cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Seeking New Ways to Visually Represent Uncertainty in Data: What We Can Learn from the Fine Arts

In data visualization, the representation of uncertainty and error estimation is often difficult to display effectively. Constraints on the number of dimensions that can be expressed visually as well as limitations of statistical graphing software often lead to data visualizations that inadvertently omit and/or poorly convey the uncertainty and vulnerability of the underlying data.This research is based on more than 400 works of fine art from museum collections and galleries across several countries, curated and analyzed for inspiration and information on potentially effective ways to visually communicate uncertainty, ambiguity, and vulnerability. We chose these artworks because we feel they have a unique ability to convey uncertainty using a range of approaches and techniques. This paper includes observations from the analysis, examples of compelling works of art from the research, and an exploration of ways these works might inform data visualization practice, specifically for the visual display of uncertainty.
Application of nitric oxide in the therapy of respiratory diseases

Nitric oxide (NO) played an important role in the pathogenesis of many diseases. It selectively dilates the pulmonary vasculare, combats pulmonary hypertension associated with hypoxemia, improves oxygen. At the same time, it could relaxe bronchial smooth muscle, kill pathogens and have anti-inflammatory effect,etc. Inhaled nitric oxide has important significance in the treatment of respiratory diseases. Key words: Nitric oxide; Acute lung injury/Acute respiratory distress syndrome; Asthma; Pneumonia
Paternal deprivation impairs social behavior putatively via epigenetic modification to lateral septum vasopressin receptor

Although it is well appreciated that the early-life social environment asserts subsequent long-term consequences on offspring brain and behavior, the specific mechanisms that account for this relationship remain poorly understood. Using a novel assay that forced biparental pairs or single mothers to prioritize caring for offspring or themselves, we investigated the impact of parental variation on adult expression of nonapeptide-modulated behaviors in prairie voles. We demonstrated that single mothers compensate for the lack of a co-parent. Moreover, mothers choose to invest in offspring over themselves when faced with a tradeoff, whereas fathers choose to invest in themselves. Furthermore, our study suggests a pathway whereby variation in parental behavior (specifically paternal care) may lead to alterations in DNA methylation within the vasopressin receptor 1a gene and gene expression in the lateral septum. These differences are concomitant with changes in social approach, a behavior closely associated with septal vasopressin receptor function.
A Histoplasma capsulatum lipid metabolic map identifies antifungal targets and virulence factors

Lipids play a fundamental role in fungal cell biology, being components of the cell membrane as well as targets of antifungal drugs. A deeper knowledge of lipid metabolism is key for developing new drugs and a better understanding of fungal pathogenesis. Here we built a comprehensive map of the Histoplasma capsulatum lipid metabolic pathway by integrating proteomic and lipidomic analyses. The map led to the identification of both the fatty acid desaturation and the sphingolipid biosynthesis pathways as targets for drug development. We also found that H. capsulatum produces analogs of platelet-activating factor, a potent regulator of the human immune response. The H. capsulatum platelet-activating factor analogs induced platelet aggregation and stimulated the production of the cytokines interleukin-10 and tumor necrosis factor-α by J774 macrophages. Overall, this lipid metabolic map revealed pathways that can be targeted for drug development, in addition to identifying a regulator of the host immune response.
Taking stock of MENA political science after the uprisings

This Special Issue demonstrates the scope and breadth of the response by political scientists to the 2011 Arab uprisings. The contributions show the significant, rigorous development of understandi...
Generalizing 0-1 conflict hypergraphs and mixed conflict graphs: mixed conflict hypergraphs in discrete optimization

This work starts a new level of research in the area of conflict graphs and hypergraphs. We introduce a new term “mixed conflict hypergraphs”, which comes from merging and generalizing 0-1 conflict hypergraphs and mixed conflict graphs. Two structured mixed integer problems (referred to as convexification of posynomial and signomial functions, CoPF and CoSF, respectively) are solved efficiently with applying new strong cutting planes, outperforming modern commercial software.
Integrated photonic devices for controlling quantum properties of light

We will discuss our recent efforts in engineering various integrated photonics devices and platforms for manipulating the fundamental quantum properties of photons.
Studying Religion: An Introduction

Widely used as a primer, a class text, or just a provocation to critical thinking, Studying Religion clearly explains the methods and theories employed in the academic study of religion by tackling the problem of how we define religion. Written for newcomers to the field, its chapters explore the three main ways in which religion is defined and, along the way, also considers a range of related topics, from the history and functions of religion to public discourse on religion, religion in the courts, and the classification of religions. The works of classic and contemporary scholars—from Karl Marx and Sigmund Freud to Bruce Lincoln and Wendy Doniger—are analyzed and explored in its readable chapters and detailed supporting materials. Studying Religion represents a shift away from the traditional world religions approach and, instead, invites readers to consider how they divide up, name, and come to know the world around them. Thoroughly revised throughout, this second edition now includes a significantly expanded glossary, summaries of technical terms and global case studies at the end of each chapter, and additional biographies of key scholars mentioned. This book will be invaluable to all students of religious studies—whether in the introductory class or as an example of an alternative way of approaching the field.
Possible Energy Savings in Irrigation

