cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Effect of Prediction Error on Belief Update Across the Political Spectrum.

Making predictions is an adaptive feature of the cognitive system, as prediction errors are used to adjust the knowledge they stemmed from. Here, we investigated the effect of prediction errors on ...
Mathematical modeling of kidney transport

In addition to metabolic waste and toxin excretion, the kidney also plays an indispensable role in regulating the balance of water, electrolytes, nitrogen, and acid-base. In this review, we describe representative mathematical models that have been developed to better understand kidney physiology and pathophysiology, including the regulation of glomerular filtration, the regulation of renal blood flow by means of the tubuloglomerular feedback mechanisms and of the myogenic mechanism, the urine concentrating mechanism, epithelial transport, and regulation of renal oxygen transport. We discuss the extent to which these modeling efforts have expanded our understanding of renal function in both health and disease.
Upgraded Worldwide Ocean Optics Database

Abstract : The long-term objective is to provide a comprehensive worldwide optics database that includes data on a broad range of important optical properties, including diffuse attenuation, beam attenuation, and scattering. Data from ONR-funded bio-optical cruises are given priority for loading into the database, but data from other scientific programs (NASA, NODC, NSF) and from other countries will also be routinely added to the Worldwide Ocean Optics Database (WOOD)1. The database shall be easy to use, Internet accessible, and frequently updated with data from recent at-sea measurements. The database shall be capable of supporting a wide range of applications, such as environmental assessments, sea test planning, and Navy applications. The database shall include derived optical parameters so that if measured data are not available, the user can obtain values computed from empirical algorithms (e.g., beam attenuation estimated from diffuse attenuation and backscatter data). Uncertainty estimates will also be provided for the computed results.
Patterns of macromolecule synthesis during development of Xenopus laevis. I. Incorporation of radioactive precursors into dissociated embryos.

Abstract Xenopus laevis embryos may be dissociated within their vitelline membranes. Such dissociated embryos are highly permeable to nucleosides and amino acids and can therefore be used effectively for short-term labeling experiments. The high permeability lasts for at least 5 hours, during which time the patterns of RNA and protein synthesis are like those in ordinary (but far less permeable) embryos. The dissociated embryos eventually reaggregate and undergo limited histogenesis. Their patterns of RNA synthesis change in the normal way. Pulse-labeling with uridine- 14 C in postgastrula stages yields a 40 S nuclear RNA. Its maturation is shown (in studies to be reported separately) to produce the cytoplasmic 28 S and 18 S species. Blastula and cleavage stages synthesize heterogeneous nonribosomal RNA and much more low molecular weight material sedimenting at about 4 S. Media conditioned by the presence in them of blastula cells, and cell sap from cleavage stages, were tested for factors capable of inhibiting specifically the synthesis of 28 S and 18 S RNA or their precursors. No such specific inhibitory factors were detected in these studies.
A protein activator of Ca(2+)-calmodulin-dependent protein kinase Ia.

A protein activator of Ca(2+)-calmodulin-dependent protein kinase Ia (CaM kinase Ia) was purified to near homogeneity from pig brain. In the final step of purification, sucrose density gradient centrifugation, CaM kinase Ia activating activity correlated with the presence of a approximately 52-kDa protein band detected by SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Comparison of this value with estimations of its molecular mass under nondenaturing conditions indicated that CaM kinase Ia activator is a slightly asymmetric monomer. After removal of endogenous CaM kinase Ia activator, the activity of CaM kinase Ia was 2% of its activity in the presence of a maximally stimulating concentration (15 nM) of the purified activator. In its activated state, CaM kinase Ia retained complete dependence of its activity upon Ca(2+)-CaM. The activation of CaM kinase Ia was rapid (t1/2
Roles of Electric Field Shear and Shafranov Shift in Sustaining High Confinement in Enhanced Reversed Shear Plasmas on the TFTR Tokamak

The relaxation of core transport barriers in TFTR enhanced reversed shear plasmas has been studied by varying the radial electric field using different applied torques from neutral beam injection. Transport rates and fluctuations remain low over a wide range of radial electric field shear, but increase when the local {bold E}{times}{bold B} shearing rates are driven below a threshold comparable to the fastest linear growth rates of the dominant instabilities. Shafranov-shift-induced stabilization alone is not able to sustain enhanced confinement. {copyright} {ital 1997} {ital The American Physical Society}
HYPOTHETICAL MARKET FAMILIARITY AND THE DISCONNECT BETWEEN STATED AND OBSERVED VALUES FOR GREEN ENERGY

Participation rates and utility premiums for green power programs are generally less than implied by contingent valuation studies. This study compares open-ended and dichotomous-choice responses with actual participation rates of a green power program to examine the effect of hypothetical market familiarity. Traditionally, respondents are asked to value a renewable energy “block” which represents a quality improvement in a percentage of a good. When placed in a more familiar market setting, stated values are more closely aligned with premiums currently charged. Participation rates remain exaggerated indicating responses are viewed as a vote in favor of or against cleaner energy sources. Keywords: Contingent valuation; green energy programs; renewable energy blocks; scope effects; coal-fired power plants; single-bounded dichotomous choice JEL Classifications: H41; Q42; Q51
Acquired von Willebrand's disease in association with Wilm's tumor: regression following treatment

