cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Rising Atmospheric Carbon Dioxide and Seed Yield of Soybean Genotypes

If intraspecific variation to rising atmospheric CO 2 exists in soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.]. such variation could be used to select for optimal, high-yielding cultivars. To quantify the range and determine the basis for variation in seed-yield with increasing CO 2 , eight ancestral and one modern soybean cultivar differing in determinacy, maturity group, and morphology were grown to reproductive maturity at two CO 2 partial pressures, 40 Pa (ambient) and 71 Pa (elevated). Experiments were replicated three times in temperature controlled glasshouses during 1998 and 1999. Although all cultivars showed a significant increase in seed yield with elevated CO 2 ,(∼40%) Mandarin, an ancestral indeterminate caltivar. showed a greater relative response of seed yield to increased CO 2 than did all other cultivars (∼80%). The observed variation in seed yield response to CO 2 was not correlated with any vegetative parameter. At maturity, significant correlations in the relative response of seed yield to CO 2 were observed for both pod weight per plant and seed weight from branches. The Inter observation suggests that the sensitivity of seed yield response to CO 2 was associated with plasticity in the ability to form new seed in axillary branches in a high CO 2 environment. Genotypic differences in the seed yield response among existing ancestral soybeans suggests that sufficient germplasm is availuble for breeders to begin selecting lines which maximize soybean yield in response to increasing atmospheric CO 2 .
Coexistence of antiferromagnetism and superconductivity in a mean-field theory of high-T c superconductors

We investigate a mean-field theory of the Hubbard model in the large on-site correlation limit, allowing for the possibility of a commensurate spin-density wave together with s- and d-wave-like superconductivity. As a function of t/U and band filling, the resulting phase diagram exhibits phases which are simultaneously superconducting and antiferromagnetic. We show that the superconducting order parameter goes to zero in the limit of a 1/2-filled Hubbard band. We comment on the possible relevance of these results to the newly discovered high-${T}_{c}$ superconductors.
Pilgram Marpeck, Tyrolese Engineer and Anabaptist Elder

Most of the early leaders of Anabaptism were martyred after a few months or years of activity. Two of the more outstanding exceptions are Menno Simons and Pilgram Marpeck, neither of whom is numbered among the founders of the Anabaptist movement, however. With Menno the world has long been familiar, and the group with which he united now bears his name. His writings in the original Dutch, or in German or English translation, are found in Mennonite homes in Holland, Germany, Switzerland, and America. But even Mennonites know little of Marpeck today. This is all the more remarkable in view of the fact that Marpeck labored among the south-German and Swiss Anabaptists, thus sustaining a more direct relationship to the main body of American Mennonites than does the Dutch Menno Simons. The persecution and oppression which the Swiss and south-German Mennonites long had to bear is responsible, at least in part, for the early disappearance of Marpeck's name among his followers. One may add that this was also the fate of Conrad Grebel, the founder of Swiss Anabaptism. Yet Marpeck was the greatest of the south-German and Swiss Anabaptist leaders, and well deserves a closer study.
Infra-red study of polymerisation in silver, thallium, and thallium aluminogermanate glasses

The infra-red spectra of silver germanate, thallium germanate, and thallium aluminogermanate glasses are presented for the 1100 cm−1 to 400 cm−1 region. The pseudo rare gas type Tl+ and Ag+ ions produce spectral shifts in binary germanate glasses that are similar to those reported for alkali ions. Differences for Tl+ may be due to its high atomic weight and polarising power. The infra-red spectral shifts observed for thallium aluminogermanate glasses are those expected if GeO6 octahedra disappear while AlO4 tetrahedra engage in network repair. A structurally sensitive technique for displaying ternary oxide glass infra-red spectra is outlined. This technique is capable of discerning different modes of network depolymerisation and polymerisation in ternary germanate and silicate glasses.
Conjugated and Unconjugated Plasma Androgens in Normal Children

Extract: Methods developed in this laboratory permit measurement of the androgens, testosterone (T), dehydroepiandrosterone (D), and androstenedione (Δ) on a 10-ml sample of plasma. We have determined concentrations of the unconjugated androgens (T, Δ, D) as well as of the sulfates of dehydroepiandrosterone (DS) and androsterone (AS) in the plasma of 85 healthy children of both sexes from birth through the age of 20 years. Our results are shown and summarized, along with those of other investigators. Testosterone was elevated in both sexes in the newborn as compared with the 1-8-year-old group. In contrast, sulfated androgens, with one exception, were undetectable early in life. In males, there was a marked rise in all androgens, especially T, in the 9-18-year-old group. The increase in plasma androgens occurred before clinical manifestations of increased androgens became evident. In females, there was only a modest increase in plasma androgens in the 9-18-year-old group except in the case of A which did not change. The greatest increases were in D, DS and AS. This is the first report of unconjugated androgen concentrations in the adolescent female. Speculation: Measurement of the plasma androgens will aid in evaluation of children with sexual infantilism or sexual precocity. The prepubertal rise in plasma testosterone in males may be accompanied by a higher level of plasma protein binding than that which is found after puberty becomes evident.
Programmable nanoscale domain patterns in multilayers

