cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Reusing supposed benign systemic data to achieve greater security

Utilities are becoming more dependent on sensor data to manage their operations and business processes. This data can be reused to facilitate National Security through the analysis of what appear to be benign events. Such events seldom occur and are justifiably categorized as outliers. However, they may indicate terrorist activity in a particular context and in the presence of other identical or associated benign events. An integrated approach is needed that will analyze these events. When statistically significant associations are discovered, the event's significance is raised accordingly; i.e. the event's importance is escalated. Specific human experts must be made aware of the exceptional events if and only if a particularly appropriate level of significance is determined using an "event escalation" process. This process is only possible given the right information architecture.
Restored riparian buffers as tools for ecosystem restoration in the MAIA; processes, endpoints, and measures of success for water, soil, flora, and fauna.

Riparian buffer restorations are used as management tools to produce favorable water quality impacts, moreover among the many benefits riparian buffers may provide, their application as instruments for water quality restoration rests on a relatively firm foundation of research. However, the extent to which buffers can restore riparian ecosystems; their functionality and species composition, are essentially unknown. In light of the foregoing, two broad areas of research are indicated. First, data are needed to document the relative effectiveness of riparian buffers that differ according to width, length, and plant species composition. These questions, of managing buffer dimension and species composition for functionality, are of central importance even when attenuation of nutrient and sediment loads alone are considered. Second, where ecosystem restoration is the goal, effects to in-stream and terrestrial riparian biota need to be considered. Relatedly, the effects of the restoration on the landscape need to be considered. Particularly, at what rate do the effects of the riparian buffer on in-stream water quality, biota, and habitat diminish downstream from restored sites? Answers to these important questions are needed, for streams and watersheds of different size and for areas of differing soil type within watersheds. U.S. EPA-NRMRL has initiated as research project that will document the potential for buffers to restore riparian ecosystems; focusing on water quality effects, but also, importantly, documenting effects on biota. While substantial riparian buffer management initiatives are already underway, the extent of landscapes that influence riparian ecosystems in the eastern United States is large; leaving ample opportunity for this suggested research to provide improved buffer designs in the future. The ultimate goal of research projects developed under this paradigm of ecosystem restoration is to develop data that are needed to implement riparian buffer restorations in the mid-Atlantic and elsewhere, especially the eastern United States.
Medullary serotonergic neurones modulate the ventilatory response to hypercapnia, but not hypoxia in conscious rats

Serotonergic neurones in the mammalian medullary raphe region (MRR) have been implicated in central chemoreception and the modulation of the ventilatory response to hypercapnia, and may also be involved in the ventilatory response to hypoxia. In this study, we ask whether ventilatory responses across arousal states are affected when the 5-hydroxytryptamine 1A receptor (5-HT1A) agonist (R)-(+)-8-hydroxy-2(di-n-propylamino)tetralin (DPAT) is microdialysed into the MRR of the unanaesthetized adult rat. Microdialysis of 1, 10 and 30 mm DPAT into the MRR significantly decreased absolute ventilation values during 7% CO2 breathing by 21%, 19% and 30%, respectively, in wakefulness compared to artificial cerebrospinal fluid (aCSF) microdialysis, due to decreases in tidal volume (VT) and not in frequency (f), similar to what occurred during non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep. The concentration-dependence of the hypercapnic ventilatory effect might be due to differences in tissue distribution of DPAT. DPAT (30 mm) changed room air breathing pattern by increasing f and decreasing VT. As evidenced by a sham control group, repeated experimentation and microdialysis of aCSF alone had no effect on the ventilatory response to 7% CO2 during wakefulness or sleep. Unlike during hypercapnia, microdialysis of 30 mm DPAT into the MRR did not change the ventilatory response to 10% O2. Additionally, 10 and 30 mm DPAT MRR microdialysis decreased body temperature, and 30 mm DPAT increased the percentage of experimental time in wakefulness. We conclude that serotonergic activity in the MRR plays a role in the ventilatory response to hypercapnia, but not to hypoxia, and that MRR 5-HT1A receptors are also involved in thermoregulation and arousal.
Corridos in Migrant Memory

Reviewed Medium: book Authors: Sanchez Chew and Martha I. Year: 2006 Pages: 230 Publisher: University of New Mexico Press ISBN: 0-8263-3478-4 (hard cover).
Density-adaptive learning and forgetting

We describe a density-adaptive reinforcement learning and a density-adaptive forgetting algorithm. This learning algorithm uses hybrid D κ-D/2 κ -trees to allow for a variable resolution partitioning and labelling of the input space. The density adaptive forgetting algorithm deletes observations from the learning set depending on whether subsequent evidence is available in a local region of the parameter space. The algorithms are demonstrated in a simulation for learning feasible robotic grasp approach directions and orientations and then adapting to subsequent mechanical failures in the gripper.
Two key questions raised by an atomic model for F-actin: Current Opinion in Structural Biology 1992, 2:286–292

