cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Sparse nearest neighbor Cholesky matrices in spatial statistics.

Gaussian Processes (GP) is a staple in the toolkit of a spatial statistician. Well-documented computing roadblocks in the analysis of large geospatial datasets using Gaussian Processes have now been successfully mitigated via several recent statistical innovations. Nearest Neighbor Gaussian Processes (NNGP) has emerged as one of the leading candidates for such massive-scale geospatial analysis owing to their empirical success. This article reviews the connection of NNGP to sparse Cholesky factors of the spatial precision (inverse-covariance) matrices. Focus of the review is on these sparse Cholesky matrices which are versatile and have recently found many diverse applications beyond the primary usage of NNGP for fast parameter estimation and prediction in the spatial (generalized) linear models. In particular, we discuss applications of sparse NNGP Cholesky matrices to address multifaceted computational issues in spatial bootstrapping, simulation of large-scale realizations of Gaussian random fields, and extensions to non-parametric mean function estimation of a Gaussian Process using Random Forests. We also review a sparse-Cholesky-based model for areal (geographically-aggregated) data that addresses interpretability issues of existing areal models. Finally, we highlight some yet-to-be-addressed issues of such sparse Cholesky approximations that warrants further research.
Secondary Hypertension in Pregnancy

Hypertension is a common medical complication of pregnancy. Although 75–80 % of women with preexisting essential hypertension will have uncomplicated pregnancies, the presence of secondary forms of hypertension adds considerably to both maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality. Renovascular hypertension, pheochromocytoma, and Cushing’s syndrome in particular are associated with accelerating hypertension, superimposed preeclampsia, preterm delivery, and fetal loss. Primary aldosteronism is a more heterogeneous disorder; there are well-documented cases where blood pressure and hypokalemia are improved during pregnancy due to elevated levels of progesterone. However, superimposed preeclampsia, worsening hypertension, and early delivery are also reported. When possible, secondary forms of hypertension should be diagnosed and treated prior to conception in order to avoid these complications.
Executive Summary: Institutions, Cultural Beliefs and the Maintenance of Gender Inequality in Entrepreneurship Across Industrialized Nations

This dissertation utilizes Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM) data across 24 countries and laboratory experiments conducted in the United States and the United Kingdom to investigate why men are approximately two times more likely than women to be business owners in most industrialized nations after accounting for gender differences in relevant start-up resources. Findings demonstrate support for the theory that social policies and gender status beliefs contribute to this inequality by structuring both the context in which individuals perceive business ownership as a viable labor market option and the interactions through which they gain legitimacy and support for their business idea.
Growth of Cultured Cells Using Collagen as Substrate

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the growth of cultured cells using collagen as substrate. Collagen is a major constituent of the extracellular matrix in vivo and is used as a substrate for cultured cells. Collagen is a component of extracellular matrices and basement membrane. Collagen occurs in four chemically and genetically distinct forms: type I, found in bone, tendon, and skin; type II, found in cartilage and eye; type III, associated with type I in skin, blood vessels, and smooth muscle; and type IV, found in basement membranes. Collagen used as a substrate in culture work, in the form of either thin film of dried collagen or hydrated collagen gel, usually consists of type I found in acid extract of rat tail. Collagen enhances the growth of cultured cells more than the conventional plastic or glass culture dish. High adhesion collagen substrate enhances neuronal survival and neuritic outgrowth while slowing down non-neuronal proliferation. Three-dimensional expression of cultured mammary epithelial cells in the collagen gel matrix provides conditions such as those found in vivo for the study of mammogenesis, lactogenesis, and carcinogenesis. This culture system may be applied to the studies of transformation, morphology, and cloning of mammary epithelium, proliferation, and differentiation.
Pathology of chronic humoral rejection.

Since its initial description in 2001, chronic humoral rejection (CHR, aka ‘chronic anti-body-mediated rejection’) has been recognized as a distinct and common cause of late graft dysfunction and loss. The pathology is focused on the microvascular components of the kid-ney, manifested by endothelial ‘activation’, multilamination of glomerular and peritubular capillary basement membranes, interstitial fibrosis and tubular atrophy, and sometimes chronic transplant arteriopathy. Diagnosis requires a biopsy and demonstration of the complement degradation product, C4d in peritubular and/or glomerular capillaries. For definitive diagnosis, detection of donor-specific anti-endothelial antibodies is required (most commonly to class II MHC antigens). Here we review the diagnostic criteria, pathologic manifestations, new molecular markers and related studies in experimental animals.
Phosphorus metabolite distribution in skeletal muscle: Quantitative bioenergetics using creatine analogs

