cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Dissociation of hippocampal and entorhinal function in associative learning: A computational approach

Unsupervised stimulus-stimulus redundancy compression, one component of Gluck and Myers’s (1993) representational theory of the hippocampal-region function, could emerge from the anatomy and physiology of the entorhinal cortex. This hypothesis is suggested by a physiologically and anatomically realistic model of the entorhinal cortex derived from a similar model of the olfactory cortex previously proposed by Ambros-Ingerson, Granger, and Lynch (1990). To the extent that entorhinal function can survive damage strictly limited to the hippocampal formation (the H lesion), this has implications for interpreting the behavioral consequences of lesions which either do or do not spare overlying cortical areas. In particular, we expect that the H lesion should not interrupt stimulus-stimulus redundancy compression, thereby sparing conditioning behaviors, such as latent inhibition, which are eliminated by broader (H++) lesions to the hippocampal region. However, such other behaviors as the context sensitivity of latent inhibition and of learned responses are expected to be affected by the H lesion. These predictions are consistent with empirical data. The theory also leads to several novel predictions for behavioral comparisons of intact, H-lesioned, and H++-lesioned animals on tasks such as sensory preconditioning, compound preconditioning, and easy-hard transfer. A major theme of this paper is to illustrate how a bottom-up model of cortical processing can be integrated with a top-down model of hippocampal-region function to yield a more complete mapping from physiology to behavior.
Medicine and the Control of Reproduction

The development of technology makes it possible for us to make choices about reproduction which were not in our power a short time ago. New technologies for controlling fertility, for detecting genetic abnormalities, and for detecting fetal defects in utero raise the possibility of making choices about the quantity and quality of the next generation. This possibility forces on us questions not only about what decisions ought to be made but also about who should make them. This paper will examine the moral claims of prospective parents, health professionals, future generations, and the society in general to have a say or have their interests considered in such decisions.
Too Many Cooks: Coalitions and the Outcome of Interstate War ♦

Almost one quarter of all interstate conflicts are multilateral, with the majority of these having a coalition of states fighting on at least one side. However, current theories of war outcome are dominated by dyadic explanations which ignore the contribution of coalitions. While popular opinion views coalitions as ineffective in waging war, these criticisms overlook many advantages to fighting as part of a coalition. While coalitions often do have problems, the strengths of fighting together outweigh the cost, making coalitions more likely to win wars. Empirical examination of war outcomes between 1816 and 1997 confirms this hypothesis; coalitions are almost three times more likely to win the wars they fight when compared to states fighting outside of a coalition. Further, as command and control becomes more centralized, allowing greater coordination between coalition members, the odds of victory greatly increase.
Staphylococcal β-Hemolysin I. Purification of β-Hemolysin

The purification of staphylococcal beta-hemolysin was accomplished by the successive use of three protein fractionation methods. The first method employed was a double precipitation with the use of ammonium sulfate at 65% saturation. The second phase of purification used Sephadex G-100 column fractionation. The third phase utilized either carboxymethyl cellulose or diethylaminoethyl cellulose fractionation. The last two fractionation methods both resulted in the separation of a relatively high concentration of cationic hot-cold lysin and a low concentration of anionic hot-cold lysin. Because of the low concentration of the anionic component, its purity could not be assessed. However, the purity of the cationic component was demonstrated by immunodiffusion, microimmunoelectrophoresis, and by disc polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. In addition, antisera against purified cationic beta-hemolysin yielded one line of precipitate when tested against the original crude beta-hemolysin. The purified cationic beta-hemolysin was stable in the lyophilized state. Crude beta-hemolysin was dermonecrotic, whereas purified cationic beta-hemolysin was not dermonecrotic even after Mg(++) activation.
Willow: DHT, aggregation, and publish/subscribe in one protocol

This paper describes a new peer-to-peer protocol that integrates DHT routing, aggregation, all-to-all multicast, as well as both topic- and content-based publish/subscribe. In spite of this extensive set of features, the Willow protocol is simple, scalable, balances the load well across the members, is proximity-aware, adapts to network conditions, and recovers quickly and gracefully from network partitions and subsequent repairs.
Inhibitory mechanisms that generate centre and surround properties in ON and OFF brisk‐sustained ganglion cells in the rabbit retina

