIM5 has been implicated in susceptibility to bipolar disorder, major depression, and schizophrenia, but its function in neurological disease is poorly understood. We show that PDLIM5 is present in the postsynaptic density, where it promotes decreased dendritic spine head size and longer, filopodia-like morphology. Conversely, RNA interference against PDLIM5 or loss of PDLIM5 interaction with SPAR caused increased spine head diameter. Furthermore, PKC activation promoted delivery of PDLIM5 into dendritic spines and increased its spine colocalization with SPAR. These data reveal new postsynaptic functions for PDLIM5 in shrinkage of dendritic spines that may be relevant to its association with psychiatric illness.
Building a Following: Local Candidates' Political Careers and Clientelism in Argentine Municipalities

Why do some candidates prefer to use clientelistic strategies to mobilize voters while others do not? Building on existing explanations that highlight the importance of voters’ demand for particularistic goods and parties’ capacities to supply goods and monitor voters, this article focuses on candidates’ political careers. It argues that how candidates begin mobilizing voters to participate in rallies and elections becomes crucial in explaining their preferences to use clientelism. Candidates who receive a salary based on their ability to mobilize voters—paid party activists—are more likely to use clientelism than candidates who are not paid for their political work, unpaid party activists.
Internet Equaliser? Gender Stratification and Normative Circumvention in Science

Gender and connectivity initiatives intended to promote development assume that the Internet can have a significant impact on the careers and lives of women. It is important to test this assumption, given the prior research that establishes the educational and organisational limitations on women in professional careers, which increase the likelihood of restricted networks. The initial quantitative research available on the impact of the Internet is based on data from 2000. It shows improved access to the Internet for both men and women, but no evidence for Internet effects on productivity or professional networking. This study employs recent qualitative data from scientists in Kerala, which modify these conclusions and provide some grounds for optimism. The domestic context, so important for women in a patrifocal society, has created conditions for change, as the interest in children's education and the presence of home computers has begun a process of ‘circumvention’ of gender roles that demands further ...
Blunt rupture of the myocardium.

Abstract With the evolution of regional trauma systems, patients with severe cardiac injury are arriving in emergency departments with the potential for survival. This paper reviews the 61 survivors of nonpenetrating rupture of the free walls of the myocardium reported in the English-language literature. The chambers were involved in the following frequency: right atrium, 36; left atrium, 11; right ventricle, 12; and left ventricle, four. Most victims were young males, and 85% were involved in motor vehicle accidents. Seventy percent had an: admission systolic blood pressure less than 80 mm Hg, 78% had distended neck veins or a central venous pressure greater than 20 cm H 2 O, 67% had a widened mediastinum on admission chest roentgenogram, and 48% had fractures of the bony thorax. More than one hour elapsed before initiation of repair in 59%. Forty-eight percent of the repairs were performed via a median stemotomy. Cardiopulmonary bypass was used in only 10%.
Influence of calcium chloride and ammonium thiosulfate on bermudagrass uptake of urea nitrogen

Abstract Calcium chloride (CaCl2) and ammonium thiosulfate (ATS) have demonstrated an ability to inhibit urea hydrolysis and NH3 volatilization. The objective of this experiment was to determine the effect of rainfall and soil drying on the ability of CaCl2 and ATS to increase bermudagrass nitrogen (N) uptake from surface‐applied urea. Urea fertilizer, labeled with 15N and amended with CaCl2 or ATS, was surface‐applied to bermudagrass sod‐cores from Ships clay (C) and a Lufkin fine sandy loam (fsl) soils. Bermudagrass sod‐cores were subjected to either low or high rainfall regimes beginning seven days after fertilizer applications. After one month, bermudagrass was harvested and analyzed for total N and 15N content. Calcium chloride significantly increased bermudagrass N use efficiency (NUE) of surface applied urea by 33 to 47% on the Lufkin fsl, but had little effect on the Ships c. Apparently, CaCl2 is most effective on coarse textured soil with low cation exchange capacity (CEC). Simulated rainfall had...
The effect of staphylococcal enterotoxin B on pheromone production in fat bodies isolated from male boll weevils.