The pattern formation in systems with multiple layers of adsorbate molecules is studied. We consider the presence of two types of molecules in each layer, which are characterized by different dipole moments. The patterns are characterized by the non-uniform distribution of the two molecules. A phase field model is developed to simulate the molecular motion and patterning under the combined actions of dipole moments, intermolecular forces, entropy and external electric field. The study reveals self-alignment, pattern conformation and the possibility to reduce the domain sizes via a layer by layer approach. It is also shown that the pattern in a layer may define the roadway for molecules to travel on top of. This, combined with electrodes embedded in the substrate, gives a great deal of flexibility to guide the molecular motion and patterning.
To Build a Nation

urely one of the most difficult puzzles of contemporary public administration is how to build lasting institutions of government that will continue to fulfill their purposes from one generation to another. In recent decades, we have become accustomed to regime succession, the overthrow of one regime (sometimes with wrenching violence), and its substitution by another. The capabilities of the new rulers have varied, as has their commitment to democracy, rule of law, and constitutionalism. They have to feel their way in resolving the larger questions of form of government, legitimate use of power, balance of regions and ethnicities, relationships with neighbors, and economic policies. They also have to settle the more mundane questions of day-to-day administration of a working government.
In vivo expression technology and signature-tagged mutagenesis screens for identifying mechanisms of survival of zoonotic foodborne pathogens.

High-throughput genetic screens provide great insights into the biochemistry and molecular biology of how bacteria sense, respond to, and propagate within their environments. Genomics era techniques such as microarrays and proteomics have great potential to increase our understanding of how foodborne pathogens grow and survive within animal and human hosts, in the environment and foods, and during thermal and nonthermal inactivation protocols. While these techniques are incredibly useful for studying gene expression in simplified in vitro conditions, it is much more challenging to pursue similar studies within more complex experimental models such as in vivo, within the food matrix, or within heterogeneous microbial populations. Techniques such as in vivo expression technology (IVET) and signature-tagged mutagenesis (STM) provide alternatives for studying bacterial gene expression and growth requirements within these settings. These techniques are used extensively by the medical, veterinary, and plant res...
Bovine hepatic fructose 1,6-diphosphatase: β-glycerophosphate hydrolysis-evidence for a shared active site

Evidence is presented that highly purified preparations of d -fructose-1,6-diphosphatase exhibit β-glycerophosphatase activity. Circumstantial evidence suggests that the β-glycerophosphatase activity shares its active site with the neutral (pH 6.5) activity toward fructose 1,6-diphosphate. This evidence includes the correlation of β-glycerophosphatase activity with the neutral activity in six preparations, and similar responses of the two activities to the presence of 5'-AMP and to treatment with nagarse. In addition, fructose 1,6-diphosphate was found to inhibit glycerol release from β-glycerophosphate, while β-glycerophosphate competitively inhibited fructose 1,6-diphosphate hydrolysis at pH 9.0, indicating that the β-glycerophosphate activity site is functionally identical to the alkaline activity site. It is concluded that purified d -fructose-1,6-diphosphatase has three definable activities—neutral activity with fructose 1,6-diphosphate, alkaline activity with fructose 1,6-diphosphate, and the ability to dephosphorylate β-glycerophosphate. Evidence is presented that these three activities share a common active site.
The Berry Phase of a Slowly Varying Waveguide

A wavetrain in a slowly varying waveguide has, apart from the familiar dynamical phase or eikonal, an additional variation in phase which fixes the location of crests and troughs. This additional slow variation in phase is a multidimensional analogue of the Berry phase of an adiabatic quantum system. Both the quantum geometric phase and the additional variation in phase in a classical waveguide can be obtained from a variational principle based upon a slowly varying lagrangian.
The Horizontal Branches of Globular Clusters. II. The Color-Magnitude Diagram of NGC 6139

A color-magnitude diagram (CMD) has been constructed for the globular cluster NGC 6139 from V and I photometry. The broad sequences in this CMD are caused by variable interstellar reddening, and a gradient in reddening across the field was measured and removed from the data. From the color and shape of the giant branch, we obtain [Fe/H] = -1.71 ± 0.20 and a mean reddening of E(V-I) = 1.03 ± 0.04 [E(B-V) = 0.76 ± 0.03]. At the blue edge of the instability strip, the mean V magnitude of the horizontal branch is 17.9 ± 0.1. These measurements agree with some but not all previous ones. NGC 6139 has a very blue horizontal branch (HB), (B-R)/(B+V+R) = 0.91 ± 0.06, which appears to be unusually short in color extent compared with other clusters of its high central density and concentration, although additional observations are needed to confirm this. NGC 6139 lies in the inner regions of the Galaxy, but outside the Galactic bulge. Its [Fe/H], HB morphology, and kinematics are typical of other inner halo globular clusters.
Asthma and allergy: the emerging epithelium.

