cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Why cooperate? The ecology and evolution of myxobacteria

Molecular biologists have made great strides in understanding the genetics and molecular mechanisms that underlie social behavior in Myxococcus xanthus and a few other species. This chapter describes research on general ecological and evolutionary issues with the myxobacteria such as their diversity and distribution, population structure, and issues relating to their predatory behavior. Complete reliance on studies of natural populations to inform the understanding of myxobacterial ecology and evolution would limit the range of questions that can be addressed. These approaches not only are enhancing one's understanding of the myxobacteria per se, but also have the potential to inform the understanding of ecology and evolution more generally. A section briefly summarizes research as well as newer cultivation and molecular studies that have advanced the understanding of the diversity of the myxobacteria, their habitats, and the structure of their natural populations. The chapter describes some laboratory studies addressing the effects of abiotic variables on ecologically relevant phenotypes and the interactions of myxobacteria with prey species and how such interactions affect predator evolution. In recent years, the range of environmental conditions that may support active growth of myxobacteria has been shown to be greater than expected.
The fixation of pulmonary surfactant for electron microscopy: I. The alveolar surface lining layer

The epithelial surface of the lung is thought to be lined by a layer of surface-active (surfactant) material. To date, however, there has not been a convincing morphologic demonstration of such an alveolar surface lining layer. Both the major and surface-active component of this material is a saturated phospholipid—dipalmitoyl lecithin. Since standard electron microscopic fixation techniques cannot be used to fix fully saturated lipids, a tissue fixation scheme has been developed which is effective regardless of whether the phospholipids are saturated or unsaturated. This technique (tricomplex flocculation by means of suitable ions) has permitted the electron microscopic visualization of the phospholipid component of surfactant within lung tissue. After tricomplex fixation, a layer of electron dense, polymorphic material is seen lining the epithelial surfaces of alveoli.
Association of the factor VIII light chain with von Willebrand factor.

Coagulation factor VIII (fVIII) is isolated from porcine blood as a set of three heterodimers because of proteolytic cleavages in the middle, or B region, of the parent single-chain molecule. A single 80-kDa COOH-terminal fragment, the light chain (fVIIILC), is associated with one of three forms of heavy chain (fVIIIHCs) by a calcium-dependent linkage. The purified heterodimers were dissociated using EDTA and fVIIILC, and fVIIIHCs were isolated by high pressure liquid chromatography under nondenaturing conditions. The association of fVIII, fVIIILC, and fVIIIHCs with multimeric human von Willebrand factor (vWF) was studied using analytical velocity sedimentation. A previous study using this method with an intact, single heterodimeric species of fVIII has shown that one molecule of fVIII can bind to each subunit of vWF (Lollar, P., and Parker, C.G. (1987) J. Biol. Chem. 262, 17572-17576). fVIIILC bound vWF as judged by the increase in the plateau height and sedimentation coefficient of the fVIIILC.vWF complex compared to vWF at 42,000 x g and by the decrease in the plateau height of the 4.8 S fVIIILC boundary sedimenting at 240,000 x g. Titration of a fixed concentration of fVIIILC with vWF yielded a stoichiometry of one fVIIILC molecule per subunit of vWF. Proteolytic cleavage by thrombin to remove an acidic 41-residue NH2-terminal peptide from fVIIILC completely abolished its binding to vWF. In contrast, no binding of fVIIIHCs to vWF was observed. Additionally, intact fVIII bound to vWF was completely dissociated after proteolysis by thrombin. These data are consistent with the hypothesis that a critical step in blood coagulation is the release of all regions of fVIII from vWF following a single proteolytic cleavage of fVIIILC.
Why is Bank Debt Senior? A Theory of Priority Based on Influence Costs

This paper provides a theory why bank debt is universally senior, consistent with the presence of conflict (lawyers) and absolute priority violations in financial distress: banks would more strongly contest the priority structure in financial distress if they were junior, because they are both better organized than public debt and more appreciative of a toughness reputation in repeat relationships with other clients. This paper identifies the conditions under which firms find it efficient to award the ex-post stronger lobbyist/litigant ex-ante priority, because "deterrence" can reduce total creditors' expenses associated with a priority contest. For equivalent reasons, the theory can advise when public debt should be senior to trade credit and/or implicit contracts, and can even suggest one rationale for the absolute priority rule (APR). The paper further shows that overall creditors' contest expenses can be lower when the firm pays, thus providing a rationale for Chapter 11 creditor reimbursement procedures.
Nociceptor Sensitization by Extracellular Signal-Regulated Kinases