Abstract In this study we treated fat bodies excised from 1- to 10-day-old male boll weevils with staphylococcal enterotoxin B. After the compound was incubated with fat bodies for 2 hr, the incubating medium was extracted and analyzed for boll weevil sex pheromone production by gas chromatographic analysis. Of the four compounds that make up the boll weevil male sex pheromone, differences were found between the control (no enterotoxin) and test groups in production of the two aldehydes. We concluded from this that the staphylococcal enterotoxin does affect male pheromone production in boll weevils.
Substrate effect on absolute infrared intensities of ammonium iodide

Abstract Films of NH 4 I a few microns thick were prepared by sublimation onto substrates of NaCl, KBr, CaF 2 , KCl and AgCl. Absolute infrared absorption intensities of these films were found to be dependent on the identity of the substrate. X-ray and micro-photographic studies indicate oriented growth of the film on the single crystal substrates and show different crystallite sizes on different substrates.
Female prairie vole mate-choice is affected by the males’ birth litter composition

Experimental testing and retrospective examination of breeding records were used to examine the influence of sex composition and/or size of males' birth litters on female mate-choice. Sexually naive female prairie voles (Microtus ochrogaster) avoided males derived from all-male litters, but showed no preference for, or aversion to, males from single-male litters or from more typical mixed-sex litters. Examination of the pregnancy status of females after two weeks of pairing with a male allowed us to estimate the probabilites of a pups' intrauterine position relative to siblings for various litter sizes. The typical prairie vole pup derived from a mixed-sex litter comprised of 4.4 pups, and had a 13% chance of being isolated from siblings in utero and a 22% chance of being between siblings in utero. Pups from single-sex litters tended to be larger at weaning than did pups from mixed-sex litters; however, male size did not influence female choice behavior. These results suggest that some aspect of the perinatal experience of prairie vole pups from single sex litters can influence social interactions later in life.
In-situ Polymerization PLOT Columns I: Divinylbenzene

A novel method for preparation of porous-layer open-tubular (PLOT) columns is described. The method involves a simple and reproducible, straight-forward in-situ polymerization of monomer directly on the metal tube.
Colloidal Gold Nanoparticles Protected by Cationic Polyelectrolytes

Abstract Several stable gold colloids were prepared by the in-situ reduction of hydrogen tetrachloroaurate (HAuCl4) in the presence of various cationic polyelectrolytes. Several types of such polyelectrolytes were investigated for their ability to stabilize gold colloids, and UV – VIS spectroscopy was used to follow the in-situ reductions and to further characterize the colloids. The particle sizes and size distributions were determined by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). TEM micrographs and UV-VIS spectra were also used to characterize the stability of the colloids after storage for nine months in air at room temperature. Colloids protected by the cationic polyelectrolytes with ammonium side-groups along a hydrophobic polymer backbone frequently exhibited very good stability.
On the hysteretic properties of the GABA receptor

Abstract The kinetic and equilibrium properties of GABA-elicited conductance change in locust muscle and other cells are summarized and interpreted as consequences of molecular hysteresis. It is postulated that the resting conformation of the GABA receptor is an unsensitized precursor that exhibits slow conformational transitions and metastability. The hypothesis accounts for slow responses to GABA and the existence of discrete states of responsiveness of the GABA receptor in terms of the known properties of ligand interactions with oligomeric proteins.
Band-structure and core-hole effects in resonant inelastic soft-x-ray scattering: Experiment and theory

Inelastic x-ray scattering has been observed in the hexagonal forms of carbon (graphite) and boron nitride (hBN), both above and below their K edges. For excitation energies below the core threshold, inelastic-loss features are observed, which disperse linearly with excitation energy (Raman-like behavior). However, above the threshold, emission features that move in a nonlinear fashion are observed. We show that these two scattering regimes, which have previously been thought of as separate processes, viz., resonant x-ray Raman scattering (below threshold) and resonant inelastic x-ray scattering (above threshold), are described by the same theory for resonant fluorescence. Simulated spectra, with and without excitonic effects, are presented and compared with experiment. We conclude, based on this comparison, that excitonic effects influence these spectra in two ways. Primarily, the total fluorescence yields are enhanced or reduced simply because of changes in the absorption cross sections. Second, excitonic effects on emission features can be pronounced near some excitonic resonances, and these changes are more significant for excitation further above the K edges, which we attribute to the multiplicity of core-excited states being probed. Based on these findings, we conclude that core-hole effects do not necessarily undermine an interpretation of the scattering in terms of a one-electron (noninteracting) picture, and that resonant fluorescence spectroscopy may be successfully used to probe the band structure of solids.
'Coinfection-helminthes and tuberculosis'.

