cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
An explanation for the lack of ion cyclotron wave generation by pickup ions at Titan: 1‐D hybrid simulation results

[1] Titan’s dense atmosphere is thought to be an important source of pickup ions in the Saturnian magnetosphere. Cassini spacecraft measurements of the plasmas near Titan show evidence of pickup ions, yet electromagnetic ion cyclotron waves, which are direct indicators of ion pickup, have not yet been detected. Pickup ions and their associated ion cyclotron waves have been observed at Saturn’s Extended Neutral Cloud (∼4–10 Rs), as well as at Jupiter’s moon, Io, suggesting that the plasma and pickup conditions near Titan may be fundamentally different than these other environments. Using 1‐D hybrid simulations, we investigate ion cyclotron wave growth for variable conditions in the Titan environment to test which conditions could yield waves with sufficient amplitude to be clearly detected by spacecraft. Results suggest that ion cyclotron waves have not been observed at Titan because their growth time is too long compared to the convection time of background plasma through the interaction region and therefore will not be of sufficient amplitude to be observed by Cassini. Because Titan can be located in either the magnetically noisy Saturnian current sheet or in the magnetically quiet lobe region, we consider both of these environments in this study. Citation: Cowee, M. M., S. P. Gary, H. Y. Wei, R. L. Tokar, and C. T. Russell (2010), An explanation for the lack of ion cyclotron wave generation by pickup ions at Titan: 1‐D hybrid simulation results, J. Geophys. Res., 115, A10224, doi:10.1029/2010JA015769.
Horse vs. Jockey? How stage of funding process and industry experience affect the evaluations of angel investors

Angel investors make evaluations at different stages of the funding process; so we explore how the importance angels place on different investment criteria varies and how industry experience impacts their evaluations. Data were collected at the screening stage as angel investors evaluated the strength of the entrepreneur and the opportunity, and made decisions regarding whether the deal should proceed to due diligence, as well as their personal interest in making an investment. Additional data were collected regarding whether these angels made an investment at the funding stage. We tested our hypotheses using a multilevel approach to account for the nested nature of the data – multiple evaluations nested within each angel, nested within each screening presentation. Our results show that the entrepreneur matters most when angels are deciding whether a deal should proceed to due diligence; opportunity strength represents a more important investment criterion when angels switch to determining whether a deal ...
Temperature and saturation effects on diffusion of carbon dioxide through topopah spring Tuff

Abstract The effective diffusivities of carbon dioxide through lower non-lithophysal zone of the Topopah Spring Tuff (outcrop sample of the proposed nuclear repository site layer) and USW H-6 test well samples of the Topopah Spring Tuff (proposed repository layer) were determined using a steady state diffusion method. The effective diffusivity of carbon dioxide through the non-lithophysal zone tuff increased with temperature and decreased as the moisture content increased. The following correlation was obtained to estimate the effective diffusivity of carbon dioxide through the non-lithophysal zone tuff as a function of temperature and percent saturation. D e = −1.1578 × 10 −4 + 2.9885 × 10 −6 T + 5.3104 × 10 −9 T 2 −5.0739 × 10 −6 (% saturation) The effective diffusivity of carbon dioxide through the USW H-6 test well sample of the Topopah Spring Tuff, which was taken at a depth of 338 m, also increased with temperature. For this repository layer, the effective diffusivity of carbon dioxide was 0.00093 cm 2 s −1 at 312 K. The following correlation was obtained to estimate the effective diffusivity of carbon dioxide through the proposed repository layer as a function of temperature and percent saturation. D e = 9.1242 × 10 −4 −3.5180 × 10 −6 T + 1.2168 × 10 −8 T 2 −5.0739 × 10 −6 (% saturation)
Dicer expression is essential for adult midbrain dopaminergic neuron maintenance and survival

The type III RNAse, Dicer, is responsible for the processing of microRNA (miRNA) precursors into functional miRNA molecules, non-coding RNAs that bind to and target messenger RNAs for repression. Dicer expression is essential for mouse midbrain development and dopaminergic (DAergic) neuron maintenance and survival during the early post-natal period. However, the role of Dicer in adult mouse DAergic neuron maintenance and survival is unknown. To bridge this gap in knowledge, we selectively knocked-down Dicer expression in individual DAergic midbrain areas, including the ventral tegmental area (VTA) and substantia nigra pars compacta (SNpc) via viral-mediated expression of Cre in adult floxed Dicer knock-in mice (Dicer(flox/flox)). Bilateral Dicer loss in the VTA resulted in progressive hyperactivity that was significantly reduced by the dopamine agonist, amphetamine. In contrast, decreased Dicer expression in the SNpc did not affect locomotor activity but did induce motor-learning impairment on an accelerating rotarod. Knock-down of Dicer in both midbrain regions of adult Dicer(flox/flox) mice resulted in preferential, progressive loss of DAergic neurons likely explaining motor behavior phenotypes. In addition, knock-down of Dicer in midbrain areas triggered neuronal death via apoptosis. Together, these data indicate that Dicer expression and, as a consequence, miRNA function, are essential for DAergic neuronal maintenance and survival in adult midbrain DAergic neuron brain areas.
SU‐FF‐I‐159: Conditions for Practical Measurement of X‐Ray Spectra for Clinical Radiography of the Chest

