cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Comparative multiplexed interactomics of SARS-CoV-2 and homologous coronavirus non-structural proteins identifies unique and shared host-cell dependencies

Human coronaviruses (hCoV) have become a threat to global health and society, as evident from the SARS outbreak in 2002 caused by SARS-CoV-1 and the most recent COVID-19 pandemic caused by SARS-CoV-2. Despite high sequence similarity between SARS-CoV-1 and -2, each strain has distinctive virulence. A better understanding of the basic molecular mechanisms mediating changes in virulence is needed. Here, we profile the virus-host protein-protein interactions of two hCoV non-structural proteins (nsps) that are critical for virus replication. We use tandem mass tag-multiplexed quantitative proteomics to sensitively compare and contrast the interactomes of nsp2 and nsp4 from three betacoronavirus strains: SARS-CoV-1, SARS-CoV-2, and hCoV-OC43 - an endemic strain associated with the common cold. This approach enables the identification of both unique and shared host cell protein binding partners and the ability to further compare the enrichment of common interactions across homologs from related strains. We identify common nsp2 interactors involved in endoplasmic reticulum (ER) Ca 2+ signaling and mitochondria biogenesis. We also identifiy nsp4 interactors unique to each strain, such as E3 ubiquitin ligase complexes for SARS-CoV-1 and ER homeostasis factors for SARS-CoV-2. Common nsp4 interactors include N -linked glycosylation machinery, unfolded protein response (UPR) associated proteins, and anti-viral innate immune signaling factors. Both nsp2 and nsp4 interactors are strongly enriched in proteins localized at mitochondrial-associated ER membranes suggesting a new functional role for modulating host processes, such as calcium homeostasis, at these organelle contact sites. Our results shed light on the role these hCoV proteins play in the infection cycle, as well as host factors that may mediate the divergent pathogenesis of OC43 from SARS strains. Our mass spectrometry workflow enables rapid and robust comparisons of multiple bait proteins, which can be applied to additional viral proteins. Furthermore, the identified common interactions may present new targets for exploration by host-directed anti-viral therapeutics.
Growth and regeneration of sympathetic neuron axons induced by pulsed low intensity ultrasound

Over a quarter million Americans are currently living with spinal cord injuries (SCIs), costing $3 billion a year to manage [1]. SCI results in myelin loss, axonal degradation, and death of sympathetic neurons, leading to lesion formation and disruption of the primary communication pathway in the spinal cord. Low intensity ultrasound has been shown to improve axonal regeneration in the peripheral nervous system, but its effect on cells in the central nervous systems is not yet studied. The objective of this work is to investigate the growth-stimulating effects of low to mid-intensity ultrasound on axons of sympathetic neurons. To find optimal ultrasound intensities, neuroendocrine-type PC-12 cells were cultured and treated with pulsed ultrasound at varying intensities. Cells were cultured in deprived states to model a post-SCI environment, while being treated with neurotrophic factor (NGF) to induce their neuron differentiation. Images of cells were analyzed for number of cells and neurite outgrowth. Experiments with PC-12 cells found that an ultrasound intensity of 1.02 W/cm2 led to optimal neurite outgrowth when analyzing the rate of neurite outgrowth and total neurite outgrowth at the final day of experimentation. Our ultimate goal is to develop an effective, noninvasive SCI treatment based on the ultrasound technology.
Endogenous Trading Constraints with Incomplete Asset Markets

This paper endogenizes the borrowing constraints on capital holdings in an infinite horizon incomplete markets model with production and idiosyncratic risk. In particular, it assumes that households can break their trading arrangements by going into financial autarky, in which case they are excluded from future asset trade. We study the economy with the loosest possible borrowing limits that prevent default in equilibrium. We find that these limits are significantly different from zero, which is the ad hoc value often assumed in the literature. Further, they get looser with a higher labor income, consistent with US data on credit limits. The analysis of the welfare effects of a revenue neutral tax reform also illustrates that it is very important to take into account the direct effects of tax policies and the indirect effects of capital accumulation on the credit limits, since they can have quantitatively important welfare implications.
Can’t Pay Won’t Pay: The Case for Economic Disobedience and Debt Abolition. Debt Collective. Chicago, IL: Haymarket Books, 2020. Paper, $15 (ISBN: 978-1-64259-262-7).

While focus on the economic fallout of the COVID-19 pandemic means that parts of this book will, we hope, soon feel dated, Can’t Pay Won’t Pay captures the economic zeitgeist of the early 21st century. A mere five chapters and just over 150 pages, the brevity of the book makes it an accessible introduction to the reasons so many individuals, communities, and even countries have found themselves deeply in debt. While fewer words are spent on remedies to the problem than describing it, the authors recommend the formation of debtors’ unions, modeled on labor unions. Through such unions, they suggest, collective power can force the abolition, or at least renegotiation, of debts. Can’t Pay Won’t Pay will help higher education librarians understand the conditions under which their students are laboring, as well as illuminating both the personal and systemic positions of librarians themselves.
On polygenic risk scores for complex traits prediction.