Purpose of reviewTuberculosis (TB) continues to be a significant problem and a major cause of morbidity and mortality in the developing world despite decades of intensive efforts to combat the disease. The poverty in these endemic areas is associated with an increased incidence of tropical helminthi
Incarcerated and street heroin addicts: a personality comparison.

This investigation examined the personality characteristics of unincarcerated street addicts as compared with two groups of prisoners: those admitting a history of heroin addiction and inmates who had never experimented significantly with opium derivatives. Although the three groups did not differ on such variables as age, education, or level of intellectual functioning and were markedly antisocial as measured by felony convictions and test indices, unincarcerated heroin addicts showed significantly more personality deviance on the MMPI than either prisoner addicts or nonaddict prisoners.
Ligand and structure-based methodologies for the prediction of the activity of G protein-coupled receptor ligands

Accurate in silico models for the quantitative prediction of the activity of G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) ligands would greatly facilitate the process of drug discovery and development. Several methodologies have been developed based on the properties of the ligands, the direct study of the receptor-ligand interactions, or a combination of both approaches. Ligand-based three-dimensional quantitative structure-activity relationships (3D-QSAR) techniques, not requiring knowledge of the receptor structure, have been historically the first to be applied to the prediction of the activity of GPCR ligands. They are generally endowed with robustness and good ranking ability; however they are highly dependent on training sets. Structure-based techniques generally do not provide the level of accuracy necessary to yield meaningful rankings when applied to GPCR homology models. However, they are essentially independent from training sets and have a sufficient level of accuracy to allow an effective discrimination between binders and nonbinders, thus qualifying as viable lead discovery tools. The combination of ligand and structure-based methodologies in the form of receptor-based 3D-QSAR and ligand and structure-based consensus models results in robust and accurate quantitative predictions. The contribution of the structure-based component to these combined approaches is expected to become more substantial and effective in the future, as more sophisticated scoring functions are developed and more detailed structural information on GPCRs is gathered.
Mechanically Enhanced Precipitation of Phase-Inversion Sprayed Polyurethane Scaffold May Be Used to Match Tissue Specific Anisotropy

Methods of creating a scaffold for tissue engineering that allow for modification of properties such as pore size, porosity, and anisotropy are essential for tissue engineering applications. For example the pore size and material anisotropy have been shown to affect cardiomyocyte elongation and alignment [1]. Phase-inversion spray polymerization (PISP) is a method for rapidly precipitating polymers onto a surface by depositing the polymer solution simultaneously with a nonsolvent, and may be used to create biocompatible scaffolds of engineered morphological and mechanical properties by varying the solubility of the polymer in the nonsolvent [2]. We report here on the fabrication of scaffolds using different nonsolvents and methods of in-process elongation that allow for control of stiffness, anisotropy ratio, porosity, and in vitro cell culture.Copyright © 2009 by ASME
Networking Capability and New Product Development

Current research on network theory remains largely focused on structures and outcomes without exploring the capability that firms need to build efficient and effective networks to their advantage. In this paper, we take a networking capability view in studying inter-firm relationships. We assume that firms create their networks strategically. We show a more compelling picture of how networking behavior influences new product development performance by developing a research design and statistical approach that addresses the endogeneity problem in network research. We argue theoretically and demonstrate empirically that networking capability is a reliable predictor of new product development performance. We find that interaction cost reduction, opportunity discovery, resource acquisition, and market knowledge generation and technology knowledge generation, respectively, mediate the positive relationship between networking capability and new product development performance. Third, we find that environmental dynamism acts as a moderating factor in the effect of networking capability on new product development performance, and the effect of networking capability on interaction cost reduction, opportunity discovery, resource acquisition, and market knowledge generation and technology knowledge generation are more salient when environmental dynamism is high than when it is low. The implication of the findings is that firms can develop strong networking capability to enhance product and technology innovation.
Rule shift, repeated confirmation, and hypothesis subset sampling