Lateral inhibition produces the centre-surround organization of retinal receptive fields, in which inhibition driven by the mean luminance enhances the sensitivity of ganglion cells to spatial and temporal contrast. Surround inhibition is generated in both synaptic layers; however, the synaptic mechanisms within the inner plexiform layer are not well characterized within specific classes of retinal ganglion cell. Here, we compared the synaptic circuits generating concentric centre-surround receptive fields in ON and OFF brisk-sustained ganglion cells (BSGCs) in the rabbit retina. We first characterized the synaptic inputs to the centre of ON BSGCs, for comparison with previous results from OFF BSGCs. Similar to wide-field ganglion cells, the spatial extent of the excitatory centre and inhibitory surround was larger for the ON than the OFF BSGCs. The results indicate that the surrounds of ON and OFF BSGCs are generated in both the outer and the inner plexiform layers. The inner plexiform layer surround inhibition comprised GABAergic suppression of excitatory inputs from bipolar cells. However, ON and OFF BSGCs displayed notable differences. Surround suppression of excitatory inputs was weaker in ON than OFF BSGCs, and was mediated largely by GABA(C) receptors in ON BSGCs, and by both GABA(A) and GABA(C) receptors in OFF BSGCs. Large ON pathway-mediated glycinergic inputs to ON and OFF BSGCs also showed surround suppression, while much smaller GABAergic inputs showed weak, if any, spatial tuning. Unlike OFF BSGCs, which receive strong glycinergic crossover inhibition from the ON pathway, the ON BSGCs do not receive crossover inhibition from the OFF pathway. We compare and discuss possible roles for glycinergic inhibition in the two cell types.
Spatial Design for Knot Selection in Knot-Based Dimension Reduction Models

This chapter has a different flavor from others in this volume. Here, the problem is not one of spatial design for data collection but, rather, one of spatial design to facilitate fitting of spatial models. That is, we have a post-data collection, pre-data analysis design problem. More precisely, we address the setting where there is need to specify knots in order to fit desired spatial models. That is, we are unable to directly fit the model we would like and so, we have to adopt an approximate model to make computation feasible. Such a situation arises when we work with very large datasets in space (and in time). We note that, with the advent of inexpensive high speed computing, statisticians today routinely encounter geographically referenced datasets containing multiple variables observed across thousands of locations, perhaps across thousands of time points. There is, by now, a rich literature in probabilistic/statistical modeling for location-referenced spatial data; see, for example, the books by Cressie (1993), Banerjee, Carlin and Gelfand (2004), and Schabenberger and Gotway (2004), Gelfand et al. (2010) and Cressie and Wikle (2011) for broad discussion and applications. The need to model spatially-referenced outcomes, perhaps vector-valued, across large spatial (and possibly temporal) domains is emerging in many fields including geological and environmental sciences, ecological systems, digital terrain cartography, computer experiments, public health, social and economic systems, etc. The general challenge of the approximation is to express a surface over a spatial domain through the use of knots, often called low rank or reduced rank representations (Wahba, 1990; Rasmussen and Williams, 2006). Here, the problem takes a critical subdivision. Is the surface viewed as “random”, i.e., a realization of a stochastic process? Are there an uncountable number of variables over the
Performance Evaluation with Heavy Tailed Distributions

Over the last decade an important new direction has developed in the performance evaluation of computer systems: the study of heavy-tailed distributions. Loosely speaking, these are distributions whose tails follow a power-law with low exponent, in contrast to traditional distributions (e.g., Gaussian, Exponential, Poisson) whose tails decline exponentially (or faster). In the late ’80s and early ’90s experimental evidence began to accumulate that some properties of computer systems and networks showed distributions with very long tails [7],[28],[29], and attention turned to heavy-tailed distributions in particular in the mid ’90s [3],[9],[23],[36],[44].
Wal-Mart World: The World's Biggest Corporation in the Global Economy

Now that Wal-Mart has conquered the US, can it conquer the world? As 'Wal-Mart World 'shows, the corporation is certainly trying. For a number of years, Wal-Mart has been the largest company in the United States. Now, though, it is the largest company in the world. Its global labor practices and outsourcing strategies represent for many what contemporary economic globalization is all about. But Wal-Mart is not standing still, and is opening up stores everywhere. From Germany to Beijing to Mexico City to Tokyo, more than a billion shoppers can now hunt for bargains at a Wal-Mart superstore. 'Wal-Mart World' is the first book to look at this incredibly important phenomenon in global perspective, with chapters that range from its growth in the US and impact on labor relations here to its fortunes overseas. How Wal-Mart manages this transition in the near future will play a significant role in the determining the character of the global economy. 'Wal-Mart World's' impressively broad scope makes it necessary reading for anyone interested in the global impact of this economic colossus.
Detecting and Measuring Sources at the Noise Limit

In the first part of this paper, a computationally fast source detection method is discussed that is linear in the data and is about as sensitive as nonlinear, iterative methods. This method, described briefly here, is based on applying weights to a running data window (in two dimensions). Practical limitations, such as the window size and resolution, and further considerations regarding this source detection method are examined.
Development of the Citizens, Victims, and Offenders Restoring Justice Program at the Washington State Reformatory

This paper describes the developmental phase of "Citizens, Victims, and Offenders Restoring Justice," a prison-based pilot study conducted at the Washington State Reformatory. The purpose of the study is to explore ways in which the restorative justice model may be practically applied in a correctional setting. The study consists of the development, implementation, and evaluation of a seminar on restorative justice involving victims, offenders, and community members as participants. The project and evaluation methods are summarized and results from the evaluation of the first seminar trial are discussed.
Extended Moment Formation and Second Neighbor Coupling in Li 2 CuO 2