Inflammatory pain, characterized by a decrease in mechanical nociceptive threshold (hyperalgesia), arises through actions of inflammatory mediators, many of which sensitize primary afferent nociceptors via G-protein-coupled receptors. Two signaling pathways, one involving protein kinase A (PKA) and one involving the epsilon isozyme of protein kinase C (PKCepsilon), have been implicated in primary afferent nociceptor sensitization. Here we describe a third, independent pathway that involves activation of extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERKs) 1 and 2. Epinephrine, which induces hyperalgesia by direct action at beta(2)-adrenergic receptors on primary afferent nociceptors, stimulated phosphorylation of ERK1/2 in cultured rat dorsal root ganglion cells. This was inhibited by a beta(2)-adrenergic receptor blocker and by an inhibitor of mitogen and extracellular signal-regulated kinase kinase (MEK), which phosphorylates and activates ERK1/2. Inhibitors of G(i/o)-proteins, Ras farnesyltransferases, and MEK decreased epinephrine-induced hyper-algesia. In a similar manner, phosphorylation of ERK1/2 was also decreased by these inhibitors. Local injection of dominant active MEK produced hyperalgesia that was unaffected by PKA or PKCepsilon inhibitors. Conversely, hyperalgesia produced by agents that activate PKA or PKCepsilon was unaffected by MEK inhibitors. We conclude that a Ras-MEK-ERK1/2 cascade acts independent of PKA or PKCepsilon as a novel signaling pathway for the production of inflammatory pain. This pathway may present a target for a new class of analgesic agents.
The Design and Control of a Prototype Quadruped Microrover

We describe the design, construction and control of a quadruped robot which walks on uneven terrain. A control system which produces a statically stable gait has been implemented; results showing a straight and turning gait are presented. The control of quadruped robots poses interesting challenges due to a small stability margin (when compared to hexapods for example). For this reason most implemented systems for outdoor walking on uneven terrain have been hexapods. The system described here has the added virtue of using very few inexpensive sensors and actuators. One of the aims of this work is to build a reduced complexity (low power, low mass and direct drive) walking robot for statically stable walking. The other aim is to compare the performance of this robot with a wheeled robot roughly the same size and weight. In this paper we report on progress towards the first of these two goals using a traverse across an obstacle field as an example.
SU‐C‐BRA‐05: Fast Generation of Respiratory Gated CT Images at User Selected Breathing Phases On a Graphics Processing Unit

Purpose: The previously published 5DCT respiratory gated image acquisition and analysis technique enables generation of images at any user selected breathing phase. This work describes acceleration of the image generation process using a graphics processing unit (GPU) and its application to internal target volume (ITV) definition and the creation of simulated cine scans. Methods: 25 fast helical, free breathing CT scans of 7 lung cancer patients were acquired using a low dose protocol with simultaneous breathing surrogate monitoring. For each patient, the first scan was deformably registered to the following 24. Deformation vectors were used to determine voxel-specific parameters of a motion model. A single, low noise reference image in the geometry of the first scan was created using image averaging. The motion model was used to predict the deformation from the reference image to selected breathing phases. Internal target volumes were generated by deforming a single contour of the gross tumor volume (GTV) to the most common breathing phases accounting for 90% of observed respiration. Simulated cines were created by generating volumetric images at 0.25 second intervals along the measured breathing trace and taking slices at desired positions. Computations were performed on an NVIDIA Tesla K40. Results: Calculation of motion model parameters took approximately 3 seconds per dataset. Image generation took approximately 0.25 seconds total for a 450 x 450 x 300 image with isotropic 1 mm3 resolution. Conclusion: GPU acceleration enabled rapid generation of breathing gated CT images using the 5DCT technique and facilitated use of a novel method for defining customized lung tumor ITVs that account for a specified percentage of observed respiration, and the creation of simulated cine images in a clinically acceptable time frame. Investigation of the differences between ITVs generated using the technique described here and ITVs defined on conventional 4DCT datasets is ongoing.
A zoom-based stereo camera model

A stereo camera model, termed the zoom-based model which reveals a similar optical effect to that of the motion-in-depth model, is presented and analyzed. The main difference between the two models is the mechanism of the camera displacement and the resulting variation of the effective focal length. The mathematical expressions for the zoom model are related to the corresponding ones in the motion-in-depth case by a factor which is a function of the focal length change. Although the zoom model possesses the same advantages as the motion-in-depth model, the search-for-correspondence range is further reduced in the zoom-based case. The disadvantages of the zoom-based approach are also presented. >
Limited tissue distribution of the intestinal brush border myosin I protein

Abstract A myosinlike 105–110-kilodalton calmodulin-binding protein, brush border myosin I, found in the intestinal brush border has been linked to two seemingly disparate but possibly interacting functions of the brush border, namely, microvillar motility and vitamin D regulated calcium transport. If brush border myosin I were to function primarily as a myosinlike molecule powering cellular or microvillar motility, one might expect it to be found in a variety of tissues with microvilli such as the renal brush border and bile canaliculus. On the other hand, a more specialized function such as participation in vitamin D regulated calcium transport might dictate a more restricted tissue distribution for brush border myosin I. To determine the tissue distribution of brush border myosin I, we purified this protein to apparent homogeneity, generated antisera to it, and used the antisera to localize the protein within the intestinal epithelial cell by immunocytochemistry. We then screened a variety of other tissues (brain, lung, heart, liver, spleen, pancreas, kidney, and skeletal muscle) both for calmodulin-binding proteins as well as for brush border myosin I using Western blots and immunofluorescence. Our results indicate that the intestinal brush border myosin I is limited in its distribution to the intestinal brush border.
Genomic organization, 5'-upstream sequence, and chromosomal localization of an insulinoma-associated intronless gene, IA-1

