cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Efficient tamper-evident data structures for untrusted servers

Many real-world applications run on untrusted servers or are run on servers that are subject to strong insider attacks. Although we cannot prevent an untrusted server from modifying or deleting data, with tamper-evident data structures, we can discover when this has occurred. If an untrusted server knows that a particular reply will not be checked for correctness, it is free to lie. Auditing for correctness is thus a frequent but overlooked operation. In my thesis, I present and evaluate new efficient data structures for tamper-evident logging and tamper-evident storage of changing data on untrusted servers, focussing on the costs of the entire system. The first data structure is a new tamper-evident log design. I propose new semantics of tamper-evident logs in terms of the auditing process, required to detect misbehavior. To accomplish efficient auditing, I describe and benchmark a new tree-based data structure that can generate such proofs with logarithmic size and space, significantly improving over previous linear constructions while also offering a flexible query mechanism with authenticated results. The remaining data structures are designs for a persistent authenticated dictionary (PAD) that allows users to send lookup requests to an untrusted server and get authenticated answers, signed by a trusted author, for both the current and historical versions of the dataset. Improving on prior constructions that require logarithmic storage and time, I present new classes of efficient PAD algorithms offering constant-sized authenticated answers or constant storage per update. I implement 21 different versions of PAD algorithms and perform a comprehensive evaluation using contemporary cloud-computing prices for computing and bandwidth to determine the most monetarily cost-effective designs.
The Apaf-1/caspase-9 apoptosome is dispensable for Fas-mediated apoptosis in type II Jurkat T-lymphocytes

4370 Stimulation of the Fas receptor leads to apoptosis upon activation of caspase-8 within the death-inducing signaling complex (DISC). Two distinct signaling pathways of Fas-induced apoptosis have been described that differ in the extent of DISC formation and mitochondrial involvement. In type I cells, robust caspase-8 activation is followed closely by cleavage and activation of caspase-3 in a mitochondria-independent manner. In type II cells, initial caspase-8 activation is low and amplification of this signal is thought to rely heavily on the engagement of the mitochondrial apoptotic pathway by caspase-8-mediated cleavage of the pro-apoptotic Bcl-2 family protein Bid. In this regard, a commonly held view is that anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 proteins, such as Bcl-2 and Bcl-xL, are able to inhibit Fas-induced apoptosis in type II but not type I cells. To help elucidate the underlying role of mitochondria during receptor-mediated apoptosis in so-called type II cells, we established distinct clones of Jurkat T-lymphocytes (clone E6.1) in which the mitochondrial apoptotic pathway had been ablated due to stable overexpression of Bcl-2/Bcl-xL or depletion of Apaf-1. Notably, these cell lines were equally resistant to apoptosis induced by genotoxic stress. Cells overexpressing either Bcl-2 or Bcl-xL were also protected from apoptosis induced by anti-Fas antibody, whereas Apaf-1-deficient Jurkat cells were sensitive to anti-Fas, displaying robust caspase-8 and -3 activation, Bid cleavage, Bak activation, mitochondrial membrane depolarization, and the release of cytochrome c and Smac/DIABLO, events that were all inhibited by pre-treating cells with the caspase-3-like inhibitor z-DEVD-fmk. Significantly, pretreatment of the Bcl-xL-overexpressing cells with a Smac mimetic sensitized these cells to treatment with anti-Fas. Combined, these data would suggest that it is the release of pro-apoptotic factors from the mitochondrial intermembrane space, rather than the mitochondrial apoptotic pathway per se, that is essential for apoptosis in response to anti-Fas in type II Jurkat cells. (Supported by NIH grants K22 ES011647 (to J.D.R.) and P20 RR016475)
On the Determinants, Financial and Operating Consequences, and the Product Market Effects of Product Recalls

We study a large sample of product recalls that include a wide variety of products such as consumer products, food, drug, medical devices, and automobiles and show that such product quality failures have significant adverse value consequences for the recalling firms. Our analysis sheds light on factors that affect the incidence of product recalls, the financial and operating consequences for the recalling firms, and the actions taken by them in response to the recall. We also study the value implications for the rivals and suppliers – which enable us to draw important inferences about product market linkages. We find that the financial condition, competitive position, coordination costs, incentives of workers and management, and monitoring environment impact recall likelihood. Recall events result in significant costs for key suppliers which are further exacerbated if they have made larger relationship-specific investments. Further, instead of benefiting from the recalling firms’ problems, industry rivals suffer adverse contagion effects, perhaps due to anticipated regulation and diminished perceptions about the product category. We find that a larger investment in brand capital alleviates the negative wealth effects for the recalling firms. Finally, using a difference-in-differences approach, we find that recalling firms suffer sales declines and increase advertising expenditures – consequences and policy changes that we further show are not just due to a continuation of a differential trend from before the recall event and, therefore, directly attributable to the recall.
Large‐Scale Screens for cDNAs with in vivo Activity