The Cu-O edge-sharing compound $\mathrm{Li}{}_{2}\mathrm{CuO}{}_{2}$, whose ferromagnetic chains are antialigned, is found from local spin density calculations to display several surprising characteristics: (1) the ordered moment per formula unit of $0.92{\ensuremath{\mu}}_{B}$ is the largest for any low dimensional cuprate system, in agreement with experiment; (2) $40%$ of this moment lies on the neighboring O ions, making it equal to the largest oxygen moment yet calculated; and (3) the second neighbor couplings are larger than nearest neighbor couplings. All of these phenomena arise naturally due to an energetically isolated effective ${d}_{\mathrm{yz}}$-type orbital that includes very strong O ${p}_{\ensuremath{\sigma}}$ character.
Hydration-responsive folding and unfolding in graphene oxide liquid crystal phases

Graphene oxide is promising as a plate-like giant molecular building block for the assembly of new carbon materials. Its water dispersibility, liquid crystallinity, and ease of reduction offer advantages over other carbon precursors if its fundamental assembly rules can be identified. This article shows that graphene oxide sheets of known lateral dimension form nematic liquid crystal phases with transition points in agreement with the Onsager hard-plate theory. The liquid crystal phases can be systematically ordered into defined supramolecular patterns using surface anchoring, complex fluid flow, and microconfinement. Graphene oxide is seen to exhibit homeotropic surface anchoring at interfaces driven by excluded volume entropy and by adsorption enthalpy associated with its partially hydrophobic basal planes. Surprisingly, some of the surface-ordered graphene oxide phases dry into graphene oxide solids that undergo a dramatic anisotropic swelling upon rehydration to recover their initial size and shape. T...
Effects of moisture on the thermal expansion of poly(methylmethacrylate)

The effects of moisture on the thermal expansion of compression-moulded poly(methyl methacrylate) (PM MA, Plexiglas V811) were investigated by pushrod dilatometry. Moisture conditioning at high relative humidity, immersion in water, or vacuum drying were used to prepare PMMA specimens at different moisture contents. Weight and length change measurements were used to indicate water uptake. A substantial, reversible effect of moisture content on the coefficient of thermal expansion of PMMA was demonstrated. At 50°C, the expansion coefficient was observed to increase 32% (from 70.4 to 92.8 X 10−6 K−1 ) for a 2% gain in weight. A significant correlation was observed betweenTg and moisture content, of approximately −1°C per 0.1% weight increase. Increases in weight and length of the PMMA with time were suggestive of the dual mode kinetic sorption process advanced by others, and indicated that a significant fraction of water was accommodated in microvoids.
SEED PROTEIN PROFILES IN THE NARROW-LEAVED SPECIES OF CHENOPODIUM OF THE WESTERN UNITED STATES: TAXONOMIC VALUE AND COMPARISON WITH DISTRIBUTION OF FLAVONOID COMPOUNDS'

A B S T RA C T Water soluble seed proteins from 69 populations representing seven species of Chenopodium were separated electrophoretically. Very little or no intraspecific variation was detected. The use of seed proteins as taxonomic characters was evaluated and compared to data from flavonoid chemistry. Seed proteins are of value in distinguishing C. atrovirens and C. leptophyllum, something which could not be done with flavonoids. Proteins and flavonoid data demonstrated that C. hians and C. leptophyllum are- distinct. An analysis of storage proteins failed to differentiate C. desiccatum from C. atrovirens and C. pratericola even though the species are distinct in flavonoids and other characters. Chenopodium atrovirens and C. pratericola produce similar or identical seed proteins, just as they are identical in flavonoids. Seed proteins indicated that plants referable to C. incognitum represent two biological entities, one apparently a minor morphological variant of C. atrovirens and the other conspecific with C. hians. The same interpretation had been given on the basis of flavonoid chemistry. The protein data suggest a close relationship between C. subglabrum on the one hand and C. atrovirens
Quality assurance testing of acoustic doppler current profiler transform matrices

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Hydrologic Instrumentation Facility (HIF) is nationally responsible for the design, testing, evaluation, repair, calibration, warehousing, and distribution of hydrologic instrumentation in use within the USGS Water Mission Area (WMA). The HIF's Hydraulic Laboratory has begun routine quality assurance (QA) testing and documenting the performance of every USGS WMA acoustic Doppler current profiler (ADCP) used for making velocity and discharge measurements. All existing ADCPs are being registered and tracked in a database maintained by the HIF, and called for QA checks in the HIF’s Hydraulic Laboratory on a 3- year cycle. All new ADCPs purchased directly from the manufacturer as well as ADCPs sent to the HIF or the manufacturer for repair are being registered and tracked in the database and QA checked in the laboratory before being placed into service. Meters failing the QA check are sent directly to the manufacturer for repairs and rechecked by HIF or removed from service. Although this QA program is specific to the SonTek1 and Teledyne RD Instruments1, ADCPs most commonly used within the WMA, it is the intent of the USGS Office of Surface Water and the HIF to expand this program to include all bottom tracking ADCPs as they become available and more widely used throughout the WMA. As part of the HIF QA process, instruments are inspected for physical damage, the instrument must pass the ADCP diagnostic self-check tests, the temperature probe must be within ± 2 degrees Celsius of a National Institute of Standards and Technology traceable reference thermometer and the distance made good over a fixed distance must meet the manufacturer's specifications (+/-0.25% or +/-1% difference). The transform matrix is tested by conducting distance-made-good (DMG) tests comparing the straight-line distance from bottom tracking to the measured tow-track distance. The DMG test is conducted on each instrument twice in the forward and reverse directions (4 tows) at four orientations (16 total tows); with beam 1 orientated 0 degrees to the towing direction; turned 45 degrees to the towing direction; turned 90 degrees to the towing direction; and turned 135 degrees to the towing direction. All QA data files and summary results are archived. This paper documents methodology, participation and preliminary results of WMA ADCP QA testing.
Expression and Regulation of the Vitamin D Receptor in the Zebrafish, Danio rerio