Purpose: To establish conditions necessary for measuring x‐ray spectra in simulated clinical chest radiography examinations. Method and Materials: X‐ray spectra were obtained for simulated chest examinations of the CDRH LucAl Chest phantom for 12 cases: 141, 125, and 109 kilovolt peak; with/without 0.2 mm Cu pre‐patient filtration; and with/without a scatter reduction grid. X‐ray spectra were acquired using an Amptek XR‐100T‐CdTe semiconductordetector and PX4 digital pulse processor behind the phantom. Acquired spectra were corrected for characteristicCdTe x‐ray escape events using Amptek XRF‐XP software, and for the energy‐dependent absorption of Cd and Te. Channel‐to‐energy calibration was verified with Gd‐153, Co‐57, and Ba‐133. Spectra were acquired with 8mm Pb shielding of off‐axis radiation. Validity of acquired spectra was tested by three methods: comparison with simulated x‐ray spectra; comparison of the measured half‐value layer (HVL) to HVL calculated from spectra acquired without attenuation; and comparison of measured exposure to exposure calculated from acquired spectra.Results: Collimating the beam results in narrow beam geometry that does not represent broad beam clinical geometry. However, when off‐axis radiation is excluded from the detector, acquired spectra agree with simulated spectra and measured HVL. The calculation of exposure from the spectra depends strongly on actual collimator orifice diameter, but results suggest approximately 80% measurement efficiency. Off‐axis radiation may be over‐represented in spectra collected without extensive forward shielding for broad beam exposure conditions. The digital pulse processor allows acquisition at higher incident flux than the older PX2T analog version. Conclusion: Using improved electronics and appropriate methods to limit flux and off‐axis radiation, it is possible to collect accurate spectra under simulated clinical conditions. These methods could be used to study optimization of radiographic technique for clinical examinations.
The context of program implementation and evaluation: A pilot study of interorganizational differences to improve child welfare reform efforts

Abstract This article contributes to the growing literature on evaluation and implementation science by examining the interaction between staff perceptions of organizational strength with perceptions and indicators of program fidelity. As part of a pilot project related to the evaluation of the Family to Family initiative, a survey was distributed to employees within two urban child welfare agencies with a total of 410 respondents across both sites, for a combined response rate of 72.2%. Survey results were analyzed both in terms or respondents' perception of their agency as well as in relation to measures of program performance and workload. Multivariate models show that organizational indicators are the most significant and positive predictors of perceived program implementation. Specifically, staff who positively perceived the availability of information within their agency also believed that the programs were well implemented in their agency. These findings suggest that as the value of program changes are articulated within an organization, the implementation of the initiative is perceived to improve.
D‐mannitol, a specific hydroxyl free radical scavenger, reduces the developmental toxicity of hydroxyurea in rabbits

Hydroxyurea (HU) is a potent mammalian teratogen. Within 2–4 hours after maternal injection, HU causes 1) a rapid episode of embryonic cell death and 2) profound inhibition of embryonic DNA synthesis. A variety of antioxidants delays the onset of embryonic cell death and reduces the incidence of birth defects. Antioxidants do not block the inhibition of DNA synthesis, indicating that early embryonic cell death is not caused by inhibited DNA synthesis. We have suggested that some HU molecules may react within the embryo to produce H2O2 and subsequent free radicals, including the very reactive hydroxyl free radical. The free radicals could cause the early cell death; antioxidants are believed to terminate the aberrant free radical reactions resulting in lessened developmental toxicity. To investigate whether hydroxyl free radicals cause the early episode of cell death, pregnant New Zealand white rabbits were injected subcutaneously on gestational day 12 with a teratogenic dose of HU (650 mg/kg) in the presence or absence of 550 mg/kg of D–mannitol (Man), a specific scavenger of hydroxyl free radicals. Osmotic control rabbits received HU plus 550 mg/kg of xylose (Xyl, a nonactive aldose). At term, the teratologic effects of HU were ameliorated by Man as evidenced by decreased incidences of the expected limb malformations. Xyl exerted no demonstrable effect on HU teratogenesis. Histological examination of limb buds at 3–8 hours after maternal injection, showed that Man delayed the onset of HU–induced cell death by as much as 4 hours. Xyl had no effect. That Man acts within the embryo was shown by performing intracoelomic injections on alternate implantation sites with Man, Xyl, or saline followed by subcutaneous injection of the pregnant doe with HU. Embryos were harvested 3–8 hours later. Limb buds from saline– and Xyl–injected embryos exhibited the typical pattern of widespread HU–induced cell death at 3–4 hours, whereas Man–injected embryos did not exhibit cell death until 5–8 hours. These results are consistent with those reported for antioxidant–mediated amelioration of HU–induced developmental toxicity and with the hypothesis that hydroxyl free radicals are the proximate reactive species in HU–induced early embryonic cell death. © 1994 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Effect of various gas atmospheres upon the greening of etiolated seedlings

