cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Waved-1 mutant mice are hypersensitive to the locomotor actions of cocaine

Transforming growth factor-α (TGFα) is a well-known regulator of many developmental processes, and is expressed heavily in basal forebrain and striatal regions. When TGFα is reduced in Waved-1 (Wa-1) mutant mice, brain anatomy, biogenic amines, stress response, and behavior are normal prior to, but altered following puberty. As an initial screen for possible alterations in nigrostriatal and mesolimbic dopamine (DA) systems, we tested adult Wa-1 mutant mice in an open field, following acute injection with cocaine (15 mg/kg). Wa-1 mice exhibited significantly greater ambulatory distance, number of ambulatory episodes, and cocaine-induced motor stereotypies than do controls. These data indicate that adult Wa-1 mice are hypersensitive to the locomotor effects of cocaine and provide a new potential link between neurodevelopmental processes and adult psychostimulant responsiveness. Synapse 61:259–262, 2007. © 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Outsourcing for E-Government: Managing for Success

This study offers both an analytical framework of and empirical evidence on the key management strategies and capacities for successful information technology (IT) outsourcing by public agencies. T...
Comparison of Predicted and Observed Solar Radiation in an Urban Area

Measurements of the downward solar radiant flux in the St. Louis area are compared with predictions from an approximate solution to the radiative transfer equation. The atmospheric aerosols were assumed to have a power size distribution and the refractive indices suggested by Fischer (1973) for an urban area. On a relatively clean day, the predictions compared well with observations. On a hazy day, the comparison was poor with the a priori choice of aerosol properties. The particles on the hazy day apparently had more submicron particles than those found in the assumed size distribution, and the particles were considerably less absorbing than those observed by Fischer. These changes could represent the effects of relative humidity and different air mass characteristics.
Loss of adenomatous polyposis coli gene function disrupts thymic development

Loss of the adenomatous polyposis coli (APC) protein is a common initiating event in colon cancer. Here we show that thymocyte-specific loss of APC deregulated β-catenin signaling and suppressed Notch-dependent transcription. These events promoted the proliferation of cells of the double-negative 3 and 4 stages and reduced rearrangements between the variable, diversity and joining regions of the gene encoding T cell receptor (TCR) β, encouraging developmental progression of aberrant thymocytes lacking pre-TCR and αβ TCR. Simultaneously, the loss of APC prolonged the mitotic metaphase-to-anaphase checkpoint and impaired chromosome segregation, blocking development beyond the double-negative 4 stage. The result was extensive thymic atrophy and increased frequencies of thymocytes with chromosomal abnormalities. Thus, loss of APC in immature thymocytes has consequences distinct from those of deregulation of β-catenin signaling and is essential for T cell differentiation.
What does unit-level absence mean? Issues for future unit-level absence research

Abstract The purpose of this paper is to explore unit-level absence by focusing on absence culture research. Relevant unit-level and cross-level absence research is reviewed and is summarized in a conceptual framework. The framework is used to guide the discussion of future unit-level absence research. The discussion of future research includes relevant concepts from the research on organizational culture and work teams that are shown to integrate with or possibly augment future unit-level absence culture research.
Testing for cis' proline with alpha-aminoisobutyric acid substitution. N.m.r. studies of AIB substituted bradykinins.

Substitution of Pro residues with AIB (alpha-aminoisobutyric acid) residues in peptides provides a means of evaluating the presence of cis' proline conformations both in solution and, using bioassay data, in a receptor complex. 1H n.m.r. has been used to probe the DMSO solution conformation of all seven of the possible AIB/Pro isomers of bradykinin. AIB substitution for Pro2 and/or Pro3 appears to stabilize a type III beta-turn involving the N-terminal residues, but not an incipient 3(10) helix suggested by model peptides. These substitutions are correlated with low biological potencies, suggesting that such conformational features may be incompatible with receptor complexation. Alternatively, AIB7 -bradykinin analogs exhibit a variety of long range shift perturbations relative to bradykinin. The data suggests that bradykinin can adopt several folded conformations, including beta-turns involving both Ser6-Pro7-Phe8-Arg9 and Phe5-Ser6-Pro7-Phe8. The relatively high biological activities of the AIB7-BK suggest that the complexed form of the peptide is characterized by a cis' Pro7 conformation.
Directed approach responses and positive conditioned suppression in the rat

Three experiments evaluated an alternative to accounts of positive conditioned suppression that stress central (i.e., motivational or emotional) states. This “competing-response” interpretation was tested by analyzing directed movements that develop in rats during a visual or an auditory stimulus (CS) that signals an appetitive reinforcer (US) in a situation where the subject is also emitting an instrumental response for food. In each experiment, positive conditioned suppression (i.e., a reduction in the rate of such instrumental responding during CS presentations) was accompanied by responses directed toward the CS source and/or the US-delivery site. In Experiment 1, a diffuse (auditory) CS signaled a US delivered at some specific place in the chamber and rats approached the US-delivery site during CS. In Experiments 2 and 3, the spatial proximity of a localized visual CS and US-delivery site determined whether CS-directed or US-directed behavior predominated during the CS. The results suggest that the topographies of conditioned responses on any positive conditioned suppression procedure depend upon the spatial arrangements of features that elicit and support these behaviors. They further suggest that the identification of these features and their spatial arrangements is necessary for the analysis of appetitive classical-instrumental interactions.
Wavelet-based intensity analysis of mechanomyographic signals during single-legged stance following fatigue