The functional coupling of contractile activity to metabolic processes in skeletal, cardiac and smooth muscle has been extensively examined in the intact cell through the advent of 31P-NMR spectroscopy. The near-equilibrium formulation for creatine kinase (CK) has been used for the calculation of ADPfree and ATP chemical potential in many of these studies. However, control of the bulk cytoplasmic PCr/Cr ratio by the ATP/ADP ratio through CK implies that the ATP/ADP ratio is the same in all loci within the cell. Alternatively the cytoplasmic fraction of ATP and ADP must be so large that other ‘compartments’ do not influence the physicochemical properties of the bulk cytoplasm. By feeding creatine analogs to rodents, it is possible to test whether these synthetic analogs and the endogenous substrates obey simple rules of enzyme kinetics and equilibration. Two important concepts can be tested: (1) Are phosphorus metabolises fully visible to in vivo 31 P-NMR measurements? (2) Does CK equilibrate with its substrates in the cytosol? It will be shown that in spite of localized enzymatic activity and microcompartments in the cell (such as mitochondria), creatine kinase equilibrates with its substrates in fast and slow skeletal muscles at rest. Therefore, the physicochemical properties of the cytosol are best described as freely mixing with respect to the bioenergetically important metabolites (PCr, ATP and phospho-analog) and fully quantifiable by 31P-NMR spectroscopy. It follows that only a narrow range of intercellular heterogeneity with respect to chemical potential is acceptable if bioenergetic processes (e.g. CK fluxes or regulation of oxidative phosphorylation) are to be meaningfully interpreted in a rigorous biochemical framework. (Mol Cell Biochem 174: 23–28, 1997)
Sugar-unspecific mung bean nuclease I.

When a crude extract of sprouted mung beans is passed through a column of Sephadex G-100, two peaks containing deoxyribonuclease activity and three peaks containing ribonuclease activity are detected, all at pH 5.0, without an additional activating cation. The name mung bean nuclease I is suggested for the enzyme that is first eluted. It corresponds to the enzyme previously described by Sung and Laskowski (1). This enzyme is further purified on Sephadex G-100. Additional evidence for lack of specificity toward sugar is presented. The purified enzyme is highly specific for denatured DNA.
ADULT TRIPLOIDS IN A RAINBOW TROUT FAMILY

Six triploid individuals were found in a full-sib family of 11 adult rainbow trout (Salmo gairdneri) from a domesticated hatchery stock. The triploid individuals were normal in size and external appearance, had underdeveloped gonads, and showed no evidence of 3n/2n chimerism or mosaicism. XXY triploids were males, suggesting that the Y chromosome is male determining in trout. Because they may avoid production losses associated with sexual maturation in normal fish, triploid trout and salmon could potentially be useful in fish culture.
A History of the Recombinant DNA Guidelines in the United States

This paper was given by W. J. Gartland, Director, Office of Recombinant DNA Activities, National Institute of General Medical Sciences, Bethesda, Maryland, USA.
Crystallization of authentic recombinant human growth hormone

Large single crystals of natural–sequence recombinant human growth hormone (r–hGH) have been grown from a medium containing polyethylene glycol and a non–ionic detergent, β–octyl glucoside. The identity of the crystals was confirmed by gel electrophoresis and anion exchange chromatography.
Wound infection after abdominal hysterectomy: Effect of the depth of subcutaneous tissue☆

Abstract OBJECTIVE: Our purpose was to determine the effect of the depth of the subcutaneous tissue at the operative site on abdominal wound infection after hysterectomy. STUDY DESIGN: A prospective study was performed of women undergoing abdominal hysterectomy and not receiving antibiotic prophylaxis who underwent maximum vertical measurement of their subcutaneous incisions before the abdominal cavity was surgically entered. Additional demographic and perioperative data previously associated with wound infection were collected and analyzed. Surgical technique was standardized among the three attending surgeons involved. RESULTS: Wound infection occurred in 17 of 150 (11.3%) women undergoing abdominal hysterectomy. Univariate analysis identified the following risk factors as being significantly associated with wound infection: depth of subcutaneous tissue ( p = 0.0004), preoperative serum albumin (0.0015), weight ( p = 0.0029), and body mass index ( p = 0.0032). Logistic regression analysis confirmed the thickness of the subcutaneous tissue as the only significant risk factor for wound infection ( p = 0.04) (odds ratio 1.37, 95% confidence interval 1.01 to 1.86). No patients with a maximum depth of subcutaneous tissue CONCLUSION: We conclude that the depth of subcutaneous tissue is the most significant risk factor associated with abdominal wound infection after hysterectomy.
Comparative actions of clomazone on β‐carotene levels and growth in rice (Oryza sativa) and watergrasses (Echinochloa spp)

Seedlings of rice, early watergrass (thiobencarb-resistant and thiobencarb-susceptible biotypes, R and S, respectively), and late watergrass (thiobencarb-resistant and thiobencarb-susceptible biotypes, R and S, respectively) were hydroponically exposed to clomazone at concentrations ranging from 0.08 to 7.9 µM. Whole-plant growth (mg fresh wt) and β-carotene concentrations (µg g−1 fresh wt) were measured after a 7-day exposure period. For growth, the no observed effect concentrations (NOECs) were 7.9, 0.21, 0.21, 0.46 and 0.46 µM clomazone for rice, early watergrass (R), early watergrass (S), late watergrass (R) and late watergrass (S), respectively, while the concentrations causing 25% inhibition in response (IC25) were 5.6 (±1.6), 0.46 (±0.06), 0.42 (±0.08), 0.92 (±0.45) and 0.79 (±0.08) µM clomazone, respectively. Clomazone inhibits β-carotene synthesis via inhibition of the non-mevalonate isoprenoid synthetic pathway. For assessment of clomazone effects, β-carotene levels proved to be a more sensitive toxicological endpoint than growth. For rice, early watergrass (R), early watergrass (S), late watergrass (R) and late watergrass (S), the β-carotene NOECs were 0.21, <0.08, <0.08, 0.08 and 0.46 µM clomazone respectively, while IC25 values were 0.42 (±0.26), 0.08 (±0.02), 0.08 (±0.02), 0.33 (±0.09) and 0.54 (±0.15) µM, respectively. No evidence was found that the thiobencarb-resistance mechanisms present in early and late watergrasses impart resistance to clomazone. Due to similar sensitivity between rice and late watergrass, use of clomazone in rice culture will require the use of a safening technique. Copyright © 2005 Society of Chemical Industry
SU-E-J-261: Statistical Analysis and Chaotic Dynamics of Respiratory Signal of Patients in BodyFix

