cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Dummett's Criteria for Singular Terms

In his excellent book Frege: Philosophy of Language, Michael Dummett proposes five criteria that are supposed to delimit formally the class of singular terms (in Frege's terminology, 'proper names').' I shall argue that Dummett's criteria, even as amended by Crispin Wright and Bob Hale, do not delimit the class of singular terms in English,2 that further refinements of the criteria probably will not help, and that in any event the criteria face other difficulties. For Frege the class of singular terms includes what might be called proper proper names (like 'New York' and 'Socrates'), and most definite descriptions (like 'the longest river in North America', 'that lime tree', 'the famous teacher of Plato', 'the colour red', 'the number nine', 'the weight of the earth', 'the shape of the earth', and 'the equator'). It does not include sentences, predicates, or general terms like 'nothing', 'nobody', 'something', 'everything', 'every sheep', or 'a poet'. Of course these brief remarks are merely intended to give someone proficient in English the general idea. Dummett's criteria are meant to be more formal. Why should it be thought important (to a Fregean at any rate) to delimit formally the class of singular terms? If Michael Dummett and Crispin Wright are correct, then as Wright puts it, for Frege 'the notion of an object is posterior in the order of explanation to that of a singular term'.3 That is, syntax is, in a sense, 'prior to' ontology; to determine what there is, determine first what the syntax is. The objects are simply the referents of the singular terms, and the functions are the referents of the predicates. Predicates can be defined in terms of singular terms and sentences as follows: a predicate is what remains when one or more singular terms has been removed from a sentence. (We assume that we have some means for determining what a sentence is.) Hence everything hinges on the singular terms. On Dummett's understanding of Frege, then, it is crucial to the Fregean programme to characterize the class of singular terms. Besides, the idea that the singular terms might be a guide to what there is has much to recommend it, Quine notwithstanding.
Minimally invasive transnasal and transmaxillary approaches to the pterygopalatine fossa

The pterygopalatine fossa is a well-protected region of the skull base, and surgical access for resection of tumors growing in this region can be challenging. Historically, the approach to this anatomical space has been an open transmaxillary technique. This results in disruption of the anterior and posterior walls of the maxillary sinus and numerous postoperative morbidities. More recently, improvements in endoscopic sinus surgery instrumentation and techniques have led to the advent of minimally invasive surgical approaches to the skull base. The use of endoscopes allows for improved visualization and surgical manipulation, as well as reduced postoperative comorbidities. We discuss a graduated, minimally invasive approach to the pterygopalatine fossa.
Focal adhesion kinase-dependent regulation of adhesive forces involves vinculin recruitment to focal adhesions.

Background information. FAK (focal adhesion kinase), an essential non-receptor tyrosine kinase, plays pivotal roles in migratory responses, adhesive signalling and mechanotransduction. FAK-dependent regulation of cell migration involves focal adhesion turnover dynamics as well as actin cytoskeleton polymerization and lamellipodia protrusion. Whereas roles for FAK in migratory and mechanosensing responses have been established, the contribution of FAK to the generation of adhesive forces is not well understood. Results. Using FAK-null cells expressing wild-type and mutant FAK under an inducible tetracycline promoter, we analysed the role of FAK in the generation of steady-state adhesive forces using micropatterned substrates and a hydrodynamic adhesion assay. FAK expression reduced steady-state strength by 30% compared with FAK-null cells. FAK expression reduced VCL (vinculin) localization to focal adhesions by 35% independently of changes in integrin binding and localization of talin and paxillin. RNAi (RNA interference) knock-down of VCL abrogated the FAK-dependent differences in adhesive forces. FAK-dependent changes in VCL localization and adhesive forces were confirmed in human primary fibroblasts with FAK knocked down by RNAi. The autophosphorylation Tyr-397 and kinase domain Tyr-576/Tyr-577 sites were differentially required for FAK-mediated adhesive responses. Conclusions. We demonstrate that FAK reduces steady-state adhesion strength by modulating VCL recruitment to focal adhesions. These findings provide insights into the role of FAK in mechanical interactions between a cell and the extracellular matrix.
“Noisy” emission of a slowly released single component plasma

Abstract A single component plasma confined in a Penning–Malmberg trap may be released in a controlled manner by regulating the rate at which one of the confining (gate) potentials is dropped. A close inspection of the emission profiles of such plasmas has revealed fluctuations far beyond those that might be expected from counting statistics, with additional features becoming prominent when the gate is lowered slowly. The exact mechanism behind the observed emission characteristics are not known at this time and we show here some details and consider possible explanations. We also demonstrate a quick and simple method to measure the plasma collision frequency.
National evaluation of US newborn screening system components