Vitamin D and vitamin D metabolites such as 25-hydroxyvitamin D and 1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D [1α,25(OH)2D3] circulate in the serum of fish. The receptor for 1α,25(OH)2D3 (VDR) has previously been cloned from fish intestine, and ligand binding assays have shown the presence of the VDR in the gills, intestine, and liver of fish. Using immunohistochemical methods with specific antibodies against the VDR, we now report that the VDR is widely expressed in tissues of the adult male and female zebrafish, Danio rerio, specifically in epithelial cells of gills, tubular cells of the kidney, and absorptive cells in the intestine. Additionally, the VDR is expressed in the skin, the olfactory organ, the retina, brain, and spinal cord. Sertoli cells of the testis, oocytes, acinar cells of the pancreas, hepatocytes, and bile duct epithelial cells express substantial amounts of the receptor. Osteoblast-like cells and chondrocytes also express VDR. Preimmune serum and antiserum preadsorbed with Danio VDR protein fails to detect VDR in the same tissues. The VDR is also present in the developing eye, brain, and otic vesicle of 48- and 96-h postfertilization zebrafish embryos. Parenteral administration of 1α,25(OH)2D3 increases concentrations of VDR in intestinal epithelial cells but not in epithelial cells of the gills. Lithocholic acid, however, does not alter concentrations of VDR after parenteral administration. The data suggest that VDR is widely distributed in tissues of the zebrafish, D. rerio, and is likely to play important roles in epithelial transport, bone, and endocrine function. Furthermore, concentrations of the receptor seem to be regulated by its ligand, 1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D but not by lithocholic acid. Zebrafish may serve as a useful model in which to assess the function of the VDR in diverse tissues.
Neurodevelopmental and Functional Outcome of Extremely Low Birth Weight(ELBW) Infants. † 1362

Neurodevelopmental and Functional Outcome of Extremely Low Birth Weight(ELBW) Infants. † 1362
Skeletal muscle fat content is inversely associated with bone strength in young girls.

Childhood obesity is an established risk factor for metabolic disease. The influence of obesity on bone development, however, remains controversial and may depend on the pattern of regional fat deposition. Therefore, we examined the associations of regional fat compartments of the calf and thigh with weight-bearing bone parameters in girls. Data from 444 girls aged 9 to 12 years from the Jump-In: Building Better Bones study were analyzed. Peripheral quantitative computed tomography (pQCT) was used to assess bone parameters at metaphyseal and diaphyseal sites of the femur and tibia along with subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT, mm(2) ) and muscle density (mg/cm(3) ), an index of skeletal muscle fat content. As expected, SAT was positively correlated with total-body fat mass (r = 0.87-0.89, p .05), except the distal tibia (β = 0.09, p = .03). In conclusion, skeletal muscle fat content of the calf and thigh is inversely associated with weight-bearing bone strength in young girls.
Cytotoxicity of dual function nitrofurans in rodent and human tumor cells.

Abstract The efficacy and selective hypoxic cell cytotoxicity of four dual function nitrofurans and two nitroimidazole-azividines was determined in human (A549, HT-29) and rodent (KHT/iv) tumor cells. All bioreductive compounds were found to be less effective at killing human than mouse tumor cells (∼ 2–6-fold). This reduced cytotoxicity in the human tumor cells occurred irrespective of the state of oxygenation. In addition, the degree of selective toxicity toward hypoxic cells or the cytotoxicity factor (CF), defined as the ratio of the surviving fraction in air to that under hypoxic conditions, was (a) greater for the nitroimidazole-aziridines than for the nitrofurans and (b) less in the human than the rodent tumor cell lines investigated. For example, CF values in A549 or HT-29 cells typically were 2–4-fold lower than those determined in KHT/iv cells. This reduction in the CF in the human cells resulted from a greater loss in the hypoxic toxicity than in the aerobic toxicity when compared with the rodent cells.
Limits on adaptive optics systems for lightweight space telescopes

SRT disturbances dominated by tip/tilt corrected through stiffening secondary support structure...wavefront compensation.
Hybrid analog-digital sample-averaging computer for ASTRAC II

