cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Ocean manganese nodules: Biogenesis and bioleaching possibilities

Marine manganese nodules harbor a mixed population of manganese-oxidizing and -reducing bacteria, as well as bacteria that do not act on manganese. They also hostphagotrophic protozoa. Out of several laboratory studies, one line of investigation indicates that some kinds of bacteria found on nodules can catalyze the oxidation of Mn2+ bound to Mn(IV) oxide at the surface of nodules at in situ temperature and pressure. In the absence of appropriate bacteria, the rate of oxidation of the surface-bound Mn2+ is significantly slower. How Fe(III) is incorporated is still unclear. Base metals such as Cu, Ni and Co, which are usually found in marine nodules in various quantities, may be incorporated through scavenging by Mn(IV) oxide. Laboratory evidence shows that some other bacteria on nodules can reduce the Mn(IV) oxide to Mn2+ in the presence of an appropriate source of reducing power in the form of organic carbon. The reduction of Mn(IV) oxide mobilizes manganese and trace metals such as Cu, Ni, and Co in the nodules. These bacteria reduce Mn(IV) whether oxygen is present or not. They could be harnessed in the bioleaching of nodules. The manganese(W)-reducing bacteria and the bacteria that neither oxidize nor reduce manganese are thought to keep the organic matter in the nodule environment sufficiently low to favor bacterial manganese-oxidation, which in laboratory tests is inhibited by excess organic carbon. The preying by the protozoa on the different kinds of bacteria is thought to control the bacterial population on nodules and ensure continued growth of the manganese-oxidizing bacteria and the nodules. To eliminate interference from seawater salts in the bioleaching ofMn, Cu, Ni and Co, it may be more advantageous to use terrestrial Mn(IV)-reducing bacteria than the Mn(W)-reducing bacteria resident on nodules. The terrestrial bacteria would allow bioleaching in fresh water. Unlike the marine bacteria, most terrestrial bacteria studied to date reduce Mn(IV) oxide only anaerobically. A general outline for an anaerobic bioleach process of marine nodules with freshwater bacteria is discussed.
INTEGRATED ELECTRON TRANSFER: IRON STATES AND REGULATION

Publisher Summary Integrated electron transfer and substrate hydroxylation is catalyzed by multicomponent monoxygenase systems. The heme proteins of these systems, termed P450, exhibit broad ranges of specificity in substrate binding and in the regulation of the energy input required for dioxygen cleavage. All P450s have been found to be a single heme containing polypeptide chain with a molecular weight of approximately 50,000. Multiple forms of the P450 heme protein are inducible in hepatic microsomes and can be classed by their affinities for various substrates and the ensuing mixed-function oxidation velocities. This chapter highlights that the detailed mechanistic and thermodynamic studies of the P450 heme proteins, the flavoprotein reductases, and, in the mitochondrial and microbial systems, the Fe2S2Cys4 redoxins reflect the essential features of the two electron monoxygenase reactions and the role of multienzyme complexes in the various processes. These systems provide an ideal model for the chemistry of the centers active in oxygen cleavage and electron transfer.
Cardiovascular Events and Hospital Deaths Among Patients With Severe Sepsis

The burden of cardiovascular events among patients hospitalized with severe sepsis and the association of these events with in-hospital mortality is not well known. We examined the incidence of cardiovascular events and their association with in-hospital mortality among patients with severe sepsis. Patients with severe sepsis from the New York State Inpatient Database from 2012 through 2014 were identified using a validated International Classification of Diseases 9th Revision, Clinical Modification code 995.92. The primary outcome was the incidence of cardiovascular events during the hospitalizations, defined as a composite of ischemic, acute heart failure, or arrhythmic events and the secondary outcome was in-hospital mortality. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to compare the risk of in-hospital mortality among severe sepsis patients with and without cardiovascular events. A total of 117,418 patients (mean age, 70.8 years; 50.4% males, 59.5% whites) with severe sepsis occurred during the study period 2012 to 2014. New-onset (incident) cardiovascular event occurred in 13.1%, ischemic events in 4.5%, acute heart failure events in 2.3%, and arrhythmic events in 8.0% of patients, respectively. An estimated 32.9% of patients with severe sepsis died during their hospitalization. Severe sepsis patients with new-onset cardiovascular events were associated with 30% higher odds for in-hospital mortality (odds ratio: 1.30; 95% CI: 1.23 to 1.37, p
Patients’ Beliefs About Deep Brain Stimulation for Treatment-Resistant Depression

Deep brain stimulation is an experimental procedure for treatment-resistant depression. Some results show promise, but blinded trials had limited success. Ethical questions center on vulnerability:...
Distributed TABC based Bi-Directional Converter for Cell/Sub-Modular Level Battery Energy Storage System

In this paper, Triple Active Bridge Converter (TABC) based Cell Level/Sub-Modular level power processing Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) is proposed to provide better efficiency, reliability and safety benefits. One TABC is connected to the two cells/two sub-modules of the battery pack, and all outputs of the TABC’s are connected in series or parallel to achieve the required voltage or current. The main features of the proposed configuration are: to avoid the unnecessary charging/discharging phenomena, providing the isolation, and to improve the optimal power flow of each cell of the battery. Also, secondary voltage compensation and droop based decentralized control scheme is proposed to improve the power-sharing of each TABC and voltage regulation at the battery output under the effect of cable resistance considered. The proposed configuration and control strategy is validated under different loading conditions by MATLAB®, SIMULINK®.
Data breach remediation efforts and their implications for hospital quality