The pace of biological investigation has been greatly accelerated by technologies that permit comprehensive inventory of gene expression under diverse conditions. We have been developing and using approaches to understand gene function that are based on functional assessments of gene activity, using automated expression cloning followed by gene knockdown using shRNA or by gene knockout. Some recent developments in expression screens and methods to expedite the formation of targeted mutations in mice are discussed. A resource for large scale quantitative profiling of mRNA abundance is also described.
The Republic of Mass Culture: Journalism, Filmmaking, and Broadcasting in America Since 1941

When James Baughman's The Republic of Mass Culture was first published in 1992, reviewers noted its several virtues. Baughman's book offered one of the only credible scholarly overviews of politica...
Investigació en Psicologia experimental i Psicofisiologia a la Secció de Psicologia de la Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (1979-1983)

Se informa sobre la labor realizada en la Universidad Autonoma de Barcelona -dentro del marco del Laboratori de Conducta de su Seccion de Psicologia- en los campos de la Psicologia Experimental y la Psicofisiologia, desde comienzos de 1979 hasta octubre de 1983. Se pasa revista a las investigaciones empiricas efectuadas, tanto de caracter basico como aplicado, y a las aportaciones teoricas llevadas a cabo, mencionandose las principales lineas de investigacion vigentes a finales de 1983. El presente trabajo es continuacion de otro (Bayes y Garau, 1982) que abarcaba el periodo 1968-1978.
Extraversion-Introversion Personality Traits Of Local Firm CPAs Who Previously Worked For A National CPA Firm: An Empirical Study

Prior research on the personality types of CPAs has focused on which personality types were most attracted to national or local public accounting firms. P revious studies indicate that national-firm CPAs are twice as likely to be extraverts whereas local-firm CPAs are twice as likely to be introverts. No prior studies have evaluated the extraversion-introversion personality types of those who first started with a national firm before working for a local firm. This study postulates that for extraversion-introversion, CPAs who worked for a national firm before working for a local firm are statistically similar to those who have only worked for a local firm and statistically different from those who have only worked for a national firm. With respect to extraversion-introversion for those who first started work for a national firm before working for a local CPA firm, this study supports the hypothesis that they would be different from those who had only worked for a national firm and does not support their similarity with those who had only worked for a local CPA firm.
Student Perceptions of Faculty Credibility Based on Email Addresses.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate students’ perceptions of faculty credibility based on email addresses. The survey was conducted at an upper division business school in Michigan where all students have completed at least two years of college courses. The survey results show that a faculty member’s selection of an email address does influence the student’s perception of faculty credibility. An email address that consists of a nickname reduces the student’s perception of faculty credibility. The reduced creditability may have a negative impact on the faculty member as well as the college.
Tootsie syndrome, or “we have met the enemy and they are us”☆

Abstract The question of whether feminists, that is women committed to feminist politics, research, and social change should be engaged in feminist theory can be dismissed as an essentialist assumption. In light of the research presented here it is found that among subpopulations of males, a particular syndrome has been identified, the Tootsie Syndrome , which involves men acting the role of playing the woman and therefore doing feminist theory, pedagogy, etc. But this research establishes that the syndrome has produced clinically unhealthy patterns of behavior that, according to this researcher, Lacanian therapy can address.
Serotonin mechanisms in alcohol drinking behavior

Rat lines selectively bred for disparate alcohol-drinking behaviors exhibit innate differences in the contents of serotonin (5-HT) in several CNS limbic regions, e.g., nucleus accumbens (ACB), frontal cortex, hypothalamus, and olfactory tubercles. In these regions, the selectively bred alcohol-preferring (P) line has levels approximately 20% (P > 0.05) lower than values obtained for the alcohol-nonpreferring (NP) line. In addition, in some limbic regions, the densities of (1) 5-HT1A receptors are higher by approximately 30% and (2) 5-HT1B and 5-HT2 receptors are lower (by 25-40%) in the P than in the NP line. systemic administration of agents that increase synaptic levels of 5-HT, such as fluoxetine (a 5-HT uptake inhibitor), d-fenfluramine (a 5-HT releaser) and D, L-5-hydroxytryptophan (an immediate precursor of 5-HT), significantly decreased alcohol consumption of the P line of rats. Systemic (1.0 and 2.0 g/kg ip) administration or local perfusion (100 mM) of ethanol significantly increased the extracellular levels of 5-HT in the ACB of unselected Wistar rats. An interaction of the dorsal raphe nucleus (DRN) 5-HT system with the ventral tegmental area (VTA) dopamine (DA) pathway projecting to the ACB was indicated by the findings that DA release in the ACB increased and decreased following stimulation and inhibition, respectively, of DRN 5-HT neurons. Moreover, an involvement of 5-HT in mediating alcohol-stimulated DA release in the ACB is indicated by the observation that local application of a 5-HT3 antagonist can attenuate this stimulated release. Overall, the data suggest that an innate 5-HT deficiency in certain limbic structures of the P rat may be a major neurobiological factor underlying their high alcohol drinking characteristics. © 1993 wiley-Liss, Inc.
The Effects of Variations in Paco2 on Brain Blood Flow and Cardiac Output in the Newborn Piglet