Purpose: To quantify respiratory signal of patients in BodyFix undergoing 4DCT scan with and without immobilization cover. Methods: 20 pairs of respiratory tracks recorded with RPM system during 4DCT scan were analyzed. Descriptive statistic was applied to selected parameters of exhale-inhale decomposition. Standardized signals were used with the delay method to build orbits in embedded space. Nonlinear behavior was tested with surrogate data. Sample entropy SE, Lempel-Ziv complexity LZC and the largest Lyapunov exponents LLE were compared. Results: Statistical tests show difference between scans for inspiration time and its variability, which is bigger for scans without cover. The same is for variability of the end of exhalation and inhalation. Other parameters fail to show the difference. For both scans respiratory signals show determinism and nonlinear stationarity. Statistical test on surrogate data reveals their nonlinearity. LLEs show signals chaotic nature and its correlation with breathing period and its embedding delay time. SE, LZC and LLE measure respiratory signal complexity. Nonlinear characteristics do not differ between scans. Conclusion: Contrary to expectation cover applied to patients in BodyFix appears to have limited effect on signal parameters. Analysis based on trajectories of delay vectors shows respiratory system nonlinear character and its sensitive dependence on initial conditions. Reproducibility of respiratory signal can be evaluated with measures of signal complexity and its predictability window. Longer respiratory period is conducive for signal reproducibility as shown by these gauges. Statistical independence of the exhale and inhale times is also supported by the magnitude of LLE. The nonlinear parameters seem more appropriate to gauge respiratory signal complexity since its deterministic chaotic nature. It contrasts with measures based on harmonic analysis that are blind for nonlinear features. Dynamics of breathing, so crucial for 4D-based clinical technologies, can be better controlled if nonlinear-based methodology, which reflects respiration characteristic, is applied. Funding provided by Varian Medical Systems via Investigator Initiated Research Project
The Achilles' Heel of School Choice Policies: The Obstacles to Reporting School Accountability Results to Parents.

This study examines the conflict facing state education officials in reporting the adequate yearly progress results required by No Child Left Behind and how those challenges obfuscated the transmission of school choice information to parents. To comply with school accountability mandates, state education officials transformed test scores into school performance labels using complicated accountability systems. Then, to meet school choice requirements, state education officials were required to explain the results in a way that parents can understand. The conflict reveals a critical shortcoming of future education policies that link school accountability and choice.
Right hemisphere dominance for praxis and left hemisphere dominance for speech in a left-hander.

Abstract A left-handed woman suffered marked apraxia and agraphia in the non-dominant hand, without aphasia, following a large right hemisphere infarct. This is a case of co-dominance with reading and speech mediated by the intact left hemisphere and praxis by the damaged right hemisphere
Proximal mechanisms of the sex ratio and clutch size responses of the wasp Nasonia vitripennis to parasitized hosts

Abstract Female Nasonia vitripennis lay fewer eggs and increase the proportion of male offspring when ovipositing in hosts that have been previously parasitized compared with unparasitized hosts. This study examines the location and nature of the cues that females use in these clutch size and sex ratio decisions. Neither the sex ratio nor the clutch size response relies on chemical cues on, or a hole drilled in, the outer shell of the host (the puparium). Rather, the cues for both responses appear to be associated with the host pupa. Females manipulate clutch size but not sex ratio in response to host death: the number of eggs laid on dead hosts is significantly lower than on either live hosts or previously parasitized hosts. In addition, the cues that females use for sex ratio manipulation, but not for clutch size manipulation, are local: sex ratio cues are not detected from the end of the host that is opposite the site of parasitization; clutch size cues are. The cues that females use may constrain their sex ratio and clutch size manipulation abilities.
Effects of the law for nongravitational forces on the precession model of comet Encke

The precession model for P/Encke formulated by Whipple and Sekanina (1979) is reexamined in the light of the recent measurements of the OH and H production rates. An optimized precession solution derived using the production law of A'Hearn et al. (1985) is shown to require unacceptably small nucleus dimensions and to offer an inferior fit to observed variations in the orientation of the comet's perihelion fan-shaped coma. Observed changes in the emission fan suggest that both the thrust on the nucleus exerted by unit mass of sublimating ice and the average lag in outgassing are substantially greater before than after perihelion. It is concluded that at this time the Whipple-Sekanina model remains the best available precession solution for this comet.
IQGAP1 regulates cell proliferation through a novel CDC42-mTOR pathway