This report describes the circuit design of a new hybrid analogdigital statistical averaging computer used to calculate statistical averages of analog voltages presented to it. The unit, with a dynamic range of +/- 10 volts, an acucracy of +/- 0.25 percent, and a maximum speed of 1000 samples per second, is particularly well suited for use with modern high-speed iterative analog computers. The output is primarily visual, but electrical signals are also available for use by digital computers, printers, punches, and the like. Circuit simplifications have resulted in an inexpensive unit which requires few adjustments. Digital storage of sums eliminates the drift present in pure analog averaging schemes if the summation time is long.
Surface antigens of Biomphalaria glabrata (Gastropoda) hemocytes: Evidence for linkage-independence of some hemoiymph-like surface antigens and Con a receptor-bearing macromolecules

Abstract The structural relationship between hemolymph-like surface antigens and concanavalin A (Con A)-reactive macromolecules on circulating hemocytes of Biomphalaria glabrata was assessed using a double-ligand labeling method. It was determined that Con A-induced clearance of its own receptor complexes resulted in a significant reduction, but of complete elimination, of hemolymph-like antigens, i.e., antigens cross-reactive with an anti- B. glabrata hemolymph antiserum, suggesting the presence of at least two separate antigenic populations with anti-hemolymph reactivity; one group structurally linked and another group structurally independent of Con A-binding membrane components. The latter group of surface antigens appears to be (1) chemically related to the higher-molecular-weight hemolymph components, most probably hemoglobin, (2) Pronase resistant, and (3) partially composed of a subpopulation of cryptic (hidden) cross-reacting antigens uncovered at the cell surface as a consequence of Con A-receptor clearance. Results of this study demonstrate not only that individual hemocytes of B. glabrata may possess different populations of hemolymph-like antigens, but also that the interaction between some membrane components and appropriate ligands (e.g., carbohydrate-binding lectins) could result in a modulation in expression of other groups of surface antigens.
Transdermal nicotine: Reduction of smoking with minimal abuse liability.

Cigarette consumption as well as the physiologic, performance and subjective effects of the nicotine patch were evaluated in ten subjects who smoked ad libitum while residing on a residential research ward for 30 days. Nicotine transdermal systems (“patches”) delivering a total of 0, 22 or 44 mg per 24 h were applied daily at a constant dose during each 7-day condition; the order of dosing conditions was varied according to a randomized, double-blind, crossover design. Nicotine patches significantly but modestly reduced spontaneous smoking and significantly increased venous plasma nicotine levels. Self ratings of patch liking, satisfaction with cigarettes and the ability to identify the patch condition did not change as a function of the nicotine dose, indicating minimal abuse liability. There were no consistent changes in the puffing pattern measures; however, in all patch conditions, subjects with extensive histories of illicit drug use smoked cigarettes faster than subjects with histories of occasional drug use. Small changes in resting heart rate, pulse and blood pressure occurred when the nicotine patch was worn. Thus large changes in venous plasma nicotine levels engender only modest changes in ad libitum cigarette consumption, measures of abuse liability and cardiovascular effects. These findings are consistent with the notion that the addictive and toxic effects of nicotine are partially determined by the rate of drug administration.
Relative Androgen Sensitivity of the Vascular and Striated-Muscle Systems Regulating Penile Erection in Rats

Abstract In this study we sought to compare the androgen sensitivity of the penile vascular erectile system with that of the striated muscles that augment the vascular effectors. All males were castrated 2 weeks before the experiments. At the time of castration, all males were implanted SC with a 45-mm testosterone (T)-filled Silastic capsule to maintain reflexive erections in ex copula tests. Experimental males had the bulbospongiosus (bulbocavernosus and levator ani) and ischiocavernosus muscles removed, while control animals underwent sham muscle excision surgery. After two baseline penile reflex tests, the T capsules were removed, and the groups were compared for the rate of loss of penile responses over 5 weeks. After these tests were completed, the T capsules were reimplanted and the two groups were compared for the rate of restoration of penile reflexes. These tests were conducted at 6, 12, 24, 36, 48, 72, and 96 h after reimplantation of the T capsules. Our results demonstrated that the vascular effector mechanisms responsible for initiating erections are androgen sensitive. The effects of T withdrawal and replacement on erection latency and low intensity erections (Els) were manifested at about the same rate in the vascular and striated muscle effector systems. In contrast, the restoration of moderate intensity erections (E2s) by T occurred at a faster rate in rats with intact penile muscles. This result suggests that T was acting on the striated muscle effector systems to augment penile erection during this time, presumably due to the bulbospongiosus muscle exerting greater force on the penile bulb.
Enzymatic conversion of deoxycytidine 5′-monophosphate to 5-methyldeoxycytidine 5′-triphosphate

Abstract An enzymatic method has been developed to synthesize 5-methyldeoxycytidine triphosphate (m5dCTP) starting with dCMP and formaldehyde as substrates. Methylation is catalyzed by a dCMP methyltransferase in the presence of tetrahydrofolic acid. The resulting m5dCMP is converted to m5dCTP by a kinase preparation and an ATP-regenerating system. The methyltransferase and kinase preparations were isolated from extracts of bacteriophage XP-12-infected Xanthomonas oryzae by a single-step chromatography on DEAE-cellulose. About 10% of the input radioactivity from 14C- or 3H-labeled formaldehyde was recovered in m5dCTP under our reaction conditions. Using this enzymatically synthesized m5dCTP, up to 60% of the cytosine residues in DNA was replaced by 5-methylcytosine residues in a nick translation reaction catalyzed by Escherichia coli DNA polymerase I.
Continuing research into Gulf War illness.