Abstract IA-1 is a novel cDNA originally isolated from a human insulinoma subtraction library (ISL-153). It encodes a protein containing both a zinc finger DNA-binding domain and a putative prohormone domain. IA-1 transcripts have been found thus far only in tumors of neuroendocrine origin. Clinical studies have shown that IA-1 is a sensitive marker for neuroendocrine differentiation of human lung tumors. In this study, we cloned and sequenced the entire IA-1 gene and its 5'-upstream region from a human liver genomic library. In situ hybridization localized the IA-1 gene to the short arm of human chromosome 20. Sequence analysis and restriction enzyme mapping showed that the IA-1 gene is uninterrupted and appears to be intronless. Evidence that IA-1 is an intronless gene that can translate into protein was obtained from in vitro translation studies that showed that both IA-1 cDNA and IA-1 genomic DNA yielded identical protein products of approximately 61,000 daltons. Examination of the 5'-upstream region (2090 base pairs) revealed several tissue-specific regulatory elements, including glucokinase upstream promoter elements and a Pit-1 factor binding site. The presence of several different upstream regulatory elements may account for IA-1 gene expression in different neuroendocrine tumors.
Development of a board-level integrated silicon carbide MOSFET power module for high temperature application

A board-level integrated silicon carbide (SiC) MOSFET power module is developed in this work for high temperature and high power density applications. Specifically, a silicon-on-insulator (SOI) based gate driver is designed, fabricated and tested at different switching frequencies and temperatures. Also, utilizing high temperature packaging technologies, a 1200 V / 100 A SiC MOSFET phase-leg power module is built. The switching performance of the fabricated power module is fully evaluated at different temperatures up to 225 °C. Moreover, a buck converter prototype incorporating the SOI gate driver and SiC power module is built for high temperature continuous operation. The converter is operated within a wide range from 10 kHz to 100 kHz, with its junction temperature monitored by a thermo-sensitive electrical parameter (TSEP). The experimental results demonstrate that the integrated power module is able to operate at a junction temperature greater of 232 °C.
Narrative and the Self as Relationship

Publisher Summary This chapter explores the nature of stories of self, both as they are told and lived in social life. It examines the story form—or more formally, the structure of narrative accounts. It then describes the way narratives of the self are constructed within social life and the uses to which they are put. As story advances, it become increasingly clear that narratives of the self are not fundamentally possessions of the individual; rather they are products of social interchange—possessions of the socius. This analysis set the stage for a discussion of lived narrative. The chapter proposes the traditional concept of individual selves is fundamentally problematic. What have served as individual traits, mental processes, or personal characteristics can promisingly be viewed as the constituents of relational forms. The form of these relationships is that of the narrative sequence. Thus, by the end of story it can be found that the individual self has all but vanished into the world of relationship.
Las mujeres guaraníes de Salta en la esfera doméstica y pública: Una aproximación antropológica

This article is a preliminary study on the role of Guarani women of the province of Salta in the domestic and public sphere. The study presents a review of the theoretical debates on gender and the role of women in the economy and their participation in politics. Guarani women play an important role in the household economy given that they sell the agricultural produce and engage in cross border trade. In spite of their autonomy and their ability to trade, and interact outside of their communities, within their villages they do not have decision-making power and access to political office. However, within the domestic sphere women make decisions of importance and their activities in the public space outside of the community generates new strategies for change and autonomy.
Interpreting chromosomal DNA restriction patterns produced by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis: criteria for bacterial strain typing.

FRED C. TENOVER,* ROBERT D. ARBEIT, RICHARD V. GOERING, PATRICIA A. MICKELSEN, BARBARA E. MURRAY, DAVID H. PERSING, AND BALA SWAMINATHAN National Center for Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia 30333; Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts 02130; Creighton University, Omaha, Nebraska 68178; Stanford University Medical Center, Stanford, California 94305; University of Texas Medical School, Houston, Texas 77030; and Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota 55905
2072837 A Device to Monitor Blood Velocity in Shallow Peripheral Vessels

