cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Application of the Tradescantia micronucleus assay for the genetic evaluation of chemical mixtures in soil and aqueous media.

Genotoxic evaluations of arsenic trioxide, dieldrin, lead tetraacetate and their nine binary and one tertiary mixtures were performed using the Tradescantia micronucleus (Trad-MN) assay. The chemicals or their mixtures were either (1) mixed into soil, and chemical exposure to the target cells was through the roots of intact plants grown in the soil or (2) through plant cuttings in which the inflorescences received treatment by absorption through stem of an aqueous solution of the test chemicals. All three chemicals yielded clastogenic responses when tested in soil medium and only two of these i.e. arsenic trioxide and dieldrin were positive when plant cuttings were exposed to the test chemicals in the aqueous medium. The clastogenicity of the chemical mixtures was modified by the ratio of the individual chemical in a particular mixture and also by the medium in which these mixtures were tested.
Metallic ferromagnetism in a single-band model: Effect of band filling and Coulomb interactions.

A single-band tight-binding model with on-site repulsion and nearest-neighbor exchange interaction has been proposed as a simple model to describe metallic ferromagnetism. Here we extend previously obtained exact-diagonalization studies for a one-dimensional \textonehalf{}-filled band system to other band fillings, and consider the effect of including various other Coulomb matrix elements in the Hamiltonian that are expected to be of appreciable magnitude in real materials. Results of exact diagonalization and mean-field theory for the one-dimensional case are compared. As the band filling decreases from \textonehalf{}, the tendency to ferromagnetism is found to decrease in exact diagonalization, while mean-field theory predicts the opposite behavior. A nearest-neighbor Coulomb repulsion term is found to suppress the tendency to ferromagnetism; however, the effect becomes small for large on-site repulsion. A pair hopping interaction enhances the tendency to ferromagnetism. A nearest-neighbor hybrid Coulomb matrix element breaks electron-hole symmetry and causes metallic ferromagnetism to occur preferentially for more than half-filled rather than less-than-half-filled bands in this model. Mean-field theory is found to yield qualitatively incorrect results for the effect of these interactions on the tendency to ferromagnetism. The implications of these results for the understanding of ferromagnetism in real materials is discussed.
Ultra-broadband amplification through nanotechnology

As demands for bandwidth continue to increase, telecommunication networks would greatly benefit from the development of broader-band amplifiers. The currently erbium doped fiber amplifiers are limited to amplification of approximately 100 nm bandwidth window. One method to increase the bandwidth of the fiber amplifier would be to incorporate multiple rare earths (REs) into a single fiber which exhibit emissions from ~1000-1800 nm. Unfortunately, energy transfer between rare earth ions typically results in quenching all but selected emissions negating this approach to potential ultra-broadband amplification. It would be ideal if one could take the individual spectra of an ion and place that ion into a host with no regard to other lanthanides that also are present in the host. This problem can be solved by using a composite material that utilizes nanoparticles to constrain different REs to individual particles thereby controlling or preventing energy transfer. In order to control energy transfer, RE doped LaF 3 nanocrystals were grown in an aqueous solution using a core/shell technique to constrain different rare earth into separate particles or shells within a single particle. Using these techniques, we show that energy transfer can be controlled.
Isotope assay of histamine release

Abstract The single isotopic enzymatic histamine assay system has been adopted for the studying of the release of histamine from sensitized human leukocytes when challenged with the appropriate allergen. It is a simple, rapid, sensitive, and reproducible method based on the use of the enzyme histamine N-methyltransferase and the high specific activity of tritiated S adenosylmethionine.
Cognitive dissonance as a function of self-esteem and logical inconsistency.

Summary An experiment was conducted to test the importance of self-esteem in the arousal of cognitive dissonance. Recently, Aronson (1969) suggested that the reason an attitude-discrepant speech can arouse dissonance is that it is an indecent act committed by an individual who likes to think of himself as a good and decent person. Looking at counterattitudinal behavior as a discrepancy with one's self-concept rather than as a logical discrepancy between behavioral and attitudinal cognitions differs from Festinger and Carlsnuth's (1959) original notion In the experiment reported, subjects volunteered to take a personality inventory and received either neutral, very favorable, or very unfavorable feedback In this way, subjects' level of self-esteem was raised or lowered Following this procedure, subjects were induced to record a speech that was known to be discrepant with their private beliefs. They were offered either a small or a large inducement for their statements. It was predicted that, regardless of their level of self-esteem, subjects would manifest the inverse relationship between incentive magnitude and attitude change predicted by dissonance theory The major analysis of the results, and the concomitant internal analysis, generally supported the prediction With one qualification, the results were held to be consistent with Festinger and Carlsmith's version of dissonance arousal and inconsistent with the self-esteem analysis
Prechlorination treatment of water to reduce chloroform levels

Abstract Drinking water that originates from surface water and is subsequently chlorinated at a water treatment plant probably contains trace amounts of chlroform and other trihalomethanes. In order to minimize these contaminants in drinking water in a simple and economical way, raw water is treated with hydrogen peroxide prior to the chlorination step. This procedure has been shown to be effective on Kansas River water and on synthetic water samples that contain humic acid.
Determination of Natural and Synthetic Colors in Alcoholic And Non Alcoholic Beverages by Quantitative HPTLC