Abstract The recently reported determination of a crystal structure for G-actin and a model for the orientation of this subunit in the F-actin filament will have a great impact on all studies of actin. Two key questions, however, need to be addressed: what are the conformational changes associated with the polymerization of actin and the subsequent hydrolysis of ATP; and, what are the possible dynamics of F-actin?
Interactive texture synthesis on surfaces using jump maps

We introduce a new method for fast texture synthesis on surfaces from examples. We generalize the image-based jump map texture synthesis algorithm, which partitions the task of texture synthesis into a slower analysis phase and a fast synthesis phase, by developing a new synthesis phase which works directly on arbitrary surfaces. Our method is one to two orders of magnitude faster than existing techniques, and does not generate any new texture images, enabling interactive applications for reasonably-sized meshes. This capability would be useful in many areas, including the texturing of dynamically-generated surfaces, interactive modelling applications, and rapid prototyping workflows.Our method remains simple to implement, assigning an offset in texture space to each edge of the mesh, followed by ]a walk over the mesh vertices to assign texture coordinates. A final step ensures each triangle receives consistent texture coordinates at its corners, and if available, texture blending can be used to improve the quality of results.
NONSYMMETRIC SYSTEMS ON NONSMOOTH PLANAR DOMAINS

We study boundary value problems, in the sense of Dahlberg, for second order constant coefficient strongly elliptic systems. In this class are systems without a variational formulation, viz. the nonsymmetric systems. Various similarities and differences between this subclass and the symmetrizable systems are examined in nonsmooth domains.
Fatal pulmonary embolism immediately after transatlantic air travel to the United States: less than one in a million.

Fatal Pulmonary Embolism Immediately after Transatlantic Air Travel to the United States: Less than One in a Million -
Satellites and current measurement: Caveat emptor

This paper briefly describes the major sources of errors and pitfalls to be encountered in using satellite techniques to measure ocean currents. Although several developing techniques are mentioned, the paper concentrates on radiometric and altimetric satellite remote sensing measurements and the use of spaceborne data collection and location systems to track quasi-Lagrangian drifters. While the total errors attributable to these techniques are found not excessively large (order centimeters per second), it is concluded that spacecraft measurements are most appropriate for sampling large-scale, low-frequency phenomena.
Direct palladium-catalyzed arylation of cyclopropenes

The first examples of direct palladium-catalyzed arylation and heteroarylation of cyclopropenes have been demonstrated. This method allows for efficient synthesis of various tetrasubstituted cyclopropenes, incuding nonracemic cyclopropenes, which are not available via known asymmetric cyclopropenation methods. Mechanistic studies strongly suggest an electrophilic path for this Heck-type transformation.
Flood and avalanche hazard in Colorado: Political implications of the new federalism

This article examines the likely impacts of the United States' “new federalism” on natural hazard land use management in Colorado. Flood and avalanche hazard programs are the focus of the study Both short- and long-term effects of changes in funding are discussed, and the conclusions summarize probable positive and negative program impacts for the state. These results may help researchers and state authorities mitigate similar effects in their states prior to the enactment of new federalism.
Platelet Activation and Fibrinopeptide Formation in Pulmonary Hypertension

Intravascular thrombosis is postulated to cause or to contribute to the development of uncharacterized (“primary”) pulmonary hypertension (PPH). To assess whether there is ongoing platelet-fibrin thrombosis in patients with PPH, we measured specific markers of platelet activation: platelet factor 4 (PF4) and s-thromboglobulin (BTC); of fibrin formation: fibrinopeptide A (FPA); and of fibrin dissolution: fibrinopeptide BB1-42 (FPBB1-42) in peripheral venous blood from 10 patients with PPH (group 2). Results were compared with those of normal volunteers (group 1, n = 9) and with results from patients with pulmonary hypertension secondary to congenital heart disease (group 3, n = 7). Both groups 2 and 3 exhibited severe pulmonary hypertension (mean pulmonary arterial pressure = 62 ±20 mm Hg and 70 ±13 mm Hg, respectively). Mean levels of PF4, BTC, FPA, and FPBB1-42 in patients with pulmonary hypertension, either primary or secondary to congenital heart disease, did not differ from levels in normal subjects. Within group 2, levels of platelet proteins and fibrinopeptides did not differ between patients who were classified clinically as having plexogenic arteriopathy vs thromboembolic disease. These observations suggest that a sustained state of abnormal platelet activation and fibrin formation or dissolution is not present in patients with established pulmonary hypertension.
Immune-mediated neuropathies following stem cell transplantation