A 9-yr-old female presented with a Wilm's tumor and a coagulopathy consistent with von Willebrand's disease. Factor VIII procoagulant activity (VIII C), factor VIII related antigen (VIIIR:Ag), and von Willebrand factor activity (VIII:vWf) were decreased. There was no evidence for a circulating inhibitor of the factor VIII molecular complex. von Willebrand's antigen II (vW AgII), which is deficient in hereditary von Willebrand's disease, was decreased below detectable levels in this patient. The coagulation studies, VIIIR:Ag, and vW AgII levels returned to normal following therapy of the Wilm's tumor. Wilm's tumor must be included as one of the malignancies associated with acquired von Willebrand's disease. Immunofluorescent studies of the tumor specimen showed normal endothelial staining of VIIIR:Ag by semiquantitative techniques and a lack of specific tumor adsorption of VIIIR:Ag The presence of normal amounts of tissue VIIIR:Ag has not previously been demonstrated in acquired von Willebrand's disease. Since we failed to demonstrate an inhibitor in the plasma in this patient, the etiology of the acquired von Willebrand's disease in this patient appears to differ from other cases of acquired von Willebrand's disease. The finding that vW AgII is decreased in this patient, similar to that reported in hereditary von Willebrand's disease, supports the close association of vW AgII to VIIIR:Ag, even though they are immunologically and biochemically distinct.
Uniqueness, analyticity and decay properties of correlations in equilibrium systems

We give a survey of results relating to the topics mentioned in the title. We are particularly interested in the relationship between the analyticity properties of the free energy as a function of the thermodynamic parameters of the system and the clustering and uniqueness properties of the corresponding equilibrium states i.e. correlation functions. We concentrate on Ising spin systems with ferromagnetic pair interactions.
Gravitational Wave and Spiral Galaxy (Gravito Radiative Force)

Einstein[1] proposed a general relativistic wave equation, which reduces to $$ \left( {{\nabla ^2} - {{\left( {{\partial \over {c\partial t}}} \right)}^2}} \right)\phi _i^j = {{16\pi G} \over {{c^4}}}T_i^j, $$ (1) when we introduce gravitational potentials through $$ {g_{00}} = 1 - {1 \over 2}({\phi _{00}} + {\phi _{11}} + {\phi _{22}} + {\phi _{33}}), $$ (2) $$ {g_{11}} = 1 - {1 \over 2}({\phi _{00}} + {\phi _{11}} - {\phi _{22}} - {\phi _{33}}), $$ (3) $$ {g_{22}} = - 1 - {1 \over 2}({\phi _{00}} - {\phi _{11}} + {\phi _{22}} - {\phi _{33}}), $$ (4) $$ {g_{33}} = - 1 - {1 \over 2}({\phi _{00}} - {\phi _{11}} - {\phi _{22}} + {\phi _{33}}), $$ (5) and $$ {g_{01}} = {\phi _{01}},{g_{12}} = {\phi _{12}},etc., $$ (6) and assume that $$ {{\partial \phi _j^i} \over {\partial {x^i}}} = 0 $$ (7) and that all quantities nonlinear in o j i are negligible.
Folate and arsenic metabolism: a double-blind, placebo-controlled folic acid–supplementation trial in Bangladesh

Populations in South and East Asia and many other regions of the world are chronically exposed to arsenic-contaminated drinking water. To various degrees ingested inorganic arsenic (InAs) is methylated to monomethylarsonic acid (MMA) and dimethylarsinic acid (DMA) via folate-dependent one-carbon metabolism; impaired methylation is associated with adverse health outcomes. Consequently folate nutritional status may influence arsenic methylation and toxicity. The objective of this study was to test the hypothesis that folic acid supplementation of arsenic-exposed adults would increase arsenic methylation. Two hundred adults in a rural region of Bangladesh previously found to have low plasma concentrations of folate (= 9 nmol/L) were enrolled in a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled folic acid-supplementation trial. Plasma concentrations of folate and homocysteine and urinary concentrations of arsenic metabolites were analyzed at baseline and after 12 wk of supplementation with folic acid at a dose of 400 µg/d or placebo. The increase in the proportion of total urinary arsenic excreted as DMA in the folic acid group (72% before and 79% after supplementation) was significantly (P < 0.0001) greater than that in the placebo group as was the reduction in the proportions of total urinary arsenic excreted as MMA (13% and 10% respectively; P < 0.0001) and as InAs (15% and 11% respectively; P < 0.001). These data indicate that folic acid supplementation to participants with low plasma folate enhances arsenic methylation. Because persons whose urine contains low proportions of DMA and high proportions of MMA and InAs have been reported to be at greater risk of skin and bladder cancers and peripheral vascular disease these results suggest that folic acid supplementation may reduce the risk of arsenic-related health outcomes. (authors)
Carbonic Anhydrase Activity During the Larval-Pupal Transformation of Hyalophora Cecropia Reared on Foliage and Synthetic Diet: Effects of Potassium and Chloride on Midgut, Fat Body and Integumentary Enzymes