Methods based on high performance thin layer chromatography with scanning densitometry and solid phase extraction were developed for quantification of lycopene and permitted synthetic food dyes in alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages. Results of analyses of real samples are reported, and the methods were validated by determining the precision of replicate analyses and accuracy (recovery) by analyzing spiked samples.
Connect With Your Audience! The Relational Labor of Connection

The theme of Console-ing Passions this year is cultivating community, a topic about which I have had much to say in the context of fan practices. In my work on fans of soap operas (e.g. Baym, 2000)...
An electronic delay modulator

An electronic delay modulator that operates by scanning a fixed multitap delay line has been devised, and an experimental model has been built and tested. The device is ultimately capable of delay-variation-times-signal-bandwidth products as high as 11, with minimal amplitude modulation and good modulation linearity. The frequency at which delay can be modulated is limited only by the speed of the scanning circuit and not by the reciprocal of the mean delay, as in conventional delay modulators which vary the propagation time of an entire line. The behavior of an experimental device of this type is described and applications are suggested.
Crosslinked mercerized cellulose membranes for the affinity chromatography of papain inhibitors

Abstract Using a methodology described by the authors in previous papers, macroporous cellulose membranes possessing large pore sizes (0.4–1 μm) and high porosity (about 55%) were prepared from filter paper by crosslinking or mercerization followed by crosslinking. Epoxy and aniline groups were attached to activate the membrane, and a biomolecule ligand (bovine serum albumin, trypsin or papain) was coupled via diazotization. A detailed comparison between the mercerized and non-mercerized membranes showed that the former was more efficient for biomolecule immobilization. The uniformity of the ligand distribution was investigated using triazine dye and bovine serum albumin as test ligands. The activities of the membranes containing trypsin or papain as ligand for the hydrolysis of N -α-benzoyl- l -arginine p -nitroanilide were also determined. Using papain-containing affinity membranes, papain inhibitors were separated from potato tubers.
The low-frequency transport in the Santa Barbara Channel: description and forcing

Abstract Current meter, wind and adjusted sea level (ASL) data from January to July 1984 are used to (a) isolate the currents inside the channel that are associated with low-frequency (6–18 day band) transport fluctuations which dominate the record of the eastern mouth transport and (b) find the forcing mechanism(s) and its(their) dynamical role(s) in the low-frequency transport. The dominant mode of the currents is highly coherent with the eastern mouth transport in the 6–18 day band. About 62% of the total variance of the eastern mouth transport can be hindcast by both wind stress and remote adjusted sea level (ASL). The comparison of the amplitudes, and phases of the regression coefficients of a multiple regression analysis, to the amplitudes and phases expected from momentum conservation suggests that both the alongshore remote pressure gradient and the local wind stress forcing are balanced at the eastern mouth of the channel by the local acceleration of the transport there. The ASL data analysis suggests evidence of low mode coastally trapped wave propagation from San Quintin in Mexico to Port San Luis in central California. A quasi-linear phase vs longshore distance implies a propagation speed of about 70 km day−1 (period of 13.6 days), which compares well with the theoretical value of 75 km day−1 (period of 13.3 days) for the Southern California Bight.
Labor market conditions and the high school dropout rate: Evidence from New York State

Abstract A number of cross-sectional studies have examined the impact of labor market conditions on the decision to drop out of school. However, results from these studies have been mixed. In this paper the authors use panel data estimation methods in order to avoid potential omitted variable problems. The results suggest a negative relationship between the unemployment rate and the proportion of a district's high school students who drop out in a given year. Educational inputs such as teacher experience and education do not seem to be reliable predictors of district dropout rates. The results underline the importance of controlling for unobservable district characteristics.
A new deal for Holliday junctions.

BLM, the helicase implicated in Bloom's syndrome, and its yeast counterpart Sgs1 function in complexes with a type I topoisomerase to resolve double Holliday junctions to form non-crossover products. These data provide a direct explanation for the highly elevated sister chromatid exchange frequency in Bloom's syndrome cells.
Sociocultural Meanings of Nanotechnology: Research Methodologies

This article identifies six social-science research methodologies that will be useful for charting the sociocultural meaning of nanotechnology: web-based questionnaires, vignette experiments, analysis of web linkages, recommender systems, quantitative content analysis, and qualitative textual analysis. Data from a range of sources are used to illustrate how the methods can delineate the intellectual content and institutional structure of the emerging nanotechnology culture. Such methods will make it possible in future to test hypotheses such as that there are two competing definitions of nanotechnology – the technical-scientific and the science-fiction – that are influencing public perceptions by different routes and in different directions.
An information-processing theory of some effects of similarity, familiarization, and meaningfulness in verbal learning

