cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
IL-1β expression is increased and regulates GABA transmission following chronic ethanol in mouse central amygdala.

Abstract The interleukin-1 system (IL-1) is a prominent pro-inflammatory pathway responsible for the initiation and regulation of immune responses. Human genetic and preclinical studies suggest a critical role for IL-1β signaling in ethanol drinking and dependence, but little is known about the effects of chronic ethanol on the IL-1 system in addiction-related brain regions such as the central amygdala (CeA). In this study, we generated naive, non-dependent (Non-Dep) and dependent (Dep) male mice using a paradigm of chronic-intermittent ethanol vapor exposure interspersed with two-bottle choice to examine 1) the expression of IL-1β, 2) the role of the IL-1 system on GABAergic transmission, and 3) the potential interaction with the acute effects of ethanol in the CeA. Immunohistochemistry with confocal microscopy was used to assess expression of IL-1β in microglia and neurons in the CeA, and whole-cell patch clamp recordings were obtained from CeA neurons to measure the effects of IL-1β (50 ng/ml) or the endogenous IL-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1ra; 100 ng/ml) on action potential-dependent spontaneous inhibitory postsynaptic currents (sIPSCs). Overall, we found that IL-1β expression is significantly increased in microglia and neurons of Dep compared to Non-Dep and naive mice, IL-1β and IL-1ra bi-directionally modulate GABA transmission through both pre- and postsynaptic mechanisms in all three groups, and IL-1β and IL-1ra do not alter the facilitation of GABA release induced by acute ethanol. These data suggest that while ethanol dependence induces a neuroimmune response in the CeA, as indicated by increased IL-1β expression, this does not significantly alter the neuromodulatory role of IL-1β on synaptic transmission.
Olfactorily‐mediated cortisol response to chemical alarm cues in zebrafish Danio rerio

Chemical cues released as a by-product of predation mediate antipredator behaviour, but little is known about the physiological responses to olfactory detection of predation risk. In this study, zebrafish Danio rerio were exposed to either chemical alarm cues from conspecifics, or water (control). Compared with water controls, D. rerio exposed to alarm cues responded behaviourally with antipredator behaviours such as erratic dashing and an increase in time spent near the bottom of the test aquarium. Danio rerio were sacrificed 5 min after exposure to test cues (alarm cues or water). Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) revealed whole-body levels of cortisol that were significantly higher for fish exposed to alarm cues (mean ± SE, 11.9 ± 3.4 ng g-1 ) than control fish (1.5 ± 0.7 ng g-1 ). These data provide a benchmark for future studies of the proximate mechanisms of olfactorily mediated antipredator responses, modelling effects on aquatic life in a changing climate and, as a model organism, Danio rerio can further our understanding of anxiety in humans.
The Impact of Host-Based Early Warning on Disease Outbreaks

Objective: The detection of communicable pathogens responsible for major outbreaks relies on health care professionals recognition of symptoms manifesting in infectious individuals. Early warning of such communicable diseases before the onset of symptoms could improve both patient care and public health responses. However, the potential impact of such a host-based early warning system on containing the spread of an outbreak and in steering public health response is unknown. Methods: We extend the deterministic SEIR (Susceptible, Exposed, Infectious, Recovered) model to simulate disease outbreak scenarios and to quantify the potential impact of a host-based early warning capability to mitigate pathogen transmission during an outbreak. In particular, we compare and contrast the performance of five different policies: Self-monitoring and reporting (baseline SEIR model), Quarantining the entire population, Quarantine-on-alert (with high sensitivity early warning), Quarantine-on-alert (with high specificity early warning), and Quarantine-on-alert (ideal early warning). We further evaluate these five policy options against four different outbreak scenarios with high or low disease transmission and high or low initial population exposures. Results: For all scenarios, a quarantine-on-alert policy coupled with the near-ideal early warning capability reduces quarantine needs with only a small increase in the number of additional infections. The cost of a highly specific early detection system (i.e., a reduction in false alarms and thus quarantine costs) is an increase in additional infections relative to the near-ideal system. Conversely, a highly sensitive early detection system increases the percentage of the population in quarantine compared to both the ideal and high-specificity early detection system while also reducing the number of additional infections to nearly the numbers seen by quarantining the entire population a priori. Conclusions: Our simulations demonstrate the utility of host-based early warning systems in controlling an outbreak under various outbreak conditions. Our tools also provide a simulation capability for evaluating public health policies enabling quantitative evaluation of their impacts prior to implementation.
Do Nuisance Ordinances Increase Eviction Risk

We estimate the causal impact of criminal activity nuisance ordinances on tenant evictions and eviction filings. These ordinances penalize property owners when certain types of illegal activity occur on or near their property, reported primarily through 911 calls. We exploit the staggered implementation of laws by municipalities and estimate the treatment effect on eviction outcomes using a difference-in-difference framework. The results show that criminal activity nuisance ordinances increase eviction filing rates by about 16 percent of the sample mean and court ordered evictions by 14 percent of the sample mean.
Generic promotion of Norwegian seafood exports