Three experiments were conducted to test the application of Levine’s transfer hypothesis to arithmetical problem solving. In the first, subjects were run to a long criterion, or a short criterion, and were then instructed that a new problem had begun; testing then continued until the short criterion was reached on the second problem. In a second experiment, subjects were run under the same conditions but were given no instructions on reaching the first criterion. In both experiments, the new problem was either a reversal of the first problem (inside) or from another set of hypotheses (outside). It was found that an inside transfer problem was solved in fewer trials than an outside problem. Those subjects who were given an inside transfer problem preceded by shift instructions or by a long-criterion run solved the new problem in fewer trials than other corresponding groups. In the third experiment, two short-criterion groups were run as before, comparing the reversal transfer problem with a different inside transfer problem. Transfer to either inside problem was found equally easy. The data are consistent with the theory that new hypotheses are sampled from those subsets which yielded prior confirmation.
Metabolism of l-azetidine-2-carboxylic acid in the alga Cyanidium caldarium

Abstract l -Azetidine-2-carboxylic acid, the naturally occurring lower homologue of l -proline, inhibits chlorophyll a and phycocyanin synthesis in cells of the unicellular alga, Cyanidium caldarium. The inhibitory effect of the homologue on pigment synthesis in algal cells was partially reversed during subsequent incubation with proline. Incorporation of radiolabeled proline into algal protein was reduced by 67% and 80% in cells preincubated with 0.4 mM or 1.0 mM l -azetidine-2-carboxylic acid, respectively. However, incorporation of radiolabeled leucine into algal protein was not affected by the homologue at these concentrations. l -Azetidine-2-carboxylic acid stability to hydrolysis in p-toluenesulfonic acid and the methods employed for measurement of l -azetidine-2-carboxylic acid incorporation into protein by amino acid analysis are described. It was shown that radiolabeled l -azetidine-2-carboxylic acid is incorporated into C. caldarium phycocyanin, a biliprotein which constitutes approx. 25% of the soluble protein in fully pigmented algal cells. Amino acid analysis of 14C-labeled phycocyanin revealed that 30%, 21%, and 26% of the recovered radioactivity eluted with the l -azetidine-2-carboxylic acid standard, with methionine, and with serine, respectively. Minor quantities of radioactivity eluted with other amino acids. l -Azetidine-2-carboxylic acid metabolism in algal cells is discussed. It was concluded that l -azetidine-2-carboxylic acid inhibition of chlorophyll a and phycocyanin synthesis, and proline incorporation into protein is consistent with the proposed consequences of l -azetidine-2-carboxylic acid substitution for proline on the biological activity of proteins, and that the homologue is incorporated into protein intact, in addition to being converted to other intermediates, in cells of C. caldarium.
Calcium-dependent activation and deactivation of rod outer segment phosphodiesterase is calmodulin-independent

Abstract ATP-dependent activation and deactivation of retinal rod outer segment phosphodiesterase is affected by calcium [Kawamura, S. and Bownds, M. D., J. Gen. Physiol. 77:571–591(1981)]. Our data demonstrate that although calmodulin has been found in rod outer segments [Liu, Y. P. and Schwartz, H., Biochim. Biophys. Acta 526:186–193(1978); Kohnken, R. E. et al , J. Biol. Chem. 256:12517–12522(1981)], this protein is not involved in calcium-dependent phosphodiesterase activation at light levels at which calcium clearly affects this enzyme's activity. Furthermore, calmodulin does not mediate the calcium-dependent deactivation of phosphodiesterase.
Isolation of a divalent cation ionophore from beef heart mitochondria.