Summary The greening response of etiolated wheat seedlings upon exposure to light has been studied in atmospheres of various gases and gas mixtures. In the presence of high levels (> 95 %) of oxygen, nitrogen, hydrogen or helium, greening occurs normally, and there is a requirement for small amounts of oxygen. Greening is completely inhibited, however, by high levels of carbon dioxide, methane, or ethylene, and is partially inhibited by carbon monoxide. The inhibition of greening by carbon dioxide is due in part to pH, and in part to interference with one or more of the decarboxylation reactions of chlorophyll biosynthesis. Experiments with cyanide, azide, and dinitrophenol demonstrate the requirement for metabolic energy derived from respiration and oxidative phosphorylation.
Focal myopathy induced by chronic intramuscular heroin injection

A patient developed focal fibrotic myopathy after manry Years of intramuscular heroin use. While such changes have been associated with chronic intramuscular injections of pentazocine and a similar myopathy resulting from chronic intramuscular heroin has not been convincingly described. © 1994 John & Sons, Inc.
Selective attention and instrumental modification of the GSR.

A series of experiments were conducted on instrumental modification of the Galvanic Skin Response (GSR) in a discrimination procedure where preparatory signals indicated which discriminative stimulus was to occur. When shock avoidance was contingent upon the presence of a response the GSR was enhanced; when shock avoidance was contingent upon the inhibition of a response there was a decrement in reactivity. Heart rate acceleration occurred to Respond stimuli while deceleration occurred to Inhibit stimuli. Various types of cognitive strategies were reported by the subjects from attempts to control attention by attending less to stimuli associated with inhibition to attempts to arouse a response by thinking of exciting events and to inhibit by thinking of calming events. Postexperimental recognition of words tended to be negatively related to magnitude of response. When the verbal stimuli served directly as discriminative stimuli, however, these relationships tended to be reversed.
Exploring the feasibility of next-generation sequencing and microarray data meta-analysis

Emerging next-generation sequencing (NGS) technology potentially resolves many issues that prevent widespread clinical use of gene expression microarrays. However, the number of publicly available NGS datasets is still smaller than that of microarrays. This paper explores the possibilities for combining information from both microarray and NGS gene expression datasets for the discovery of differentially expressed genes (DEGs). We evaluate several existing methods in detecting DEGs using individual datasets as well as combined NGS and microarray datasets. Results indicate that analysis of combined NGS and microarray data is feasible, but successful detection of DEGs may depend on careful selection of algorithms as well as on data normalization and pre-processing.
The petrogenesis of L-6 chondrites: insights from the chemistry of minerals

Measurements of the major, minor and trace element abundances of the major minerals of the L-6 chondrites Alfianello, Colby (WI) and Leedey are used to investigate the formation mechanisms of L-6 chondrites. Electron microprobe analysis was performed on individual grains of each mineral, and separated minerals were analyzed by instrumental and radiochemical neutron activation analysis. The compositions of the three meteorites are observed to be generally uniform, however different abundances and distributions of rare earth elements and Co and Ni indicate that the meteorites have different petrogenetic histories. Alkali element distributions are found to be incompatible with internal equilibration of a closed system.
Automated crack identification for cement paste

Abstract The development of an automated procedure for the identification of microcracks in cement paste using backscattered electron images of polished epoxy-impregnated specimens is described. Digitized images are acquired using an integrated scanning electron microscope/image acquisition system. Cracks are identified based on local changes in image intensity (gray level) and feature geometry. The gray level of epoxy-filled cracks is affected by the density of underlying and adjacent phases. As a result, cracks cannot be identified based on gray level alone. Combined procedures that establish the floor of the crack, a minimum gradient in the gray level adjacent to cracks, and minimum differences in gray level between the floor of a crack and adjacent solid phases provide a reproducible and consistent technique for crack identification in cement paste. The crack patterns observed using these procedures show that the denser phases within hydrated cement paste exhibited lower crack density than phases with lower density and that a significant portion of the cracking occurs through the softest phase, undesignated product (UDP), and at the boundary between UDP and other phases.
Damage to sugar-beet crops by ectoparasitic nematodes, and its control by soil-applied granular pesticides

Abstract Granular pesticides are used on about half of the UK sugar-beet crop, including almost all of the area at risk from damage by the ectoparasitic nematodes which cause Docking disorder. Survey data show that symptoms of damage are still widespread in some years but are rarely severe. In a series of field experiments comparing eight granular pesticides, those which are approved for control of Docking disorder usually gave large yield increases which were closely related to assessments of plant vigour made in June/July. Pesticide treatments decreased the numbers of active Trichodorus and Paratrichodorus in the rhizosphere by about 50%.
Gender differences in cigarette smoking, social correlates and cessation among adolescents

Background Despite well-established gender differences in adult smoking behaviors, relatively little is known about gender discrepancies in smoking behaviors among adolescents, and even less is known about the role of gender in smoking cessation among teen populations.
Cessation of alcohol and drug use among adolescents: A social learning model