Polygenic risk scores (PRS) have gained substantial attention for complex traits prediction in genome-wide association studies (GWAS). Motivated by the polygenic model of complex traits, we study the statistical properties of PRS under the high-dimensional but sparsity free setting where the triplet (n,p,m)→(∞,∞,∞) with n,p,m being the sample size, the number of assayed single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), and the number of assayed causal SNPs, respectively. First, we derive asymptotic results on the out-of-sample (prediction) R-squared for PRS. These results help understand the widespread observed gap between the in-sample heritability (or partial R-squared due to the genetic features) estimate and the out-of-sample R-squared for most complex traits. Next, we investigate how features should be selected (e.g., by a p-value threshold) for constructing optimal PRS. We reveal that the optimal threshold depends largely on the genetic architecture underlying the complex trait and the sample size of the training GWAS, or the m/n ratio. For highly polygenic traits with a large m/n ratio, it is difficult to separate causal and null SNPs and stringent feature selection in principle often leads to poor PRS prediction. We numerically illustrate the theoretical results with intensive simulation studies and real data analysis on 33 complex traits with a wide range of genetic architectures in the UK Biobank database.
Experience with Teaching Performance Measurement and Testing in a Course on Functional Testing

Stevens Institute of Technology offers a graduate course on functional software testing that addresses test planning driven by use cases, the use of software tools, and the derivation of test cases to achieve coverage with minimal effort. The course also contains material on performance testing. Teaching performance testing and measurement in a university setting was challenging because giving the students access to a target system would have required more time, resources, and planning than were available. %neither the students nor the university typically have access to a system that can be tested and measured. We addressed these challenges (a) by showing the students how resource usage could be measured in a controlled way with the instrumentation that comes with most modern laptops by default, and (b) by having the students use JMeter to measure the response times of existing websites . We describe how students were introduced to the concept of a controlled performance test by playing recordings of the same musical piece with and without video. We make recommendations for the future avoidance of the emergent ethical issue that one should not subject one does not own to anything but the most trivial loads. We also describe some successes and pitfalls in this effort.
Analyzing Homeless Service Systems in Local Government Using a Systems Engineering Framework

This paper investigates efficiency improvement opportunities within homeless service systems in the United States through modeling and simulation. Homeless service systems in the United States continue to evolve but are challenged by facility capacity and operational constraints. In this paper, a Maryland county homeless service system is selected as the case study for analysis. Data is collected through personnel interviews, Housing and Urban Development (HUD) data, and summarized annual reports from the client. Using a regression analysis model, key variables in flow-rates to stable housing solutions are determined in order to construct a system dynamics model of the homeless service system. This model is run for a period of 2 years, using the simulation software Vensim to identify bottlenecks as potential areas of improvement within the system. Model success is defined by HUD system performance measures, such as the length of time persons remain homeless and the rates at which persons placed in stable housing solutions return to homelessness. The model is further evaluated with the findings from a directed literature search of related case studies, semi-structured interviews with industry personnel, and a comparison to national best practices. The model will be generalized to simulate the HUD system performance measures of other homeless service systems in the United States. Additionally, the model will inform recommendations of identified improvements, such as altering ratios of case managers to facility occupants, modifying the intake assessment process, and optimizing facility programs for improved client flow. These recommendations will be applied to create a prototype dashboard for the client. This dashboard will be used as a forecasting tool to aid in decision-making affecting the operation of local homeless service systems.
Patricia Herrera. Nuyorican Feminist Performance: From the Café to Hip Hop Theater

Patricia Herrera fills a void in scholarship on the Nuyorican Poets Cafe. Her focus on women performers (performeras) and their writing and performance challenges these artists’ marginalization and...
Diel Movement by White Suckers (Catostomus commersonii) in Connected Northern Lakes

Consistently repeated daily habitat shifts by fish can expose or protect individuals from a variety of threats and influence nutrient transport between systems, yet logistical constraints make individual horizontal movement difficult to study on short time scales. As a result, diel movements by fish are often poorly documented. Suckers (Catostomidae) are a key group of fish that have been frequently examined with this in mind, as many species are large, long-lived, and comprise a large proportion of biotic biomass in many waters. Previous studies in rivers have shown that multiple sucker species exhibit complex, diel movement. We investigated the prevalence of short-term movement by the widely distributed Catostomus commersonii (White Sucker) in an interconnected, remote lake system within New York's Adirondack region using PIT telemetry. These 2 lakes were in a remote setting of New York's Adirondacks, and our tracking studies indicated a subset of the sucker population regularly traveled back and forth daily through a short, shallow channel. Direction of movement was strongly associated with time of day, and larger individuals were far more likely to engage in this repetitive behavior. Overall, these findings highlight the potential for extensive, yet generally unobserved, movement by White Suckers within connected lake systems.
Edrophonium Antagonism of Constant Mivacurium Infusion