The acute effects of normoxemic hypocarbia and hypercarbia were examined in six newborn piglets. Brain blood flow was maintained during hypocarbia until extremely low PaCO2 (less than 15 mm Hg) levels were achieved at which time total brain and cerebral blood flow decreased significantly from baseline values. Blood flow to the thalamus, cerebellum and brain stem was unchanged from baseline conditions during hypocarbia. This suggests that the newborn brain is relatively insensitive to moderate degrees of hypocarbia. Extreme hypocarbia (PaCO2 less than 15 mm Hg) was associated with a significant increase in heart rate, accompanied by a significant decrease in mean arterial blood pressure; however, cardiac output was not significantly different from baseline determinations. Hypercarbia with normoxemia was associated with significant increases in total brain blood flow, with greater blood flow to the brain stem, cerebellum, and thalamus than to the cerebrum. The percentage of cardiac output received by the brain was also significantly increased, although total cardiac output was unchanged. This demonstrates that the newborn cerebral vasculature is sensitive to hypercarbia and that regional differences in sensitivity may account for the greater increments in blood flow to the caudal portions of the brain than that to the cerebrum.
Chemical reactions and phase equilibria of model halocarbons and salts in sub- and supercritical water (200–300 bar, 100–600°C)

Abstract Experimental data and theoretical predictions of hydrolysis reaction kinetics of model halocarbons and phase equilibria of their associated neutralized salt reaction products are reported for a range of hydrothermal conditions. Specifically, the results of a study of hydrolysis and oxidation of methylene chloride (CH2Cl2) to produce CO2, H2O, and HCl as final mineralized products are presented. An analysis of hydrolysis kinetics and heat transfer was used to generate kinetic parameters for comparison with theoretical predictions based on a modified form of the Kirkwood solution model to show density dependent effects as a function of the dielectric strength of the reaction solvent medium. Phase equilibria data for the ternary NaCl–Na2SO4–H2O, system at 200 and 250 bar were measured and correlated. A modified form of the Anderko–Pitzer semi-empirical PVTxi model was used to predict equilibrium phase boundaries for the NaCl–H2O system at 210, 250, and 300 bar. Molecular simulation results for the NaCl–H2O binary was used to illustrate changes in the solvation power of water as a function of density.
Natural non-nutrient substances in the food chain.

Abstract The toxic potential of a limited number of mycotoxins, biologically active natural products and trace elements has been reviewed from a primary focus of selection as to their contamination of the food supply whether by direct consumption or via domestic animals used for milk production or meat consumption. An assessment of potential toxicants requires knowledge of the chemical form of the contaminant as well as its origin. In addition to contamination of food, air, water and soil are the other routes that must be considered when assessing what part of the total human bond of a given contaminant is due to a specific source. Additional focus has given in this review to environmental agents which are teratogenic, mutagenic and/or carcinogenic although it is recognized that there have been few reports cited to establish the interrelationship of teratogenesis, oncogenesis, mutagenesis, and chromosome damage and the subcellular or molecular basis for these abnormalities may be obscure and unrelated. However, this does not preclude the necessity of drawing attention to the possible or potential toxic nature of the agents discussed. Although trace metals such as selenium, lead, arsenic and cadmium have been shown to be carcinogenic in experimental animals, to date there appears to be no epidemiological evidence that oral ingestion of these metals in the average amounts in which they are normally found, is associated with a carcinogenic hazard in man. It must also be emphasized that although several epidemiological surveys in such regions as Africa, Southeast Asia, India and Japan have contributed important presumptive evidence in regard to liver and gastrointestinal neoplasia, the difficulty of unequivocally ascribing a definitive etiological agent is realized when one considers the myriad aspects of the presence and concentration of various food contaminants, e.g. pesticides, mycotoxins, plant and seed toxicants, radionuclides, trace metals and processing degradation products. an added problem arises in regard to the difficulty of focusing on specific food items consumed rather than on the basis of general classification such as meats, fruits, cereal products or vegetables. The etiology of a disease may also be dependent upon one or more foods, as well as genetic and previous environmental interrelationships. The possibility of potentiation or synergism in regard to hazards presented by foodstuffs contaminated by several toxin-producing molds or by several mycotoxins must also be considered.
Shielded solenoidal probe for in vivo NMR studies of solid tumors.

A shielded solenoidal probe, suitable for in vivo NMR studies of subcutancous solid tumors, is described. The 31P NMR spectra obtained from phantom samples and in vivo subeutaneous solid tumors in mice show that spurious signals from the body are totally eliminated if the proper shield is used.
Quantitative changes in the frog muscle spindle with passive stretch.

Ultrastructural changes in the frog intrafusal were qualitatively and quantitatively evaluated with passive stretch. The following observations were made: (1) The reticular zone was stretchable and remained stretched in the stationary phase. (2) Reticulomeres (unisarcomeric muscle processes in the reticular zone) appeared to be series-coupled with the extracellular material. (3) Extracellular filamentous material transformed from a random orientation to a nonstretchable periodic (810 A) pattern (extromeres). (4) The inner capsule sleeve decreased in diameter. (5) Groups of intrafusal nuclei rearranged from a group to a string pattern. (6) Nerve bulbs changed their contours from rounded to elliptoid. (7) Leptomere spacings increased less than sarcomere spacings. The significance of these changes is discussed in terms of spindle function.
Increased lipid content in the rat axotomized superior cervical ganglion.