This investigation tests the ability of Akers’ (1977) social learning theory of deviance to account for the cessation of alcohol or drug use among adolescents. For each of five substances, two‐group discriminant function analyses showed that social learning variables were successful in discriminating adolescents who ceased using from their counterparts who continued to use. Peer associations were generally most discriminating with normative definitions and social rewards or punishments also contributing to differentiation. Positive or negative effects of the substances as well as imitation bore little relationship to cessation. Social learning theory was as explanatory for stronger drugs as it was for alcohol and marijuana. Policy and program implications are suggested.
Fungibility: Florida Seminole Casino Dividends and the Fiscal Politics of Indigeneity

ABSTRACT In this article, I examine Florida Seminoles’ governmental distributions of tribal-gaming revenues that take the form of per capita dividends. Dividends reveal the political and cultural stakes of money's fungibility—its ability to substitute for itself. From tribal policy debates over children's dividends to the legitimization of political leadership through monetary redistribution, Seminoles selectively exploit the fungibility of money to break or make ties with one another and with non-Seminoles. They do so in ways that reinforce indigenous political authority and autonomy, and they thereby challenge structural expectations in U.S. public culture and policy that would oppose indigenous distinctiveness to the embrace of money. [Keywords: money, tribal gaming, American Indians, Florida Seminoles]
Ionic-Liquid-Phase Hydrolysis of Pine Wood

Depolymerization of cellulose and hemicellulose from loblolly pine wood is studied in the ionic liquid 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride, which is capable of dissolving carbohydrates and lignin. In the presence of an acid catalyst, the carbohydrate fraction is converted into water-soluble products under milder conditions than reported for similar reactions in the aqueous phase. The water-soluble products included monosaccharides, oligosaccharides, furfural, and 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF). The lignin fraction is recovered as a solid residue. It is found by 13C CP MAS NMR spectroscopy that chemical modifications of lignin occurred only to a very moderate extent. The influence of the reaction temperature, water content, and acid concentration is investigated. In particular, the presence of water is found to reduce the solubility of carbohydrate but also to be required for its conversion. Under harsh conditions (high temperature, high acid concentration), solid degradation products, so-called humins, fo...
Pilot study of preoperative heart rate variability and adverse events in children emerging from anesthesia.

OBJECTIVE To assess correlations between preoperative heart rate variability (a noninvasive measure of autonomic cardiac activity) and adverse respiratory events during anesthesia emergence in children. DESIGN Case control study. SETTING Tertiary care pediatric operating room. PATIENTS Sixty-one children, aged 8 months to 13 yrs. INTERVENTIONS None. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS Heart rate power spectra were obtained from two 5-min immediate-preoperative electrocardiographs with an orthostatic posture change interposed and (n = 32) from a 24-hr preoperative Holter monitor. Observers recorded emergence from standardized anesthesia for coughing, laryngospasm, and desaturation. Low-frequency/high-frequency ratios (LF/HF) were derived from power spectra of heart rate variability. The orthostatic change in heart rate variability derived from brief preoperative recordings was significantly different if adverse events occurred during emergence from anesthesia (LF/HF standing/LF/HF supine = 1.3 vs. 2.8, p = .019). Holter-derived heart rate variability had no correlation with adverse events. Receiver operating characteristic analysis showed a sensitivity of 85% and specificity of 52% for predicting adverse events with preoperative recordings. CONCLUSIONS This study provides new information regarding pathophysiology in children with upper respiratory infection. The magnitude of difference demonstrated is insufficient to propose this method as a preoperative screening test.
Conditional cancer-specific versus cardiovascular-specific survival after lobectomy for stage I non-small cell lung cancer.

Background Conditional cancer-specific survival rates account for changes in the risk of death from cancer over time. There may be a point during follow-up when patients who undergo lobectomy for stage I non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) are as likely to die of cardiovascular disease as of cancer. Methods Using the Surveillance Epidemiology and End Results Database (1988 through 2005), we identified patients 50 years old and older who underwent lobectomy for stage I NSCLC. We used competing risks methods to calculate conditional survival rates and to ascertain if there is a point in follow-up where the risk of dying of cancer is equivalent to the risk of dying of cardiovascular disease. Results In all, 22,518 patients met our inclusion criteria. The difference in the 5-year conditional probability of dying of cancer and the 5-year conditional probability of dying of cardiovascular disease decreased with time; in the whole cohort, these probabilities were equivalent if patients survived to 7 years after lobectomy (p = 0.11). With increasing age, the probability of dying of cancer and the probability of dying of cardiovascular disease became equivalent at earlier time points. Furthermore, the 5-year probability of dying of cardiovascular disease was significantly greater than the 5-year probability of dying of cancer for patients aged 70 to 79 years who survived to 7 years and for patients aged 80 years and older who survived to 5 years after lobectomy. Conclusions For patients undergoing lobectomy for stage I NSCLC, cardiovascular-specific mortality becomes increasingly important over the course of follow-up, especially among elderly patients.
L1 mobile element expression causes multiple types of toxicity