Objective To study the clinical, electrophysiological and pathological characteristics and outcome of immune-mediated neuropathy (IMN) following stem cell transplantation (SCT). Methods Retrospective chart review of the Mayo Clinic Rochester SCT database between January 1997 and August 2012. Results Of the 3305 patients who underwent SCT, 12 patients (0.36%) had IMN. The median time from SCT to IMN was 7 months. IMN typically presented as an asymmetric radiculoplexus neuropathy (7/12 patients) or acute polyradiculoneuropathy (Guillain–Barre syndrome) (4/12). Neurophysiology showed demyelinating neuropathy in four patients and axonal neuropathy in eight. Cerebrospinal fluid protein was increased in five of six patients (median 67 mg/dL). The Neuropathy Impairment Score (NIS) improved in all patients (mean NIS 43–10, p=0.016). Six patients died. One patient died from complications of IMN and one died from complications of the haematological disease. Five patients had recurrence of their malignancy within 4 months of the IMN and of these, four died. Conclusions IMN occurs rarely in patients after SCT. Two possible mechanisms include (1) an immune reconstitution syndrome, supported by stereotypical neuropathy types (radiculoplexus and polyradiculoneuropathies), monophasic course and temporal association with SCT and (2) a paraneoplastic phenomenon, supported by frequent early malignancy recurrence following IMN.
90Sr uptake by Pinus ponderosa and Pinus radiata seedlings inoculated with ectomycorrhizal fungi.

Abstract Strontium-90 ( 90 Sr) is a radionuclide characteristic of fallout from nuclear reactor accidents and nuclear weapons testing. Prior studies have shown that Pinus ponderosa and P. radiata seedlings can remove appreciable quantities of 90 Sr from soil and store it in plant tissue. In this study, we inoculated P. ponderosa and P. radiata seedlings with one of five isolates of ectomycorrhizal fungi. Inoculated and noninoculated (control) seedlings were compared for their ability to remove 90 Sr from an organic growth medium. Seedlings were grown in a growth chamber in glass tubes containing 165 cm 3 of sphagnum peat moss and perlite (1 : 1 (v/v)) and, except in the controls, the fungal inoculum. After 3 months, 5978 Bq of 90 Sr in 1 ml of sterile, distilled, deionized water was added. Seedlings were grown for an additional month and then harvested. P. ponderosa seedlings with ectomycorrhizae accumulated 3·0–6·0% of the 90 Sr; bioconcentration ratios (Bq 90 Sr cm −3 plant tissue/Bq 90 Sr cm −3 growth medium) ranged from 98–162. Ectomycorrhizal P. radiata seedlings accumulated 6·0–6·9% of the 90 Sr; bioconcentration ratios ranged from 88–133. Nonmycorrhizal P. ponderosa and P. radiata seedlings accumulated only 0·6 and 0·7% of the 90 Sr and had bioconcentration ratios of 28 and 27, respectively. Ectomycorrhizal P. ponderosa and P. radiata seedlings are able to remove 3–5 times more 90 Sr from contaminated soil than seedlings without ectomycorrhizae.
Effects of estradiol and progesterone administration on human serotonin 2A receptor binding: a PET study.

Abstract Background: Preclinical studies demonstrate that 17β-estradiol (E 2 ) increases serotonin-2A receptor (5-HT 2A R) density in rat frontal cortex. Methods: We investigated the impact of hormone replacement therapy on 5-HT 2A R binding potential (BP) using positron emission tomography and [ 18 F]altanserin in five postmenopausal women. Subjects were imaged at baseline, following 8 to 14 weeks of transdermal E 2 , 0.1 mg/d, and following 2 to 6 weeks of E 2 plus micronized progesterone (P) 100 mg per os twice daily. Regional BPs in the anterior cingulate cortex, dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, and lateral orbitofrontal cortex were calculated by Logan analysis. Results: There was a main effect of time ( p = .017) for 5-HT 2A R BP, which increased 21.2% ± 2.6% following combined E 2 and P administration relative to baseline. This effect was evident in all cerebral cortex regions examined. Conclusions: 5-HT 2A R BP increased in widespread areas of the cerebral cortex following combined E 2 + P administration.
Drosophila embryos as transitional objects: the work of Donald Poulson and Christiane Nüsslein-Volhard.

Les embryons de drosophiles sont par excellence des objets scientifiques limites utilises pour la recherche et le developpement de l'embryologie et de la genetique
Processing-Induced Stresses And Curvature In Patterned Lines On Silicon Wafers

The evolution of stresses due to the patterning and thermal loading of thin lines on Si wafers, and the consequent changes in the overall curvature of the wafer are studied theoretically and experimentally. The analysis involves finite element simulations within the context of generalized plane strain models. The analysis is capable of predicting the wafer curvature in directions parallel and perpendicular to the lines. These predictions compare reasonably well with experimental measurements of curvature made on model systems. The thickness, width and spacing of the patterned lines have been varied systematically, and the associated changes in the evolution of stresses and curvature have been determined. The non-uniform stress field within the fine lines is also analyzed.
Demographic effects on estimates of automatic face recognition performance

