cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Institutions protecting constitutional democracy: Some conceptual and methodological preliminaries

Chapter 9 of the South African Constitution refers to ‘institutions protecting constitutional democracy’ (IPDs). Contemporary constitution designers have written into new constitutions numerous suc...
Epidemiology of heart valve disease

Abstract In developed countries, degenerative valve disease has replaced rheumatic heart disease (RHD) as the leading cause of valvular heart disease (VHD). The prevalence of at least moderate VHD is 2.5% and increases with age. Mitral regurgitation and aortic stenosis are the most common VHD in the community and hospital settings, respectively. RHD remains the most common cause of VHD in developing countries and affects 33.4 million people worldwide. The incidence of infective endocarditis has remained stable at 3 to 7 cases per 100,000 person years, but Staphylococcus has replaced Streptococcus as the most common organism. The number of adults living with congenital heart disease has increased significantly in recent decades due to extraordinary advances in cardiovascular medicine and surgery.
Decoupling and Cloaking of Interleaved Phased Antenna Arrays Using Elliptical Metasurfaces

We apply the concept of electromagnetic invisibility/cloaking to improve the radiation properties and decouple two tightly spaced and interleaved phased linear antenna arrays of strip monopoles operating at close frequencies, in order to restore their isolated radiation patterns and eliminate the undesired cross-coupling between their elements. We realize this effect using elliptically shaped cloaking metasurfaces designed for mutually cross-coupled elements of the distinct arrays. We analyze and investigate the cloaking and decoupling effects in improving the functionality of the coupled arrays in terms of their radiation patterns and realized gain, respectively. As a result, the antenna arrays placed in close proximity of each other can radiate independently for a wide range of beam scanning angles, restoring the properties they would have when isolated from each other.
Metaanalyses, Network Metaanalyses, and Systematic Reviews: The Perpetual Motion Machine All Over Again.

The term metaanalysis was first used in the mid-1970s for describing methods designed to characterize and combine the findings of prior studies to increase statistical power, along with providing quantitative summary estimates, and to identify data gaps and biases1. (In this editorial I will use the term metaanalysis to encompass not only metaanalyses but also systematic reviews and network metaanalyses, because the issues I raise apply to all of them and their variations.) When applied to studies conducted with similar populations and methods, metaanalyses can be useful. However, this is not the case with many metaanalyses where the findings of studies that differ in important ways have been combined, prompting the comment that “they have mixed apples and oranges” — and sometimes “apples, lice, and killer whales — yielding meaningless conclusions”1,2. Combining the results of individual studies potentially increases the total number of participants, and this should mean increased statistical power, yet differences in participant demographics and study methods may actually lead to decreased power owing to variability in the patient characteristics1. This then leads to more difficulty in ascertaining the real effects. Add to this the issue of unpublished research to potentially skew the conclusions, because positive findings get published more often than negative results, starting with the decision to submit them in the first place3. It has been reported that falsified data also make it into metaanalyses4. In one example authors showed that 46% of all metaanalysis publications had their conclusions changed by publications with falsified data and 32% of all the analyses had a considerable change in the outcome5. There has also been … Address correspondence to Dr. Y. Yazici, 333 East 38th St., New York, New York 10016, USA. E-mail: yusuf.yazici{at}nyumc.org
Identifying Cochlear Implant Channels With Relatively Poor Electrode-Neuron Interfaces Using the Electrically Evoked Compound Action Potential.

Objectives The primary objective of this study was to quantify local (within ear) and global (between ear) variation in the cochlear implant (CI) electrode-neuron interface (ENI) using the electrically evoked compound action potential (ECAP). We tested the hypothesis that, within an ear, ECAP measures can be used to identify channels with presumed good and poor ENIs, which may be influenced by a combination of spiral ganglion neuron (SGN) density, electrode position, and cochlear resistivity. We also hypothesized that ECAP responses would reflect age-related differences in the global quality of the ENI between younger and older listeners who theoretically differ in SGN density. Design Data were obtained from 18 implanted ears (13 individuals) with Advanced Bionics HiRes 90K devices. Six participants (8 ears) were adolescents or young adults (age range: 14-32 years), and 7 participants (10 ears) were older adults (age range: 54-88 years). In each ear, single-channel auditory detection thresholds were measured on channels 2 through 15 in response to a spatially focused electrode configuration (steered quadrupolar; focusing coefficient = 0.9). ECAP amplitudes, amplitude growth function (AGF) slopes, and thresholds were assessed on a subset of channels in each ear in response to three interphase gaps (0, 7, and 30 µs). ECAP peak amplitudes were assessed on all channels between 2 and 15. AGFs and ECAP thresholds were measured on the two nonadjacent channels with the lowest and highest focused behavioral thresholds in each ear. ECAP responses were compared across low- and high-threshold channels and between younger and older CI listeners. Results Channels that were estimated to interface poorly with the auditory nerve (i.e., high-focused-threshold channels) had steeper ECAP AGF slopes, smaller dynamic ranges, and higher ECAP thresholds than channels with low focused thresholds. Younger listeners had steeper ECAP AGF slopes and larger ECAP peak amplitudes than older listeners. Moreover, younger listeners showed greater interphase gap sensitivity for ECAP amplitude than older listeners. Conclusions ECAP responses may be used to quantify both local (within ear) and global (between ear) variation in the quality of the ENI. Results of this study support future investigation into the use of ECAP responses in site-selection CI programming strategies. The present results also support a growing body of evidence suggesting that adolescents and young adults with CIs may have denser populations of functional SGNs relative to older adults. Potential differences in global SGN integrity between younger and older listeners warrant investigation of optimal CI programming interventions based on their divergent hearing histories.
Bidensity particle-laden exchange flows in a vertical duct