Newborn screening has existed as a state-based public health service since the early 1960s. Every state and most territorial jurisdictions have comprehensive newborn screening programs in place, but in the United States a national newborn screening policy does not exist. This results in different administrative infrastructures, screening requirements, laboratory and follow-up services, medical management approaches, and related activities across the country. Federal initiatives and support have contributed to limited evaluations of various aspects of individual newborn screening programs at the national level, but funding is an issue. The national evaluation strategies have taken various forms, all with the intent of improving the screening system through review of actions taken and suggestions for future improvements. While participation in the national evaluation effort for newborn screening laboratory practices includes all US programs, and this has aided in improving quality and harmonizing protocols, other national evaluation activities have been only moderately successful. National data reporting of quality indicators for various program elements must be comprehensive and timely, and the elements must be universally accepted in order to meet the evaluation and improvement needs of the national newborn screening system. A comprehensive real time national evaluation activity will likely require additional resources and enforcement incentives. Limited federal actions through grant incentives and selected reporting requirements provide a possible means of stimulating programs to participate in national harmonization efforts.
Effects of selective cutaneous denervation on hypothalamic thermosensitivity in rats.

The effect of altering input from cutaneous thermoreceptors of the face and trunk on the relationship between hypothalamic temperature (T hy) and heat production (HP) was studied in three rats. The signal from cutaneous receptors was altered in two ways: by altering skin temperature (T sk) and by sectioning nerves supplying cutaneous receptors. It was found that whenT sk was lowered in normal ratsT hy threshold for thermoregulatory HP was elevated, but the slope of the relationship betweenT hy and HP was not significantly altered. After the spinal nerves serving the trunk skin were sectioned, the slope was reduced and the threshold was elevated markedly at both test ambient temperatures (T a), butT a had essentially the same effect on theT hy vs. HP relationship after cutaneous denervation as before. Clearly, eliminating input from trunk cutaneous thermoreceptors has a different effect than does lowering or raisingT sk, but thermoregulation is being achieved by the same basic mechanism before and after cutaneous denervation. After the cranial nerves supplying the skin of the face were also sectioned, there was a further elevation in theT hy threshold for HP atT a=25° C but no change atT a=15°C. It is concluded that cutaneous denervation does not substantially interfere with the rat's ability to regulate its body temperature, and that the reduced Thy sensitivity and increased Thy threshold exhibited after cutaneous denervation is the result of input from intact warm- and cold-thermoreceptors located in the core and in tissues intermediate to core and skin.
Hyaluronic acid N-deacetylase assay in whole skin.

Hyaluronic acid (HA) N-deacetylase(s) was quantified in whole skin, using a novel method that involved reaction of skin with exogenous HA as substrate. Acetyl (CH3CO−) moieties generated were converted chemically to MeOAc and quantified using gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. HA (1.7 mg) and skin (1.0 g) yielded 3.32 and 769.00 μg of MeOAc from the 69.0- and 76.5-year-old-patient samples, respectively. Without added HA, 194.00 μg of product was obtained from the 76.5-year-old-patient samples. With chondroitin as substrate, the yields were 2.89 and 818.04 μg of MeOAc from the 69.0- and 76.5-year-old-patient samples, respectively. The K5 (capsular, Escherichia coli polysaccharide) substrate yielded no detectable product, except for 170.02 μg from the 76.5-year-old-patient samples. This highly sensitive method was used to demonstrate that human-skin-HA N-deacetylase(s) was first detectable at 69 years of age, highly active at 76.5 years of age, and specific for N-acetyl moieties of d-GlcNAc and d-GalNAc ...
The Effects of Contact Time on the Adhesive Properties of an Established Bacterial Biofilm

Biofilms are complex aggregations of microbes formed at interfaces, and once established can be difficult to eradicate. Often, biofilms come into contact with clean surfaces and transfer cells causing contamination. We use the atomic force microscope (AFM) to study the effects of contact time on the adhesive interactions between an established biofilm and clean surfaces. AFM cantilevers are modified with living, Gram-negative bacteria biofilms, allowing us to leave the biofilm in prolonged contact with a substrate. As the cantilever retracts from the surface, we monitor the energy required to overcome the adhesion between the bacteria and substrate. Generally, increased contact time leads to stronger adhesion due to bond strengthening. However, the magnitude of this effect varies greatly among substrates with different surface potentials and hydrophobic properties.
Evidence for the promotion of aboveground grassland production by native large herbivores in Yellowstone National Park