Thinking about how asthma and allergic diseases arise is undergoing several shifts. In 'Bedside to Bench', Clare M. Lloyd and Sejal Saglani examine how recent human studies are putting the focus on the epithelium as a major contributor to asthma. The findings shift the emphasis away from the T helper type 2 immune response, and call into question the utility of current animal models of the disease. Although asthma and other allergic disorders are known to have origins in infancy, some researchers are looking even earlier, to effects in utero and before conception. In 'Bench to Bedside', Catherine Hawrylowicz and Kimuli Ryanna highlight animal studies that outline some of the effects of the maternal environment, and they examine the potential implications for prevention of disease.
Use of a Preoperative Checklist Reduces Risk of Penile Prosthesis Infection

Purpose: Infection of a penile prosthesis is a devastating complication that necessitates the removal of all device components. Many aspects of preoperative and intraoperative infection prophylaxis practices have been examined but the specific relevant factors remain unknown. We determined whether use of a mandatory checklist of perioperative practices believed to reduce the risk of prosthesis infection would impact patient safety.Materials and Methods: We retrospectively reviewed men with erectile dysfunction who underwent penile prosthesis insertion. Only patients who had not previously undergone penile prosthesis surgery were included in the study. After an outbreak of infections, a mandatory checklist comprised of best infection prophylaxis practices was developed and was required for all subsequent implant surgeries. Patient cohorts were divided into 3 groups of baseline period, outbreak period and intervention period. Statistical analysis was performed using the chi-square test, Fisher's exact test ...
Annular pancreas in a toddler.

A 2-year-old girl presented to the emergency department with severe abdominal pain, bilious emesis, and elevated serum amylase and lipase levels. Abdominal MRI demonstrates an annular pancreas encircling a collapsed second portion of the duodenum (arrow) (Fig. 1). An MRCP demonstrates the duct of the annular pancreas (arrow), main pancreatic duct (arrowhead) and a dilated common bile duct (dotted arrow) (Fig. 2). Abnormal fusion of the ventral pancreatic bud to the duodenum is believed to cause annular pancreas. Tethering
Comparison of the August-September 1991 and 1979 surface partial pressure of CO2 distribution in the Equatorial Pacific Ocean near 150°W

The partial pressure of CO2 (pCO2) in the surface seawater and marine air from 17°S to 22°N near 151°W (WOCE leg P-16c) during the period from August 31 to September 29, 1991, were measured continually. The surface seawater pCO2 showed large latitudinal variation with a maximum of 425 μatm near the equator. These results are compared with pCO2 measurements in 1979, in the same area and same months. The short-scale (temporal and spatial) variations in surface seawater pCO2 (±6.1 μatm) do not allow us to unequivocally quantify the variation in ΔpCO2 (pCO2sea − pCO2air) between the years 1979 and 1991 due to oceanic uptake of fossil fuel CO2. However, the data suggest that this ocean area might be a stronger source of CO2 for the atmosphere than may be expected from results of ocean models.
Singular Value Decomposition Analysis and Canonical Correlation Analysis

Abstract The goal of singular value decomposition analysis (SVD) and canonical correlation analysis (CCA) is to isolate important coupled modes between two geophysical fields of interest. In this paper the relationship between SVD and CCA is clarified. They should be considered as two distinct methods (possibly) suitable for answering two different questions. Some problems associated with interpreting results of both SVD and CCA are discussed. Both methods have a high potential to produce spurious spatial patterns. Caution is always called for in interpreting results from either method.
PASSAGE OF COXSACKIE VIRUS (CONNECTICUT-5 STRAIN) IN ADULT MICE WITH PRODUCTION OF PANCREATIC DISEASE

1. With Conn.-5 strain of Coxsackie virus, pancreatic disease can be regularly produced in adult mice. 2. The lesions consist of widespread necrosis, followed by repair; there occurs more or less complete loss of glandular acini, with fatty or fibrous replacement. The islands of Langerhans and pancreatic ducts persist. 3. Injection of virus suspensions by the intraperitoneal, subcutaneous, intramuscular, or intracerebral route is followed by selective necrosis of the pancreas. 4. The liver, in the earlier stages of the disease, is the seat of fat infiltration. There may be necrosis of individual hepatic cells, but the diffuse hepatitis described in suckling mice does not occur. In the later stages of the disease, the liver is not significantly altered. 5. Localized areas of fat necrosis, scattered through intra-abdominal adipose tissue, are usually present in the acute phase of the disease. These undergo fibrosis without calcification. 6. No lesions have been found in the skeletal muscle, even at the site of intramuscular injection. Central nervous system, heart, lungs, and peripheral fat lobules show no lesions comparable to those described in suckling mice. 7. Multiplication of virus takes place in the pancreas. Serial passage in adult mice, by injection of pancreas suspensions prepared from organs removed on the 4th day after infection, is readily accomplished. Five consecutive passages in adult mice have thus far been carried out. Pancreas suspension from 4th passage material produced typical disease in suckling mice when diluted 10–6. No virus could be demonstrated in pancreas obtained 25 days after inoculation. 8. Complete protection against the pancreatic disease is obtained when the virus is neutralized, before injection, with Conn.-5 antiserum. Normal mouse serum and antiserum against the Ohio-R strain of Coxsackie virus have no protective effect. 9. Mice surviving the initial necrotizing effect of the virus, develop chronic pancreatic insufficiency. This is manifested by extreme weight loss—in some cases, 40 per cent or more of the body weight—and by hypoproteinemia, sometimes leading to anasarca. 10. The substitution of fox-chow which has been predigested with hog pancreas brings about a restoration of weight. 11. The possibility is considered that similar lesions of the pancreas in human beings may be due to virus infection.
Protection against filovirus infection: virus-like particle vaccines