s S29 2072837 A Device to Monitor Blood Velocity in Shallow Peripheral Vessels David Vilkomerson, Tom Chilipka, John Turner DVX, Princeton, NJ, United States; Arterium Medical LLC, Princeton, NJ, United States Objectives: The ‘‘pulse’’ felt at the wrist (radial artery) has long been part of medical diagnosis – indeed, the basis of traditional Chinese medicine. However, it has been a qualitative measure, e.g. ‘‘thready’’, ‘‘bounding’’, rather than quantitative (other than rate). Using newly developed technology, we sought to design a device that could quantitatively monitor the blood velocity—the source of the pulse—in shallow peripheral vessels while being automatic, small, light, and inexpensive. By providing quantitative blood velocity to complement widelyused blood pressure monitoring, the state of a patient’s cardiovascular system can be better understood. Methods: The device is designed for use on shallow vessels for placement by palpation, eliminating the need for ultrasonic imaging or specialized training. A diffraction-gratingtransducer (DGT) produces a beam at an angle to its plane; placed flat above a vessel, its beam crosses the flow axis at an angle, enabling a Doppler velocity measurement. To define the region of measurement, without a sample-gate requiring image-guidance, a slab transducer directs a continuous wave ultrasound beam straight down: where the DGT beam crosses this beam is where the Doppler-signal is generated. As shallow arteries are parallel to the skin surface, and the DGT’s beam-angle to the skin is known, the velocity of the blood can be quantitatively determined. Results: The DGTwas photolithographically printed on a flexible piezoelectric polymer which allows low cost-ofmanufacture. Using 20 MHz ultrasound to increase the bloodscattering signal, and a small PZT slab as a transmitter for power-efficiency, the resulting device, about a square cm in size, weighed less than 3 grams and required less than a watt for operation. Accurate velocity measurement were made by non-specialists in shallow peripheral arteries in multiple volunteers. Stable reproducible velocity data was produced during a day-long simulated monitoring. Conclusions: A small, low-cost device that can monitor the blood velocity in shallow peripheral arteries has been developed. 2092260 Long Duration Realtime Assessment of Doppler Signals in Upper and Lower Extremities Inder Raj Singh Makin, Chandhana Pedapati, Deborah M. Heath School of Osteopathic Medicine, A T Still University, Mesa, AZ, United States; Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, United
Legal Ramifications of Homeopathy

The article addresses four regulatory challenges faced by practitioners of homeopathy: (1) medical practice acts, which prohibit the unlicensed practice of "medicine;" (2) scope of practice limitations, which restrict nonmedical providers' ability to diagnose and treat disease; (3) prohibitions against "unprofessional conduct;" and (4) malpractice rules. The article concludes with suggestions for regulatory reform.
3D Modeling of Polymer Electrolyte Fuel Cell and Hydride Hydrogen Storage Tank

3D dynamic models are developed for polymer electrolyte fuel cells (PEFCs) and hydrogen tanks, respectively. In the fuel cell model, we consider the major transport and electrochemical processes within the key components of a single PEFC that govern fuel cell transient including the electrochemical double-layer behavior, mass/heat transport, liquid water dynamics, and membrane water uptake. As to modeling hydrogen tanks, we consider a LaNi5 -based system and develop a general formula that describes hydrogen absorption/desorption. The model couples the hydride reaction kinetics and mass/heat transport. The dynamic characteristics of the PEFC and hydrogen tank, together with the possible coupling of the two systems, are discussed.Copyright © 2010 by ASME
Non-Hodgkins lymphoma: how well you do may depend on where you live.

McKay et al.'s study on non-Hodgkin Lymphoma [1] (NHL) in Scotland provides evidence for a graded effect of socioeconomic deprivation on survival and symptoms. Despite an overall improvement in out...
Hurdles of access and benefits of usage for internet communication

Studies indicate that the Internet has reached critical mass as a medium of communication and is being used by an increasing number of Americans. At the same time, however, research indicates that there are gaps in how various segments of the American population are using the Internet. To the extent that Internet usage produces tangible benefits, users of Internet communication will have advantages over non‐users as will high‐users over low‐users. This study reports the data analysis of a probability sample of users and non‐users of the Internet. Users were asked questions about Internet access variables (called “hurdles"), their frequency of Internet usage, and how much they gain economic, jobs, financial, political, and interpersonal communication benefits from their use of the Internet. Reported data indicate that Internet usage frequency is significantly related to the usage hurdles of skills, opportunities and comfort and that Internet usage frequency is significantly related to the benefits of using...
Early and Late Results with the Mustard Operation in Infancy

Abstract Eighty-one patients, ranging in age from 36 hours to 24 months and in weight from 2.5 to 12 kg had a Mustard operation for D-transposition of the great arteries (D-TGA) (20 with complex D-TGA) using either deep hypothermic circulatory arrest (68 patients) or conventional cardiopulmonary bypass (13 patients). A Dacron patch was used for the intraatrial baffle and pericardium for augmentation of the pulmonary atrium. Ten patients died following operation. Thirty-two patients had cardiac catheterization 1 year after operation. Of 24 patients with D-TGA and intact ventricular septum, 23 had normal pulmonary artery pressures. In 20 patients left ventricular outflow tract gradients decreased from a mean of 32 mm Hg to a mean of 18 mm Hg after operation. Five patients who had D-TGA and ventricular septal defect and systemic pressures in the left ventricle before operation, had a notable decrease in left ventricular pressures after the procedure. Seven patients required reoperation for baffle obstruction. Mortality following Mustard repair was primarily related to the complexity of the lesion, maturity of the infant, and degree of pulmonary vascular changes. Caval obstruction was related to the configuration of the baffle used in the early part of this series.
Merkel cell carcinoma in South East Scotland, 1993– 2003