We examined the effect of native large herbivores on aboveground primary production of nonforested habitat in Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming. Productivity of vegetation grazed by elk (Cervus elaphus) and bison (Bison bison) was compared with that of ungrazed (permanently fenced) vegetation at four sites. Two methods were used that, we believed, would provide the most accurate measurements under the different grazing regimes encountered in the study. Production of ungrazed vegetation in permanent exclosures (10×10 m or 15×15 m, 3 per site) and that of vegetation that was grazed only in the winter was taken as peak standing crop. Production of vegetation grazed during the growing season was the sum of significant increments (P<0.05) in standing crop inside temporary exclosures (1.5×1.5 m, 6 per site) moved every four weeks to account for herbivory. Aboveground productivity of grazed vegetation was .47% higher than that of ungrazed vegetation across sites (P<0.0003). This result could be explained by either a methodological or grazer effect. We believe it was the latter. Results from a computer simulation showed that sequential sampling with temporary exclosures resulted in a slight underestimation of production, suggesting that the reported differences between treatments were conservative. We suggest that stimulation of aboveground production by ungulates may be, in part, due to the migratory behavior of native ungulates that track young, high quality forage as it shifts spatially across the Yellowstone ecosystem.
Math-City: An educational game for K-12 mathematics

Abstract Recent United States national test results indicate a continuing need to improve K-12 student achievement in mathematics. In an effort to address this need and to expose young students to basic renewable energy concepts, we have developed an educational game called Math-City. Math-City is a simulation-based game in which students can create and maintain their own city with residential, commercial, and industrial buildings, as well as renewable and non-renewable power sources, while practicing different mathematical concepts. In this paper, we present the Math-City game along with the results of a small survey on the game with K-12 teachers.
Effects of Localized Heat Generations Due to the Color Conversion in Phosphor Particles and Layers of High Brightness Light Emitting Diodes

The efficiency and reliability of the solid-state lighting devices strongly depend on successful thermal management. Light emitting diodes, LEDs, a strong candidate for the next generation general illumination applications are of interest. Typical white LEDs start with either blue or near UV light generated by the active quantum layers. The light is guided through a transparent encapsulant filled with micron sized phosphor particles. The phosphor particles up-convert the short wavelength light to desired colors, producing white light. Due to low quantum efficiency, during the conversion, localized heating of small particles occurs. Experimental results with high brightness LED packages showed that there is significant light output reduction. Idealized numerical models through Finite element technique were created to evaluate the effects of localized heat generations at particles and layers. Results showed that as small as a 3 mW heat generation on a 20 μm diameter spherical phosphor particle might lead to excessive temperatures which can be a major source of light output degradation and reliability concern for high brightness LEDs.Copyright © 2003 by ASME
EXERCISE AND ITS ROLE IN SUDDEN CARDIAC DEATH

The occurrence of sudden cardiac death during exercise has long raised concerns regarding the cardiac safety of exercise. 18 Although epidemiologic studies suggest that habitual exercise is associated with an overall reduction in the risk of coronary heart disease (CHD) and sudden cardiac death, 1 4 12 16 17 19 23 24 clinical observations of myocardial ischemia and cardiac arrhythmias during exercise suggest that acute bouts of exercise might trigger sudden cardiac death. 13 Although few studies assess both the cardiac risks and the benefits of exercise in the same population, it is now clear that exercise has both benefits and risks. 6 10 22 Additionally, there are plausible pathophysiologic mechanisms for both the benefits of habitual exercise and the risks of acute bouts of exercise. 2 3 5 7 This article summarizes available population-based data related to the risk of sudden cardiac death during exercise and the factors that influence the risk among apparently healthy adults in the community. Additionally the evidence that puts into perspective the risks and benefits of exercise is reviewed: The data suggest that although the occurrence of sudden cardiac death during acute bouts of exercise is not a coincidence or chance occurrence, the transient increase in risk during exercise is outweighed by the benefits of habitual exercise. Finally, the implications of these findings for both clinical practice and public health are discussed.
A uniform geometrical theory of diffraction for an imperfectly conducting half-plane

Diffraction tensors are presented in the context of the uniform geometrical theory of diffraction (UTD) for the high frequency scattering by an impedance half-plane at normal and oblique (skew) incidence. These are based on the exact Wiener-Hopf solution and were derived according to the UTD ansatz. In addition, unlike previous uniform diffraction coefficients, the ones given here reduce to the known UTD diffraction coefficients for the perfectly conducting case. The coefficients are explicit and therefore appropriate for practical applications. Several scattering patterns are also presented and compared to a previous heuristic solution.
Arctic Sea ice decay simulated for a CO2-induced temperature rise

A large scale numerical time-dependent model of sea ice that takes into account the heat fluxes in and out of the ice, the seasonal occurrence of snow, and ice motions has been used in an experiment to determine the response of the Arctic Ocean ice pack to a warming of the atmosphere. The degree of warming specified is that expected for a doubling of atmospheric carbon dioxide with its associated greenhouse effect, a condition that could occur before the middle of the next century. The results of three 5-year simulations with a warmer atmosphere and varied boundary conditions were: (1) that in the face of a 5 K surface atmospheric temperature increase the ice pack disappeared completely in August and September but reformed in the central Arctic Ocean in mid fall; (2) that the simulations were moderately dependent on assumptions concerning cloud cover; and (3) that even when atmospheric temperature increases of 6–9 K were combined with an order-of-magnitude increase in the upward heat flux from the ocean, the ice still reappeared in winter. It should be noted that a year-round ice-free Arctic Ocean has apparently not existed for a million years or more.
Losses in high temperature superconductors as a function of applied field and frequency