1. Carbonic anhydrase was measured in tissues of silkmoths, Hyalophora cecropia , reared on either a wheatgerm-based synthetic diet or wild cherry foliage in feeding fifth-instar larvae, throughout the larval舑pupal transformation and in newly ecdysed pupae. 2. Carbonic anhydrase activity was present in fat body, midgut and intgeumentary epithelial cells, but not in haemolymph, cuticle or the integumentary musculature. 3. Approximately 70 % of the total carbonic anhydrase present per animal is localized within the epidermal cells of the integument. 4. The midgut is without measurable carbonic anhydrase activity from the day of apolysis (through the newly ecdysed pupal stage in development) until after the larval-pupal ecdysis. 5. In tissues analysed during the feeding fifth larval instar, 150 toward acetazolamide was between 10 舑8 and 10 舑7 m. 6. With the exception of larval midgut, regardless of stage, tissue or diet, both potassium and chloride normally inhibit carbonic anhydrase, with the effects of potassium and chloride being additive. 7. In larval midgut, chloride at concentrations of 50 or 150 mm stimulates carbonic anhydrase activity 30 or 100%, respectively. 8. In foliage-reared insects, potassium enhances chloride stimulation of larval midgut carbonic anhydrase, whereas in synthetic-diet-reared insects, potassium antagonizes the stimulatory effects of chloride. 9. Removal of a heat-stable, dialysable factor associated with the larval midgut of foliage-reared insects converts properties of the foliage midgut enzyme to those characteristic of the synthetic diet type, and vice versa.
Effect of solvent on the lithium-bromine exchange of aryl bromides : Reactions of n-butyllithium and tert-butyllithium with 1-bromo-4-tert-butylbenzene at 0 °C

The outcome of reactions of 1-bromo-4-tert-butylbenzene (1), a representative aryl bromide, with n-BuLi or t-BuLi at 0 degrees C in a variety of solvent systems has been investigated. The products of reactions of 1 with n-BuLi vary significantly with changes in solvent composition: 1 does not react with n-BuLi in pure heptane; the exchange reaction to give (4-tert-butylphenyl)lithium, which is slow in pure diethyl ether, is virtually quantitative in heptane containing a small quantity of THF; and the reaction of 1 with n-BuLi in THF leads to considerable coupling. Lithium-bromine exchange is the virtually exclusive outcome of reactions of 1 with t-BuLi in every solvent studied except pure heptane: the presence of a small quantity of any of a variety of structurally diverse ethers (Et(2)O, THF, THP, MTBE) in the predominantly hydrocarbon medium affords (4-tert-butylphenyl)lithium, assayed as tert-butylbenzene, in yields exceeding 97%. The only side products observed from reactions of 1 with t-BuLi are small amounts of benzyne-derived hydrocarbons.
Formation of Boron Nitride in Diborane-Hydrazine Flames

ALTHOUGH reactions of metals with nitrogen or nitrogen compounds leading to nitrides are well known1, the literature on combustion is devoid of descriptions of flames from the reaction between boron hydrides and nitrogen hydrides (ammonia, hydrazine). This communication reports a steady-state flame of diborane and hydrazine, in which the reaction products consist principally of boron nitride and hydrogen, according to the reaction B2H6 + N2H4→2BN + 5H2.
Using the College Outcome Measures Project to Measure College Outcomes.

This article describes one institution's use of the College Outcome Measures Project (COMP) in comparing outcomes for graduates of traditional and non-traditional programs. The study was designed to answer three questions concerning the use of COMP in evaluating traditional and non-traditional programs. Results obtained in a study of 96 University of Minnesota graduating seniors suggest greater potential usefulness in distinguishing among institutions than in comparing outcomes of programs within an institution. The authors conclude that as new approaches and instruments for measuring college outcomes become available, criteria for instrument selection need to be shared among individuals charged with conducting outcome studies.
On the Naturalness and Lawfulness of the Natural Law: A Few Remarks on Ernest Fortin's Doubts

It has often been noted that opponents of the doctrine of natural law sometimes claim that it is no accident that its principal elaborators and defenders have been Christians who attempt to forge a doctrine that harmonizes reason and revelation, nature and grace. But, the argument goes, natural law theorists achieve that harmony by claiming that reason knows things about nature that wise and reasonable nonbelievers fail to see there. So it is interesting to see one who is a believer and, at least in appearance, a defender of the doctrine of natural law admitting the validity of the nonbeliever's objection, at least on one major point.
Patient Predictors of Dexmedetomidine Effectiveness for Sedation in Intensive Care Units

Background Effective sedation is paramount in the care of critically ill patients. Dexmedetomidine, a selective α2- adrenergic receptor agonist, is an agent that is being increasingly used in the ICU despite its variability of patient response.
Transcriptional regulation of blood formation duringXenopusdevelopment

Hematopoiesis is the generation, proliferation and differentiation of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) into the erythroid, myeloid and lymphoid lineages. The HSC is a ventral mesodermal derivative that arises due to inductive and patterning processes triggered by bone morphogenetic protein 4 (BMP-4). Recent studies in Xenopus laevis have identified families of transcription factors that participate in hematopoietic development. Transcription factor families, such as the SMADs, Mixs and Vents pattern mesoderm to a ventral fate which ultimately results in the expression of hematopoietic-specific transcription factors such as GATA-1 and SCL. This transcriptional regulatory network enforces the correct temporal and spatial expression of the blood program.
Standing wave electro-optic modulator by ferroelectric single crystal fiber in microwave cavity