The intended applications of automatic face recognition systems include venues that vary widely in demographic diversity. Formal evaluations of algorithms do not commonly consider the effects of population diversity on performance. We document the effects of racial and gender demographics on estimates of the accuracy of algorithms that match identity in pairs of face images. In particular, we focus on the effects of the ''background'' population distribution of non-matched identities against which identity matches are compared. The algorithm we tested was created by fusing three of the top performers from a recent US Government competition. First, we demonstrate the variability of algorithm performance estimates when the population of non-matched identities was demographically ''yoked'' by race and/or gender (i.e., ''yoking'' constrains non-matched pairs to be of the same race or gender). We also report differences in the match threshold required to obtain a false alarm rate of .001 when demographic controls on the non-matched identity pairs varied. In a second experiment, we explored the effect on algorithm performance of progressively increasing population diversity. We found systematic, but non-general, effects when the balance between majority and minority populations of non-matched identities shifted. Third, we show that identity match accuracy differs substantially when the non-match identity population varied by race. Finally, we demonstrate the impact on performance when the non-match distribution consists of faces chosen to resemble a target face. The results from all experiments indicate the importance of the demographic composition and modeling of the background population in predicting the accuracy of face recognition algorithms.
Iatrogenic Aspiration of Components of Respiratory Care Equipment

Two cases of airway foreign bodies involving the aspiration of component parts of commonly used respiratory therapy equipment are described. The first case demonstrated the accidental introduction of a washer from a closed catheter suction system into the airway of a patient. The second case involved the accidental introduction of a part of an intubating stylet into the lung. Improper use of this equipment can result in airway foreign bodies and potential respiratory compromise.
Social and nonsocial sources of attraction in rats

Rats were more attracted to other rats than to a number of nonsocial objects, each chosen as possible sources of physical satisfaction, such as warmth, shade, secondary reinforcement, novelty, etc. Social attraction may be independent of such mundane needs and may require social satisfactions such as mutual activity and interaction.
Maintenance of parathyroid tissue fragments on agar substrates.

EXPLANTATION of organ fragments on to plasma clots1 or soft agar2 contained in Maximow slides or embryological watch glasses permits the preservation and development of organotypic tissue in vitro. The recent finding that mammalian cell strains can be cultivated for extended periods with minimal effort on nutrient media solidified with agar3,4 suggested the use of agar substrates to simplify and improve maintenance of functional organ fragments prior to surgical transplanatation.
Studies on the morphology of immobilized catalase

Abstract Scanning electron microscopy studies were carried out on bovine liver and Aspergillus catalase immobilized on a non-porous glass support during various stages of immobilization and reaction. Differences are reported in the morphology of the immobilized Aspergillus catalase compared with the bovine liver catalase.
Environmental toxicants may modulate osteoblast differentiation by a mechanism involving the aryl hydrocarbon receptor.

The AHR mediates many of the toxicological effects of aromatic hydrocarbons. We show that AHR expression in osteoblasts parallels the induction of early bone-specific genes involved in maturation. The AHR may not only mediate the effects of toxicants, but with an as yet unidentified ligand, be involved in the differentiation pathways of osteoblasts. Introduction: Metabolic bone diseases arise as a result of an imbalance in bone cell activities. Recent evidence suggests that environmental toxicants may be contributing factors altering these activities. One candidate molecule implicated in mediating the toxic effects of exogenous compounds is the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR). Materials and Methods: Osteoblasts isolated from neonatal rat calvaria were analyzed for AHR expression by quantitative PCR, Western blot, and immunohistochemistry. In addition, AHR activation was evaluated by electromobility gel shift assay and fluorescence microscopy. Results: Our findings showed AHR expression in mature osteoblasts in vivo. The pattern of AHR expression peaks after alkaline phosphatase and before induction of osteocalcin. We first show that AHR functions as a transactivating receptor in osteoblasts, as evidenced by its ligand-dependent migration to the nucleus and its association with known dioxin response elements. AHR activation by 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo -p -dioxin (TCDD) mediated the induction of cytochrome p450 1A1 and cycloxygenase-2 protein levels. This effect could be inhibited by the potent AHR antagonist, 3′4 methoxynitroflavone. Furthermore, lead treatment of osteoblasts upregulates the expression of AHR mRNA and protein levels, supporting a novel mechanism whereby lead in the skeleton may increase the sensitivity of bone cells to toxicant exposure. Conclusions: These data imply that the AHR mediates the effects of aromatic toxicants on bone and that AHR expression is regulated during osteoblast differentiation.
Photo-inhibition of pitting corrosion on types 304 and 316 stainless steels in chloride-containing solutions

The influence of incident monochromatic uv light on the susceptibility of types 304 and 316 stainless steels to pitting corrosion in chloride-containing solutions is described. Illumination of the immersed surfaces, in neutral and acidic solutions, gave rise to an enhanced resistance to the onset of pitting corrosion that persisted for some 220 h after the irradiation had been removed. This was evident from an increase in the breakdown potential, longer induction periods, and notable changes in the current noise at constant potentials for specimens polarized under illumination. It was found that the degree of inhibition to pitting attack depended on the photon energy, the illumination period and the nature of the passive film. Higher breakdown potentials and longer induction periods were observed with high energy photons (λ < 375 nm); these photons having energies in excess of the bandgap energy. Also, the photo-inhibition effect increased with the period of illumination; the maximum effect being observed following a 5-h illumination period. A much reduced photo-inhibition effect was observed for specimens polarized in alkaline solutions. This was attributed to the formation of a precipitate layer at the film-solution interface, which hindered the interaction of the incident photons with the barrier layer.
Social class distribution of fathers of children enrolled in the Iowa Autism program