The Norwegian Seafood Council (NSC) works cooperatively with its seafood industry to develop foreign demand for Norwegian seafood through generic promotion and advertising. The generic promotion ac...
Spatial repertoires in the disciplinary communication of international STEM scholars

The overall goal of this special issue is to understand how bi-/multilingual STEM scholars navigate and deploy spatial repertoires for professional communication. The articles present contextualize...
Translating Lessons from Status Characteristics and Expectation States Theory to Survey Methods

Status characteristics and expectation states theory (SC-EST) predicts individuals’ behavior in groups comprised of individuals who differ on the basis of characteristics such as race or gender. SC-EST most commonly examines group dynamics in experimental settings, making it unfamiliar to most survey methodologists. In this chapter, I begin by introducing SC-EST to survey methodologists. I then describe opportunities for symbiosis between survey methodology and SC-EST. Specifically, I outline some potential theoretical and methodological contributions of SC-EST to survey methodology. For example, I discuss methodological considerations pertaining to researcher/participant interactions on dimensions of race and gender, among other factors. I also focus on the ways that survey research can help to inform SC-EST; paying particular attention to the unique ability of surveys to examine initial and scope conditions. In summary, this chapter provides scaffolding on which the relationship between SC-EST and survey methodology can develop.
Bringing EMS Node-Breaker Model into Offline Planning Tools

Power Systems Operations and Planning historically use different models. Online operations model is based upon node-breaker representation of the system whereas offline planning models are based upon bus-branch representation. Power industry is in need of a unified model that would eliminate the modeling differences to the extent possible between these models. The chapter describes development and testing of the tool allowing to use full topology model in traditionally planning tool. The chapter summarizes the challenges in reconciling the difference between operations and planning model, areas where more work is needed, and provides recommendations to help planning entities to gradually transition from traditional bus-branch planning model to node-breaker model. Finally, full topology and bus branch-model are tested against each other and system events.
America's first voter identification laws: The effects of personal registration and declining political party competition on presidential election turnout, 1880–1916

Abstract Engaging a persistent puzzle on the decline in U.S turnout after 1896 from which the nation never recovered, this paper tests the impact of strict registration laws and declining electoral competition on turnout. This study uses an original dataset on nineteenth century voter registration laws for 1880–1916. I estimate a panel model with state and year fixed effects to test the hypothesis that the shift in electoral behavior was a function of registration reforms and competition. Findings show that turnout dropped by as much as 6 points because of personal registration laws, whereas competition increased turnout by up to 10 points. I also analyzed two case studies at the county level. The results indicate that when registration laws became increasingly stringent with stricter identification requirements, turnout dropped by as much as 19 points. Findings suggest that electoral competition could mitigate the suppressive effects of strict voting laws on turnout.
Do Mortgage Lenders Compete Locally? Implications for Credit Access

We study the impact of mortgage lender concentration on household credit access. An extensive literature has found little to no relationship between local lender concentration and mortgage interest rates; consequently, federal regulators regard mortgage markets as national and view their local concentration as irrelevant to financial regulation and monetary policy. We argue that this view is incomplete, showing that although local concentration has no influence on interest rates, it strongly affects lending standards and upfront fees. In more concentrated areas, mortgage application rejection rates are higher (this effect is particularly pronounced for low-income, female, and racial-minority applicants), and the pool of originated mortgages is less risky in terms of both ex-ante credit scores and ex-post default. On the intensive margin, lenders charge higher fees in more concentrated markets: non-interest fees are on average 35 basis points higher in the 10% most concentrated markets than in the 10% least concentrated markets. Again, these effects are strongest among minority applicants. Our findings suggest that contrary to current policy, regulators concerned with credit access should regard mortgage markets as local when making policy decisions such as bank merger approvals.
Integrating water-classified returns in DTM generation to increase accuracy of stream delineations and geomorphic analyses

Abstract High resolution topographic data has become widely available over the preceding decades and increasingly detailed digital elevation models are aiding in nearly every type of natural-resource related research. Digital terrain models (DTMs), which depict the ground surface topography devoid of vegetation or man-made structures, are particularly helpful in stream-related research. Historically, coarse resolution topographic data (e.g., several meters to tens of meters pixel size) did not afford evaluation of meter scale roughness elements exposed above the water surface within stream channels. The purpose of this study is to demonstrate how the integration of water-classified lidar returns in submeter resolution DTM-development may capture stream corridor topography and be useful for further stream-related research. Four reaches of streams draining the southeastern Blue Ridge Escarpment in southern North Carolina (USA) are assessed for reach positioning, length, and gradient. These parameters are chosen because they are foundational to many other forms of stream analysis (e.g., stream power, normalized channel steepness, chi, and others). Water-assigned lidar returns are included in 0.5- pixel size DTMs and compared to both a 0.5-m DTM generated without use of water returns (i.e., bare-earth) and a pre-processed, hydro-flattened 0.9-m bare-earth DTM. In steep bedrock channels, bare-earth only DTMs result in channels 12–23% shorter than water return integrated DTMs. Observations of stream positioning on DTMs that include water returns and comparisons to orthophotographs suggest a more consistent stream center line in relation to boulders and exposed bedrock within stream channels. Small streams do not benefit from the modified analysis methods because water-classified returns are not present in these channels. Nor do low gradient alluvial channels benefit because these streams tend to lack exposed bedrock or large roughness elements that might divert stream flows. Because so many geomorphic parameters are largely dependent on channel length, these findings have far-reaching implications in ongoing stream-related research. The methods presented here do not require new data collection or technology, but offer simple modifications to processing of existing data and should be considered on other high quality lidar datasets.
Prognostic Value of Venous Thromboembolism Risk Assessment Models in Patients with Severe COVID-19