The von Tscharner (2000) "intensity analysis" describes the power of a non-stationary signal as a function of both frequency and time. The present study applied a version of this intensity analysis that utilizes Morlet wavelets as a means of gaining insight into the application of this technique as alternative to power spectral analysis for the evaluation of postural control strategy during the single-legged stance and to examine the effects of fatigue. Ten subjects (gender balanced, age: 25±3 years; height: 169.4±11.7 cm; weight: 79.0±16.9 kg) participated in two trials consisting of five 15-s dominant-leg stances. Three-uniaxial accelerometers were fixed to the surface of the dominant leg corresponding to VM, VL, SOL, and MMG was recorded at a sampling rate of 1000 Hz. Signals were later analyzed using a variation of the von Tscharner intensity analysis consisting of a filter bank of 11 Morlet wavelets (range: 2.1-131.1Hz). Two Wingate anaerobic tests (WAnT) separated by a 2-min rest were performed to introduce fatigue. Repeated measures ANOVAs showed significant effects for time, gender, trial, and wavelet (p<0.001) and significant interactions for muscle by wavelet, gender by trial, trial by wavelet, and gender by trial by wavelet (p<0.001). Peak total MMG intensity (mean±SD) was higher in males than females and higher following fatiguing exercise preWAnT (squared ms(-2)): 42.6±4.5 vs. 19.2±2.3; postWAnT (squared ms(-2)): 90.4±9.1 vs. 28.4±2.8. Peak total MMG intensity was compressed to the lower frequencies surrounding ∼12 Hz, corresponding to what might be considered physiologic tremor, and a lower peak at ∼42 Hz was most prominent in SOL. The intensity analysis is a useful tool in exploring postural control and in studying the effects of fatigue on the mechanical properties of skeletal muscle.
Vertical dynamic visual acuity in normal subjects and patients with vestibular hypofunction

ObjectiveThis study was designed to measure visual acuity during active vertical head movement and to examine its relationship to subjective reports of oscillopsia.Study DesignThis was a prospective, clinical study.SettingThe study was performed in a tertiary, ambulatory referral center.PatientsThir
SU‐FF‐I‐57: A PET Head and Neck Tumor Delineation Approach Based On Mumford‐Shah Active Contours

Purpose: Existing methods to segment the tumor boundary using PET images have focused on intensity thresholding, which suffers from ambiguity with respect to the threshold selection. In this paper, we present a novel, semi‐automatic method for PET head & neck tumor delineation utilizing an energy minimization method—Mumford‐shah active contours. Method and Materials: Mumford‐shah method is a region‐based active contour model which enjoys a number of attractive properties, such as greater robustness to noise than most edge‐based approaches, and flexible initial contour placement. The proposed process begins when an experienced radiation oncologist manually draws a small initial curve (or surface) inside the desired tumor. Then the Mumford‐shah active contour model is utilized to expend this initialization to reach an equilibrium state and form the final tumor boundary. In this model, the region‐based information is for guiding the energy minimization process. The entire process is adaptive to each tumor and independent of the manual drawn initializations. Results: We applied this method to a set of simulated, phantom, and clinical PET images. For simulated and phantom images, the results were quantitatively compared with the known sphere sizes. The results show that our method is reasonably robust with errors less than 2.0 mm in the diameter and volume overlap metric higher than 90.0% between the detected volumes and the actual volumes. The results on clinical PET images were deemed reasonably accurate through visual appraisal by an experienced head‐and‐neck radiation oncologist.Conclusion: An energy minimization method based on Mumford‐shah active contours is applied to adaptive, reproducible, and accurate tumor delineation in PET. Experimental results on simulated, phantom, and clinical PET images demonstrate the robustness, accuracy, reproducibility, and its potential usefulness in clinical radiation therapy planning.
Plate assays for griseofulvin in pharmaceutical preparations and body fluids.

A microbiological assay for griseofulvin in pharmaceutical preparations using either cylinders or paper disks is described. A modification to assay griseofulvin concentrations in body fluids is also presented. Both assays offer more precision in assaying griseofulvin than existing microbiological methods.
Ultrastructural evaluation of parathyroid and ultimobranchial glands in iguanas with experimental nutritional osteodystrophy.