The social class distribution of fathers with autistic children attending a locally well-known and state-supported modern autism program was examined and was compared to the social class distributions observed in a nonautistic, mentally retarded population, in children with other psychiatric disorders, and in the general population from which the present autistic sample was drawn. No significant differences were found among the groups. The findings supported the view that if studies are not biased by certain selection factors outside the autistic child's clinical picture and diagnosis, and if services become better known and readily available, then no differences in social class distribution between autistic and nonautistic groups occur. The results suggest that social class is not an important factor in the origin of autistic syndrome.
Variable sac behavior after endovascular repair of abdominal aortic aneurysm: analysis of core laboratory data☆

Abstract Objectives The behavior of the aneurysm sac after endovascular grafting has been the subject of significant speculation. The importance of sac behavior is manifested by the correlation between aneurysm size or size change and risk for rupture, and potentially further extrapolated to define the need for secondary intervention. This study was undertaken to define graft-specific differences and the effect of endoleak on sac remodeling. Methods Core laboratory data were obtained for three US Phase II clinical trials. Patients were included if they met anatomic inclusion criteria and underwent placement of the latest version of a bifurcated endovascular prosthesis. Unsupported Dacron (Ancure), supported Dacron (Zenith), and expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (Excluder) grafts were evaluated. Digitized images were electronically assessed for aneurysm size (area, maximum, minimum diameter) with National Institutes of Health Image software. Two blinded reviewers analyzed each radiographic study to ensure accurate image selection and establish the presence or absence of endoleak. A third reviewer adjudicated discrepancies. χ 2 analysis and mixed nonlinear modeling were used to analyze the results. Results Of 1506 patients evaluated, 723 (227 Ancure, 343 Excluder, 153 Zenith) met inclusion criteria for the study. Mean follow-up was 23.2 months (Ancure, 31.3 months; Excluder, 19.6 months; Zenith, 19.3 months). The incidence of any endoleak was 39.1% (Ancure, 58.1%; Excluder, 34.7%; Zenith, 20.9%; P Conclusions The behavior of the aneurysm sac depends on the type of prosthesis, presence or absence of endoleak, and baseline size of the sac. Differential sac behavior must be considered when determining the need for secondary interventions, timing follow-up studies, and assessing success or failure of endovascular repair.
Interaction of Barrier Islands and Storms: Implications for Flood Risk Reduction in Louisiana and Mississippi

Abstract Coastal barrier islands are natural lines of defense and an integral part of a comprehensive flood risk reduction and management plan. A high resolution numerical modeling system capable of representing complicated coastal landscapes and simulating all the primary relevant physical processes is applied to better understand the influence of barrier island restoration on hurricane surge propagation. Model results indicate that barrier island restoration may significantly alter surge pathways and flood volumes of surge reaching inland coastal areas as open water passes become the dominant flow mechanism during a storm event. However, the exclusion of the morphologic evolution of a barrier island during a storm's passage is a significant limitation with the existing numerical models and is currently under development. The results in this paper demonstrate the need to include morphologic changes to fully evaluate the impact barrier islands have on water levels at the mainland coast.
Difficulty and Discriminative Ability of Various Categories of Multiple Choice Questions in Medical School Preclerkship Examinations

In the USA, medical licensing exams have attempted to test the higher levels of Bloom’s taxonomy by using multiple choice questions (MCQ) that incorporate clinical or experimental vignettes. We wished to determine if the nature of the vignette altered the difficulty and discriminative ability of our MCQ. We assigned our regular course MCQ to categories. Recall questions had no context. Pseudo-vignette questions had a context not needed to answer the question. Vignette 1 or vignette 2 questions required extracting information from the vignette. Difficulty (DIFF), discrimination index (DI), and point biserial correlation coefficient (PtBiS) were calculated for 1,690 questions used during our preclerkship curriculum. Recall questions were more common during the first year. Pseudo-vignette questions maintained approximately the same frequency across the courses. Vignette 1 and vignette 2 questions increased gradually. During the first year, questions were less difficult but more discriminating than during the second year. In the first year, recall questions were less difficult and discriminating than vignette questions. These differences disappeared during the second year, when DIFF, DI, and PtBiS did not differ significantly among the question formats. The differences between the results of testing in first and second years may reflect experience with vignette-type questions, true learning, or a combination of both.
Guided corona generates wettability patterns that selectively direct cell attachment inside closed microchannels.

