cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Multiplex high resolution melt-curve real-time PCR assay for reliable detection of Salmonella

Abstract A highly specific multiplex high resolution melt-curve (HRM) real-time PCR assay was developed for the reliable detection of Salmonella serotypes in general. As compared to a conventional singleplex PCR, the use of HRM and three specific gene targets allowed for the detection of the majority of Salmonella serotypes while reducing the chances of generating false-negative or false-positive results from non-Salmonella strains. Primers for each of the three target genes, invA, stn and fimA, were specifically designed. This method was validated with 81 Salmonella strains and its applicability was tested on a wide range of food samples. HRM-PCR results showed three specific and well separated peaks for most Salmonella serotypes, which indicated specific amplification of all three target genes. Several Salmonella strains showed the absence of one peak, but gave positive results for the other two target genes. Twenty-nine non-Salmonella isolates yielded negative results for all three genes, while Citrobacter freundii was positive for the stn gene. After a 6-h enrichment, target genes could be detected in 25 g of most of the 24 different food samples inoculated with 103 CFU/g of Salmonella.
“Word-Value” and “The ‘I’”

Wittgenstein’s thoughts were in the air at the end of the century: the Dutch poet and psychologist Frederik van Eeden (1860–1932) was in close contact with Lady Welby in London as well as Amsterdam between 1880 and 1910 when the discussions between Wittgenstein and Russell on the publication of the Tractatus took also place in The Netherlands. The predominant climate seemed determined by Welby’s concept of significs, and Van Eeden had largely contributed to its development. The proximity of Van Eeden’s thoughts to Wittgenstein’s Tractatus has only been signaled in Dutch research. Significs seemed epiphenomena for Russell and Wittgenstein—they did not know how much they were influenced by those approaches of meaning, word, and language in general, despite the 1904–1910 correspondence between Russell and Lady Welby. Van Eeden, a prolific writer in The Netherlands (never translated into any other language) was psychologist, philosopher and leader of the literary Dutch movement “De Tachtigers” [The Eightiers]. He never met Wittgenstein in person, but did William James, Sigmund Freud, Martin Buber, Hermann Hesse and others who profiled the spirit of the days during the turn of the century. Lady Welby should be mentioned here: biographies on Van Eeden never do so, and the study about Van Eeden as semiotician avant la lettre has yet to be written. This Chapter offers English translations of parts on Identity, Comparison, Perception, Symbol and the like from his central book: Redekunstige Grondslag van Verstandhouding [Rhetorical Foundation of Understanding], 1890. It is a true challenge for semioticians and Peirce scholars to observe that not only Peirce but also significians considered rhetoric as a special and important form of logic.
Children and Adolescents Who Are Kind to Animals

Children’s and adolescents’ positive attitudes and behaviors toward animals are analyzed in the general context of their attitudes to and interactions with animals, and within a theoretical framework that places great emphasis on the significance of humans’ relationship with diversity. Here I will adopt a broad definition of diversity, whereby diversity is all that is not the self or, more precisely, all that is not the present self. The sense of diversity is a fundamental aspect of human experience, and its development is achieved through extremely complex cognitive and emotional processes. The role of empathy, the effect of a caring and affectionate attitude toward animals on the child’s cognitive and emotional development, the relationship between attachment to animals and interest in their welfare on one hand and positive interhuman relations on the other hand, the relationship between attachment to animals and experience of and attitude toward nature, and the role of cultures are discussed. Children’s and adolescents’ benevolent attitudes and behaviors toward animals are juxtaposed with the competitive life pattern that is now prevailing in our societies. The role of adults in affecting children’s and adolescents’ interactions with animals is also considered, especially with reference to social contexts like the family and school and to social institutions like zoos and circuses where animals are used. In order to illustrate these points data are also drawn on some studies we conducted on Italian children’s and adolescents’ attitudes and behaviors toward animals.
Effect of intervention on a quality measure of advance directives and end-of-life care at Medstar Washington Cancer Institute.

e20506 Background: Medstar Washington Cancer Institute (MWCI) has participated in Quality Oncology Practice Initiative (QOPI) since 2008. According to our survey, aggressive treatment continues at ...
Re-examining the Construct Validity and Causal Relationships of Teaching, Cognitive and Social Presence in Community of Inquiry Framework

Despite the prevalence of research on the community of inquiry framework and its associated measurement instrument, more research is needed to re-evaluate the factor structure, study the effects of covariates or measurement invariance, and explore the relationships amongst the three presences. Results of this study indicated that (a) teaching, social, and cognitive presence are each multidimensional and higher-order constructs; (b) measurement invariance was fully achieved for gender and partially for age, ethnicity, discipline, and online experience; (c) structural relationships of the three main constructs—teaching presence, social presence, and cognitive presence—suggested potential psychometric adjustments. The teaching presence construct in particular should be reconstructed to appropriately reflect and measure the construct as conceptually defined—as a distribution of teaching responsibility and authority—as opposed to how it is currently operationalized in the community of inquiry instrument—as a centralization of responsibility and authority with the instructor.
Colon Neuroendocrine Tumors: A New Lymph Node Staging Classification