Cell proliferation requires close coordination of cell growth and division to ensure constant cell size through the division cycles. IQGAP1, an effector of CDC42 GTPase has been implicated in the modulation of cell architecture, regulation of exocytosis and in human cancers. The precise mechanism underlying these activities is unclear. Here, we show that IQGAP1 regulates cell proliferation, which requires phosphorylation of IQGAP1 and binding to CDC42. Expression of the C-terminal region of IQGAP1 enhanced cellular transformation and migration, but reduced the cell size, whereas expression of the N-terminus increased the cell size, but inhibited cell transformation and migration. The N-terminus of IQGAP1 interacts with mTOR, which is required for IQGAP1-mediated cell proliferation. These findings are consistent with a model where IQGAP1 serves as a phosphorylation-sensitive conformation switch to regulate the coupling of cell growth and division through a novel CDC42-mTOR pathway, dysregulation of which generates cellular transformation.
Specifications for a new long-range urban transportation planning process

This paper asserts the continuing need for a long-range component to urban transportation planning, citing particularly the relationships between short- and long-range planning and the dangers of a single-minded concentration on short-range planning. However, the nature of the long-range planning procedure that is required is substantively different from that of most extant approaches. Some of the specific requirements and capabilities of a new procedure are described, and existing procedures are compared against these.
The kalai/smorodinsky solution with time preferences

Even under complete information, the Rubinstein scheme does not generate a unique (subgame) perfect equilibrium partition unless the players are risk neutral. In the standard cooperative bargaining literature, on the other hand, time preferences of players do not play any role. It is assumed that players negotiate as long as they want to without foregoing any portion of the pie. The discount factors are not used, even when they are available; this amounts to limiting the available information use in the bargaining problem. By characterizing a modified Kalai/Smorodinsky solution axiomatically the above problems have been tried to be solved.
Cultivation of animal cells in a reticulated vitreous carbon foam

A reticulated vitreous carbon foam (RVCF) was used as a surface to cultivate a model anchorage-dependent animal cell line, 3T6 (mouse embryo fibroblast). This fixed-surface bioreactor provided a low-shear, chemically-inert, and reusable environment for cell growth. An external medium recirculation loop allowed aeration, nutrient monitoring, and medium replacement without disturbing the cells. Optimal flow rates for the attachment and growth phases were determined. Growth rates comparable to static (T-flask and petri dish) cultures and agitated microcarrier cultures were achieved with appropriately high medium recirculation rates. Metabolic parameters were shown to be useful indicators of cell mass, although specific glucose consumption rates were considerably higher for cultures in the RVCF reactor. Oxygen supply was shown to be the most likely limiting factor for scaleup.
Paroxysmal cold haemoglobinuria of childhood : a review of the management and unusual presenting features of six cases

We report six cases of children presenting with paroxysmal cold haemoglobinuria occurring in a 3-year period in the north-west of England. In all six cases the onset of the illness was dramatic and its duration brief. We note the prominent red cell agglutination was evident in the blood film, the absence of a prompt reticulocyte response and a negative classical direct Donath Landsteiner test in each of these cases. The Direct Coombs Test (DCT) was positive when anticomplement reagents were used but high titres of free autoantibody were not demonstrated in the serum.
The energy of a Kähler class on admissible manifolds

On a compact complex manifold of Kahler type, the energy E(Ω) of a Kahler class Ω is given by the squared L2-norm of the projection onto the space of holomorphic potentials of the scalar curvature of any Kahler metric representing the said class, and any one such metric whose scalar curvature has squared L2-norm equal to E(Ω) must be an extremal representative of Ω. A strongly extremal metric is an extremal metric representing a critical point of E(Ω) when restricted to the set of Kahler classes of fixed positive top cup product. We study the existence of strongly extremal metrics and critical points of E(Ω) on certain admissible manifolds, producing a number of nontrivial examples of manifolds that carry this type of metrics, and where in many of the cases, the class that they represent is one other than the first Chern class, and some examples of manifolds where these special metrics and classes do not exist. We also provide a detailed analysis of the gradient flow of E(Ω) on admissible ruled surfaces, show that this dynamical system can be extended to one beyond the Kahler cone, and analyze the convergence of solution paths at infinity in terms of conditions on the initial data, in particular proving that for any initial data in the Kahler cone, the corresponding path is defined for all t, and converges to a unique critical class of E(Ω) as time approaches infinity.
Efficient modeling of seismic signature of patchy saturation for time lapse monitoring of carbon sequestrated deep saline reservoirs

Various mechanisms controlling the multiphase flow in a real geological porous medium such as those associated with carbon dioxide (CO2) storage in a saline reservoir can lead to a patchy saturation distribution. Successful monitoring of CO2 plumes using time-lapse seismic data under these conditions is a challenge due to the degree of uncertainty in the relationship between CO2 saturation and elastic (seismic) responses. Moreover, efficient modeling of these responses is vital for practical bookkeeping of stored volumes. We investigate the potential of using seismic methods to monitor CO2 in the subsurface by using reservoir simulation data generated in two types of models. The first one consists of a random distribution of absolute permeability, not unlike typical representation of geostatistical models of permeability. A second model, more geologically meaningful, represents an eolian sand deposit containing bounding surfaces. By combining reservoir flow modeling with seismic modeling, we demonstrate that the patchy nature of the saturation distribution, resulting from small-scale multiphase flow features commonly neglected in reservoir simulation exercises, can be seismically modeled with an equivalent stack of homogeneous isotropic/anisotropic layers and the elastic properties of this equivalent stack of layers can potentially predict the actual CO2 saturation within the reservoir to reasonable accuracy. We conclude that using efficient waveform inversions to extract homogeneous equivalent layer properties from time lapse seismic data and relating them back to the CO2 saturations is the key to the development of an effective monitoring strategy for carbon sequestrated reservoirs. We also believe that such an effective monitoring will require integrating reservoir flow simulation with seismic simulation for the given reservoir so that appropriate and feasible seismic modeling assumptions (like including anisotropy) can be determined prior to monitoring.
Not a one-shot deal: Generative professional development among experienced teachers