Introduction Severe novel corona virus disease 2019 (COVID-19) causes dysregulation of the coagulation system with arterial and venous thromboembolism (VTE). We hypothesize that validated VTE risk scores would have prognostic ability in this population. Methods Retrospective observational cohort with severe COVID-19 performed in NorthShore University Health System. Patients were >18 years of age and met criteria for inpatient or intensive care unit (ICU) care. The International Medical Prevention Registry on Venous Thromboembolism (IMPROVE) and Caprini scores were calculated and patients were stratified. Results This study includes 184 patients, mostly men (63.6%), Caucasian (54.3%), 63 years old (interquartile range [IQR]: 24-101), and 57.1% of them required ICU care. Twenty-seven (14.7%) thrombotic events occurred: 12 (6.5%) cases of disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC), 9 (4.9%) of pulmonary embolism, 5 (2.7%) of deep vein thrombosis, and 1 (0.5%) stroke. Among them, 86 patients (46.7%) died, 95 (51.6%) were discharged, and 3 (1.6%) were still hospitalized. "Moderate risk for VTE" and "High risk for VTE" by IMPROVE score had significant mortality association: (hazard ratio [HR]: 5.68; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.93-11.03; p < 0.001) and (HR = 6.22; 95% CI: 3.04-12.71; p < 0.001), respectively, with 87% sensitivity and 63% specificity (area under the curve [AUC] = 0.752, p < 0.001). "High Risk for VTE" by Caprini score had significant mortality association (HR = 17.6; 95% CI: 5.56-55.96; p < 0.001) with 96% sensitivity and 55% specificity (AUC = 0.843, p < 0.001). Both scores were associated with thrombotic events when classified as "High risk for VTE" by IMPROVE (HR = 6.50; 95% CI: 2.72-15.53; p < 0.001) and Caprini scores (HR = 11.507; 95% CI: 2.697-49.104; p = 0.001). Conclusion The IMPROVE and Caprini risk scores were independent predictors of mortality and thrombotic events in severe COVID-19. With larger validation, this can be useful prognostic information.
Analysis of Environmental Law Scholarship 2019-2020

The Environmental Law and Policy Annual Review (ELPAR) is published by the Environmental Law Institute’s (ELI’s) Environmental Law Reporter in partnership with Vanderbilt University Law School. ELPAR provides a forum for the presentation and discussion of some of the most creative and feasible environmental law and policy proposals from the legal academic literature each year. The pool of articles that are considered includes all environmental law articles published during the previous academic year that match our methodological criteria. The law journal articles that are re-published and discussed are selected by Vanderbilt University Law School students with input from the course instructors as well as an outside advisory committee of environmental law experts. The goal of this Comment is to highlight the results of the ELPAR article selection process and to report on the environmental legal scholarship for the 2019-2020 academic year, including the number of environmental law articles published in general law reviews versus environmental law journals, and the topics covered in the articles. We also present the Top 20 articles that met ELPAR’s criteria of persuasiveness, impact, feasibility, and creativity, from which four articles were selected to re-publish in condensed form with commentaries from leading practitioners and policymakers. Two additional articles received an honorable mention. Thus, this Comment provides an empirical snapshot of the environmental legal literature during the past academic year and information on the top articles chosen by ELPAR.
On the age of Rhodesian greenstone belts

Isochron ages and initial Sr-87/Sr-86 ratios are derived from Rb-Sr isotopic analyses on metavolcanic rocks from some greenstone belts of the Rhodesian Archean craton. Three mineral isochron ages (about 2.4 billion years) are tentatively suggested to represent the time of an important low-grade metamorphic event.
Some Dynamic Characteristics of Rocks

The literature in the field of dynamic behavior of rock materials is relatively sparse and incomplete. Details and even raw data on pulse propagation and internal structural response of rock to the passage of a transient of more than negligible amplitude is virtually non-existent, particularly under controlled conditions. The present investigation consists of a study of the transmission and decay of pulses produced both by impact and explosive loading in a rock classified as a diorite. The samples were chosen and prepared with sufficient care and tested under identical conditions so that reproducibility of results comparable to that expected in metallic systems was obtained, indicating that the concept of non-reproducibility in geologic materials is not well founded.
The Peculiarities of African Labour and Working-Class History