The American Joint Commission on Cancer, the European Neuroendocrine Tumor Society, and the North American Neuroendocrine Tumor Society all classify colon neuroendocrine tumor (NET) nodal metastasis as N0 or N1. This binary classification does not allow for further prognostication by the total number of positive lymph nodes. This study aimed to evaluate whether the total number of positive lymph nodes affects the overall survival for patients with colon NET. The National Cancer Database was used to identify patients with colon NET. Nearest-neighborhood grouping was performed to classify patients by survival to create a new nodal staging system. The Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database was used to validate the new nodal staging classification. Colon NETs were identified in 2472 patients. Distinct 5-year survival rates were estimated for the patients with N0 (no positive lymph nodes; 69.8%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 66.7–72.7%), N1a (1 positive lymph node; 63.9%; 95% CI, 59.6–68.0%), N1b (2–9 positive lymph nodes; 38.9%; 95% CI, 35.4–42.3%), and N2 (≥ 10 positive lymph nodes; 15.7%; 95% CI, 11.9–20.0%; p < 0.001) nodal classifications. The validation population showed distinct 5-year survival rates with the new nodal staging. In multivariable Cox regression, the new nodal stage was a significant independent predictor of overall survival. The number of positive locoregional lymph nodes in colon NETs is an independent prognostic factor. For patients with colon NETs, N0, N1a, N1b, and N2 classifications for nodal metastasis more accurately predict survival than current staging systems.
Neuroimaging and Neuropsychology

Neuroimaging has revolutionized all of the clinical neurosciences because of the exquisite manner in which the living brain can now be visualized (Bigler, Neuropsychol Rev 23(3):169–209, 2013; Kloppel et al. NeuroImage 61(2):457–463, 2012). But it is more than just neuroanatomy; contemporary neuroimaging permits mapping of structure with function as well as some aspects of brain metabolism. The fact that the 1979 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine involved computed tomography (CT) and the 2003 prize was for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a testament of the contribution that these imaging techniques have made to medicine and neuroscience.
Next-Day Prediction of Tornadoes Using Convection-Allowing Models with 1-km Horizontal Grid Spacing

AbstractExplicit attributes of convective storms within convection-allowing model (CAM) forecasts are routinely used as surrogates for convective weather hazards. The ability of 3- and 1-km horizon...
Information Asymmetry, Line of Credit and Term Loan Pricing

The information asymmetry between the borrower and the lender is a well-studied issue in the credit contracts. Various mechanisms (credit rationing, short-term debt, relationship banking, collateralization) have been discussed in the literature to reduce the asymmetry. This paper examines the role of credit line in reducing the information asymmetry through better risk profiling of the borrower. A two period model followed by empirical evidence shows the information effect of credit line on term loan pricing. The empirical findings show that the presence of credit line correlates with better term loan pricing while the discontinuation of it correlates with the deterioration of term loan pricing. The interrelation of information asymmetry and contract stringency ascertains the efficacy of credit line contract in reducing information asymmetry. The paper further shows that the information effect from the LoC to term loan pricing is not incorporated in the loan rating, is not due to miscalculation of the cost of borrowing, is independent of whether the LoC and term loan has a shared lead arranger, stays significant in the presence of relationship loans, and not captured in the credit line utilization.
VARIABILITY FROM NON-AXISYMMETRIC FLUCTUATIONS INTERACTING WITH STANDING SHOCKS IN TILTED BLACK HOLE ACCRETION DISKS

We study the spatial and temporal behavior of fluid in fully three-dimensional, general relativistic, magnetohydrodynamical simulations of both tilted and untilted black hole accretion flows. We uncover characteristically greater variability in tilted simulations at frequencies similar to those predicted by the formalism of trapped modes, but ultimately conclude that its spatial structure is inconsistent with a modal interpretation. We find instead that previously identified, transient, overdense clumps orbiting on roughly Keplerian trajectories appear generically in our global simulations, independent of tilt. Associated with these fluctuations are acoustic spiral waves interior to the orbits of the clumps. We show that the two non-axisymmetric standing shock structures that exist in the inner regions of these tilted flows effectively amplify the variability caused by these spiral waves to markedly higher levels than in untilted flows, which lack standing shocks. Our identification of clumps, spirals, and spiral-shock interactions in these fully general relativistic, magnetohydrodynamical simulations suggests that these features may be important dynamical elements in models that incorporate tilt as a way to explain the observed variability in black hole accretion flows.
Suicide Prevention: An Issue of Social Justice:

The concept of social justice has assumed major significance in the human service professions, as suicide rates have increased. However, social justice remains a difficult concept to define. This a...
Blockchain, Law and Governance: General Conclusion