Abstract Transection of postganglionic nerves of the rat superior cervical ganglion results in significant increases in the concentration of lipid as well as the total content of lipid in the ganglion. The purpose of this work was to characterize the effect of axotomy on the major classes of lipid in the ganglion and to examine possible relationships among increases in lipid content and changes in steady-state concentrations of metabolites utilized in lipid biosynthesis. Major classes of lipids in axotomized and contralateral intact ganglia were compared using the Folch extraction and partitioning scheme. Analyses of lipids were carried out 7 days after axotomy because total lipid content was increased maximally at that time. The increase in lipid content in axotomized ganglia was related primarily to an increase in phospholipids. Amounts of gangliosides, cerebrosides, cholesterol, and proteolipid protein did not change significantly after axotomy. The elevation of phospholipid content was accompanied by increases in steady-state concentrations of α-glycerophosphate and decreases in Coenzyme A in the ganglion; however, concentrations of acetyl CoA and long-chain acyl CoA compounds did not change significantly in axotomized ganglia. Increases in α-glycerophosphate do not appear to arise from enhanced utilization of glucose because α-glycerophosphate dehydrogenase activity was decreased in axotomized ganglia and the incorporation of [U-14C] glucose into lipids in explants of the axotomized ganglia in vitro was not elevated. In contrast, incorporation of [U-14C] glycerol into lipids of explants from axotomized ganglia was increased in vitro. The results suggest that utilization of extracellular glycerol for phospholipid biosynthesis may be enhanced in the rat's axotomized superior cervical ganglion.
Depression in late life. Diagnosis, course, and consequences

Both major depression and dysthymia are common disorders in late life. However, making an accurate diagnosis may be more challenging than diagnosing depression in younger persons both because of comorbid general medical conditions and because of the illnesses, cognitive disturbances, and myriad adverse life experiences the elderly face. Often, dysphoria is sloughed off as an understandable response to adversity, and the diagnosis of depression is missed. Thus, elderly persons with major depression and dysthymia may be exposed to unnecessary prolonged suffering and to the disruptions of family life, impairment of functioning, worsening of comorbid general medical illness, and premature death that are the hallmarks of untreated depression.
Joint Inversion of Time-Lapse Seismic And Production Data For Norne Field

Time lapse seismic has evolved as an important diagnostic tool in efficient reservoir characterization and monitoring. In combination with geological and flow modeling as a part of history matching process it can provide better description of the reservoir and thus better reservoir forecasting. However joint inversion of seismic and flow data for reservoir parameter is highly non-linear and complex. The problem is more challenging with application to real field data set. In this paper we jointly match timelapse seismic and production data of Norne field. Recently stochastic optimization based inversion has shown good results in integration of time-lapse seismic and production data in reservoir history matching. We have used a family of particle swarm optimizers for inversion of Norne field data set. We analyze the performance of the different PSO optimizers, both in terms of exploration and convergence rate on a 2-D section of Norne field.
The impact of subtype, frequency, chronicity, and severity of child maltreatment on social competence and behavior problems

This investigation examined the impact of dimensions within maltreatment such as the severity, frequency, chronicity, and subtypes of maltreatment and their relationship with child outcome. Children between the ages of 5 and 11 who participated in a summer camp program were assessed on their social competence, behavior problems, and peers ratings of cooperation, disruption, and initiation of aggression. The 235 participants were all from low-socioeconomic status families; 145 children were from families with documented histories of child maltreatment, whereas 90 of the children had no record of maltreatment. The study found that severity of the maltreatment, the frequency of Child Protective Services reports, and the interaction between severity and frequency were significant predictors of children's functioning. Additionally, the chronicity of the maltreatment in the family significantly predicted peer ratings of aggression. Subtype differences emerged as well, with children in the sexual abuse group being more socially competent than other maltreated children, and children in the physical abuse group having more behavior problems than nonmaltreated children. Regression analyses with cooccurrence of multiple subtypes of maltreatment indicated that physical neglect, physical abuse, and sexual abuse made significant unique contributions in predicting child outcomes. The advantages of exploring multiple dimensions within maltreatment, the necessity of developing better operational definitions of these dimensions, and social policy implications of the findings are discussed.
Recent advances in the molecular genetics of industrial filamentous fungi

Abstract Recently, considerable research effort has focused on the molecular genetics of filamentous fungi of industrial importance. Intense research was initiated following reports of transformation systems for the non-commercial filamentous fungi Neurospora crassa and Aspergillus nidulans , and was prompted by two principle considerations: (1) the possibility of exploiting the inherent ability of many filamentous fungi to secrete copious quantities of protein in submerged culture, and (2) the disappointing yields of many heterologous proteins when secreted from prokaryotic and yeast expression systems.
Radiation of ultrasound into an anisotropic solid