Summary Results obtained by simulating various verbal learning experiments with the Elementary Perceiving and Memorizing Program (EPAM), an information-processing theory of verbal learning, are presented and discussed. Predictions were generated for experiments that manipulated intralist similarity ( Underwood, 1953 ); interlist similarity ( Bruce, 1933 ); and familiarity and meaningfulness. The stimulus materials were nonsense syllables learned as paired-associates. A description of the EPAM-III model is given. The predictions made by the model are generally in good agreement with the experimental data. It is shown that the quantitative fit to the Underwood data can be improved considerably by hypothesizing a process of “aural recoding.” The fit of the EPAM predictions to data of Chenzoff (1962) lends support to the hypothesis that the mechanism by means of of which a high degree of meaningfulness of items facilitates learning is the high familiarity of these items. The effects of varying degrees of stimulus and response familiarization on ease of learning were studied, and are shown to be surprisingly complex.
The water needs for LDV transportation in the United States

Abstract Concern over increased demand for petroleum, reliable fuel supply, and global climate change has resulted in the US government passing new Corporate Average Fuel Economy standards and a Renewable Fuels Standard. Consequently, the fuel mix for light duty vehicle (LDV) travel in the United States will change over the coming years. This paper explores the embodied water consumption and withdrawal associated with two projections for future fuel use in the US LDV sector. This analysis encompasses conventional and unconventional fossil fuels, corn ethanol, cellulosic ethanol, soy biodiesel, electricity, and hydrogen. The existing mandate in the US to blend ethanol into gasoline had effectively committed 3300 billion liters of irrigation water in 2005 (approximately 2.4% of US 2005 fresh water consumption) for producing fuel for LDVs. With current irrigation practices, fuel processing, and electricity generation, it is estimated that by 2030, approximately 14,000 billion liters of water per year will be consumed and 23,000–27,000 billion liters withdrawn to produce fuels used in LDVs. Irrigation for biofuels dominates projected water usage for LDV travel, but other fuels (coal to liquids, oil shale, and electricity via plug-in hybrid vehicles) will also contribute appreciably to future water consumption and withdrawal, especially on a regional basis.
Analytical methods for the detection of viruses in food by example of CCL-3 bioagents

This critical review presents challenges and strategies in the detection of viral contaminants in food products. Adenovirus, caliciviruses, enteroviruses, and hepatitis A are emerging contaminant viruses. These viruses contaminate a variety of food products, including fruits, vegetables, shellfish, and ready-to-eat processed foods. The diversity of targets and sample matrices presents unique challenges to virus monitoring that have been addressed by a wide array of processing and detection methods. This review covers sample acquisition and handling, virus recovery/concentration, and the determination of targets using molecular biology and mass-spectrometric approaches. The concentration methods discussed include precipitation, antibody-based concentration, and filtration; the detection methods discussed include microscopy, polymerase chain reaction, nucleic acid sequence-based amplification, and mass spectrometry.
Need to consider variations within demographic groups when evaluating educational interventions

Traditionally, educational interventions in Computer Science have been studied for their effect on entire classes, or specific demographic groups. But, in our studies, we have found that often, significant interactions exist among demographic groups. Treating demographic groups as homogeneous groups when evaluating educational interventions in Computer Science could miss subtle interactions among the groups.
Numerical simulation of the flowfield in a motored two-dimensional Wankel engine

Numerical solutions were obtained to study the unsteady, multidimensional fluid flow and fuel-air mixing inside the combustion chambers of a motored, two-dimensional Wankel rotary engine during the intake and compression cycles. The effects of the following engine design and operating parameters on fluid flow and fuel-air mixing were investigated: engine speed, direction of gaseous fuel injection into the combustion chamber, and speed of the injected fuel. Results of the numerical study show that engine speed and speed of the injected fuel have significant effects on fluid flow and fuel-air mixing. The direction of fuel injection was found to have less effects on the flow.
The exercise and self-esteem model in adult women: the inclusion of physical acceptance

Abstract Objectives To examine the role of physical acceptance in the exercise and self-esteem model [Sonstroem, R. J., & Morgan, W. P. (1989). Exercise and self-esteem: Rationale and model. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise , 21 , 329–337] , and the model's proposed mediating relationships. Design Using the procedures outlined by Baron and Kenny [Baron, R. M., & Kenny, D. A. (1986). The moderator–mediator variable distinction in social psychological research: Conceptual, strategic and statistical considerations. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology , 51 , 1173–1182] , a series of regression analyses were conducted to examine the model's proposed relationships, and the particular role of physical acceptance. Methods Cross-sectional survey. Adult women ( n =122; M age=45.9 years; SD=12.8) completed valid and reliable self-report measures of exercise behavior, exercise self-efficacy, perceptions of physical competence, perceptions of physical acceptance, and global self-esteem. Results Multiple regression analyses showed model components explained 22% of the variability in global self-esteem ( p Conclusions These findings provide partial support for the exercise and self-esteem model, and suggest the importance of physical acceptance in understanding the exercise and self-esteem relationship in women. Further examination of the specific links within the model are warranted within a variety of physical activity contexts.
The fast trigger for the DØ experiment

Abstract We describe design and operational features of the fast trigger for the DO experiment at the Fermilab Tevatron Collider. We present details of the calorimeter trigger and a trigger Framework capable of deadtime-less operation with time between bunch crossings as low as 132 ns.
A traveling-wave description of distributed interaction klystrons

This paper presents an analysis of the distributed interaction klystron using a simplified traveling-wave approach. The coupled-mode theory is used under the assumption that the behavior of the device can be adequately described by the interaction of the slow space-charge wave with a traveling circuit wave. It is shown that the description is equivalent to the klystron approach previously used to analyze the device.
Epcam, CD44, and CD49f distinguish sphere-forming human prostate basal cells from a subpopulation with predominant tubule initiation capability.