Although spontaneous recovery from mivacurium is rapid, there has been little investigation of its pharmacologic antagonism. We have occasionally observed inadequate recovery following antagonism of mivacurium by edrophonium. Accordingly, we determined the dose-response relationship of edrophonium for antagonism of a constant mivacurium infusion.
Computability and Computational Complexity

Processes that can be specified precisely can be formalized as algorithms. The theory of algorithm analysis determines important properties of these algorithms, such as the resources they consume, and the theory of computational complexity categorizes the problems these processes solve according to those properties, revealing the fundamental limitations of computation. Keywords: computability; computational complexity; algorithms; 100-step limitation; NP
Use of Autologous Limbal Epithelial Cells Cultured on Amniotic Membranes for Unilateral Stem Cell Deficiency

New England Journal of Medicine Reconstruction of Damaged Corneas by Transplantation of Autologous Limbal Epithelial Cells Ray Jui-Fang Tsai, MD; Lien-Min Li, BS; Jan-Kan Chen, PhD N Engl J Med .2000;343:86-93 Reprints: Ray Jui-Fan Tsai, MD, 2F 350 Section 4 Cheng Kung Rd, Taipei, Taiwan (e-mail:raytsai@ms4.hinet.net). Background The Stevens-Johnson syndrome, ocular pemphigoid, and thermal or chemical burns can cause scarring and opacification of the cornea and loss of vision. Transplantation of epithelial cells from the limbus of the contralateral cornea can restore useful vision. However, this procedure requires a large limbal graft from the healthy eye and is not possible in patients who have bilateral lesions. Methods We took specimens of limbal epithelial cells from the healthy contralateral eyes of six patients with severe unilateral corneal disease. The epithelial cells were cultured and expanded on amniotic membrane. The amniotic membrane, together with the sheet of limbal epithelial cells, was transplanted to the denuded corneal surface of the damaged eye after superficial keratectomy to remove fibrovascular ingrowth. The mean (±SD) follow-up period was 15 ± 2 months. Results Complete reepithelialization of the corneal surface occurred within two to four days of transplantation in all six eyes receiving transplants. By one month, the ocular surface was covered with corneal epithelium, and the clarity of the cornea was improved. In five of the six eyes receiving transplants (83 percent), the mean visual acuity improved from 20/112 to 20/45. In one patient with a chemical burn who had total opacification of the cornea, the acuity improved from the ability to count fingers at 40 cm to 20/200. No patient had recurrent neovascularization or inflammation in the transplanted area during the follow-up period. Conclusions Transplantation of autologous limbal epithelial cells cultured on amniotic membrane is a simple and effective method of reconstructing the corneal surface and restoring useful vision in patients with unilateral deficiency of limbal epithelial cells.
Cardiac MR detects the progression of impaired myocardial perfusion reserve in a mouse model of obesity-related cardiomyopathy

Background Obesity has become increasing prevalent in western society and is associated with increased risk of heart failure [1]. Increased body weight is independently associated with impaired myocardial perfusion reserve (MPR), even in the absence of obstructive coronary artery disease [2]. Mouse models can elucidate molecular mechanisms that underlie cardiovascular disease. In this study, we used in vivo cardiac MRI in a mouse model of diet-induced obesity to establish the time course of MPR and we further used ex vivo histological and vascular reactivity studies to elucidate factors underlying the MRI results.
The Relationship of Visual Closure to Speechreading

This study investigated the relationship of visual closure to speechreading ability among young deaf children. Tests of visual closure, movement closure, and short term memory were administered to a group of deaf 7, 8, and 9 year old good speechreaders (N = 18) and to a group of poor speechreaders (N = 19) as determined by a speechreading test. Performances were compared using the Mann-Whitney U Test of Significance. Results indicated that good speechreaders are significantly superior to poor speechreaders on tests of visual closure, movement closure, and short term memory.
Multi-Language Edit-and-Continue for the Masses

We present an Edit-and-Continue implementation that allows regular source files to be treated like interactively updatable, compiled scripts, coupling the speed of compiled native machine code, with the ability to make changes without restarting. Our implementation is based on the Microsoft .NET Framework and allows applications written in any .NET language to be dynamically updatable. Our solution works with the standard version of the Microsoft Common Language Runtime, and does not require a custom compiler or runtime. Because no application changes are needed, it is transparent to the application developer. The runtime overhead of our implementation is low enough to support updating real-time applications (e.g., interactive 3D graphics applications).
Expanding Access, Participation, and Success in International Baccalaureate Programmes: Year 1 Documentation Report.