Richard Sandbrook and Robin Cohen, eds.. The Development of an African Working Class: Studies in Class Formation and Action (Toronto: University of Toronto Press 1975) A.T. Nzula, I.I. Potekhim, and A.Z. Zusmanovich, Forced Labour in Colonial Africa (London: Zed Press 1979) Ken Luckhardt and Brenda Wall, Organize or Starve: The History of the South African Congress of Trade Unions (London: Lawrence and Wishart 1980) Robin Cohen, Peter Gutkind, and Phyllis Brazier, eds.. Peasants and Proletarians: The Struggles of Third World Workers (New York: Monthly Review 1979) Peter Gutkind, Robin Cohen, and Jean Copans, eds., African Labor History (Beverly Hills: Sage 1978) Charles Perrings, Black Mineworkers in Central Africa (London: Heineman 1979) Charles Van Onselen, Chibaro: African Mine Labour in Southern Rhodesia, 1919-1933 (London: Pluto Press 1976) LABOUR UNDER CAPITALISM shares common features in the extraction of surplus value as part of the production process itself. Under the operation of capitalist relations of production the working day is divided between necessary labour time and surplus labour time. The proportion of the working day allotted into the two parts, however, differs profoundly. It is not as Adrian Peace would like to argue: "In Marxist terms the Nigerian industrial worker is a proletarian. As a member of a propertyless, contractual labour force the worker's position is in this respect, essentially the same as that of his British or American counterparts." On the contrary, the African worker differs from his metropolitan counterpart because s/he was not divorced from the 1 Adrian Peace, "Industrial Protest in Nigeria," in Sandbrook and Cohen, Development, 41.
The p38 Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase Is Involved in Associative Learning in Rabbits

This study examined the role of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) family during acquisition of the rabbit's classically conditioned eye-blink response. Eye-blink conditioning produced a significant, bilateral activation of both extracellular signal-regulated protein kinases (ERKs) and p38 MAPK in the anterior cerebellar vermis. There was also a significant bilateral activation of ERKs in the dorsal hippocampus with no change in p38 MAPK. These changes were seen at 2 min after the last conditioning session, were maintained for at least 180 min, and occurred without any change in the protein expression of either ERKs or p38 MAPK. There were no changes in ERKs or p38 MAPK in frontal cortex, in cerebellar hemispheral lobule VI, or in a section of brainstem containing the inferior olive. Moreover, the stress-related protein kinase Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), another subfamily of MAPKs, was not altered in any of the brain regions examined. Animals receiving explicitly unpaired presentations of a conditioned stimulus and an unconditioned stimulus did not acquire conditioned responses (CRs) and did not demonstrate any changes in ERKs, p38 MAPK, or JNK. The intraventricular injection of SB203580, a selective p38 MAPK inhibitor, significantly retarded CR acquisition and blocked the learning-related increases in p38 MAPK activity in the anterior vermis. PD98059, a selective MAPK kinase inhibitor, had a smaller and only marginally significant effect on CR acquisition, although it did block the learning-related increases in ERK activity in both the hippocampus and anterior vermis. These results indicate that p38 MAPK is activated during associative learning and may play a role in the transcriptional events that lead to memory consolidation.
Multiscalar execution along a single flow of control

The multiscalar processing model extracts instruction level parallelism from ordinary programs by splitting the program into smaller, possibly dependent, tasks, and parallelly executing multiple tasks using multiple execution units. Past work had advocated pursuing multiple flows of control in the multiscalar processor. We first illustrate the problems involved in pursuing multiple flows of control. We then discuss a methodology to obtain good performance from multiple tasks extracted from a single line of control. We also present the results of simulation studies that verify the potential of this method. These results, obtained with a set of SPECS92 benchmarks, show better issue rates when a single line of control is pursued in the multiscalar processor. The primary reason for this improvement is the ability to have better load balancing among the execution units.
Effects of Speech Rate and Pitch Contour on the Perception of Synthetic Speech

The increased use of voice-response systems has resulted in a greater need for systematic evaluation of the role of segmental and suprasegmental factors in determining the intelligibility of synthesized speech. Two experiments were conducted to examine the effects of pitch contour and speech rate on the perception of synthetic speech. In Experiment 1, subjects transcribed sentences that were either syntactically correct and meaningful or syntactically correct but semantically anomalous. In Experiment 2, subjects transcribed sentences that varied in length and syntactic structure. In both experiments a text-to-speech system generated synthetic speech at either 150 or 250 words/min. Half of the text sentences were generated with a flat pitch (monotone) and half were generated with normally inflected clausal intonation. The results indicate that the identification of words in fluent synthetic speech is influenced by speaking rate, meaning, length, and, to a lesser degree, pitch contour. The results suggest that in many applied situations the perception of the segmental information on the speech signal may be more crucial to the intelligibility of synthesized speech than are suprasegmental factors.
Stability of linear systems with transport lag