Abstract This study examines two experienced teachers’ transformations and sense of agency as they implemented a writer’s workshop curriculum with multi-lingual third grade students. Multiple lines of inquiry guide the study including communities of practice ( Lave & Wenger, 1991 ), teacher identities in figured worlds ( Holland, Lachicotte, Skinner, & Cain, 1998 ), and the ethic of care ( Noddings, 1984/2003 ). A constant comparative method was used to analyze classroom observation notes, interviews and debriefing sessions ( Glaser & Strauss, 1967 ). Findings indicate that teachers transformed their pedagogical practices around writing, and at the same time reconsidered what it may mean to become renewed professionals.
Circumventing the problems caused by protein diversity in microarrays: implications for protein interaction networks.

Protein microarrays provide a well-controlled, high-throughput way to uncover protein−protein interactions. One problem with this and other standardized assays, however, is that proteins vary considerably with respect to their physical properties. If a simple threshold-based approach is used to define protein−protein interactions, the resulting binary networks can be strongly biased. Here, we investigate the extent to which even closely related protein interaction domains vary when printed as microarrays. We find that, when a collection of well behaved, monomeric Src homology 2 (SH2) domains are printed at the same concentration, they vary by up to 50-fold with respect to the resulting surface density of active protein. When a threshold-based binding assay is performed on these domains using fluorescently labeled phosphopeptides, a misleading picture of the underlying biophysical interactions emerges. This problem can be circumvented, however, by obtaining saturation binding curves for each protein−peptid...
Further observations on effects of cations on enzyme induction in marine bacteria

Induction of resting cells ofPseudomonas natriegens, nov. spec. to the oxidation of L-arabinose and mannitol, and an additional marine isolate (L5) to oxidation of lactose and mannitol, was found dependent on the presence of Na+ with marine levels of Mg++ and K+ included in the suspending media. However, omission of Na+ and Mg++, and increase of the concentration of K+ in the suspending media, permitted rapid utilization of these substrates (but not of glucuronate) by resting cells and greatly accelerated the rates of induced enzyme formation. Inclusion of Mg++ in the suspending media suppressed the rates of induction and oxidation stimulated by elevation of the K+ concentration. Incubation of resting cells of isolate L5 in an assay medium containing 0.26 M KCl preserved the ability of the organisms to produce a significant level of the enzymes for oxidation of mannitol, even after 8 hrs aging of the cells in the cold. Chloramphenicol inhibited the synthesis of induced oxidative enzymes in both these marine isolates suspended in high K+ medium, and the extent of inhibition was proportional to the time of addition of the antibiotic. Interruption of induction of isolate L5 cells to mannitol by washing within 30 min removed the stimulatory effect of the elevated level of K+, whereas longer periods of incubation before interruption yielded cells more fully induced. A greater amount of β-galactosidase was produced by resting cells of the marine isolate L5 incubated with the inducer in media with elevated K+ concentrations than by those cultured on lactose or induced in the resting state in the presence of Na+. Moreover, inclusion of an elevated K+ concentration in the suspending media stimulated the production of L-arabinose isomerase in resting cells ofP. natriegens. The requirement for Na+ for the growth of these bacteria, however, was not replaceable by elevation of the K+ concentration of culture media.
Symmelia in one of monozygotic twins

Postmortem dissection of a liveborn infant with symmelia who was one of a pair of monozygotic female twins revealed fusion of the preaxial halves of the hindlimbs to form a single hip joint, a femur with two medial and no lateral condyles, and knee and ankle joints that flexed backwards. The kidneys, bladder, uterus, and rectum were absent. Twenty-three instances of twinning were found among 327 cases of symmelia reported in the medical literature. Only two pairs were definitely concordant, but whenever data were given they supported monozygosity. There appears to be more than a 100-fold increase in the incidence of symmelia in monozygotic twin births as compared with single births. The high frequency of discordance could result from unequal expression of a cytoplasmic abnormality. Alternately, the developmental arrest of the primitive streak that leads to symmelia may also initiate the formation of a second primitive streak, thereby giving rise to twin embryos.
Generalization of activity following discriminative punishment training

The effect of discriminative punishment upon gross activity of the rat was investigated. When activity level was measured concurrent with the punished lever response, reliable decrement of both responses was observed. Generalization gradients, obtained in absence of the opportunity to emit the punished response, suggest that the suppression and modification of activity produced by the discriminative punishment procedure could determine the course of change in frequency and pattern of discrete reinforced operants.
Er5Ba7Cu12Oy and Er4Ba5Cu9Oy: New high-temperature superconductor thin films with critical transition temperature in the 93–95 K range