Buoyancy-driven exchange flow in a vertical duct is studied theoretically for a light pure fluid and a heavy fluid. The latter is a suspension composed of a Newtonian fluid and two populations of negatively buoyant particles of the same size but different densities (bidensity). In a previous study (Mirzaeian & Alba, J. Fluid Mech., vol. 847, 2018, pp. 134–160), the authors developed a lubrication model for monodensity suspension of particles of uniform size. The main observation of the monodensity study was the discovery of particle-enriched zones near heavy and light fluid fronts due to the relative motion of particles and the fluid. Distinct from the previous work, here, mismatched densities instigate a relative motion of lighter and heavier particles in addition to the movement of fluids. Other than the previously observed enrichment case, the bidensity case gives rise to a novel flow regime where there is enrichment of heavy particles but depletion of light particles near the interface. The transition to this regime is governed by a balance between the densities of heavy and light particles as well as those of light and carrying fluids for a given choice of initial volume fractions of particles. Such density balance is characterized by two dimensionless parameters comprising light and heavy particle-to-carrying-fluid density ratios. The transition mechanism is studied through additional simulations, revealing that the former increases with initial volume fraction of particles of either type, while the latter contrarily decreases. The effect of other parameters on the flow are discussed within the context of the paper.
Randomized Phase II Study of 3 Months or 2 Years of Adjuvant Afatinib in Patients With Surgically Resected Stage I-III EGFR-Mutant Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer.

PURPOSEFor patients with surgically resected disease, multiple studies suggest a benefit of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) in delaying cancer recurrence. ...
An IoT-based System with Machine Learning for Detecting Drowsiness of Drivers

Drowsiness is feeling abnormally sleepy or tired. Driving is a complex psychomotor skill. Fatality rates rise as driver becomes drowsy. NHTSA accounted 91,000 motor vehicle crashes have occurred due to drowsy driving till 2017 and drowsy drivers cause 17% accidents with fatality. The IoT technology offers unprecedented opportunities to interconnect human beings as well as facilitate Machine-to-Machine (M2M) communication. The sensors and network allow all things to communicate directly with each other to share information and allow us to have an instrumented system where accurate data is readily available to make an informed optimal decision. This paper presents one such practical system for detecting drowsiness of drivers. Consequently, a system such as the one presented here can be of immense applicability in reducing the fatality rate due to traffic accidents. Usually, IoT applications, such as the one presented here, collect enormous quantity of data from the sensors and extract some sensible output, possibly using a pattern recognition algorithm. This is where Machine Learning, a branch of study under artificial intelligence, is employed. This paper presents the implementation of a system for detecting when a driver feels drowsy and sound an alarm to alert and discusses the machine learning approach adopted and the use of cloud for processing data.
Motives for Citizen Science Program Participation and the Role of the Organization: Lessons from Water Quality Monitors in Texas

Citizen science (CS) programs often question what motivates their volunteers and how volunteer participation can be sustained. Using a case study of citizen scientist volunteers (CSVs) who monitor water quality in Texas, I apply here a novel approach—the Dispositional-Organizational Interactions Framework (DOIF)—that provides a nuanced understanding of CSVs. The DOIF allows for consideration of how dispositional variables, such as sociodemographic characteristics and motivations for participation, may relate to organizational variables (e.g., program efficacy, results, and recognition); both overarching variables relate to indicators of commitment. The purpose of this study is to examine interactions among different aspects of a CS program and CSVs—observations that can improve CSV satisfaction and possibly retention. In a community geography partnership, volunteers of a statewide CS program were surveyed (n = 327). Results of exploratory factor analyses and a series of nonparametric tests indicate the DOIF offers insights into five major motivational factors; it uncovers between-group differences in how CSVs value organizational variables and indicate a commitment to volunteerism. This study contributes to the broader literature by incorporating the role of the organization in assessments of motivations through the creation of a novel framework and through empirical findings. The paper considers implications of results for CS programs and practice, then concludes with suggestions for future research.
Measuring atmospheric trace gases using mass spectrometry

Krystal Vasquez describes chemical ionization mass spectrometry (CIMS) and its use in atmospheric chemistry.
Automatic Displacement and Vibration Measurement in Laboratory Experiments with A Deep Learning Method.