Objective To estimate the relationship between breach remediation efforts and hospital care quality. Data sources Department of Health and Human Services' (HHS) public database on hospital data breaches and Medicare Compare's public data on hospital quality measures for 2012-2016. Materials and methods Data breach data were merged with the Medicare Compare data for years 2012-2016, yielding a panel of 3025 hospitals with 14 297 unique hospital-year observations. Study design The relationship between breach remediation and hospital quality was estimated using a difference-in-differences regression. Hospital quality was measured by 30-day acute myocardial infarction mortality rate and time from door to electrocardiogram. Principal findings Hospital time-to-electrocardiogram increased as much as 2.7 minutes and 30-day acute myocardial infarction mortality increased as much as 0.36 percentage points during the 3-year window following a breach. Conclusion Breach remediation efforts were associated with deterioration in timeliness of care and patient outcomes. Thus, breached hospitals and HHS oversight should carefully evaluate remedial security initiatives to achieve better data security without negatively affecting patient outcomes.
Sexually Transmitted Infections and the Urgent Need for Vaccines: A Review of Four Major Bacterial STI Pathogens

Abstract Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) have long been an underestimated opponent in the public health battle. It is estimated that there are 20 million new STI cases in the United States each year, and half of these are among young people aged 15–24 years. Across the nation, at any given time, there are more than 110 million total infections. These infections can lead to long-term health consequences such as infertility and can facilitate HIV transmission. In this chapter, we discuss the immune responses associated with four major bacterial STD pathogens: Chlamydia trachomatis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Treponema pallidum, and Mycoplasma genitalium. We also discuss the status and challenges of vaccine development for each pathogen.
The effect of narasin on apparent nitrogen digestibility and large intestine volatile fatty acid concentrations in finishing swine.

The effect of narasin on apparent nitrogen and dry matter digestibilities and large intestine VFA concentrations in finishing swine was investigated. The study used 21 crossbred barrows averaging 72 kg. Seven blocks were formed on the basis of pretreatment dry matter digestibility, and barrows were randomly assigned to three treatments in each block. Treatments consisted of a control (C) and narasin (N15 and N30) applied at 15 and 30 ppm, respectively. Fecal and urine samples were collected. Upon the completion of the digestibility work, intestinal samples were taken from three locations, and VFA concentrations for each animal were measured. Weight gains for the N15 and N30 treatments were increased 3.0 and 6.0% (not significant), respectively, over control. Fecal nitrogen was decreased (P .05) due to narasin. There were no increases (P > .05) in apparent dry matter digestibility due to narasin. Analysis of pooled colon samples showed an increase (P < .05) in the concentration of propionic acid in relation to acetic and butyric in the narasin-fed barrows. Butyric acid was reduced (P < .05) in the transverse colon of narasin-fed barrows. In summary, narasin administration to finishing barrows resulted in improved apparent nitrogen digestibility, thus decreasing fecal nitrogen, and increased relative concentrations of propionic acid in the large intestine.
Assurance Case Patterns for Cyber-Physical Systems with Deep Neural Networks

With the increasing use of deep neural networks (DNNs) in the safety-critical cyber-physical systems (CPS), such as autonomous vehicles, providing guarantees about the safety properties of these systems becomes ever more important. Tools for reasoning about the safety of DNN-based systems have started to emerge. In this paper, we show that assurance cases can be used to argue about the safety of CPS with DNNs by proposing assurance case patterns that are amenable to the existing evidence generation tools for these systems. We use case studies of two different autonomous driving scenarios to illustrate the use of the proposed patterns for the construction of these assurance cases.
Stability of Action and Kinesthetic Perception in Parkinson's Disease.

We present a review of action and perception stability within the theoretical framework based on the idea of control with spatial referent coordinates for the effectors at a number of hierarchical levels. Stability of salient variables is ensured by synergies, neurophysiological structures that act in multi-dimensional spaces of elemental variables and limit variance to the uncontrolled manifold during action and iso-perceptual manifold during perception. Patients with Parkinson’s disease show impaired synergic control reflected in poor stability (low synergy indices) and poor agility (low indices of anticipatory synergy adjustments prior to planned quick actions). They also show impaired perception across modalities, including kinesthetic perception. We suggest that poor stability at the level of referent coordinates can be the dominant factor leading to poor stability of percepts.
Mental Health Service Use amongst Veterans in a Peer-Mentor Intervention: An Analysis of Barriers to Treatment

Many returning Operation Enduring Freedom/Operation Iraqi Freedom veterans may benefit from psychological services as recent estimates suggest high rates of suicide, trauma, and psychopathology wit...
Transistor-enabled reciprocity breaking in a mechanical lattice yielding giant isolation and unidirectional propagation

This paper presents non-reciprocal information transfer between two mass-spring chains enabled using an electromechanical cell incorporating a metal–oxide–semiconductor field effect transistor (MOSFET). Mechanical information propagating through an input chain is converted into an electrical signal, and vice versa for an output chain, using a permanent magnet and a conducting coil in each chain. The conducting coils are coupled electrically via a MOSFET, leading to giant isolation and unidirectional signal transfer. We present theory, numerical simulations, and an experimental demonstration of the concept. The proposed system can be implemented as a “sonocoupler”, an acoustic analog of an optocoupler, which can isolate one mechanical system from another while transmitting information in a unidirectional manner.
Seizure frequency, quality of life, behavior, cognition, and sleep in pediatric patients enrolled in a prospective, open-label clinical study with cannabidiol.

