cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Local/regional anesthesia for thyroidectomy: Evaluation as an outpatient procedure

Abstract Background: The purpose of this paper was to review my evolving experience with local/regional anesthesia in an outpatient setting. Methods: Two hundred three consecutive patients during a 9-year period who chose to undergo thyroid operation under regional/local anesthesia were reviewed. Early discharge was offered to patients who were observed for 6 hours without neck swelling and who had no surgical reasons for delaying discharge. Results: In group A there were 2 patients who were given inhalation anesthesia during operation compared with none in groups B and C. The average length of stay in group A was 0.49 days, 0.55 days in group B, and 0.24 days in group C. Eighty-five percent of the patients whose operation began before 1300 hours were discharged within 6 hours versus only 50% of those operated on later in the day. Forty-seven percent of patients in group A, 65% of group B, and 77% of patients in group C were discharged within 6 hours of operation. On the basis of previous experience with general anesthesia, discharge time is not significantly influenced by the type of anesthesia chosen. There were no readmissions to the hospital, but 2 episodes of postoperative bleeding required reoperation. Survey showed that 95% of patients rated the level of pain equivalent or less severe than dental procedures under local anesthesia, and all patients would choose local again. Conclusions: These data suggest that thyroidectomy can be performed with the patient under local/regional anesthesia, with low morbidity and high patient satisfaction. Most patients can be discharged within 6 to 8 hours, and these discharges were not associated with readmissions. (Surgery 1998;124:975-9.)
A high-performance liquid chromatography assay for asparagine synthetase.

Abstract A highly sensitive method for assaying asparagine synthetase and its glutaminase activity is presented. The amino acids l -asparagine, l -aspartate, l -glutamate, and l -glutamine, are separated by derivatization with o -phthaldialdehyde followed by reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography on an Altex ultrasphere-ODS C 18 column. The elution is isocratic and the mobile phase used is 50 m m sodium acetate buffer (pH 5.9) with 30% methanol. This assay can easily detect picomoles of asparagine, which may be difficult to do with the other assays that have been described.
Dual frame symmetric wavelets with limited redundancy

In this paper we explore the design of 5-band dual frame (overcomplete) wavelets with a dilation factor M = 4. The resulting limit functions are significantly smoother than their orthogonal counterparts at the same dilation factor. An advantage of the proposed filters over the dyadic filterbanks ( M = 2) is that the proposed filterbanks result in a reduced redundancy when compared with dyadic frames, while maintaining smoothness. The proposed filterbanks are symmetric and generate four wavelets and a scaling function for each the synthesis and analysis limit functions. All wavelets are equipped with at least one vanishing moment each.
Self-Esteem, Locus of Control, College Adjustment, and GPA Among First- and Continuing-Generation Students: A Moderator Model of Generational Status

The role of generational status (first-generation vs. continuing-generation college students) as a moderator of the relationship between psychological factors and college outcomes was tested to determine whether generational status acts as a risk factor or as a sensitizing factor. The sample consisted of 322 undergraduate students who completed online measures of self-esteem, locus of control, and academic adjustment and provided self-reports of GPA. Generational status significantly moderated the relationship between psychological factors and academic outcomes. Generally, it was found that the relationship between psychological factors and academic outcomes were strongest among first-generation students. Further, it was found that for the majority of the interactions with locus of control, first-generation status acted as a sensitizing factor that amplified both the positive and negative effects of locus of control. In contrast, for self-esteem, first generation status acted as a risk factor that only exacerbated the negative effects of low self-esteem. These results are interpreted as reflecting motivational differences between first- and continuing-generation students and are discussed with respect to the social/cultural capital hypothesis that is most frequently presented in the existing literature.
Ortho-phenanthroline inhibition of DNA synthesis in mammalian cells

Summary Ortho-phenanthroline (OP) inhibits DNA synthesis in cultures of eukaryotic cells. After 6 h of exposure of L1210 leukemic cells to 5 μM OP, DNA synthesis was virtually stopped while RNA and protein synthesis remained at 82 and 70% of control levels. When normal human lymphocytes were stimulated by phytohemagglutinin (PHA), the presence of 5 μM OP caused complete inhibition of the expected increase in DNA synthesis but caused only partial inhibition of the expected increase in RNA and protein synthesis. OP inhibition of DNA synthesis can be prevented or reversed by removing the OP or by adding the metal ions Ni(II), Co(II), Cu(II), Zn(II) or Fe(II). The relative effectiveness of these metal ions in reversing the OP inhibition correlates with the order of the stability constants for their respective OP-metal complexes. This correlation is altered, however, by at least two factors: the toxic effects of some metals on the cells and the presence of serum proteins. This correlation suggests that the added metal ions function by binding OP and displacing it from inhibitory complexes rather than by replacing a metal ion required in DNA synthesis. Addition of OP to cell cultures followed by addition of metal ions appears to be an effective technique to inhibit and reinitiate DNA synthesis.
Measuring the dependence of the decay curve on the electron energy deposit in NaI(Tl)