This volume allows us to draw in and consider multiple perspectives, including from regulators, miners, blockchain lawyers, privacy advocates, financial system architects, smart contract analysts, sustainability developers, technologists, transparency advocates, and beyond. This diversity of perspectives is no surprise: there is no doubt that law can no longer be taught in the same way, and that law professors must be supported in de-siloing themselves from other disciplines and perspectives. We are entering a period of rapid innovation in the systems we design and operate across our societies: Systems of power, systems of trust, and systems of transparency into abuses of power. Blockchain technologies offer a return to stories that are not carefully curated, but rather emerge from a diversity of perspectives through a return to decentralization. Understanding how this deployment of blockchain technologies is governed, but also how blockchain technologies themselves can be a tool of governance in a more complex, decentralized world, will be instrumental to how artificial intelligence and other technology advances can be applied in a socially conscious way. This process of both governing technologies, and also the use of technology to support governance, raises serious legal questions, including around the authority and power of states to enforce laws. There are legal issues around, for example, how blockchain-based legal instruments can be used in smart contracts, online dispute resolution, ‘predictive’ justice, or to monitor and support the flow and exchange of financial assets. These issues all raise new challenges for policymakers and regulators, in particular, the question of how to coordinate governance and regulations to reach common agreed-upon frameworks.
Central Breathing Abnormalities in Children with Trisomy 21: Effect of Age, Sex and Concomitant OSA.

BACKGROUND: Trisomy 21 (TS21) is a condition with high risk for sleep apnea. In the pediatric population, the risk also includes central breathing disorders. The aim of this study was to define the clinical and polysomnographic characteristics of central apnea in infants, children and adolescents with TS21. METHODS: Retrospective review of baseline polysomnograms (PSG) in children with TS21 in the sleep center at Children's National Medical Center in Washington D.C. RESULTS: We included a total of 158 infants, children and adolescents (0-18 years) with TS21 in this study. The median age was 4.82 years and 62% were male. The primary findings of the study are that: 1) 12% of all pediatric subjects with TS21 included had an central apnea index (CAI) > 2/h; 2) the proportion of TS21 individuals with central breathing abnormalities progressively decreased with age being common in young individuals (≤ 2 years of age) but rare after 10 years of age; 3) additional sleep breathing disturbances (e.g. OSA and/or hypoxemia) are often present in children with TS21 and central apnea; and 4) the prevalence of central breathing abnormalities in TS21 is influenced by sex, being more likely to persist beyond early childhood (>2 years of age) in females than in males. CONCLUSION: Central breathing abnormalities are common in TS21 among young children (≤ 2 years of age) and in females older than 2 years of age. Central apnea is often associated with concomitant obstructive sleep apnea and/or hypoxemia in children with TS21. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
Cold-Strontium Laser in the Superradiant Crossover Regime

The frequency of a laser based on trapped ultracold atoms can be made insensitive to fluctuations in the laser cavity's length.
The employment impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on Americans with MS: Preliminary analysis

BACKGROUND: The Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has been associated with unprecedented social and economic impacts in the United States, including significant cuts to the labor force, beginning in the spring of 2020 OBJECTIVE: In this study we examined the employment effects of the pandemic on Americans with multiple sclerosis (MS), a population that has historically experienced low rates of employment relative to the general population METHODS: Based on a survey of a convenience sample of 69 members of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, we examined employment, health, and economic experiences between May and August, 2020 RESULTS: The results suggest potentially significant job loss Specifically, in the present sample approximately 20% of participants who were previously employed reported losing employment as a result of the pandemic, and approximately 40% reported other work changes At elevated risk for job loss were those with lower levels of education, African American workers, and workers reporting Hispanic, Latinx, or Spanish origin Almost two-thirds of the participants reported that the pandemic had affected their financial status and over half (53 6%) reported that the pandemic had affected their ability to access their MS healthcare CONCLUSION: We discuss the implications and potentially lasting effects of the current, complex employment situation faced by Americans living with MS, and the broader considerations for vocational rehabilitation professionals © 2021 - IOS Press All rights reserved
Fragment analysis in forensic anthropology

Anthropological analysis of fragmentary evidence can be challenging but diverse methods allow substantial information to be gleaned. Scanning electron microscopy/energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy enables determination if bone and/or tooth tissue is present. Protein radioimmunoassay or DNA analysis can establish the species present. Histological analysis can assist in species determination and reveal information about thermal changes. Radiocarbon analysis with special reference to the modern bomb-curve can clarify the postmortem interval. Anthropologists should also be aware that DNA analysis not only can enable positive identification but assist in the evaluation of sex and age at death.
The wound and the opening

Joseph Winters’s Hope Draped in Black insists on the ethical imperative of resisting closure. Drawing on examples from Black literary and artistic traditions, Winters describes an ethos of “melanch...
Cocaine-induced projection-specific and cell type-specific adaptations in the nucleus accumbens