Significant progress has been made in vaccine development against infection by Ebola and Marburg viruses, members of the Filoviridae, which cause severe hemorrhagic fevers in humans with no effective treatment and a mortality rate of up to 90%. Several vaccine strategies have been shown to effectively protect immunized animals against filovirus infection. Among these candidate vaccine strategies, virus-like particles represent a promising approach and have been shown to protect small laboratory animals as well as nonhuman primates against lethal challenge by Ebola and/or Marburg viruses. This review briefly summarizes filovirus epidemiology and pathogenesis, and focuses on the discussion of recent advances in filovirus vaccine development and the current understanding of protective immune responses against filovirus infection with an emphasis on the progress and challenge of filovirus virus-like particle vaccine development.
RECOIL MOMENTUM DISTRIBUTION IN ELECTRON PAIR PRODUCTION

Electron pair production by a very energetic photon in the field of a particle of arbitrary mass (in particular in the fields of an electron and a nucleus) was studied following the work of Borsellino. The distribution of recoil momenta q was calculated for q of order of the electron mass and it is shown that the recoil distribution is independent of the mass of the recoil particle if appropriate variables are used. It is also explicitly shown that the mass of the recoil particle does not make any difference in the recoil distribution for very small q (of order q/sub min/). The total cross section must therefore be independent of the mass of the recoil particle in the bigh- energy limit, as previously stated by Borsellino. The Wheeler-Lamb result for pair production in the field of a bound electron was also justified. The results also describe the electromagnetic production of any fermion pair if certain restrictions are satisfied. (auth)
A Framework for Comprehensive Evaluation of the Individualized Education Program (IEP)

This article describes an Evaluation Framework that allows for comprehensive evaluation of the Individualized Education Program (IEP). Within the Framework, IEP evaluation is seen as a multifaceted process, undertaken by an IEP evaluator, in order to provide evaluation information to IEP planners and implementers on various aspects of the IEP. Thus, through the systematic use of the Framework, information is obtained about the design of the IEP by means of an evaluability assessment; information about the operations of the IEP by means of a process evaluation; information about the outcome of the IEP by means of an outcome evaluation; and information about the usefulness of the IEP by means of a consumer evaluation. The discussion focuses on appropriate utilization of each evaluation strategy. In addition, several potential problems related to implementation of the Evaluation Framework are highlighted and suggestions are offered for their resolution.
Museum programming and mood: Participant responses to an object-based reminiscence outreach program in retirement communities

Background: Previous research suggests that group reminiscence offers psychosocial benefits, but studies have focused on multi session programs. This study examines mood changes related to a single-session object-based museum outreach reminiscence program. Methods: Twelve independent-living retirement communities, with 114 total participants, participated. A pre-test/post-test design was used to collect survey data, and a repeated-measures t-test, linear regression and logistic regression were used to analyze the data. Results: Mood scores were found to be significantly higher after the program, and mood changes were significantly related to participants' interest in the program's topic. Findings related to participant reactions and survey administration were also presented. Conclusions: The results of this study support the use of object-based reminiscence in museum outreach to retirement communities, suggesting it may have significant short-term impact on mood. The findings also suggest that it is impor...
Rietveld refinement of crystal chemistry of RBa4Cu3O8.5+δ (R=rare earth)

Abstract Rietveld refinements of X-ray powder diffraction data were performed on RBa 4 Cu 3 O 8.5+ δ (R143) compounds, where R=Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, and Yb, to determine their oxygen content and distribution, lattice parameter, and space group. The total oxygen content was found to oscillate with the atomic number of the rare earth elements. The compounds with R having even atomic numbers have higher total oxygen content than those with R having odd atomic numbers. With increasing atomic number of the rare earth element, the oxygen distribution on the O3 and O4 sites changes from uniform (e.g. Sm143) to primarily on the O3 sites. The lattice parameter decreases smoothly with increasing atomic number, which is caused by the monotonic decease in the ionic radii of the rare earth elements. However, the ionic radius does not have significant influence of the total oxygen contents. The refinement also revealed that the correct space group of Sm143 and Eu143 and P2 3 and Pm 3 , respectively.
Genomic analyses of microbial virulence

Genomic sequencing of bacterial pathogens is providing an increasing wealth of new data. It is, however, still unclear how this information can be used to develop new experimental approaches. Here, we describe recent efforts to complement existing bacterial genetics with genomic methods for the study of pathogenesis.
PM: A New Deal in Journalism 1940-1948