Evidence supports a link between lasting health problems in some Vietnam veterans and wartime exposure to 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (2,3,7,8-TCDD) in the defoliant Agent Orange. Martin Enserink, in his News Focus article “Gulf War Illness: The Battle Continues” (2 Feb., p. [812][1]),
Effect of 5,7-dihydroxytryptamine on the concentration of individual proteins in different areas of the rat brain

Proteins which are apparently regulated in concentration in two different areas of the rat brain by the indole neurotransmitter serotonin were identified using two-dimensional gel electrophoresis combined with computerized scanning densitometry. Reduction in central serotonin levels produced a decrease in the concentration of 3 different proteins (2 in the parietal cortex, 1 in the hippocampus). Two proteins, both in the hippocampus, were elevated in concentration following serotonin depletion. These results demonstrate that there exist in the brain a limited number of proteins whose concentration is influenced by serotonin.
Psychometric Analysis of a 5E Learning Cycle Lesson Plan Assessment Instrument.

The purpose of this paper is to describe the procedures and the analysis of an instrument designed to measure preservice teachers’ ability to develop appropriate 5E learning cycle lesson plans. The 5E inquiry lesson plan (ILP) rubric is comprised of 12 items with a scoring range of zero to four points per item. Content validity was determined through the expertise of a panel of five science educators. Sixty six preservice teachers enrolled in elementary science methods at three universities prepared lesson plans, which were scored by their instructors using the ILP rubric. Using a Pearson two-tailed correlation, inter-rater reliability was established at a value of 0.83. An exploratory factor analysis provided evidence of construct validity, with three factors. The factors included (1) explore, (2) engage/explain/elaborate, and (3) evaluate. In addition, a secondary analysis revealed the means and standard deviations of the students' performance on each of the phases of the 5E that include: engage, explore, explain, elaborate, and evaluate. The engage item held the highest mean rating, and the evaluation items had the lowest mean ratings. Examination of the instrument's structure in light of the 5E phases is discussed and provides directions for future revisions and research.
Correctness of a gossip based membership protocol

The importance of scalability and fault-tolerance in modern distributed systems has led to considerable research in multicast protocols using gossip. In a gossip protocol, each node forwards messages to a small set of “gossip partners” chosen at random from the entire group membership. By discarding the strong reliability guarantees of traditional protocols in favour of probabilistic guarantees, gossip protocols can deliver greater scalability and fault tolerance. In early gossip algorithms, partners were chosen uniformly at random from the entire membership, limiting scalability because of the resources required to store and maintain complete membership views at each node. Later protocols avoided this issue by storing much smaller random subsets of the membership at each node, and choosing gossip partners only from these local views. Such protocols are subtle: at least some local views must change in response to group membership changes in order to preserve connectivity and performance guarantees. While these protocols have been the subject of much simulation and analysis, formal proofs of key properties – in particular the probability of partitioning – have remained elusive. In this paper we give a new scalable gossip-based algorithm for local view maintenance, together with a proof that the expected time until a network partition is at least exponential in the square of the view size. We also develop probabilistic bounds on the in-degree (hence the load) of individual nodes, and argue that protocols lacking our reinforcement component eventually converge to star-like networks, whose connectivity depends on a small set of overloaded nodes. We also argue that the undirected connectivity graph is an expander, for which application-level gossip multi-cast protocols will converge rapidly. Our theoretical results are supported by simulations.
Sequencing Rules for Productivity Improvements in Underground Coal Mining

In this paper, we report on a unique two-machine, dynamic sequencing problem that was involved in a project designed to improve the productivity of underground coal mining operations. It was discovered that mine output was dependent on the particular sequence of faces the continuous miner and bolter worked. The problem is characterized by two unique features. First, the problem is unique because of the geological and safety constraints that must be satisfied by the sequence. Second, the scheduling problem is dynamic because the available job sets change as work progresses, and the production times change as coal is mined. Three heuristic approaches were developed and tested using mine parameters. The best heuristic had a worst case scenario of being within 2.7 percent of the optimal sequence and only a 1.1 percent chance of determining a better sequence. This heuristic resulted in an 8.1 percent productivity improvement.
Gold nanoparticle probes for the detection of nucleic acid targets.