Abstract pe have measured the losses at 77K in aligned YBCO for frepuencies from 10 Hp to 20 kHz with amplitudes of applied field up to 100 Oe. The losses have been measured in two paps. First, the usual method of measuring the in-phase component of dB/dt pas employed using the expression below In this formula, pv is the loss per cpcle per unit volume while H = H0 cos ωt and B are the applied field and resulting flux density, respectively. T is the period of the applied field. The components of dB/dt are measured with a phase sensitive detector (PSD). The second technipue follows a suggestion by Gomorp. He notes that, for a spmmetric hpsteresis loop, one can trace out the loop by measuring the output voltage of a PSD as a function of the phase angle betpeen the applied field and the detector setting. From numerical integration of the first epuation above, pe can measure the loss per cpcle independently. We find that the two methods give, within experimental error, identical results over the Frequency range pe have covered. The loss per cpcle is roughlp independent of Frequency and, at low applied fields, varies as the cube of the amplitude of the field. This is characteristic of the critical state model. Looked at more closelp, however, the loss is seen to decrease at low ( 10 kHp). The first effect is consistent with thermallp assisted flux flow (TAFF) coupled with the predictions of an extended critical state model while the second is in accord with this model that includes the viscous inhibition to flux flow.
Mechanisms for regulating synaptic efficiency in the visual cortex.

Brief epochs of pairing of low frequency synaptic activation and postsynaptic depolarization, in vitro, in supragranular neurons of mature guinea-pig visual cortex lead to a transient (20–60 min) synaptic potentiation. This process is due to a true up-regulation of excitatory synapse efficiency onto the activated neuron. The potentiation requires NMDA receptor activation and a postsynaptic calcium signal for induction and it is modifiable by endogenous nitric oxide (NO) production in the mature cortex. In the cortex of young animals (< PND 21), the pairing-induced potentiation is robust and depends on a postsynaptic calcium signal but it is independent of NMDA receptor activation and NO production. The ability of cortical synaptosomes to release endogenous glutamate is enhanced by NMDA receptor activation and this enhancement is NO-dependent. The NO signal, however, does not amplify the glutamate release of all synapses but only those that have activated voltage-gated calcium channels and were presumably more active at the time of the NO signal. Electrophysiological recordings from visual cortical neurons in anesthetized cats with local iontophoresis of compounds that inhibit or facilitate endogenous cortical NO production reveal the capacity for NO to modulate visual responses in vivo. NO appears to act in the intact cortex by amplifying signals of visual inputs that were co-active at the time of the NO production. The adult visual cortex is capable of dramatic alterations in synaptic efficiency over brief periods suggesting a dynamic cortical network. NMDA receptors and nitric oxide contribute to these processes.
Optimal file distribution for partial match retrieval

In this paper we present data distribution methods for parallel processing environment. The primary objective is to process partial match retrieval type queries for parallel devices.The main contribution of this paper is the development of a new approach called FX (Fieldwise eXclusive) distribution for maximizing data access concurrency. An algebraic property of exclusive-or operation, and field transformation techniques are fundamental to this data distribution techniques. We have shown through theorems and corollaries that this FX distribution approach performs better than other methods proposed earlier. We have also shown, by computing probability of optimal distribution and query response time, that FX distribution gives better performance than others over a large class of partial match queries. This approach presents a new basis in which optimal data distribution for more general type of queries can be formulated.
An approach for siting poplar energy production systems to increase productivity and associated ecosystem services

Short rotation woody crops such as Populus spp. and their hybrids (i.e., poplars) are a significant component of the total biofuels and bioenergy feedstock resource in the USA. Production of these dedicated energy crops may result in large-scale land conversion, which leads to questions about their economic, logistic, and ecologic feasibility. To address such concerns, we used available social (i.e., land ownership and cover) and biophysical (i.e., climate and soil characteristics) spatial data to map eligible lands suitable for establishing and growing poplar biomass for bioenergy crops across Minnesota and Wisconsin, USA. We confirmed the validity of this mapping technique by sampling and assessing biotic variables within locations identified on the maps. Lastly, we estimated potential poplar productivity within identified areas using a process-based growth model (3-PG) to determine spatial distribution of productive lands across the study area. Overall, eligible lands suitable for poplar production systems totaled 373,630 ha across both states, representing 30.8% of the study area and a total potential aboveground yield at the end of a 10-year rotation of 36.2–42.6 dry Tg. Poplar biomass ranged from 9.5 ± 0.3 to 11.9 ± 0.2 dry Mg ha 1 yr
Parents’ Union Dissolution and Adolescents’ School Performance: Comparing Methodological Approaches