This book is the story of PM, an upstart New York tabloid newspaper, that from 1940 to 1948 unashamedly and outspokenly championed the causes of minorities, workers, and downtrodded, and the disfranchised. Throughout its eight-year life, PM maintained a circulation of 150,000. It crusaded against crass materialism and isolationism, advocated the continuation of New Deal policies, and strove to build anti-fascist alliances. The tabloid also gained its reputation by revolutionizing the use of photography and graphics, breaking an industry boycott by printing daily news of radio programming, focusing on consumer news, and rejecting all paid advertising to avoid compromising its views. Its influence did not die with its last issue, however. In the sixties, PM was seen as a model for several upstart counterculture publications, and many of its stylistic innovations can be found in current newspapers, including the New York Times.
SU-FF-T-105: Clinical Implementation of a Sector-Integration Method for Calculating Electron Output Factors

Purpose: To develop a spreadsheet that enables a physicist or dosimetrist to quickly determine electron‐beam cutout factors for irregularly‐shaped apertures. Method and Materials: Cutouts with circular apertures from 10cm to 1cm diameter were fabricated to fit inside a 10×10cm electron applicator. The cutout factor for each was measured for five electron energies at two depths (dmax and R90). A polynomial fit to the data yielded the cutout factor as a function of aperture radius for each energy‐depth combination. A spreadsheet was written that estimates the cutout factor for an irregularly‐shaped cutout by dividing the cutout into sectors, calculating the cutout factor for each sector, and taking the average. Results: The spreadsheet was tested using 10 electron cutouts from actual patient treatments. For each cutout, the cutout factor was measured for all five energies at both depths. The spreadsheet was used to estimate the cutout factor for each cutout at each energy and depth. We determined that 16 sectors were sufficient for a quality result. Except for cases where the cutout was especially narrow and concave, the spreadsheet estimated the cutout factor to within 1% of the measured value. Conclusion: The spreadsheet correctly estimated the cutout factor for most clinical situations, and took only a few minutes to use. Using this spreadsheet reduces the need for the physicist to measure the cutout factor directly, which can be a considerable time savings. It also removes any need to use less‐accurate approximations.
An Improved Fractionation Procedure for the Bioassay-Directed Chemical Analysis of Ambient Air Particulate Extracts.

Methodologies have been developed for the efficient extraction and fractionation of organic components present inambient air particulate matter. A protocol of ultrasonic solvent extraction, solvent exchange, and solid-phase extraction (SPE) results in five organic fractions which account for more than 95% of the mass of the dichloromethane (DCM) extractable organic components. These fractionated samples are amenable to subsequent bioassay studies and identification of potentially toxic compounds. A National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) ambient "Air Particles" sample (SRM 1649) was used to help validate this procedure. The unoxidized lubricating oil, polymeric components (Mw/Mn=4700/1300) and hydrated inorganic salts were effectively separated from the polar organic compound fractions. The recovery of mutagenic activity for the fractionation procedure was 72 and 78% (with and without S9 activation enzymes) using a TA98 Salmonella typhimurium microsuspension bioassay. Further analysis shows that the chemical integrity of the extract is maintained using this fractionation procedure.
Modulation of cisplatin cytotoxicity by permeabilization of the plasma membrane by digitonin in vitro

Killing of human ovarian carcinoma 2008 cells by cisplatin (DDP) is in direct proportion to the amount of drug entering the cell. DDP and its analogue [3H]dichloro(ethylenediamine)platinum[II] ([3H]-DEP) enter cells relatively slowly. We found that the uptake of [3H]DEP into 2008 cells could be increased by treating the cells briefly with the plasma membrane-selective detergent digitonin. A similar effect was observed in an 11-fold DDP-resistant subline of 2008 cells, designated 2008/C13*5.25. A measurable effect was produced by concentrations as low as 5 microM, and 40 microM digitonin increased [3H]DEP accumulation at 1 hr by 4.4 +/- 0.2- and 6.5 +/- 0.7-fold (means +/- SD) in 2008 and 2008/C13*5.25 cells, respectively. The effect was rapid, occurring within 1 min. Increased [3H]DEP uptake was accompanied by increased platination of DNA (8.5-fold in 2008 cells and 18.5-fold in 2008/C13*5.25 cells), and by enhanced killing of both the DDP-sensitive and -resistant cells that was shown to be synergistic by median effect analysis. The combination index at 50% cell kill was 0.64 +/- 0.14 (values < 1 indicate synergy). We conclude that a brief exposure to digitonin can increase [3H]DEP uptake in vitro, and can overcome the impaired [3H]DEP accumulation associated with acquired DDP resistance. DDP and digitonin interact synergistically to increase tumor cell kill in vitro.
Practical Methods for Shape Fitting and Kinetic Data Structures using Coresets