This paper proposes a pipeline to automatically track and measure displacement and vibration of structural specimens during laboratory experiments. The latest Mask Regional Convolutional Neural Network (Mask R-CNN) can locate the targets and monitor their movement from videos recorded by a stationary camera. To improve precision and remove the noise, techniques such as Scale-invariant Feature Transform (SIFT) and various filters for signal processing are included. Experiments on three small-scale reinforced concrete beams and a shaking table test are utilized to verify the proposed method. Results show that the proposed deep learning method can achieve the goal to automatically and precisely measure the motion of tested structural members during laboratory experiments.
Review of Intimate Associations: The Law and Culture of American Families

This is a book review of Intimate Associations: The Law and Culture of American Families by Herbie DiFonzo & Ruth Stern. In the first section of the review, the authors provide a description and overview of the book. In the second section, they provide perspective on how to place the book within the major dilemmas facing family law today, at a time of changing family structures and increasing economic inequality.
DNA polymerase activities during erythropoiesis: Effects of erythropoietin, vinblastine, colcemid, and daunomycin

Abstract Erythropoietin stimulates DNA synthesis in the spleen of the polycythemic mouse with the maximum effect occurring approx 48 h after the hormone is administered. The increase in DNA synthesis is accompanied by morphologic evidence of increased erythropoiesis, increased 59 Fe incorporation into heme, and an increase in the activity of the cytoplasmic high molecular weight DNA polymerase (DNA polymerase-α). In contrast, the activity of the low molecular weight DNA polymerase (DNA polymerase-β) does not significantly change after administration of erythropoietin. Vinblastine, colcemid, and daunomycin prevent the effects of erythropoietin on mouse spleen, so that increases in DNA synthesis, DNA polymerase-α, and 59 Fe incorporation do not occur. DNA polymerase-α may have a short half-life in cells since its activity is barely detectable 12 to 24 h after administration of inhibitors of cellular proliferation or nucleic acid synthesis. The half-life of DNA polymerase-β may be long since it is unaffected by these inhibitors. Cytoplasmic rather than nuclear DNA polymerases appear to play a major role in erythropoietin-stimulated DNA synthesis and replication of erythroid cells.
Segmental organization of spinal reflexes mediating autonomic dysreflexia after spinal cord injury

Spinal cord injuries above mid-thoracic levels can lead to a potentially life-threatening hypertensive condition termed autonomic dysreflexia that is often triggered by distension of pelvic viscera (bladder or bowel). This syndrome is characterized by episodic hypertension due to sudden, massive discharge of sympathetic preganglionic neurons in the thoracolumbar spinal cord. This hypertension is usually accompanied by bradycardia, particularly if the injury is caudal to the 2nd to 4th thoracic spinal segments. The development of autonomic dysreflexia is correlated with aberrant sprouting of peptidergic afferent fibers into the spinal cord below the injury. In particular, sprouting of nerve growth factor-responsive afferent fibers has been shown to have a major influence on dysreflexia, perhaps by amplifying the activation of disinhibited sympathetic neurons. Using a model of noxious bowel distension after complete thoracic spinal transection at the 4th thoracic segment in rats, we selectively altered C-fiber sprouting, at specified spinal levels caudal to the injury, with microinjections of adenovirus encoding the growth-promoting nerve growth factor or the growth-inhibitory semaphorin 3A. This was followed by assessment of physiological responses to colorectal distension and subsequent histology. Additionally, anterograde tract tracers were injected into the lumbosacral region to compare the extent of labeled propriospinal rostral projections in uninjured cords to those in cords after complete 4th thoracic transection. In summary, overexpression of chemorepulsive semaphorin 3A impeded C-fiber sprouting in lumbosacral segments and mitigated hypertensive autonomic dysreflexia, whereas the opposite results were obtained with nerve growth factor overexpression. Furthermore, compared to naive rats, there were significantly more labeled lumbosacral propriospinal projections rostrally after thoracic injury. Collectively, our findings suggest that distension of pelvic viscera increases the excitation of expanded afferent terminals in the disinhibited lumbosacral spinal cord. This, in turn, triggers excitation and sprouting of local propriospinal neurons to relay visceral sensory stimuli and amplify the activation of sympathetic preganglionic neurons in the thoracolumbar cord, to enhance transmission in the spinal viscero-sympathetic reflex pathway. These responses are manifested as autonomic dysreflexia.
Compositional effects on interfacial properties in contaminated systems: implications for organic liquid migration and recovery

This paper describes ongoing research at the University of Michigan designed to explore the influence of solid and organic phase composition on DNAPL migration, entrapment, and recovery from contaminated aquifers. A compositional multiphase modeling framework for the prediction of dense nonaqueous phase liquid transport is presented. This model is based upon knowledge gained from small-scale laboratory investigations, that have explored the dependence of constitutive relationships (e.g., capillary pressure-saturation, relative permeability, residual saturation, and interphase mass transfer rates) on interfacial properties, such as wettability. Two-dimensional sand box experiments are being employed to validate the developed model. Results from this validation effort indicate that spatial variation in interfacial properties can have a significant effect on organic phase migration and retention and that model predictions are sensitive to the selected capillary constitutive model.
IFN-γ and T-bet Expression in Human Dendritic Cells from Normal Donors and Cancer Patients Is Controlled through Mechanisms Involving ERK-1/2-Dependent and IL-12-Independent Pathways