Summary A divalent cation ionophore has been isolated from a partial tryptic digest of mercurial treated-lipid depleted mitochondria by extraction with butanol:acetic acid:water (4:1:5). The partially purified ionophore interacts with both calcium and magnesium ions and facilitates their transfer across the mitochondrial inner membrane or across a carbon tetrachloride phase separating two discontinuous aqueous compartments. The mitochondrial divalent cation ionophore shares many of the properties of previously reported divalent cation ionophores of microbiological origin, e.g., X537A and A23187.
Requirement of a colchicine-sensitive component of the cytoskeleton for acetylcholine receptor recovery.

Abstract 1. The effect of colchicine treatment on acetylcholine receptor function was examined in potassium depolarized, voltage-clamped snake twitch fibre endplates. Receptor function was assessed by analysis of miniature endplate currents (m.e.p.c.) as well as acetylcholine (ACh)-induced single channel currents. 2. Pretreatment of snake muscle fibres with colchicine (10 microM to 100 microM) for 16-18 h had no effect on m.e.p.c. amplitude or decay rates. At higher concentrations (1 mM), there was a slight decrease in the average m.e.p.c. amplitude. 3. Colchicine produced a concentration-dependent decrease in the extent of m.e.p.c. amplitude recovery following a 10 min exposure to 540 microM carbachol. Exposure of 100 microM colchicine-treated preparations to 0.5 microM staurosporine further reduced the extent of m.e.p.c. amplitude recovery following carbachol exposure. 4. The decrease in m.e.p.c. amplitude following carbachol exposure was not due to a shift in the m.e.p.c. reversal potential. In addition, the distribution of m.e.p.c. amplitudes remained unimodal in both control and colchicine (100 microM)-treated preparations following carbachol exposure. 5. In addition to the normal, large conductance (approximately 48 pS) ACh-activated channels, a population of small conductance (approximately 29 pS) channels was observed in colchicine-treated preparations following exposure to carbachol. In preparations treated with both colchicine and staurosporine and then exposed to carbachol, the conductance of these small channels was identical to that of colchicine or staurosporine alone. 6. We suggest that prolonged exposure of snake twitch fibre endplates to agonist results in the activation and desensitization of ACh receptors.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Dietary restriction in Drosophila.

Author(s): Rauser, CL; Mueller, LD; Rose, MR; Mair, W; Goymer, P; Pletcher, SD; Partridge, L
Cerebrospinal fluid leak treated by aspiration and epidural blood patch under computed tomography guidance.

Abstract Background and Objectives: Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage secondary to surgery of the spine is usually treated by drainage of CSF through a subarachnoid catheter or surgical repair of the dural tear. We present 2 cases in which the pseudomeningocele was treated by aspiration of the leaked CSF and blood patch under computed tomography (CT) guidance. Case Report: Two patients had headache after spine surgery. Physical examination showed a bulging accumulation of fluid at the laminectomy site. Aspiration of the fluid followed by injection of the patients' blood was performed aseptically under CT guidance. The patients had resolution of their headache, and follow-up showed no recurrence of the CSF leak. Conclusions: CSF leak secondary to a surgical tear of the dura can be successfully treated by aspiration of the fluid followed by injection of the patient's blood. CT guidance is recommended to assess the extent of the CSF leakage, determine the degree of evacuation of the leaked CSF, and to confirm the injection of the blood into the epidural space and the space created by the pseudomeningocele. Reg Anesth Pain Med 2001;26:363-367.
Interhemispheric interaction during simultaneous bilateral presentation of letters or digits in commissurotomized patients

Abstract Interhemispheric interaction after forebrain commissurotomy was studied in six patients. Letters or digits were flashed for 0·1 sec either in the left or in the right visual field alone, or in both fields simultaneously. Patients were asked to identify the stimuli either verbally or by hand. Results showed generally better performance for each hemisphere during unilateral than during bilateral stimulus presentation. For both verbal and manual responses, identification of right-field stimuli was better than that of left-field stimuli, the latter often being completely ignored during bilateral presentations. Some evidence was obtained for right-hemisphere verbalization during unilateral presentation of left-field stimuli.
Properties of herpes simplex virus type 1 and type 2 DNA polymerase.

