cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Fun with Restricted Delaunay Triangulations.

The restricted Delaunay triangulation is a subcomplex of the three-dimensional Delaunay triangulation that serves as a triangulation of a smooth surface embedded in three-dimensional space. It has proven itself as a mathematically powerful tool for surface meshing and surface reconstruction. I discuss two fascinating mathematical twists on these structures. First, I address a question of Bruno Levy: can we constrain them to include specified edges–that is, can we define mathematically well-behaved constrained Delaunay triangulations on smooth surfaces? Second, the restricted Delaunay triangulation can be conceived as an operator that takes as input a smooth surface and a set of points sampled from that surface, and produces as output a triangulation of the surface. What happens if we feed that triangulation back into the operator, replacing the original surface, while retaining the same sample points? Interestingly, the answer leads us to a method for reconstructing 2-manifolds embedded in high-dimensional spaces. (This work is done jointly with Marc Khoury, Bruno Levy, and Marc van Kreveld.)
Metabolic abnormalities of shock.

Alterations in metabolism produced by decreased blood flow, circulatory failure, or shock may be considered from the standpoint of what happens to the individual as a whole, what happens in each organ system, and changes in the parenchymal cells of each organ.
Angiopoietin-Like 3 Deficient Bone Marrow Has Decreased Ability to Support Hematopoietic Stem Cells

We previously identified a group of angiopoietin-like proteins (Angptls) as new growth factors that stimulate ex vivo expansion of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs). To investigate the physiological function of Angptl3 in bone marrow, we characterized the Angptl3 deficient mice, and identified several defects in the hematopoietic compartment. When we transplanted wild-type HSCs into lethally irradiated Angptl3 deficient mice, we found that the mutant bone marrow stroma have much lower ability to support in vivo expansion of HSCs. We sought to identify the Angptl3-producing cells in mouse bone marrow stroma, and showed that Angptl3 is highly expressed in CD45-SSEA4+ cells, which are mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). Indeed, the co-culture of HSCs with CD45-SSEA4+ MSCs resulted in ex vivo expansion of HSCs. DNA microarray analysis, real-time RT-PCR, and flow cytometry were used to identify the intracellular factors that are responsible for Angptl3’s effects on HSCs. This investigation demonstrated that Angptl3-stimulated HSC expansion is contributed by its activities to support HSC self-renewal and inhibit hematopoietic differentiation. Our study will likely lead to the identification of a novel component of the niche for HSCs.
Progress towards Rapid Detection of Measles Vaccine Strains: a Tool To Inform Public Health Interventions

ABSTRACT Rapid differentiation of vaccine from wild-type strains in suspect measles cases is a valuable epidemiological tool that informs the public health response to this highly infectious disease. Few public health laboratories sequence measles virus-positive specimens to determine genotype, and the vaccine-specific real-time reverse transcriptase PCR (rRT-PCR) assay described by F. Roy et al. (J. Clin. Microbiol. 55:735–743, 2017, https://doi.org/10.1128/JCM.01879-16) offers a rapid, easily adoptable method to identify measles vaccine strains in suspect cases.
Chip-based optical frequency combs

Microresonator-based optical frequency combs could enable the realization of time and frequency metrology instruments in highly compact and robust platforms. I will provide an overview of the underlying principles and applications of such combs.
Automated hand support system for robotic ultrasound hand scanner

GE Healthcare is currently designing a system to simplify and automate the scanning process of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) progression in the hand. In accomplishing this goal, a hand supporter is being designed that allows the patient to rest their hand comfortably despite mild RA deformities while achieving the best possible image quality. The purpose of the team's design is to implement the automated hand support system into GE Healthcare's robotic ultrasound hand scanner [1]. The hand supporter has four subsystems: surface supporter, submerged supporter, data acquisition and motor control, and material for reverberation reduction.
Linear and Nonlinear Thermal Lens Signal of the (Δν = 6) C-H Vibrational Overtone of Naphthalene in Liquid Solutions of n-Hexane.