Abstract We report on the first measurement of the decay times of NaI(Tl) as a function of the deposited electron energy. It has been suggested that the decay curve depends on the ionization density, which is correlated with the electron energy deposit in the scintillator. The ionization creates excitation states, which can decay radiatively and non-radiatively through a number of competing processes. As a result, the rate at which the excitation decays depends on the ionization density. A measurement of the decay curve as a function of the ionization density will allow us to probe the kinetic rates of the competing processes. The Scintillator Light Yield Non-proportionality Characterization Instrument (SLYNCI) measures the electron response of scintillators utilizing fast sampling ADCs to digitize the raw signals from the detectors, and so can provide a measurement of the light pulse shape from the scintillator. Using data collected with the SLYNCI instrument, the intrinsic scintillation profile is extracted on an event-by-event basis by deconvolving the raw signal with the impulse response of the system. Scintillation profiles with the same electron energy deposit are summed to obtain decay curves as a function of the deposited electron energy. The decay time constants are obtained by fitting the decay curves with a two-component exponential decay. While a slight dependence of the decay time constants on the electron energy deposit is observed, the results are not statistically significant.
Effects of oxygen on the electron transport properties of carbon nanotubes: Ultraviolet desorption and thermally induced processes

Highly sensitive electrical response of carbon nanotubes to UV exposure and thermal treatments are examined. Low intensity UV-induced conductivity change in individual single-walled carbon nanotube transistors is found to be mainly arising from oxygen desorption at the metal contacts rather than from nanotubes or possible amorphous side products. Choice of metal or thermal annealing (which changes the metal-nanotube contacts) eliminates or minimizes this low intensity UV response. However, a slow p-doping process is observed upon thermal annealing followed by equilibration in ${\mathrm{O}}_{2}$ or air as suggested by changes in the near infrared spectra of nanotube films and in individual nanotube transport characteristics.
Design of an Infrastructure Project Using a Point-Based Methodology

AbstractOur experience in engineering education and practice indicates that methodologies for architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) design management are characterized only to a limited extent. In domains other than AEC such methodologies are well-established and contribute to improving design performance. A step towards advancing AEC design management is to characterize design practices and explore the methodologies on which they may be based. In this vein, the authors describe a design practice observed while participating in the development of a design-build-operate-and-maintain (DBOM) proposal for an infrastructure megaproject. The development team’s design process followed a point-based methodology, i.e., early selection from a small set of design alternatives. The team was structured as a three-party joint venture, but, as observed, integration of efforts and collaboration among its design engineers and contractors were difficult and infrequent. The point-based design methodology used sh...
Cerebral lateralization of neuronal activity during naming, reading and line-matching

Abstract Changes in human right or left temporal cortical neuronal activity during language and visuospatial tasks were investigated during craniotomy under local anesthesia for medically intractable epilepsy in patients known to be left dominant for language based on preoperative intracarotid amobarbital perfusion testing. Extracellular recordings were obtained from 57 neuronal populations (26 from the left hemisphere) in the superior and middle temporal gyri of 34 patients. Frequency of activity was compared during overt and silent object naming, word reading and line-matching. Although all recordings were from the cortex not essential for language, statistically significant changes in activity during these tasks were identified in 49% of the populations. Most populations showed significant changes to only one of the tasks, indicating discrete neural networks for reading and naming. Nearby neuronal populations recorded by the same microelectrode usually had different behavioral correlates. There were no significant differences in the proportion of neurons changing activity with language or spatial measures between right (non-dominant) or left (dominant) temporal lobes. Left superior and middle temporal gyrus populations, however, demonstrated significant early reductions in activity during overt or silent naming, while right middle temporal gyrus recordings showed significant early increased activity only during overt naming. Although reading measures elicited more activity from the non-dominant temporal lobe, early reductions in activity were recorded exclusively from the dominant side. Visuospatial tasks evoked changes in neuronal frequency predominantly in the middle temporal gyrus, and during one of these tasks, significant later increases in activity were present bilaterally. Our results indicate that the functional lateralization of cognitive behaviors may depend less on the anatomic location of the associated neuronal activity than on the neurophysiologic characteristics of that activity.
Is property crime caused by drug use or by drug enforcement policy

The relationships among drug offenses, prorperty crime, and the allocation of police resources are investigated in a structural model using data from Florida countries. Law enforcement resources are scarce, and as efforts to combat drug crime increase the amount of these resources allocated to property crime is reduced. This reallocation of police resources results in reduced deterrence for property crime and, as a result, an increase in these crimes. The evidence presented suggests that rising property crimes in Florida are at least partially the result of drug enforcement policy.
Different signalling pathways regulate VEGF and IL-8 expression in breast cancer: Implications for therapy