Abstract Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) and type 2 (HSV-2) DNA polymerases were highly purified from infected HeLa BU cells by DEAE cellulose, phosphocellulose and DNA cellulose column chromatography. DNA exonuclease activity but not endonuclease activity was found associated with both types of DNA polymerase. Both DNA polymerase activities could be activated by salt in a similar fashion with the optimal activity in the range of ionic strength between 0.22 and 0.29 μ. At an ionic strength of 0.14, spermidine and putrescine in the concentration range (0–5 mM) studied could mimic the action of KCl in stimulating DNA polymerase activity. Spermine, in the same concentration range, had a biphasic effect. At an ionic strength of 0.29 all three polyamines were inhibitory. HSV-1 and HSV-2 DNA polymerase are similar in their column chromatographic behavior, sedimentation rate in sucrose gradient centrifugation, and activation energy, but they differ in their heat stability at 45°C with the HSV-2 enzyme more stable than the HSV-1 enzyme. Kinetic behavior of both enzymes is similar, with K m values for deoxyribonucleoside triphosphates in the range of 5 · 10 −7 to 1.8 · 10 −8 M. IdUTP and dUTP served as apparent competitive inhibitors with respect to dTTP, and AraATP acted as an apparent competitive inhibitor with respect to dATP. AraATP could not replace dATP in the DNA polymerization reaction; in contrast, IdUTP could replace TTP. Phosphonoformic acid behaved as an uncompetitive inhibitor with respect to DNA. The ID 50 value estimated was found to be dependent on the purity of the DNA polymerase used and the ionic strength of the assay condition. Each DNA-polymerase associated DNA exonuclease had the same stability at 45°C as its DNA polymerase. The associated DNAase activity was inhibited by phosphonoformic acid and high ionic strength of the assay condition.
Heterodyned 3D IR spectroscopy

Abstract Heterodyned 3D IR spectra are reported for three model compounds: W(CO)6, azide in an ionic glass, and an iridium metal dicarbonyl. The 3D spectra are generated using a fifth-order pulse sequence whose signal is Fourier transformed along three separate coherence evolution times. Because the pulse sequence rephases static vibrational frequencies into a photon echo, the 3D IR spectra exhibit spherical features for homogeneously broadened vibrational modes and elongated cigar-like features for inhomogeneously broadened systems. The 3D spectra can be visualized as a series of planes appearing at the overtone and combination band frequencies. Each plane contains a 2D correlation map. In a typical 2D IR spectrum, both diagonal peaks and cross peaks appear in the same correlation map, but in 3D IR spectroscopy the diagonal and cross peaks are separated into different 2D planes, greatly improving the spectral resolution. Simulations of the 3D IR spectra are also presented and future improvements to the technique are discussed. This work demonstrates that increased control over vibrational coherences enhances the resolution and information content of multidimensional infrared spectroscopies.
Effect of anatomical fractionation on the enzymatic hydrolysis of acid and alkaline pretreated corn stover

Due to concerns with biomass collection systems and soil sustainability there are opportunities to investigate the optimal plant fractions to collect for conversion. An ideal feedstock would require a low severity pretreatment to release a maximum amount of sugar during enzymatic hydrolysis. Corn stover fractions were separated manually and analyzed for glucan, xylan, acid soluble lignin, acid insoluble lignin, and ash composition. The stover fractions were also pretreated with either 0%, 0.4%, or 0.8% NaOH for 2 h at room temperature, washed, autoclaved and saccharified. In addition, dilute sulfuric acid pretreated samples underwent simultaneous saccharification and fermentation (SSF) to ethanol. In general, the two pretreatments produced similar trends with cobs, husks, and leaves responding best to the pretreatments, the tops of stalks responding slightly less, and the bottom of the stalks responding the least. For example, corn husks pretreated with 0.8% NaOH released over 90% (standard error of 3.8%) of the available glucan, while only 45% (standard error of 1.1%) of the glucan was produced from identically treated stalk bottoms. Estimates of the theoretical ethanol yield using acid pretreatment followed by SSF were 65% (standard error of 15.9%) for husks and 29% (standard error of 1.8%) for stalk bottoms. This suggests that integration of biomass collection systems to remove sustainable feedstocks could be integrated with the processes within a biorefinery to minimize overall ethanol production costs.
Solar Noise Observations on 10.7 Centimeters