The thermal lens technique is applied to vibrational overtone spectroscopy of solutions of naphthalene (C10H8) in liquid hexane. The C–H fifth vibrational (Δν = 6) overtone spectrum of C10H8 is detected at room temperature for mole fractions from 0.08 to 19 × 10−6 using n-C6H14 as solvent. By detecting the absorption band in a 19 ppm (parts per million) solution, the peak absorption of the signal is approximately (2.2 ± 0.3) × 10−7cm−1. A plot of normalized integrated intensity as a function of the mole fraction of naphthalene in solution reveals a dependence of the magnitude of the signal with the probe laser wavelength. If the wavelength of the probe laser is 568 nm, the thermal lens signal (TLS) is linear as a function of the mole fraction of the solution. When the wavelength of the probe laser is 488 nm, the TLS is nonlinear as a function of the concentration. Three different models of nonlinear absorption are discussed. A two-color absorption model that includes the simultaneous absorption of the pump and probe lasers could explain the enhanced magnitude and the nonlinear behavior of the TLS for solutions of mole fraction < 0.1%.
Geometric engineering, mirror symmetry and $ 6{\mathrm{d}}_{\left(1,0\right)}\to 4{\mathrm{d}}_{\left(\mathcal{N}=2\right)} $

We study compactification of 6 dimensional (1,0) theories on T 2. We use geometric engineering of these theories via F-theory and employ mirror symmetry technology to solve for the effective 4d $$ \mathcal{N}=2 $$ geometry for a large number of the (1,0) theories including those associated with conformal matter. Using this we show that for a given 6d theory we can obtain many inequivalent 4d $$ \mathcal{N}=2 $$ SCFTs. Some of these respect the global symmetries of the 6d theory while others exhibit SL(2, ℤ) duality symmetry inherited from global diffeomorphisms of the T 2. This construction also explains the 6d origin of moduli space of 4d affine ADE quiver theories as flat ADE connections on T 2. Among the resulting 4d $$ \mathcal{N}=2 $$ CFTs we find theories whose vacuum geometry is captured by an LG theory (as opposed to a curve or a local CY geometry). We obtain arbitrary genus curves of class $$ \mathcal{S} $$ with punctures from toroidal compactification of (1, 0) SCFTs where the curve of the class $$ \mathcal{S} $$ theory emerges through mirror symmetry. We also show that toroidal compactification of the little string version of these theories can lead to class $$ \mathcal{S} $$ theories with no punctures on arbitrary genus Riemann surface.
Does doxorubicin survive thermal ablation? Results of an ex vivo bench top study.

PURPOSE We aimed to test the hypothesis that doxorubicin (DOX) survives thermal ablative heating in an ex vivo model of combined transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) and thermal ablation. METHODS Fresh porcine psoas major muscle (3 samples, 15×10×3 cm) was submerged in aqueous DOX solution (60 µg/mL, 0.1 M) for 24 hours to passively saturate tissue. DOX-infused tissue was then dried and treated with microwave ablation (MWA) using a 2.45 GHz antenna at 65 W for 2, 5, and 10 minutes. Ablations were repeated in triplicate (9 total). Tissue was then sampled at both ablated and unablated control sites, and DOX concentration was quantified via ultra-high performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS), with samples analyzed in triplicate. Tissue DOX levels in ablation and control groups were compared using one-way ANOVA. RESULTS Homogeneous DOX uptake into porcine tissue was evident in all three samples. Mean DOX concentration in unablated tissue was 8.0±2.2 µg/mL. MWA was technically successful in all 9 procedures (100%), with tissue heating to 95-100°C. Mean tissue DOX concentration showed progressive reduction with increasing ablation time, measuring 6.7±1.3, 4.9±0.9, and 4.8±1.3 µg/mL in MWA-treated tissue after 2, 5, and 10 minutes, respectively. Differences in tissue DOX levels between unablated tissue and MWA groups were statistically significant (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION Contrary to the initial hypothesis, tissue DOX concentration progressively decreased after MWA of longer ablation times. These results suggest that TACE followed by ablation may result in lower intratumoral DOX than would otherwise be anticipated for TACE alone.
¡Nosotros corremos, nosotros jugamos! [we run, we play!]: Children’s perceptions of physical activity in Mexican-origin border communities