The application of ferroelectric crystals in light modulation has been of significant interests due to their exceptional electrical field sensitive optical properties or high electrooptic coefficients. Single crystal fibers of lithium niobate and strontium barium niobate grown by laser heated pedestal growth method are explored for optical pulse engineering (frequency shift, pulse compact, or pulse reshaping). The electrooptic behavior was investigated and compared in a microwave cavity of TE103 mode at 10GHz.
Health Risk Assessment For Radium Discharged Offshore In Produced Water

This paper reports on a probabilistic risk assessment of estimated incremental individual lifetime fatal cancer risks to recreational fishermen from radium in produced water discharged by offshore oil production platforms. A direct approach used limited measurements of radium concentrations in fishes caught near three shallow offshore platforms. A predictive modeling approach estimated the range of radium concentrations in fishes caught near deeper platforms. Estimated risks were described as probability distributions. Median predicted risks associated with shallow offshore platforms, representing worst-case conditions, were always less than 1 x 10{sup -5}. Median risks for platforms in deeper water were always less than 3 x 10{sup -7}.
eIF4E-mediated translational control of cancer incidence

Mitogen activated translation initiation factor eIF4E mediates normal cell proliferation, yet induces tumorigenesis when deregulated and overexpressed. It remains unknown, how activated eIF4E directs such distinct biological outputs. Our experimental data provide evidence that distinct threshold levels of eIF4E govern its biological output in lactating mammary glands and that eIF4E overexpression in the context of cell population expansion can initiate malignant transformation by enabling cells to evade DNA damage checkpoints caused by hyperproliferative oncogenic stimuli. These findings point at the cellular level of eIF4E as an important sensor for normal or pro-neoplastic propagation of cells. Here, we describe a model that links the pro-neoplastic function of eIF4F to its ability to disable oncogene-activated tumor surveillance programs; and propose a novel therapeutic strategy for cancer prevention based upon targeting aberrant eIF4E with safe doses of small-molecule antagonists to ensure the maintenance of eIF4E levels below the pro-neoplastic threshold. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Translation and Cancer.
Resolution of subependymal cysts in neonatal holocarboxylase synthetase deficiency

Holocarboxylase synthetase deficiency is typically a biotin responsive disorder that presents with lactic acidosis, tachypnea, temperature instability, and shock in neonates (Briones et al. 1989 and Fuchshuber et al. 1992). The primary defect in cases studied to date appears to be the decreased affinity of HCS for its substrate, biotin (Gompertz et al. 1971). Supplemental biotin can provide sufficient substrate to increase HCS enzymatic function and thereby permit biotinylation of the four carboxylase apoenzymes (Briones et al. 1989). We report an infant with HCS deficiency who presented with lactic acidosis, shock, and hypertonia. Subependymal cysts were identified on cranial ultrasound and subsequently confirmed by MRI. Six months following biotin supplementation, she is developmentally normal and MRI of the brain shows complete resolution of the cysts.
Robotic surgical staging for cervical cancer diagnosed during pregnancy: Immediate versus delayed definitive treatment.

Cervical cancer is one of the more common gynecologic malignancies diagnosed during pregnancy; the incidence in pregnancy is estimated to be approximately 1.6 to 10.6 per 10,000 pregnancies (Favero et al., 2010a). Though there are well-established treatment algorithms for the treatment of cervical cancer in non-pregnant patients, diagnosis during pregnancy poses significant challenges because of natural conflicts between the well being of the mother and fetus. Specifically, the issue of immediate vs. delayed definitive treatment can be a choice between life and death for both the mother and fetus. We present the case of a patient diagnosed with cervical cancer during the early second trimester who underwent a robotic assisted lymphadenectomy to assess for the presence of metastatic disease prior to a decision regarding immediate versus delayed definitive treatment. A review of the literature and discussion of neo-adjuvant chemotherapy as well as surgical staging for cervical cancer diagnosed during pregnancy is also provided.
Cardiac transplantation in female Emery-Dreifuss muscular dystrophy

A young woman with humeroperoneal muscular dystrophy and contractures received a heart transplant for a severe dilated cardiomyopathy. Cardiac histopathology consisted of myocyte hypertrophy, interstitial fibrosis, and nuclear hyperchromaticity without mitochondrial abnormalities. Myopathy and heart disease were not clinically evident in her family, although three relatives had unexplained shortened Achilles tendons without weakness. Tendon contractures may be a partial expression of this myopathic disorder, suggesting an autosomal dominant inheritance with variable penetrance. A muscular dystrophy clinically similar to that of the Emery-Dreifuss (EDMD) type can thus occur in women. Rather than the cardiac arrhythmias typical of EDMD, a dilated cardiomyopathy may occur and present with severe congestive heart failure. This is the first report of cardiac transplantation in such a case.
Contraceptive use among women with a history of bariatric surgery: a systematic review