Abstract Objective To evaluate the effects of oral pharmacological cannabidiol (CBD) on seizures, side effects, quality of life, behavior, mood, and sleep in children with drug-resistant epilepsy (DRE) during a phase II, prospective, open-label clinical study. Methods During a phase II expanded access program (EAP) study to evaluate the safety and efficacy of using cannabidiol (CBD) for the long-term treatment of children with drug-resistant epilepsy, secondary outcome measures were also performed, including quality of life (QOLCE), behavior (aberrant behavior checklist ABC), and sleep (children’s sleep habit questionnaire, CSHQ). Participants between the ages of 2 and 16 years of age with drug-resistant epilepsy (n = 35) were included in this EAP. Primary outcomes included change in parent-recorded seizure frequency relative to baseline, as well as the safety and tolerability over the course of 24 months of CBD treatment. Secondary outcomes observed in the first 12 months included changes in child behavior, and cognitive function, and sleep quality. Results The median change in overall seizure frequency decreased from baseline (n = 33) by −61.3% ([n = 33], Inter Quartile Range (IQR): 43–88%) at month 3, −62.9% at month 6 ([n = 29], IQR: 48–92%), −74.7% at month 12 ([n = 29], IQR: 64–96%), and finally −83.7% ([n = 28], IQR: 68–100%) at the conclusion of 24 months of treatment. Seven (20%) of the 35 patients enrolled withdrew from treatment and observation by month 24: 2 failed inclusion criteria at baseline, 4 due to lack of treatment efficacy, and 1 was lost to follow-up. The 12-month recording of secondary measures revealed a significant improvement in Irritability (-39.4%, [n = 28], ABC), Hyperactivity (-45.4%, [n = 28], ABC), Cognition in Quality of Life (+14.2%, [n = 28], QOLCE), Behavioral function (+14.7%, [n = 28], QOLCE), General Health (+14.7%, [n = 28], QOLCE), Sleep duration (–33.9%, [n = 28], CSHQ), Daytime sleepiness (–23.8%, [n = 28], CSHQ), and nocturnal arousals (-36.2%, [n = 28], CSHQ). Significance The results of this phase II open-label study demonstrate that pharmacological CBD significantly reduces seizure frequency, and improves QOL, behavior deficits, and sleep disruption, in children with drug-resistant epilepsy. The results also suggest that CBD is efficacious in controlled seizures over a 2-year period in childhood DRE.
Design-Based Analysis of Regression Discontinuities: Evidence from an Experimental Benchmark

The appeal of regression-discontinuity (RD) design arises from its interpretation as a "local natural experiment." However, even many flexible forms of parametric estimation do not yield simple and transparent analysis in the spirit of this interpretation. While influential work in econometrics has interpreted the estimand in RD designs as a limit of potential-outcome regression functions at a discontinuity, this definition of causal parameters leads to complicated estimators that introduce discretion in applied work. We emphasize a simpler estimand --- the average causal effect for units in a window around the discontinuity --- and a transparent, design-based estimator of this parameter. Yet, this estimator is justified by a particular chance model; and the source of stochastic variation is not always readily apparent in RD designs. We discuss two different models: one in which units' score on an assignment covariate is viewed as the realization a unit-level random variable, and another in which the source of chance variation is manipulation of the key threshold, with unit scores held fixed. Using data from an experimental benchmark and bootstrap simulations, we explore how the properties of different estimators vary across these chance models.
Voters, Non-voters, and the Implications of Election Timing for Public Policy

This paper makes use of variation in the timing of local elections to shed light on one of the core questions in democratic politics: what would happen if everyone voted? Does a low voter turnout rate imply that a small subset of special interest voters controls politics and policy? Or, are voters largely representative of non-voters such that neither the outcomes of elections nor resulting public policies would change even if everyone participated? Rather than rely on surveys of nonvoters to extrapolate their hypothetical behavior, we rely on a natural experiment created by a 1980s change in the California Election Code, which allowed school districts to change their elections from off-cycle to on-cycle. Because we are able to observe very large within-district changes in voter turnout resulting from changes in election timing, we are able to isolate the effect of turnout on policy outcomes, including teacher salaries and student achievement tests. Our analysis demonstrates that changes in voter turnout do affect public policy, but modestly.
Validade e Consistência Interna da escala "LIFE" - Avaliação Funcional Independente da Linguagem