Cocaine craving, seeking, and relapse are mediated, in part, by cocaine-induced adaptive changes in the brain reward circuits. The nucleus accumbens (NAc) integrates and prioritizes different emotional and motivational inputs to the reward system by processing convergent glutamatergic projections from the medial prefrontal cortex, basolateral amygdala, ventral hippocampus, and other limbic and paralimbic brain regions. Medium spiny neurons (MSNs) are the principal projection neurons in the NAc, which can be divided into two major subpopulations, namely dopamine receptor D1- versus D2-expressing MSNs, with complementing roles in reward-associated behaviors. After cocaine experience, NAc MSNs exhibit complex and differential adaptations dependent on cocaine regimen, withdrawal time, cell type, location (NAc core versus shell), and related input and output projections, or any combination of these factors. Detailed characterization of these cellular adaptations has been greatly facilitated by the recent development of optogenetic/chemogenetic techniques combined with transgenic tools. In this review, we discuss such cell type- and projection-specific adaptations induced by cocaine experience. Specifically, (1) D1 and D2 NAc MSNs frequently exhibit differential adaptations in spinogenesis, glutamatergic receptor trafficking, and intrinsic membrane excitability, (2) cocaine experience differentially changes the synaptic transmission at different afferent projections onto NAc MSNs, (3) cocaine-induced NAc adaptations exhibit output specificity, e.g., being different at NAc-ventral pallidum versus NAc-ventral tegmental area synapses, and (4) the input, output, subregion, and D1/D2 cell type may together determine cocaine-induced circuit plasticity in the NAc. In light of the projection- and cell-type specificity, we also briefly discuss ensemble and circuit mechanisms contributing to cocaine craving and relapse after drug withdrawal.
Serum inflammatory profiles in cystic fibrosis mice with and without Bordetella pseudohinzii infection.

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is an autosomal recessive disease caused by dysfunctional cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) protein, and is marked by an accumulation of mucus in affected airways resulting in persistent infection and chronic inflammation. Quantitative differences in inflammatory markers have been observed in CF patient serum, tracheal cells, and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, in the absence of detectable infection, implying that absent CFTR function alone may result in dysregulated immune responses. To examine the relationship between absent CFTR and systemic inflammation, 22 analytes were measured in CF mice (F508del/F508del) sera using the MSD multiplex platform. Pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-2, TNF-α, IL-17α, IFN-γ, IL-1β, and MIP-3α are significantly elevated in infection-naive CF mice (p < 0.050). Anti-inflammatory cytokines IL-10 and IL-4 are also significantly increased (p = 0.00003, p = 0.004). Additionally, six general markers of inflammation are significantly different from non-CF controls (p < 0.050). To elucidate the effects of chronic infection on the CF inflammatory profile, we examined CF mice exposed to spontaneous Bordetella pseudohinzii infections. There are no statistical differences in nearly all inflammatory markers when compared to their infection-naive CF counterparts, except in the Th2-derived IL-4 and IL-5 which demonstrate significant decreases following exposure (p = 0.046, p = 0.045). Lastly, following acute infection, CF mice demonstrate elevations in nearly all inflammatory markers, but exhibit a shortened return to uninfected levels over time, and suppression of Th1-derived IL-2 and IL-5 (p = 0.043, p = 0.011). These results imply that CF mice have a persistent inflammatory profile often indistinguishable from chronic infection, and a dysregulated humoral response during and following active infection.
phylogatR: Phylogeographic data aggregation and repurposing

Abstract Patterns of genetic diversity within species contain information about the history of that species, including how they have responded to historical climate change and how easily the organism is able to disperse across its habitat. More than 40,000 phylogeographic and population genetic investigations have been published to date, each collecting genetic data from hundreds of samples. Despite these millions of data points, meta-analyses are challenging because the synthesis of results across hundreds of studies, each using different methods and forms of analysis, is a daunting and time-consuming task. It is more efficient to proceed by repurposing existing data and using automated data analysis. To facilitate data repurposing, we created a database (phylogatR) that aggregates data from different sources and conducts automated multiple sequence alignments and data curation to provide users with nearly ready-to-analyze sets of data for thousands of species. Two types of scientific research will be made easier by phylogatR, large meta-analyses of thousands of species that can address classic questions in evolutionary biology and ecology and student- or citizen-science based investigations that will introduce a broad range of people to the analysis of genetic data. phylogatR enhances the value of existing data via the creation of software and web-based tools that enable these data to be recycled and reanalyzed and increase accessibility to big data for research labs and classroom instructors with limited computational expertise and resources.
Implementing Routine Testing for Severe Combined Immunodeficiency within Wisconsin's Newborn Screening Program

Severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) is the result of genetic defects that impair normal T-cell development. SCID babies typically appear normal at birth, but acquire multiple life-threatening infections within a few months. Early diagnosis and treatment with a bone-marrow transplant markedly improves long-term outcomes. On January 1, 2008, the newborn screening (NBS) program in Wisconsin became the first in the world to routinely test all newborns for SCID. A realtime quantitative polymerase chain reaction assay measures T-cell receptor excision circles (TRECs), which are formed during the maturation of normal T-cells. A lack or very low number of TRECs is consistent with T-cell lymphopenia. The development and validation of the TREC assay and the results of the first year of screening have been published. This article describes the process used to add SCID to the NBS panel, the establishment of follow-up capacity, and the integration of SCID screening into routine NBS workflows. The development of this expanded NBS program is described so that other states might benefit from the processes used in Wisconsin.
Commercialization issues in the balance of plant of the fuel cell

The purpose of this paper is to identify the major challenges outside of the fuel cell and its fuel supply that could lead to the automobile becoming a mobile electric power source that is used to power homes and industry. Several technical and cost issues were identified to have the potential to pose development challenges; however, none is likely to be a show-stopper.
Diagnostics of coolers with oscillating fluid motion: Part I. Single diagnostic quantity

Abstract The small regenerative cryocooler is regarded as an instrument for cryorefrigeration whose instrument constant is designated as Cj (j=A, B, C). The cooler is represented by a reversible Carnot refrigerator–irreversible link combination. The refrigerator “pumps” the load (QL) from low temperature (TL) to a high (TH) location. A thermal link, called shunt, carries parasitic heat (Qp) from TH to TL. All cooler losses, in the 2nd law sense, are assigned to the shunt's Qp rate. We find three different, simplest instrument constants CA (=truncated single term, the cryocooler case), CB (=1-term, truncated, equivalent to the Bejan model), CC (two-term case represented entropy generation).We compare the three functions with the recent data (Radebaugh set of 1996 for Stirling and pulse tube coolers). We conclude that indeed a single instrument constant is useful in distinguishing data of similar cryocoolers.
Parameterization of Planetary Wave Breaking in the Middle Atmosphere

A parameterization of planetary wave breaking in the middle atmosphere has been developed and tested in a numerical model which includes governing equations for a single wave and the zonal-mean state. The parameterization is based on the assumption that wave breaking represents a steady-state equilibrium between the flux of wave activity and its dissipation by nonlinear processes, and that the latter can be represented as linear damping of the primary wave. With this and the additional assumption that the effect of breaking is to prevent further amplitude growth, the required dissipation rate is readily obtained from the steady-state equation for wave activity; diffusivity coefficients then follow from the dissipation rate. The assumptions made in the derivation are equivalent to those commonly used in parameterizations for gravity wave breaking, but the formulation in terms of wave activity helps highlight the central role of the wave group velocity in determining the dissipation rate. Comparison of model results with nonlinear calculations of wave breaking and with diagnostic determinations of stratospheric diffusion coefficients reveals remarkably good agreement, and suggests that the parameterization could be useful for simulating inexpensively, but realistically, the effects of planetary wave transport.
Early years of Radio Astronomy in the U.S.

Radio Astronomy in the U.S. went through two distinct phases, the pioneering phase before the Second World War, when Karl Jansky and Grote Reber were the only two radio astronomers in the world, and the post-WWII era, when the subject blossomed throughout the world, especially in England and Australia, while U.S. radio astronomy languished at a relatively low level, until its resurgence a decade later. Here in Budapest we are celebrating the 70th anniversary of Jansky's discovery, and I shall start with a review of his work, and the subsequent work of Grote Reber, who died, regrettably, in December 2002. Two historical references will be cited frequently: Serendipitous Discoveries in Radio Astronomy (Kellermann & Sheets, eds. 1983, referred to as Paper 1) and the two historical collections edited by W.T. Sullivan, Classics in Radio Astronomy (1982, referred to as Paper 2) and The Early Years of Radio Astronomy (1984, Paper 3).
Popliteus Tendon Release in the Varus or Neutral Knee: Prevalence and Potential Etiology

Total knee arthroplasty has proven to be a highly successful procedure over the past four decades, with reported survivorship rates surpassing 90% for the various implant designs. Several factors are known to correlate with a well-functioning total knee arthroplasty, including implant design, component fixation, mechanical alignment, and soft-tissue balancing. Balancing the soft-tissue envelope surrounding a total knee arthroplasty has proven to be a particularly strong determinant of function. In fact, some authors have pointed out that a successful total knee arthroplasty may be most appropriately characterized as a soft-tissue operation1,2. Over the past two decades, several investigators have examined the role of individual soft-tissue structures relative to soft-tissue balancing after total knee arthroplasty and the effects of selective soft-tissue releases on knee stability after a total knee arthroplasty procedure1-9. The overriding goal of many of these studies was to direct selective (rather than global) release of tight muscular, tendinous, capsular, or ligamentous structures to provide soft-tissue balance while avoiding instability. Although some work on medial release sequences for the varus deformed knee has been accomplished, the majority of attention to soft-tissue balancing has been paid to the valgus knee1-9. With regard to the valgus knee, we now recognize that certain soft-tissue structures (such as the iliotibial band) predominantly affect the extension gap, while others (such as the popliteus tendon and the posterior cruciate ligament) predominantly affect the flexion gap. Selective release of the popliteus tendon to obtain a balanced flexion gap during total knee arthroplasty has been reported by several authors, including Ranawat et al. and authors from our center1,2,6,7. In contrast, popliteus tendon release in the varus or neutral knee has not been well described, despite the occasional necessity …
A prominence constraint on null operator constructions