Elevated expression of pro-angiogenic cytokines is associated with aggressive tumour growth and decreased survival of patients with breast cancer. In general, the breast cancer cell lines with high vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression also express high levels of interleukin-8 (IL-8). The consequence of inhibiting mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K), both implicated in regulation of these cytokines, was examined in four cell lines. Treatment with the mitogen-activated protein kinase/extracellular signal-related kinase (MEK) inhibitor U0126 reduced expression of VEGF and IL-8 in MDA-MB-231 cells, partially inhibited expression in MDA-MB-468 and Hs578T cells, with minimal effects in GI101A cells. Treatment with LY294002 reduced cytokine expression in GI101A and MDA-MB-468 cells, with partial reduction in Hs578T and less effect in MDA-MB-231 cells. Thus, IL-8 and VEGF were regulated by different signalling pathways in different cell lines; this suggests that inhibition of the dominantly active pathway can downregulate both angiogenic cytokines. Recognising which signalling pathway is active may identify targets for anti-angiogenic therapy of breast cancer.
Assessing tuition and student aid strategies: Using price-response measures to simulate pricing alternatives

This paper uses price-response measures derived from recent national studies to assess institutional pricing (tuition and student aid) alternatives in diverse institutional settings. It concludes that such analyses are viable, especially if an understanding of institutional contexts is used to frame and interpret simulation results. The analyses indicate there are limits to the viability of the “Robin Hood” pricing approach that has predominated in private colleges during the past decade. New alternatives, such as simultaneous tuition and grant reductions or the creation of forgivable loans, merit consideration in some settings.
The evolutionary history of the hominin hand since the last common ancestor of Pan and Homo

Molecular evidence indicates that the last common ancestor of the genus Pan and the hominin clade existed between 8 and 4 million years ago (Ma). The current fossil record indicates the Pan-Homo last common ancestor existed at least 5 Ma and most likely between 6 and 7 Ma. Together, the molecular and fossil evidence has important consequences for interpreting the evolutionary history of the hand within the tribe Hominini (hominins). Firstly, parsimony supports the hypothesis that the hand of the last common ancestor most likely resembled that of an extant great ape overall (Pan, Gorilla, and Pongo), and that of an African ape in particular. Second, it provides a context for interpreting the derived changes to the hand that have evolved in various hominins. For example, the Australopithecus afarensis hand is likely derived in comparison with that of the Pan-Homo last common ancestor in having shorter fingers relative to thumb length and more proximo-distally oriented joints between its capitate, second metacarpal, and trapezium. This evidence suggests that these derived features evolved prior to the intensification of stone tool-related hominin behaviors beginning around 2.5 Ma. However, a majority of primitive features most likely present in the Pan-Homo last common ancestor are retained in the hands of Australopithecus, Paranthropus/early Homo, and Homo floresiensis. This evidence suggests that further derived changes to the hands of other hominins such as modern humans and Neandertals did not evolve until after 2.5 Ma and possibly even later than 1.5 Ma, which is currently the earliest evidence of Acheulian technology. The derived hands of modern humans and Neandertals may indicate a morphological commitment to tool-related manipulative behaviors beyond that observed in other hominins, including those (e.g. H. floresiensis) which may be descended from earlier tool-making species.
Induction of MMP-1 (collagenase-1) by relaxin in fibrocartilaginous cells requires both the AP-1 and PEA-3 promoter sites.

Structured Abstract Authors – Kapila S, Xie Y, Wang W Objectives – Relaxin induces the matrix metalloproteinase MMP-1 (collagenase-1) in TMJ fibrocartilaginous cells, and this response is potentiated by β-estradiol. We identified the MMP-1 promoter sites and transcription factors that are induced by relaxin with or without β-estradiol in fibrocartilaginous cells. Material and Methods – Early passage cells were transiently transfected with the pBLCAT2 plasmid containing specific segments of the human MMP-1 promoter regulating the chloramphenicol acyl transferase (CAT) gene and co-transfected with a plasmid containing the β-galactosidase gene. The cells were cultured in serum-free medium alone or medium containing 0.1 ng/ml relaxin, or 20 ng/ml β-estradiol or both hormones, and lysates assayed for CAT and β-galactosidase activity. Results – Cells transfected with the −1200/−42 or −139/−42 bp MMP-1 promoter-reporter constructs showed 1.5-fold and 3-fold induction of CAT by relaxin in the absence or presence of β-estradiol, respectively. Relaxin failed to induce CAT in the absence of the −137/−69 region of the MMP-1 promoter, which contains the AP-1-and PEA3-binding sites. Using wild type or mutated minimal AP-1 and PEA-3 promoters we found that both these promoter sites are essential for the induction of MMP-1 by relaxin. The mRNAs for transcription factors c-fos and c-jun, which together form the AP-1 heterodimer, and Ets-1 that modulates the PEA-3 site, were upregulated by relaxin or β-estradiol plus relaxin. Conclusion – These studies show that both the AP-1 and PEA-3 promoter sites are necessary for the induction of MMP-1 by relaxin in fibrocartilaginous cells.
Dynamic Simulations of Cascading Failures