Abstract Iguanas held in captivity frequently develop nutritional secondary hyperparathyroidism since nutrient requirements are not known for reptiles. Hatchling and juvenile green iguanas fed experimental diets low in calcium with either low or adequate phosphorus developed hypocalcemia. Coincident with the onset of hypocalcemia in the second experimental month the parathyroid chief cells became hypertrophic and had extensive arrays of rough endoplasmic reticulum, numerous mitochondria, many prosecretory granules associated with the Golgi apparatus, small secretory granules aligned along the plasma membrane but few large storage granules, suggesting rapid synthesis and secretion of parathyroid hormone. In contrast, C-cells of ultimobranchial glands accumulated large numbers of storage granules in response to the hypocalcemia. Control iguanas fed a diet adequate in calcium and phosphorus had moderately active parathyroid chief cells and ultimobranchial C-cells often were degranulated. It appeared that the parathyroid glands play a more active role than ultimobranchial C-cells in the pathogenesis of nutritional secondary hyperparathyroidism in lizards.
Tumor suppression by RNA from the 3′ untranslated region of α-tropomyosin

NMU2, a nondifferentiating mutant myogenic cell line, gives rise to rhabdomyosarcomas in mice. We show that constitutive expression of RNA from 0.2 kb of the alpha-tropomyosin (Tm) 3' untranslated region (UTR), but not control 3'UTRs, suppresses anchorage-independent growth and tumor formation by NMU2 cells. When beta-galactosidase (beta-gal)-labeled cells were implanted into muscles of adult mouse hindlimbs, Tm 3'UTR expression suppressed the proliferation, invasion, and destruction of muscle tissues characteristic of NMU2. In the rare tumors that developed from Tm 3'UTR transfectants, RNA expression was extinguished. These results suggest that suppression of tumorigenicity is dependent on the continued expression of Tm transcripts lacking a coding region. We conclude that untranslated RNAs can function as regulators (riboregulators) that suppress tumor formation.
Short-term morbidity of primary retroperitoneal lymph node dissection in a contemporary group of patients.

Purpose: We defined the blood loss, operative time and short-term morbidity of primary retroperitoneal lymph node dissection in a contemporary series to assess whether laparoscopic retroperitoneal lymph node dissection actually confers the magnitude of benefit claimed.Materials and Methods: A retrospective chart review was performed of 75 consecutive patients who underwent primary retroperitoneal lymph node dissection during the 18 months ending May 2005. Two patients were excluded, including 1 who underwent right hemicolectomy for cecal adenocarcinoma and 1 with a pure seminomatous intra-abdominal testicle.Results: Of the 73 patients 69 (94%) underwent unilateral dissection and 60 (82.2%) underwent a nerve sparing procedure. Mean operative time was 132 minutes (range 81 to 246) and mean blood loss was 207 cc (range 50 to 500). Nasogastric tubes were placed in 2 patients (2.7%). Mean time to start clear liquids was 1.0 day. Mean hospital stay was 2.8 days (range 2 to 4).Conclusions: The short-term morbidi...
OPTIMAL INVESTMENT AND CONSUMPTION STRATEGIES FOR A CLASS OF UTILITY FUNCTIONS

THIS RESEARCH FORMALIZES Irving Fischer's model of the individual under risk, and represents at the same time a generalization of Phelps' model of personal saving.' The objective of the individual is postulated to be the maximization of expected utility from consumption over time where the horizon is arbitrarily distant. The individual's resources consist of an initial capital position (which may be negative) and a noncapital income stream which is known with certainty but which may possess any timeshape. The individual faces both financial opportunities (borrowing and lending) and an arbitrary number of productive investment opportunities. The interest rate is presumed to be known and invariant over time; however, the results obtained also hold for certain cases in which the borrowing rate exceeds the lending rate. The returns from the productive opportunities are assumed to be random variables, whose probability distributions may differ from period to period. The basic (Fisherian) characteristic of the approach taken is that the portfolio-composition decision, the financing decision, and the consumption decision are all analyzed simultaneously in one model. The vehicle of analysis is discrete-time dynamic programming. Optimal consumption and investment strategies are derived for the class of utility
Coronary thrombosis associated with inherited protein S deficiency: A case report

Abstract Protein S deficiency (PSD) may be associated with thrombotic events, including venous and arterial thrombosis. Most commonly, superficial and deep venous thrombosis have been noted. We report a case of acute myocardial infarction resulting from coronary thrombosis in a young male with PSD. (Heart Lung® 1997; 26: 76-9.)
Resonance Raman spectra of cytochrome c oxidase. Excitation in the 600-nm region.

The resonance Raman (RR) spectra of oxidized, reduced, and oxidized cyanide-bound cytochrome c oxidase with excitation at several wavelengths in the 600-nm region are presented. No evidence is found for laser-induced photoreduction of the oxidized protein with irradiation at λ ~600 nm at 195 K, in contrast to the predominance of this process upon irradiation in the Soret region at this temperature. The Raman spectra of all three protein species are very similar, and there are no Raman bands which are readily assignable to either cytochrome a or cytochrome a3, exclusively. The Raman spectra of the three protein species do, however, exhibit a number of bands not observed in the RR spectra of other hemoproteins upon excitation in their visible absorption bands. In particular, strong Raman bands are observed in the lowf-requency region of the RR spectra ( <500 cm^-1). The frequencies of these bands are similar to those of the copper-ligand vibrations observed in the RR spectra of type 1 copper proteins upon excitation in the 600-nm absorption band characteristic of these proteins. In cytochrome c oxidase, these bands do not disappear upon reduction of the protein and, therefore, cannot be attributed to copper-ligand vibrations. Thus, all the observed RR bands are associated with the two heme A moieties in the enzyme.
Verifying Predictions of Water and Current Distributions in a Serpentine Flow Field Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel Cell