A method is presented whereby the absolute and relative stability of linear control systems containing transport lag or distributed lag can be determined. The method utilizes a variation of the generalized parameter plane technique as developed by D. D. Siljak and all results are in terms of two free system parameters. An example of a particular system with transport lag is analyzed. In the example, the system stability is analyzed with respect to the simultaneous variation of a controller gain and time constant.
Effect of various oral glucose doses on plasma neutral amino acid levels

Abstract Six healthy, nonobese, fasting subjects each received, on different days 0, 6, 12.5, 25, or 50 g of glucose (Glucola) in a total volume of 100 ml. Blood was taken at intervals and assayed for plasma levels of the branched-chain amino acids (valine, isoleucine and leucine); the other major large neutral amino acids (LNAA) (methionine, phenylalanine, tyrosine and tryptophan); and, in some cases, insulin and glucose. Insulin levels were significantly elevated 30 min after consumption of 12.5, 25, or 50 g of glucose, and were higher after the 50 g dose than after 12.5 g. Changes in plasma glucose concentrations were small and did not correlate with glucose dose. Mean percent reductions of LNAA tended to exhibit dose-dependence, most clearly observed after 120 min. In some subjects as little as 6 g of glucose transiently decreased LNAA concentrations. Branched-chain amino acids were most sensitive, decreasing by 35%–41% after 50 g of glucose. Plasma tryptophan concentrations fell only by 23%, hence the ratio of plasma tryptophan to other plasma LNAA (which affects brain serotonin synthesis) increased significantly.
Global financial architecture, global imbalances and the future of the dollar in a post‐crisis world

Purpose – Financial globalization and global imbalances are two facets of the same phenomenon, which has resulted in the worst global economic and financial crisis since the Great Depression. The purpose of this paper is to analyze the complex interaction of several mutually reinforcing trends and factors – the global monetary easing of 2001‐2004, financial innovation, regulatory failure, in particular in the USA and the UK, US fiscal indiscipline and Chinese currency manipulation – that contributed to the global financial crisis. The key to a return to global financial buoyancy will be the coordinated resolution of the global imbalances over the medium term, as well as the establishment of a strong global financial regulatory framework focusing on both macro‐ and micro‐financial risks.Design/methodology/approach – In the paper, the author analyzes the role of the interaction of financial innovation, regulatory and global imbalances in the creation of the real estate bubble, shadow banking and the eventua...
Texture analysis of aerial photographs

Abstract Different image textures manifest themselves by dissimilarity in both the property values and the spatial interrelationships of their component texture primitives. We use this fact in a texture discrimination system. An image is first segmented into closed regions called units. Then, a set of properties is calculated for each of the units. The units along with their respective properties constitute the primitives. The discrimination between texture categories has two parts: the training phase and the classification phase. The primitives and the relationships which are obtained from representative training images are used to develop criteria for the classification phase. During classification, the primitives of the image under test are first used to assign a unit to one of several cluster types. Then, each primitive is assigned to the most likely texture class given its cluster type and the cluster types of its spatially adjacent neighbors. The method is used on three images: a noisy checkerboard, a simulated texture and an aerial photograph.
Hölder continuity of the solutions of a nondiagonal parabolic system of equations with p -laplacians

We prove the Holder continuity of the solutions of the Dirichlet problem for a nondiagonal parabolic system of equations in divergence form whose leading parts are modeled by the p-Laplacians.
Simulations of Calcium Oscillations in Pancreatic Acinar Cells

Pancreatic acinar cells have developed sophisticated Ca2+ signaling mechanisms, which have important physiological roles on enzyme and fluid secretion. In response to stimulation, Ca2+signals in pancreatic acinar cells are modulated in a precise spatiotemporal manner necessary for normal secretory function and are generally confined to the apical pole. Meanwhile, abnormal, prolonged global elevation of cytosolic Ca2+ concentration has been proposed to be the crucial trigger for pancreatitis. In this study, we have constructed and validated a computational model to gain insights into the generation of different Ca2+ signaling patterns in pancreatic acinar cell. Specifically this model allows us to examine the roles of and interactions between inhomogeneous distributed IP3 and rynodine receptors, the passive and active roles of the mitochondrial barrier that separates the apical and basal regions, and dimensionality. Preliminary results indicate that both the topology of the mitochondrial barrier and mitochondrial Ca2+ uptake have significant impact in both confining and maintaining the apical oscillations, supporting the idea that mitochondria are active and crucial elements of Ca2+ signaling in pancreatic acinar cells. In addition, when using the same parameters for the kinetics, changing from a two-dimensional to three-dimensional model of the cell yields qualitatively different results for the apical Ca2+ oscillation.
Influence of in-plane displacements at the boundaries of rigid-plastic beams and plates

Abstract An approximate theoretical rigid-plastic study has been undertaken into the influence of small in-plane displacements at the boundaries of various laterally loaded beams. The most interesting feature of these theoretical predictions is the remarkably small in-plane displacements at the supports which can change the response from that of an axially restrained beam, with considerable reserve strengthening beyond the limit load for moderate lateral deflections, to that of a freely supported beam with no concomitant increase in strength beyond the limit load. A comparison has also been made between some theoretical predictions for a laterally loaded square plate and the corresponding experimental results obtained by Clarkson on rotationally fixed plates with edges free to slide inwards.
Urate binding to serum albumin

Fractional excretion of uric acid (Curate/Ccreat X 100) was determined in 1 4-year-old analbuminemic child and an age-matched control. Fractional excretion of urate was 19% in the analbuminemic child and 24% in the control subject. These values are within the range reported for normal children of this age. We conclude from this study that urate binding to serum albumin is not an important determinant of the renal clearance of uric acid, and by inference there is no significant binding of urate to serum albumin in vivo.
A discrete variable approximation to minimum weight panel designs subject to a supersonic flutter-speed constraint.