Author(s): Guo, Changyong; Liu, Haibo; Zhang, Bao-Hui; Cadaneanu, Radu M; Mayle, Aqila M; Garraway, Isla P | Abstract: BackgroundHuman prostate basal cells expressing alpha-6 integrin (CD49f(Hi)) and/or CD44 form prostaspheres in vitro. This functional trait is often correlated with stem/progenitor (S/P) activity, including the ability to self-renew and induce differentiated tubules in vivo. Antigenic profiles that distinguish tubule-initiating prostate stem cells (SCs) from progenitor cells (PCs) and mature luminal cells (LCs) with less regenerative potential are unknown.Methodology/principle findingsProstasphere assays and RT-PCR analysis was performed following FACS separation of total benign prostate cells based upon combinations of Epcam, CD44, and/or CD49f expression. Epithelial cell fractions were isolated, including Epcam(+)CD44(+) and Epcam+CD44+CD49f(Hi) basal cells that formed abundant spheres. When non-sphere-forming Epcam(+)CD44(-) cells were fractionated based upon CD49f expression, a distinct subpopulation (Epcam(+)CD44(-)CD49f(Hi)) was identified that possessed a basal profile similar to Epcam(+)CD44(+)CD49f(Hi) sphere-forming cells (p63(+)AR(Lo)PSA(-)). Evaluation of tubule induction capability of fractionated cells was performed, in vivo, via a fully humanized prostate tissue regeneration assay. Non-sphere-forming Epcam(+)CD44(-) cells induced significantly more prostate tubular structures than Epcam(+)CD44(+) sphere-forming cells. Further fractionation based upon CD49f co-expression identified Epcam(+)CD44(-)CD49f(Hi) (non-sphere-forming) basal cells with significantly increased tubule induction activity compared to Epcam(+)CD44(-)CD49f(Lo) (true) luminal cells.Conclusions/significanceOur data delineates antigenic profiles that functionally distinguish human prostate epithelial subpopulations, including putative SCs that display superior tubule initiation capability and induce differentiated ductal/acini structures, sphere-forming PCs with relatively decreased tubule initiation activity, and terminally differentiated LCs that lack both sphere-forming and tubule-initiation activity. The results clearly demonstrate that sphere-forming ability is not predictive of tubule-initiation activity. The subpopulations identified are of interest because they may play distinct roles as cells of origin in the development of prostatic diseases, including cancer.
Liquid electrolyte lithium/sulfur battery: Fundamental chemistry, problems, and solutions

Abstract Lithium/sulfur (Li/S) battery has a 3–5 fold higher theoretical energy density than state-of-art lithium-ion batteries, and research has been ongoing for more than three decades. However, the commercialization of Li/S battery still cannot be realized due to many problematic issues, including short cycle life, low cycling efficiency, poor safety and a high self-discharge rate. All these issues are related to the dissolution of lithium polysulfide (PS), the series of sulfur reduction intermediates, in liquid electrolyte and to resulting parasitic reactions with the lithium anode and electrolyte components. On the other hand, the dissolution of PS is essential for the performance of a Li/S cell. Without dissolution of PS, the Li/S cell cannot operate progressively due to the non-conductive nature of elemental sulfur and its reduction products. In this review article, we start with the fundamental chemistry of elemental sulfur in order to discuss the problems and solutions of liquid electrolyte Li/S battery.
ROOT TUMORS ON NICOTIANA AFFINIS SEEDLINGS GROWN IN VITRO ON A MALT AND YEAST EXTRACT MEDIUM

HALL, W. C. 1951. Studies on the origin of ethylene from plant tissues. Bot. Gaz. 113: 55-65. . 1952. Evidence on the auxin-ethylene balance hypothesis of foliar abscission. Bot. Gaz. 113: 310-322. JACOBS, W. P. 1952. The role of auxin in differentiation of xylem around a wound. Amer. Jour. Bot. 39: 301-309. . 1954a. Acropetal auxin transport and xylem regeneration-a quantitative study. Amer. Nat. 88: 327337. . 1954b. The physiological mechanism of a natural abscission-speeding effect. Program, 29th Annual Meeting Amer. Soc. Plant Physiol.: 29. AND B. BULLWINKEL. 1953. Compensatory growth in Coleus shoots. Amer. Jour. Bot. 40: 385-392. KiUSTER, E. 1916. Beitriige zur Kenntniss des Laubfalles. Ber. Deutsch. Bot. Ges. 34: 184-193. LACHMAN, W. H. 1948. Some effects of blossom removal on vegetative development and defoliation in determinate tomato plants. Proc. Amer. Soc. Hort. Sci. 51: 341-345. LUCKWILL, L. C. 1948. The hormone content of the seed in relation to endosperm development and fruit drop in the apple. Jour. Hort. Sci. 24: 32-44. PORTHEIM, L. 1941. Further studies on the action of heteroauxin on Phaseolus vulgaris. Ann. Bot. N. S. 5: 35-46.
A Q-like transcription factor regulates biofilm development in Escherichia coli by controlling expression of the DLP12 lysis cassette