Abstract A half-space, x 3 ⩽ 0, of a transversely isotropic solid whose axis of symmetry makes an angle α with the x 3 -axis, is subjected to a spatially uniform time-harmonic distribution of normal surface tractions over a circular area of the plane x 3 = 0. The wave motion radiated into the half-space is investigated. Using an integral representation for the displacement components the problem is first reduced to a system of singular integral equations for the displacements on the surface x 3 = 0. This system is solved by the boundary element method over a truncated area, where use is made of recently derived simplified forms of the Green's functions. The results show the skewing of the beam as the angle between the axis of symmetry of the transversely isotropic solid and the normal to the surface of the solid is increased.
Direct partial oxidation of methane over ZSM-5 catalyst: effects of additives

Previously, it was reported that the direct partial oxidation (DPO) of CH4 with O2 over HZSM-5 catalysts produces C5+ hydrocarbon liquids when the feed contains a propane or propene additive. This work studies additive effects on C5+ production in this system by processing a CH4/C3H8 feed with subsequent removal of the C3 additive and by processing natural gas feed. Results show C5+ production is maintained at constant yields for HZSM-5 catalysts having different zeolitic Al contents after removal of the C3 additive. Mechanistic implications are discussed. Natural gas DPO consistently produced C5+ liquids due to the presence of C2+ components in the feed. While C5+ yields from natural gas DPO are higher than those observed for CH4/C3 feeds, increasing feed O2 concentration, and thus conversion, deleteriously affected C5+ selectivity.
Power Generation Scheduling by Integer Programming-Development of Theory

Power generation scheduling involves the selection of units to be placed in operation and the allocation of the load between these operating units. This paper presents the formulation of the economic scheduling problem as an integer program taking into account the discontinuous input-output characteristics and start-up costs of the generators. A recently developed method for solving integer programs, linear programs with whole number answers required, is successfully applied to the solution of the scheduling problem.
THE THEODICY OF THE SECOND DISCOURSE: THE "PURE STATE OF NATURE" AND ROUSSEAU'S POLITICAL THOUGHT

Since Rousseau, and perhaps because of him, political theory has often been characterized by a disjunction between considerations of human nature and questions of justice and law. Yet, reexamining the Second Discourse as a theodicy forces us to rethink how the essential questions of political theory are related just where they seem to become separated. The core of the theodicy is Rousseau's view that we are, by nature, physical beings embedded unproblematically in nature—good, or ordered, beings in a good, or ordered, whole. Although Rousseau presents his explicitly political thought as a juridical doctrine seemingly separated from his understanding of human nature and history, his political thought is founded upon his portrait of man's existence in the “pure state of nature.” This portrait serves as a positive formal model to enable us to remake our corrupted existence through the legitimate state—itself modeled by Rousseau on the divine or natural whole.
An electrospray ionization source for thermochemical investigation with the guided ion beam mass spectrometer

An electrospray ionization (ESI) source developed for use with the guided ion beam tandem mass spectrometer (GIBMS) is described. For accurate determination of thermochemistry using threshold collision-induced dissociation (TCID), it is essential that any source produces ions with four exacting characteristics: (1) high intensity, (2) stable signal, and well-defined energies both (3) kinetic, and (4) internal. To accomplish these objectives, the ions generated by the electrospray are collected using a radio frequency electrodynamic ion funnel and are then transferred into a hexapole ion guide where they are thermalized and subsequently passed into higher-vacuum regions for analysis. The resulting ion intensities using this source can exceed 106 ions/s. Stable beams (<10% variation in signal) can be generated over multiple hours. The kinetic energy distribution of ions emerging from this source has been shown to be well described by a Gaussian distribution with a full width half maximum (FWHM) of about 0.1–0.2 eV in the laboratory frame of reference. Finally, TCID results for ions generated with this source show excellent agreement with previously reported threshold values for ions generated using a variety of sources and experimental methodologies. This confirms that internal energies of the ions are well described by a Maxwell—Boltzmann distribution at room temperature.
Hard to swallow dry: formation of linear and cyclic oligomers in the anhydrous thermal decomposition of acetylsalicylic acid

The combination of thermal analysis and mass spectrometry reveals that thermal decomposition of acetylsalicylic acid under anhydrous conditions occurs by formation of its linear oligomers, which are subsequently converted to cyclic oligomers.
Identification of Intraluminal Thrombus by Ultrasonography in Emergency Department Patients with Acute Deep Venous Thrombosis

Abstract Background Traditionally, the diagnosis of deep venous thrombosis (DVT) using duplex ultrasonography (DU) has relied on the absence of venous compressibility. Visualization of an intraluminal thrombus is considered an uncommon finding. Objectives The purpose of this study is to determine the frequency of intraluminal thrombus in emergency department (ED) patients diagnosed with acute DVT. Methods Retrospective chart review of adult ED patients with DU examinations demonstrating acute DVT. Patients with chronic DVT or patients in whom DU did not demonstrate DVT were excluded from data analysis. Study reports and ultrasound images were reviewed and analyzed for the presence of intraluminal thrombus. Results There were 189 patients who met inclusion criteria, of which 160 (85%) were found to have intraluminal thrombus. Conclusion Intraluminal thrombi are present in the majority of patients in our ED in whom acute DVT is identified by DU.
Selective nucleic acid removal via exclusion (SNARE): capturing mRNA and DNA from a single sample.