LINE-1 (L1) retrotransposons represent one of the most successful families of autonomous retroelements, accounting for at least 17% of the human genome. The expression of these elements can be deleterious to a cell. L1 expression has been shown to result in insertional mutagenesis, genomic deletions and rearrangements as well as double-strand DNA breaks. Also, L1 expression has been linked to the induction of apoptosis. These recent discoveries, in addition to correlations of L1 expression with cancer progression, prompted us to further characterize the effect of L1 expression on cellular viability. We show a marked decrease in the overall cellular vitality with expression of the L1 that was primarily dependent on the second open reading frame (ORF2). Both the endonuclease and reverse transcriptase domains of ORF2 can individually contribute to the deleterious effects of L1 expression. L1 decreases cellular viability both by the previously reported apoptotic signaling, but also by inducing a senescence-like state.
Wetting of powdered coals by alkanol-water solutions and other liquids

Abstract The wetting rates of powdered coals by alkanol-water solutions have been measured. A critical concentration of each alkanol is needed before any wetting occurs and this critical wetting concentration is lower for alcohols with longer carbon chains. A critical surface tension of 0.033 J m−2 for Pocahontas No. 3 coal is estimated from the measured wetting concentrations. Studies with a Calvet microcalorimeter show that the heats of immersion of powdered coal in water-methanol mixtures vary smoothly with changing concentration, reaching a maximum value of 16 J g−1 at 30 mol % methanol. Both for alkanols and other liquids, the heat of immersion of coal dust is released over long periods of up to nine hours.
Optimum Invariant Tests

The standard (likelihood ratio) test of the general linear hypothesis has been shown to possess numerous different optimum properties. A brief survey of these was included in a recent paper by Kiefer [2], In the present note it is shown that all of these, and in fact a wide class of optimum properties of which the above are special cases, are consequences of the fact that the test is uniformly most powerful invariant.
Nitrogen in chondritic metal

We report new nitrogen isotopic data in metals of H-, L- and one LL -chondrites, with N abundances in the range of ∼0.3 to 3.3 ppm and half of these <1 ppm. Nitrogen isotopic signatures in metals with low indigenous N concentrations are modified by cosmic ray spallation components; corrections are required to determine the indigenous N signatures. The metals of type 4 and 5 show uniform indigenous nitrogen (δ15N = −6.8 ± 0.5 ‰) and confirm a reported possible genetic association of chondritic metal with metal in IIE and IVA iron meteorites. Distinct isotopic signatures are observed in two metal samples of the Portales Valley (H6) meteorite which both are inconsistent with signatures in H4 and H5 chondrites, but possibly reveal a record of impact-induced melting and metamorphism on the parent asteroid. Anomalous nitrogen signatures in metals of type 3 chondrites, on the other hand, may reflect residues of surviving presolar isotopic signatures.
Fantasy and rhetorical vision: The rhetorical criticism of social reality

The process by which small groups fantasize to create a common culture can be extrapolated to the way dramatizations in public messages spread out across larger publics. The composite dramas which catch up large groups of people in a symbolic reality can be termed a rhetorical vision. Once we participate in a given rhetorical vision, even if we keep an esthetic distance, we have come to experience vicariously a way of life that would otherwise be less accessible to us. The discovery and appreciation of rhetorical visions are useful functions of criticism.
Inventories of Iodine-129 and Cesium-137 in the Gaps and Grain Boundaries of LWR Spent Fuels

Performance assessment calculations that support geologic disposal of spent nuclear fuel in a potential repository at Yucca Mountain, Nevada, are based in part on the assumption that 2% of the total inventories of 135Cs, 129I, and 99Tc are located in the gap and grain-boundary regions where they could dissolve rapidly if the spent fuel were to be contacted by groundwater. Actual measured values reported here for a few light-water reactor (LWR) spent fuels show that the combined gap and grain-boundary inventories of 129I approximately equaled the fission-gas release fractions. For 137Cs, the combined gap and grain-boundary inventories were approximately one third of the fission-gas release fractions. These measured values can be used to replace the 2% estimate and thus reduce the uncertainties in the calculations.
Design and demonstration of broadband thin planar diffractive acoustic lenses

We present here two diffractive acoustic lenses with subwavelength thickness, planar profile, and broad operation bandwidth. Tapered labyrinthine unit cells with their inherently broadband effective material properties are exploited in our design. Both the measured and the simulated results are showcased to demonstrate the lensing effect over more than 40% of the central frequency. The focusing of a propagating Gaussian modulated sinusoidal pulse is also demonstrated. This work paves the way for designing diffractive acoustic lenses and more generalized phase engineering diffractive elements with labyrinthine acoustic metamaterials.
Feedback linearization of a flexible manipulator near its rigid body manifold

Abstract It is shown that a ‘slow’ 2n-dimensional manifold exists in the 4n-dimensional state space of an n-link manipulator with n flexible joints. While the flexible manifold is not linearizable by feedback, its restriction to'the slow manifold is. A method is given for computing a feedback control which achieves an approximate linearization.
Enzyme catalysis: C–H activation is a Reiske business