Steady state analysis cannot provide the details of how system evolves in cascading failure. Dynamic response of generator plays an important role in power system operation and blackout events. In this paper, classical generator and detail generator models are integrated into system model for cascading dynamic simulations.. The cascading scenarios are compared using both steady state and dynamic simulations. Classical models are simpler; however, the detailed generator model is more accurate. Generator performance of speed deviation and angle deviations as well as the bus voltage profile are investigated for various scenarios. The IEEE 118-bus, 20-generator test case is used as the test system.
The infrared spectra of C96H25 compared with that of C96H24

The addition of one H atom to C96H24 has been studied for the neutral, cation, and anion. Hydrogen atom binding at the solo site is the most favorable for all three charge states. The solo and duo sites are significantly more strongly bound than the endo positions. One extra hydrogen atom has very little effect on the infrared spectra. It is unlikely that species with one extra hydrogen could be identified from the astronomical emission spectra.
Community versus development? Land use and development policy in Vermont as a tool toward community viability

This paper examines Vermont’s Land Use and Development Law (Act 250) as a means of promoting community development through public policy. Central to the law are mechanisms that invite citizen participation in the development and planning process. Accordingly, citizens can organize and undertake collective action against development projects that are understood as posing a threat to the ongoing life of the community. A case is explored in which citizens organized under the banner of Act 250 to prevent Wal-Mart from entering their community, in order to protect a vulnerable downtown area that had centred public and commercial life for generations.
The origins and the future of microfluidics

The manipulation of fluids in channels with dimensions of tens of micrometres--microfluidics--has emerged as a distinct new field. Microfluidics has the potential to influence subject areas from chemical synthesis and biological analysis to optics and information technology. But the field is still at an early stage of development. Even as the basic science and technological demonstrations develop, other problems must be addressed: choosing and focusing on initial applications, and developing strategies to complete the cycle of development, including commercialization. The solutions to these problems will require imagination and ingenuity.
Advantages of Rain Measurements Using Specific Differential Phase

Abstract The following advantages of rain measurements using specific differential phase are examined: 1) immunity to beam blockage, 2) immunity to ground clutter canceling, and 3) case to isolate effects of anomalous propagation. We quantify immunity to beam blockage via examples of measurements that corroborate theoretical expectations. Comparisons of rain accumulations between radar and rain gauges are included. We also contrast beam-filling effects on rain estimates from reflectivity and specific differential phase.
Spontaneous core toroidal rotation in Alcator C-Mod L-mode, H-mode and ITB plasmas

Spontaneous toroidal rotation, self-generated in the absence of an external momentum input, exhibits a rich phenomenology. In L-mode plasmas, the rotation varies in a complicated fashion with electron density, magnetic configuration and plasma current and is predominantly in the counter-current direction. The rotation depends sensitively on the balance between the upper and lower null and plays a crucial role in the H-mode power threshold. Rotation inversion between the counter- and co-current directions has been observed following small changes in the electron density and plasma current, with very distinct thresholds. In contrast, the intrinsic rotation in H-mode plasmas has a relatively simple parameter dependence, with the rotation velocity proportional to the plasma stored energy normalized to the plasma current, and is nearly always directed co-current. In plasmas with internal transport barriers, formed either with off-axis ICRF heating or LHCD, the core rotation velocity increments in the counter-current direction as the barrier evolves.
A human model for assaying comedolytic substances.

SUMMARY The comedolytic activity of topical medicaments may be quantitatively assessed by inducing microcomedones on the backs of black males by a 2-week occlusive exposure to 10% crude coal tar. The test agents are then applied for 2 weeks and the reduction in density of microcomedones is determined by the non-invasive ‘follicular biopsy’ technique using cyanoacrylate adhesive. Only two of the many agents that were tested demonstrated appreciable comedolytic activity, namely retinoic acid (tretinoin) and salicylic acid. The former was more potent in dosage response assays.
Fault-tolerant virtual private networks within an autonomous system

This paper proposes the concept of a fault-tolerant virtual private network (FVPN) within an autonomous system-a framework for supporting seamless network fail-over by leveraging the inherent redundancy of the underlying Internet infrastructure. The proposed architecture includes an application-level module, which is integrated into gateways at VPN end-points. This module enables fail-over to a redundant path without waiting for the underlying routing protocol converging to a new route. The paper introduces two algorithms for establishing redundant backup paths while minimizing overlapping network links. The proposed schemes are evaluated using topology information and sample routing logs from a regional Internet service provider network.
Chemoprophylactic drug trials for treatment of dracunculiasis using the Dracunculus insignis -ferret model