Irrigation management procedures to reduce the energy required to pump irrigation water are presented. Possible energy saving techniques are: (1)Improving the pumping plant performance by adjustment or replacement; (2)reducing the amount of water pumped through utilization of irrigation scheduling procedures; (3)improving the irrigation efficiency; and (4)lowering the pressure requirements of sprinkler systems. Application of each of the aforementioned management procedures can significantly reduce the energy requirement of irrigation systems. Combining these procedures will provide attainable energy savings between 40% and 50% for surface systems and approx. 30% of sprinkler systems. Further savings with sprinkler systems are possible if lower pressures can be achieved. The percentage savings resulting from a pressure reduction depends on the lift of that system. Two other cost savings areas are off-peak scheduling to reduce peak electrical demand and the reduction of nitrogen losses through deep percolation.
Trial Design in Behavioral Medicine

This chapter focuses on clinical trial design issues that are particularly relevant to behavioral medicine research. It highlights the importance of matching the design of a trial to its primary aims. This leads the discussion, in some cases, away from traditional treatment efficacy designs and toward other approaches. For example, it shows that standard efficacy designs are not necessarily optimal for trials that are conducted primarily to test mechanistic hypotheses. The chapter also examines some of the distinctive challenges associated with designing behavioral trials for medical patient populations, with an emphasis on the pervasive influence of usual care.
A 500 year climate catch: Pelagic fish scales and paleoproductivity in the Santa Barbara Basin from the Medieval Climate Anomaly to the Little Ice Age (AD 1000-1500)

Based upon observations from the 20th century, populations of lower trophic level, short-lived fish species are thought to be controlled by large scale ocean–atmosphere circulation shifts. Here, we provide a new 500 year reconstruction of northern anchovy and Pacific sardine fish scale deposition rates (SDRs) and relative abundance from Santa Barbara Basin (SBB), through the transition from the Medieval Climate Anomaly into the Little Ice Age (AD 1000–1500). Three intervals of high anchovy biomass (high SDRs) were coincident with increased upwelling diatom abundance in SBB and cool/negative Pacific Decadal Oscillation (PDO) events at 1130–1160, 1280–1310 and 1410–1450. Intervals of absent or low SDR of both sardine and anchovy in SBB sediments occurred in association with increased wave activity (benthic diatoms), California Current diatoms, and the relative dominance of sardine over anchovy. Thus although ocean–atmosphere circulation shifts such as the PDO appear to play a role in shifting the dominance of anchovy over sardine, the biomass of sardines as indicated by SDRs has a more complicated response to environmental change.
Inequality in our midst

The recent recession, Occupy Wall Street movement, Eurozone crisis, and growing recognition of the gap between the top 1 percent and the middle class have brought new attention to the problem of economic and social inequality in the United States in particular and across the globe more generally. In 2013, the Society for Economic Anthropology held its annual conference on the theme of inequality. This issue brings together papers presented at the conference. Although each article presents empirical research from a different part of the world and diverse cultures, some common questions emerge. Many authors investigate how unequal social structures are generated and maintained and the role of economic systems and cultural forms and rules in that process. Drawing on ethnography, they attend to the lived experience of social exclusion, dislocation, and relocation as systems undergo change. The process of change is itself also critical; how do people act individually and together in the face of inequality? These are some of the questions that the articles in this issue explore. The studies presented here document, through empirically grounded research, many aspects of these complex questions and move our understanding forward in new ways.
Avian studies and research opportunities in the Luquillo Experimental Forest: A tropical rain forest in Puerto Rico

Abstract The Luquillo Experimental Forest (LEF) located on the Caribbean island of Puerto Rico has a rich history of ecological research, including a variety of avian studies, and is one of the most active ecological research sites in the Neotropics. The LEF spans an elevational range from 100 to 1075 m over which five life zones and four forest types are found in a warm, humid subtropical climate. A total of 23 bird species breeds here and another 76 species, mostly migrants, are known to occur. The food web of the forest in the lower elevations is especially well studied, which allows an assessment of the role of birds in the food web. The LEF is noted for its high densities of Eleutherodactylus frogs and Anolis lizards, which may depress insect densities thereby contributing to the low species richness and densities of most insectivorous birds. The signature species of the forest is the endangered Puerto Rican Parrot (Amazona vittata) that has been the focus of intensive long-term research and recovery efforts, which have spawned research on associated species, including long-term studies on the Pearly-eyed Thrasher (Margarops fuscatus) and botfly (Philornis spp.) ectoparasitism. Given the frequency of hurricane disturbance to the LEF and studies providing baseline for comparisons, research has made major contributions to an understanding of the effects of hurricanes on forest ecosystems including bird populations and their resources. We summarize these and other studies from the LEF to characterize the avifauna and its environment while noting studies with management implications and identify opportunities for future ornithological studies.
Rigid and nonrigid classical rotator models for rotational relaxation in HeH2