Background and Aims: Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a rare cutaneous malignancy. The aims of this study were to look at the incidence and distribution of MCC in a predominantly skin type I Caucasian population, review overall management of the disease and assess patient outcomes. Methods: Cases were identified through the regional pathology database. Twenty patients were diagnosed with MCC over a 10-year period (1993–2003) and managed at the Regional Plastic Surgery Unit at St John's Hospital, Livingston. Results: The disease incidence was found to be 0.133 per 100,000 per annum. All patients were Caucasian, seven males and 13 females (1: 1.9 ratio). The mean age at presentation was 77 years (range 58–93 years). The majority of lesions were found to be stage IA (80%), located in the head and neck region. There were two cases (10%) with stage II disease and two (10%) with stage III disease (both with liver metastases) at the time of diagnosis. All patients were managed operatively. Seventeen of the 20 had wide local excisions; of the remaining three, two were only suitable for debulking procedures and one patient (stage II) had only a diagnostic biopsy, refusing intervention thereafter. One patient received adjuvant chemoradiotherapy. Conclusion: Surgery remains the mainstay of treatment but adjuvant therapy, in particular chemotherapy, is problematic in a frail, elderly population
Integration of Cognitive Modeling into the Evaluation of Electronic Health Records

Previous research has consistently cited the importance of a usable interface in the successful adoption of the electronic health record (EHR). Among the most time intensive EHR activities is Computerized Physician Order Entry (CPOE) a method of creating and modifying orders through an electronic interface. The Marshfield Clinic, a non-profit, regional health care organization in Wisconsin, is in the process of implementing a new CPOE system. As a part of early evaluation, cognitive and behavioral modeling was coupled with formative usability testing to better understand the potential use of a new CPOE design. Participants consisted of 11 medical residents. Results suggest that participants were able to complete the majority of task scenarios in less than 20 seconds per task. Additionally, the integration of a cognitive and behavioral tool provided new evaluation information to help aid in future design efforts.
The Principalship at a Crossroads: A Study of the Conditions and Concerns of Principals

This study examined the conditions and concerns of principals in Virginia to see what their experiences and perceptions are of the growing shortage in the principalship. Findings suggest that princ...
Consumer health digital divide: A research agenda for studying inequality in online health information access and use

Driven by social, economic, academic and technological forces, the new field of E-health has been developing quickly in recent years. Many E-health applications are Internet-based and therefore have the potential to help people throughout the world. However, this high dependence on the Internet also raises sobering questions about a health digital divide, i.e. unequal access and use as well as unequal rights to gain benefits of online information among health consumers. In this paper, we discuss social, cultural and economic factors which shape a research agenda for examining health digital divide issues. These factors are derived by means of a literature review. Future research questions include how to solve the discrepancies between health digital divide and digital divide among the general population, what is the role of content prejudice in health digital divide, and what is the status quo of health digital divide in developing countries, et al.
Ductile versus brittle behavior of amorphous metals

Abstract Ductile behavior of amorphous metals, their ability to sustain localized flow at high nominal stresses, is attributed to a mechanism which alleviates the severe stress conditions prevailing near potential cleavage flaws. The model problem of the plane strain deformation of an infinite block of non-linear visco-elastic material containing an elliptical hole is studied numerically and analytically. A strong dependence of the viscosity on the hydrostatic tension, a result of the increase in the number of viscous flow defects with dilatation, is the principal source of non-linearity. The analysis reveals that, under a constant remote strainrate, the initial elastic stress distribution ahead of the hole gives way, with time, to a more uniform stress distribution. Altering the stress distribution permits the remote (nominal) stress to achieve higher values before critical stress conditions are reached locally at the concentrator. At ordinary temperatures, amorphous metals are not in thermodynamic equilibrium; this motivates a modification of the constitutive law that reflects the kinetic difficulty of maintaining thermodynamic equilibrium under conditions of varying hydrostatic tension. Re-solving the elliptical hole problem with the modified constitutive law reveals a delay in the stress redistribution in front of the concentrator which may explain brittle fracture.
Experimental validation of the dynamic model of a single/two phase induction motor

The unsymmetrical single/two phase induction machine is often used in low-power range and low cost electric drives. The main advantages of this machine - i.e. its uncomplicated structure, machine's direct voltage supply from a single-phase network supply, the absence of the mechanical commutator thus absence of any phase- switching noise, and the machine's low-rate of wear - are counterpoised by the low energy efficiency of this machine. A promising way to increase machine's energy efficiency is the use of an electronically switched, variable capacitance connected to the auxiliary phase of the machine. The optimal control of the electronically switched capacitance is based on the measurements of the phase voltages, phase currents and angular speed at the machine's shaft and on a dynamic model of the machine implemented on a controller. In the first part of this paper a direct- and quadrature-axis theory-based-model of the unsymmetrical two-phase induction machine is discussed. Within the second part of the paper the results of the theoretical approach are inspected and compared to measurements on a nowadays machine type.
Foil and foia compared