A numerical technique is presented that determines the minimum-weight thickness distribution for a one-dimensional, simply supported panel subjected to a parallel supersonic flow on one side. An aeroelastic eigenvalue, which characterizes flutter speed, is held constant. The governing differential equations are approximated by sets of difference equations adjoined to the weight function via a penalty function. A conjugate gradient method then solves the resulting sequence of unconstrained minimization problems. Numerical results are obtained without imposing a minimum thickness constraint; the effect of constant inplane tensile and compressive stresses is also investigated.
Sarcomatous transformation in cranial chordoma.

In a study of 52 patients with cranial chordoma treated at the Mayo Clinic over a 19-year period (1966-1984), two tumors showed anaplastic features, both de novo, i.e., unassociated with prior irradiation. The incidence of anaplastic transformation was thus 4%. Immunohistochemistry showed the mixed mesenchymal-epithelial phenotype typical of chordoma in portions of both tumors, but loss of reactivity for keratin and epithelial membrane antigen was noted in anaplastic components. The study indicates that sarcomatous change in chordoma is a rare event that may occur de novo and is associated with the loss of immunophenotypic features of epithelial differentiation.
Microstructure of spray converted nanostructured tungsten carbide-cobalt composite

This paper reports the presence of face centered cubic cobalt precipitates inside tungsten carbide in nanocomposite of WC-Co synthesized by spray conversion processing. EDS was used to identify the presence and micro-diffraction was employed to determine the nature of the precipitates. There is entrapment of cobalt in tungsten carbide during the spray conversion process used to form WC/Co powder. During consolidation, at high temperatures, the cobalt attains enough mobility to precipitate inside WC. A vanadium containing compound was seen at the interfaces in samples which incorporated VC as a grain growth inhibitor.
HOW COMPLETE RANDOM PERMUTATIONS AFFECT THE DEPENDENCE STRUCTURE OF STATIONARY SEQUENCES WITH LONG-RANGE DEPENDENCE

A stationary time series is said to be long-range dependent (LRD) if its autocovariance function decays as a power of the lag, in such a way that the sum (over all lags) of the autocovariances diverges. The asymptotic rate of decay is determined by a parameter H, called the Hurst parameter. The time series is said to be short-range dependent (H = 1/2) if the sum converges. It is commonly believed that a random permutation of a sequence maintains the marginal distribution of each element but destroys the dependence, and in particular, that a random permutation of an LRD sequence creates a new sequence whose estimate of Hurst parameter H is close to 1/2. This paper provides a theoretical basis for investigating these claims. In reality, a complete random permutation does not destroy the covariances, but merely equalizes them. The common value of the equalized covariances depends on the length N of the original sequence and it decreases to 0 as N → ∞. Using the periodogram method, we explain why one is led to think, mistakenly, that the randomized sequence yields an "estimated H close to 1/2.".
A New Measurement of the Cosmic Microwave Background Radiation Temperature at z = 1.97*

We present detections of absorption from the ground state and excited states of C I in the z = 1.9731 damped Lyα system of the QSO 0013-004. The excitation temperature between the J = 0 and J = 1 fine-structure levels of C I is 11.6 ± 1.0 K. We estimate other contributions to the excitation of the C I fine-structure levels, and use the population ratio of the excited state to the ground state to derive an estimate for the cosmic microwave background radiation (CMBR) temperature of T = 7.9 ± 1.0 K at 0.61 mm and z = 1.9731, which is consistent with the predicted value of T = 8.105 ± 0.030 K from the standard cosmology.
Gas entrainment recoil target assembly

Abstract A new accelerator target assembly based on gas stopping and entrainment of recoiling reaction products is described. The target has been found to be useful with beam densities up to 150 >A/cm2.
Investigation of calcium-induced hydrolysis of phosphoinositides in normal and lithium-treated parathyroid cells.