In fall 2009, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation funded a three-year project (IB Access Project) with International Baccalaureate (IB) to increase participation of minority students and students in poverty in the Middle Years Programme (MYP) and Diploma Programme (DP). The IB Access Project seeks to do four things: 1. Improve teacher practice in designing curriculum and assessment that prepares students for the DP by providing new resources designed for this project; professional development and instructional support. 2. Improve teacher access to resources for effective assessment design including increased use of online learning environments. 3. Increase teacher onsite professional support around classroom practice. 4. Increase participation of low-income and minority students in the pilot districts in both certificate courses and in the full DP. CPRE's evaluation of the IB project is focused on the changes in the student population, the use of the new instructional tools and participation in the professional development, the teacher perceptions of the progress of the students and the efficacy of the new tools, and changes in the outcomes for the newly recruited students. Disciplines Curriculum and Instruction | Curriculum and Social Inquiry | Educational Assessment, Evaluation, and Research | Educational Leadership | Teacher Education and Professional Development | Urban Education Comments View on the CPRE website. This report is available at ScholarlyCommons: http://repository.upenn.edu/cpre_researchreports/56 Consortium for Policy Research in Education University of Pennsylvania | Teachers College | Harvard University | Stanford University | University of Michigan | University of WisconsinMadison | Northwestern University Expanding Access, Participation, and Success in International Baccalaureate Programmes: Year 1 Documentation Report Prepared by Thomas B. Corcoran, Principal Investigator and Gail B. Gerry, Project Director Consortium for Policy Research in Education Teachers College, Columbia University
Phenylbis[4‐(3,3,4,4,5,5,6,6,7,7,8,8,8‐ tridecafluorooctyl)phenyl]phosphine

[290827-94-0] C34H21F26P (MW 954) InChI = 1S/C34H21F26P/c35-23(36,25(39,40)27(43,44)29(47,48)31(51,52)33(55,56)57)16-14-18-6-10-21(11-7-18)61(20-4-2-1-3-5-20)22-12-8-19(9-13-22)15-17-24(37,38)26(41,42)28(45,46)30(49,50)32(53,54)34(58,59)60/h1-13H,14-17H2 InChIKey = GNCTUKGIBHXUPH-UHFFFAOYSA-N (fluorous reagent used in place of triphenylphosphine for Mitsunobu and Staudinger reactions and as a ligand for transition metals) Physical Data: white solid; mp 42–43 °C. Solubility: soluble in diethyl ether, THF, dichloromethane, and most other common organic and fluorous solvents. Form Supplied in: commercially available from Fluorous Technologies Inc. (www.fluorous.com). Preparative Methods: Curran and co-workers have reported the most direct synthesis of phenylbis[4-(3,3,4,4,5,5,6,6,7,7,8,8,8-tridecafluorooctyl)phenyl]phosphine 1.1 Their two-step synthesis of the fluorous phosphine is outlined in eq 1. Xiao and co-workers have also synthesized some analogs of fluorous phosphine 1 in three steps.2 (1) Purification: the most common impurity is varying amounts of the corresponding phosphine oxide. This can be easily removed by flash chromatography. Handling, Storage, and Precautions: no special techniques are needed for handling. Fluorous phosphine 1 does undergo air oxidation, especially in solution, to the corresponding phosphine oxide. Although this is not a problem for storage of solid samples, refrigeration is recommended for long time storage of fluorous phosphine 1.
The Q188R Mutation in Human Galactose-1-phosphate Uridylyltransferase Acts as a Partial Dominant Negative

A longstanding goal in the fields of molecular genetics and biochemistry has been to explain how naturally occurring mutations associated with human metabolic disease impair activity of the enzymes involved. This goal is particularly complex for enzymes composed of multiple subunits, because single mutations may exert both intra- and intersubunit effects on holoenzyme structure and function. We have previously applied a yeast coexpression system for human galactose-1-phosphate uridylyltransferase, a dimeric enzyme associated with galactosemia, to investigate the impact of naturally occurring mutations on subunit association and holoenzyme function (). Here we describe the purification and characterization of two heterodimers, R333W/wild type (WT) and Q188R/WT, revealing that although the first exhibits approximately 50% wild-type activity, the second exhibits only approximately 15% wild-type activity. Neither heterodimer varied significantly from the wild type with regard to apparent Km for either substrate, although Q188R/WT but not R333W/WT heterodimers demonstrated significantly increased thermal sensitivity relative to the wild-type enzyme. These results demonstrate for the first time a partial dominant negative effect caused by a naturally occurring mutation in human galactose-1-phosphate uridylyltransferase.
When the Stress of Your Environment Makes You Go HOG Wild

When exposed to increased dissolved solute in their environment (hyperosmotic stress), all eukaryotic cells respond by rapidly activating a conserved mitogen-activated protein kinase cascade, known in budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae as the high osmolarity glycerol (HOG) pathway. Intensive genetic and biochemical analysis in this organism has revealed the presumptive osmosensors, downstream signaling components, and metabolic and transcriptional changes that allow cells to cope with this stressful condition. These findings have had direct application to understanding stress sensing and control of transcription by stress-activated mitogen-activated protein kinases in mammalian cells.
Light scalars in quantum gravity

Abstract Recently it has been argued that in euclidean quantum gravity wormholes cause the cosmological constant to vanish. In this paper we examine whether wormholes can also give rise to naturally light scalars. Our conclusions rely on a one-loop computation of the effective potential on S 4 .
Place of birth, duration of residence, neighborhood immigrant composition and body mass index in New York City.