Abstract On May 19, 1998, the Israeli Knesset voted unanimously to pass a proposed “Freedom of Information Law.” Israel has been slow to adopt the concept of freedom of information, and although it has been acknowledged in various court rulings, it has not been embodied in legislation. The purpose of this study is to examine the Israeli Freedom of Information Law (FOIL) and to analyze it in respect to the U.S. Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). More specifically, this article looks closely at the purpose of the law, the circumstances that permit exemptions to be exercised, the provisions made within FOIL that will enable its execution, and court cases dealing with freedom of information.
Ongoing compound field potentials from octopus brain are labile and vertebrate-like.

Ongoing electrical activity was recorded from the brain of the virtually intact, semirestrained, unanesthetized octopus by semimicroelectrodes thrust through the cartilage into the optic, vertical or basal lobe. With flexible lead-in wires such electrodes were carried by and moved with the head without causing movement artifacts. Controls suggest that the activity reported comes from the brain; it is reversibly flattened by doses of urethane that do not embarrass respiration. Muscle potentials are only troublesome on occasion. Seen through a wideband filter, neuronal spikes are usually small or below noise level under these conditions; slow waves (1-70 Hz) dominate, with a maximum less than 25 Hz, usually less than 10 Hz and no consistent sharp peaks. The fall in power above ca. 25 Hz is usually slower than in the typical vertebrate EEG but the average power spectrum is much more like those of vertebrate brains than of cerebral ganglia of other invertebrates (insect, crustacean, gastropod). Variance among sample epochs is large, e.g. short spells may have relatively much more low frequency (less than 25 Hz) or more 'hashy' high frequency (greater than 50 Hz) energy; there may be runs of spikes. Fluctuation in the composition of ongoing activity is graphically shown by writing out in parallel the outputs of several narrow band (one octave) filters; this shows irregular low frequency waxing and waning of the amplitude in each band. The envelopes were computed and their peak power is around 1 Hz or lower; the waxing and waning in the several bands is sometimes strongly correlated, especially when the envelope amplitude is large and slow. Optic lobe activity tends usually to be faster, with more small spikey hash than in the vertical lobe. The described electrical activity of the brain is strikingly episodic; it is recorded during seconds or minutes separated by long intervals of nearly electrical silence (10-40 dB lower power; the difference larger at frequencies greater than 20 Hz). Active and quiet periods are usually not correlated with differences in visible behavior. Under my conditions the animal is usually not moving except for quiet ventilation and occasional local writhing of an arm. Potentials evoked by single flashes of light (0.2-1/sec) are conspicuous in the optic but not in the vertical lobe. They form a sequence of large, slow waves; the first peak may be at about 40 msec, others up to at least 400 msec.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
Test ordering guidelines can alter ordering patterns in an academic emergency department

To determine the impact of an educational program designed to modify test ordering behavior in an academic Emergency Department (ED), an observational, before-and-after study was conducted at a university tertiary referral center and Emergency Medicine (EM) residency site. Test ordering standards were developed by EM faculty, RNs, and NPs based upon group consensus and published data. The standards were given to all ED staff beginning February 1996, and included in the evidence-based medicine orientation and educational program for all residents and medical students prior to beginning their rotation. No restrictions were placed on actual test ordering. The number of laboratory tests (total and individual) ordered per 100 patients decreased significantly after the educational program began for: total testing, CBC, and liver function test (LFT). In addition, declines during individual months for these tests were statistically significant. Prothrombin time and blood culture testing showed no significant decreases in test ordering frequency. Chemistry test ordering frequency showed statistically significant increases. Overall, approximately $50,000 was saved by decreasing test ordering. Test ordering behavior can be modified and maintained by an educational program and may have significant economic effects.
Profound hypotension complicating magnesium therapy

Two preeclamptic women became profoundly hypotensive while receiving magnesium sulfate. No evidence of toxic levels was present in either. In both, preeclampsia-induced hypovolemia was extreme. That nontoxic magnesium levels can cause severe hypotension is an alarming possibility. Acknowledgment of this complication and expeditious reversal of the problem is essential.
Effect of Macromolecules on Aqueous Solubility of Cholesterol and Hormone Drugs

The solubility of cholesterol and some hormone drugs in aqueous macromolecule solutions was investigated. Polyvinylpyrrolidone, dextrans, and heparin increased the solubilities of progesterone, testosterone, and diethylstilbestrol, while acacia, pectin, and carrageenans decreased their solubilities. Dextrans increased the solubilities of cholesterol and the three hormone drugs. Acacia and pectin greatly increased cholesterol solubility; however, these macromolecules significantly decreased progesterone and diethylstilbestrol solubilities and slightly decreased testosterone solubility. Heparin decreased cholesterol solubility and increased progesterone, testosterone, and diethylstilbestrol solubilities. Carrageenans significantly decreased cholesterol, progesterone, and testosterone solubilities and had little effect on diethylstilbestrol solubility. A strong bathochromic shift in the absorption spectra of progesterone and testosterone in polyvinylpyrrolidone solutions indicated an attachment between the polymer and the C=O group of the steroids.
Protein kinase C modulates the release of [3H]5-hydroxytryptamine in the spinal cord of the rat: the role of L-type voltage-dependent calcium channels.