The US border between Texas and Mexico has a growing population of Mexican-origin children that are at high risk for obesity and have a lack of physical activity opportunities, resources, and environmental infrastructure. The purpose of this research was to explore children’s perspectives of their physical activity behaviors through in-depth interviews. Five children (ages: 7–11) were recruited to participate and describe facilitators, barriers, and current and desired physical activities. Interviews were transcribed verbatim, harmoniously coded, and analyzed for content. The most common physical activity type was football for boys, jump rope for girls, and general play activities for all. Having friends as social supporters and ability to be active at school were physical activity facilitators for all children; enjoyment was identified for boys and having general play activities for girls. Lack of equipment at home was a barrier identified by all children; homework was identified by boys and lack of social support from siblings for girls. All children desired to do more activities with friends. Girls wanted to visit the park more, where boys wanted more equipment to begin new activities. Gender differences are common and have previously been attributed to societal norms. Desired physical activity consisted of longing to participate in more of their current activities involving contact sports for boys and general play for girls. Interviews conducted in neutral settings can allow for natural, unrestricted responses from children. New activities should be introduced to expand desired activity and subsequently increase physical activity within these populations. Social, economic, and geographic risk factors combined with a lack of access to physical activity resources and opportunities predispose children within the colonias of the Texas border to have elevated risk for childhood obesity. Additionally, these children face many barriers to establishing and maintaining nationally recommended physical activity levels. Asking children their perspective regarding physical activity is useful in gaining insight into current and desired behavior. Children’s responses to questions regarding facilitators and barriers for physical activity behavior may be used to inform priority areas for health promotion initiatives.
Regional Highlights of Climate Change

Climatic extremes, ecological disturbance, and their interactions are expected to have major effects on ecosystems and social systems in most regions of the United States in the coming decades. In Alaska, where the largest temperature increases have occurred, permafrost is melting, carbon is being released, and fire regimes are changing, leading to a transition from conifers to hardwoods in some forests. In Hawaii and the U.S.-affiliated Pacific islands, an altered climate and sea level rise are changing hydrology and fire regimes, affecting both forest ecosystems and human communities. In the Northwest, insect outbreaks (already prominent) and increased area burned, in combination with declining snowpack, are expected to have a major effect on dry, interior forests. In the Southwest, recent large wildfires and forest dieback in pinyon pine exemplify the kinds of changes that may occur in arid and semi-arid forests if droughts become more common in the future. In the Great Plains, where trees currently occupy only a small portion of the landscape, warmer temperature and non-native insects could reduce the amount of forested area and alter species distribution. In the Midwest, warmer temperature is expected to affect the distribution and abundance of many tree species, associated habitat, and human use of forests in a region where private lands are mixed with public lands. In the Northeast, warmer temperature is expected to affect the distribution and abundance of many tree species, although the productivity of hardwood species may increase significantly. In the Southeast, biodiversity and productivity may be affected by a combination of warmer climate, altered fire regimes, and invasive plants and insects.
Graham v. Florida: How the Supreme Court's Rationale Encourages Reform of the Juvenile Justice System Through Alternative Dispute Resolution Strategies

Across the nation, juvenile courts and corrections systems are littered with poorly conceived strategies that increase crime, endanger young people and damage their future prospects, waste billions of taxpayer dollars, and violate our deepest held principles about equal justice under the law. These problematic practices persist even as scholars, advocates, and hands-on juvenile justice practitioners have vastly expanded our understanding of what works (and what doesn’t work) in combating delinquency over the past 20 years, as well as how to undertake effective system reform. 1
Role of a plasmid in the pathogenicity of Yersinia species.

Plasmids are self-replicating extrachromosomal elements found in bacteria of many genera (Broda 1979). They range in size from approximately 2 to 500 kilobases (kb). Thus, the genetic coding capacity of these plasmids may vary from one or two polypeptides to several hundred polypeptide chains. They may, therefore, impart considerable genetic information to plasmid-bearing strains. In most instances plasmids are dispensable for the growth of bacteria in the laboratory environment. Plasmids, however, often carry genes whose expression provide bacteria with a selective advantage in certain adverse environments. During the past decade, it has become apparent that plasmids frequently encode determinants of bacterial pathogenicity (Elwell and Shipley 1980). The most thoroughly examined example of the latter type of plasmids is those encountered in the enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli, whose two major determinants of pathogenicity, colonization factors (which afford bacteria the ability to adhere to host cells) and toxin production, are plasmid-encoded traits (Elwell and Shipley 1980). In addition, all of the invasive pathogenic members of the Enterobac- teriaceae have been shown to have a plasmid which is essential for pathogenicity. Invasive E. coli strains often harbor plasmids of the colicin V class. These plasmids code for either an iron-sequestering system and/or resistance to the bactericidal action of normal human serum (Binns et al. 1979; Williams and Warner 1980). Shigella flexneri strains carry a large plasmid whose expression appears necessary for inducing keratoconjunctivitis in guinea pigs and invasion of HeLa cell monolayers (Sansonetti et al. 1982).
q-Analogue of (x − a)n, n an Integer, and q-Derivatives of Binomials