Abstract Epitaxial Er 1 Ba 2 Cu 3 O 7−δ (001), Er 5 Ba 7 Cu 12 O y (001), and Er 4 Ba 5 Cu 9 O y (001) thin films on LaAlO 3 (100) substrates were prepared by molecular beam deposition and postannealing. Scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction studies indicate that these films are single phase materials. For the Er 1 Ba 2 Cu 3 O 7−δ (001), Er 5 Ba 7 Cu 12 O y (001) [or Er 1.25 Ba 1.75 Cu 3 O y (001)], and Er 4 Ba 5 Cu 9 O y (001) [or Er 1.35 Ba 1.65 Cu 3 O y (001)] thin films, four-point resistivity measurements show zero resistivity critical transition temperature ( T c,0 ) of 93, 95, and 93 K, respectively (uncertainty = ±0.5 K).
Supramolecular assembly of individual C60 molecules on a monolayer of 4,4′-dimethylbianthrone molecules

molecules adsorbed on a well-ordered monolayer of 4,4’-dimethylbianthrone (DMB), first grown on Cu(111). The surface binding energies and diffusion barriers of C60 molecules are substantially modified when the molecules bond to DMB instead of to Cu. The tip of the STM can be used to reposition single, isolated C60 molecules across the surface without disrupting the DMB film underneath.
Idiopathic Diaphragmatic Paralysis: Bell’s Palsy of the Diaphragm?

Study Objectives Idiopathic diaphragm paralysis is probably more common and responsible for more morbidity than generally appreciated. Bell’s palsy, or idiopathic paralysis of the seventh cranial nerve, may be seen as an analogous condition. The roles of zoster sine herpete and herpes simplex have increasingly been recognized in Bell’s palsy, and there are some data to suggest that antiviral therapy is a useful adjunct to steroid therapy. Thus, we postulated that antiviral therapy might have a positive impact on the course of acute idiopathic diaphragm paralysis which is likely related to viral infection. Methods Three consecutive patients with subacute onset of symptomatic idiopathic hemidiaphragm paralysis were empirically treated with valacyclovir, 1,000 mg twice daily for 1 week. Prior to therapy, diaphragmatic function was assessed via pulmonary function testing and two-dimensional B-mode ultrasound, with testing repeated 1 month later. Diaphragmatic function pre- and post-treatment was compared to that of a historical control group of 16 untreated patients. Results All three subjects demonstrated ultrasound recovery of diaphragm function 4–6 weeks following treatment with valacyclovir. This recovery was accompanied by improvements in maximum inspiratory pressure (PImax) and vital capacity (VC). In contrast, in the untreated cohort, diaphragm recovery occurred in only 11 subjects, taking an average of 14.9 ± 6.1 months (mean ± SD). Conclusions The results of this small, preliminary study suggest that antiviral therapy with valacyclovir may be helpful in the treatment of idiopathic diaphragm paralysis induced by a viral infection.
Performance degradation of high-power lithium-ion cells—Electrochemistry of harvested electrodes

Abstract The performance of 18650-type high-power lithium-ion cells is being evaluated as part of the U.S. Department of Energy's (DOEs) Advanced Technology Development (ATD) program. In this article, we present accelerated aging data acquired on 18650-cells containing LiNi 0.8 Co 0.15 Al 0.05 O 2 - or LiNi 0.8 Co 0.1 Al 0.1 O 2 -based positive electrodes, MAG-10 graphite-based negative electrodes, and 1.2-M LiPF 6 in EC:EMC (3:7 by wt.) electrolyte. Capacity and impedance data acquired on electrodes harvested from these cells highlight the contributions of the positive and negative electrodes to the degradation of cell performance. We also describe test methodologies used to examine the electrochemical characteristics of the harvested electrodes. Identifying and optimizing cell components responsible for performance degradation should enable the development of new lithium-ion cell chemistries that will meet the 15-year cell calendar life goal established by DOEs FreedomCar initiative.
Conflicted Interests, Contested Terrain: Journalism Ethics Codes Then and Now

By analyzing ethics codes, a professional statement of what constitutes good work, this essay links codes to a theory of culture and history. It considers two early journalism ethics codes and assesses the latest New York Times code in the light of philosophical theory. The paper suggests that professional tensions outlined in Good Work are reified in the Times code—and that history and culture may be less supportive of a positive outcome of this struggle over values than the insights of psychology might suggest.
Motives for health plan-academic health center relationships: journal review of the first quarter century.

Motives for health plan (HP)-academic health center (AHC) relationships, including both deterrents and inducements, are explored through a review of 153 articles, published from 1970 through 1997, in academic and health care industry journals about HP-AHC relationships. Every article that met inclusion criteria was coded for year, journal, author, audience, type of article, organization of focus, purposes, priorities, affiliation motives, and issues. Peak years were 1973 (the passage of HMO legislation) and the most recent years from 1994 through 1997. The motives to affiliate were found to be different for AHCs and HPs (e.g., physician attitudes, a deterrent for AHCs and inducement for HPs; resources, a deterrent for HPs and inducement for AHCs). Increases in size of HPs and decreases in political power of AHCs have resulted in changes to motives to form relationships. Motives must be acknowledged to move from competitive to collaborative relationships.
LIPID BIOSYNTHESIS IN AORTIC INTIMA FROM NORMAL AND CHOLESTEROL-FED RABBITS.