Abstract This paper addresses arguments due to Dyla (1984) that well-formed across-the-board dependencies must respect a parallelism requirement in both abstract Case and morphological case. New data from Polish and Russian are presented to suggest that the abstract Case requirement is more appropriately replaced by one formulated in terms of thematic prominence. Next, it is shown that both the morphological compatibility and thematic prominence constraints also apply to parasitic gap constructions. It is argued that this result follows from the idea that across-the-board and parasitic gap extraction both involve null operators. Finally, further similarities and differences between the two construction types are discussed.
Conservative Perspectives on American Federalism: Introduction

Conservatives were regularly criticized by liberals and others for their approach to federalism throughout the twentieth century. This trend began during the Progressive era, when the justices of the “Lochner Court” were vilified for using national judicial power to strike down local regulations. Several decades later, conservative opposition to New Deal programs was seen as insensitive and elitist. Arguments for constitutional limitations on executive power in the 1930s were attributed to the greed of businessmen and corporations. During the 1950s and 1960s, the conservative defense of states' rights was explained by other unpleasant motivations. Opposition to national civil rights laws was, for many, analogous to fondness for Jim Crow and other forms of racial subjugation. Since the 1980s, conservative members of the Rehnquist Court have been denounced from various quarters for their federalist perspectives. According to the Court's critics, specious arguments about state sovereignty have been used to rescind national rights and benefits. Copyright 2004, Oxford University Press.
Imaging high-frequency periodic motion in the mouse ear with coherently interleaved optical coherence tomography.

Vibratory measurements of the structures of the ear are key to understanding much of the pathology in mouse models of hearing loss. Unfortunately the high-speed sampling required to interrogate the high end of the mouse hearing spectrum is beyond the reach of most optical coherence tomography (OCT) systems. To address this issue, we have developed an algorithm that enables phase-sensitive OCT measurements over the full range of the mouse hearing spectrum (4–90 kHz). The algorithm phase-locks the line-trigger to the acoustic stimulation and then uses interleaved sampling to reconstruct the signal with higher temporal sampling. The algorithm was evaluated by measuring the vibratory response of mouse tympanic membrane to a pure tone stimulus.
A novel activity of microsomal epoxide hydrolase: metabolism of the endocannabinoid 2-arachidonoylglycerol

Microsomal epoxide hydrolase (EPHX1, EC 3.3.2.9) is a highly abundant α/β-hydrolase enzyme that is known for its catalytical epoxide hydrolase activity. A wide range of EPHX1 functions have been demonstrated including xenobiotic metabolism; however, characterization of its endogenous substrates is limited. In this study, we present evidence that EPHX1 metabolizes the abundant endocannabinoid 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) to free arachidonic acid (AA) and glycerol. The EPHX1 metabolism of 2-AG was demonstrated using commercially available EPHX1 microsomes as well as PC-3 cells overexpressing EPHX1. Conversely, EPHX1 siRNA markedly reduced the EPHX1 expression and 2-AG metabolism in HepG2 cells and LNCaP cells. A selective EPHX1 inhibitor, 10-hydroxystearamide, inhibited 2-AG metabolism and hydrolysis of a well-known EPHX1 substrate, cis-stilbene oxide. Among the inhibitors studied, a serine hydrolase inhibitor, methoxy-arachidonyl fluorophosphate, was the most potent inhibitor of 2-AG metabolism by EPHX1 microsomes. These results demonstrate that 2-AG is an endogenous substrate for EPHX1, a potential role of EPHX1 in the endocannabinoid signaling and a new AA biosynthetic pathway.
Optimal bounds and microgeometries for elastic two-phase composites

Consider two isotropic, linearly elastic materials with elasticity tensors $C_1 $, $C_2 $ and assume $C_1 < C_2 $. We prove that the class of effective tensors of composites built from these materials with given volume fractions that are invariant under a given symmetry group is such that each of its elements is bounded above and below by tensors in the same class corresponding to finite-rank laminates. This implies that for any imposed uniform strain or stress field, optimal bounds on the effective strain or stress energy per unit volume are attained by finite-rank laminates. Explicit bounds on the strain energy, with no symmetry assumptions, are given in dimensions 2 and 3. These bounds are more stringent than the classical Voigt–Reuss bounds. Finally, explicit bounds and microgeometries are given for the effective moduli of composites with cubic symmetry.
MECHANISMS OF IRON PORPHYRIN REACTIONS WITH PEROXYNITRITE