A three-dimensional numerical model is used to predict the local current density and membrane conductivity inside a polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell with a serpentine flow path. The model includes the gas diffusion layer, and it accounts for the area hidden from direct contact with the flowing gases by the current collector contacts (i.e., the ribs). The predictions agree with experimental data for various operating cell temperatures at a fixed inlet humidity condition. Data on closure of the water balances are presented and are also shown to be consistent with the numerical predictions of water transport by electro-osmotic drag and back diffusion. The data and the model show conditions where insufficient water lowers the conductivity of the membrane and yields low currents at a fixed voltage. Finally, predictions of the distributions of current density, water flux per proton, and membrane conductivity are presented. © 2003 The Electrochemical Society. All rights reserved.
Blank correction considerations for isotope dilution and reverse isotope dilution calibration: Determination of methylmercury in fish tissue

A mathematical approach to the accurate correction of the blank when applying isotope dilution (ID) and reverse ID is presented. The manner in which blank correction is undertaken is critical to the quality of the final results. Direct subtraction of a procedural blank from the gross analyte concentration is only valid when the blank contributes to the primary ID process and not to the reverse ID process. When the blank contributes to both processes, typically only a fraction of this blank concentration should be subtracted. The approach developed here was illustrated and validated by the determination of MeHg in tuna fish using ID and reverse ID SPME GC-ICP-MS and an enriched Me198Hg spike. Despite a 150-fold higher blank (equivalent to 7% of the analyte concentration in the sample) arising from use of a 1 M NaOAc/HOAc buffer solution compared to that obtained with use of a 0.5 M NH4OAc/HOAc buffer, final concentrations of 19.90 ± 0.34 and 19.88 ± 0.10 μmol kg−1 (one standard deviation, n = 3) respectively, were derived. These data are in good agreement with the assigned value of 19.91 ± 0.82 μmol kg−1 (as 95% confidence interval, derived from an international intercomparison exercise). The methodology was also applied to the determination of a 50-fold lower concentration of MeHg in a salmon fish. A method detection limit (3SD) of 0.9 nmol kg−1 based on processing of a 0.40 g subsample was obtained.
Lead Oxide Glass Tubing Converters for Gamma Detection in MWPC

PbO glass converters for the detection of gamma rays with MWPC have been investigated. The converters were made by fusing glass tubes stacked to form a close-packed array and were treated in a H2 reduction process to provide a suitable electric drift field. Electron conversion efficiency, drift velocity, and spatial resolution of these arrays were investigated. Using 511 keV gamma rays, an electron conversion efficiency of 8% was established for the converter of 80% PbO by weight (1.4 mm inner diameter, 0.1 mm wall thickness and 2 cm thick).
Reciprocal Inhibition and Postinhibitory Rebound Produce Reverberation in a Locomotor Pattern Generator

The central pattern generator for swimming in the pteropod mollusk Clione limacina consists of at least four pedal interneurons, two each controlling parapodial upstroke and downstroke. The two sets of antagonistic interneurons are linked by reciprocal monosynaptic inhibitory synapses, and all exhibit apparently strong postinhibitory rebound. This simple neuronal network produces reverberating alternate cyclic activity in the absence of tonic drive or apparent feedback modulation.
Extraction of Hyperoside and Quercitrin From Mimosa ( Albizia julibrissin ) Foliage

Mimosa, an excellent energy crop candidate because of its high growth yield, also contains, on a dry basis, 0.83% hyperoside and 0.90% quercitrin. Hyperoside has been documented as having anti-inflammatory and diurectic properties, whereas quercitrin may play a role in intestinal repair following chronic mucosal injury. Thus, mimosa might first be extracted for important antioxidant compounds and then used as a feedstock for energy production. This article presents results from studies aimed at determining the effect of three extraction parameters (temperature, solvent composition, and time) on the yield of these important quercetin compounds. Conditions are sought which maximize yield and concentration, whereas complementing subsequent biomass pretreatment, hydrolysis and fermentation.
Digital Least Squares Smoothing of Spectra

We show that the most significant parameter in digital smoothing of spectra by least squares fitting to a cubic polynomial is the length of the smoothing range, and to avoid loss of resolution we recommend that the smoothing range be chosen approximately 0.7 FWHH (full width at half-height) of the narrowest single lines or components. Multiple use of digital smooths is shown not to be equivalent to a least squares fit of the original data but gives nearly the same response curve in smoothing of Gaussian lines.
Free fermions and the Alexander-Conway polynomial

We show how the Conway Alexander polynomial arises from theq deformation of (Z 2 graded)sl(n, n) algebras. In the simplestsl(1, 1) case we then establish connection between classical knot theory and its modern versions based on quantum groups. We first shown how the crystal and the fundamental group of the complement of a knot give rise naturally to the Burau representation of the braid group. The Burau matrix is then transformed into theU q sl(1, 1) R matrix by going to the exterior power algebra. Using a det=str identity, this allows us to recover the state model of [K2, 89] as well. We also show how theU q> sl(1, 1) algebra describes free fermions “propagating” on the knot diagram. We rewrite the Conway Alexander polynomial as a Berezin integral, and thus as an apparently new determinant.
Scaling the issue window with look-ahead latency prediction