Groups of ferrets inoculated with Dracunculus insignis were treated with various anthelminthic compounds to evaluate the potential use of drugs in controlling the human parasite D. medinensis. The three primary compounds tested were diethylcarbamazine (DEC), albendazole (ALBZ), and invermectin (IVER); they were administered in dosages of 60 mg/kg, 10 mg/kg, and 1 mg/kg, respectively. Groups of animals received treatment either once at 60 days after inoculation, once at 60 and 90 days, or for 3 days at either 60 or 90 days postinoculation. The most marked decrease occurred in the animals that received treatment once at 60 and 90 days after inoculation. This was observed for all three drugs tested. Increased dosages, i.e., 3 days of treatment at 60 or 90 days did not result in decreased worm burdens. In no group was there a statistically significant reduction in worm burden when compared with controls. Two other compounds, metrifonate and CGP 6140, were tested in a more limited manner, but again the worm recovery rates were comparable with those in control groups. It would appear that existing drugs commonly used to treat helminthic infections are poor candidates for use in the campaign to eradicate guinea worm disease.
Self-learning machines applied to the testing of semiconductor memories

The concept of self-learning testers is explored with reference to the detection of certain classes of soft failures. An appropriately organized machine acquires testing "know-how", while exercising memories with a virtually endless sequence of pseudo random test vectors. Verification and sorting of failures is straightforward, but imaginative compression of the acquired information is mandatory. The efficacy of the tester is, indeed, predicated on the notion of the "time trace" of a sequence of test vectors.
A General Model for Site-Based Conservation in Human-Dominated Landscapes: The Landscape Species Approach

It is widely recognized that parks and preserves cannot provide ­adequate habitat for the vast majority of wildlife species, and that alternative strategies are necessary for the long-term protection of biological diversity. Effective ­conservation planning often requires balancing a variety of competing interests with limited ­funding and creates inherent conflict if the needs of humans are not considered as part of the process. The Landscape Species Approach (LSA) of the Wildlife Conservation Society is an innovative approach to landscape-scale ­conservation planning which aims to create wildlife-based strategies for ­conserving large, wild ecosystems integrated in wider landscapes of human influence. This chapter describes the ­development and steps involved in the LSA approach, its application to the Adirondack Park in northern New York State, and advantages and disadvantages of the process.
Computer simulation of antibody binding specificity.

A Monte Carlo algorithm that searches for the optimal docking configuration of hen egg white lysozyme to an antibody is de- veloped. Both the lysozyme and the antibody are kept rigid. Unlike the work of other au- thors, our algorithm does not attempt to explic- itly maximize surface contact, but minimizes the energy computed using coarse-grained pair potentials. The final refinement of our best so- lutions using all-atom OPLS potentials (Jor- gensen and Tirado-Rives') consistently yields the native conformation as the preferred solu- tion for three different antibodies. We find that the use of an exponential distance-dependent dielectric function is an improvement over the more commonly used linear form. 0 1993 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Some fallacies in the circuit analysis course

This paper examines a number of common fallacies in the typical introductory circuit analysis text and offers a more logical, rigorous, and pedagogical approach for each. The majority of these fall within that segment of introductory circuit analysis dealing with active circuits and sub-circuits; more, however, can be found in each of the other major areas covered by such texts. It is hoped that this critique will spur a reexamination of the topics covered in introductory circuit analysis texts.
Preparation and Characterization of Cyclopolymerizable Resin Formulations

An amine-catalyzed reaction between acrylates and formaldehyde has been used to convert mono-acrylates to difunctional monomers and di-acrylates to multifunctional oligomers by linking the acrylic double bonds together in 1,6-diene pairs. The resulting monomers and oligomers undergo efficient cyclopolymerization to high conversion with significantly less shrinkage than normally found for acrylates. In this study, a convenient single-step process was used with mixtures of mono- and di-acrylate starting materials to produce a series of resins with potential for effective cyclopolymerization. Incremental changes in the ethyl acrylate (EA) to ethoxylated bisphenol A diacrylate (EBPAD) ratio directly supplied cyclopolymerizable resins with a broad range of viscosities and product distributions. Those resins produced from reaction mixtures rich in EA have low viscosities because of high diluent monomer contents and limited oligomerization of EBPAD due to end-cap formation. Resin viscosity and average molecular ...
Subliminal-free sharing schemes

Since Simmons (1984) discussed the fact that a secret message, which he called a subliminal channel, can be hidden inside the authenticator, many subliminal-free cryptosystems have been presented. We present a subliminal-free key distribution phase for a secret sharing scheme with a general access structure and discuss subliminal-free recomputation. >
Pharmacotherapy for stimulant-related disorders.