Abstract Rotational relaxation times and collision numbers of hydrogen in a bath of He atoms are calculated by a classical trajectory method for a range of temperatures between 300 and 1500 K using three models for the vibrational motion of hydrogen. The first model treats the molecule as a rigid rotator, the second as a classical vibrating rotator and the third as a classical rotator but quantum vibrator with an initial vibrational energy set equal to the zero point of energy of hydrogen. Analysis of the relaxation times obtained from the three models leads to the conclusion that the rigid rotator model is the most suitable one for the classical mechanical calculation of rotational relaxation times of hydrogen.
Immunobiology of genitourinary tumors

Abstract Preliminary studies indicate that cancers of the genitourinary system contain unique tissue-specific tumor associated antigens, and that some patients develop an immune response to these antigens. Additional study will be required before the many nuances of the immunobiology of these tumors are better understood because research in this area is, in fact, just beginning. However, the methodology of tumor immunology is becoming more sophisticated and basic investigation in this area is receiving increased financial support. The practical goals of these research efforts are to develop new immunologic techniques for early detection and treatment. Although immunodiagnosis now appears to be possible for some tumors, further intensive study will be necessary before a rational approach to immunotherapy can be developed for urologic tumors.
Relative concentrations of human chorionic gonadotropin, human placental lactogen, and α-fetoprotein in the serum and cerebrospinal fluid of pregnant patients at term

Abstract Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), human placental lactogen (hPL), and α-fetoprotein (AFP) simultaneously were measured in the serum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of 57 pregnant patients at term. The mean ratio of hCG concentration in the serum to that in the CSF was 290:1 (range 133:1 to 350:1) with a correlation of +0.83. The mean ratio of the concentration of hPL in the serum to that in the CSF was 17:1 with a correlation of +0.75. The mean AFP concentration in the maternal serum was 137 ng/ml with a standard deviation of ± 62 ng/ml, while the mean AFP concentration in the CSF was less than 10 ng/ml. The concentrations of hCG, hPL, and AFP in the serum and CSF did not correlate with either the infant or placental weight. Within the range of serum values studied, the serum:CSF ratios for hCG and hPL constitute a reference standard for patients in whom these proteins are elaborated directly into the serum but not the cerebrospinal fluid. At serum AFP levels below 270 ng/ml, AFP should be undetectable in the CSF of these patients. These data could prove useful in the early diagnosis of subclinical metastases to the central nervous system of any tumor which produces these marker proteins.
The β Sliding Clamp Binds to Multiple Sites within MutL and MutS

The MutL and MutS proteins are the central components of the DNA repair machinery that corrects mismatches generated by DNA polymerases during synthesis. We find that MutL interacts directly with the β sliding clamp, a ring-shaped dimeric protein that confers processivity to DNA polymerases by tethering them to their substrates. Interestingly, the interaction of MutL with β only occurs in the presence of single-stranded DNA. We find that the interaction occurs via a loop in MutL near the ATP-binding site. The binding site of MutL on β locates to the hydrophobic pocket between domains two and three of the clamp. Site-specific replacement of two residues in MutL diminished interaction with β without disrupting MutL function with helicase II. In vivo studies reveal that this mutant MutL is no longer functional in mismatch repair. In addition, the human MLH1 has a close match to the proliferating cell nuclear antigen clamp binding motif in the region that corresponds to the β interaction site in Escherichia coli MutL, and a peptide corresponding to this site binds proliferating cell nuclear antigen. The current report also examines in detail the interaction of β with MutS. We find that two distinct regions of MutS interact with β. One is located near the C terminus and the other is close to the N terminus, within the mismatch binding domain. Complementation studies using genes encoding different MutS mutants reveal that the N-terminal β interaction motif on MutS is essential for activity in vivo, but the C-terminal interaction site for β is not. In light of these results, we propose roles for the β clamp in orchestrating the sequence of events that lead to mismatch repair in the cell.
Hydroxyurea for the treatment of sickle cell disease: Efficacy, barriers, toxicity, and management in children

Hydroxyurea is the only approved medication in the United States for the treatment of sickle cell anemia (HbSS) and is widely used in children despite an indication limited to adults. We review the evidence of efficacy and safety in children with reference to pivotal adult studies. This evidence and expert opinion form the basis for recommended guidelines for the use of hydroxyurea in children including indications, dosing, therapeutic and safety monitoring, and interventions to improve adherence. However, there are substantial gaps in our knowledge to be addressed by on-going and planned studies in children.
MRI findings of treated bacterial septic arthritis.