Abstract Background Weight loss after bariatric surgery often improves fertility but can pose substantial risks to maternal and fetal outcomes. Women who have undergone a bariatric surgical procedure are currently advised to delay conception for up to 2 years. Study Design We conducted a systematic review of the literature, from database (PubMed) inception through February 2009, to evaluate evidence on the safety and effectiveness of contraceptive use among women with a history of bariatric surgery. Results From 29 articles, five met review inclusion criteria. One prospective, noncomparative study reported 2 pregnancies among 9 (22%) oral contraceptive (OC) users following biliopancreatic diversion, and one descriptive study reported no pregnancies among an unidentified number of women taking OCs following laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding. Of two pharmacokinetic studies, one found lower plasma levels of norethisterone and levonorgestrel among women having had a jejunoileal bypass, as compared to nonoperated, normal-weight controls. The other study found no difference in plasma levels of D-norgestrel between women having a jejunoileal bypass of either 1:3 or 3:1 ratio between the length of jejunum and ileum left in continuity, but women with a 1:3 ratio had significantly higher plasma levels of D-norgestrel than extremely obese controls not operated upon. Conclusions Evidence regarding OC effectiveness following a bariatric surgical procedure is quite limited, although no substantial decrease in effectiveness was identified from available studies. Evidence on failure rates for other contraceptive methods and evidence on safety for all contraceptive methods was not identified.
II—Jonathan L. Kvanvig: Millar on the Value of Knowledge

Alan Millar's paper (2011) involves two parts, which I address in order, first taking up the issues concerning the goal of inquiry, and then the issues surrounding the appeal to reflective knowledge. I argue that the upshot of the considerations Millar raises count in favour of a more important role in value-driven epistemology for the notion of understanding and for the notion of epistemic justification, rather than for the notions of knowledge and reflective knowledge.
Estimating playa lake flooding: Edwards Air Force Base, California, USA

Abstract Playa, or terminal lakes are essentially flat surfaces with minimal topographic relief, and they are common in most semi and arid-environments. Both ground and surface waters can accumulate within a terminal basin and result in flooding of the playa. Within the boundaries of Edwards Air Force Base, located in Southern California, there are four playas: Rosamond, Buckhorn, Rogers, and Rich Dry Lakes. The Rosamond and Rogers playas are currently and have historically been used as runways, taxiways, and industrial areas by the US Air Force and National Aeronautics and Space Administration. A flood assessment of Rogers Dry Lake was mandated due to Air Force regulations concerning delineation of 100-year flood hazard zones, and US Federal regulations, which specify that playas are 100-year special flood hazard zones. From an environmental viewpoint, when water is present, playa lakes can also provide habitat for migratory birds. There is neither guidance nor a generally accepted approach for identifying flood hazards on playas. Therefore, an approach was developed to determine the 100-year regulatory floodplain associated with a dry lakebed, and this approach was used to define tile regulatory floodplain on Rogers and Rich Dry Lakes. This paper describes the application of the method developed to estimate the regulatory 100-year depth of water on Roger and Rich Dry Lakes.
Computer Assisted Construction of Variable Norms

An algorithm for updating the means and variances of a norm group after each computer-assisted administration of a test is described. The algorithm does not require storage of the whole data set and provides for unlimited, continuous expansion of the test norms.
Effect of process variables on photosynthetic algal hydrogen production.

Chlamydomonas reinhardtii is a green alga that can use the sunapos;s energy to split water into O2 and H2. This is accomplished by means of a two-phase cycle, an aerobic growth phase followed by an anaerobic hydrogen production phase. The effects of process variables on hydrogen production are examined here. These variables include cell concentration, light intensity, and reactor design parameters that affect light transport and mixing. An optimum cell concentration and light intensity are identified, and two reactor designs are compared. The maximum hydrogen production observed in this study was 0.29 mL of hydrogen per milliliter of suspension. This was measured at atmospheric pressure during a 96 h production cycle. This corresponds to an average hydrogen production rate of 0.12 mmol/mL·h.
A comparison of social-skills training, pharmacotherapy and psychotherapy for depression

Abstract This study compared four treatments for unipolar (non-psychotic) depression: Amitriptyline, Social-Skills Training (SST) + Amitriptyline, SST + Placebo and Psychotherapy + Placebo. In addition, 25 normal women were assessed on the behavioral measures in order to evaluate the ecological validity of the dependent measures and the changes produced by treatment. The four treatments, conducted by experienced clinicians, all produced statistically-significant and clinically-meaningful changes in symptomatology. However, there were several notable differences. The SST groups had greater improvement on measures of social skill, and were more similar to the normal women after treatment. In addition the SST + Placebo group had the lowest level of attrition and had the highest proportion of patients who were significantly improved. Significance of the results for future research on SST and role-play measures of social skill was discussed.
Structural heterogeneity in the basal regions of the teeth of the red-backed salamander, Plethodon cinereus (Amphibia, Plethodontidae).

Ultrastructural and histochemical features of marginal (monostichous) teeth associated with the jawbones are compared with those of palatal (polystichous) teeth that compose two patches in the roof of the mouth. The apices and uncalcified regions are similar in both kinds of teeth, but the basal regions display distinctive differences. While bases (pedestals) of marginal teeth are essentially hollow cylinders that attach to the jawbones by their labial faces, bases of teeth in palatal patches are fused to form two horizontal plates which lack direct attachment to underlying bone. The plates are separated from each other by a pulp-filled space containing fibroblasts, blood vessels, and vertically oriented elements resembling bony spicules. Cylindrical pedestals like those of marginal teeth project from the ventral plate. While the identity of the material composing the basal regions remains controversial, the following evidence suggests that it is similar to "bone of attachment" (Tomes, '23): most of it, unlike dentin, does not develop in direct association with an enamel organ; alcian blue stains the bases of developing teeth but stains dentin, developing dentin, enamel, or mature bone very weakly (if at all); bases of teeth in palatal patches develop in isolation from the parasphenoid bone and thus cannot be considered extensions of it; and marginal teeth attach directly to the jawbones, but the material composing their bases does not blend with the bone. Structural heterogeneity of the basal regions appears to be linked to functional differences exhibited by these two types of teeth.
DIMENSIONS OF UTILITY IN A REGIONAL PLANNING CONTEXT