Peroxynitrite (ONOO-) is a major cytotoxic agent that has been implicated in a host of pathophysiological conditions; it is therefore important to develop therapeutic agents to detoxify this potent biological oxidant, and to understand the modes of action of these agents. Water-soluble iron porphyrins, such as 5,10,15,20-tetrakis(N-methyl-4‘-pyridyl)porphinatoiron(III) [Fe(III)TMPyP] and 5,10,15,20-tetrakis(2,4,6-trimethyl-3,5-sulfonatophenyl)porphinatoiron(III) [Fe(III)TMPS], have been shown to catalyze the efficient decomposition of ONOO- to NO3- and NO2- under physiological conditions. However, the mechanisms of ONOO- decomposition catalyzed by these water-soluble iron porphyrins have not yet been elucidated. We have shown that there are two different pathways operating in the catalytic decomposition of ONOO- by FeTMPyP. Fe(III)TMPyP reacts rapidly with ONOO- to produce oxoFe(IV)TMPyP and NO2 (k ≈ 5 × 107 M-1 s-1). The oxoFe(IV) porphyrin, which persisted throughout the catalytic decomposition of ONOO-...
Structure of the influenza C glycoprotein gene as determined from cloned DNA.

Abstract The complete nucleotide sequence of RNA segment 4 of influenza C/JHB/1/66 virus has been determined, utilizing cloned cDNA derived from the viral RNA segment. The gene is 2073 nucleotides in length, and can code for a polypeptide of 655 amino acids, which corresponds to the viral glycoprotein. The predicted polypeptide has a molecular weight of 72063, not including oligosaccharides linked to eight predicted glycosylation sites. The influenza C glycoprotein shares structural features with hemagglutinin (HA) glycoproteins of influenza A and B viruses, including three stretches of hydrophobic amino acids believed to function as a signal sequence, a fusion function, and a membrane anchor. However, a substantial part of the protein lacks direct sequence homology to these HA glycoproteins. The results suggest a more distant evolutionary relationship between influenza C virus and influenza A and B viruses, compared to that between influenza A and B themselves.
Geometric Interpretation of Chaos in Two-Dimensional Hamiltonian Systems

This paper exploits the fact that Hamiltonian flows associated with a time-independent $H$ can be viewed as geodesic flows in a curved manifold, so that the problem of stability and the onset of chaos hinge on properties of the curvature ${K}_{\mathrm{ab}}$ entering into the Jacobi equation. Attention focuses on ensembles of orbit segments evolved in representative two-dimensional potentials, examining how such properties as orbit type, values of short time Lyapunov exponents \ensuremath{\chi}, complexities of Fourier spectra, and locations of initial conditions on a surface of section correlate with the mean value and dispersion, $〈\stackrel{\ifmmode \tilde{}\else \~{}\fi{}}{K}〉$ and ${\ensuremath{\sigma}}_{\stackrel{\ifmmode \tilde{}\else \~{}\fi{}}{K}},$ of the (suitably rescaled) trace of ${K}_{\mathrm{ab}}.$ Most analyses of chaos in this context have explored the effects of negative curvature, which implies a divergence of nearby trajectories. The aim here is to exploit instead a point stressed recently by Pettini [Phys. Rev. E 47, 828 (1993)], namely, that geodesics can be chaotic even if $K$ is everywhere positive, chaos in this case arising as a parametric instability triggered by regular variations in $K$ along the orbit. For ensembles of fixed energy, containing both regular and chaotic segments, simple patterns exist connecting ${\ensuremath{\sigma}}_{\stackrel{\ifmmode \tilde{}\else \~{}\fi{}}{K}}$ for different segments both with each other and with the short time \ensuremath{\chi}. Often, but not always, there is a nearly one-to-one correlation between $〈\stackrel{\ifmmode \tilde{}\else \~{}\fi{}}{K}〉$ and ${\ensuremath{\sigma}}_{\stackrel{\ifmmode \tilde{}\else \~{}\fi{}}{K}},$ a plot of these two quantities approximating a simple curve. Overall \ensuremath{\chi} varies smoothly along the curve, certain regions corresponding to regular and ``confined'' chaotic orbits where \ensuremath{\chi} is especially small. Chaotic segments located furthest from the regular regions tend systematically to have the largest \ensuremath{\chi}'s. The values of $〈\stackrel{\ifmmode \tilde{}\else \~{}\fi{}}{K}〉$ and ${\ensuremath{\sigma}}_{\stackrel{\ifmmode \tilde{}\else \~{}\fi{}}{K}}$ (and in some cases \ensuremath{\chi}) for regular orbits also vary smoothly as a function of the ``distance'' from the chaotic phase space regions, as probed, e.g., by the location of the initial condition on a surface of section. Many of these observed properties can be understood qualitatively in terms of a one-dimensional Mathieu equation, in which parametric instability is introduced in the simplest possible way.
Can gonadal steroids influence cell position in the developing brain