The notion of e-kernel was introduced by Agarwal et al. (J. ACM 51:606–635, 2004) to set up a unified framework for computing various extent measures of a point set P approximately. Roughly speaking, a subset Q⊆P is an e-kernel of P if for every slab W containing Q, the expanded slab (1+e)W contains P. They illustrated the significance of e-kernel by showing that it yields approximation algorithms for a wide range of geometric optimization problems. We present a simpler and more practical algorithm for computing the e-kernel of a set P of points in ℝ d . We demonstrate the practicality of our algorithm by showing its empirical performance on various inputs. We then describe an incremental algorithm for fitting various shapes and use the ideas of our algorithm for computing e-kernels to analyze the performance of this algorithm. We illustrate the versatility and practicality of this technique by implementing approximation algorithms for minimum enclosing cylinder, minimum-volume bounding box, and minimum-width annulus. Finally, we show that e-kernels can be effectively used to expedite the algorithms for maintaining extents of moving points.
Prevalence of Gross Pathological Abnormalities in Estuarine Fishes

Abstract Gross external pathological abnormalities are frequently used as indicators of anthropogenic influence in estuarine and marine waters, but little baseline information is available to identify what constitutes normal prevalences (percentages of animals affected). To establish this baseline, trawl samples were collected from 120 randomly located estuarine sites in the Virginian biogeographic province (mid-Atlantic) in 1990 and from 220 randomly located sites in the Louisianian biogeographic province (Gulf Coast) in 1991 and 1992. Sediment contaminant concentrations were measured at each site. In all, 24,291 fish representing 143 species were examined for gross pathological abnormalities, and background prevalences were estimated to be 0.5% in midAtlantic and 0.7% in Gulf Coast estuaries. Fifteen types of gross abnormalities were noted. Skin lesions were the most prevalent abnormalities in both provinces, followed by ocular abnormalities (e.g., exophthalmia, keratitis) in the Virginian Province and ...
RUSSIAN: A LINGUISTIC INTRODUCTION

RUSSIAN: A LINGUISTIC INTRODUCTION. Paul Cubberley. New York: Cambridge University Press, 2002. Pp. xvi + 380. $70.00 cloth, $25.00 paper.The author intended this book to be an “overall linguistic view of the [Russian] language” that would “provide the understanding of its structure which is essential for potential teachers and specialist users” (p. 9). His attempt to write a work that would appeal to students and teachers of Russian as well as to linguists was successful. The latter will appreciate Cubberley's thorough description of the language; in addition to the standard chapters on phonology, morphology, and word formation, there are detailed sections on the history of Russian (from Indo-European to the present), syntax (often included as part of morphology in descriptions of Russian), Russian dialects, and sociolinguistics (including current trends and predictions for future developments). For those who do not know Russian, all examples are transliterated and glossed. This book will interest any specialist looking for a solid one-volume introduction to Russian.
Mechanism-based inactivation of porphobilinogen synthase: Substitution of ketone functionality in the substrate with a thioester

Abstract The thioester (5) was found to inactivate the enzyme porphobilinogen synthase. Replacement of the ketone functionality in aminolevulinic acid (ALA), shown to be involved in Schiff-base linkage with an active site lysine residue, by a thioester moiety was found to result in loss of enzyme activity. A plausible mode of inactivation is proposed.
The controversy over fear arousal in AIDS prevention and lessons from Uganda.

As one of the original four reviewers of Green and Witte's paper, I was invited by the journal to provide comments. Because the other two commentators have rather comprehensively, and quite reasona...
A boundary element based methodology for modeling and simulation of Lab-on-Chip devices

This paper combines lumped circuits, electromagnetic and fluidic models in order to predict dielectrophoretic and fluidic traction forces for biochips. The boundary element method (BEM) is used for solving both electromagnetic (EM) and fluidic domain problems. A coupled circuit-EM methodology is used to model electrical excitations. The resulting simulator accurately predicts the force fields on arbitrarily-shaped bio-species. This integrated computational tool enables the exploration of new design ideas for microfluidic Lab-on-chip devices.
Fast affine projection adaptation algorithms featuring stable symmetric positive-definite linear system solvers

This paper proposes two patent-pending stable approaches to solve a symmetric positive-definite linear system associated with the fast affine projection (FAP) adaptation algorithm. The first approach can provide an exact solution at a relatively high complexity. The second, based on a novel reciprocating recursion algorithm, gives a reasonable approximate solution at a very low complexity. Simulations show that FAP algorithms incorporating these approaches are stable and well-performing, and therefore are practical.
Energy management for time-critical energy harvesting wireless sensor networks

As Cyber-Physical Systems (CPSs) evolve they will be increasingly relied on to support time-critical monitoring and control activities. Further, many CPSs that utilize Wireless Sensor Networking (WSN) technologies require energy harvesting methods to extend their lifetimes. For this important system class, there are currently no effective approaches that balance system lifetime with system performance under both normal and emergency situations. To address this problem, we present a set of Harvesting Aware Speed Selection (HASS) algorithms. We use an epoch-based architecture to dynamically adjust CPU frequencies and radio transmit speeds of sensor nodes, hence regulate their power consumption. The objective is to maximize the minimum energy reserve over any node in the network, while meeting application's end-to-end deadlines. Through this objective we ensures highly resilient performance under emergency or fault-driven situation. Through extensive simulations, we show that our algorithms yield significantly higher energy reserves than the approaches without speed and power control.
A systems theory with retroactivity: Application to transcriptional modules