City and regional planners exist in an environment where they must satisfy numerous contending pressure groups. This paper illustrates an application of utility and decision theory in one such situation: the selection of a “land-use plan” for a large rural area in a southeastern state. The planning group was required to generate a utility matrix for a set of alternative plans consistent with their perceived hierarchy of needs for the region in question. Subsequently, expected value calculations were used to determine the optimal plan. The examination concludes with a discussion of the reliability and sensitivity of this approach, along with an exploration of areas for possible utilization and the problems attendent thereto.
trans E1 component requirements for maximal replication of E1-defective recombinant adenovirus.

Strategies that enable E1-defective recombinant adenoviruses to selectively undergo replication in neoplastic tissue may be useful for future investigations or therapies of malignancies. A growing body of evidence suggests that some molecular alterations commonly associated with malignancies, such as p53 mutations, can modify the specific E1 requirements for replication of human serotype adenoviruses. In the studies reported here, a panel of human non-small cell lung cancer cell lines with previously defined p53 status were characterized for basal interleukin-6 (IL-6) and bcl-2 content because previous studies have indicated both proteins can functionally substitute for the replication requirements provided by native E1 viral proteins. Cell lines were infected with E1-defective adenovirus 5 and simultaneously transfected with different combinations of E1 plasmids, or a bcl-2 expression plasmid, and adenovirus present in the cells was quantified 6 days later. These assays demonstrated that E1A with both 19- and 55-kDa E1B-encoding plasmids were required for maximal adenoviral replication, independent of the varying p53/IL-6/basal bcl-2 phenotypes of the host cell lines. E1A was required for maximal replication enablement, independent of the basal IL-6 content of these cell lines, and exogenous IL-6 also did not obviate the E1A requirement. Interestingly, the bcl-2 expression plasmid did not consistently substitute for the 19-kDa expression plasmid in the context of this replication complementation assay. These results suggest that (1) basal levels of IL-6 greater than that present in these cell lines are necessary for functional replacement of the E1A replication function and (2) bcl-2 does not predictably substitute for the 19-kDa E1B replication function in the context of trans complementation.
The future of computerized decision making

Computerized decision making is becoming a reality with exponentially growing data and machine capabilities. Some decision making is extremely complex, historically reserved for governing bodies or market places where the collective human experience and intelligence come to play. Other decision making can be trusted to computers that are on a path now into the future through novel software development and technological improvements in data access. In all cases, we should think about this carefully first: what data are really important for our goals and what data should be ignored or not even stored? The answer to these questions involves human intelligence and understanding before the data-to-decision process begins.
Scope of Physician Procedures Independently Billed by Mid-Level Providers in the Office Setting

Importance Mid-level providers (nurse practitioners and physician assistants) were originally envisioned to provide primary care services in underserved areas. This study details the current scope of independent procedural billing to Medicare of difficult, invasive, and surgical procedures by medical mid-level providers. Objective To understand the scope of independent billing to Medicare for procedures performed by mid-level providers in an outpatient office setting for a calendar year. Design Analyses of the 2012 Medicare Physician/Supplier Procedure Summary Master File, which reflects fee-for-service claims that were paid by Medicare, for Current Procedural Terminology procedures independently billed by mid-level providers. Setting and Participants Outpatient office setting among health care providers. Main Outcomes and Measures The scope of independent billing to Medicare for procedures performed by mid-level providers. Results In 2012, nurse practitioners and physician assistants billed independently for more than 4 million procedures at our cutoff of 5000 paid claims per procedure. Most (54.8%) of these procedures were performed in the specialty area of dermatology. Conclusions and Relevance The findings of this study are relevant to safety and quality of care. Recently, the shortage of primary care clinicians has prompted discussion of widening the scope of practice for mid-level providers. It would be prudent to temper widening the scope of practice of mid-level providers by recognizing that mid-level providers are not solely limited to primary care, and may involve procedures for which they may not have formal training.
Outside directors, board independence, and shareholder wealth☆

Abstract Management plays a dominant role in selecting outside directors, inviting skepticism about outsiders' ability to make independent judgments on firm performance. Our examination of wealth effects surrounding outside director appointments finds significantly positive share-price reactions. We find no clear evidence that outside directors of any particular occupation are more or less valuable than others. The results are consistent with the hypothesis that outside directors are chosen in the interest of shareholders.
THE EFFECT OF THE pH DIFFERENCE BETWEEN PHASES ON PARTITIONING IN POLY(ETHYLENE GLYCOL)-PHOSPHATE AQUEOUS TWO-PHASE SYSTEMS

Abstract The pH difference existing between phases of poly(ethylene glycol)-potassium phosphate aqueous two-phase systems is shown to affect the partition coefficients of charged solutes. This effect is modeled and experimental results agree with the behavior predicted.
Simulating Space Capsule Water Landing with Explicit Finite Element Method