Dendritic cells (DC) play a major role in priming naive T cells and modulating the immune response. We have previously reported that bryostatin-1, a potent immune modulator with antitumor activity, activates monocytes and lymphocytes to produce cytokines. Studies have shown that tumor-bearing hosts have a Th1/Th2 cytokine pattern that is associated with decreased production of IFN-γ. We investigated the expression of IFN-γ in bryostatin-1-treated human DC. Bryostatin-1 induced both IFN-γ and T-bet mRNA expression in a dose- and time-dependent manner. As little as 1 ng/ml bryostatin-1 induced IFN-γ and T-bet transcripts within 3 h and protein at 12 h. Treatment of DC with cycloheximide revealed that bryostatin-1-induced T-bet expression requires de novo protein synthesis, but bryostatin-1-induced IFN-γ expression is independent of protein synthesis. Furthermore, dexamethasone inhibits bryostatin-1-induced IFN-γ mRNA expression but increases bryostatin-1-induced T-bet mRNA expression. Experiments with ERK-1/2 inhibitors demonstrated that bryostatin-1 induction of IFN- γ and T-bet was ERK-dependent and IL-12-independent. Similar results were obtained from both normal donors and cancer patients. In summary, our results suggest that bryostatin-1-induced IFN-γ expression is T-bet independent. They also suggest for the first time that IFN- γ and T-bet can be induced in human DC through an ERK-dependent pathway. Bryostatin-1-induced IFN- γ may play a crucial role in the initiation of the immune response, before specific recognition by T cells that could be beneficial in the treatment of cancer.
Time Variation of the Gravitational Constant

The idea that the Newtonian gravitational constant may vary on cosmic time scales, originally suggested by P.A.M. Dirac, has become a generic prediction of several unified field theories that include gravitation along with the other quantum fields. Experiments looking for the effects of such theories have limited the variation to be less than 10−11yr−1. In the next few years, that limit may be reduced as a result of the Soviet-Franco-American dynamics experiment on the Soviet mission to Phobos in 1990.
Parkinson's Disease and Diplopia

Objective: To describe the spectrum of ocular dysconjugacy in Parkinson's disease (PD). Methods: Forty-four consecutive PD patients with diplopia (and 9 PD controls without diplopia) were examined for ocular dysconjugacy, including convergence insufficiency (CI). Results: Forty-two PD patients had CI with or without diplopia (2 could not be tested), and 15/44 PD patients also had distance diplopia (hypertropia-9, exotropia-4, variable horizontal heterotropia-1, esotropia-1) of diverse etiologies. All (9/9) control patients had CI. These patients of similar age without diplopia and with shorter duration of PD (P = 0.05) had CI with significantly greater (p < 0.0001) convergence fusional amplitudes than PD patients with diplopia. Conclusions: Prior studies underestimate the frequency of CI in PD patients with visual complaints. In this series 100% of tested patients with diplopia had CI. Comparison of PD patients with and without diplopia demonstrates that convergence fusional amplitudes decrease as disease...
Influence of family, friend and coworker social support and social undermining on weight gain prevention among adults

Objective Examine longitudinal associations between sources of social support and social undermining for healthy eating and physical activity and weight change. Methods Data are from 633 employed adults participating in a cluster-randomized multilevel weight gain prevention intervention. Primary predictors included social support and social undermining for two types of behaviors (healthy eating and physical activity) from three sources (family, friends, and coworkers) obtained via self-administered surveys. The primary outcome (weight in kg) was measured by trained staff. Data were collected at baseline, 12 months, and 24 months. Linear multivariable models examined the association of support and social undermining with weight over time, adjusting for intervention status, time, gender, age, education, and clustering of individuals within schools. Results Adjusting for all primary predictors and covariates, friend support for healthy eating (β = −0.15), coworker support for healthy eating (β = −0.11), and family support for physical activity (β = −0.032) were associated with weight reduction at 24 months (P-values<0.05). Family social undermining for healthy eating was associated with weight gain at 24 months (β = 0.12; P = 0.0019). Conclusions Among adult employees, friend and coworker support for healthy eating and family support for physical activity predicted improved weight management. Interventions that help adults navigate family social undermining of healthy eating are warranted.
A new 50 MHz RF cavity for Aladdin

The 50.58 MHz RF system for the Aladdin synchrotron light source at the University of Wisconsin-Madison has been upgraded with the installation of a new aluminum RF cavity. The new cavity is a foreshortened quarter wave type designed to eliminate multipactoring under high field conditions by incorporating a toroidal shape for the short circuit end. Rigidity and ease of construction are enhanced by machining critical components from solid aluminum instead of using welded assemblies. A novel diaphragm tuner was incorporated to avoid the introduction of tuner modes. Drive power is coupled through a loop in air using a ceramic thimble for vacuum isolation. Coating of surfaces in the gap region with titanium made penetration of the first order multipactor region very easy and has eliminated all higher order multipactoring in the accelerating gap. >
Simple estimate of deformations in the aligned coupling scheme

In the schematic model of a deformed nucleus in which all nucleons are confined to a single $j$ shell (of large degeneracy), the intrinsic state generating the ground-state rotational band is defined by the aligned coupling scheme. A semiclassical evaluation valid for this scheme shows under what conditions the quadrupole deformation dominates over deformations of higher order.
Understanding the language of Lys36 methylation at histone H3