Purpose: Given the global scope of disability, it is important that tools used to measure disability are not biasedby the language or literacy of the respondents. Yet it is impossible to accurately translate tools into the world’s7000 languages. The Language Independent Functional Evaluation (L.I.F.E.) is a video animated functionalassessment that bypasses language and literacy. This study assesses the face validity and content validity of theL.I.F.E. Methods: Rehabilitation professionals and non-rehabilitation students wrote descriptions of the 30 graphicanimations representing functional stages for 11 activities portrayed in the L.I.F.E. The relationship betweendescriptions and the principle L.I.F.E. designer’s description was rated by consensus of three reviewers on a 4-pointagreement scale. Results: Exact agreement was obtained for 82% of 600 responses provided by 12 rehabilitation professionals and8 students. Complete misunderstanding of the concept occurred in only 6% of cases. Most of these were in therealms of bowel, bladder, and mobility. There was no difference in understanding between the professionals(content validity) and students (face validity). Conclusions: The face and content validity of the L.I.F.E. are good enough for users to trust that the test portraysintended functions. This paves the way for easier measurement of functional ability regardless of language orliteracy. Keywords: Disability Evaluation, Language Tests, Physical Therapy Modalities.
Dual-Energy CT and Its Applications in the Abdomen

A historical overview of dual-energy CT from its origins in the 1970s to the present day is presented. Physical principles underlying dual-energy CT techniques and material decomposition are reviewed. Various manufacturer implementations of dual-energy and dual-source technology are discussed along with potential clinical implications of these different platforms. Specific dual-energy applications in the abdomen including characterization of adrenal nodules, renal masses, and renal stones are discussed. Low kVp imaging and potential implications for improving conspicuity of liver and pancreatic lesions are reviewed. CT enterography and CT angiography applications of dual-energy techniques are presented. Radiation dose considerations are also discussed.
A thirty Year old conjecture about promise problems

Even, Selman, and Yacobi (Even et al. in Inf Control 61(2):159---173, 1984, Selman and Yacobi in Proceedings of the 8th international colloquium on automata, languages, and programming, volume 140 of lecture notes in computer science. Springer, Berlin, pp 502---509, 1982) formulated a conjecture that in current terminology asserts that there do not exist disjoint NP-pairs all of whose separators are NP-hard via Turing reductions. In this paper, we consider a variant of this conjecture--there do not exist disjoint NP-pairs all of whose separators are NP-hard via bounded-truth-table reductions. We provide evidence for this conjecture. We also observe that if the original conjecture holds, then some of the known probabilistic public-key cryptosystems are not NP-hard to crack.
Rethinking Market Failure: 'The Problem of Social Cost' Before the 'Coase Theorem'

This paper explores the reception of Ronald Coase's article, "The Problem of Social Cost," over the period 1961-1965. Though this article came to be most closely identified with the idea now known as the 'Coase theorem,' the focus of the early reactions to, and use made of, Coase's analysis was much more diverse, with significant emphasis placed on Coase's advocacy of a comparative institutional approach to social cost issues. Where Coase's negotiation result was taken up, as it was in several places, the analysis is largely affirming of Coase's result. What is common to all of these reactions was the view that Coase had posed a fundamental challenge to the received theory of externalities and of market failure generally.
Effect of soils on water quantity and quality in Piedmont forested headwater watersheds of North Carolina

Water quantity and quality data were compared from six headwater watersheds on two distinct soil formations, Carolina Slate Belt (CSB) and Triassic Basins (TB). CSB soils are generally thicker, less erodible, and contain less clay content than soils found in TB. TB generated significantly more discharge ⁄precipitation ratio than CSB (0.33 vs. 0.24) in the 2009 dormant season. In the 2009 growing season, TB generated signifi- cantly less discharge ⁄precipitation ratio than CSB (0.02 vs. 0.07). Over the entire monitoring period, differences in discharge ⁄precipitation ratios between CSB and TB were not significantly different (0.17 vs. 0.20, respec- tively). Storm-flow rates were significantly higher in TB than CSB in both dormant and growing season. Benthic macroinvertebrate biotic index scores were excellent for all streams. Nutrient concentrations and exports in CSB and TB were within background levels for forests. Low-stream nitrate and ammonium concentrations and exports suggested that both CSB and TB were nitrogen limited. Soils appear to have had a significant influence on seasonal and storm-flow generation, but not on long-term total water yield and water quality under forested conditions. This study indicated that watersheds on TB soils might be more prone to storm-flow generation than on CSB soils when converted from forest to urban. Future urban growth in the area should consider differences in baseline hydrology and effects of landuse change on water quantity and quality. (KEY TERMS: Triassic Basins; Carolina Slate Belt; forest hydrology; streamflow; water quality; North Carolina Piedmont.)
Usefulness of B-type Natriuretic Peptides to Predict Cardiovascular Events in Women (from the Women's Health Study).