We present a method to create plasma mediated linear protein patterns along the lengths of simple one-inlet-one-outlet straight polydimethylsiloxane microchannels by biasing the delivery of corona discharge at the capillary openings. Pattern widths ranging from 500–1,000 μm were generated in 2 mm wide microchannels with lengths of 0.5, 1.0, or 1.5 cm. Corona-treated surfaces enabled the spatial alignment of C2C12 myoblasts to the adhesive protein-coated regions, facilitating myoblast differentiation into myotubes. Although limited in precision, this protein patterning technique offers the advantages of simplicity and low cost, making it attractive for educational and research environments that lack access to extensive microfabrication facilities. The results also provide a cautionary note to those using corona discharge to increase wettability of microchannels; the surface modification may not be uniform, even within single microchannels being treated depending on settings and positioning of the corona device tips.
Gene encoding the human beta-hexosaminidase beta chain: extensive homology of intron placement in the alpha- and beta-chain genes.

Abstract Lysosomal beta-hexosaminidase (EC 3.2.1.52) is composed of two structurally similar chains, alpha and beta, that are the products of different genes. Mutations in either gene causing beta-hexosaminidase deficiency result in the lysosomal storage disease GM2-gangliosidosis. To enable the investigation of the molecular lesions in this disorder and to study the evolutionary relationship between the alpha and beta chains, the beta-chain gene was isolated, and its organization was characterized. The beta-chain coding region is divided into 14 exons distributed over approximately 40 kilobases of DNA. Comparison with the alpha-chain gene revealed that 12 of the 13 introns interrupt the coding regions at homologous positions. This extensive sharing of intron placement demonstrates that the alpha and beta chains evolved by way of the duplication of a common ancestor.
Intracranial angioplasty and stent placement for cerebral atherosclerosis.

Intracranial atherosclerotic stenoses have been estimated to account for 8%–10% of all ischemic strokes. A substantial number of patients fail the best medical treatment, which includes control of vascular risk factors and administration of antithrombotics (platelet-active drugs or warfarin), statins, and angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors. In these patients, angioplasty with stent placement is one reasonable treatment option for preventing massive ischemic stroke. Herein, we discuss basic pathophysiologic concepts and their effect on endovascular revascularization procedures.
Study-Abroad Programs as Information Producers: An Expanding Role for Support of Our Students Studying Abroad

ABSTRACT Though increasing numbers of students spend time studying abroad, there has been little discussion regarding the needs of study-abroad students as a distinct user group. The little research that has been done in this area focuses on support for study-abroad students as information users. This article expands the conversation to consider the librarian's role in supporting study-abroad students as producers of valuable information, particularly as study-abroad programs expand to nontraditional locations and focus on project-based and service-learning activities of direct benefit to their host communities. A model for creating digital libraries that supports the work of study-abroad programs in Monteverde, Costa Rica, is presented. Through multi-institutional collaboration, use of graduate student interns, and digital library technology, information produced by study-abroad programs of relevance to both local communities and future researchers is now accessible. Options for wider future support for ...
Close Encounters with a Fish Screen: Integrating Physiological and Behavioral Results to Protect Endangered Species in Exploited Ecosystems

Abstract Protection of endangered species that are restricted to highly modified ecosystems and threatened by anthropogenic activities often includes regulatory design and operational criteria for structures and facilities located within the species' critical habitat. In many freshwater systems, loss of fishes at water diversions has contributed to population declines of multiple species. Fish screens prevent removal of fish from the habitat; however, under current design criteria, the degree of protection provided by screens is unknown for most affected species. We used a large laboratory-based flume to observe and quantify the responses of delta smelt Hypomesus transpacificus, an endangered osmerid threatened by water diversions in California's Sacramento–San Joaquin Estuary, to a simulated fish screen. For a range of flow and environmental conditions, we measured screen contact frequency, swimming behavior, injuries, and survival. Delta smelt experienced frequent temporary contact with the screen, and ...
Data integrity considerations in computer based accounting systems

Over the past few years there has been a steady increase in the applications of computers to accounting functions. While computerized accounting systems enable one to store a large volume of data and process these data very rapidly, such systems also contribute to the complexity of data integrity problems. The purpose of this paper is to review several important considerations in developing and maintaining the integrity of data in computerized accounting systems.In order to establish a reasonable degree of confidence in data generated by an accounting system, the hardware, software, communications and human operating procedures must operate in concert. Integrity of data can be compromised in any one of the several phases of the “life cycle” of accounting data. The basic stages in this life cycle might be characterized as follows:1. Measurement and classification2. Transcription, validation and storage3. Processing, updating and recovery
Color vision from rod and long-wave cone interactions: conditions in which rods contribute to multicolored images.