The DLP12 lysis cassette (essD, ybcT, rzpD/rzoD) is required in certain Escherichia coli strains for normal curli expression and biofilm development. Tightly controlled regulation of the lysis cassette is of particular importance, since its overexpression causes host cell lysis. In silico analysis revealed a putative intrinsic transcriptional terminator 100 bp upstream of essD and within 2000 bp of ybcQ (Q(DLP12)), a putative lambda (λ) Q-like antiterminator. We hypothesized that Q(DLP12) may be required for effective expression of the lysis cassette. In this work we report on the role of Q(DLP12) as a positive regulator of DLP12 lysis cassette expression. Mutants lacking Q(DLP12) exhibited a biofilm-defective phenotype analogous to that of the lysis cassette knockouts. This defect occurred through the downregulation of curli transcription, which is also consistent with that seen in the lysis cassette mutants and was restored by complementation by ectopic expression of Q(DLP12). In addition, Q(DLP12) overexpression caused cell lysis, as demonstrated by leakage of β-galactosidase activity from cells. This was accompanied by upregulation of the DLP12 lysis cassette as demonstrated by increased essD transcription, which was documented with gfp-reporter assays, RT-PCR and chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP). We provide evidence that this Q-mediated effect resulted from direct interaction of Q(DLP12) with the lysis cassette promoter (essDp), as demonstrated by electrophoretic gel mobility shift assay (EMSA). We propose that Q(DLP12) encodes a functional transcriptional regulator, which promotes expression of the DLP12 lysis cassette. This work provides evidence of a regulator from a defective prophage affecting host cell physiology.
Acute rheumatic fever and its consequences: a persistent threat to developing nations in the 21st century.

Acute rheumatic fever (ARF) is an autoimmune, multi-system response secondary to molecular mimicry following Lancefield group A streptococcus (GAS) pharyngitis; it is now most commonly found in the pediatric populations of developing nations. The major source of morbidity and mortality of ARF stems from rheumatic heart disease (RHD), although the cardinal symptoms of the disease also include polyarthritis, Sydenham's chorea, subcutaneous nodules, and erythema marginatum. Therapy is aimed towards treating the initial GAS infection, using anti-inflammatory medications for acute symptoms and surgery to correct RHD. Secondary prevention is crucial, given the high risk of recurrence, and includes long-term antibiotic prophylaxis. However, vaccination towards GAS may soon be on the horizon, which may assist in both decreasing the risk of initial infection in naive patients and helping to lower the risk of recurrence.
The kinetics of NAD-linked isocitrate dehydrogenase from calf heart.

Abstract From kinetic data, free manganous ion, free dibasic isocitrate and the manganese-dibasic isocitrate complex have been identified as the forms of substrate which bind to NAD-linked isocitrate dehydrogenase (EC 1.1.1.41) from calf heart. A kinetic model is proposed in which the active enzyme-substrate complex may be formed by any of three binding pathways, the predominant pathway depending upon the relative magnitude of the concentrations of substrates and the dissociation constants. Dissociation constants for the active enzyme-substrate complex and its intermediate forms have been determined at pH 6.1 and 7.1. ADP has been observed to lower significantly the Michaelis constants for manganous and isocitrate species while having no effect on maximal velocity. The pKes of an essential ionizable amino acid residue has been found to be 6.51, 6.47 and 6.43 at 12, 22 and 32 °C, respectively. The heat of ionization of this residue has been determined to be ΔHi = +1.56 kcal/mole. On the basis of the above data and analogies to other enzymes, this essential amino acid residue is suggested to be either glutamyl or aspartyl. The activation energy of the enzyme catalyzed reaction was found to be Ea = 12.6 kcal/mole.
Properties of a membrane-attached form of the folded chromosome of Escherichia coli.

Abstract Two types of DNA-containing particles are released from lysozyme-produced Escherichia coli spheroplasts after gentle lysis with non-ionic detergents in 1.-0 m -NaCl. Lysis at 25 °C releases the folded chromosomes (1300 S to 2200 S particles). Lysis at 10 °C results in faster sedimenting structures (3000 S to 4000 S). Both types of particles coexist in extracts of cells lysed at intermediate temperatures, i.e. 15 °C. The 3000 S to 4000 S particles are folded chromosomes attached to membrane fragments; they contain membrane proteins and phospholipids in addition to the folded DNA and nascent RNA chains. Incubation of the membrane-attached chromosomes with 1% Sarkosyl releases the folded chromosomes; this Sarkosyl treatment removes the membrane proteins and phospholipids, and halves the sedimentation velocity of the particles, but has no effect on the folded DNA and nascent RNA chains. Membrane-attached chromosomes cannot be isolated from amino acid-starved cells which have completed their rounds of DNA replication; all of the DNA then appears as released folded chromosomes. After resumption of protein synthesis, chromosome attachment to the membrane precedes the initiation of DNA replication. Controls strongly suggest that the changes observed, i.e. the attachment and release from the membrane of the folded chromosome, are related to the act of DNA replication itself.
Monocyte activation in patients with age-related macular degeneration: a biomarker of risk for choroidal neovascularization?