Stimulant–related disorders (SRD) continue to be an important public health problem for which there are presently no approved pharmacotherapies. Although behavioral interventions provide some benefit response varies. The development of novel and effective pharmacotherapies continues to be a research priority. Understanding neural mechanisms critical to the action of stimulants has helped reveal several potential pharmacotherapies that have already shown promise in controlled clinical trials. Common to some of these medications is the ability to reverse neural deficits in individuals with SRD. Results from thoroughly conducted clinical trials continue to broaden our knowledge increasing the possibility of soon developing effective pharmacotherapies for SRD.
Regulation of Epstein-Barr Virus Origin of Plasmid Replication (OriP) by the S-Phase Checkpoint Kinase Chk2

The Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) origin of plasmid replication (OriP) is required for episome stability during latent infection. Telomere repeat factor 2 (TRF2) binds directly to OriP and facilitates DNA replication and plasmid maintenance. Recent studies have found that TRF2 interacts with the DNA damage checkpoint protein Chk2. We show here that Chk2 plays an important role in regulating OriP plasmid stability, chromatin modifications, and replication timing. The depletion of Chk2 by small interfering RNA (siRNA) leads to a reduction in DNA replication efficiency and a loss of OriP-dependent plasmid maintenance. This corresponds to a change in OriP replication timing and an increase in constitutive histone H3 acetylation. We show that Chk2 interacts with TRF2 in the early G(1)/S phase of the cell cycle. We also show that Chk2 can phosphorylate TRF2 in vitro at a consensus acceptor site in the amino-terminal basic domain of TRF2. TRF2 mutants with a serine-to-aspartic acid phosphomimetic substitution mutation were reduced in their ability to recruit the origin recognition complex (ORC) and stimulate OriP replication. We suggest that the Chk2 phosphorylation of TRF2 is important for coordinating ORC binding with chromatin remodeling during the early S phase and that a failure to execute these events leads to replication defects and plasmid instability.
Modeling and experiments in fuzzy control

Fuzzy logic controllers can be programmed with minimal knowledge about the system dynamics and are capable of tuning their structure starting with simple rules. This capability was experimentally demonstrated for DC motor controlled mechanical systems using two load cases. In each case, the controller was initialized with rudimentary rules and experimentally tuned online using gradient descent techniques. Such control strategies provide a convenient framework to incorporate human experience and expert knowledge. A self-organizing tuning algorithm is proposed for fuzzy controllers to compensate for imprecision in modelling and for system nonlinearities. >
The Tragedy of the Commons, Livestock Cycles and Sustainability

This paper revisits the tragedy of the commons and examines the conditions under which externalities contribute to livestock cycles. Using a stylised intertemporal model capturing the main characteristics of African livestock producers, we show that externalities magnify livestock cycles triggered by occasional droughts. This is true even when producers are fully rational. Two forces fuel such cycles: producers' concerns with consumption smoothing; and expected capital gains when demand for livestock products is inelastic. Implications regarding African livestock production are discussed.
Dynamics of resistant soil carbon of Midwestern agricultural soils measured by naturally occurring 14C abundance

Information on the mean residence time (MRT) of soil organic carbon (SOC) on different soil types and management regimes is required for pedo-geological, agronomic, ecological and global change interpretations. This is best determined by carbon dating the total soil together with acid hydrolysis and carbon dating of the non-hydrolyzable residue (NHC). Midwestern US soils in a transect from Lamberton, MN to Kutztown, PA were found to contain from 33% to 65% of their SOC in the non-hydrolyzable fraction. Soils on lacustrine deposits had the most NHC; glacial till and shale soils, the least. The MRTs of the SOC of surface horizons of soil ranged from modern to 1100 years with an average of 560 years. The MRT increased to an average of 1700 years in the 25–50-cm depth increment and 2757 years at 50–100 cm. The NHC was 1340 years greater at the surface and 5584 years at depth. The MRTs of the total SOC were inversely correlated to sand and directly related to clay content. Silt did not have a significant effect on the MRT of total SOC, but was significantly correlated with the MRT of the NHC. A four-parameter model described the relationship between the SOC content and MRT. The complexity of this equation reflected the strong effect of depth, which greatly decreased SOC while increasing the MRT. The MRT of these soils, as determined with carbon dating of the naturally occurring 14C, was compared to that measured with the 13C signal produced by approximately 30 years of continuous corn (Zea mays L.) (C4) on soils with a known plant history of C3–C4 cropping. The equation of 14C MRT=176(13CMRT)0.54 with an R2 of 0.70 showed that although short-term 13C studies correlate well with the total MRT, they reflect the dynamics of the active and slow pools, not the total SOC.
Neurodegeneration and remyelination in multiple sclerosis

Abstract Neuronal and axonal degeneration, as well as inflammation and demyelination, are integral components of the pathology of multiple sclerosis (MS). Neurodegeneration is seen in the earliest stages and throughout the course of the disease and contributes to irreversible physical and cognitive disability. Mitochondrial malfunction and energy failure, loss of trophic support by myelin, ion channel dysfunction, oxidative stress, and excitotoxicity have been identified as possible contributors to neurodegeneration. Remyelination attempts to restore normal axonal function and protects against neuro-axonal loss. Oligodendrocyte progenitor cells are present in the adult brain and under the right conditions, might be able to proliferate, migrate, and differentiate into mature oligodendrocytes, capable of remyelination of MS lesions. In this chapter, we review the underlying pathophysiology of axonal and neuronal injury and the mechanisms of remyelination in MS. A better understanding of these basic principles is required for the development of new therapeutic strategies to prevent disability and restore function in patients.
[μ-N,N,N',N'-Tetra-kis(2-pyridyl-meth-yl)butane-1,4-diamine]-bis-[dibromidocopper(II)].