Histone side chains are post-translationally modified at multiple sites, including at Lys36 on histone H3 (H3K36). Several enzymes from yeast and humans, including the methyltransferases SET domain-containing 2 (Set2) and nuclear receptor SET domain-containing 1 (NSD1), respectively, alter the methylation status of H3K36, and significant progress has been made in understanding how they affect chromatin structure and function. Although H3K36 methylation is most commonly associated with the transcription of active euchromatin, it has also been implicated in diverse processes, including alternative splicing, dosage compensation and transcriptional repression, as well as DNA repair and recombination. Disrupted placement of methylated H3K36 within the chromatin landscape can lead to a range of human diseases, underscoring the importance of this modification.
Synthesis of the tetrasaccharide lipid intermediate P1-Dolichyl P2-[O-α-D-mannopyranosyl-(1→6)-O-β-D-mannopyranosyl-(1→4)-O-(2-acetamido-2-deoxy-β-D-glucopyranosyl)- (1→4)-2-acetamido-2-deoxy-α-D-glucopyranosyl] disphosphate

Abstract O -α- D -Mannopyranosyl-(1→6)- O -β- D -mannopyranosyl-(1→4)- O -(2-acetamido-2-deoxy-β- D -glucopyranosyl)-(1→4)-2- acetamido-2-deoxy- D -glucopyranose was isolated from bovine or ovine mannosidosis urine. After peracetylation, treatment with trimethylsilyl trifluoromethanesulfonate gave a high yield of a peracetyl oxazoline, which was phosphorylated with dibenzyl phosphate to give a dibenzyl glycosyl phosphate that was converted into a peracetyl tetrasaccharide phosphate by catalytic hydrogenolysis. A coupling reaction with P 1 -dolichyl P 2 -diphenyl diphosphate, prepared in two stages from pig-liver dolichol, yielded a peracetyl diphosphoric diester, which on O -deacetylation gave P 1 -dolichyl P 2 -[ O -α- D -mannopyranosyl-(1→6)- O -β- D - mannopyranosyl-(1→4)- O -(2-acetamido-2-deoxy-β- D -glucopyranosyl)-(1→4)-2-acetamido-2-deoxy-α- D -glucopyranosyl] diphosphate. This tetrasaccharide lipid intermediate was active as an acceptor of D -mannose residues from GDP- D -mannose in the presence of calf pancreas microsomes.
Rapid And Rigorous 3D Inversion of Airborne Electromagnetic Data

We address the challenging problem of interpreting frequency domain helicopter-borne electromagnetic data in areas with rough topography. Our method is based on localized quasi-linear (LQL) inversion followed by rigorous inversion, if necessary. Terrain corrections are also included. The LQL inversion serves to provide a fast image of the target. These results are checked by rigorous successive iterations of the domain equation, allowing more accurate calculation of the predicted data. If the accuracy is poorer than desired, rigorous inversion follows, using the LQL result as a starting model. We test this method on synthetic data and field data using the new code LQLRigInvTOPO. The results of the inversion are very encouraging with respect to both the speed and the accuracy of the algorithm. The numerical study shows that the new code with terrain correction provides a useful tool for airborne EM interpretation.
Neo-Darwinian Approaches in the Social Sciences: Unwarranted Concerns and Misconceptions

Sociologists have been unusually reluctant to incorporate into their explanatory systems the theoretical insights of evolutionary biology, behavioral ecology, and population genetics. This skepticism toward genuinely evolutionary approaches is expressed, to varying degrees, in the reactions of Freese and Maryanski to my essay on neo-Darwinian sociology. In this brief response to their comments, I suggest that these general reservations are grounded in an unnecessary fear of resurgent Social Darwinism, unwarranted concerns regarding determinism and reductionism, unjustified allegations of teleology and tautology, and/or general misconceptions of the logic and principles of neo-Darwinian theory.
The pathway of exogenous and endogenous carbohydrate utilization in Escherichia coli: a dual function for the enzymes of the maltose operon.