Abstract Background Advances in nanoscience are having a significant impact on many scientific fields and are resulting in the development of a variety of important technologies. This impact is particularly large in the field of biodiagnostics, where a number of nanoparticle-based assays have been introduced for biomolecular detection, with DNA- or protein-functionalized gold nanoparticles used as the target-specific probes. Methods Assays provide an analysis of the unique biophysical properties displayed by gold nanoparticles and have advantages over conventional detection methods (e.g., molecular fluorophores, real-time polymerase chain reaction, RT-PCR, enzyme linked immunosorbent assays, ELISAs, gel electrophoresis, and microarray technologies). Conclusion Some of the advantages include the assays' PCR-like sensitivity, their selectivity for target sequences, their capacity for massive multiplexing, their time efficiency, and most importantly, their ability to be performed at the point of care.
Idle Emissions from Heavy-Duty Diesel Vehicles: Review and Recent Data

Heavy-duty diesel vehicle idling consumes fuel and reduces atmospheric quality, but its restriction cannot simply be proscribed, because cab heat or air-conditioning provides essential driver comfort. A comprehensive tailpipe emissions database to describe idling impacts is not yet available. This paper presents a substantial data set that incorporates results from the West Virginia University transient engine test cell, the E-55/59 Study and the Gasoline/Diesel PM Split Study. It covered 75 heavy-duty diesel engines and trucks, which were divided into two groups: vehicles with mechanical fuel injection (MFI) and vehicles with electronic fuel injection (EFI). Idle emissions of CO, hydrocarbon (HC), oxides of nitrogen (NOx), particulate matter (PM), and carbon dioxide (CO2) have been reported. Idle CO2 emissions allowed the projection of fuel consumption during idling. Test-to-test variations were observed for repeat idle tests on the same vehicle because of measurement variation, accessory loads, and ambient conditions. Vehicles fitted with EFI, on average, emitted approximately 20 g/hr of CO, 6 g/hr of HC, 86 g/hr of NOx, 1 g/hr of PM, and 4636 g/hr of CO2 during idle. MFI equipped vehicles emitted approximately 35 g/hr of CO, 23 g/hr of HC, 48 g/hr of NOx, 4 g/hr of PM, and 4484 g/hr of CO2, on average, during idle. Vehicles with EFI emitted less idle CO, HC, and PM, which could be attributed to the efficient combustion and superior fuel atomization in EFI systems. Idle NOx, however, increased with EFI, which corresponds with the advancing of timing to improve idle combustion. Fuel injection management did not have any effect on CO2 and, hence, fuel consumption. Use of air conditioning without increasing engine speed increased idle CO2, NOx, PM, HC, and fuel consumption by 25% on average. When the engine speed was elevated from 600 to 1100 revolutions per minute, CO2 and NOx emissions and fuel consumption increased by >150%, whereas PM and HC emissions increased by approximately 100% and 70%, respectively. Six Detroit Diesel Corp. (DDC) Series 60 engines in engine test cell were found to emit less CO, NOx, and PM emissions and consumed fuel at only 75% of the level found in the chassis dynamometer data. This is because fan and compressor loads were absent in the engine test cell.
Small-signal modeling of series-series compensated induction power transfer system

Based on Extended Describing Functions technique, small-signal modeling technique is applied to Series-Series compensated Induction Power Transfer (IPT) system. The derived model includes both frequency control and phase shift control. The derived model is in good agreement with the simulation results obtained from Simplis software.
Immigration and the popularization of social science, 1920 to 1930

This article examines how social scientists presented their views on immigration to readers of popular magazines from 1920 to 1930, a period of public debate on the merits of immigration restriction. By comparing the content of these magazine articles with professional journal articles on immigration, the representativeness of the social scientific material presented to the public can be assessed. While similar issues were discussed in popular and professional articles, social scientists writing popular articles were more likely to support an outmoded racial interpretation of immigration. Their resulting support of immigration restriction was not representative of the dominant cultural perspective held by most social scientists. Thus, readers looking to social scientists for an “informed opinion” were not given an accurate impression of social scientific thought on immigration.
Complementary and alternative medical therapies.

Purpose of reviewComplementary and alternative medical therapies include herbs, acupuncture, and mind–body therapies. This review highlights the findings of recently published studies of complementary and alternative medical therapies and epilepsy, and provides an update of the US Food and Drug Admi
CEREBROSPINAL FLUID GLUTAMIC OXALACETIC TRANSAMINASE AND LACTIC DEHYDROGENASE ACTIVITIES IN CHILDREN WITH NEUROLOGIC DISORDERS.

The cerebrospinal fluid glutamic oxalacetic transaminase (GOT) and lactic dehydrogenase (LDH) activities of 106 children with neurologic disorders and of 41 neurologically normal children in the same age group were investigated. Definite increases in LDH activity were observed in patients with acute bacterial meningitis but not in those with viral infections of the central nervous system. An increase in LDH activity was also seen in patients with hydrocephalus studied prior to operative correction, whereas only minimal elevation was noted after shunt procedures. Children with convulsive disorders showed only minimal changes in either enzyme activity. There was no correlation between GOT and LDH activity changes.
Performance on the Purdue Pegboard and Finger Tapping by Schizophrenics after Mellow and Frenetic Antecedent Music