The title dinuclear copper complex, [Cu2Br4(C28H32N6)], is located on an inversion center. The unique CuII ion is in a slightly distorted square-pyramidal environment in which the N atoms of a dipicolyl­amine group and a bromide ligand form the basal plane. The apical site is occupied by a second Br atom. While the Cu—N distances involving the pyridine N atoms are the same within experimental error, the Cu—N distance involving the tertiary N atom is slightly elongated. Due to the typical Jahn–Teller distortion of copper(II) complexes, the apical Cu—Br distance is elongated.
Annual cycles of phytoplankton biomass in the subarctic Atlantic and Pacific Ocean

High-latitude phytoplankton blooms support productive fisheries and play an important role in oceanic uptake of atmospheric carbon dioxide. In the subarctic North Atlantic Ocean, blooms are a recurrent feature each year, while in the eastern subarctic Pacific only small changes in chlorophyll (Chl) are seen over the annual cycle. Here we show that when evaluated using phytoplankton carbon biomass (Cphyto) rather than Chl, an annual bloom in the North Pacific is evident and can even rival blooms observed in the North Atlantic. The annual increase in subarctic Pacific phytoplankton biomass is not readily observed in the Chl record because it is paralleled by light- and nutrient-driven decreases in cellular pigment levels (Cphyto:Chl). Specifically, photoacclimation and iron stress effects on Cphyto:Chl oppose the biomass increase, leading to only modest changes in bulk Chl. The magnitude of the photoacclimation effect is quantified using descriptors of the near-surface light environment and a photophysiological model. Iron stress effects are diagnosed from satellite chlorophyll fluorescence data. Lastly, we show that biomass accumulation in the Pacific is slower than that in the Atlantic but is closely tied to similar levels of seasonal nutrient uptake in both basins. Annual cycles of satellite-derived Chl and Cphyto are reproduced by in situ autonomous profiling floats. These results contradict the long-standing paradigm that environmental conditions prevent phytoplankton accumulation in the subarctic Northeast Pacific and suggest a greater seasonal decoupling between phytoplankton growth and losses than traditionally implied. Further, our results highlight the role of physiological processes in shaping bulk properties, such as Chl, and their interpretation in studies of ocean ecosystem dynamics and climate change.
Multi-class Traffic Morphing for Encrypted VoIP Communication

In a re-identification attack, an adversary analyzes the sizes of intercepted encrypted VoIP packets to infer characteristics of the underlying audio—for example, the language or individual phrases spoken on the encrypted VoIP call. Traffic morphing has been proposed as a general solution for defending against such attacks. In traffic morphing, the sender pads ciphertext to obfuscate the distribution of packet sizes, impairing the adversary’s ability to accurately identify features of the plaintext.
Chinese consumers concerns about food safety: Case of Tianjin

Abstract The objective of this study is to gain an insight to Chinese consumers' knowledge and concerns over food safety from a case study in Tianjin city. The results indicate that Chinese consumers are very much concerned about food safety, particularly with regard to vegetables and dairy products. Chinese consumers know little about genetically modified (GM) and organic foods. Empirical results show that young and highly educated men are the main consumers of the so called pollution-free food, promoted by the Chinese government, and highly educated and variety-seeking consumers are most likely to buy GM food products in the future.
Dissecting the Prevalence and Incidence of Offending During the Crime Drop of the 1990s

To evaluate whether the 1990s crime drop reflects a decrease in offending prevalence (the fraction of the population engaged in crime), offending incidence (the frequency of offending among active criminals), or some combination of the two. We use individual-level longitudinal data on adolescent offending patterns from the Pittsburgh Youth study (PYS), integrating information from the youngest and oldest cohorts to compare offending among 17–18 year old males at the beginning and end of the 1990s. Logistic and negative binomial regression models are estimated to assess whether there are significant differences in offending prevalence and incidence during the 1990s. The reduction in property crime rates in the PYS sample during the 1990s can be attributed to declines in both offending prevalence and incidence. The overall decline in serious violence during the 1990s for the full sample was primarily the result of a falloff in prevalence. However, for black youth our results indicate significant reductions in both the prevalence and incidence of serious violence. We did not detect a significant difference in illegal drug sales during the period. Using longitudinal data on individuals to decompose aggregate crime trends into changes in the prevalence and incidence of offending offers insights into the nature of the 1990s crime drop that cannot be discerned from aggregate crime data. Future research should build on the current study by examining the specific mechanisms that influence change over time in crime prevalence, incidence, or both.
Advanced Stochastic Portfolio Theory in Mathematical Finance