Background : Lithium-induced hyperparathyroidism is characterized by a reduction in parathyroid sensitivity to changes in extracellular calcium (Ca 2+ ). Ca 2+ -induced transmembrane signal transduction in the parathyroid cell is known to result in the hydrolysis of phosphatidylinositol bisphosphate (PIP 2 ), generating increases in intracellular inositol phosphates, a process which is mediated by a calcium receptor. Materials and methods : To determine if lithium's effect on parathyroid cell function is mediated by an alteration in Ca 2+ -induced hydrolysis of PIP 2 , inositol 4-monophosphate (IP 1 ), and inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP 3 ) were measured using anion-exchange chromatography in normal and lithium chloride (LiCI)-treated bovine parathyroid cells at Ca 2+ concentrations varying from 0.5 mmol/L to 5.0 mmol/L. IP 1 and IP 3 concentrations were determined in terms of percent control, defined as the IP 1 or IP 3 concentration at an [Ca 2+ ] of 0.5 mmol/L. Results : Increases in [IP 1 /10 6 cells (mean ± standard error of the mean [SEM]) in response to progressive increases in Ca 2+ from 0.5 mmol/L to 5.0 mmol/L varied from 825 ± 228 to 4,474 ± 382 in control cells versus 1,139 ± 243 to 4,689 ± 630 in cells pretreated with LiCl ( P > 0.05). The increases in [IP 3 ]/10 6 cells (mean ± SEM) in response to increases in Ca 2+ from 0.5 mmol/L to 5.0 mmol/L, varied from 146 ± 14 to 385 ± 35 in control cells versus 134 ± 16 to 327 ± 55 in cells pretreated with LiCl ( P > 0.05). Conclusions : Our results demonstrate that LiCl does not effect Ca 2+ -induced hydrolysis of PIP 2 , suggesting that the desensitizing effect of LiCl on the parathyroid cell is not the result of a Ca 2+ receptor-mediated phenomenon.
Health Benefits of Legal Services for Criminalized Populations: The Case of People Who Use Drugs, Sex Workers and Sexual and Gender Minorities

Social exclusion and legal marginalization are important determinants of health outcomes for people who use illicit drugs, sex workers, and persons who face criminal penalties because of homosexuality or transgenderism. Incarceration may add to the health risks associated with police repression and discrimination for these persons. Access to legal services may be essential to positive health outcomes in these populations. Through concrete examples, this paper explores types of legal problems and legal services linked to health outcomes for drug users, sex workers, and sexual minorities and makes recommendations for donors, legal service providers, and civil society organizations.
The isolation and purification of osmotically intact discs from retinal rod outer segments.

Abstract We have prepared osmotically intact discs from retinal rod outer segments by osmotic shock followed by flotation on 5% Ficoll. The flotation effectively separates osmotically intact discs from protein contaminants, burst discs and other membranous debris. When discs prepared by this method are solubilized in a detergent solution the following spectral ratios are routinely obtained: A 400 A 500 = 0·24 and A 278 A 500 = 2·1 . The high purity of this preparation is further supported by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. The integrity of the dises is confirmed by electron microscopy and by their osmotic behavior. The preparation gives a yield of 0·5 mg of rhodopsin/retina.
The photosynthetic energy conversion process in isolated chloroplasts.

Dieser kurze Uberblick uber das Gebiet der Photosynthese in isolierten Chloroplasten ware unvollstandig, wurde nicht die Abhangigkeit des erzielten Fortschrittes von mindestens zwei «verbesserten analytischen Methoden» betont, welcheEmil Fischers1 60 Jahre zuruckliegende Prophezeiung erfullen. Zur Entdeckung der Photophosphorylierung und der Kohlenhydratsynthese durch isolierte Chloroplasten war die Einfuhrung der Isotopen-Technik in die Biologie durchvon Hevesy107 und die Entwicklung der Papierchromatographie durchMartin undSynge108 von besonderer Bedeutung.
The role of juncture cues and phonological knowledge in English syllabification judgments

Abstract Listener syllabification judgments vary on words with VCCV sequences. This variability seems to present a challenge to phonological theory, which predicts invariant behavior following from rules or principles. Judgment variability might be better accounted for by positing that syllable production and perception are linked by the signal. According to such a hypothesis, variable listener judgments would result from variable speaker productions. To determine whether phonological or phonetic factors better account for listener syllabification judgments, different speakers produced nonsense words, listeners syllabified them, and then stimuli characteristics were used to predict syllabification. Results showed that, in spite of production variability, listener judgments were nearly invariant on words with medial sequences that formed illegal onset clusters to the second syllable and on words with first syllable stress, suggesting that these tokens were syllabified according to categorical phonological knowledge. Other judgments could not be similarly explained, but instead were best predicted by gradient phonetic patterns cuing juncture. The results disconfirm the hypothesis that syllable production and perception are directly linked via the signal. Instead, they suggest a two-step model of English syllabification in which listeners rely on juncture cues to determine syllable boundaries only after phonological knowledge fails to indicate a unique boundary location.
Direct Conversion of Carbon Fuels in a Molten Carbonate Fuel Cell