The path from gene (DNA) to gene product (RNA or protein) is the foundation of genotype giving rise to phenotype. Comparison of genomic analyses (DNA) with paired transcriptomic studies (mRNA) is critical to evaluating the pathogenic processes that give rise to human disease. The ability to analyze both DNA and mRNA from the same sample is not only important for biologic interrogation but also to minimize variance (e.g., sample loss) unrelated to the biology. Existing methods for RNA and DNA purification from a single sample are typically time-consuming and labor intensive or require large sample sizes to split for separate RNA and DNA extraction procedures. Thus, there is a need for more efficient and cost-effective methods to purify both RNA and DNA from a single sample. To address this need, we have developed a technique, termed SNARE (Selective Nucleic Acid Removal via Exclusion), that uses pinned oil interfaces to simultaneous purify mRNA and DNA from a single sample. A unique advantage of SNARE is t...
Divergent perceptions of disagreement

Disagreement in opinions is frequent among individuals in a group, as well as among parties at other levels of living systems. It often becomes evident during decision making processes, but at other times as well. Such disagreement is predominately viewed as a single homogeneous construct. It is used as such in a wide variety of research and action settings in the behavioral sciences. This study, however, uses multivariate individual differences analysis to demonstrate that disagreement has systematically varying meaning for different individuals. The results underscore the distinction between disagreement as polarization and disagreement as evenly dispersed opinion.
Paradigm Lost? Reassessing Theory of International Politics

Constructivists attack the social theory of Kenneth Waltz’s Theory of International Politics (TIP), arguing its positions on change, agent-structure interaction and culture are irrevocably flawed. ...
13C. The Effectiveness of Dietary Supplements for Pain Management

Focus Areas: Integrative Approaches to Care, Alleviating Pain Pain is often the most common medical condition for which patients choose complementary and alternative medicine (CAM), with dietary supplements representing the most common self-directed CAM treatment choice. However, with numerous dietary supplement choices on the market it often can be difficult for patients and clinicians to identify those with proven effectiveness for pain. This presentation will initially examine pain scenarios for which dietary supplements are commonly used (headache, joint pain, low back pain, and abdominal pain). Subsequently, the presentation will examine the rationale for dietary supplements including the purported mechanism(s) of action and indirect benefit on pain sequelea such as depression and fatigue. Finally, the presentation will provide the rationale for use and overview of currently available dietary supplement formulations that have demonstrated clinical effectiveness in various pain states. At the conclusion of this session, clinicians should gain great understanding of the importance of clinically tested dietary supplement formulations as well as counseling strategies for guiding patients toward evidence-based choices to optimize pain care.
An empirical study of insertion and deletion in binary search trees

This paper describes an experiment on the effect of insertions and deletions on the path length of unbalanced binary search trees. Repeatedly inserting and deleting nodes in a random binary tree yields a tree that is no longer random. The expected internal path length differs when different deletion algorithms are used. Previous empirical studies indicated that expected internal path length tends to decrease after repeated insertions and asymmetric deletions. This study shows that performing a larger number of insertions and asymmetric deletions actually increases the expected internal path length, and that for sufficiently large trees, the expected internal path length becomes worse than that of a random tree. With a symmetric deletion algorithm, however, the experiments indicate that performing a large number of insertions and deletions decreases the expected internal path length, and that the expected internal path length remains better than that of a random tree.
Can the heart be chronically paced with electrodes on the pericardial surface

During implantable defibrillator (ICD) operations, we measured acute and chronic transpericardial bipolar pacing thresholds through standard myocardial surface electrodes sewn on the pericardium for chronic ICD QRS rate-sensing use. We compared observations in 24 patients on day 0 with chronic measurements in seven patients at 27.4 +/- 12.1 (median 31.7) months. The leads were used only for QRS rate-sensing, not for pacing, during the time between acute and chronic measurements. Acute transpericardial pacing threshold at 0.5-msec stimulus duration on day 0 was 4.5 +/- 2.19 V (standard deviation), median 3.5 V, and at median time 964 days postimplantation was 3.8 +/- 2.07 V, median 3.5 V. Mean acute pacing current threshold was 3.7 +/- 1.90 mA, n = 23, and chronic was 2.7 +/- 1.79 mA, n = 6. Acute bipolar impedance was 1,209 +/- 383 ohms, median 1,138 ohms, and chronic was 1,550 +/- 358 ohms, median 1,410 ohms, n = 7. Acute bipolar QRS amplitude was 12.3 +/- 5.93 mV, median 12.1 mV, n = 24, and chronic was 13.5 +/- 8.5 mV, median 17.2 mV, n = 7. None of the changes between the acute and chronic states was statistically significant, with the exception of bipolar impedance (P = 0.054). We concluded that: (1) transpericardial pacing threshold did not increase with time; (2) initial and chronic pacing impedances were high and current low; (3) QRS amplitudes were highly satisfactory for defibrillator rate-sensing; and (4) this approach to ICD implantation left the surgically virgin heart unscarred to make future transplantation easier, and enhanced safety when previous cardiac operations had been done.
The Contrary Imaginations of Arts and Science Students: A Critical Discussion