Introduction The purpose of this study was to report the MRI findings that can be encountered in successfully treated bacterial septic arthritis.
Homeodomain Proteins: Cooperating to be different

The product of the Drosophila extradenticle gene interacts cooperatively with homeodomain proteins encoded by homeotic selector genes, and may account in part for their distinct regulatory properties.
New continuous Stern-Gerlach effect and a hint of “the” elementary particle

First a Stern-Gerlach type experiment on a beam of electrons similar to Brillouin's 1927 proposal is discussed and shown to be feasible contrary to claims in the literature. Then thecontinuous Stern-Gerlach effect for an individual electron in classical oscillatory motion along the axis of a Penning trap is introduced. The analogy is developed between the classic Stern-Gerlach effect and the continuous one, in which a magnetic bottle replaces the constant field gradient and the place of the glass plate collecting the silver atoms is taken by a meter measuring the frequency of the axial oscillation. Quantum jumps observed with this apparatus in 1977 are exhibited, demonstrating the requirement of a finite time for collapse of the wave function, and the work has been recognized as an early quantum-non-demolitionexperiment. A plot of measuredg-factors vs normalized radius for triton, proton, and electron suggests a new, 104× smaller value for the electron radius, when our electrong-value determined by magnetic resonance and the continuous Stern-Gerlach effect is used. The plot further suggests a progression of ever smaller and heavier fermions until “the” elementary particle, the “cosmon”, is reached. It was formed, when in a random quantum jump the metastable vacuum dissociated into a lone “cosmon/anticosmon” pair, whose subsequent rapid breakup initiated the Big Bang.
On Individual Difference, Choice, Selection, and Complexity in Adoption Research

Abstract The silent confounds of the Main Effects Model as used in adoption research are individual difference driven self-selection and choice along with intermediary and birthparent selections. Two Chain-of-Choices Models -one for adoptive parents and one for birthparents and adoptees -are presented as possible frameworks within which to consider the role of individual differences, choices, and selections in understanding both the process of adoption and adoption outcomes. The article concludes with an extensive discussion of the research and practice implications which follow from the Chain-of-Choices Models and the emphasis on pre-existing individual differences.
MIDDLE MIOCENE RECOVERY OF CARIBBEAN REEF CORALS: NEW DATA FROM THE TAMANA FORMATION, TRINIDAD

Caribbean coral reef communities were restructured by episodes of accelerated biotic change during the late Oligocene/early Miocene and the late Pliocene/early Pleistocene. However, rigorous description of the effects of rapid biotic change is problematic because preservation and exposure of coral-bearing deposits is not consistent in all stratigraphic intervals. In the Caribbean, early and middle Miocene exposures are more rare than late Miocene and Pliocene exposures. One exception is the late early to early middle Miocene Tamana Formation of Trinidad, and old and new collections from this unit were studied to determine the timing of recovery after the Oligocene/Miocene transition. A total of 41 species of zooxanthellate corals were recovered from the unit, including 21 new records. Within these assemblages, species first occurrences outnumber species last occurrences by a factor of four (31 first occurrences and eight last occurrences). The extension of the stratigraphic ranges of species previously first recorded in Pliocene sediments has reduced an apparent Pliocene pulse of origination, indicating that the Pliocene/Pleistocene transition was largely a result of accelerated extinction against a background of near-constant origination. The fact that few species last occur in the Tamana fauna indicates that the Oligocene/Miocene transition was complete by the end of the early Miocene.
The lack of an effect of magnesium on the uptake of amino acids by the sea urchin Strongylocentrotus purpuratus

The effects of magnesium on the influx, net entry, and efflux of amino acids by larvae of the sea urchin Strongylocentrotus purpuratus were investigated. Kinetic studies revealed that the influx of alanine is not dependent on external magnesium. In addition, influx and net entry are equivalent, as determined by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), and are independent of ambient magnesium concentrations.
Genetic variation in the B7-1 gene in patients with multiple sclerosis.

Abstract Co-stimulation of T cells by B7-1, a protein that is expressed on antigen presenting cells, favors a T helper type1 (Th1) cellular response. Th1/Th2 bias may influence disease susceptibility or course of MS. We screened the entire coding sequence as well as the 5′- and 3′-untranslated regions of the B7-1 gene using a mutation scanning technique, dideoxyfingerprinting, in DNA from 111 patients with MS from Olmsted County, Minnesota. We identified five genetic variants. None alter protein structure nor have apparent functional significance. Selected variants of sufficient frequency were tested for an association with course and severity of MS and one was tested for an association with susceptibility; none of the association tests were positive.
Tandem Binding in Crystals of a Trp Repressor/Operator Half-Site Complex

THE crystal structure of trp represser tandemly bound in a 2:1 complex to a 16-base-pair palindromic DNA containing a central trp operator half-site has been determined and refined to 2.4 A resolution. Despite dramatically different DNA sequence contexts and crystallization conditions, the protein/DNA interface is essentially identical to that seen in the original trp represser/operator complex structure1. Water-mediated sequence recognition by trp represser is likely to be related to the unusual end-on approach of the recognition helix (E), which allows sharing of the major groove by tandem dimers. The tandem complex model accounts for the mutational sensitivity of all trp operator base pairs. The structure also provides the first detailed view of the tandem interaction, revealing a key role for the amino-terminal arms.
The effects of preparturient avoidance conditioning on postnatal caretaker behavior and offspring catecholamine levels and behavior in C57BL/6J mice