Natriuretic peptides are positively associated with incident cardiovascular disease (CVD), but data in women, particularly with regard to improvements in risk prediction, are sparse. We measured the N -terminal prohormone form of B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) in 480 cases of incident CVD (myocardial infarction, stroke, and cardiovascular death) and a reference subcohort of 564 women from the Women's Health Study who were followed for a median of 12.0 (interquartile range 7.6 to 13.4) years. Median (interquartile range) NT-proBNP concentrations were greater in women who developed CVD (81 ng/l [50 to 147]) than those who did not (64 ng/l [38 to 117]; p
Second allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation for graft failure: Poor outcomes for neutropenic graft failure

Graft failure (GF) after hematopoietic cell transplant (HCT) occurs in 5-30% of patients. GF can be accompanied by neutropenia (NGF) or can result with adequate neutrophils, but loss of donor chimerism (non-neutropenic graft failure, NNGF). In this report, we describe the outcomes of 95 patients treated with a second HCT for GF at the University of Minnesota; 62 with NGF and 33 with NNGF. The cumulative incidence of neutrophil recovery at 42 days after second HCT was 45% for NGF and 88% for NNGF. A second GF occurred in 34 NGF (55%) and in 9 NNGF (27%) patients. The incidence of Grade III-IV acute graft versus host disease (GVHD) was 8% (95% confidence interval (CI), 1-16%) and 12% (95% CI, 1-23%) for NGF and NNGF, respectively. From the 2nd HCT, 1-year overall survival (OS) was 44% (95% CI, 34-54%), [NNGF: 76% (95% CI, 57-87%) and NGF: 27% (95% CI, 17-39%)]. The most common cause of death after second HCT was infection (52%). In summary, the outcomes of second HCT after NGF and NNGF are different with much worse outcomes for NGF necessitating new approaches for this complication.
The Cray Y-MP-a VLSI supercomputer

The Y-MP computer system comes standard with a powerful input/output subsystem (IOS) and a solid-state storage device (SSD). The IOS acts as a data distribution point for the mainframe, and provides very high I/O bandwidth through the use of parallel I/O processors and direct access to main memory. The SSD is a fast random-access memory device providing high data transfer rates and short access times. The author provides an overview of the computer system, the packaging of the mainframe components, and a brief description of the methods used to design the VLSI circuits, such as the MCA2500ECL Macrocell array. >
A new unconventional antiferromagnet, Yb3Pt4

Abstract We report the synthesis and basic properties of single crystals of a new binary compound, Yb 3 Pt 4 . The Yb ions in this compound are fully trivalent, and heat capacity measurements show that the crystal field scheme involves a doublet ground state, well separated from the excited states, which are fully occupied above ∼ 150 K . The heat capacity displays a large, weakly first order anomaly at 2.4 K, where a cusp is observed in the magnetic susceptibility signalling the onset of antiferromagnetic order. The entropy associated with this order is the full Rln2 of the doublet ground state, however, the magnetic susceptibility in the ordered phase is dominated by a large and temperature independent component below the Neel temperature. The heat capacity in the ordered state originates with ferromagnetic spin waves, giving evidence for the inherently local moment character of the ordered state. The electrical resistivity is unusually large, and becomes quadratic in temperature exactly at the Neel temperature. The absence of analogous Fermi liquid behavior in the heat capacity and the magnetic susceptibility implies that Yb 3 Pt 4 is a low electron density system, where the Fermi surface is further gapped by the onset of magnetic order.
Genital Skin and Urethral Anatomy

An intimate knowledge of genital skin and urethral anatomy is essential for successful surgical management of male and female urethral strictures, fistulas and other anomalies. Of particular importance for urethral reconstruction is the prepuce, a mixture of skin and mucosa and anatomically divided into five layers — epidermis, dermis, Dartos, lamina propria, and epithelium. The urethra is divided into the anterior (bulbar, pendulous and fossa navicularis) and the posterior (membranous and prostatic). Urethral epithelium transitions from urothelial (transitional cell) (proximal), to pseudo-stratified or stratified columnar (distal), and then onto squamous (meatus). Location of the urethra within the spongiosum is also clinically important, where the more proximal (bulbar) the more eccentric and ventral.
A fully-integrated 18 GHz class-E power amplifier in a 45 nm CMOS SOI technology

A fully-integrated Class-E power amplifier (PA) operating at 18 GHz is implemented in a standard 45 nm CMOS SOI technology. The PA is designed using differential Cascode topology with cross-coupled capacitors for Gate-Drain capacitance neutralization. The measured single-ended saturated power (P SAT ) under a supply voltage of 2 V is 15.9 dBm (differential P SAT of 18.9 dB) and the 1-dB single-ended compression power (P 1dB ) is 13.3 dBm, with a peak power added efficiency (PAE) of 41.4%. The GateDrain capacitance neutralization technique facilitates the class-E operation and improves the PAE by ~20%.
Hemocyanins of the genus Uca: structural polymorphisms and native oligomers

Abstract The monomeric subunit composition of fiddler crab hemocyanins was examined in four species, using native polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. The intraspecific variation was limited in Ucaprinceps monilifera and spinicarpa , but neither species was monomorphic. The variation was also smaller in U. crenulata coloradensis than found previously in U. pugilator . In U. musica musica , however, the variation was greater than in any other species examined thus far, regardless of family. In U. princeps monilifera and musica musica particular bands were invariably found together. In U. musica musica , the linked bands occupied very similar positions on the gels; they may represent similar polypeptides. In both species, the linked bands belonged to two mutually exclusive sets, one of which occurred more frequently than the alternative. In part because an intermediate condition was never observed, these phenotypes cannot be interpreted as products of different alleles encoded at the same locus. As in other crustaceans, the electrophoretic banding patterns were highly species specific and intraspecific variation did not produce phenotypes that could be confused with those of another species. The oligomer composition of the hemocyanins of five species was examined by size-exclusion HPLC. In contrast to a previous report on a different member of the genus, the hemocyanins of all five assemble primarily to the 2 × 6-meric level, with the 1 × 6-meric fraction being minor.
The Accelerator as a Generator of Steady Growth