The components of the maltose-utilizing system in Escherichia coli ML, i.e. maltose permease, amylomaltase and maltodextrin phosphorylase, were re-investigated, with the following findings: 1 The concentrating mechanism (permease) is the rate-limiting step in the maltose-utilizing system. Maltose and higher maltodextrins, up to an average chain length of at least 10 glucosyl units, can be taken up at the same rate. Maltodextrins of an average chain length of 20 glucosyl units are restricted in their uptake, as reflected in the growth-rate of the organism. 2 Growth studies with extensively purified maltose show that this sugar, in contrast to maltotriose and higher maltodextrins, is a poor inducer of the system. 3 Pullulanase is co-induced by maltodextrins, along with the other enzymes. The pullulanase seems to be bound to the cell wall and has properties very similar to those of the well-studied pullulanase of Aerobacter aerogenes. 4 The complete system, now referred to as the maltodextrin-utilizing system, comprises the enzymes pullulanase, maltodextrin permease, (a name replacing maltose permease) amylomaltase and maltodextrin phosphorylase. 5 This group of enzymes was also demonstrated to be present in Streptococcus mutans and A. aerogenes. In addition, A. aerogenes possesses an inducible α-amylase. This last enzyme permits a wider range of branched 1,4-α-glucans to be utilized by the latter organism. 6 The enzymes of glycogen degradation in E. coli NCTC 5928 were investigated. This organism utilizes isoamylase to debranch the reserve polysaccharide, liberating the component chains. These maltodextrin chains are subsequently metabolized by the enzymes of the maltodextrin-utilizing system. 7 We suggest that E. coli uses pullulanase for the debranching of extracellular carbohydrates, while isoamylase is presumed to function intracellularly in the degradation of glycogen. 8 Maltodextrins are provided for intracellular utilization in E. coli by either of two routes. Pullulanase and permease function in the degradation and uptake of extracellular branched α-glucans. Isoamylase produces maltodextrins during the debranching process of intracellular glycogen. Maltodextrins arising by either route are metabolized to glucose and glucose 1-phosphate by the concerted actions of amylomaltase and maltodextrin phosphorylase. A. aerogenes and S. mutans probably have similar enzymic machinery, the former also having an extracellular α-amylase to assist exogenous glucan degradation. 9. A general scheme for the metabolism of branched 1,4-α-glucans in bacteria and plants is proposed.
Recall bias among displaced workers

Abstract I analyzed a survey that mimics, the displaced workers supplement (DWS) of the current population survey (CPS). Laid off workers accurately recall several features of lost jobs. However, workers provide ambiguous explanations for job loss and, on average, slightly overstate pre-layoff earnings.
Effects of the Anti-Migraine Drug Sumatriptan on Muscle Energy Metabolism: Relationship to Side-Effects

Sumatriptan succinate (Imitrex) is a 5-HT(5-hydroxytryptamine) agonist used for relief of migraine symptoms. Some individuals experience short-lived side-effects, including heaviness of the limbs, chest heaviness and muscle aches and pains. The effects of this drug on skeletal muscle energy metabolism were studied during short submaximal isometric exercises. We studied ATP flux from anaerobic glycolysis (An Gly), the creatine kinase reaction (CK) and oxidative phosphorylation (Ox Phos) using 31P nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (31P MRS) kinetic data collected during exercise. It was found that side-effects induced acutely by injection of 6 mg sumatriptan succinate s.c. were associated with reduced oxygen storage in peripheral skeletal muscle 5–20 min after injection as demonstrated by a transient reduction in mitochondrial function at end-exercise. These results suggest that mild vasoconstriction in peripheral skeletal muscle is associated with the action of sumatriptan and is likely to be the sou...
Phagocytosis by Outer Root Sheath Cells on the Mouse Vibrissae (Sinus Hairs)

Phagocytic cells are present at all levels of the outer root sheath of mouse vibrissa (sinus hair) follicles. Occasionally these cells are seen in the process of engulfing other cells; more often phagocytic cells are seen which contain one or more vacuoles whose contents are in various stages of digestion. Most of the phagocytosed cells contain many tonofilaments and a reduced amount of cytoplasm. A few of the vacuoles contain no filaments. As one vibrissa after another grows from the follicle without an intervening rest period, the outer root sheath changes in size and shape to accommodate both the club hair and actively growing vibrissa. Phagocytosis appears to play a role in the continuous reshaping of the outer root sheath.
Pharyngeal volume in asymptomatic snorers compared with nonsnoring volunteers.

Study Objective to determine if asymptomatic snorers have smaller pharyngeal volumes than age- and height-matched nonsnorers. Design we recruited asymptomatic heavy snorers and nonsnorers for a study. Each snorer was matched by age (±3 years) and height (±2 inches) with a nonsnorer. The nonsnorers were required to be near ideal body weight. All volunteers underwent overnight polysomnography, pulmonary function testing, and magnetic resonance imaging of the pharynx while awake. The volume of the pharynx was determined by a computer with data input from a digitizing instrument. Setting Veterans Administration Hospital and University of Florida Teaching Hospital Participants Nine volunteers were recruited for both the snorer and nonsnorer groups. Each participant was paid $50. There were no interventions. Measurements and results There were no differences in sleep variables between the two groups. There was also no significant difference between pharyngeal volumes for the two groups. Conclusions The volume of the pharynx in asymptomatic snorers is similar to the volume in age- and height-matched nonsnorers. (Chest 1991; 99:49–53)
Studies of axon-glial cell interactions and periaxonal K+ homeostasis—I. The influence of Na+, K+, Cl− and cholinergic agents on the membrane potential of the adaxonal glia of the crayfish medial giant axon