Avoidance conditioning during pregnancy, changes in caretaker behavior during lactation, and changes in offspring catecholamine levels and behavior were investigated in C57BL/6J mice. Three equal groups of mice were employed. One group was avoidance conditioned prior to pregnancy and continued to avoid shock during pregnancy; a 2nd group was avoidance conditioned during pregnancy; and the 3rd group served as untreated controls. Offspring were crossfostered after birth. During lactation the proportion of time the caretaker spent on the nest was observed. At weaning pups were individually housed. Offspring dopamine concentrations were measured in the corpus striatum at birth and at days 22 and 42 of age. Their performance was evaluated in the open field at Day 42 of age. The results showed that mice receiving avoidance conditioning prior to parturition were more likely to cannibalize their offspring at parturition than were control animals. Furthermore, preparturiently avoidance conditioned mice spent less time on the nest if they reared offspring from biological mothers who had been avoidance conditioned when compared to similarly treated caretakers who reared offspring from untreated control biological mothers. Regardless of postnatal experiences, adult offspring from avoidance conditioned biological mothers had significantly reduced levels of dopamine in tissue from the corpus striatum and were significantly less active in the open field when compared with offspring from control biological mothers. Behavioral results support the findings of others that the prenatal environment plays an important role in shaping the later behavior of offspring. The decrease in dopamine levels suggests that avoidance training as one form of psychosocial stimulation during pregnancy can be disruptive to the development of the dopamine regulatory mechanisms.
Federal Transfer Taxation: The Effect on Saving, Capital Accumulation, and Economic Dissipation

The federal government levies taxes on property transfers at death (the estate tax), during life (the gift tax), and to grandchildren or more remote descendants (the generation-skipping tax). Referred to collectively as “transfer taxes,” these taxes attract little interest in the public policy forum because they produce little revenue—only 1% of annual federal tax revenues, and because most Americans have no first-hand experience with transfer taxes. However, transfer taxes have significantly adverse economic effects that are grossly disproportionate to the tax revenues they generate. Transfer taxes penalize success and the creation of wealth. The adverse effects of transfer taxes on saving and capital formation, therefore, are costs imposed on society as a whole.
Correcting for nonlinear measurement errors in the dependent variable in the general linear model

Linear models are considered in which measurement error is present in the dependent variable. Observed values are related to true values via nonlinear regression models with the parameters in the measurement error models being estimated with the use of independent, external data, collected using standards. Pseudo-maximum likelihood estimators and their asymptotic properties are developed under normality assumptions and the common approach of simply analyzing imputed values obtained from the nestimated calibration curves is assessed. A small simulation evaluates the procedures. An example is presented in which urinary neopterin (measured via radioimmunoassay) is nbeing compared between two groups of individuals.
Arsenite and monomethylarsonous acid generate oxidative stress response in human bladder cell culture

Arsenicals have commonly been seen to induce reactive oxygen species (ROS) which can lead to DNA damage and oxidative stress. At low levels, arsenicals still induce the formation of ROS, leading to DNA damage and protein alterations. UROtsa cells, an immortalized human urothelial cell line, were used to study the effects of arsenicals on the human bladder, a site of arsenical bioconcentration and carcinogenesis. Biotransformation of As(III) by UROtsa cells has been shown to produce methylated species, namely monomethylarsonous acid [MMA(III)], which has been shown to be 20 times more cytotoxic. Confocal fluorescence images of UROtsa cells treated with arsenicals and the ROS sensing probe, DCFDA, showed an increase of intracellular ROS within five min after 1 microM and 10 microM As(III) treatments. In contrast, 50 and 500 nM MMA(III) required pretreatment for 30 min before inducing ROS. The increase in ROS was ameliorated by preincubation with either SOD or catalase. An interesting aspect of these ROS detection studies is the noticeable difference between concentrations of As(III) and MMA(III) used, further supporting the increased cytotoxicity of MMA(III), as well as the increased amount of time required for MMA(III) to cause oxidative stress. These arsenical-induced ROS produced oxidative DNA damage as evidenced by an increase in 8-hydroxyl-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-oxo-dG) with either 50 nM or 5 microM MMA(III) exposure. These findings provide support that MMA(III) cause a genotoxic response upon generation of ROS. Both As(III) and MMA(III) were also able to induce Hsp70 and MT protein levels above control, showing that the cells recognize the ROS and respond. As(III) rapidly induces the formation of ROS, possibly through it oxidation to As(V) and further metabolism to MMA(III)/(V). These studies provide evidence for a different mechanism of MMA(III) toxicity, one that MMA(III) first interacts with cellular components before an ROS response is generated, taking longer to produce the effect, but with more substantial harm to the cell.
In vitro characterization of an in situ microdialysis sampling assay for elastase activity detection.