Introduction: The theory of the accelerator to date, 174. — How steady growth is generated, 176. — Influence of the investment period, 180. — Influence of the income period, 181. — A more general case, 182. — Qualifications, 186. — Price as a stabilizer, 188. — Appendix, 193.
On universal estimators in learning theory

This paper addresses the problem of constructing and analyzing estimators for the regression problem in supervised learning. Recently, there has been great interest in studying universal estimators. The term “universal” means that, on the one hand, the estimator does not depend on the a priori assumption that the regression function fρ belongs to some class F from a collection of classes F and, on the other hand, the estimation error for fρ is close to the optimal error for the class F. This paper is an illustration of how the general technique of constructing universal estimators, developed in the author’s previous paper, can be applied in concrete situations. The setting of the problem studied in the paper has been motivated by a recent paper by Smale and Zhou. The starting point for us is a kernel K(x, u) defined on X × Ω. On the base of this kernel, we build an estimator that is universal for classes defined in terms of nonlinear approximations with regard to the system {K(·, u)}ueΩ. To construct an easily implementable estimator, we apply the relaxed greedy algorithm.
Amphetamine-sensitized rats show sugar-induced hyperactivity (cross-sensitization) and sugar hyperphagia.

The goal was to determine the locomotor and consummatory effects of sugar in amphetamine-sensitized rats. Following a 30-min locomotor activity baseline using a photocell cage, male rats were administered either 3.0 mg/kg amphetamine or saline i.p. daily for 6 days. On the final day of injections, locomotor activity was measured again to affirm amphetamine sensitization. Experiment 1: Seven days later, half of each group was offered 10% sucrose or water for 1 min in the home cages, followed by a 30-min locomotor activity test to determine whether or not the animals had become hyperactive in response to sugar. Results showed that amphetamine-sensitized animals were hyperactive following a taste of sugar, but not water. Experiment 2: All subjects were then given access to 10% sucrose for 1 h daily for five consecutive days. Results showed that the amphetamine-sensitized group consumed more sucrose across the 5-day measurement period. These results suggest that sugar may be acting on the same system as amphetamine to trigger hyperactivity, and that alterations in this system caused by repeated doses of amphetamine can instigate an appetite for sugar that persists for at least a week.
Studies on adjuvant-induced polyarthritis in rats. III. The effect of “immunosuppressive agents” on arthritis and tuberculin hypersensitivity

Methotrexate, 6-mercaptopurine and total body x-irradiation, given to rats injected with mycobacterial adjuvant, suppressed the development of polyarthritis without altering hypersensitivity to old tuberculin. Mechlorethamine hydrochloride was without effect. This dissociation of arthritis and tuberculin hypersensitivity suggests that sensitization to tuberculoprotein plays no direct role in producing the arthritis. Methotrexate and 6-mercaptopurine also suppressed the early inflammation at the site of adjuvant injection indicating an antiinflammatory action which is independent of their effects on immunologic mechanisms. Methotrexato, 6-mercaptopurina, e roentgeno-irradiation del corpore total, quando administrate a rattos que habeva recipite injectiones de adjuvante mycobacterial, supprimeva le disveloppamento de polyarthritis sin alterar le hypersensibilitate pro tuberculina ancian. Hydrochloruro de mechlorethamina remaneva sin ille effecto. Iste dissociation de arthritis e hypersensibilitate pro tuberculina suggere que le sensibilisation pro tuberculoproteina ha nulle directe rolo in le production de arthritis. Methotrexato e 6-mercaptopurina etiam supprimeva le precoce inflammation al sito del injection del adjuvante, lo que reflecte un effecto anti-inflammatori del duo agentes le qual es independente de lor rolo in le mechanismo immunologic.
FGF23 deficiency leads to mixed hearing loss and middle ear malformation in mice.

Fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23) is a circulating hormone important in phosphate homeostasis. Abnormal serum levels of FGF23 result in systemic pathologies in humans and mice, including renal phosphate wasting diseases and hyperphosphatemia. We sought to uncover the role FGF23 plays in the auditory system due to shared molecular mechanisms and genetic pathways between ear and kidney development, the critical roles multiple FGFs play in auditory development and the known hearing phenotype in mice deficient in klotho (KL), a critical co-factor for FGF23 signaling. Using functional assessments of hearing, we demonstrate that Fgf mice are profoundly deaf. Fgf mice have moderate hearing loss above 20 kHz, consistent with mixed conductive and sensorineural pathology of both middle and inner ear origin. Histology and high-voltage X-ray computed tomography of Fgf mice demonstrate dysplastic bulla and ossicles; Fgf mice have near-normal morphology. The cochleae of mutant mice appear nearly normal on gross and microscopic inspection. In wild type mice, FGF23 is ubiquitously expressed throughout the cochlea. Measurements from Fgf mice do not match the auditory phenotype of Kl−/− mice, suggesting that loss of FGF23 activity impacts the auditory system via mechanisms at least partially independent of KL. Given the extensive middle ear malformations and the overlap of initiation of FGF23 activity and Eustachian tube development, this work suggests a possible role for FGF23 in otitis media.
Blind channel estimation in multi-rate CDMA systems