We use data from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health and the Adolescent Health and Academic Achievement Study to estimate how parents' union dissolution influences changes in adolescents' mathematics course work gains, overall grade point average, and course failure rates during a window of approximately 1 year (N = 2,629). A primary purpose of this study is demonstrating the utility of propensity score matching techniques for studying topics such as ours that pose methodological challenges such as dealing with endogeneity and selection bias. We compare propensity score matching techniques to ordinary least squares (OLS) regression methods to show and discuss comparability of results obtained using these different procedures. Findings suggest that associations between parents' union dissolution and achievement may be causal, regardless of method used.
Arthroscopic medial retinacular plication with a needle-hole technique

Patellar instability is a common problem resulting in anterior knee pain. The medial patellofemoral ligament, which is part of the medial retinaculum, is often injured, and this damaged structure can affect normal patellar movement. Medial retinacular plication can correct this main pathology of patellar instability. Many studies have shown good to excellent results with medial retinacular plication with or without lateral retinacular release. This medial retinacular plication technique can also be performed arthroscopically. Arthroscopic medial reticular plication with a needle-hole technique is a treatment that uses the less invasive technique of arthroscopy, does not require tissue grafts, and has a greater cosmetic advantage than open procedures.
Administrative Challenges and Rewards of Online Learning in a Rural Community College: Reflections of a Distance Learning Administrator

Development of online learning courses and programs in colleges and universities has changed the teaching and learning environment and many institutional processes and systems over the past decade. This chapter describes the changes, challenges, and rewards of developing an online learning program by a small rural community college in central Michigan.
Improving Portfolio Efficiency: A Genetic Algorithm Approach

In this paper, I present a decision-making process that incorporates a Genetic Algorithm (GA) into a state dependent dynamic portfolio optimization system. A GA is a probabilistic search approach and thus can serve as a stochastic problem solving technique. A Genetic Algorithm solves the model by forward-looking and backward-induction, which incorporates both historical information and future uncertainty when estimating the asset returns. It significantly improves the accuracy of expected return estimation and thus improves the overall portfolio efficiency over the classical mean-variance method. In addition a GA could handle a large variety of future uncertainties, which overcome the computational difficulties in the traditional Bayesian approach.
FAST observations of discrete electrostatic waves in association with down-going ion beams in the auroral zone

[1] Ion beams flowing downward, into the ionosphere, along the Earth's magnetic field have frequently been observed by the FAST satellite in the auroral zone. These discrete downward moving ion beams (DFI) have been characterized by Klumpar et al. [1999] who interpreted the horseshoe-shaped distributions as being consistent with acceleration in a parallel potential drop above the satellite, followed by motion into a region of increased magnetic field strength. The down-flowing ion beams are associated with an intense narrowband electrostatic emission at the lower hybrid frequency, polarized perpendicular to the geomagnetic field. Hydrogen cyclotron harmonics both above and below the lower hybrid frequency are also very common. These are the first observations of down-flowing ions and associated waves outside of the cusp, and the physical mechanism producing the ions is very different from the one associated with cusp ion injections. The DFI events that had a monotonic increase in energy were associated with a clear field-aligned current signature. The DFI densities were usually ∼5–10/cc, whereas the background plasma had densities up to 100/cc. The wave and DFI observations are consistent with linear dispersion relation calculations and simulations with ion ring distributions that show that the instability is due to coupling of the ion Bernstein waves to the lower hybrid wave. In addition, for a few events, electrostatic ion cyclotron waves were observed. Such waves are usually associated with up-going ion beams and have not previously been seen with DFI, which have a very different shape in the distribution.
Composite mucochondral flap for repair of cerebrospinal fluid leaks.

Background. Cerebrospinal fluid leaks from defects in the anterior cranial fossa present a difficult management problem. Particularly when the defects are large, conventional techniques may not be sufficient to close them. We describe a new technique for treating such CSF leaks using a composite mucochondral flap from the nasal septum. Methods. We treated five patients with the composite mucochondral flap. All patients were women aged 29–60 years. Two patients had an encephalocele, one had an esthesioneuroblastoma, and one had adenocarcinoma; one leak was spontaneous. Results. The CSF leak was successfully closed in all five patients. No patients have experienced recurrence; the longest follow-up has been 39 months. The donor site on the septum healed without complication in all patients. Conclusions. The composite flap is useful for repairing large defects or after radiotherapy or trauma. The advantage of skeletal support to counter the pressure exerted by CSF seems clear.
Characterization of black bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) anthocyanins