Abstract A microdialysis sampling method has been developed to detect the in vitro presence of a proteolytic enzyme, porcine elastase, external to a microdialysis probe. Elastase converts the substrate, succinyl(Ala)3-p-nitroanilide (suc(Ala)3-p-NA), to p-nitroaniline (p-NA). The substrate, suc(Ala)3-p-NA, was locally delivered through the microdialysis probe to external solutions containing different elastase activities (0.025–0.5 units/mL). The product, p-NA, was recovered back into the probe. Dialysates containing both suc(Ala)3-p-NA and p-NA were quantified using HPLC–UV. Different microdialysis suc(Ala)3-p-NA extraction efficiencies (EE) were observed among different elastase-containing solutions (buffer and 0.3% agar solutions). The p-NA concentrations recovered back into the microdialysis probe correlated with the elastase activity external to the microdialysis probe. The greatest fraction of p-NA recovered as compared to substrate lost occurred with the highest flow rate used (5.0 μL/min). However, the highest concentrations of p-NA recovered occurred at the lowest flow rates. This method may allow for microdialysis sampling to be used as a means to study localized enzyme activity.
Interocular equivalence after optic nerve regeneration in goldfish

Abstract Goldfish were tested for interocular transfer of a monocularly learned pattern discrimination after optic nerve regeneration. Transfer was comparable to normals for fish trained either on the regenerated side or on the normal side. The results suggest correct connections of the regenerated optic nerve with interhemispheric commissural systems.
Mitotic centromeric targeting of HP1 and its binding to Sgo1 are dispensable for sister-chromatid cohesion in human cells

Human Shugoshin 1 (Sgo1) protects centromeric sister-chromatid cohesion during prophase and prevents premature sister-chromatid separation. Heterochromatin protein 1 (HP1) has been proposed to protect centromeric sister-chromatid cohesion by directly targeting Sgo1 to centromeres in mitosis. Here we show that HP1α is targeted to mitotic centromeres by INCENP, a subunit of the chromosome passenger complex (CPC). Biochemical and structural studies show that both HP1-INCENP and HP1-Sgo1 interactions require the binding of the HP1 chromo shadow domain to PXVXL/I motifs in INCENP or Sgo1, suggesting that the INCENP-bound, centromeric HP1α is incapable of recruiting Sgo1. Consistently, a Sgo1 mutant deficient in HP1 binding is functional in centromeric cohesion protection and localizes normally to centromeres in mitosis. By contrast, INCENP or Sgo1 mutants deficient in HP1 binding fail to localize to centromeres in interphase. Therefore, our results suggest that HP1 binding by INCENP or Sgo1 is dispensable for centromeric cohesion protection during mitosis of human cells, but might regulate yet uncharacterized interphase functions of CPC or Sgo1 at the centromeres.
Use of Bellani plate evaporimeters for estimation of pet

Abstract There is a need to understand better water budgets in hilly terrain and the potential evapotranspiration (PET) component as related to topography. Black and white Bellani plate evaporimeters were evaluated for suitability as a tool for obtaining weekly estimates of PET in remote areas with steep slopes. Polypropylene check valves were substituted for the Livingstone-Thone check valves and were superior for restricting water uptake during periods of extended rainfall. Assemblies were mounted in 500-ml Erlenmeyer flasks with screw-top closures which provided an adequate reservoir for weekly measurement and could be capped for transport to the laboratory for weighing. Black plate evaporation was more highly correlated with climate parameters than white plate evaporation, or USWB class A pan evaporation. Bellani plate evaporation was most highly correlated with an advective term calculated by multiplying the average vapor pressure deficit at 15.00 h by daily wind. Solar radiation was slightly less correlated to evaporation than the advection term. The two terms together gave a very good prediction of weekly evaporation. Black plate evaporimeters appear to be useful tools for estimating PET as a function of topography where rough terrain prohibits the use of USWB class A pans or lysimeters.
Mechanism of electrodeposition of silicon from K2SiF6-flinak

Abstract Cyclic voltammetry data for stationary and rotating electrodes are presented for electrodeposition of silicon from solutions of K 2 SiF 6 in the LiF/NaF/KF eutectic. It is concluded that electron transfer is the main rate-controlling mechanism but that solute diffusion cannot be neglected. The interface process is preceded by a chemical reaction, probably dissociation of polynuclear Si n F 2 n +2 complexes.
Guanylyl cyclase C prevents colon carcinoma cell metastasis