Abstract The ionic basis for the low (− 40 mV) resting membrane potential of glial cells surrounding the giant axons of the crayfish and their hyperpolarization by cholinergic agents (to − 55 mV) was studied using standard electrophysiological techniques, ionic substitutions and pharmacological agents. The resting membrane potential of the glial cell was depolarized by increasing [ K + ] o , but the response was not Nernstian. Na + depletion caused a small depolarization of the glial resting membrane potential, whereas Cl − depletion resulted in a hyperpolarization comparable to that seen with carbachol at various [ K + ] o . Both furosemide (1 mM) and bumetanide (0.1 mM) produced an 8–10 mV hyperpolarization as compared to 15–17 mV seen with Cl − depletion or carbachol. Carbachol has no further effect on the potential following furosemide treatment or Cl − depletion. After carbachol administration or Cl − depletion the resting membrane potential of the glial cell responded to [ K + ] o in a more Nernstian manner. The data indicate that the low resting membrane potential of glial cells is due to a combination of a low [ K + ] i and an outwardly-directed (depolarizing) Cl − electrochemical gradient. Carbachol acts to decrease Cl − conductance, resulting in the hyperpolarization of the glial cell membrane and a decrease in the outwardly-directed K + electrochemical gradient by approximately two-thirds. We hypothesize that this mechanism for modulation of the glial cell membrane potential and the K + electrochemical gradient serves to enhance the uptake of K + by the glial cell transport system.
Fertility incentives and participation in localities with limited means: A dynamic model of per capita resources

Several countries have attempted to change human fertility through economic incentives. This paper presents simple mathematical models of the participation of couples in a locally funded program of economic incentives. The models take as a springboard China's one‐child program. Localities with a low per capita incentives attract few couples to the program, while localities with high incentives attract many couples at first but the value of the benefits is then watered down. The models show that participation in the program may persistently oscillate or may decay to a stationary level. Which behavior occurs is determined by whether there are decreasing, constant, or increasing returns in the rates of participation in response to successive equal increments in the incentive offered, and by the extent to which prospective parents learn from experience with past oscillations in the incentives. The models raise many empirical questions about the dynamics of incentive programs.
Some problems in the culturing and radiation sensitivity of normal human cells.

Abstract Cells of normal human kidney, lung and skin tissues vere cultured for several months in media containing either fetal calf or human plus horse sera. Fibroblastic cells became predominant in all cultures. In kidney cultures epithelial-like cells also were present but always in association with fibroblasts. The X-radiation sensitivities observed by single cell colony formation ranged from 41 to 480 rads for 37 per cent survival. Individual cultures shifted their sensitivities widely with time and with changes in the epithelial to fibroblast ratio. Chromosome studies indicated constancy of the normal karyotype during the culture period. Radiation produced typical aberrations.
High-resolution ac calorimetry and critical behavior at phase transitions

Abstract An AC calorimeter technique operating at very low frequencies has been developed for the study of second-order phase transitions. Only a small amount of sample is required (50 to 100 mg), and samples with low thermal conductivity, such as insulator crystals, fluids and liquid crystals, can be investigated at I atm and at pressures up to ∼3000 bar. Two versions of this AC calorimeter will be described: a manually operated high-precision (±0.05%) calorimeter with a computerized data-acquisition system, and a fully computerized calorimeter with good precision (±0.2%) which can be operated in a scanning mode with linear drift rates in the range 0.01 K/hour to 1 K/hour. Experimental results and a discussion of their analysis will be presented for order-disorder transitions in ionic crystals (ammonium halides), consolute-point phase separation in binary liquids (3-methylpentane + nitroethane), orientational ordering in aqueous micelle solutions (cesium perfluoro-octanoate), and a variety of liquid crystal systems (with emphasis on transitions involving nematic and various smectic phases).
Fusion of shading and structured lighting images for obtaining 3-D scene information

The objective of this paper is to present some geometric techniques for fusion of gray scale intensity images with structured lighting images for scene analysis. Certain 3-D information, such as surface orientation, is obtained by numerical methods of optimization techniques with boundary conditions of structured lighting grid curves and occluding curves.
How Dynamic Consumer Response, Competitor Response, Company Support, and Company Inertia Shape Long-Term Marketing Effectiveness

Long-term marketing effectiveness is a high-priority research topic for managers, and emerges from the complex interplay among dynamic reactions of several market players. This paper introduces restricted policy simulations to distinguish four dynamic forces: consumer response, competitor response, company inertia, and company support. A rich marketing dataset allows the analysis of price, display, feature, advertising, and product-line extensions. The first finding is that consumer response differs significantly from the net effectiveness of product-line extensions, price, feature, and advertising. In particular, net sales effects are up to five times stronger and longer-lasting than consumer response. Second, this difference is not due to competitor response, but to company action. For tactical actions (price and feature), it takes the form of inertia, as promotions last for several weeks. For strategic actions (advertising and product-line extensions), support by other marketing instruments greatly enhances dynamic consumer response. This company action negates the postpromotion dip in consumer response, and enhances the long-term sales benefits of product-line extensions, feature, and advertising. Therefore, managers are urged to evaluate company decision rules for inertia and support when assessing long-term marketing effectiveness.
Regulation of rDNA transcription by proto-oncogene PELP1