Summary The atherosclerotic intima differs from the normal in the rates of certain metabolic functions. Oxygen consumption is accelerated in the atherosclerotic intima. Succinate stimulates oxygen consumption to a much greater degree than any other substrate tested. Succinate oxidation is incomplete, and fumarate and malate are the only quantitatively significant products. We were unable to demonstrate incorporation of either acetate or mevalonate into cholesterol in either the control or atherosclerotic intima under the conditions of our experiments. Fatty acid synthesis from acetate is significantly increased in the atherosclerotic aortic intima. Succinate oxidation stimulates the fatty acid synthesis from acetate but is not itself incorporated into the lipid. The rate of fatty acid synthesis is greatest where the lesions are most advanced.
Plant-derived flavanol (−)epicatechin mitigates anxiety in association with elevated hippocampal monoamine and BDNF levels, but does not influence pattern separation in mice

Flavanols found in natural products such as cocoa and green tea elicit structural and biochemical changes in the hippocampus, a brain area important for mood and cognition. Here, we evaluated the outcome of daily consumption of the flavanol (-)epicatechin (4 mg per day in water) by adult male C57BL/6 mice on measures of anxiety in the elevated plus maze (EPM) and open field (OF). Furthermore, pattern separation, the ability to distinguish between closely spaced identical stimuli, considered to be mediated by the hippocampal dentate gyrus (DG), was tested using the touchscreen. To investigate mechanisms through which (-)epicatechin may exert its effects, mice were injected with bromodeoxyuridine (50 mg kg(-1)) to evaluate adult hippocampal neurogenesis. In addition, monoaminergic and neurotrophin signaling pathway proteins were measured in tissue derived from subject cortices and hippocampi. Flavanol consumption reduced anxiety in the OF and EPM. Elevated hippocampal and cortical tyrosine hydroxylase, downregulated cortical monoamine oxidase-A levels, as well as increased hippocampal brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and pro-BDNF support the flavanol's anxiolytic effects. In addition, elevated pAkt in hippocampus and cortex was observed. (-)Epicatechin ingestion did not facilitate touchscreen performance or DG neurogenesis, suggesting a non-neurogenic mechanism. The concurrent modulation of complementary neurotrophic and monoaminergic signaling pathways may contribute to beneficial mood-modulating effects of this flavanol.
Civil society after the first transition: Dilemmas of post-communist democratization in Poland and beyond

Abstract This article unravels the seeming paradox of how civil societies like that of Poland, which were strong enough to play a critical role in the collapse of communist regimes, could now have become weak. It argues that four factors explain civil society's enfeeblement after the end of the old regime. Two of these are attributable to the logic of Poland's first transition (demobilization of insurgent civil society by pact and decapitation through success). The other two are generic to post-communist democratization (the residual effects of post-totalitarianism and the social consequences of economic transformation). It concludes with a discussion of whether these factors are transitory or long-term and what the ramifications of a weak civil society are for a fledgling democracy.
Midazolam: A review of therapeutic uses and toxicity

Midazolam is a familiar agent commonly used in the emergency department to provide sedation prior to procedures such as laceration repair and reduction of dislocations. Midazolam is also effective in the treatment of generalized seizures, status epilepticus, and behavioral emergencies, particularly when intravenous access is not available. Midazolam is often employed as an induction agent for rapid sequence endotracheal intubation. Midazolam has a rapid onset of action following intravenous, intramuscular, oral, nasal, and rectal administration. Only 50% of an orally administered dose reaches the systemic circulation due to extensive first-pass metabolism. Midazolam is metabolized by the cytochrome P450 enzyme system to several metabolites including an active metabolite, alpha-hydroxymidazolam. Cytochrome P450 inhibitors such as cimetidine can profoundly reduce the metabolism of midazolam. Midazolam has a half-life of approximately 1 h, but this half-life may be prolonged in patients with renal or hepatic dysfunction. Midazolam has been associated with respiratory depression and cardiac arrest when used in combination with an opioid, particularly in the elderly, although all ages are at risk for respiratory depression. Midazolam is relatively free of side effects when used alone and offers several advantages over traditional pharmacological agents such as chloral hydrate and the combination of meperidine, chlorpromazine, and promethazine. Hiccups, cough, nausea, and vomiting are the most commonly reported adverse effects. Many of the adverse effects associated with midazolam can be reversed rapidly by the administration of flumazenil, a competitive benzodiazepine receptor antagonist. Midazolam is a safe and effective agent for providing sedation in the emergency department.
Comparison of lossy wedge diffraction coefficients with application to mixed path propagation loss prediction

A heuristic lossy wedge diffraction coefficient is compared to the exact Maliuzhinets diffraction coefficient for a 180 degrees wedge neglecting surface waves. The comparison shows good agreement even for high incidence angles and greatly dissimilar wedge-face materials. This agreement provides justification for using the heuristic coefficient for the calculation of mixed path propagation loss, since wedge angles are typically near 180 degrees for this application. The heuristic coefficient has the advantages of being continuous at the reflection boundary and of being relatively simple to evaluate, especially at angles other than 180 degrees . >
Neuroethics: Challenges for the 21st century