Past research has suggested that changes in culture explain the substantial weight gain seen in many immigrant groups with length of residence in the U.S. and across generations of residence in the U.S. However, it has been theorized that those settling in immigrant and co-ethnic neighborhoods may be buffered against this acculturative process and will be more likely to maintain home country dietary and physical activity patterns. To investigate this theory we incorporated measures of neighborhood immigrant composition into analyses of individual's body mass index (BMI) and generation of immigration and duration of residence in the U.S. Multilevel analyses were performed using objectively measured height and weight and survey data on diet and physical activity from a sample of 13,011 residents of New York City. Census data were used to calculate the proportion of foreign-born residents and extent of household linguistic isolation in a ½ mile radial buffer around the subject's home. Foreign birth was associated with a significantly lower BMI (-1.09 BMI units, P < 0.001). This association was weakest among Asians (-0.66 BMI units, P = 0.08) and strongest among Black-Caribbeans (-1.41 BMI units, P = 0.07). After controlling for individual level variables, neighborhood proportion foreign-born was not associated with BMI, but increasing neighborhood linguistic isolation was inversely associated with BMI among Hispanics (-2.97 BMI units, P = 0.03). Furthermore among Hispanics, the association between foreign birth and BMI was stronger in low linguistic isolation neighborhoods (-1.36 BMI units, P < 0.0001) as compared to in high linguistic isolation levels (-0.42 BMI units, P = 0.79). Increasing duration of residence in the U.S. was significantly associated with higher BMI overall and among Hispanics. The analyses suggest that acculturation is associated with weight gain, and that neighborhood characteristics are only associated with BMI among Hispanics. However, we suggest that changes in body size currently interpreted as post-migration effects of acculturation to U.S. norms may in fact reflect changes in norms that are taking place internationally.
The Initial Decision to Build the Supersonic Transport

ON MARCH 24, 1971, the United States Senate joined the House in rejecting an administration request for $134 million to continue work on two supersonic transport (SST) prototypes. Thus, in the view of most observers, a program more than a decade in the making was abruptly terminated. Environmental issues notwithstanding, in the final analysis the SST's defeat was a rejection of its economics. So sharp a change in the direction of government invites inquiry into its original purposes. If those purposes were no longer valid-as would seem to be the judgment of the Congress in March, 1971-we may ask on what bases they were valid in the first place, and what conditions, if any, since had changed. Thus the initial decision to sponsor the aircraft is considered in terms of its economic and political dynamics. The government's decision is seen as a two-layered affair, the components of which were first, whether to participate in the private sector through support of the air industries, and second, whether to sponsor the SST program. Support of the air industries was an appropriate goal in 1960, reflecting government's desire for increased economic growth as well as its need to protect that sector against what then appeared to be an impending slump. The SST as a specific project does not fare as well, since it could not effectively fulfill the overall goal.
PROTEIN KINASE C STIMULATES SWELLING-INDUCED CHLORIDE CURRENT IN CANINE ATRIAL CELLS

The whole-cell patch-clamp technique was used to study the effect of protein kinase C (PKC) stimulation and α-adrenergic agonists on the swelling-induced chloride current (ICl,swell) in canine atrial cells. ICl,swell was activated by positive-pressure inflation. 4β-Phorbol 12, 13-dibutyrate (PDBu) concentration-dependently stimulated ICl,swell. PDBu (500 nM) increased the current density of ICl,swell from 9.1±1.3 to 24.2±4.8 pA/pF at +20 mV (n=4). This effect developed slowly, reaching a steady-state after more than 5 min of exposure. 4α-Phorbol 12, 13-dibutyrate (4α-PDBu, 500 nM), an inactive analogue of PDBu, did not affect ICl,swell. The effect of PDBu was inhibited by bisindolylmaleimide I. After down regulation of PKC by phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA, 1.6 µM, 24 h), ICl,swell no longer responded to PDBu (n=4). Neither the basal whole-cell current (prior to cell inflation) nor inflation-induced ICl,swell were affected by PKC down regulation. Phenylephrine did not affect ICl,swell. We conclude that PKC activity stimulates and does not prevent the activation of dog atrial ICl,swell. These results contrast with reports of PKC-dependent inhibition of rabbit atrial ICl,swell and currents conducted by ClC-3, a putative clone for ICl,swell. The data suggest species-dependent variations in the modulation of cardiac ICl,swell by PKC.
Metoclopramide decreases renal plasma flow