In contemporary out-of-order superscalar design, high IPC is mainly achieved by exposing high instruction level parallelism (ILP). Scaling issue window size can certainly provide more ILP; however, future processor scaling demands threaten to limit the size of the issue window.In this study, we propose a dynamic instruction sorting mechanism that provides more ILP without increasing the size of the issue window. In our approach, early in the pipeline, we predict how long an instruction needs to wait before it can be issued, i.e. the waiting time for its operands to be produced. Using this knowledge, the instructions are placed into a sorting structure, which allows instructions with shorter waiting times enter the issue window ahead of those instructions with longer waiting times, preventing long-waiting instructions from clogging the issue queue.The accuracy in predicting instruction waiting times directly determines the effectiveness of our sorting mechanism. While most instructions have deterministic execution latencies, predicting load execution times is more difficult due to cache misses and in-flight loads. Loads are particularly challenging since their execution time can vary significantly. In this study, we examine techniques to predict load execution time accurately, based on data reference history.
Determinants of the calcium permeation of ligand-gated cation channels

Fast synaptic transmission in the vertebrate brain is mediated by ligand-gated channel receptors. As some of these receptors have been implicated in learning and memory, it is important to understand their mechanism of action at a molecular level. Excitatory receptors are members of large gene families of related channels that are gated by acetylcholine, serotonin, and the most abundant neurotransmitter, glutamate. Within the last year, a number of important studies have focused on the ability of these channels to flux calcium ions. Calcium entry into neurons through some of these channels triggers biochemical cascades, which can lead to changes in synaptic efficacy, presumed to be a requisite for memory formation, or if it occurs in excess, to cell death. Recent studies that attempt to determine the channel structures responsible for this calcium conductance will be discussed.
Ultra-compact multiplexed lab-on-chip sensors using miniaturized integrated photonic resonators

We present a highly-sensitive and selective multiplexed sensing platform based on an array of compact resonators in a small footprint on chip. The application of this sensing platform for multiplexed bio and gas sensing will be discussed.
Comparative Environmental Assessment in the Studies of Benthic Diatom, Macroinvertebrate, and Fish Communities

Community response to environmental gradients operating at hierarchical scales was assessed in studies of benthic diatoms, macroinvertebrates and fish from 44 stream sites in the New York City watershed. Hierarchical cluster analysis (TWINSPAN) of diatoms and fish partitioned the study sites into four groups, i.e., acid streams, reservoir outlets and wetland streams, large eutrophic streams, and small eutrophic streams; macroinvertebrate TWINSPAN distinguished an additional group of silty eutrophic streams. The correspondence among the three assemblage TWINSPAN groupings was moderate, ranging from 51 to 57%. The similarity across the four major group types was the highest among large eutrophic stream and acid stream assemblages, and the lowest among small eutrophic stream assemblages. Stepwise discriminant function analysis revealed that environmental factors discriminated most effectively the diatom grouping and least effectively the fish grouping. The best environmental predictors for diatom and macroinvertebrate grouping were conductance and percent surface water, while population density was most powerful in separating the fish groups. Carbaryl was the only pesticide that correlated with macroinvertebrate grouping. Partial redundancy analyses suggested a differential dependence of freshwater communities on the scale of the environmental factors to which they respond. The role of small-scale habitat and habitatland cover/land use interaction steadily increased across the diatom, macroinvertebrate, and fish assemblages, whereas the effect of large-scale land cover/land use declined.
Experimental Study of Strongly Nonlinear Resonances and Anti-Resonances in Granular Dimer Chains

Previous theoretical works considered the intrinsic dynamics of one-dimensional uncompressed granular dimer (diatomic) chains composed of pairs of dissimilar spherical elastic beads in Hertzian interaction. Such ordered granular media exhibit essentially nonlinear acoustics and have been characterized as ‘sonic vacua’ due to the fact that the speed of sound in these media (as defined in classical acoustics) is zero. Yet, depending on the mass ratios of the pairs of dissimilar beads of these dimers, it was proven that they may possess countable infinities of anti-resonances leading to solitary waves (this in spite of their high inhomogeneity), or countable infinities of strongly nonlinear resonances leading to passive strong attenuation of propagating pulses through energy radiation by means of excitation of traveling waves. The aim of this work is to experimentally verify the existence of these strongly nonlinear dynamics through a series of experiments involving granular dimer chains supported by flexures. By carefully designing the supporting flexures so that their dynamics is sufficiently ‘soft’ and thus separate from the ‘stiff’ dynamics governing the bead to bead interactions, we overcome a basic limitation for the experimental realization of such dimer systems, namely the construction of one-dimensional dimer chains with beads of different radii. Our results confirm experimentally the occurrence of nonlinear resonances and anti-resonances in dimer chains, and conclusively prove the capacity of appropriately designed granular dimers for passive strong attenuation of propagating pulses due to nonlinear resonance. Moreover, we validate the theoretical prediction that within the elastic range of bead to bead dynamical interactions the results are fully re-scalable with respect to energy. This work provides the first experimental evidence of strongly nonlinear resonances and anti-resonances in essentially nonlinear ordered granular media.
Ligand-Controlled, Tunable Silver-Catalyzed C–H Amination