SUMMARY ‘Open-ended tests’, which have no ‘correct’ answers, have been used to measure ‘creativity’. Scores on such tests may differ considerably from scores on formal intelligence tests. Among high school and college students, those engaged in science subjects score relatively higher on intelligence than on ‘creativity’ tests, exhibiting ‘convergent’ thinking. The opposite discrepancy, with selectively high scores for ‘creativity’, is prevalent among arts students and is said to indicate ‘divergent’ thinking. This research is compromised by statistical artefact and misinterpretation. It is questioned whether open-ended testing does in fact reveal differences in the modes of thinking of arts and science students and has any bearing whatever on creativity as it is commonly understood. ZUSAMMENFASSUNG Auf der Grundlage der Reaktionen zu open-ended-Tests wurde versucht, die Kreativitat mil Punktzahlen zu messen die in einem gewissen Grade unabhangig von formellen Intelligenz Punktzahlen variieren. Unter Oberschulern und Universitatsstudenten erreichen diejenigen, die sich mit wissenschaftlichen Fachern beschaftigen, eirte hohere Punktzahl bei Intelligenzals bei Kreativitatstesten, wodurch sie eine konvergierende Denkweise zeigen. Fur die Kunststudenten ist dagegen die gegensinnige Diskrepanz und damit eine diver-gierende Denkweise typisch. Die Deutung dieser Untersuchung ist infolge statistischer Artefakte schwierig. Es ist fraglich. ob open-end-Tests tatsachlich Unterschiede in der Denkweise von Kunstund Wissenschaftsstudenten offenbaren und ob sie eine Bedeutung haben fur die Untersuchung dessen, was allgemein unter schopferischen Fahigkeiten verstanden wird.
The transfer RNA processing defect in Escherichia coli strains BN and CAN is not due to a mutation in RNAase D or RNAase II.

Abstract Escherichia coli strains BN and CAN are unable to support the growth of bacteriophage T4 psu 1 + -amber double mutants. For strain BN, this phenotype has been attributed to a defect in 3′ processing of the precursor to psu 1 + tRNA Ser . Since RNAase D and RNAase II are the only well-characterized 3′ exoribonucleases to be implicated in tRNA processing, the status of these activities and their genes in the mutant strains was investigated. Although extracts of strains BN and CAN were defective for hydrolysis of the artificial tRNA precursor, tRNA-C-U, these strains contained normal levels of RNAase D and RNAase II, and purified RNAase D or RNAase II could only partially complement the mutant extracts. Introduction of the wild-type RNAase D gene into strains BN and CAN did not correct the mutant phenotype. Likewise, strains defective in RNAase D and/or RNAase II plated T4 psu 1 + -amber phage normally. These results indicate that the tRNA processing defect in strains BN and CAN is not due to a mutation in either RNAase U or RNAase II. The possibility that the mutation in these strains affects another exoribonuclease or a factor influencing the activity and specificity of RNAase D or RNAase II is discussed.
Microscopy of the neonatal line in developing human enamel

The neonatal line in developing human primary teeth was examined by means of phase contrast microscopy, microradiography and transmission electron microscopy. When thin sections were observed by light microscopy, the lateral dimensions of the line were not as extensive as had been previously reported. The line had a “staircase” configuration and appeared to be identical to published light micrographs of the stria of Retzius. On radiograms, the lateral extent of the hypomineralization was also decreased. The ultrastructural basis for the neonatal line appeared to be a localized change in configuration of enamel prisms along with a possible reduction in crystal concentration. The possibility that some rods actually end at the line could not be excluded, however.
A mechanism for load proportional energy use in wireless local area networks

From the perspective of energy efficiency, a major drawback of existing wireless networks is that the power consumption rate of the networking hardware stays at levels close to the maximum, even when the offered traffic load is low. To address this issue, this paper presents a mechanism for load proportional energy usage in wireless networks. The proposed mechanism is based on changing the operating clock frequency of the network interface cards as a function of the offered load, in order to reduce to energy consumption. To this end, we propose a frequency selection mechanism that tries to ensure the stability of the queues while minimizing the energy consumption. The proposed mechanism has been evaluated through simulations.
Nuclear architecture: the cell biology of a laminopathy.

Lamin mutations cause muscular dystrophies, but the mechanism is unclear. A new study shows that lamin mutant worms display muscle-specific defects linked to altered subnuclear localization of heterochromatin, leading to altered gene expression.
Chronic morbidities after traumatic brain injury: an update for the advanced practice nurse.