Intravenous dopamine has been shown to increase renal plasma flow in man. The role of endogenous dopamine in the maintenance of renal plasma flow has not been described. We speculated that if endogenous dopamine activity is important in the maintenance of renal plasma flow, then high doses of a potent dopamine blocking drug such as metoclopramide would decrease renal flow. To test this hypothesis, we measured renal plasma flow using a single-injection technique with 131I-labeled orthoiodohippurate. Measurements were made before and after the administration of high doses of metoclopramide (1 to 2.5 mg/kg) to 20 patients receiving metoclopramide as an antiemetic before chemotherapy. Seven control subjects underwent sequential measurements of renal plasma flow without intervening metoclopramide dosing. Mean (+/- SD) renal plasma flow did not change in the control population (from 441 +/- 198 to 437 +/- 117 ml/min), but declined significantly in the patients who received metoclopramide (443 +/- 115 ml/min before metoclopramide and 387 +/- 137 ml/min after metoclopramide; P less than 0.001). In 25% of our study population the decline in renal plasma flow was greater than 20% below baseline levels. The magnitude of the effect did not appear to correlate with the pretreatment creatinine clearance, age, or sex of the patients. We conclude that high doses of metoclopramide decrease renal plasma flow in man. These data suggest a role for dopamine in the maintenance of renal plasma flow in patients receiving intravenous hydration. Changes of the magnitude we observed may well be of clinical importance. These findings therefore also suggest the possibility of metoclopramide potentiation of cisplatin nephrotoxicity.
A note on a nonlinear semigroup for controlled partially observed diffusions

Abstract This paper is concerned with the separated control problems for optimal stochastic controls under partial observations. The ‘pathwise’ method of nonlinear filtering is extended to the case when a function h(X t Y t , of state X t , and observation Y t 3plus additive white noise is observed. Markov and continuity properties of the unnormalized conditional distribution measure are obtained and the Nisio nonlinear semigroup is found.
Cops as treatment providers: realities and ironies of police work in a foot patrol experiment

Experimental research on policing is inspired by the public health analogy of officers as treatment providers. A randomised violence reduction experiment in Philadelphia recently used foot patrols as place-based interventions in violent city spaces during a hot spots policing experiment, and a 23% reduction in violent crime was observed. This paper reports on field observations of foot patrol officers involved in this experiment, which were designed to capture officers' perceptions of, and experiences with the foot patrol function. While the findings resonate with Bittner's depiction of policing on ‘skid row’, they illuminated the importance of ‘territoriality’ in a place-based intervention. Officers developed extensive local knowledge of their beat areas, which allowed them to draw from a repertoire of techniques to exert spatial control in the management of disorder. The choice of techniques depended in part on officer style, and the ways in which individual police negotiated the tensions between ‘reass...
Balancing Selection at a Frog Antimicrobial Peptide Locus: Fluctuating Immune Effector Alleles?

Balancing selection is common on many defense genes, but it has rarely been reported for immune effector proteins such as antimicrobial peptides (AMPs). We describe genetic diversity at a brevinin-1 AMP locus in three species of leopard frogs (Rana pipiens, Rana blairi, and Rana palustris). Several highly divergent allelic lineages are segregating at this locus. That this unusual pattern results from balancing selection is demonstrated by multiple lines of evidence, including a ratio of nonsynonymous/synonymous polymorphism significantly higher than 1, the ZnS test, incongruence between the number of segregating sites and haplotype diversity, and significant Tajima's D values. Our data are more consistent with a model of fluctuating selection in which alleles change frequencies over time than with a model of stable balancing selection such as overdominance. Evidence for fluctuating selection includes skewed allele frequencies, low levels of synonymous variation, nonneutral values of Tajima's D within allelic lineages, an inverse relationship between the frequency of an allelic lineage and its degree of polymorphism, and divergent allele frequencies among populations. AMP loci could be important sites of adaptive genetic diversity, with consequences for host-pathogen coevolution and the ability of species to resist disease epidemics.
Facial Beauty: Myth or Reality?

What is facial beauty? Scientists, artists, facial plastic surgeons, and many in the beauty industry have attempted with little success to define it. We do know it is a reasonably objective quality: for example, even 2-month-old infants prefer to look at faces that adults see as attractive.1Recent scientific studies have expanded our knowledge of beauty and its biological basis.
A FINITENESS PROPERTY FOR PREPERIODIC POINTS OF CHEBYSHEV POLYNOMIALS

Let K be a number field with algebraic closure $\overline K$, let S be a finite set of places of K containing the Archimedean places, and let φ be a Chebyshev polynomial. We prove that if $\alpha \in \overline K$ is not preperiodic, then there are only finitely many preperiodic points $\beta \in \overline K$ which are S-integral with respect to α.
Some Adhesion/Cohesion Characteristics of Plasma-Sprayed ZrO2-Y2O3 Under Tensile Loading

A set of 12.7 mm diameter stainless steel tubes were coated with ceramic and expanded. The bond cast was 0.08 to 0.13 mm NiCrAlY with 0.38 mm of ZrO2-8Y2O3 ceramic. Upon pressurization, the tube substrate yielded and overstressed the coatings in tension. The coatings cracked (i.e., they failed) but did not come off the tube. These results demonstrate that tensile failure of plasma-sprayed coatings is not catastrophic as is compressive failure, which leads to spallation.
Visconti's SENSO: The Art of History

This article examines Visconti's subversive use of Francesco Hayez's 1859 iconic painting, Il bacio, in Senso as an essential element of the director's critique of Risorgimento history. In particular, the article proposes that through the recontextualization of Hayez's most recognizable work, which played a fundamental role in shaping the Italian patriotic imagination in the nineteenth century, Visconti problematizes cultural and artistic representations of Risorgimento history, as well as historiographical accounts of the unification process. By juxtaposing artistic accounts of a heroic Risorgimento and his characters' story of passion and betrayal, Visconti denounces traditional representations of the independence movement as historically false and politically biased, and uncovers the discrepancies between individual actions and motivations and uncomplicated representations of the Risorgimento. Gramscian perspective on the Risorgimento. By using art as an instrument of ideological critique he also trace...
The release of histamine from tissue slices of rat hypothalamus.