Multi-rate CDMA is a potentially attractive multiple access method for future broad-band multimedia wireless networks that must support integrated voice/data traffic. The primary impairment for such multi-rate systems is the multipath nature of radio channels that results in intra-user inter-chip interference (ICI) and multi-user interference (MUI) between different users' symbols. Explicit knowledge of the channel is typically needed for high performance detectors (such as coherent demodulation). We propose a subspace method for channel estimation in multi-rate CDMA systems. A unified signal model that applies to three multi-rate CDMA schemes proposed in the literature is developed. The computational complexity for multi-rate scenarios is large and variable-accordingly, a modified approach is devised that offers performance/complexity trade-offs. Performance analysis is conducted based on a close-form expression for the mean square error of the estimator, supported by simulation results that investigate the effectiveness of our method.
Studies on the mutagenicity of N-hydroxy-2-acetylaminofluorene in the Ames-Salmonella mutagenesis test system.

Abstract N -hydroxy-2-acetylaminofluorene (NOH-2AAF) was deacetylated by Sephadex G-25-chromatographed postmicrosomal supernatant fraction to a substance (presumably N -hydroxy-2-aminofluorene) which was a potent frameshift mutagen in the Ames-SalmoneIla tester strain TA 1538. Preincubation of the supernatant fraction with paraoxon decreased the observed mutagenesis; however, the addition of several reducing agents or nucleophiles to the incubations did not alter the mutagenic response. Sulfation of NOH-2AAF decreased the mutagenesis observed under conditions of supernatant activation and increased the covalent binding of [ 14 C-acetyl]NOH-2AAF to protein. Under conditions of N - O -sulfate ester generation, ascorbate or reduced pyridine nucleotides greatly increased the number of revertant colonies. Ascorbate did not alter the rate of sulfation of NOH-2AAF, but decreased the protein covalent binding and greatly increased the reduction of the arylating species to 2-acetylaminofluorene (2AAF). Since 2AAF was not mutagenic under these conditions, these data are consistent with the concept of a free radical of 2AAF as the mutagenic intermediate.
Breeding swarms: a new approach to recurrent neural network training

This paper shows that a novel hybrid algorithm, Breeding Swarms, performs equal to, or better than, Genetic Algorithms and Particle Swarm Optimizers when training recurrent neural networks. The algorithm was found to be robust and scale well to very large networks, ultimately outperforming Genetic Algorithms and Particle Swarm Optimization in 79 of 80 tested networks. This research shows that the Breeding Swarm algorithm is a viable option when choosing an algorithm to train recurrent neural networks.
Multiple T-S States for Estuaries, Shelves, and Marginal Seas

Simple theoretical box-models and laboratory experiments demonstrate that an estuary subjected to fresh- water flux and heating or cooling can possess more than one stable, stationary state if a well-defined set of forcing conditions are present. Two types of estuaries can develop such multiple temperature-salinity states. The same may be true of continental shelves and marginal seas. One type receives freshwater runoff from land but is cooled in the winter. The second has net freshwater loss from evaporation but also receives strong solar heating. Criteria are found which define the conditions needed for multiple states. It is shown that under most conditions, the density difference between estuary and ocean would be dominated by salinity if the inlet is sufficiently small (such as inland seas). In contrast, if the inlet is sufficiently wide and atmospheric cooling and heating is sufficiently great, the density difference would be dominated by temperature. Multiple states lie between these extremes. One of the multiple states is dominated by the salinity difference between estuary and ocean, the other by temperature difference. Each state is stable.
Who Receives Media Attention in South Korea: Analysing Internal and External Pluralism in the News Coverage of Policy Debates

The mass media in democracies plays an important role in portraying key policy debates and viewpoints, ultimately shaping how citizens and political actors understand policy problems. How diverse are the policy perspectives represented in the news? Research in comparative political communication typically points to two ways through which pluralism is maintained in the news coverage of policy debates—internally and externally. Using 1,341 Dong-A and 1,205 Hankyoreh Daily front-page newspaper stories published in Korea in the year 2008, this article examines the circumstances under which internal and external pluralism in the news is limited in a democratic media system. Specifically, the article argues that a unique newsgathering process relying heavily on government sources for policy-relevant information, as well as relatively weak and unstable ties between news outlets and political/social organizations significantly restrict the diversity of voices appearing in the news in Korea. Such attention pattern...
Postneoadjuvant hormone PSA levels and prognosis in locally advanced prostate cancer