The preoptic area/anterior hypothalamus (POA/AH) is a site where hormones dramatically influence development. The POA/AH is comprised of multiple subgroups, but little is known about the derivation of these subgroups during development. Results from several laboratories suggest that some cells in the POA/AH originate from progenitor cells in other regions of the developing nervous system. We are exploring pathways for migration in the developing POA/AH in two ways. First, we are examining the distribution of radial glial processes as potential migratory guides using immunocytochemistry. We have identified a transient pattern of radial glial processes from the lateral ventricles to the pial surface at the base of the POA/AH. Additionally, the expression of a molecule in radial glial processes originating in the third ventricle was decreased by prenatal treatment with testosterone. Second, we are utilizing time-lapse video microscopy in vitro to assess the extent and direction of movements of fluorescent dye-labeled cells at different ages in brain slice preparations from the POA/AH of developing rats. Data from these studies indicate that cell migration in the POA/AH includes movements along dorsal-ventral routes and from lateral to medial positions, in addition to the predicted medial to lateral pathway away from the third ventricle. Several researchers have examined effects of gonadal steroids on neurite outgrowth, cell differentiation, cell death, and synaptogenesis. The determination of cell position, however, may be a key event influenced by gonadal steroids earlier in development. The characterization of migratory pathways that contribute to permanent changes in brain structure and ultimately function is essential for unraveling the process of sexual differentiation.
Prediction of a Switchable Two-Dimensional Electron Gas at Ferroelectric Oxide Interfaces

The demonstration of a quasi-two-dimensional electron gas (2DEG) in LaAlO3/SrTiO3 heterostructures has stimulated intense research activity in recent years. The 2DEG has unique properties that are promising for applications in all-oxide electronic devices. For such applications it is desirable to have the ability to control 2DEG properties by external stimulus. Here, based on first-principles calculations we predict that all-oxide heterostructures incorporating ferroelectric constituents, such as KNbO3/ATiO3 (A=Sr, Ba, Pb), allow creating a 2DEG switchable between two conduction states by ferroelectric polarization reversal. The effect occurs due to the screening charge at the interface that counteracts the depolarizing electric field and depends on polarization orientation. The proposed concept of ferroelectrically controlled interface conductivity offers the possibility to design novel electronic devices.
Intensity‐fluctuation spectroscopy and tRNA conformation. II. Changes of size and shape of tRNA in the melting process

We have measured the translational (DT) and rotational (DR) diffusion coefficients of bulk tRNA from baker's yeast during the thermal unfolding process by means of photon-correlation spectroscopy. It should be noted that our estimate of the rotational diffusion coefficient represented, for the first time, measurements on a small macromolecule in solution by the photoelectron time-of-arrival technique with a delay-time resolution of 1 nsec. The melting curves expressed in terms of δDT vs temperature were consistent with the literature data in revealing the melting steps and their dependence on NaCl concentration. Additionally, it was possible to prove the existence of an intermediate, more compact structure during the initial steps of the thermal unfolding process. We found that the temperature ranges over which this intermediate structure appears depend strongly on salt concentration. By utilizing both translational and rotational diffusion coefficients and Perrin's equations for ellipsoids of revolution, we have computed the values of the equivalent length and width of tRNA molecules in solution at four different temperatures for NaCl concentrations of 0.2, 0.5, and 1M. The approximate model of ellipsoids of revolution also permits us to obtain an estimate of the radius of gyration, which is in very good agreement with literature data measured by means of small-angle x-ray scattering. Furthermore, we have measured the shape and size changes of tRNA with varying NaCl concentrations at room temperatures (25°C). The molecule becomes smaller and more spherical when NaCl concentration increases. As a result of partial melting at 70°C, the macromolecule is surprisingly elongated with an approximate axial ratio of 8:1 and has dimensions of about 180/22A. Such information on conformational changes by a simultaneous determination of rotational and translational diffusion coefficients illustrates the potential of this approach, not available by other methods.
A comparison of dendritic spine number and type on pyramidal neurons of the visual cortex of old adult rats from social or isolated environments.

The present study determined the effect of the housing condition experienced by old adult male rats on the appearance and number of dendritic spines. Specifically, 20-month-old rats were killed following 6 months of living in either a social environment (three to a cage) or living alone. The total number of dendritic spines per unit length was examined along segments of oblique, basal, and apical dendritic branches of pyramidal cells from layers II, III, Va, and Vb of the visual cortex. In addition to determining the total spine number, the spines were differentiated into two topographical categories: those with a lollipop configuration (type L) and those with a nubbin configuration (type N). Out results show that neither the total spine density nor the type L spine density were generally influenced by the two housing conditions. However, the density of type N spines was almost always greater on neurons from rats which had been living alone irrespective of the cortical layer or the dendritic segment counted. Some differences in total spine density and type L spine density were noted when neurons from the same environment but different cortical layers were compared, and these findings are discussed. However, the major focus of this paper was to extend our previous report of a selective increase in type N spines with age. We now show that in addition to increasing with age, type N spine density is also selectively increased by the condition of social deprivation.