The development of readily tunable and regioselective C–H functionalization reactions that operate solely through catalyst control remains a challenge in modern organic synthesis. Herein, we report that simple silver catalysts supported by common nitrogenated ligands can be used to tune a nitrene transfer reaction between two different types of C–H bonds. The results reported herein represent the first example of ligand-controlled and site-selective silver-promoted C–H amination.
Simulations of black hole air showers in cosmic ray detectors

We present a comprehensive study of TeV black hole events in Earth's atmosphere originated by cosmic rays of very high energy. An advanced fortran Monte Carlo code is developed and used to simulate black hole extensive air showers from ultrahigh-energy neutrino-nucleon interactions. We investigate the characteristics of these events, compare the black hole air showers to standard model air showers, and test different theoretical and phenomenological models of black hole formation and evolution. The main features of black hole air showers are found to be independent of the model considered. No significant differences between models are likely to be observed at fluorescence telescopes and/or ground arrays. We also discuss the tau 'double-bang' signature in black hole air showers. We find that the energy deposited in the second bang is too small to produce a detectable peak. Our results show that the theory of TeV-scale black holes in ultrahigh-energy cosmic rays leads to robust predictions, but the fine prints of new physics are hardly to be investigated through atmospheric black hole events in the near future.
Comparative study of physical and sensory properties of corn chips made by continuous vacuum drying and deep fat frying

Abstract Corn chips were produced by a continuous vacuum drying (CVD) method and compared with those made by conventional deep-fat frying (DFF). The CVD chips developed an expanded structure and contained 1.57–1.82 g oil/100 g, depending on initial thickness, compared to 33.37–34.80 g oil/100 g for DFF chips. Consumer panels indicated that 22.7% of panelists would “probably” or “definitely” purchase either CVD or DFF chips. While likability of DFF chips was somewhat higher (hedonic scores of 5.3–6.56) than those for CVD chips (4.25–4.33), panelists indicated that flavor, texture, being low in fat and price were leading factors that would influence purchase. CVD chips had color values closer to fresh corn flour. Texture analysis showed that CVD chips had slightly higher fracture force (778.4–2910.4 g) than DFF chips (547.8–1955.9 g). Acoustic analysis showed that CVD chips had more sound events and greater sound energy. Frequency analysis showed that both products contained frequencies typical of crisp products, although CVD chips had higher frequency peaks, particularly for thicker chips.
Comparison of ropivacaine 0.1%-fentanyl and bupivacaine 0.125% — fentanyl infusions for epidural labour analgesia

Purpose: To compare analgesic efficacies of ropivacaine-fentanyl and bupivacaine-fentanyl infusions for labour epidural analgesia.
Protein nebulization. II. Stabilization of G-CSF to air-jet nebulization and the role of protectants

Abstract Air-jet nebulization induces aggregation and degradation of granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (G-CSF). The air-water interface as a site for destabilization of G-CSF is investigated and possible mechanisms of stabilization by polyethylene glycol (PEG) and Tween 80 are proposed. Equilibrium surface tension measurements show that G-CSF is highly surface-active, but dynamic surface tension measurements made using a maximum bubble pressure surface tensionometer show that G-CSF and surfactants have little surface activity in the interval between formation and destruction of aerosol generated within a nebulizer. Bubbling of air through solutions of 4 mg/ml G-CSF for up to 1 h resulted in ≈ 10% aggregation of total protein suggesting that destabilization at the air-water interface occurs. Polyethylene glycol (PEG) and Tween 80 are effective in reducing aggregation and degradation of G-CSF but their respective modes of protection differ. Protection is improved by increasing the PEG molecular weight and concentration indicating that PEG may influence stability through steric effects. In contrast, the protective effects of Tween 80 appear to relate to the micellar properties and not to the surface activity of the surfactant.
The theory of oscillator-coupled magnetic resonance with potential applications to molecular imaging

This article describes systems in which the precession of a single particle spin is magnetically coupled to the excitation of an oscillator. The behavior of such systems resembles that of a ‘‘folded’’ Stern–Gerlach experiment, in which the linear spatial trajectory of the original Stern–Gerlach experiment is folded into the cyclic trajectory of an oscillator. Both quantum and semiclassical solutions to the equations of motion are derived. The results encompass any kind of oscillator which couples to a magnetic field. Examples include mechanical cantilevers with a magnetic source affixed to them, as well as inductor‐capacitor resonant circuits. One potential application of oscillator‐coupled magnetic resonance is the imaging of biological molecules. Some design issues relevant to molecular imaging are discussed.
The biosynthesis and characterization of 3,5-diribosyluracil-5″-phosphate

Abstract Cell extracts of pyrimidine-dependent mutant E. Coli W-3301 were incubated with 2−C14-uridine and ribose-5-phosphate, and a new nucleotide, presumed 3,5-diribosyluracil-5″-phosphate, was biosynthesized. The pH optimum for this reaction was found to be 7.4 and Mg++ dependent. The product when submitted to alkaline phosphate action yielded the nucleoside of 3,5-diribosyluracil.
Human liver transplantation: analysis of data on 540 patients from four centers.