Enzymes that selectively oxidize unactivated C–H bonds are capable of constructing complex molecules with high efficiency. A new member of this enzyme family is RedG, a Reiske-type oxygenase that catalyses chemically challenging cyclizations in the biosynthesis of prodiginine natural products.
Rapid venous access using saphenous vein cutdown at the ankle

Injured adults can usually be treated adequately with peripheral intravenous lines. However, in hypotensive patients, alternative techniques such as venous cutdown may be necessary. There are no adult studies that document the success rate or time required to complete this procedure in the emergent situation. During a 1-year period, 73 cutdowns were attempted on 56 patients. Sixty-two of these attempts resulted in venous cannulation with a free flow of fluid (84.9%). The average time required for placement was 4.9 minutes. First-year residents had a significantly lower success rate (70%) than emergency department staff (89%) or second- through fifth-year surgical residents (94%). One patient who lived developed a local cellulitis. There were no other complications. In the hands of an experienced operator, saphenous vein cutdown at the ankle is a reliable method of rapidly gaining venous access in the adult patient. There are few immediate or late complications if the catheter is removed within 24 hours.
c-Met-induced epithelial carcinogenesis is initiated by the serine protease matriptase

The progression and negative outcome of a variety of human carcinomas are intimately associated with aberrant activity of the c-Met oncogene. The underlying cause of this dysregulation, however, remains a subject of discussion, as the majority of cancer patients do not present with activating mutations in c-Met receptor itself. In this study, we show that the oncogenic protease matriptase is ubiquitously co-expressed with the c-Met in human squamous cell carcinomas and amplifies migratory and proliferative responses of primary epithelial cells to the cognate ligand for c-Met, pro-hepatocyte growth factor/scatter factor (proHGF/SF), through c-Met and Gab1 signaling. Furthermore, the selective genetic ablation of c-Met from matriptase-expressing keratinocytes completely negates the oncogenic potential of matriptase. In addition, matriptase-dependent carcinoma formation could be blocked by the pharmacological inhibition of the Akt-mammalian target of Rapamycin (mTor) pathway. Our data identify matriptase as an initiator of c-Met-Akt-mTor-dependent signaling axis in tumors and reveal mTor activation as an essential component of matriptase/c-Met-induced carcinogenesis. The study provides a specific example of how epithelial transformation can be promoted by epigenetic acquisition of the capacity to convert a widely available paracrine growth factor precursor to its signaling competent state.
A pedagogical framework for introducing Java I/O in CS1

The role of Java for teaching CS1 has received considerable attention. A common concern of many educators is that the Java I/O paradigm is too challenging for novice programmers and that significant time must be devoted to the subject. This additional time may take away from the traditional CS1 content. Four strategies for teaching Java I/O in CS1 are reviewed herein. Text-based versus GUI-based applications represent the two extremes. Advantages and disadvantages are provided for each approach. A description of preliminary work to develop a Java package that makes implementing GUI applications simple is given, with the objective of preparing students for the eventual transition to the Java AWT.
Combined Quenching Mechanism of Anthracene Fluorescence by Cetylpyridinium Chloride in Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate Micelles.

The Stern-Volmer quenching constant (KSV) for quenching of anthracene fluorescence in sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) micelles by pyridinium chloride has been reported previously to be 520 M−1 based on steady state fluorescence measurements. However, such measurements cannot distinguish static versus dynamic contributions to the overall quenching. In the work reported here, the quenching dynamics of anthracene in SDS micelles by cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC), an analogue of pyridinium chloride, were investigated using both steady state and time resolved fluorescence quenching. Concurrent measurement of the decrease in fluorescence intensity and lifetime of anthracene provide a quantitative evaluation of collision induced (i.e. dynamic) versus complex formation (i.e. static) quenching of the anthracene fluorophore. The results reveal that a combined quenching mechanism is operative with approximately equal constants of 249 ± 6 M−1 and 225 ± 12 M−1 for dynamic and static quenching, respectively.
Extraction of nitrate reductase from leaves of ericaceae

Abstract The inability to obtain active nitrate reductase (E.C. 1.6.6.2) preparations from leaf extracts of Leucothoe and Rhododendron (Ericaceae) was due to a galloyl ester-like compound, similar in nature to tannic acid.
Scheme and Functional Programming 2006: paper abstracts

The Scheme and Functional Programming workshop will be held in Portland, OR on September 17th 2006, in conjunction with ICFP. The purpose of the workshop is to discuss experience with and future developments of the Scheme programming language, as well as general aspects of computer science loosely centered on the general theme of Scheme.Come to hear Manuel Serrano talk about HOP, his new language for programming the web, a status report from the R6RS editors, and presentations of the work below. I look forward to seeing you in Portland!
Decreased growth inhibitory responses of squamous carcinoma cells to interferon-γ involve failure to recruit cki proteins into cdk2 complexes