his lecture notes summarizes standard machinery of an advanced course on Stochastic Portfolio Theory, presents techniques for analysis of portfolio dynamics and equity market structure. This notes is based on material developed in a series of papers published in recent years by Prof. Ioannis Karatzas and his lectures regularly given at Columbia University in the city of New York.It gives introduction to a number of questions of market structure and arbitrage, used to construct portfolios controlled behaviour. The Stochastic Portfolio theory has been applied to analysis and optimization of portfolio performance and denotes a benchmark portfolio performance and successful investment strategies.
Development of a Chemiresistor Sensor for Polypropylene Degradation Products

This paper presents the development of a sensor to detect the oxidative and radiation induced degradation of polypropylene. Recently we have examined the use of crosslinked assemblies of nanoparticles as a chemiresistor-type sensor for the degradation products. We have developed a simple method that uses a siloxane matrix to fabricate a chemiresistor-type sensor that minimizes the swelling transduction mechanism while optimizing the change in dielectric response. These sensors were exposed with the use of a gas chromatography system to three previously identified polypropylene degradation products including 4-methyl-2-pentanone, acetone, and 2-pentanone. The limits of detection 210 ppb for 4-methy-2-pentanone, 575 ppb for 2-pentanone, and the LoD was unable to be determined for acetone due to incomplete separation from the carbon disulfide carrier.
Efficacy and safety results with the combination therapy of arsenic trioxide, dexamethasone, and ascorbic acid in multiple myeloma patients: a phase 2 trial.

Single-agent arsenic trioxide has shown promising results in patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma (MM). Because preclinical data suggested greater activity with dexamethasone and ascorbic acid, a phase 2 trial of the combination of arsenic trioxide, dexamethasone, and ascorbic acid in patients with relapsed or refractory MM was conducted. Twenty patients in whom no more than two previous therapies had failed were enrolled. The mean age was 62 yr, and 55% of the patients had refractory disease. The regimen consisted of 14- or 15-wk cycles, with the first cycle considered induction, followed by one or two consolidation cycles with a reduced steroid schedule and then a maintenance cycle in responding patients. The overall response rate was 30%, with at least stable disease in 80% of patients. Median progression-free survival was 316 d in all patients and 584 d in those with a response. The regimen was well tolerated, with most adverse events being mild or moderate. This study showed the clinical efficacy and tolerability of the combination of arsenic trioxide, dexamethasone, and ascorbic acid. Further study is warranted.
Monogamy on trial

A discussion of the origins and subsequent developments of attitudes toward monogamy and its alternatives reveals marked variations and some similarities. A range of specific factors have impinged upon norms of intimacy in various historical periods, e.g., the Medieval Church stressed the ideal of celibacy and derogated monogamy. While external factors such as economics and religion tend to influence lifestyle preferences to produce noncumulative effects, there has been a more recent tendency toward democratization of options. Those patterns most closely associated with elite populations tend to be eventually adopted in an altered fashion by broader sectors of the populace.
Fuzzy open-loop attitude control for the fast spacecraft

Open-loop attitude control is often used to control the orientation of the spin axis for a spin-stabilized spacecraft. The desired orientation of the spin-axis is typically constrained relative to vectors that are moving in inertial space, such as the Sun vector or the vector normal to the orbit plane. Established methods have been used for many years to provide spin-axis attitude control. This analysis investigates the use of fuzzy logic to control the spin-axis attitude. A fuzzy logic controller for the FAST spacecraft was developed and implemented in a prototype simulator, using MATLAB®. The performance of the fuzzy logic controller was simulated and compared to the traditional control techniques. Several advantages were found with the fuzzy logic controller, including simplicity, flexibility, and robustness.
Marangoni Convection in Evaporating Organic Liquid Droplets on a Nonwetting Substrate.

We quantitatively characterize the flow field inside organic liquid droplets evaporating on a nonwetting substrate. A mushroom-structured surface yields the desired nonwetting behavior with methanol droplets, while use of a cooled substrate (5–15 °C) slows the rate of evaporation to allow quasi-static particle image velocimetry. Visualization reveals a toroidal vortex within the droplet that is characteristic of surface tension-driven flow; we demonstrate by means of a scaling analysis that this recirculating flow is Marangoni convection. The velocities in the droplet are on the order of 10–45 mm/s. Thus, unlike in the case of evaporation on wetting substrates where Marangoni convection can be ignored for the purpose of estimating the evaporation rate, advection due to the surface tension-driven flow plays a dominant role in the heat transfer within an evaporating droplet on a nonwetting substrate because of the large height-to-radius aspect ratio of the droplet. We formulate a reduced-order model that in...