The present studies examined the relationship between protein kinase C (PKC) and L-type voltage-dependent calcium channels in modulating the release of neurotransmitter from K+-depolarized rat spinal cord synaptosomes. Activators of PKC, such as phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA), mezerein and oleoyl acetylglycerol produced a concentration-dependent potentiation of K+-induced release of [3H]5-hydroxytryptamine ([3H]5-HT). Enhanced release was dependent on the concentration of both Ca2+ and K+ in the superfusion medium. Calcium-independent release of [3H]5-HT or release induced by the Ca2+ ionophore were unaffected by PKC activators. Calcium-dependent release of [3H]5-HT, evoked by K+, was enhanced under similar conditions by the L-type Ca2+ channel agonists Bay K 8644 and (+)-SDZ 202-791. Nimodipine, an L-type Ca2+ channel antagonist, while having no independent effect on K+-induced release of [3H]5-HT, abolished the potentiative effects of Bay K 8644 and PMA. Similarly, the PKC inhibitors, polymyxin B and staurosporine, blocked effects of both PMA and Bay K 8644 on K+-stimulated release of [3H]5-HT. Neither PMA nor Bay K 8644 altered the uptake of [3H]5-HT. These results suggest that PKC-dependent mechanisms utilize calcium influx, via the L-type calcium channel, to modulate release of neurotransmitter and indicate a possible functional link between PKC and L-type voltage-dependent calcium channels in the spinal cord.
In vivo identification of promoter elements and transcription factors mediating activation of hepatic HMG-CoA reductase by T3.

The promoter elements and transcription factors necessary for triiodothyronine (T{sub 3}) induction of hepatic HMG-CoA reductase (HMGR) were investigated by transfecting rat livers with wild type and mutant HMGR promoter-luciferase constructs using in vivo electroporation. Mutations in the sterol response element (SRE), nuclear factor-y (NF-Y) site, and the newly identified upstream transcription factor-2 (USF-2) site essentially abolished the T{sub 3} response. Chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) analysis demonstrated that T{sub 3} treatment caused a 4-fold increase in in vivo binding of USF-2 to the HMGR promoter. Co-transfection of the wild type HMGR promoter with siRNAs to USF-2, SREBP-2, or NF-Y nearly abolished the T{sub 3} induction, as measured by promoter activity. These data provide in vivo evidence for functional roles for USF-2, SREBP-2, and NF-Y in mediating the T{sub 3}-induction of hepatic HMGR transcription.
Evaluating Maryland's Response To Drug-exposed Babies: Sb 512 Children in Need of Assistance—drug-addicted Babies

The “crack epidemic” of the mid-1980s presented new challenges to the helping professions, along with the legal and policy fields. Concerns were raised about infants born with exposure to crack and other drugs. States began to react to these concerns with policy and legal changes. In Maryland, the General Assembly passed the Drug Addiction at Birth Act in 1997. This law is examined from several perspectives, including its stated purpose, its relationship to other parts of the Maryland Code regarding child abuse and neglect, its implementation in one major hospital, its congruence with informed consent statutes, its constitutionality, and its practical implications.
Melt Flow Type and Physical Model of Semisolid Rheo-Casting Process by Cooling Sloping Plate

In this paper, a physical model of semisolid rheo-casting process by cooling sloping plate is established, and the features and parameters of this process are analyzed. The calculation results show that there exists lamellar flow and turbulent flow on the sloping plate surface commonly. The critical transfer distance from lamellar flow to turbulent flow decreases with the increment of the initial flow velocity gradually. The critical transfer distance decreases with the increment of the sloping angle slowly. The effect of the sloping angle on the critical transfer distance is relatively not obvious.
Observation of the onset of an emission episode in the Be star Mu Centauri

A series of recent CCD observations are presented which show the development of H-alpha emission in the Be star Mu Centauri over a period of two days. Complementary observations of He I (6678 A), together with UV spectra from IUE observations suggest that a massive cloud of material was ejected abruptly from the receding limb of the photosphere during the outburst period. Computer generated illustrations of the CCD data are provided.
Endocytosis in Drosophila: progress, possibilities, prognostications.