Interferon-γ induces an irreversible growth arrest and squamous differentiation in normal human epidermal keratinocytes. We present for the first time a careful biochemical analysis of the cell-cycle-related events that occur during interferon-γ treatment of normal human epidermal keratinocytes. The interferon-γ-induced irreversible growth arrest state is characterized by inhibition of cyclin-dependent kinases, prevention of Rb and p130 (Rb2) phosphorylation, and increases in p27 Kip1 , p16 Ink4a , and p130 proteins, together with a transient increase in p21 Waf1/Cip1 . Cells derived from squamous cell carcinomas are less responsive to interferon-γ and do not terminally differentiate. We exploited these differences in response to interferon-γ in order to identify the particular molecular defects in cell cycle control that promote carcinogenesis in squamous epithelia. In several squamous cell carcinoma cell lines as well as in interferon-γ-insensitive HaCaT cells, interferon γ was unable to significantly induce levels of p130 and/or p16 protein. In addition, p21 association with cdk2 complexes was undetectable in either the absence or the presence of interferon-γ and, unlike normal human epidermal keratinocytes, p27 association with cdk2 did not increase with interferon-γ treatment. These multiple defects appear to be intrinsic to the mechanisms of cell cycle regulation rather than due to defects in the interferon-γ signaling pathway, as induction of several interferon-γ-responsive genes including Stat 1, IRF-1, and p21 itself was normal. Interestingly, exogenous expression of p21 protein in the squamous cell carcinoma cell lines by adenovirus carrying wildtype p53 or p21 cDNA cooperated with interferon-γ to produce a greater inhibition of growth than either agent alone, even though p21 protein could barely be detected in cdk2 complexes. We conclude that squamous cell carcinoma cells have intrinsic defects in their ability to regulate cdk-cki complexes in response to differentiation signals.
The Influence of Infant Diet on Early Developmental Changes in Processing Human Voice Speech Stimuli: ERP Variations in Breast and Milk Formula-Fed Infants at 3 and 6 Months After Birth

The purpose of this investigation was to determine if processing of language stimuli during the first half year of life in breast-fed infants differs from that of formula-fed infants. This question was addressed by examining the brain event-related potentials of healthy infants receiving breast milk (n = 15) or milk-based formula (n = 18) recorded in response to consonant vowel syllables presented in an oddball paradigm. The same infants were studied when they were 3-months and 6-months-old. The two groups were comparable on several measures relating to biological and home environment variables previously reported to influence development, including gestation period, birth weight, mother's IQ, and family socioeconomic status, and did not differ in weight or mental or motor development at the times of the visits. In general, ERP response features previously documented in studies of syllable processing in 3–6-month-old infants were observed in this study, including positive components at ∼ 190 msec (P1), ∼ ...
Case report: When measured free T4 and free T3 may be misleading. Interference with free thyroid hormones measurements on Roche® and Siemens® platforms.

A 59-year old female patient presented with apathy and 6 kg weight gain. Investigations revealed severe primary hypothyroidism (TSH>100 μIU/ml). L-thyroxine (L-T4) was started and titrated up to 75 μg, once daily, with clinical improvement. Other investigations revealed very high titres of anti-thyroid peroxidase (anti-TPO) and anti-thyroglobulin (anti-Tg) antibodies. After three months, there was a fall in TSH to 12.74 μIU/ml, however, with unexpectedly high free T4 (FT4) - 6.8 ng/ml and free T3 (FT3) - 6.7 pg/ml concentrations [reference range (rr): 0.8-1.9 ng/ml and 1.5-4.1 pg/ml (Siemens®), respectively]. At this stage L-T4 was stopped, and this was followed by a rapid increase in TSH (to 77.76 μIU/ml) and some decrease in FT4 and FT3, however FT4 concentration remained elevated (2.1 ng/ml). Following this, L-T4 was restarted. On admission to our Department, she was clinically euthyroid on L-T4, 88 μg, once daily. Investigations on Roche® platform confirmed mildly elevated TSH - 5.14 (rr: 0.27-4.2 μIU/ml) with high FT4 [4.59 (rr: 0.93-1.7 ng/ml)] and FT3 [4.98 (rr: 2.6-4.4 pg/ml)] concentrations. Other tests revealed hypoechogenic ultrasound pattern typical for Hashimoto thyroiditis. There was no discrepancy in calculated TSH value following TSH dilution (101% recovery). Concentrations of FT4 and FT3 were assessed on the day of discontinuation of L-T4 and after four days by the means of Abbott® Architect I 1000SR platform. These revealed FT4 and FT3 concentrations within the reference range [e.g., FT4 - 1.08 ng/ml (rr: 0.7-1.48)] vs 4.59 ng/ml (rr: 0.93-1.7, Roche®), FT3 - 3.70 pg/ml (rr: 1.71-3.71) vs 4.98 (rr: 2.6-4.4, Roche®)], confirming assay interference. Concentrations of ferritin and SHBG were normal.
Plato's Criticisms of Democracy in the Republic