Objective To evaluate the activation state of macrophage function in patientswith age-related macular degeneration (AMD) by quantifying the productionof the proinflammatory and angiogenic factor tumor necrosis factor α(TNF-α) and by correlating its expression with dry and wet AMD. Methods Circulating monocytes were obtained from the blood of patients withAMD or age-matched control subjects by gradient centrifugation. The monocyteswere then analyzed for either TNF-α release from cultured macrophagesin response to retinal pigment epithelium–derived blebs and cytokinesor TNF-α messenger RNA content by reverse transcriptase–polymerasechain reaction. Results In human monocytes obtained from controls and AMD patients, TNF-αwas expressed by freshly isolated monocytes and produced by macrophages inculture after stimulation with retinal pigment epithelium–derived blebs.However, wide variability in TNF-α expression was observed among differentpatients. Patients with monocytes that expressed the greatest amount of TNF-αdemonstrated higher prevalence of choroidal neovascularization. Conclusions Both controls and AMD patients vary in the activation state (definedas TNF-α expression) of circulating monocytes. Partially active monocytes,defined as high TNF-α expression, may be a biomarker to identify patientsat risk for formation of choroidal neovascularization. Clinical Relevance Early diagnostic testing may prove useful to detect those patients whowill progress to the more severe complications of the disease.
Factor endowments and trade of the United States and Taiwan: The Leontief paradox re-examined

The primary purpose of this paper is to re-examine the compatibility of the factor endowment theorem with the foreign trade of both the United States and Taiwan. The study presents evidence that the so-called Leontief paradox may be attributable to technological gaps and factor intensity reversals between the two trading countries. In addition, the conditions for existence of the paradox are generalized. A distinctive feature of this study is that the technologies of both countries are taken into account. The findings reveal that if one-sided technical coefficients, of either the United States or Taiwan, are used for the empirical tests, the Leontief paradox tends to result. The paradox is likely to disappear when the Leontief index is derived from the technical coefficients of both trading countries.
Employing community data to investigate social and structural dimensions of urban neighborhoods: An early childhood education example

The present study sought to define neighborhood context by examining relationships among data from city-level administrative databases at the level of the census block group. The present neighborhood investigation included 1,801 block groups comprising a large, northeastern metropolitan area. Common factor analyses and multistage, hierarchical cluster analyses yielded two dimensions (i.e., Social Stress, Structural Danger) and two typologies (i.e., Racial Composition, Property Structure Composition) of neighborhood context. Simultaneous multiple regression analyses revealed small but statistically significant associations between neighborhood variables and academic outcomes for public school kindergarten children.
Fibromyalgia Dyscognition: Concepts and Issues

Fibromyalgia is characterized by widespread pain and tenderness; however, comorbid cognitive difficulties are a common complaint among patients. Known as fibro fog or dyscognition, this symptom comprises difficulties with complex cognitive processes including memory, executive function, concentration and attention. While the mechanisms that initiate and maintain these cognitive deficits are still largely unknown, recent research has increased the understanding of subjective symptoms and objectively-determined deficits in cognitive performance. Treatments have also improved to include complementary cognitive and physical strategies. This review focuses on issues of dyscognition in fibromyalgia. Details of objective testing methods are not within the scope of this paper.
Autophagy's Top Chef

In cells, organelles called lysosomes are responsible for breaking down a wide range of cellular material, such as proteins and other organelles, through a process known as autophagy ( 1 ). When nutrients are scarce, autophagy allows a cell to break down its own components and recycle important molecules ( 2 ). Autophagy involves about 35 autophagy-related genes (ATGs); these genes generate multiprotein complexes that act sequentially ( 3 ), much as kitchen assistants work in sequence to prepare a meal. Most of these autophagy assistants have been identified, but not a master chef. On page 1429 of this issue, Settembre et al. ( 4 ) describe how transcription factor EB (TFEB), which is already known to coordinate lysosome formation, functions as the master chef of autophagy when cells are starving.
Liquidity, loanable funds, and real activity☆

Abstract This paper develops a general equilibrium model of two traditional explanations of the monetary ‘black box’ linking money and real activity: the liquidity effect and the loanable funds effect. These effects are modeled with a monetary production economy in which central bank injections of cash are funnelled into the economy through the credit market. Since only borrowers have direct access to the newly injected cash. monetary injections cause nominal interest rates to fall. If firms are borrowers, then monetary injections also increase current and future real activity.
Funding Levels and Gender in Public Pension Plans