As remarked in Chapter 1, D q is a linear Operator on the space of polynomials. We shall try to apply Theorem 2.1 to D ≡ D q . We shall need for that the following q-analogue of n!: $$ [n]! = \left\{ {\begin{array}{*{20}c} {1 if n = 0,} \\ {[n] \times [n - 1] \times \cdots \times [1] if n = if n = 1,2, \ldots .} \\ \end{array} } \right. $$ (3.1)
Feminist Organizational Placemaking: The Relational Ontology of Place and Feminist Care

AbstractThis essay explores a tension around the potential for placemaking in organizations to be a feminist practice. On one hand, places promote authenticity, security, humanity, and community—al...
Minimum correlation in construction of multivariate distributions

In this paper we present an algorithm for exact generation of multivariate samples with prespecified marginal distributions and a given correlation matrix, based on a mixture of Fr\'echet-Hoeffding bounds and marginal products. In the bivariate case, the algorithm can accommodate any among the theoretically possible correlation coefficients, and explicitly provides a connection between simulation and the minimum correlation attainable for different distribution families. We calculate the minimum correlations in several common distributional examples, including in some that have not been looked at before. As an illustration, we provide the details and results of implementing the algorithm for generating three-dimensional negatively and positively correlated Beta random variables, making it the only noncopula algorithm for correlated Beta simulation in dimensions greater than two. This work has potential for impact in a variety of fields where simulation of multivariate stochastic components is desired.
DIAGNOSTIC CHALLENGES IN NECROTIC UVEAL MELANOMA.

Purpose To describe a case of ciliochoroidal melanoma with massive spontaneous hemorrhagic retinal and choroidal detachment that presented a diagnostic challenge because of poor fundus visualization and atypical imaging features. Methods Case report. Results A 71-year-old white man on apixaban for atrial fibrillation presented with sudden onset of pain and vision loss in the left eye. The patient was found to have total hemorrhagic retinal detachment and was referred for our opinion. On examination, visual acuity was 20/25 in the right eye and light perception in the left eye. Intraocular pressures were 10 mmHg in the right eye and 21 mmHg in the left eye. The unaffected right eye demonstrated only macular retinal pigment epithelial alterations. Evaluation of the left eye revealed dilated episcleral sentinel vessels superonasally, shallow anterior chamber, and total hemorrhagic retinal and choroidal detachment to the back of the crystalline lens. There was no view of the choroid. Transillumination demonstrated diffuse blockage of light from blood and no specific shadow. B-scan ultrasonography revealed total retinal and choroidal detachment with dense echoes of blood under the retina and in the suprachoroidal space with elevation of 12 mm and no definite mass or spontaneous vascular pulsations. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed diffuse high signals within the globe on T1-weighted images with no specific mass. On gadolinium enhancement, a localized enhancing area temporally of 12-mm thickness and a localized nonenhanced area nasally of 11-mm thickness was noted. Both areas showed low signal on T2-weighted images. Despite atypical features, suspicion for underlying ciliochoroidal melanoma and poor visual prognosis lead to enucleation. Histopathology confirmed an extensively necrotic, mushroom-shaped ciliochoroidal melanoma with total hemorrhagic retinal and choroidal detachment. Conclusion Diagnosis of necrotic posterior uveal melanoma can be challenging, because these tumors can be camouflaged by overlying hemorrhagic retinal and choroidal detachment and can present with atypical features on ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging. Patients with spontaneous hemorrhagic retinal and choroidal detachment should be evaluated for possible underlying malignancy.
Rapid Identification and Investigation of an HIV Risk Network Among People Who Inject Drugs –Miami, FL, 2018