Abstract Two different color-separation images, each illuminated with different wavelengths of light, were combined to make a multicolored image. Experiments that measured the action spectra of the receptor mechanisms responding to one of the color-separation images show that the rods interact with the long-wave cones to produce the multicolored image. A second experiment used the different directional sensitivities of rods and cones (the Stiles-Crawford effect) to determine the conditions in which the multicolored images are generated by the rod-cone interactions, and to determine the conditions in which the colors are produced by cone-cone interactions.
Morphology of compatibilized ternary blends of polypropylene, nylon 66, and polystyrene

The morphologies of a ternary blend of nylon 66 and polystyrene in a polypropylene matrix with and without compatibilization by an ionomer resin (for nylon 66) and a styrene-block-ethylene-co-butylene-block-styrene (SEBS) copolymer (for polystyrene) were investigated by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) of stained thin sections. The morphology found with the two compatibilizers (a five-component mixture) was essentially that of the binary blends of nylon 66/polypropylene and of polystyrene/polypropylene with their respective compatibilizers, indicating no gross interference between the two compatibilization systems. However, several interactions were discerned: 1) an association of the polystyrene with the nylon in the compatibilized blends (partial wetting), 2) a presence of larger particles when both compatibilizers were added to the binary blends, and 3) a possible synergism, in which less of each compatibilizer was needed when they were both present. Polym. Eng. Sci. 46:385–398, 2006. © 2006 Society of Plastics Engineers.
Transonic Experimental Observations of Abrupt Wing Stall on an F/A-18E Model (Invited)

A transonic wind tunnel test of an 8% F/A-18E model was conducted in the NASA Langley Research Center (LaRC) 16 ft Transonic Tunnel (16-ft TT) to investigate on-surface flow physics during stall. The technical approach employed focused on correlating static (or time-averaged) and unsteady wind-tunnel test data to the unsteady wing-stall events using force, moment, pressure, and pressure-sensitive-paint measurements. This paper focuses on data obtained on the pre-production configuration of the F/A-18E aircraft at Mach number of 0.90. The flow unsteadiness occurring on the wing as the wing went through the stall process was captured using the time history of balance and pressure measurements and by calculating the root mean square (RMS) for a number of instrument signals. The second step was to gather global perspectives on the pressures influencing the wing stall process. The abrupt wing stall experienced by the 8% F/A-18E Model was observed to be an unsteady event triggered by the rapid advancement of separation, which had migrated forward from the trailing edge, to the leading-edge flap hingeline over a very small increment in angle of attack. The angle of attack at which this stall occurred varied, from run to run, over an 1 deg increment. The abrupt wing stall was observed, using pressure-sensitive-paint, to occur simultaneously on both wing panels or asymmetrically. The pressure-sensitive paint data and wingroot bending moment data were essential in providing insight to the flow structures occurring over the wing and the possible asymmetry of those flow structures. A repeatability analysis conducted on eight runs of static data provided a quick and inexpensive examination of the unsteady aerodynamic characteristics of abrupt wing stall. The results of the repeatability analysis agreed extremely well with data obtained using unsteady measurement techniques. This approach could be used to identify test conditions for more complex unsteady data measurements using special instrumentation.
Effects of Plant Growth Regulators on Tall Fescue Rooting and Water Use

ABSTRACT Experiments were conducted in a glasshouse to investigate the effects of plant growth regulators (PGRs) mefluidide [N-(2,4-dimethyl-5[[(uTfluromethyl)-sulfopaclo-butrazol [2RS,3RSJ-)-1-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-dimethyl-l-2,4 triazol-1-yl-)pentan-3-ol], trinexapac-ethyl (4-(cyclopropyl-a-hydroxy-meUiylene)-3,5-dioxo-cyclohexanecarboxyhc acid methylester), and ethephon [(2,-chloroethyl) phosphonic acid] on ‘Kentucky 31’ (K.-31) tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb.) rooting characteristics, root water extraction from soil with increasing depth, and evapotranspiration rate. Ethephon had the most detrimental effect of any PGR on maximum rooting depth (MRD), root length density (RLD) with increasing profile depth, total root length (TRL-the sum of root length densities at all depths), and root water extraction from soil. Paclobutrazol decreased MRD, TRL, and RLD at two rooting depths. Trinexapac-ethyl had no effect on MRD, but decreased TRL, : and RLD at 10-20 cm depth, in one of two experiments. In cont...
Bioeconomics of the Alfalfa Snout Beetle (Coleoptera: Curculionidae)

Microplot and small-plot field studies were conducted during 1988 to quantify relationships between density of alfalfa snout beetle, Otiorhynchus ligustici (L.), and alfalfa yield and quality. Cumulative dry matter yield of single plants declined as a linear function of absolute larval density at the end of the growing season. Plant stands tolerated pest presence without yield loss unless density exceeded 12.9 beetles/m2 or 150.7 beetle-days/m2. Thereafter, alfalfa yield declined as a quadratic function of beetle density but offsetting increases in stand weediness maintained total forage production (weeds + alfalfa) at constant levels. Alfalfa nutritional quality and economic value were unaffected by pest damage. Within season stand losses were 19.7 to 22.4% in plots with 20 and 25 beetles/m2. Stand winter kill was significantly greater at low to moderate pest densities compared with severe densities. A general formula was derived to compute economic injury levels (EILs) for crops characterized by tolerant responses to injury. EILs expressed as absolute pest density and pest days ranged from 15.2 to 21.6 beetles/m2 and 194 to 227 beetle-days/m2, respectively, depending on assumptions about management costs, forage market value, and control efficacy. Practical implementation of the economic injury levels and underlying assumptions are discussed.
Reenquadrando a justiça em um mundo globalizado