AbstractEmerging data suggest that traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a disease process with considerable long-range morbidities requiring lifelong monitoring and treatment. Multiple chronic morbidities develop across the life span after TBI, including mental health disorders, headaches, seizures, and
Microstructure and tensile properties of T (d,n) and Be (d,n) neutron irradiated nickel, niobium and 316SS

Abstract The radiation damage induced in nickel, niobium and 316SS by T (d,n) and Be (d,n) neutrons was evaluated by microstructural analysis and mechanical property measurements. Also, the neutron flux gradients in the Be (d,n) neutron source were compared to the positional dependence of the yield strength of niobium wires. The microstructure and yield stress increase of T (d,n) and Be (d,n) neutron irradiated nickel were similar while there were differences in niobium.
SIMS quantitative depth profiling of matrix elements in semiconductor layers

A new SIMS approach is proposed for quantified depth profiling of III-V semiconductor alloys. We show that the ratio of MCs + ion intensities to the sum of all element intensities (M 1 Cs + + M 2 Cs + ...) from semiconductor alloys gives accurate elemental mole fraction when elements from the same periodic group are considered. Results obtained using SIMS show good agreement with data acquired using XPS and RBS.
Rethinking the organization of children's programs: lessons from the elderly.

The U.S. system of care for children is a collection of activities and funding mechanisms that create a complex, fragmented patchwork of services and programs. In contrast, the elderly enjoy universal entitlement to national health insurance through Medicare, a uniform level of income security, and an organized system of community-based services. The provisions of the Older Americans Act (OAA) are compared with the current program of maternal and child health services. Basic features of the national policy--and the core program and administrative infrastructure of the OAA--may serve as a model to meet the special challenges of child and family services. The tools for building the coordinated, comprehensive service system that was devised for the elderly are also available to improve the lives of children. Federal legislation is needed to create the special protections that are basic to the organization and delivery of services and to the assurance of a permanent national policy focus for children and families.
Anaplastic spindle-cell and giant-cell tumors of the thyroid gland

Fifty-three cases of anaplastic spindle-cell and giant-cell tumors of the thyroid gland were found in the files of the University of Michigan Medical Center in a 37-year period (1932-1969). Of these, 42 were found with other well-differentiated thyroid carcinomas: papillary, follicular, Hurthle cell, clear cell, and medullary carcinomas. Data from this report and the recent literature support the conclusion that anaplastic tumors of the thyroid gland probably arise in preexisting well-differentiated thyroid carcinomas. The grim prognosis for anaplastic carcinomas of the thyroid gland is reemphasized in this study; 49 of the 53 patients died within the first year after a histologic diagnosis was established.
Optical Arbitary Waveform Generation from an On-Chip Microresonator Frequency Comb

We report spectral phase characterization, compression, and shaping of on-chip microresonator combs.
Lung isolation techniques for patients with difficult airway

Purpose of reviewOne-lung ventilation in the thoracic surgical patient can be achieved with the use of a double-lumen endotracheal tube or an independent bronchial blocker. A number of patients requiring lung isolation have a potentially difficult airway because of previous radiation to the neck or
The Colombian-Peruvian Asylum Case: The Practice of Diplomatic Asylum.

By a turn of legal fate, the first case between two American states to be decided by either the International Court of Justice or its predecessor, the Permanent Court of International Justice, is one which involves the controversial practice of diplomatic asylum. One can choose to regard diplomatic asylum as a principle of American international law or as a “permissive local custom,” though in no sense a principle of international law, or one can agree that “the fact that asylum is not exercised in the territory of the leading states, and is mainly resorted to in the ‘backward’ countries of the Near and Far East and of Latin America, suggests that it is a practice followed only in relation to states who are not fully civilized in the Western sense of the term, and that as such it is a temporary exception to the system of international law which obtains in the community of civilized nations.” Whatever the viewpoint, the fact remains that the practice has been indulged in for a long time, with and without formal legal sanction, and in more places than Latin America. The Colombian-Peruvian Asylum Case brings to attention the issues of the validity in international law of diplomatic asylum and of its desirability in international relations. A short sketch of the origin and development of diplomatic asylum will indicate something of its nature.
A Convenient Preparation of (R)-7-(3-Benzothienylglycylamido)deacetoxycephalosopranic Acid

An efficient synthesis of (R)-7-(3-benzothienylamido)deacetoxy-cephalosporanic acid (1) is described beginning from (R)-alpha-aminobenzo[b]thiophene-3- acetic acid (2) and 7-amino-3-methyl-3-cephem...
No "End of History" for Photolyases

In a process called photoreactivation, blue light reverses the chemical damage done to DNA by ultraviolet light. One mediator of this effect is the enzyme CPD photolyase; a second photolyase, (6-4)photolyase, is now reported from Drosophila in a paper in this week9s issue (Todo et al., p. 109). In his Perspective, Sancar describes how this discovery defines a family of light-sensitive enzymes that also includes the blue-light receptors of plants and why it represents a reawakening of the photolyase field.