In standard control systems theory, a system is modeled as an input/output (I/O) module with internal dynamics. This implicitly assumes that the dynamics of a module do not change when the module is connected to other components. However, such an assumption is not realistic in a wide number of electrical, hydraulic, mechanical, and biological systems. We thus propose a new model that incorporates signals that travel from downstream to upstream, which we broadly call retroactivity. We quantify such a retroactivity in transcriptional components and show how to attenuate its effect by the design of insulation devices.
Pharmacy Practice in Virginia in 2011

Background:Opportunities for pharmacy practice reform exist at state and national levels. The Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) School of Pharmacy created a working group to assess these opportunities with a mission to advance pharmacy practice in Virginia.Objectives:To assess the perceptions of chronic and acute care pharmacy practice and confidence in providing patient care and medication therapy management (MTM) activities and characterize current work activities of pharmacists in Virginia.Methods:A cross-sectional, online survey was used. VCU School of Pharmacy pharmacist preceptors, students, and faculty members were eligible. The questionnaire contained items that assessed perceptions of chronic and acute care pharmacy practice and confidence in patient care and MTM activities. Demographic and practice site characteristics were also collected.Results:A total of 974 preceptors, 515 students, and 78 faculty members were invited to participate, and 335 preceptors, 155 students, and 41 faculty memb...
DISTAL PHALANX FRACTURES IN HORSES: A Survey of 274 Horses with Radiographic Assessment of Healing in 36 Horses

The case records of 274 horses with fractures of the distal phalanx were reviewed. Fifty-two horses had bilateral forelimb fractures, for a total of 326 distal phalanx fractures. The fractures were classified into one of five previously described types, based on the radiographic anatomic configuration of the fracture. Solar margin fractures, which have been briefly described in other reports and previously classified as type V fractures, were identified in 132 horses. This type of fracture is distinct from other distal phalanx fractures. Due to the high incidence of solar margin fractures, these fractures were classified as a separate type (type VI). Follow-up radiographic examinations to assess fracture healing were available for 36 horses. Twenty-two horses with distal phalanx fractures (three type I, nine type II, two type III, one type IV, one type V, and six type VI) had radiographic evidence of complete bony union of the fracture at a mean of 11 months after injury. Eight horses with complete type II fractures involving the articular surface had bony union of the body and solar margin, but not the subchondral bone at the articular surface, a mean of 11 months after injury. Six horses (four type II and two type IV) had little radiographic evidence of bony healing during the follow-up period. All fractures that eventually healed had evidence of progression toward bony union by 6 months after injury.
Diabetic hyperglycaemia activates CaMKII and arrhythmias by O-linked glycosylation

Ca(2+)/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII) is an enzyme with important regulatory functions in the heart and brain, and its chronic activation can be pathological. CaMKII activation is seen in heart failure, and can directly induce pathological changes in ion channels, Ca(2+) handling and gene transcription. Here, in human, rat and mouse, we identify a novel mechanism linking CaMKII and hyperglycaemic signalling in diabetes mellitus, which is a key risk factor for heart and neurodegenerative diseases. Acute hyperglycaemia causes covalent modification of CaMKII by O-linked N-acetylglucosamine (O-GlcNAc). O-GlcNAc modification of CaMKII at Ser 279 activates CaMKII autonomously, creating molecular memory even after Ca(2+) concentration declines. O-GlcNAc-modified CaMKII is increased in the heart and brain of diabetic humans and rats. In cardiomyocytes, increased glucose concentration significantly enhances CaMKII-dependent activation of spontaneous sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca(2+) release events that can contribute to cardiac mechanical dysfunction and arrhythmias. These effects were prevented by pharmacological inhibition of O-GlcNAc signalling or genetic ablation of CaMKIIδ. In intact perfused hearts, arrhythmias were aggravated by increased glucose concentration through O-GlcNAc- and CaMKII-dependent pathways. In diabetic animals, acute blockade of O-GlcNAc inhibited arrhythmogenesis. Thus, O-GlcNAc modification of CaMKII is a novel signalling event in pathways that may contribute critically to cardiac and neuronal pathophysiology in diabetes and other diseases.
Endotoxin-mediated nitric oxide synthesis inhibits IL-1β gene transcription in ANA-1 murine macrophages

On the basis of previous work demonstrating nitric oxide (NO)-mediated inhibition of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) DNA binding, we hypothesized that NO downregulates NF-κB-dependent interleukin-1β (IL-...
E-commerce privacy and trust: Overview and foundation

The proliferation of the Internet has given rise to electronic commerce or e-commerce. Each year consumer privacy becomes more of an issue. There are a number of actions that online merchants can take to give a sense of security to their customers in addition to actions that consumers can take to ensure their own privacy. This review is an overview of the issues found in the e-commerce literature and is provided as a foundation for future research regarding the issues of privacy and trust in e-commerce.
Design and Fabrication of the ISTAR Direct-Connect Combustor Experiment at the NASA Hypersonic Tunnel Facility