Neuroethics: Challenges for the 21st century NEIL LEVY New York: Cambridge University Press, 2007 364 pages, ISBN: 0521687268 (pbk); $57.99 Levy's (2007) Neuroethics: Challenges for the 21st centur...
MOCVD of Very Thin Films of Lead Lanthanum Titanate

Films of lead lanthanum titanate were deposited using metal-organic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD) at temperatures between 500 and 550{degrees}C in a hot-wall reactor. The precursors used were Pb(THD){sub 2}, La(THD){sub 3}, and Ti(THD){sub 2}(I-OPr){sub 2} where THD = 2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-3,5-heptanedionate, O{sub 2}C{sub 11}H{sub 19}, and I-OPr = isopropoxide, OC{sub 3}H{sub 7}. The three precursors were delivered to the reactor using a single solution containing all three precursors dissolved in tetraglyme and the precursor solution was volatilized at 225{degrees}C. Films were deposited on Si and Si/Ti/Pt substrates, and characterized using Rutherford Backscattering Spectroscopy (RPS) and X-ray diffraction(XRD). Films deposited at 550{degrees}C had a composition which was close to that of the precursor solution while films deposited at 500{degrees}C were deficient in lanthanum. Even at 500{degrees}C, the desired perovskite phase showed an increase in the intensity of the X-ray lines, but did not change the width of these lines, implying the grain sizes had remained unchanged.
Resistance fluctuations due to hydrogen diffusion in niobium thin films.

Fluctuations of the number of protons (${\mathrm{H}}^{+}$) that scatter conduction electrons dominate lowfrequency resistance fluctuations in Nb films. The excess-noise spectra ${S}_{V}(f, T)$ obey a scaling law: $\frac{f{S}_{V}(f, T)}{〈\ensuremath{\delta}{V}^{2}(T)〉}=g(\frac{f}{D(T)})$; for our geometry at $260lTl370$ K, ${S}_{V}(f, T)\ensuremath{\propto}\frac{{c}_{0}(T)}{{f}^{\ensuremath{\alpha}}}$, $\ensuremath{\alpha}=0$ for $f\ensuremath{\ll}\frac{D}{(\ensuremath{\pi}{L}^{2})}$ and $\ensuremath{\alpha}=\frac{3}{2}$ for $f\ensuremath{\gg}\frac{D}{(\ensuremath{\pi}{L}^{2})}$, ${c}_{0}$ is the ${\mathrm{H}}^{+}$ concentration, $L$ is the film length, and the ${\mathrm{H}}^{+}$ diffusion coefficient is $D(T)={D}_{0}{e}^{\ensuremath{-}\frac{E}{\mathrm{kT}}}$ with $D(300 \mathrm{K})\ensuremath{\simeq}{10}^{\ensuremath{-}6}$ ${\mathrm{cm}}^{2}$/s and $E\ensuremath{\simeq}0.23$ eV. Studies of $\frac{1}{f}$ noise evoke comparable mechanisms.
The influence of the external pH on the production of modified protein A by Staphylococcus aureus

Abstract External pH (pH 0 ) influences bacterial cell function primarily through the transmembrane proton motive force and the intracellular pH. These cell properties were measured during batch aerobic cultivations at different controlled pH 0 values of recombinant Staphylococcus aureus which expresses and exports to the medium a plasmid-encoded modified form of protein A. Proton motive force values at lower pH 0 were approximately the same as at pH 0 7.0, but decreased external pH reduced intracellular pH somewhat. Intracellular pH was similar at external pH values of 7.0 and 7.5. Significantly reduced proton motive force was observed at pH 0 7.5 relative to lower pH 0 values. Over the pH 0 range from 6.0 to 7.5 which was investigated, maximum protein A specific productivity was observed at pH 0 7.0. The results suggest that decreased productivity of extracellular protein A at low external pH results primarily from changes in intracellular metabolism while productivity decline at pH 0 7.5 is likely to be a consequence of altered cell membrane transport.
Changes in the P300 component of the tactile event-related potential following spinal cord injury

Previous studies have demonstrated that significant changes in action or behaviour (function) and morphology occur in the deafferentated and the adjacent somatosensory cortex after amputation or experimental spinal cord injury. These studies have shown changes in somatotopic mappings and somatosensory perception as well as altered evoked responses. The purpose of the present study was to examine the potential effect of these changes on cognitive processes using the tactile P300 event-related potential (ERP) in a spinal cord injured (SCI) population. The P300 ERP has been associated with more complex cognitive functioning such as selective attention, memory, and stimulus evaluation rather than earlier sensory processing of stimuli. Three groups consisting of healthy control, paraplegic, and tetraplegic subjects participated in a transcutaneous electrical stimulation 'oddball' task. Results indicate that all groups were successful in maintaining target counts and produced significantly larger P300 amplitudes with longer latencies to target trials compared to non-target trials. The SCI groups, however, produced P300 ERPs for both targets and non-targets that were significantly reduced in amplitude compared to the control group. In the case of the tetraplegia patients, the P300 was almost abolished. No differences in latency of the P300 was observed between any of the groups.