The results of liver transplantation in a total of 540 patients from four centers in the United States and Western Europe have been collated. Twenty-five per cent of all transplants were performed for neoplastic disease. One- and 3-year survivals for this group were approximately 26 and 12% overall, and survival differed little for patients transplanted before and after January 1,1980. Among the 44% of patients transplanted for endstage cirrhosis, 3-year survival was lowest for patients with alcoholic cirrhosis (20%). Three-year survival was greater for patients with nonalcoholic cirrhosis (29% overall), did not differ markedly among the various subtypes, and was greater for patients transplanted after January 1, 1980 (42%), as compared with before (22%). Patients with biliary atresia, sclerosing cholangitis, and metabolic and miscellaneous disorders constituted the remaining 30% of patients; 3-year survival varied from about 20 to 44% overall for the various subgroups, with a consistent trend toward improved survival among patients transplanted after January 1,1980. The use of cyclosporin may not wholly explain this improved survival among more recently transplanted patients. Quality of life for transplant recipients surviving at least 3 months, as judged by a limited amount of data regarding time-in-hospital and functional status, appears to be good.
Emerging adulthood themes, role transitions and substance use among Hispanics in Southern California

Abstract Introduction Hispanic emerging adults appear to be at especially high risk for substance use but little is known about their risk and protective factors. A crucial next step to reducing substance use among this priority population may involve understanding how transition-to-adulthood themes are associated with substance use. Intervention and prevention programs could also benefit from information about which if any specific transitions undergone in emerging adulthood are associated with substance use. Methods Hispanic emerging adults (aged 18 to 24) completed surveys indicating their identification with transition-to-adulthood themes, role transitions in the past year, and use of alcohol and marijuana. Logistic regression models were used to examine the associations between transition-to-adulthood themes and past-month binge drinking and marijuana use, controlling for age and gender. Separate logistic regression models explored the association between each individual role transition and past-month binge drinking and marijuana use, controlling for age and gender and using a Bonferonni correction. Results Among the participants ( n = 1,390), 41% were male, the average age was 21, 24% reported past-month marijuana use and 34% reported past-month binge drinking. Participants who felt emerging adulthood was a time of focusing on others were less likely to report marijuana use and binge drinking. Among the 24 transitions, five were significantly associated with past-month marijuana use and 10 were significantly associated with past-month binge drinking. Conclusion Findings suggest transition-to-adulthood themes as well as specific changes experienced by emerging adults are meaningful for Hispanics and should be explored in prevention and intervention programs in the future. Future research should determine what specific mechanisms are making these transitional processes risk factors for substance use.
IMAGING OF DIGITAL NEUROMAS

In this case presentation, an incision was made on the nonweightbearing surface of the hallux directly over the mass in question, just long enough to allow for the isolation of the entire mass. This permitted easier identification of the mass and enabled dissection of the abnormal tissue and excision of only the tumor with a minimum of tissue trauma. Healing was uneventful and expedient largely because of the reduced tissue handling. Prior to the advent of magnetic resonance imaging, this type of preoperative detailed surgical mapping would not have been possible. Continuing improvements in magnetic resonance imaging hold great and increasing promise.
Trends and Treatment of Heart Failure Developing After Acute Myocardial Infarction

The development of heart failure and/or left ventricular systolic dysfunction following acute myocardial infarction remains prevalent despite improvements in the diagnosis and management over the past decades. Although transient in some cases, the majority of these patients continue to carry a substantially higher mortality risk. New data on the benefits of eplerenone and carvedilol from large clinical trials have added to the complexity of polypharmacy in this patient subgroup, although aggressive medical strategies to prevent or reverse infarct-related left ventricular remodeling remains the most effective method to save lives and prevent disabilities.
Selenium-mediated inhibition of 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene-induced mouse mammary tumorigenesis

The effect of supplemental selenium on 7,12-dimethylbenz[a] anthracene (DMBA)-induced mammary tumorigenesis was investigated in several mouse strains. Selenium, administered as SeO2 in the drinking water, inhibited mammary tumor formation in DMBA-treated (C57BL x DBA/2f)F1, C3H/StWi and BALB/c female mice. In addition, selenium inhibited the occurrence of DMBA-induced ductal hyperplasias in (C57BL x DBA/2f)F1 and BALB/c mice and mammary tumour virus-induced alveolar hyperplasias in BALB/cfC3H mice. Selenium did not alter the growth of established mammary tumors. These results demonstrate that supplemental selenium inhibits both chemical-and viral-induced mouse mammary tumorigenesis, and secondly, that the development of preneoplastic lesions, an early stage in mammary tumorigenesis, is very sensitive to selenium-mediated inhibition.
Gun law and crime

America seems obsessed as no other nation by guns. Mass shootings such as at Columbine and at Sandy Hook school in Connecticut bring calls for gun control laws. Opponents claim that such laws would only disarm the law-abiding and that the right to bear arms deters crime. It might perhaps seem obvious that a ban on the most lethal weapons would reduce murder rates, and that allowing concealed weapons to be carried would increase them. Mark Gius examines those conclusions to see whether the statistics back them up.
Modelling Scale in Geographical Information Science. Edited by NICHOLAS J. TATE and PETER M. ATKINSON (Chichester: John Wiley and Sons, 2002). [Pp xv+277]. ISBN 0-471-98546-5. Price £55 Hardback.