Background/Aims Of patients with colorectal cancer, >50% die from metastatic progression of their disease. A novel paradigm is emerging in which guanylyl cyclase C (GC-C), the intestinal receptor for the diarrheagenic heat-stable enterotoxin (ST), serves as a tumor suppressor. While the importance of GC-C in regulating tumor cell proliferation has been defined, its role in mechanisms underlying metastasis remains unexplored. Methods The role of ST and cGMP, the intracellular mediator of GC-C, in regulating key in vitro indices of metastasis, including cell spreading, actin polymerization, detachment from collagen substrates, and matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) activity was examined. The suitability of MMP-9 as a target for GC-C signaling in human colon tumors was confirmed, ex vivo, by RT-PCR employing laser capture microdissection and electron microscopy. Further, the impact of GC-C activation on the metastatic potential of human colon cancer cells was explored in vivo employing a murine model of lung metastasis. Results ST and cGMP negatively regulated all indices of metastasis examined, including tumor cell MMP-9 activity. Importantly, GC-C activation by ST remarkably reduced “seeding” of colon cancer cell metastases in mouse lung, in part, through an α3β1 integrin-dependent mechanism. Conclusions GC-C and its downstream effectors regulate the malignant progression of human colorectal tumors by inhibiting key processes underlying metastasis. Clinical Pharmacology & Therapeutics (2005) 77, P3–P3; doi: 10.1016/j.clpt.2004.11.016
Very-high-resolution two-dimensional gel electrophoresis of proteins using giant gels☆

Abstract An improved high-resolution two-dimensional gel system for separating complex protein mixtures is described that allows a threefold increase in the number of proteins detected. Like the original O'Farrell system, proteins are separated in the first dimension by isoelectric point and in the second dimension by size. The improved resolution results primarily from a 2.5-fold increase in the size of both dimensions. Although best resolution is obtained by application of 5 × 106 cpm, as much as 150 μg of protein may be applied without appreciable loss of resolution. Useful separations may be made with up to 1.5 mg. By doubling the thickness of both dimensions, as much as 3 mg of protein can be separated into 300–400 separate peaks.
Simulating the Effects of Cloud-Based Oversubscription on Datacenter Revenues and Performance in Single and Multi-class Service Levels

Rising trends in the number of customers turning to the cloud for their computing needs has made effective resource allocation imperative for cloud service providers. In order to maximize profits and reduce waste, providers have started to explore the role of oversubscribing cloud resources. However, the benefits of oversubscription in the cloud are not without inherent risks. This paper attempts to unveil the different incentives, risks, and techniques behind oversubscription in a cloud infrastructure. CloudSim is used to compare the generated revenue and performance of oversubscribed and non-oversubscribed datacenters. The idea of multi-class service levels used in other overbooked industries is implemented in simulations modeling a priority class of VMs that pay a higher price for better performance. Results show that oversubscription has the potential to increase datacenter revenue, but the benefit comes with the risk of degraded QoS.
Addressing the needs of young breast cancer survivors at the 5 year milestone: can a short-term, low intensity intervention produce change?

Background Today, the 5-year relative survival rate for cancer is 65% and there are 10.5 million survivors. The largest group of survivors are those of breast cancer. Reductions in mortality are occurring at a greater rate for women under age 50 at diagnosis than among older women.
On certain generalized matrix norms

Abstract Two methods of generating classes of generalized matrix norms are presented. Particular norms obtained in this manner are investigated in some detail.
A monoclonal antibody to human acute lymphoblastic leukaemia antigen

Previous studies by Greaves1 and others2–6 have demonstrated the existence of an antigen associated with cells from many patients with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) and some patients with chronic myelocytic leukaemia (CML) in blast crisis. Antisera to this common ALL antigen (CALLA) have been produced in rabbits and require extensive absorption which limits both the titre and quantity of antisera that can be generated and may result in variable specificity in different laboratories. The method for generation of specific antibody by somatic cell hybridisation introduced by Kohler and Milstein7 has been successfully used to produce monoclonal antibodies against various normal human cell-surface proteins, including β2 microglobulin8, histocompatibility antigens9, thymocyte and peripheral T-cell antigens10–12 and Ia-like antigens13. The present report describes the generation and characterisation of a monoclonal antibody specific for a common ALL antigen (CALLA) previously identified by conventional heteroantisera.
The vacillating mathematician: 1. Where does she end up?

The problem of a mathematician who walks from her home to her office and changes her mind repeatedly during this walk is discussed. Stochastic generalizations of this problem can be used to model many real-life situations.
An overview of approximation methods for large-scale dynamical systems

Abstract Methods for the approximation of large-scale dynamical systems will be surveyed. There are mainly two families namely, the SVD-based and Krylov-based approximation methods. The former family is based on the singular value decomposition and the second on moment matching. While the former has many desirable properties including an error bound, it cannot be applied to systems of high complexity. The strength of the latter on the other hand, is that it can be implemented iteratively and is thus appropriate for application to high complexity systems. An effort to combine the best attributes of these two families leads to a third class of approximation methods, which will be referred to as SVD/Krylov. Following a survey of these methods we will conclude with a new result concerning model reduction with preservation of passivity which is appropriate for application to large-scale circuits arising in VLSI chip performance verification.
Software project management audits-update and experience report