Three anthocyanins were isolated from the acidified methanol extracts of UI 911 black beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) using solid phase extraction and preparative high-performance liquid chromatography . The anthocyanins were characterized using chromatographic and spectroscopic methods as delphinidin 3-glucoside (56%), petunidin 3-glucoside (26%), and malvidin 3-glucoside (18%). The monomeric anthocyanin content was 213 ± 2 mg/100 g of black beans (moisture content was 10.04 ± 0.02%). Keywords: Black beans; antioxidants; pigments; anthocyanins; electrospray ionization mass spectrometry
Erratum to “Optical gyroscope with whispering gallery mode optical cavities” [Opt. Commun. 233 (2004) 107–112]

Our recent derivation of the sensitivity of the gyroscope based on a set of coupled WGM resonators [1] included only classical, but not special relativity arguments [2] and as such, is not strictly correct. Below is a correct derivation of Eqs. (12)–(18) of the paper [1] as well as corrections of several other inconsistencies. Let us consider two electromagnetic waves propagating along the rim of the resonator in opposite directions. It is possible to write the most general expressions for the path lengths, L±, as well as for the phase velocities of the waves, V±, relative to the laboratory frame of reference: l 1⁄4 2pa aXt ; V 1⁄4 V ph aX 1 V phaX=c ;
A neurologic comparison of pre-term and full-term infants at term conceptional age

There are currently no neurologic examinations designed for pre-term infants with sufficient data to determine neurologic deviance at various gestational or conceptional ages (gestational age plus age from birth). In this study a neurologic examination standardized for full-term newborn infants was administered to 97 full-term newborn infants and 97 pre-term infants at their expected data of birth, 40 weeks' conceptional age. The pre-term infants had more weak responses than did the full-term infants despite being at a higher level of activity state throughout the examination. The pre-term infants also had more asymmetric responses. There was no correlation between gestational age and the incidence of weak responses in the pre-term infants, but the pre-term infants of lowest birth weight at all gestational ages had the greatest number of weak responses. The latter may be because pregancy and neonatal problems contribute more to the neurologic findings than does the length of gestation.
Water Quality Impacts of Converting to a Poultry Litter Fertilization Strategy

When improperly managed, land application of animal manures can harm the environment; however, limited watershed-scale runoff water quality data are available to research and address this issue. The water quality impacts of conversion to poultry litter fertilization on cultivated and pasture watersheds in the Texas Blackland Prairie were evaluated in this three-year study. Edge-of-field N and P concentrations and loads in surface runoff from new litter application sites were compared with losses under inorganic fertilization. The impact on downstream nutrient loss was also examined. In the fallow year with no fertilizer application, nutrient losses averaged 3 kg N ha(-1) and 0.9 kg P ha(-1) for the cultivated watersheds and were below 0.1 kg ha(-1) for the pasture watersheds. Following litter application, PO(4)-P concentrations in runoff were positively correlated to litter application rate and Mehlich-3 soil P levels. Following litter application, NO(3)-N and NH(4)-N concentrations in runoff were typically greater from cultivated watersheds, but PO(4)-P concentrations were greater for the pasture watersheds. Total N and P loads from the pasture watersheds (0.2 kg N ha(-1) and 0.7 kg P ha(-1)) were significantly lower than from the cultivated watersheds (32 kg N ha(-1) and 5 kg P ha(-1)) partly due to lower runoff volumes from the pasture watersheds. Downstream N and P concentrations and per-area loads were much lower than from edge-of-field watersheds. Results demonstrate that a properly managed annual litter application (4.5 Mg ha(-1) or less depending on litter N and P content) with supplemental N should supply necessary nutrients without detrimental water quality impacts.
Production of an autoinducer of growth by norepinephrine cultured Escherichia coli O157:H7

Escherichia coli O157:H7 were cultured in the presence or absence of norepinephrine to generate conditioned media. The presence of a growth-inducing factoKs) in the conditioned media was examined by measurement of the ability of conditioned media to support the growth of fresh cultures of E. coli O157:H7. Supplementation of fresh cultures with as little as 0.024% (v/v) norepinephrine conditioned medium resulted in increased growth as compared to controls, thereby indicating the presence of an autoinducer of growth. Analysis of the production kinetics for the autoinducer during the generation of conditioned media indicates that it differs from other more well characterized autoinducers. It is proposed that the neurohumoral environment of the host may contribute to the production of bacterial growth factors.
Evolution of paediatric-specific vasculitis classification criteria