Objectives. To determine whether the response to hormonal therapy before radiation predicts the rate of biochemical relapse in patients with locally advanced prostate cancer. Methods. Between October 1991 and December 1997, 105 patients with locally advanced adenocarcinoma of the prostate received radiotherapy in two dose-escalation studies. Sixty-seven patients received neoadjuvant hormonal therapy. The mean and median duration of hormonal therapy before radiotherapy was 4 months each. All treatments were designed using three-dimensional conformal therapy. The total dose to the gross tumor volume ranged from 73 to 87 Gy in 2 Gy per fraction photon equivalent dose. The median follow-up time was 30 months (range 1 to 66). Results. The median prostate-specific antigen (PSA) nadir after neoadjuvant hormonal therapy but before radiotherapy was 1.7 ng/mL (range less than 0.05 to 71.2). The median nadir after radiation for patients who did and did not receive neoadjuvant androgen deprivation was 0.25 ng/mL (range less than 0.05 to 6.2) and 1.35 ng/mL (range 0.08 to 10), respectively. Median time to achieve nadir was 6 months (range 1 to 42) with and 12 months (range 1 to 48) without hormonal therapy. There was no significant difference in the rate of biochemical failure for patients with a posthormone (before irradiation) PSA nadir less than 1 ng/mL versus 1 ng/mL or greater (overall P = 0.9). However, there was a significant difference in biochemical no evidence of disease rates between those with a PSA nadir less than 1 ng/mL and those with a PSA nadir of 1 ng/mL or greater after radiation (63% versus 22% at 3 years, overall P <0.001). Conclusions. Our data showed that the initial response to hormonal therapy before radiation, as indicated by the PSA level, did not impact on the rate of recurrence. However, the time to reach nadir and the absolute nadir level achieved were lower in patients who did receive hormonal therapy.
Genetic and pharmacological strategies identify a behavioral function of neuronal nicotinic receptors.

Abstract The studies outlined here used pharmacological and genetic approaches to attempt to identify the nicotinic receptors that modulate nicotine-induced seizures. Full-blown clonic–tonic seizures were induced by intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) injection of nicotine, the α4β2 selective agonist ABT-418 and the α7-selective GTS-21. Cytisine, which is a partial agonist at α4β2-type receptors, produced partial seizures. DHβE and MLA did not block nicotine-induced seizures. Instead, both antagonists caused seizures. Restriction fragment length polymorphisms (RFLPs) for the α7 receptor were identified in two inbred strains (C3H and DBA) that differ in sensitivity to nicotine-induced seizures. F2 mice derived from a C3H×DBA cross that were homozygous for the C3H variant of the α7 RFLP were more sensitive to nicotine-induced seizures than were F2 mice that were homozygous for the DBA RFLP. In a study that used RI strains derived from two selectively bred mouse lines (LS and SS), an association between sensitivity to nicotine-induced seizures and an RFLP associated with the α4 gene was found. These data support the assertion that both α4 and α7 receptor types are involved in modulating convulsions produced by nicotine.
Professional responsibility: The role of the engineer in society

We argue that the practice of engineering does not exist outside the domain of societal interests. That is, the practice of engineering has an inherent (and unavoidable) impact on society. Engineering is based upon that relationship with society (inter alia).
Functional studies, anion-binding and effects of bezafibrate on three high affinity hemoglobin variants: Hb Olympia, Hb Great Lakes and Hb North Chicago.

(1986). Functional Studies, Anion-Binding and Effects of Bezafibrate on Three High Affinity Hemoglobin Variants: Hb Olynpia, Hb Great Lakes and Hb North Chicago. Hemoglobin: Vol. 10, No. 6, pp. 643-649.
Cucumber mosaic virus-associated RNA 5. IX. The overtaking of viral RNA synthesis by CARNA 5 and dsCARNA 5 in tobacco.

Abstract Cucumber mosaic virus (CMV) and CMV-associated RNA 5 (CARNA 5)-related RNA synthesis was monitored under conditions of semisynchronous infection using a differential temperature inoculation technique (Dawson and Schlegel,1973). Leaf strips sampled at specific intervals between 0 and 100 hr after temperature shift were vacuum infiltrated with [32P]phosphoric acid and actinomycin D and incubated during 4-hr periods. Total nucleic acid extracts were analyzed on polyacrylamide gels to compare the relative rates of 32P incorporation into CMV-RNA 3, CARNA 5, and dsCARNA 5. During the first 24 hr there was a rapid increase in the rate of 32P incorporation into all three RNAs. During the next 10–20 hr the rate of 32P incorporation into RNA 3 declined to minimal levels while that of CARNA 5 stayed at a plateau or declined slowly. In contrast, the rate of 32P incorporation into dsCARNA 5 increased steadily well beyond the first 48 hr after temperature shift. The distribution of radioactivity among its (+) and (−) strands was determined by isolating the dsCARNA 5 in each nucleic acid extract obtained from the 4hr-labeled tissues and determining its radioactivity after hybridization in the presence and in the absence of a large excess of unlabeled CARNA 5. It appeared that throughout the 100-hr experiment about 60% of the radioactivity of dsCARNA 5 was in its (+) strands. The rates of 32P incorporation into virus and CARNA 5-related RNAs were also compared in leaf strips from plants inoculated with the genomic CMV-RNAs alone and with a mixture of genomic RNAs and CARNA 5. Although in the infection with the genomic RNAs alone the synthesis of CARNA 5 and dsCARNA 5 was not prevented, the increase in their relative rates of synthesis seemed significantly slower and the relative rate of RNA 3 synthesis much greater than when the inoculum contained detectable CARNA 5.