This paper describes software project management audits as they have been defined in the literature. It outlines the motivation for conducting such audits routinely, which differs markedly from earlier recommendations in the literature and outlines how an audit can be conducted efficiently, from both the points of view of the software project manager and the auditing team, using procedures that have not been previously published. Finally, it provides some data on concerns that were found during several audits in which the author has participated and recommends, based on the data, what issues project managers and project management auditors should focus on when planning projects and conducting audits in the future.
Aza analogues of nucleic acid constituents II. Crystal structures of 8-aza-diaminopurine sulphate monohydrate and 8-azahypoxanthine dihydrate

It is well established that aza analogues of purines, pyrimidines and their nucleosides possess significant but varying potency as anti-neoplastic agents (Montgomery et al, 1970). The 8-azapurines differ from the purines in having N (or NH) instead of CH adjacent to N(9), which is the site of the glycosidic bond in the corresponding nucleosides. It has been noted (Haschemeyer & Rich, 1967; Ward & Reich, 1969) that the presence of the hydrogen atom on the 8-position in a purine nucleoside restricts rotation around the glycosidic bond; in an 8-azapurine the 8-position may not be protonated owing to the facile tautomerism of the only proton available to the triazolo system. The absence of this proton might readily allow interconversion between the syn and anti conformations. Moreover, the perturbation of the electronic structure caused by the introduction of N(8) has an important effect on the
The role of philosophy of science in science teacher education

(1991). The role of philosophy of science in science teacher education. Journal of Science Teacher Education: Vol. 2, No. 3, pp. 67-71.
Modeling, design and fabrication of high-speed electro-optic modulators for MMW imaging

In this paper we present the modeling, design and fabrication of high-speed photonic modulators for use at high GHz, namely millimeter wave (MMW), frequencies based on the electro-optic materials, such as LiNbO 3 . To accurately design the traveling wave MMW modulators rigorous EM numerical tools are used to determine the propagation characteristics of both the optical and MMW waveguides. Extensive studies have been made to achieve an optimal design, which includes a close refractive index match between optical and MMW wave and a reduction of MMW propagation loss. The designed devices have been fabricated and tested with a modulation up to 135GHz.
Transcript-specific effects of adrenalectomy on seizure-induced BDNF expression in rat hippocampus.

Abstract Activity-induced brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) expression is negatively modulated by circulating adrenal steroids. The rat BDNF gene gives rise to four major transcript forms that each contain a unique 5′ exon (I–IV) and a common 3′ exon (V) that codes for BDNF protein. Exon-specific in situ hybridization was used to determine if adrenalectomy has differential effects on basal and activity-induced BDNF transcript expression in hippocampus. Adrenalectomy alone had only modest effects on BDNF mRNA levels with slight increases in exon III-containing mRNA with 7–10-day survival and in exon II-containing mRNA with 30-day survival. In the dentate gyrus granule cells, adrenalectomy markedly potentiated increases in exon I and II cRNA labeling, but not increases in exon III and IV cRNA labeling, elicited by one hippocampal afterdischarge. Similarly, for the granule cells and CA1 pyramidal cells, hilus lesion (HL)-induced recurrent limbic seizures elicited greater increases in exon I and II cRNA hybridization in adrenalectomized (ADX) as compared to adrenal-intact rats. In this paradigm, adrenalectomy modestly potentiated the increase in exon III-containing mRNA in CA1 but had no effect on exon IV-containing mRNA content. These results demonstrate that the negative effects of adrenal hormones on activity-induced BDNF expression are by far the greatest for transcripts containing exons I and II. Together with evidence for region-specific transcript expression, these results suggest that the effects of stress on adaptive changes in BDNF signalling will be greatest for neurons that predominantly express transcripts I and II.
Corneal indentation during ultrasonic pachometry.

PURPOSE This study attempted to determine whether the indentation of the cornea with an ultrasonic probe affects the corneal-thickness measurement. METHODS A solid-tip ultrasonic transducer was mounted into the spring arm of a standard Goldmann Applanation Tonometer. Five human subjects were studied. The visual axis of each cornea was marked with a corneal marker, and the ultrasonic transducer was placed on the visual axis. Corneal-thickness measurements were made during five tension settings of the tonometer: 0, 10, 20, 40, and 80. The R-F signals were received by using a 475 Textronix oscilloscope, and the thicknesses were digitally measured. RESULTS There was no trend for decreasing or increasing thickness measurements with increasing tension settings. CONCLUSION Corneal-thickness measurements by ultrasonic pachometry are not significantly affected by corneal indentation with the ultrasonic probe.
A promising new biologic prognostic model in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma.

In this issue of Blood , Perry et al show that immunohistochemical markers for the cell-of-origin and the microenvironment in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma delineate 2 groups with markedly different survival.[1][1] Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is the most common lymphoma in all countries