This issue of Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases includes two articles describing the proposed paediatric-specific classification criteria for childhood polyarteritis nodosa (c-PAN), Wegener granulomatosis (c-WG), Takayasu arteritis (c-TA) and Henoch–Schonlein purpura (HSP) which resulted from an ambitious multicentre, international collaborative project that was initiated in Vienna in 2005 and culminated in the 2008 Ankara Consensus Conference ( see articles on pages 790 and 798 ).1 2 The vasculitides are a heterogeneous collection of multisystem disorders that manifest as the inflammation of blood vessels and may occur as a primary process or may be secondary to another disorder, most commonly infection. Despite this commonality, the vasculitides differ significantly in their clinical, radiographic, laboratory and histopathological features. Much of this heterogeneity arises from the different sizes of the blood vessels that are primarily affected, the involvement of arteries, veins, or both, and from the varying patterns of organ involvement, all of which have important implications for the optimal medical treatment and prognosis of the disorders. Perhaps some of the most interesting and significant variations within the vasculitides are those associated with the age of onset. For example, the prevalence of certain vasculitides varies considerably by age of onset. Kawasaki disease (KD), one of the most common paediatric vasculitides, only rarely manifests in adulthood, while other vasculitides, such as giant cell arteritis, are seen only in adulthood. Other vasculitides have different patterns of organ involvement and differing prognoses depending on age of onset, such as in HSP, for which the prevalence of arthritis and the prognosis associated with kidney involvement both vary significantly according to the age of onset.3 4 Development of classification criteria for the vasculitides has been particularly challenging given these variable disease presentations and the evolution of laboratory and radiographic techniques that have changed the way in which the …
The significance of Isaiah Berlin’s Counter-Enlightenment:

This paper takes a close look at Berlin’s claim that the emergence of Counter-Enlightenment pluralism marks a momentous historical watershed. It concludes that Berlin is right to draw our attention to the importance of this event, but that he seriously misinterprets its significance. He has good reason, in particular, to treat Herder as ‘the most formidable adversary of the French philosophes and their German disciples’, but not because Herder put a stop to the ancient creed of monism on which they relied. For Berlin’s monistic interpretation of the French Enlightenment, I shall show, badly misrepresents that intellectual movement and its impact on the world. The great significance of Herder’s pluralist critique of the Enlightenment lies, instead, in the way in which it rehabilitates prejudice as a source of human virtue and creativity, a critique that directly attacks the core mission of the philosophes: to remove the obstacles to the gathering, preservation and dissemination of useful knowledge.
Interaction between free fatty acids and glucose metabolism.

Purpose of reviewThe prevalence of obesity and of type 2 diabetes mellitus are increasing at an accelerating rate in the USA and other industrialized countries. Free fatty acids (FFAs) have emerged as a major link between obesity and insulin resistance/type 2 diabetes mellitus. A review of the inter
Bis­(di-2-pyridyl­methanediol-κ2N,N′)­iron(III) nitrate dihydrate

The crystal structure of the title compound, [Fe(C11H10N2O2)2]NO3·2H2O, is the first reported iron(III) complex containing the hydrated form of di-2-pyridyl ketone (dpk-hydrate) as a ligand. Fe atoms reside on inversion centers in the triclinic cell and each cation has a distorted octahedral environment, which is typical of bis­(dpk-hydrate)–transition metal complexes.
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs alter body temperature and suppress melatonin in humans

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) inhibit prostaglandin synthesis in humans. Prostaglandins are involved in thermoregulation, melatonin synthesis, and sleep. To determine effects of NSAIDs on body temperature (BT) and melatonin synthesis (MT) in humans, and to elucidate mechanisms by which NSAIDs may alter sleep patterns, a series of experiments using the NSAIDs aspirin and ibuprofen was conducted. Seventy-five subjects were tested under several experimental protocols. BT after NSAID or placebo was assessed in both between- and within-subjects designs at night and during the day. MT levels were assessed after NSAID or placebo at night in a within-subjects design. The normal nocturnal BT decrease was attenuated and MT was suppressed after NSAID relative to after placebo administration. Lower MT levels were associated with a relative flattening of BT. Daytime BT was not affected by NSAIDs. These results are compatible with the hypothesis that some of the behavioral changes associated with NSAIDs, including changes in sleep, are due to changes in BT and MT. We speculate that NSAID effects on sleep and BT are related to prostaglandin synthesis inhibition and/or suppression of MT.
Fluorescent nanosensors for intracellular chemical analysis: decyl methacrylate liquid polymer matrix and ion-exchange-based potassium PEBBLE sensors with real-time application to viable rat C6 glioma cells.

Fluorescent spherical nanosensors, or PEBBLEs (probes encapsulated by biologically localized embedding), in the 500 nm−1 μm size range have been developed using decyl methacrylate as a matrix. A general scheme for the polymerization and introduction of sensing components creates a matrix that allows for the utilization of the highly selective ionophores used in poly(vinyl chloride) and decyl methacrylate ion-selective electrodes. We have applied these optically silent ionophores to fluorescence-based sensing by using ion-exchange and highly selective pH chromoionophores. This allows the tailoring of selective submicrometer sensors for use in intracellular measurements of important analytes for which selective enough fluorescent probes do not exist. The protocol for sensor development has been worked out for potassium sensing. It is based on the BME-44 ionophore (2-dodecyl-2-methyl-1,3-propanediylbis[N-[5‘nitro(benzo-15-crown-5)-4‘-yl]carbamate]). The general scheme should work for any available ionophore ...
Language evolution in a noisy environment