— The efflux of endogenous histamine from small slices of rat hypothalamus has been studied. Histamine release was temperature dependent and could be increased 50 % after depolarization of the brain slices by 15 mm potassium. The presence of EDTA in the incubating media inhibited the release of histamine and blocked the effect of potassium. Theophylline and reserpine markedly increased release of histamine, whereas phenoxybenzamine inhibited release and blocked the effects of theophylline and reserpine. Efflux of histidine from hypothalamic tissue slices was not temperature-dependent and was unaffected by the addition of potassium or any of the drugs studied.
Strategic Adaptations: Lessons from U.S. Electricity Industry in the 20th Century

Several patterns emerge from a review of historical developments in the electricity industry: (1) conflicts arise from a number of sources; (2) responses to events and perceived crises tend to involve national (and state) legislation; (3) a lack of broad public (and political) consensus regarding the appropriate role of market mechanisms vs. government regulations; (4) absence of significant changes in response to events — changes appear to be incremental rather than transformational. The article provides an overview of developments in the past half century — placing current debates in a broader context.
Teflon-Clad Bromine Infrared Waveguides

Room-temperature bromine is a liquid with index of refraction of the order of 1.66. It is composed of homonuclear diatomic molecules, possessing only a single vibrational normal mode for which infrared transitions are approximately dipole forbidden. Hence, it offers the prospect for very low absorption in the region from 1pm to 30μm. This would be particularly attractive for broadly tunable sources, such as free-electron lasers.
The effect of planetary‐scale divergent circulation on the interannual variation of the summertime stationary eddies: the tropical easterly jet

The tropical easterly jet is primarily composed of summertime stationary eddies over the monsoon region. Thus, the interannual variation of the former follows the interannual variation of the latter. Analysing the 200-mb wind fields generated by the Global Data Assimilation System of the National Meteorological Center for the past decade, we found that the weakening (or strengthening) tropical easterly jet and stationary eddies are coincident with the weakening (or strengthening) of planetary-scale divergent circulation. The streamfunction budget analysis was performed to infer the possible link between interannual variations of stationary eddies and divergent circulation. A simple barotropic model with the forcing derived from the divergence of the vorticity flux of long-term climatology and summers of the weak and strong tropical easterly jet was used to simulate summer-time stationary eddies. The numerical results demonstrate the argument that the weakening (or strengthening) and of the tropical easterly jet of summer-time stationary eddies over the monsoon region is caused by the weakening (or strengthening) of the planetary-scale divergent circulation, which may be attributed to the interannual variation of tropical diabatic heating. DOI: 10.1034/j.1600-0870.1993.00002.x
Determining the membership values to optimize retrieval in a fuzzy relational database

A fuzzy data model is able to represent ambiguities in data values as well as impreciseness in the associations among them. In these systems, imprecise information can be stored using fuzzy linguistic terms (e.g. young, big) that are used frequently in daily life. Although these words are ambiguous, community agreement can be reached as to their meaning. A Fuzzy Relational Database extends a normal relational database by adding fuzzy data and membership functions. A membership function is a mathematical function that defines the degree of an element's membership in a fuzzy set. This research aims to determine the best way of setting the membership values given feedback elicited from the community. It is proposed to construct membership values using the Direct Rating method. This approach subscribes to the point of view that fuzziness arises from subjective vagueness. The Direct Rating method is then be compared with the Random Method.
Benefit-cost ratios and return on investment for agricultural utilisation research in the United States

Abstract This paper presents an evaluation of the benefits and economic return on investment from the agricultural utilisation research programme of the US Department of Agriculture over a 31-year period from 1939 to 1970. Annual benefits were based on net value added which reflects the cost savings or value added by new products and processes. Data on annual costs and net benefits were compared using three different methods of aggregation and three levels of investment cost. Economic returns from the programme were very high, with benefit-cost ratios ranging from a low of 5 or 6 to a high of 25 or 30, depending upon the procedures and discount rates used. Annual benefits have averaged over $500 million in recent years and have increased at a compounded annual rate of 19·7% a year between 1939 and 1970. Internal rates of return on investment ranged from 65 to 195%, depending upon the cost base used.
Gaussian beam deconvolution in optical coherence tomography

Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is an emerging, high-resolution near-infrared imaging and microscopy technique. The axial and transverse resolutions in OCT can each be analyzed independently, with the axial resolution inversely proportional to the spectral bandwidth of the optical source and the transverse resolution defined by standard Gaussian beam optics. While high numerical-aperture objectives are preferred to improve the transverse resolution, the reduced confocal parameter limits the depth-ranging capabilities of OCT and more complex en face imaging with focus tracking must be employed. We present a method for increasing the apparent transverse resolution in OCT outside of the confocal parameter using Gaussian beam deconvolution of adjacent axial scans, and thereby reducing the limitations associated with the hourglass profile of a tightly focused Gaussian beam. Specifically, our method determines how measurements depend on the object when blurred with a Gaussian beam, and subsequently finds an estimate of the original object. Possible reconstruction estimates are explored and evaluated using a variety of regularization techniques as well as estimation maximization algorithms. Numerical simulations demonstrate effectiveness of each technique. When applied to experimentally-acquired OCT data, the use of these algorithms can improve the apparent transverse resolution outside of the confocal parameter, extending the comparable confocal parameter range along the axial direction. These results are likely to further improve the high-resolution cross-sectional imaging capabilities of OCT.
Binding and interaction of dinitroanilines with apicomplexan and kinetoplastid α-tubulin

Despite years of use as commercial herbicides, it is still unclear how dinitroanilines interact with tubulin, how they cause microtubule disassembly, and why they are selectively active against plant and protozoan tubulin. In this work, through a series of computational studies, a common binding site of oryzalin, trifluralin, and GB-II-5 on apicomplexan and kinetoplastid α-tubulin is proposed. Furthermore, to investigate how dinitroanilines affect tubulin dynamics, molecular dynamics simulations of Leishmania α-tubulin with and without a bound dinitroaniline are performed. The results obtained provide insight into the molecular mechanism by which these compounds interact with tubulin and function to prevent microtubule assembly. Finally, to aid in the design of effective parasitic microtubule inhibitors, several novel dinitroaniline analogues are evaluated. The location of the binding site and the relative binding affinities of the dinitroanilines all agree well with experimental data.
The expansion of phosphate bonded investments: Part I—Setting expansion

Less expensive silver and palladium (AgPd) dental casting alloys are popular, but require phosphate bonded investments. The physical properties of such materials have not been thoroughly investigated. This study determined whether three different phosphate bonded investments could provide adequate expansion to compensate for the casting shrinkage of AgPd. The investments were mixed with distilled water or their unique special liquids provided by the manufacturers and allowed setting times of 1 hour or 24 hours. Setting expansions were measured with a vertical dilatometer. When mixed with special liquid, material I had a mean setting (1 hour) expansion of 0.19% ± 0.01%; material II, 0.14% ± 0.03%; and material III, 1.17% ± 0.08%. Twenty-four hours of setting did not significantly increase the setting expansion ( p > 0.05). Mixing the three investments with distilled water drastically reduced setting expansions. A three-way analysis of variance was computed to evaluate the data and investigate significant interactive and main effects. The two-way interaction (material × liquid) was significant. The results were consistent with the concept of a higher silica-containing special liquid for material III compared with the other materials.
A multi-server synchronous vacation model with thresholds and a probabilistic decision rule

In this paper a multi-server queueing model with Markovian arrivals and synchronous phase type vacations is studied using a probabilistic rule and controlled thresholds. The steady-state analysis of the model is presented. An optimization problem and some interesting numerical results are discussed.
Evaluation of an algorithm for calculation of serum "bioavailable" testosterone (BAT)

Abstract Objectives To evaluate a recently published algorithm for calculation of serum “Bioavailable” Testosterone (BAT) using serum Total Testosterone (TT), Sex Steroid Binding Globulin (SSBG) [also commonly known as Sex Hormone Binding Globulin (SHBG)] and albumin concentrations as parameters, in comparison with a locally available “salting-out” BAT method. If satisfactory, this calculation could serve as a substitute for the BAT assay, which would amount to a major cost saving and faster turnaround time. Design and methods During a 6-month period, 426 serum samples referred for BAT analysis to the Hospitals In-Common Laboratory of Toronto were also analyzed in-house for TT, SSBG and albumin for computation of comparison calculated BAT results. Results A good statistical correlation was obtained, but only after unexpectedly drastic empirical modification of the association constant values: r = 0.95, Calculated %BAT = 0.971 x Measured %BAT + 0.008. The endocrinologist/andrologist of our team (JB), who was the responsible physician for all patients included in this study, reviewed the tabulated and charted calculated BAT results and verified that they were clinically equivalent. Conclusions Although it is feasible to calculate BAT, the algorithm is not directly portable. Before adopting such a calculation each laboratory should compare it with the locally available BAT method and consider adjusting the calculation to optimize the correlation. Future reassessment may be necessary whenever the SSBG, TT or BAT assay is changed.
Behavioral aspects of government financial management

Financial management in government is unique because of the basic differences between the operation of organizations in the public and private sectors. Regardless, financial management is conducted by people and people react differently because of these unique characteristics in government operations. These basic differences are identified and described and their impact on managers and accountants are presented. Motivation and the management of change are given emphasis as are the factors that tend to improve productivity in the government financial management operation.