Using a comprehensive sample of 2002 and 2005 U.S. public retirement systems, we found that public pension plan underfunding grew dramatically in these years despite a good economy, increasing state tax revenues, and strong stock market returns on average, plans were only 83% funded. Teacher plans and plans with the most retirees were more underfunded. We found no significant differences related to asset allocations or actuarial assumptions about inflation and rate of return. A primary factor associated with significantly lower underfunding was more female active participants in the plan, suggesting another risk to women's retirement income.
Nonlinear finite-dimensional control of a class of nonlinear distributed parameter systems using residual mode filters: A proof of local exponential stability

Abstract In any attempt to control an infinite-dimensional distributed parameter system (DPS) with a finite-dimensional controller, some compensation for deleterious controller interaction with unmodeled modes is needed. We introduce the concepts of both a finite-dimensional nonlinear controller based on any reasonable, nonlinear reduced-order model of the DPS and stability compensation by a finite-dimensional, nonlinear residual mode filter. Under appropriate Lipschitz continuity conditions on the nonlinearities, this new pair of interconnected finite-dimensional systems will produce closed-loop (exponentially) stable control of the nonlinear DPS.
A space-time Galerkin/least-squares finite element formulation of the Navier-Stokes equations for moving domain problems

A space-time Galerkin/least-squares finite element formulation of the Navier-Stokes equations is presented for the analysis of free surface flows, moving spatial configurations and deforming fluid-structure interfaces. The variational equation is based on the time discontinuous Galerkin method employing the physical entropy variables. The space-time elements are oriented in time to accommodate the spatial deformations. If the elements are oriented along the particle paths, the formulation is Lagrangian and if they are fixed in time, it is Eulerian. Consequently this formulation is analogous to the arbitrary Lagrangian-Eulerian (ALE) technique. A novel mesh rezoning strategy is presented to orient the elements in time and adapt the fluid mesh to the changing spatial configuration. Numerical results are presented to show the performance of the method.
Complications of endovascular treatment of cerebral aneurysms.

Abstract Background The International Subarachnoid Aneurysm Trial has indicated that endovascular management of acutely ruptured aneurysms may be superior to surgery. Clearly poor results ensue from both forms of treatment, and some of these are because of technical complications (not just poor patient status). This observational study was performed to determine the complications associated with the endovascular treatment of ruptured and unruptured cerebral aneurysms. Methods Prospective data were gathered on 118 patients undergoing 126 endovascular treatment sessions for 126 nontraumatic cerebral aneurysms (30% unruptured) over a 3-year period. The average age was 51 years (range, 12-85 years). Females comprised 75% of the population treated. Results Good outcomes were achieved with 71% of the procedures (59% for subarachnoid hemorrhage [SAH]; 97% for unruptured). No bleeding or rebleeding occurred from treated aneurysms. Vessel or aneurysm perforation occurred in 11 cases and led to adverse outcome in 3 (3%). Thromboembolic complications were felt to cause cerebral infarction in 8 cases (6%). The risk of vessel/aneurysm rupture or thromboembolic stroke was greater in patients with SAH. Eight attempts to coil (6%) were initially unsuccessful. Two of these were later successfully coiled and others had surgery. None of the failed attempts led to clinical deterioration. Balloon-assisted coiling (BAC) was not associated with an increased complication rate. Conclusions Vessel perforation and thromboembolic stroke are significant risks of endovascular treatment, especially after SAH. In our hands, however, BAC does not add to this risk.
Real-world route planning

Computing driving directions in road networks is a fundamental problem. Although it can be solved in essentially linear time by Dijkstra's algorithm [6], this is not fast enough to enable interactive queries on large-scale inputs. Instead, modern algorithms typically work in two stages: first an offline preprocessing routine computes some auxiliary data, which is then used to answer exact queries in real time. The past decade has seen a surprisingly diverse set of techniques that follow this approach [1, 2, 7, 8, 9], mostly relying on the fact that road networks tend to have a strong hierarchy. These methods work very well when minimizing driving times, but are much less efficient with other cost functions.I will present a practical algorithm that has no such draw-backs, and can compute shortest paths on continental road networks with arbitrary metrics (cost functions). Our customizable route planning approach [3] uses very little space per metric, supports real-time queries, and can incorporate a new metric in a few seconds, thus enabling real-time traffic updates and personalized cost functions. Instead of relying on a strong hierarchy (which is metric-dependent), we use the fact that road networks can be efficiently partitioned into loosely connected regions. To find such partitions, we use a recent algorithm [4] based on the notion of natural cuts, which are sparse regions separating much denser areas.Our routing algorithm can be naturally extended to handle more elaborate queries, such as building distance tables, finding nearby points of interest, or suggesting alternative paths. This makes it ideal to implement a flexible, general-purpose journey planner, especially when combined with algorithms for public transportation networks [5]. In fact, our system is currently in use by Bing Maps.This is joint work with Daniel Delling, Andrew Goldberg, Thomas Pajor, and Ilya Razenshteyn.
A queuing-based decision support methodology to estimate hospital inpatient bed demand