This book is a collection of thirteen papers with a very strong British representation. The general theme of this book is quite similar to Quattrochi and Goodchild (1997). They do have some minor o...
State of coral reefs in the Galápagos Islands: Natural vs anthropogenic impacts☆

Abstract Before the 1982–1983 El Nino disturbance event low diversity coral communities and small, actively accreting coral reefs were present on Galapagos shallow shelves in areas protected from strong upwelling. Prolonged El Nino 1982–1983 sea warming resulted in 95–99% coral mortality, virtually eliminating corals throughout the archipelago. The population size of an ubiquitous, large sea urchin species (Eucidaris thouarsii) was unaffected by the warming event. Urchins later showed increased abundance on dead coral colonies and frameworks, and caused bioerosion that exceeded the net calcification capacity of disturbed reefs. Known human impacts on corals result mainly from anchor damage, the collection of corals for sale as curios, and mechanical damage resulting from the activities of fishermen. An evaluation of natural and anthropogenic damage to Galapagos coral communities indicates that natural disturbances, especially strong ENSO episodes, are of greatest concern. However, rapidly increasing human pressures could exacerbate the recovery capacity of naturally perturbed coral communities.
Stochastic Functional Data Analysis: A Diffusion Model‐Based Approach

Summary. This article presents a new modeling strategy in functional data analysis. We consider the problem of estimating an unknown smooth function given functional data with noise. The unknown function is treated as the realization of a stochastic process, which is incorporated into a diffusion model. The method of smoothing spline estimation is connected to a special case of this approach. The resulting models offer great flexibility to capture the dynamic features of functional data, and allow straightforward and meaningful interpretation. The likelihood of the models is derived with Euler approximation and data augmentation. A unified Bayesian inference method is carried out via a Markov chain Monte Carlo algorithm including a simulation smoother. The proposed models and methods are illustrated on some prostate-specific antigen data, where we also show how the models can be used for forecasting.
North Atlantic circulation and variability, reviewed for the CNLS conference

The circulation and water mass structure of the North Atlantic are reviewed, with emphasis on the large-scale overturning cell which produces North Atlantic Deep Water (NADW). Properties and transports for its major components (Nordic Seas Overflow Water, Labrador Sea Water, Mediterranean Water, Antarctic Intermediate Water and Antarctic Bottom Water) are reviewed. The transport estimates and properties of NADW coupled with the observed meridional heat transport in the Atlantic limit the temperature of northward flow which replenishes the NADW to the range 11-15°C. The high salinity of the North Atlantic compared with other ocean basins is important for its production of intermediate and deep waters; about one third of its higher evaporation compared with the North Pacific is due to the Mediterranean. The evaporation/precipitation balance for the North Atlantic is similar to the Indian and South Atlantic Oceans; the difference between the North and South Atlantic may be that high evaporation in the North Atlantic affects much greater depths through Mediterranean Water production. Also described briefly is variability of water properties in the upper layers of the subtropical/subpolar North Atlantic, as linked to the North Atlantic Oscillation. The oceanographic time series at Bermuda is then used to show decadal variations in the properties of the Subtropical Mode Water, a thick layer which lies in the upper 500 m. Salinity of this layer and at the sea surface increases during periods when the North Atlantic westerlies weaken between Iceland and the Azores and shift southwestward. (The North Atlantic Oscillation index is low during these periods). Temperature at the surface and in this layer are slightly negatively correlated with salinity, decreasing when salinity increases. It is hypothesized that the salinity increases result from incursion of saline water from the eastern subtropical gyre forced by the southward migration of the westerlies, and that the small temperature decreases are due to increased convection in the Sargasso Sea, also resulting from the southward shift of the westerlies.
Geoengineering, Ocean Fertilization, and the Problem of Permissible Pollution

Many geoengineering projects have been proposed to address climate change, including both solar radiation management and carbon removal techniques. Some of these methods would introduce additional compounds into the atmosphere or the ocean. This poses a difficult conundrum: Is it permissible to remediate one pollutant by introducing a second pollutant into a system that has already been damaged, threatened, or altered? We frame this conundrum as the ‘‘Problem of Permissible Pollution.’’ In this paper, we explore this problem by taking up ocean fertilization and advancing an argument that rests on three moral claims. We first observe that pollution is, in many respects, a context-dependent matter. This observation leads us to argue for a ‘‘justifiability criterion.’’ Second, we suggest that remediating actions must take into account the antecedent conditions that have given rise to their consideration. We call this second observation the ‘‘antecedent conditions criterion.’’ Finally, we observe that ocean fertilization, and other related geoengineering technologies, propose not strictly to clean up carbon emissions, but actually to move the universe to some future, unknown state. Given the introduced criteria, we impose