Plato's antidemocratic theory of social justice is instructive once we distinguish between the abstract parts of his theory and the empirical or other assumptions he uses in applying that theory. His application may have contained empirical mistakes, and it may have been burdened too much with a prolific metaphysics and a demanding epistemology. An attempt is made to look at his theory of social justice in imaginary isolation from empirical mistakes and from his metaphysics and epistemology. It is then argued that some of Plato's proposals and criticisms of democracy are well worth our attention, especially in the case of governing. His attempt to separate ruling and wealth and to establish economic floors and ceilings for his ideal city seems especially instructive in view of problems in these areas that modern democracies have experienced. Isolating his theory of social justice from his epistemology and metaphysics may be more problematic. Still, Plato's insistence that superior wisdom is the central virtue of rulers is instructive, and in this respect some modern defenders of democratic justice, such as J. S. Mill and John Rawls, have leaned some in Plato's direction. Finally, Plato's criticism of democratic free choice of occupation is less persuasive.
Expression Pattern and Role of a 60-Kilodalton Progesterone Binding Protein in Regulating Granulosa Cell Apoptosis: Involvement of the Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase Cascade

Abstract Progesterone (P4) inhibits both granulosa cells and spontaneously immortalized granulosa cells (SIGCs) from undergoing apoptosis. P4 does so through a plasma membrane-initiated event. It appears that P4's membrane-initiated actions are mediated by a 60-kDa P4 binding protein (P4BP), which is detected by an antibody directed against the ligand binding domain of the nuclear P4 receptor (i.e., C-262). Immunohistochemical analysis revealed that a C-262-detectable protein was first observed in the periphery of a few granulosa cells within early antral-stage follicles. In nonatretic antral follicles, this protein was detected at the periphery of virtually all granulosa cells. In contrast, granulosa cells of atretic follicles lost the distinct peripheral localization of this C-262-detectable protein. This reduction in the membrane localization was also observed by Western blot analysis. To assess the temporal changes in this 60-kDa P4BP during apoptosis, studies were conducted using SIGCs. That this 60-...
Design criteria for recirculating, marine ornamental production systems

While recirculating aquaculture systems for food animals are well defined in the literature, little information is available for the emerging production of high value marine ornamental species. These organisms typically require systems which operate within a narrow range of parameters compared to most food animals, and in addition to growth and survival issues, individual appearance of animals is critical to success. This paper is a general review of the primary design criteria parameters for the production of marine ornamental species in stable, oligotrophic, recirculating aquaculture systems.
The Power Elite at the Bohemian Grove: Has Anything Changed in the 1990s?

This study examines the social, economic, and political connections of persons attending the elite summer retreat at the Bohemian Grove in 1993. Consistent with past studies, Bohemian Club members who made political contributions were overwhelmingly pro-Republican. The guest list also revealed numerous father-son connections, business affiliations, and government-industry associations, lending support to the idea that the Bohemian Grove is an arena where social interaction serves to develop ruling-class cohesion. Interestingly, Clinton administration appointees were noticeably absent from the Grove.
A semiparametric model for accurate camera response function modeling and exposure estimation from comparametric data

A fundamentally new approach that accurately estimates the camera response function from comparametric data, i.e., pixel data from two differently exposed images over a common field of view, is presented. It does so by solving for the camera response function from its associated comparametric relation. The approach offers several advantageous features, including having a complexity that is independent of the number of pixel data considered, allowing for the modeling of saturated pixels, enabling an inherently constrained optimization problem to be solved in an unconstrained manner, and the easy incorporation into an existing framework for joint image registration. This is accomplished by approximating the camera response function with a constrained piecewise linear model so that its solution, within the comparametric camera relation, can be obtained. This results in a semiparametric comparametric model, optimally determined from pixel data, which is directly parameterized in terms of the exposure parameter. Subsequently, it is shown how this semiparametric model is used for exposure estimation from captured images. Finally, we incorporate the semiparametric model within an existing and previously published framework for simultaneous and joint spatial and tonal image registration in order to illustrate the developed model's performance.
Factory Concepts and Practices in Software Development

This paper reviews the introduction of factory concepts and practices, based on tools and methods from the evolving field of software engineering, at major software producers, in particular those that explicitly adopted the factory label to describe their software facilities or approach to software development: Hitachi, Toshiba, NEC, and Fujitsu in Japan, as well as System Development Corporation in the United States. The other United States firm discussed in detail is International Business Machines, which, without adopting the factory label, introduced numerous measures to organize and control software development, especially basic software. The paper emphasizes that the difficulty of the technology, shortages of skilled engineers, and large-scale projects have encouraged producers to become more systematic or factory-like in managing a series of projects, even though some characteristics of the technology and the industry have made software seem difficult to control and more suitable to a loosely structured project-centered or craft approach to development.
Training Knowledge-Based Neural Networks to Recognize Genes in DNA Sequences

We describe the application of a hybrid symbolic/connectionist machine learning algorithm to the task of recognizing important genetic sequences. The symbolic portion of the KBANN system utilizes inference rules that provide a roughly-correct method for recognizing a class of DNA sequences known as eukaryotic splice-junctions. We then map this "domain theory" into a neural network and provide training examples. Using the samples, the neural network's learning algorithm adjusts the domain theory so that it properly classifies these DNA sequences. Our procedure constitutes a general method for incorporating preexisting knowledge into artificial neural networks. We present an experiment in molecular genetics that demonstrates the value of doing so.