By many outside the field, endocytosis is often perceived as a “house-keeping” function performed via identical mechanisms in yeast and man. Recent discoveries have done much to reduce this misperception. (1) Endocytosis occurs via different mechanisms and different pathways in different cellular contexts. (2) Molecular mechanisms that regulate homologous pathways in unicellular and multicellular organisms show considerable variance. (3) Temporally controlled endocytosis of specific regulatory molecules underlies several important and intricate biological processes including synapse formation, synaptic plasticity, cell fate determination, and morphogen gradient formation. Interactions between endocytosis and cytoskeletal and signaling pathways have been particularly revealing. In this intellectual context, Drosophila has become invaluable as a metazoan genetic model in which to understand the many faces of endocytosis. This review discusses two aspects of work in Drosophila: (a) its contributions toward understanding fundamental mechanisms that underlie the operation of endocytic pathways; (b) how analyses in Drosophila provide insights into varied biological processes regulated by endocytosis. In addition, while offering our commentary on merits and limitations of Drosophila work, we speculate on likely areas for contributions and future research on endocytosis in Drosophila.
Multicultural Education in the Classroom.

Diversity among students at community colleges is increasingly prevalent in this country. This diversity is very complex, consisting of individuals from different cultural backgrounds, including th...
Cronin effect vs. geometrical shadowing in d+Au collisions at RHIC

Abstract Multiple initial state parton interactions in p(d)+Au collisions are calculated in a Glauber–Eikonal formalism. The convolution of perturbative QCD parton–nucleon cross sections predicts naturally the competing pattern of low-pT suppression due geometrical shadowing, and a moderate-pT Cronin enhancement of hadron spectra. The formal equivalence to recent classical Yang–Mills calculations is demonstrated, but our approach is shown to be more general in the large x>0.01 domain because it automatically incorporates the finite kinematic constraints of both quark and gluon processes in the fragmentation regions, and accounts for the observed spectra in elementary pp→πX processes in the RHIC energy range, s ∼20 –200 GeV. The Glauber–Eikonal formalism can be used as a baseline to extract the magnitude of dynamical shadowing effects from the experimental data at different centralities and pseudo-rapidities.
Chemical basis of transferrin polymorphism in pigeons

Summary The structures of pigeon A and B ovotransferrins were compared by peptide mapping. A single identifiable difference was found between them. AB transferrin showed both peptides. Amino acid compositions of these peptides indicated an amino acid substitution Asx (in A) for Ser (in B).
Decreased TGFβ signaling and increased COX2 expression in high risk women with increased mammographic breast density

High mammographic density is associated with a increased risk of breast cancer. We hypothesized that specific pathways exist that are associated with increased mammographic density, and may therefore be used to identify potential targets for chemoprevention. Histologically confirmed normal breast tissue was collected from women undergoing breast surgery who had available demographic data and mammograms for review. Women with low versus high mammographic breast density were compared. Differentially expressed genes using Affymetrix HG U133Plus2 chips were identified in dense versus non-dense tissue. Immunohistochemical analysis (IHC) of estrogen receptor, progesterone receptor, Ki67, and COX2 expression was performed. About 66 women were identified, 28 (42%) had high, and 38 (58%) had low mammographic density. About 73 genes had differential expression between normal breast tissue with high and low mammographic density (P < 0.001, fold change ≥1.5with a low false discovery rate (<10%). Network and canonical pathway analysis indicated decreased TGFβ signaling (TGFBR2, SOS, SMAD3, CD44 and TNFRSF11B) in dense breast tissue relative to non-dense breast. By IHC, only COX2 expression in the stroma was statistically significant on multivariate analysis. TGFβ ligands are currently the only growth factors known to prevent mammary epithelial cell proliferation. TGFβ signaling has been reported to be inhibited by COX-2, and these molecules are highly differentially expressed in individuals at high risk of developing breast cancer. These results strongly suggest that COX2 inhibition should be investigated for breast cancer prevention despite possible increase in cardiovascular risk.
Using Force Spectroscopy To Investigate the Binding of Complementary DNA in the Presence of Intercalating Agents

Small molecules are known to bind to DNA via simple intercalation, which leads to the unwinding of the DNA helix. We have demonstrated using force spectroscopy a significant reduction in the unbinding forces measured in a 16-mer DNA duplex in the presence of sequence specific and nonspecific intercalating agents, 3,6-diaminoacridine and ethidium bromide. We also explore the effect of varying the intercalator strength on the unbinding forces measured from the DNA duplexes. At very dilute concentrations of the intercalating agents, the unbinding forces measured are similar to those measured in a hybridizing buffer.
Measurements of Electron-Phonon Coupling Strengths in Carbon Nanotubes

We measure the electron-phonon coupling in carbon nanotubes by correlating the first and second harmonic of the resonant Raman excitation profile. The results are in good agreement with the chirality and diameter dependence calculations.
Partitions of AG(4,3) into maximal caps

Abstract In a geometry, a maximal cap is a collection of points of largest size no three of which are collinear. In A G ( 4 , 3 ) , maximal caps contain 20 points; the 81 points of A G ( 4 , 3 ) can be partitioned into 4 mutually disjoint maximal caps together with a single point P , where every pair of points that makes a line with P lies entirely inside one of those caps. The caps in a partition can be paired up so that both pairs are either in exactly one partition or they are both in two different partitions. This difference determines the two equivalence classes of partitions of A G ( 4 , 3 ) under the action by affine transformations.