The Integrated Systems Test of an Airbreathing Rocket (ISTAR) project was a flight demonstration project initiated to advance the state of the art in Rocket Based Combined Cycle (RBCC) propulsion development. The primary objective of the ISTAR project was to develop a reusable air breathing vehicle and enabling technologies. This concept incorporated a RBCC propulsion system to enable the vehicle to be air dropped at Mach 0.7 and accelerated up to Mach 7 flight culminating in a demonstration of hydrocarbon scramjet operation. A series of component experiments was planned to reduce the level of risk and to advance the technology base. This paper summarizes the status of a full scale direct connect combustor experiment with heated endothermic hydrocarbon fuels. This is the first use of the NASA GRC Hypersonic Tunnel facility to support a direct-connect test. The technical and mechanical challenges involved with adapting this facility, previously used only in the free-jet configuration, for use in direct connect mode will be also described.
Performance Portability with the Chapel Language

It has been widely shown that high-throughput computing architectures such as GPUs offer large performance gains compared with their traditional low-latency counterparts for many applications. The downside to these architectures is that the current programming models present numerous challenges to the programmer: lower-level languages, loss of portability across different architectures, explicit data movement, and challenges in performance optimization. This paper presents novel methods and compiler transformations that increase programmer productivity by enabling users of the language Chapel to provide a single code implementation that the compiler can then use to target not only conventional multiprocessors, but also high-throughput and hybrid machines. Rather than resorting to different parallel libraries or annotations for a given parallel platform, this work leverages a language that has been designed from first principles to address the challenge of programming for parallelism and locality. This also has the advantage of providing portability across different parallel architectures. Finally, this work presents experimental results from the Parboil benchmark suite which demonstrate that codes written in Chapel achieve performance comparable to the original versions implemented in CUDA on both GPUs and multicore platforms.
Medical Care in the Last Twelve Months of Life: The Relation between Age, Functional Status, and Medical Care Expenditures

Medical care expenditures of a group of decedents during their last year of life suggest that high-technology medical services may be allocated most rationally than is generally assumed. Patients who received intensive hospital and physician services were largely the "young old," aged 65 to 79 years with good functional status, while the frail "older old," aged 80 years and over, received largely supportive care. Total care expenses of the older old were only slightly below those of the most expensive decedents, however, as expenses for nursing home and home health care more than offset lower medical service expenses. Further studies are needed before concluding that the major cause of high costs at teh end of life is the inappropriate use of high-technology care.
N-3 Fatty Acids Priority for Post-Myocardial Infarction Clinical Trials

Alarge body of data points to potential benefits of N-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids in reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD).1 Available data suggest that higher intakes of N-3 fatty acids will reduce various forms of CVD, especially sudden cardiovascular death. These data derive from laboratory animal studies, epidemiological data, metabolic studies, and smaller clinical trials. The literature also contains other evidence that N-3 fatty acids may help to prevent or treat several non-cardiovascular diseases. This editorial nonetheless will limit itself to the cardiovascular system. See p 1852 N-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids are principally of 2 types: (1) a long-chain, 18-carbon atom fatty acid with 3 double bonds (α-linolenic acid), and (2) very long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids of 20 carbon atoms and 5 double bonds (eicosapentaenoic acid [EPA]) and of 22 carbon atoms and 6 double bonds (docosahexaenoic acid [DHA]). α-linolenic acid comes largely from plant oils; the primary sources of EPA and DHA are fish oils. The human body can convert a portion of dietary α-linolenic acid into EPA and DHA. The latter are labeled “essential” fatty acids because they are required for normal development and function of the retina and brain. Most putative health benefits of N-3 fatty are thought to derive from EPA and DHA. Nonetheless, adequate intakes of α-linolenic acid allow for formation of enough EPA and DHA to meet normal requirements. N-3 fatty acids undoubtedly modify biochemical function in many systems.1–7 They enter membrane phospholipids and may alter membrane function there. They decrease the arachidonic acid content of cell membranes, which reduces eicosanoid production. Consequently, N-3 fatty acids can inhibit the synthesis of proinflammatory cytokines, eg, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1 (IL-1), and IL-2; these in turn may destabilize atherosclerotic lesions. Moreover, N-3 fatty acids reduce aggregational properties of blood platelets, thereby …
System behaviour of wood truss assemblies

Summary Wood truss assemblies are widely used in light frame construction all over the world. Although the volume of literature on single trusses and joints is relatively huge, the system behaviour of truss assemblies has received only limited attention. The main approach to take into account the system behaviour of an assembly is to use a system factor in the design of single trusses. However, technical advances now make it possible to analyse and design these complex assemblies as systems using three-dimensional structural analysis programs, thereby including the system effect directly. This paper presents an overview of previous research on system behaviour of truss assemblies and recommends a system design approach to designing truss assemblies.