Daily observations of the 10.7-cm. solar radiation show a 27-day recurrent peak which has a strong correlation with the appearance of sunspots. In the absence of large spots the equivalent temperature of the sun is 7.9 × 104°K.s of solar noise show a sharp rise lasting one or two minutes and a gradual decline to pre-storm value or to a somewhat higher value. Average burst duration is ten minutes.
Array architectures for iterative matrix calculations

The paper considers the important problem of fast computation of iterative matrix equations. Three architectures for fast implementation of Faddeev's matrix inversion algorithm are described. The recursive nature of Faddeev's algorithm is indicative of many other algorithms, based on the Cayley-Hamilton theorem. All such algorithms seem well suited to the class of orbital architectures reported by Porter and specialised herein. The architectures presented here are essentially 3-dimensional structures. They clearly demonstrate several advantages over comparable 2-dimensional structures particularly with respect to speed and I/O requirements. Besides, the presented architectures are chosen to highlight various 3-dimensional solutions and associated tradeoffs that are representative of the subject class of problems.
A Mechanism for Action of Oscillating Electric Fields on Cells

The biological effects of electromagnetic fields have seriously concerned the scientific community and the public as well in the past decades as more and more evidence has accumulated about the hazardous consequences of so-called "electromagnetic pollution." This theoretical model is based on the simple hypothesis that an oscillating external electric field will exert an oscillating force to each of the free ions that exist on both sides of all plasma membranes and that can move across the membranes through transmembrane proteins. This external oscillating force will cause a forced vibration of each free ion. When the amplitude of the ions' forced vibration transcends some critical value, the oscillating ions can give a false signal for opening or closing channels that are voltage gated (or even mechanically gated), in this way disordering the electrochemical balance of the plasma membrane and consequently the whole cell function.
The policy iteration algorithm for average reward Markov decision processes with general state space

The average cost optimal control problem is addressed for Markov decision processes with unbounded cost. It is found that the policy iteration algorithm generates a sequence of policies which are c-regular, where c is the cost function under consideration. This result only requires the existence of an initial c-regular policy and an irreducibility condition on the state space. Furthermore, under these conditions the sequence of relative value functions generated by the algorithm is bounded from below and "nearly" decreasing, from which it follows that the algorithm is always convergent. Under further conditions, it is shown that the algorithm does compute a solution to the optimality equations and hence an optimal average cost policy. These results provide elementary criteria for the existence of optimal policies for Markov decision processes with unbounded cost and recover known results for the standard linear-quadratic-Gaussian problem. In particular, in the control of multiclass queueing networks, it is found that there is a close connection between optimization of the network and optimal control of a far simpler fluid network model.
Sequential Bayes-Optimal Policies for Multiple Comparisons with a Known Standard

We consider the problem of efficiently allocating simulation effort to determine which of several simulated systems have mean performance exceeding a threshold of known value. Within a Bayesian formulation of this problem, the optimal fully sequential policy for allocating simulation effort is the solution to a dynamic program. When sampling is limited by probabilistic termination or sampling costs, we show that this dynamic program can be solved efficiently, providing a tractable way to compute the Bayes-optimal policy. The solution uses techniques from optimal stopping and multiarmed bandits. We then present further theoretical results characterizing this Bayes-optimal policy, compare it numerically to several approximate policies, and apply it to applications in emergency services and manufacturing.
Confronting The Chronic Disease Burden In Latin America And The Caribbean

The United States is not alone in facing increasing incidence and prevalence of chronic conditions as a contributor to poorer health and growing health care spending. Latin America and the Caribbean face similar burdens, but they have fewer resources with which to respond. Much remains to be done to cope with the emerging public health and fiscal threat posed by increases in chronic conditions. However, a set of studies sponsored by the Inter-American Development Bank bring good news on potentially cost-effective strategies to improve coverage and outcomes. They should help move the growing epidemic of chronic diseases in Latin America and the Caribbean to the forefront of health policy in the region.
A rapid and simple scheme for confirmation of salmonella tester strain phenotype

A simple scheme has been developed for confirming the phenotype of the standard set of Salmonella typhimurium tester strains. This scheme employs a series of filter paper discs impregnated with diagnostic mutagens or bacterial toxins. Up to 6 diagnostic discs can be placed on a petri dish to test a single Salmonella strain. The Salmonellae are distinguished by their responses to ampicillin, crystal violet, nitrofurantoin, 9-aminoacridine, 4-nitro-o-phenylenediamine and sodium azide.
Inactivation of the p53 pathway in prostate cancer: impact on tumor progression.