A study of using an explicit nonlinear dynamic finite element code for simulating the water landing of a space capsule was performed. The finite element model contains Lagrangian shell elements for the space capsule and Eulerian solid elements for the water and air. An Arbitrary Lagrangian Eulerian (ALE) solver and a penalty coupling method were used for predicting the fluid and structure interaction forces. The space capsule was first assumed to be rigid, so the numerical results could be correlated with closed form solutions. The water and air meshes were continuously refined until the solution was converged. The converged maximum deceleration predicted is bounded by the classical von Karman and Wagner solutions and is considered to be an adequate solution. The refined water and air meshes were then used in the models for simulating the water landing of a capsule model that has a flexible bottom. For small pitch angle cases, the maximum deceleration from the flexible capsule model was found to be significantly greater than the maximum deceleration obtained from the corresponding rigid model. For large pitch angle cases, the difference between the maximum deceleration of the flexible model and that of its corresponding rigid model is smaller. Test data of Apollo space capsules with a flexible heat shield qualitatively support the findings presented in this paper.
Farnesyltransferase inhibitors interact synergistically with the Chk1 inhibitor UCN-01 to induce apoptosis in human leukemia cells through interruption of both Akt and MEK/ERK pathways and activation of SEK1/JNK

Interactions between the Chk1 inhibitor UCN-01 and the farnesyltransferase inhibitor L744832 were examined in human leukemia cells. Combined exposure of U937 cells to subtoxic concentrations of UCN-01 and L744832 resulted in a dramatic increase in mitochondrial dysfunction, apoptosis, and loss of clonogenicity. Similar interactions were noted in other leukemia cells (HL-60, Raji, Jurkat) and primary acute myeloid leukemia (AML) blasts. Coadministration of L744832 blocked UCN-01-mediated phosphorylation of mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase/extracellular signal-regulated kinase (MEK/ERK), leading to down-regulation of phospho-cyclic adenosine monophosphate responsive element-binding protein (phospho-CREB) and -p90(RSK) and activation of p34(cdc2) and stress-activated protein kinase/ERK kinase/c-Jun N-terminal kinase (SEK/JNK). Combined treatment also resulted in pronounced reductions in levels of phospho-Akt, -glycogen synthase kinase-3 (-GSK-3), -p70(S6K), -mammalian target of rapamycin (-mTOR), -forkhead transcription factor (-FKHR), -caspase-9, and -Bad. Ectopic expression of Bcl-2 or Bcl-xL but not dominant-negative caspase-8 blocked UCN-01/L744832-mediated mitochondrial dysfunction and apoptosis but did not prevent activation of p34(cdc2) and JNK or inactivation of MEK/ERK and Akt. Enforced expression of myristoylated Akt but not constitutively active MEK significantly attenuated UCN-01/L744832-induced apoptosis. However, dual transfection with Akt and MEK resulted in further protection from UCN-01/L744832-mediated lethality. Finally, down-regulation of JNK1 by siRNA significantly reduced the lethality of the UCN-01/L744832 regimen. Together, these findings suggest that farnesyltransferase inhibitors interrupt the cytoprotective Akt and MAPK pathways while reciprocally activating SAPK/JNK in leukemia cells exposed to UCN-01 and, in so doing, dramatically increase mitochondria-dependent apoptosis.
Protein-resistant monolayers prepared by hydrosilylation of α-oligo(ethylene glycol)-ω-alkenes on hydrogen-terminated silicon (111) surfaces

Atomically flat, homogeneous, and protein-resistant monolayers can be readily prepared on H–Si(111) surfaces by photo-induced hydrosilylation of α-oligo(ethylene glycol)-ω-alkenes.
Late quaternary chronostratigraphic framework of terraces and alluvium along the lower ohio river, southwestern Indiana and western Kentucky, USA

Abstract The lower Ohio River valley is a terraced fluvial landscape that has been profoundly influenced by Quaternary climate change and glaciation. A modern Quaternary chronostratigraphic framework was developed for the lower Ohio River valley using optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) dating and allostratigraphic mapping to gain insights into the nature of fluvial responses to glacial–interglacial/stadial–interstadial transitions and Holocene climate change. River deposits, T0 (youngest) to T7 (oldest), were mapped along a 75 km reach of the lower Ohio River and were dated using 46 OSL and 5 radiocarbon samples. The examination of cores combined with OSL and radiocarbon dating shows that fluvial sediments older than marine oxygen isotope stage (MIS) 2 are present only in the subsurface. Aggradation during MIS 6 (Illinoian glaciation) filled the valley to within ∼7 m of the modern floodplain, and by ∼114 ka (MIS 5e/Sangamon interglacial) the Ohio River had scoured the MIS 6 sediments to ∼22 m below the modern floodplain surface. There were no fluvial sediments in the valley with ages between MIS 5e and the middle of MIS 3. The MIS 3 ages (∼39 ka) and stratigraphic position of T5 deposits suggest the Ohio River aggraded 8–14 m during MIS 4 or MIS 3. Near the end of MIS 3, the Ohio River incised the mid Last Glacial (mid-Wisconsinan) deposits ∼10 m and began aggrading again by ∼30 ka. Aggradation continued into MIS 2, with maximum MIS 2 aggradation occurring before ∼21 ka, which is coincident with the global Last Glacial Maximum (LGM). As the Ohio River adjusted to changing fluxes in sediment load and discharge following the LGM, it formed a sequence of fill-cut terraces in the MIS 2 outwash that get progressively younger with decreasing elevation, ranging in age from ∼21 ka to ∼13 ka. From ∼14 ka to ∼13 ka the Ohio River rapidly incised ∼3 m to form a new terrace, and by ∼12 ka at the onset of the Holocene, the Ohio River established a meandering channel pattern. The river formed a broad floodplain surface from ∼12 ka to ∼6 ka, and then incised ∼1 m and formed a fill-cut terrace from ∼6 ka to ∼5 ka. After ∼5 ka, likely in response to mid-Holocene drought in North America, the Ohio River incised ∼5 m, and by ∼4 ka the river began aggrading again. The Ohio River has aggraded ∼4 m since aggradation began at ∼4 ka. The chronostratigraphic framework and reconstructed history developed here suggest that the lower Ohio River is highly sensitive to glacial–interglacial transitions and abrupt Holocene climate change and responds rapidly to these allogenic forcings.
Disposition Kinetics of Ethambutol in Nephrectomized Dogs