Anodes of elemental carbon may be discharged in a galvanic cell using a molten carbonate electrolyte, a nickel-foam anode-current collector, and a porous nickel air cathode to achieve power densities of 40-100 mW/cm{sup 2}. We report cell and anode polarization, surface area, primary particle size and a crystallization index for nine particulate carbon samples derived from fuel oil, methane, coal, charred biological material and petroleum coke. At 800 C, current densities of 50-125 mA/cm{sup 2} were measured at a representative cell voltage of 0.8 V. Power densities for cells with two carbon-anode materials were found to be nearly the same on scales of 2.8- and 60 cm{sup 2} active area. Constant current operation of a small cell was accompanied by constant voltage during multiple tests of 10-30 hour duration. Cell voltage fell off after the carbon inventory was consumed. Three different cathode structures are compared, indicating that an LLNL fabricated porous nickel electrode with <10 {micro}m pores provides improved rates compared with nickel foam with 100-300 {micro}m pores. Petroleum coke containing substantial sulfur and ash discharges at a slightly lower rate than purified petroleum coke. The sulfur leads to degradation of the anode current collector over time. A conceptual modelmore » for electrochemical reactivity of carbon is presented which indicates the importance of (1) bulk lattice disorder, which continually provides surface reactive sites during anodic dissolution and (2) electrical conductivity, which lowers the ohmic component of anode polarization.« less
Concise Synthesis of Guanidine-Containing Heterocycles Using the Biginelli Reaction

Two general methods for the synthesis of 2-imino-5-carboxy-3,4-dihydropyrimidines were developed using the three-component Biginelli reaction. The first method utilizes pyrazole carboxamidine, a β-ketoester, and an aldehyde in an initial Biginelli reaction. After Boc protection, these products undergo aminolysis and acidic deprotection to generate 2-imino-5-carboxy-3,4-dihydropyrimidines in a four-step sequence. The second method utilizes a triazone-protected guanidine, a β-ketoester, and an aldehyde in a Biginelli reaction. Acidic cleavage of the triazone yields 2-imino-5-carboxy-3,4-dihydropyrimidines in a two-step sequence. We also describe the further elaboration of several of these products using a tethered Biginelli reaction to give triazaacenaphthalene structures similar to those found in crambescidin and batzelladine alkaloids.
Soil Carbon Dioxide Fluxes in Conventional and Conservation Tillage Corn Production Systems Receiving Poultry Litter and Inorganic Fertilizer

Soil management practices can alter the natural balance at the soil-plant-atmosphere ecosystem interface, which can significantly affect the environment. This study compared CO2 fluxes in conventional tillage (CT) and no-tillage (NT) corn (Zea mays L.) production systems receiving poultry litter (PL) and ammonium nitrate (AN) fertilizers on a Decatur silt loam soil in the Tennessee Valley region of North Alabama from Spring 2008 to Fall 2009. Soil CO2 flux in CT plots (9.5 kg CO2 ha−1 day−1) was significantly greater than that in NT plots (4.9 kg CO2 ha−1 day−1 in summer. Soil CO2 fluxes were lowest in fall where CT plots had a mean soil CO2 emission of 0.8 kg CO2 ha−1 day−1, while plots under NT and grass fallow system were sinks of CO2 with fluxes −0.6 and −1.0 kg CO2 ha−1 day−1, respectively. Mean soil CO2 flux averaged over seasons in NT plots was 36% lower than that in CT plots. Grass fallow plots were net sinks of CO2 with a mean CO2 flux of −0.4 kg CO2 ha−1 day−1. Our study showed that application of PL or AN fertilizer in NT systems can significantly reduce soil CO2 emissions compared to CT systems in corn production.
Olig2-regulated lineage-restricted pathway controls replication competence in neural stem cells and malignant glioma.

Recent studies have identified stem cells in brain cancer. However, their relationship to normal CNS progenitors, including dependence on common lineage-restricted pathways, is unclear. We observe expression of the CNS-restricted transcription factor, OLIG2, in human glioma stem and progenitor cells reminiscent of type C transit-amplifying cells in germinal zones of the adult brain. Olig2 function is required for proliferation of neural progenitors and for glioma formation in a genetically relevant murine model. Moreover, we show p21^(WAF1/CIP1), a tumor suppressor and inhibitor of stem cell proliferation, is directly repressed by OLIG2 in neural progenitors and gliomas. Our findings identify an Olig2-regulated lineage-restricted pathway critical for proliferation of normal and tumorigenic CNS stem cells.
The application and utility of a family assessment procedure in a child psychiatry clinic

The application of a method of assessing families from a total family systems viewpoint is explored. It was found that the method (the McMaster Model) was well-suited to routine practice in a British child psychiatry setting with routine clinic referrals. It constituted a good procedure both for assessing and for preparing families for family therapy. In this paper the practical procedure is described. Some of the issues arising from the approach and from the assessment of thirty-four clinic families are discussed. It was also found that the method provided a very good framework for teaching.
Misplaced marketing: Who do you hire when the advertising audience isn’t you?

Focuses on the importance of marketing from the customers’ point of view when the target markets are in different demographic groups from those of the advertising agencies’ staff or marketing managers. States that mass communications work must take place within a context of understanding the target audiences’ subcultures; understanding does not require membership of those subcultures, but it does require empathy with them.
Administrative Turnover as a Response to Unmanaged Organizational Interdependence

A test was made of the Thompson-Zald hypothesis that succession of leadership is a response to organizational problems. Turnover of university department heads was found to be an interactive functi...