To determine the potential role of p53 inactivation in prostate cancer, we studied a well characterized cohort of 86 patients treated with radical prostatectomy. We analyzed patterns of p53, mdm2, and p21/WAF1 expression by immunohistochemistry. Results were then correlated with clinicopathological parameters of poor outcome, including time to PSA relapse. In addition, data were also correlated with proliferative index, as assessed by Ki67 antigen detection. p53-positive phenotype, defined as identification of nuclear immunoreactivity in > 20% of tumor cells, was observed in 6 of 86 cases (7%). An association was observed between p53-positive phenotype and decreased time to PSA relapse (P or = 20% of tumor cells displaying nuclear immunoreactivity, was observed in 28 of 86 cases (32.5%). mdm-2-positive phenotype was found to be associated with advanced stage (P = 0.009). p21-positive phenotype, defined as > 5% of tumor cells with nuclear immunoreactivity, was observed in 28 of 86 cases (32.5%). An association was observed between p21-positive phenotype and high Ki67 proliferative index (P = 0.002). Patients with p21-positive phenotype had a significant association with decreased time to PSA relapse (P = 0.0165). In addition, a significant association was found between p21-positive phenotype and coexpression of mdm2 (P < 0.01). Forty-three of 86 cases (50%) were found to have one or more alterations, and patients with any alteration were found to have a higher rate of PSA relapse (P < 0.01). It is our hypothesis that a pathway of prostate cancer progression involves p53 inactivation caused by mdm2 overexpression and that p21 transactivation in this setting is due to an alternative signaling system, rather than through a p53-dependent mechanism.
Observational Cosmology With Faint Galaxies and a (9±1)-meter Telescope

The new generation of 8 to 10-meter class telescopes opens exciting new possibilities for observational cosmology. A brief overview is given of several types of studies of galaxy formation and evolution. Deep galaxy counts and redshift surveys will probe the evolution of normal field galaxies out to redshifts well in excess of 1, and L∗ galaxies should be detectable in the infrared out to z ~ 4–5. It is possible that new types of galaxies or AGN may be found in the deep infrared surveys. Detailed studies of galaxian properties and their correlations (e.g., the fundamental plane correlations for ellipticals) may be possible out to z ~ 1. Infrared Hubble diagrams for brightest cluster ellipticals and moderate-power radio galaxies may again become a viable cosmological test. Finally, a population of primeval galaxies undergoing their first major bursts of star formation should be detectable, possibly through their nebular oxygen and hydrogen Balmer line emission, now redshifted to the near infrared.
The histone shuffle: histone chaperones in an energetic dance

Our genetic information is tightly packaged into a rather ingenious nucleoprotein complex called chromatin in a manner that enables it to be rapidly accessed during genomic processes. Formation of the nucleosome, which is the fundamental unit of chromatin, occurs via a stepwise process that is reversed to enable the disassembly of nucleosomes. Histone chaperone proteins have prominent roles in facilitating these processes as well as in replacing old histones with new canonical histones or histone variants during the process of histone exchange. Recent structural, biophysical and biochemical studies have begun to shed light on the molecular mechanisms whereby histone chaperones promote chromatin assembly, disassembly and histone exchange to facilitate DNA replication, repair and transcription.
Nonlinear Optimal Control with Tensors: Some Computational Issues

Researches in the last six years have made possible a new computational approach to problems of nonlinear optimal feedback control. Recursive equations for the terms in expansions of optimal value functions and optimal feedback control laws have been determined, and have been parameterized in terms of the algebraic tensor. The first numerical results based upon these new theories were reported by O'Sullivan and Sain in 1984. This paper discusses some computational issues which arise in such calculations.