Background Proline-, glutamic acid-, and leucine-rich protein (PELP1) is a novel nuclear receptor coregulator with a multitude of functions. PELP1 serves as a scaffolding protein that couples various signaling complexes with nuclear receptors and participates as a transcriptional coregulator. Recent data suggest that PELP1 expression is deregulated in hormonal cancers, and that PELP1 functions as a proto-oncogene; however, the mechanism by which PELP1 promotes oncogenesis remains elusive. Methodology/Principal Findings Using pharmacological inhibitors, confocal microscopy and biochemical assays, we demonstrated that PELP1 is localized in the nucleolus and that PELP1 is associated with the active ribosomal RNA transcription. Cell synchronization studies showed that PELP1 nucleolar localization varies and the greatest amount of nucleolar localization was observed during S and G2 phases. Using pharmacological compounds and CDK site mutants of PELP1, we found that CDK's activity plays an important role on PELP1 nucleolar localization. Depletion of PELP1 by siRNA decreased the expression of pre-rRNA. Reporter gene assays using ribosomal DNA (pHrD) luc-reporter revealed that PELP1WT but not PELP1MT enhanced the expression of reporter. Deletion of nucleolar domains abolished PELP1-mediated activation of the pHrD reporter. ChIP analysis revealed that PELP1 is recruited to the promoter regions of rDNA and is needed for optimal transcription of ribosomal RNA. Conclusions/Significance Collectively, our results suggest that proto-oncogene PELP1 plays a vital role in rDNA transcription. PELP1 modulation of rRNA transcription, a key step in ribosomal biogenesis may have implications in PELP1-mediated oncogenic functions.
Physicians' and nurses' attitudes toward withholding treatment in a community hospital.

Physician and nurse attitudes regarding aggressiveness of patient care were prospectively surveyed by questionnaire in a small rural community hospital. All patient admissions during one year, excluding routine obstetrical cases, were surveyed. Physicians and nurses used a simple continuous scale to indicate care level (1=comfort care to 5=full care). Nurses were more willing than physicians to limit care efforts for patients (mean scores of 4.35 vs 4.79, respectively). Both physicians and nurses indicated nearly identical factors important in making decisions to limit full resuscitative efforts: quality of life, nature of underlying illness, and age. A significant communication gap existed between nurses and physicians regarding aggressiveness of care: physicians indicated communication with nursing staff in 564 cases; nurses acknowledged this in only 56 of these same cases. These data suggest that current policies regarding do not resuscitate (DNR) orders should be broadened to include guidelines for less than full aggressive patient care. These policies should ensure adequate, documented communication between professional staff, patients, and others significantly involved with patient care decisions.
Ultrasonic measurements at the metamagnetic transition in URu2Si2

Ultrasonic velocity measurements were performed on a single crystal of URu2Si2 at various temperatures in the 20 ms 50T pulsed magnets at the NHMFL, Los Alamos, NM. At 4 K a three-fold splitting of the metamagnetic transition is seen; corresponding features were observed earlier in magnetization studies. As the temperature is raised, the three-fold splitting evolves first into two features, then into a single broad dip, after which it disappears entirely.
Record authentication as a barrier: Reflections on returning to CONSER

This article offers reflections on the frustration of not having Program for Cooperative Cataloging (PCC)–conferred enhancement powers over the national database. The writer, trained at a Cooperative Online Serials (CONSER) institution, ponders the lessons of losing, and then regaining, the ability to enhance, correct, or authenticate bibliographic records in tbe Online Computer Library Center (OCLC) WorldCat, with special reference to the shortcomings of vendor-supplied records for e-journals and the need to reconcile local legacy data with the national master record. Attention is drawn to obstacles to sharing enhancement and maintenance responsibility for serial records in particular.
Neutron response characterization for an EJ299-33 plastic scintillation detector

Abstract Organic scintillation detectors have shown promise as neutron detectors for characterizing special nuclear materials in various arms-control and homeland-security applications. Recent advances have yielded a new plastic scintillator – EJ299-33 – with pulse-shape-discrimination (PSD) capability. Plastic scintillators would have a much-expanded range of deployment relative to liquids and crystals. Here, we present a full characterization of pulse-height response to fission-energy neutrons for an EJ299-33 detector with 7.62-by-7.62-cm cylindrical active volume, and compare with an EJ309 liquid scintillator in the same assembly. Scintillation light-output relations, energy resolutions, and response matrices are presented for both detectors. A continuous-spectrum neutron source, obtained via the bombardment of 27Al with 7.44-MeV deuterons at the Edwards Accelerator Facility at Ohio University, was used for the measurement. A new procedure for evaluating and comparing PSD performance is presented which accounts for the effect of the light-output relation on the ability to detect low-energy neutrons. The EJ299-33 is shown to have considerable deficit in matrix condition, and in PSD figure of merit when compared to EJ309, especially when neutron energy is taken into account. Nevertheless the EJ299 is likely to bring a modest PSD capability into a array of field applications that are not accessible to liquids or crystals.
Control Through Communication: The Rise of System in American Management

The article presents a review of the book “Control Through Communication: The Rise of System in American Management,” by JoAnne Yates.
Effects of rotation on radial heat flow in a gas

A controversy which has appeared recently in the literature surrounding the topic of this paper has so far left open the question of whether the Boltzmann equation is invariant under rotation of the reference frame, and speculations regarding exotic consequences of the Coriolis acceleration have yielded physically paradoxical results. In this paper it is shown that by consistently using generalized canonical dynamical variables appropriate to a rotating reference frame, the exotic paradoxes dissolve, and a proof emerges that the physical consequences of the Boltzmann equation are invariant with respect to the rotation of the frame of reference.