Hospital inpatient bed capacity might be better described as evolved than planned. At least two challenges lead to this behaviour: different views of patient demand implied by different data sets in a hospital and limited use of scientific methods for capacity estimation. In this paper, we statistically examine four distinct hospital inpatient data sets for internal consistency and potential usefulness for estimating true patient bed demand. We conclude that posterior financial data, billing data, rather than the census data commonly relied upon, yields true hospital bed demand. Subsequently, a capacity planning tool, based upon queuing theory and financial data only, is developed. The delivery mechanism is an Excel spreadsheet. One adjusts input parameters including patient volume and mix and instantaneously monitors the effect on bed needs across multiple levels of care. A case study from a major hospital in Phoenix, Arizona, USA is used throughout to demonstrate the methodologies.
Banking in emerging markets

Do banks play a special role in developing economies? Or is economic development held back by inefficient banking systems? If so, how will world financial integration affect economic and financial development? These are some of the questions addressed in this symposium. Given the importance of these issues, it is surprising that there are still few generally accepted answers to these fundamental questions. Most of the theory on financial intermediation is concerned with the role of banks in developed economies. It assumes that a well-functioning institutional structure is in place and, with some recent exceptions,1 it generally abstracts from macroeconomic issues such as inflation, budget deficits, and currency crises. Much of the theory deals with the fundamental questions of why banks exist, what added value they bring, whether they are inherently susceptible to runs, whether they tend to take excessive risks, and how they should be regulated (see Bhattacharya and Thakor, 1993). Another central issue concerns the structure of the whole financial system and why some developed economies (Germany, Japan) have bank-dominated systems, while others (UK and USA) have market-dominated systems. The issues related to the role of banks and the structure of the financial system have gained special prominence with the collapse of the communist regime in the Soviet Union in 1989 and the transition of East and Central European countries away from central planning to market-based economies. An immediate question arose for these countries. How should they set up their financial system? Which type of financial system should they adopt, a bankor market-dominated system? More generally,
Tunica Vaginalis Blanket Wrap to Prevent Urethrocutaneous Fistula: An 8-Year Experience

ABSTRACTAn 8-year review of hypospadias repair in patients with a meatus proximal to the coronal margin is reported. Fistula rates were compared among 4 groups: 1) loupe magnification, 2) tunica vaginalis blanket wrap tissue interposition with loupe magnification, 3) operating microscope magnification and 4) tunica vaginalis blanket wrap tissue interposition in conjunction with operating microscope magnification. Rate of fistula formation with loupe magnification alone was 20%, microscope magnification alone was 12% and tunica vaginalis blanket wrap interposition with loupes was 9%. When tunica vaginalis blanket wrap tissue interposition was used in conjunction with intraoperative microscopy no fistulas resulted.
Nonlinear control of a shunt DC motor

The problem of controlling a shunt DC motor is considered. Recent methods for nonlinear control are compared, including feedback linearization, generalized controller canonical forms, and input-output linearization. Connections between the approaches, as well as their respective advantages are discussed in detail. >
Paramagnetic 19F NMR and Electrospray Ionization Mass Spectrometric Studies of Substituted Pyridine Complexes of Chromium(III): Models for Potential Use of 19F NMR to Probe Cr(III)-Nucleotide Interaction.

Abstract The synthesis and characterization of chromium basic carboxylate complexes, [Cr3(O2CR)6L3]+, containing trifluoroacetate, 3-fluoropyridine, 3-trifluoromethylpyridine, and 4-trifluoromethylpyridine are described. The substituted pyridine ligands are used as models of DNA bases to determine whether 19F NMR would be a potentially useful probe of the binding of Cr3+ to DNA. The 19F NMR resonances of the coordinated ligands, while broadened by delocalization of unpaired electron density from the S = 3/2 chromic centers, are readily discernable, and the contact shifts are of sufficient magnitude that the signals from coordinated and free ligands can easily be differentiated. Thus, 19F NMR appears to be a potentially useful probe of the binding of Cr3+ to DNA containing F-labeled bases. Additionally, electrospray MS is shown to be a convenient method to establish the identity of chromium basic carboxylate assemblies.
Seismotectonic implications of sand blows in the southern Mississippi Embayment

We explore seismically-induced sand blows from the southern Mississippi Embayment and their implications in resolving the question of near or distal epicentral source region. This was accomplished using aerial photography, field excavations, and cone penetration tests. Our analysis shows that three sand blow fields exhibit a distinct chronology of strong ground motion for the southern embayment: (1) The Ashley County, Arkansas sand blow field, near the Arkansas/Louisiana state border, experienced four Holocene sand venting episodes; (2) to the north, the Desha County field experienced at least three episodes of liquefaction; and (3) the Lincoln–Jefferson Counties field experienced at least one episode. Cone penetration tests (CPT) conducted in and between the sand blow fields suggest that the fields may not be distal liquefaction associated with New Madrid seismic zone earthquakes but rather are likely associated with strong earthquakes on local faults. This conclusion is consistent with the differences in timing of the southern embayment sand venting episodes and those in the New Madrid seismic zone. These results suggest that active tectonism and strong seismicity in intraplate North America may not be localized at isolated weak spots, but rather widespread on fault systems that are favorably oriented for slip in the contemporary stress field.