Effects of musical selections on motor performance have been inconsistent. Using a 3-factor within-subjects design [mellow music (4:4 time), frenetic music (2:8 time), and white noise conditions], each of 34 schizophrenic inpatients volunteered to perform the Purdue Pegboard and Finger Oscillation (Tapping) following 1-min. counterbalanced presentations of three types of music. Both pegboard and tapping performance were higher after frenetic music but unaffected by mellow music.
Cumulative environmental impacts and social vulnerability in the San Joaquin Valley, California

Researchers in environment justice (EJ) are concerned with the differential distribution of environment hazards and benefits based on race or class. Quantifying the spatial distribution of cumulative impacts from multiple environmental hazards and social vulnerability of communities based on socioeconomic and demographic characteristics would provide valuable knowledge for EJ advocacy work, policy discussion and the academic community. In this context, our paper developed and mapped (1) a cumulative environmental hazard index (CEHI) and (2) a social vulnerability index (SVI) in the San Joaquin Valley, CA. A correlation analysis was conducted between the two indexes. Results showed that (1) CEHI and SVI are significantly correlated indicating that areas that are more socially vulnerable are impacted by more environmental hazards. (2) Areas close to the highways tend to be more socially vulnerable and impacted by more environmental hazards.
Rigorous synchronous relaxation algorithm for parallel kinetic Monte Carlo simulations of thin film growth

We investigate the applicability of the synchronous relaxation (SR) algorithm to parallel kinetic Monte Carlo simulations of simple models of thin film growth. A variety of techniques for optimizing the parallel efficiency are also presented. We find that the parallel efficiency is determined by three main factors---the calculation overhead due to relaxation iterations to correct boundary events in neighboring processors, the (extreme) fluctuations in the number of events per cycle in each processor, and the overhead due to interprocessor communications. Due to the existence of fluctuations and the requirement of global synchronization, the SR algorithm does not scale, i.e., the parallel efficiency decreases logarithmically as the number of processors increases. The dependence of the parallel efficiency on simulation parameters such as the processor size, domain decomposition geometry, and the ratio $D∕F$ of the monomer hopping rate $D$ to the deposition rate $F$ is also discussed.
Acquired resistance to rifampicin by Mycobacterium kansasii

Two patients with Mycobacterium kansasii infection of the lung had organisms sensitive to rifampicin. Following treatment, essentially with rifampicin alone, the patients began to excrete organisms completely resistant to rifampicin. The ability of M. kansasii to acquire resistance to rifampicin during treatment has been clearly demonstrated. This reinforces the need to treat this infection with an adequate multiple drug regimen.
γδ T Cells Express Activation Markers in the Central Nervous System of Mice with Chronic-relapsing Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis

Abstract In this study, we assessed the expression of activation markers on γδ T cells in central nervous system (CNS) lesions of SJL mice adoptively sensitized to develop experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) using myelin basic protein-reactive T cells. Although disease expression is known to be dependent upon T cells that express the αβ T cell receptor (TCR), a role for γδ T cells has been implicated in some studies but not in others. Using three-color flow cytometric analysis of both total and γδ T cells in spleen and CNS, the data showed that expression of CD69 (early activation marker), CD62L (lymphocyte homing receptor), CD25 (IL-2Rα), CD122 (IL-2Rβ) and CD95/CD95L (Fas/FasL), fluctuated on γδ T cells in EAE lesions in a disease-related fashion. Furthermore, the pattern of expression for these markers on γδ T cells was distinct from that found on the total lymphocyte population. Cytokine analysis of γδ T cells in the CNS demonstrated a bias towards a Th1-like cytokine profile. From these data, we conclude that γδ T cells in EAE lesions display an activated phenotype and form a dynamic component of the total lymphocyte population in the CNS, supporting a contributory role for these cells.
Challenging the Feasibility and Clinical Significance of Current Guidelines on Lymph Node Examination in Rectal Cancer in the Era of Neoadjuvant Therapy

Purpose We sought to examine the feasibility and clinical significance of current guidelines on nodal assessment in patients with rectal cancer (RC) treated with neoadjuvant radiation. Methods All patients with RC treated with curative surgery from 1991 to 2003 were included. Number of lymph nodes (LNs) assessed was compared between patients who received neoadjuvant therapy and surgery (NEO) and patients who underwent surgery alone (SURG). Impact of node retrieval on node positivity and disease-specific survival (DSS) in NEO patients was assessed. Results In total, 708 patients were identified, of whom 429 (61%) were in the NEO group. These patients had significantly fewer nodes assessed than SURG patients (unadjusted mean, 10.8 v 15.5; adjusted mean difference, −5.0 nodes; P < .001). In the NEO group, 63% of patients had fewer than 12 nodes retrieved (P < .001 v SURG). The proportion of patients diagnosed with node-positive disease in the NEO group was significantly and monotonically associated with the ...
From ethnography to design in a vineyard

This paper summarizes the process from ethnographic study of a vineyard to concept development and interaction design for a ubiquitous computing solution. It provides examples of vineyard interfaces and the lessons learned that could be generally applied to the interaction design of ubiquitous systems. These are: design for multiple perspectives on data, design for multiple access points, and design for varying levels of attention.