We study language formation through reinforcement learning in a signaling game over a noisy channel. We show that under the general assumption of memory-less channel, many of the results that hold for similar dynamics in a noiseless environment, hold in the presence of a noisy channel. In particular, we show that conditioned on the existence of the solution for the fluid dynamics, such dynamics admits a weak Lyapunov function. Furthermore, we show that original dynamics is convergent to the zero set of the derivative of this Lyapunov function along the trajectories of the dynamics.
Surface-enhanced optical microscopy

A new concept is proposed for an optical probe with spatial resolution unlimited by diffraction effects. It is based on optical-field confinement by surface plasmons of a submicrometer-sized metal particle. The particle serves as an antenna that receives an incoming electromagnetic field. The field extends to a nearby sample surface and interacts with a small area on that surface through the nonlinear susceptibility tensors. The induced sample polarization is reradiated by the particle, thereby generating a Raman, a two-photon, or a second-harmonic spectrum. Microscopy is performed by rastering the position of the metal particle over the sample surface. Spatial resolution approaching 1 nm is projected. The concept is also applicable to submicrometer optical lithography and ultrahigh-density optical recording.
Evidence for the recessive nature of cellular immortality

Fusion of immortal cell lines with normal human fibroblasts or certain other immortal cell lines yields hybrids having limited division potential. Cellular immortality was found to be a recessive phenotype in hybrids. It was also found that at least two separate events in the normal cell genome can result in immortality. In fusions involving certain immortal parent cells, these events can be complemented to result in hybrids with finite division capacity.
Managing Differentiation‐Integration Duality in Supply Chain Integration

Existing research focuses on the positive returns to operational performance of firms’ supply chain integration (SCI) with suppliers, buyers, and customers. We draw on differentiation-integration duality and contingency theory to suggest that manufacturing firms should seek to achieve both integration through supply chain coordination activities and differentiation through modularity-based manufacturing practices (MBMP). Using a sample of 261 manufacturing firms, we identify an inverse U-shaped relationship between SCI and operational performance. Furthermore, we find support for the importance of differentiation-integration duality as a fit between high levels of SCI and high levels of MBMP results in enhanced operational performance. We find support for a contingency perspective as fit is especially critical at higher levels of environmental uncertainty. Implications for theory, practice, and further research are suggested. [Submitted: November 14, 2010. Revised: May 25, 2011; August 12, 2011. Accepted: August 18, 2011.] Subject Areas: Differentiation, Integration, Modularity-based Manufacturing Practices, and Supply Chain Integration.
Library resources on the Internet

Abstract Library resources are prevalent on the Internet. Library catalogs, electronic books, electronic periodicals, periodical indexes, reference sources, and U.S. Government documents are available by telnet, Gopher, World Wide Web, and FTP. Comparatively few copyrighted library resources are available freely on the Internet. Internet implementations of library resources can add useful features, such as full-text searching. There are discussion lists, Gophers, and World Wide Web pages to help users keep up with new resources and changes to existing ones. The future will bring more library resources, more types of library resources, and more integrated implementations of such resources to the Internet.
Learning Theories: Insights for Music Educators.

Effective music educators often recognize that there is more than one way to teach a musical objective and understand that a specific approach may be more appropriate than another in a given settin...
Pref-1, a Gatekeeper of Adipogenesis

Preadipocyte factor 1 (Pref-1, also called Dlk1/FA1) is a molecular gatekeeper of adipogenesis which acts by maintaining the preadipocyte state and preventing adipocyte differentiation. Pref-1 is made as an epidermal growth factor-like repeat containing transmembrane protein, and is cleaved by TNFα-converting enzyme (TACE) to generate a soluble form, which acts as an autocrine/paracrine factor. Pref-1 upregulates Sox9 expression by activating the ERK/MAPK pathway and the Pref-1 interaction with fibronectin is required for inhibition of adipogenesis. Pref-1 also prevents brown adipocyte differentiation and its thermogenic function. Here, we highlight the recent evidence for the role of Pref-1 in adipogenesis.
On the Optimality of the ARQ-DDF Protocol

In this correspondence, the performance of the automatic repeat request-dynamic decode and forward (ARQ-DDF) cooperation protocol is analyzed in two distinct scenarios. The first scenario is the multiple access relay channel where a single relay is dedicated to simultaneously help two multiple access users. For this setup, it is shown that the ARQ-DDF protocol achieves the channel's optimal diversity multiplexing tradeoff (DMT). The second scenario is the cooperative vector multiple access channel where two users cooperate in delivering their messages to a destination equipped with two receiving antennas. For this setup, a new variant of the ARQ-DDF protocol is developed where the two users are purposefully instructed not to cooperate in the first round of transmission. Lower and upper bounds on the achievable DMT are then derived. These bounds are shown to converge to the optimal tradeoff as the number of transmission rounds increases.