The effect of nephrectomy on the disposition of ethambutol was investigated in seven adult mongrel dogs: five were nephrectomized and two served as the control. Each dog was intravenously adrninisterd 500 mg ethambutol, followed by blood sample collection for 12 h. Total urine was collected over 24 h from the normal control dogs. Ethambutol contents in plasma and urine were assayed by a GC method. The nephrectomized group and the control group exhibited differences in the following pharmacokinetic parameters: half-life, 5.0 versus 4.1 h (significant at p < 0.1); total body clearance, 8.4 versus 13.2 mL/min/kg (significant at p < 0.1); and volume of distribution, 2.7 versus 3.8 L/kg (significant at p < 0.1). Comparison of pharamacokinetic parameters among rabbits, dogs, and humans revealed distinct interspecies differences with regard to total body clearance, renal clearance, volume of distribution, and fractional renal excretion. One comparable parameter shared by all species is the β-phase half-life.
The Kramers Problem in the Turnover Regime: The Role of the Stochastic Separatrix

We consider the problem of activated escape of a Brownian particle from a potential well. We find the stochastic separatrix S (the locus of starting points of the phase space trajectories which have equal probabilities of ending up inside or outside the well) for (i) the extremely anisotropic overdamped motion of a two-dimensional Brownian particle in a bistable potential, and (ii) the damped and underdamped motion of a one-dimensional Brownian particle in a single metastable state. The significance of S is that (1) it defines the reactant and product wells in a natural though not necessarily intuitive way, and (2) it reduces the calculation of the escape rate to the solution of the stationary Fokker-Planck equation inside S, with absorbing boundary conditions on S. Finally, employing this approach we derive an expression for the Kramers escape rate which bridges uniformly between Kramers weak damping regime and transition state theory.
The morphology and biology of the entomophilic Thripinema fuscum (Tylenchida: Allantonematidae), and the histopathological effects of parasitism on the host Frankliniella fusca (Thysanoptera: Thripidae)

We used light and electron microscopy to detail the in vivo life cycle of the nematode Thripinema fuscum and to determine the effects of parasitism on tissues of the thrips host Frankliniella fusca. The parasitic T. fuscum female produced eggs within 4–5 days after ingress and the host haemocoele became packed with eggs and developing juvenile nematodes. Mature juveniles migrated to the hindgut and fully developed juveniles first emerged from the posterior end of the male or female F. fusca 9 days after parasitization. Parasitization induced a displacement of the host alimentary tract, an atrophy of the ovaries and fat body, and an alteration of energy and waste reserves in host tissues. Our observations reveal a specialized relationship showing that this parasite is well adapted to exploit the host digestive, reproductive and excretory systems.
Evaluation of string constraint solvers in the context of symbolic execution

Symbolic execution tools query constraint solvers for tasks such as determining the feasibility of program paths. Therefore, the effectiveness of such tools depends on their constraint solvers.Most modern constraint solvers for primitive types are efficient and accurate. However, research on constraint solvers for complex types, such as strings, is less converged.In this paper, we introduce two new solver adequacy criteria, modeling cost and accuracy, to help the user identify an adequate solver. Using these metrics and performance criterion, we evaluate four distinct string constraint solvers in the context of symbolic execution. Our results show that, depending on the needs of the user and composition of the program, one solver might be more appropriate than another. Yet, none of the solvers exhibit the best results for all programs. Hence, if resources permit, the user will benefit the most from executing all solvers in parallel and enabling communication between solvers.
EVALUATION OF AN INTERVENTION DESIGNED TO IMPROVE PATIENTS' HOSPITAL EXPERIENCE

The influence of a videotape, shown in a hospital admitting room, on patients' state anxiety and concerns about hospitalization was assessed in a preliminary study. For both state anxiety and specific concerns regarding hospitalization the pretest scores on each variable accounted for the preponderance of the variance in the posttest scores. In both instances, the intervention and the interaction of the intervention with the pretest scores accounted for less than 1% of variance in the outcome. While finding small effects to be significant for such a small sample (N = 93) is unlikely, the sample size was adequate to detect medium to large effects. More important was the fact that 73.33% of the videotape intervention group indicated that they did not watch the video, which leads us to the conclusion that this intervention as tested is not worthwhile.