A globalizacao esta alterando o modo como discutimos a justica. Debates que costumavam focalizar a questao da justica entre os membros das comunidades se transformam rapidamente em disputas a respeito de quais comunidades sao relevantes e quem sao seus membros. Nao apenas a substância da justica, mas tambem o seu enquadramento esta em disputa. O resultado e um desafio maior para nossas teorias da justica social, que ate o momento falharam em desenvolver recursos conceituais para refletir sobre a questao do enquadramento. Neste artigo, argumenta-se que, a fim de lidar satisfatoriamente com esse problema, a teoria da justica deve se tornar tridimensional, incorporando a dimensao politica da representacao, ao lado da dimensao economica da distribuicao e da dimensao cultural do reconhecimento.
Postsynaptic distribution of acetylcholine receptors in electroplax of the torpedine ray,Narcine brasiliensis

Abstract Other investigators have shown that many postsynaptic membranes which contain high densities of the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor appear to be unusually thick in electron micrographs. This peculiarity is believed to arise in part from the receptor protein itself. We show that in electroplax of Narcine brasiliensis , the thick membrane is found in juxtaneural postsynaptic regions, but not in deeper portions of junctional fold-like postsynaptic papillae or in extrasynaptic regions of the innervated face. Autoradiographic localization of receptor-bound [ 125 I]α-bungarotoxin confirms that high densities of receptor are confined to juxtaneural regions. Narcine electric tissue thus provides a system for biochemical study of an acetylcholine receptor localozation similar to that found at the mammalian or amphibian neuromuscular junction. Limited data suggest that similar postsynaptic distributions of receptor also occur in electroplax of several species of Torpedo.
The Financial Conundrum for Mental Health Practitioners

This article examines the ethical and legal considerations of pay arrangements between associated (nonmedical) mental health practitioners (MHPs), and concludes that, to avoid an elevated risk of improper fee splitting, caution is necessary when the financial arrangement involves a percentage arrangement. Not withstanding personal preferences, the direction and control within the relationship between associated MHPs may or may not justify the status of independent contractor. If there is a bona fide employment relationship, a percentage of billables (but not collections) for paying an associated MHP might be appropriate. Otherwise, one MHP would be entitled to reimbursement for only actual overhead expenses connected to the fees for services provided by the other MHP, but there should be no compensation for the referral per se. This article is a companion piece to Woody (2008).
The Quest for Distinction: A Reappraisal of the Rural Labor Process in Kheda District (Gujarat), India*

: In this article I examine how the rural labor process is constitutive of social identity, particularly status, by harnessing empirical evidence from Kheda District, Gujarat, and other parts of India. Emphasis is on the labor practices of the dominant Lewa Patel caste, and only secondarily on the practices of other caste groups. My central claim is that the labor process is a primary arena in which the quest for social distinction occurs and that the primary source of distinction is the ability to withdraw family labor power from the commoditized labor circuit. In this paper I seek to deepen conventional understandings of the labor process within economic geography, agrarian studies, and mainstream economics.
Community Contexts up Close: What Does It Mean to Be "Legitimate" in Today's Education Policy Environment?.

In their final chapter, the editors of a book on the topic of education policy provided a summary of the then-existing evidence indicating a continuing 21st−century centralization of governance in ...
Adjustments to the MODIS Terra radiometric calibration and polarization sensitivity in the 2010 reprocessing

The Moderate-Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) on NASA s Earth Observing System (EOS) satellite Terra provides global coverage of top-of-atmosphere (TOA) radiances that have been successfully used for terrestrial and atmospheric research. The MODIS Terra ocean color products, however, have been compromised by an inadequate radiometric calibration at the short wavelengths. The Ocean Biology Processing Group (OBPG) at NASA has derived radiometric corrections using ocean color products from the SeaWiFS sensor as truth fields. In the R2010.0 reprocessing, these corrections have been applied to the whole mission life span of 10 years. This paper presents the corrections to the radiometric gains and to the instrument polarization sensitivity, demonstrates the improvement to the Terra ocean color products, and discusses issues that need further investigation. Although the global averages of MODIS Terra ocean color products are now in excellent agreement with those of SeaWiFS and MODIS Aqua, and image quality has been significantly improved, the large corrections applied to the radiometric calibration and polarization sensitivity require additional caution when using the data.
Innervation of human nasal glands

The innervation of human nasal glands was investigated with the electron microscope in 14 males and 11 females using osmium and permangante fixed material. Acetylcholinesterase activity was localized electron microscopically in formalin fixed tissues.
Government DEBT, Immigration, and Durable Public Goods

Government debt is shown to be a pareto-improving policy for the native population in the presence of durable public goods and immigration. Debt is therefore neither equivalent to current taxation nor neutral in its macro-economic impact. Debt may also promote a more efficientflow of immigration by reducing the ability to free-ride on the capital provided by natives.