Prevention of HIV outbreaks among people who inject drugs remains a challenge to ending the HIV epidemic in the United States. The first legal syringe services program (SSP) in Florida implemented routine screening in 2018 leading to the identification of ten anonymous HIV seroconversions. The SSP collaborated with the Department of Health to conduct an epidemiologic investigation. All seven acute HIV seroconversions were linked to care (86% within 30 days) and achieved viral suppression (mean 70 days). Six of the seven individuals are epidemiologically and/or socially linked to at least two other seroconversions. Analysis of the HIV genotypes revealed that two individuals are connected molecularly at 0.5% genetic distance. We identified a risk network with complex transmission dynamics that could not be explained by epidemiological methods or molecular analyses alone. Providing wrap-around services through the SSP, including routine screening, intensive linkage and patient navigation, could be an effective model for achieving viral suppression for people who inject drugs.
Reconciling Structural and Personal Expressions of Justice in Jesuit Education

AbstractJustice education in the Catholic, Jesuit tradition is filled with tensions, many of which surface in different community service contexts. Saint Louis University offers an institutional il...
Assessing the Relationship Between Nontraditional Factors and Academic Entitlement

The current study explores the intersection of two trends of interest in higher education: reported increases in academic entitlement (AE) and increases in the proportion of students considered non...
Sensitivity Ranks by Monte Carlo

Application of the Monte Carlo method to the estimation of sensitivity ranks is considered. We demonstrate that the convergence rate in this problem is exponential, \(\exp (-\alpha N)\), where N is the number of scenarios and \(\alpha >0\) is a constant. This result stands in contrast to the usual rate of convergence, \(N^{-1/2}\), of the Monte Carlo method for estimating the mean of a random variable. This result justifies a numerical strategy of sensitivity estimation of portfolios depending on a large number of risk factors.
The benefits of a longer course of cognitive behavioral therapy for some patients with social anxiety disorder.

Historically, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for social anxiety disorder (SAD) has been evaluated in randomized-controlled trials as a 12–16 session treatment and has demonstrated response rate...
Reporter Genes for Ultrasound and MRI

Abstract Visualizing the function of specific cells inside living organisms is a fundamental goal of molecular imaging, with relevance to both basic biology and the development of advanced diagnostics and therapeutics. This task is ideally suited to reporter genes—molecules that cells can make themselves that produce signals or contrast observable with imaging techniques. Among such techniques, ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) provide access to deep tissue in intact animals and patients. This chapter describes emerging classes of reporter genes for ultrasound and MRI. These reporters are based on proteins with specific physical, chemical, or biological properties allowing them to produce contrast. Reporter genes covered in this chapter include gas vesicles, ferritin, encapsulin, lysine-rich protein, aquaporin, and vasoactive peptides. The development of these proteins as reporter genes represents a highly dynamic, evolving field.
Autograft Rejection in Acutely Burned Patients: Relation to Colonization by Streptococcus agalactiae

The abrupt emergence of Streptococcus agalactiae in a population of acutely burned children is described in relationship to autograft rejection and the use of antibiotics to eradicate the organism from the patients.
The Adequacy of Reasoning in the Arbitral Tribunal's Decision in Saluka Investments v. Czech Republic

This paper was published in an edited volume which contained the first-ever systematic analysis of the emerging body of international investment arbitration jurisprudence with respect to the quality and adequacy of the reasoning provided by arbitration tribunals and their compliance with the little-understood reasons requirements embedded in each of the various investment arbitration legal frameworks. The paper presents a critical examination of the arbitral tribunal’s judgment in Saluka v. Czech Republic, a complex bilateral investment treaty case relating to a failed bank privatization transaction, which implicated a series of private and public international law claims, including claims for breaches of obligations relating to fair and equitable treatment, full security and protection, and non-impairment, as well as claims of unlawful expropriation. The paper contains an original analysis of the precise content of the reasons requirement under the UNCITRAL Arbitration Rules, which governed the arbitration, including as contrasted with the corresponding requirements under other international investment arbitration frameworks. In addition, the paper offers insights into the benefits of well-reasoned international investment arbitration judgments and synthesizes criteria that can be deployed to assess the quality of reasoning in such judgments.
Robust Stability and Stabilization of Interval Plants

In this paper we describe some new results on robust stability and stabilization of control systems under unknown but bounded parameter perturbations, using a polynomial framework. We first described, without proof, a recent generalization of Kharitonov’s Theorem that solves the problem of checking the robust stability of a control system containing an interval plant. Next we present some efficient formulas for the l 2 stability margin in parameter space. Finally a robust state feedback stabilization problem and a robust output feedback stabilization problem are solved. The results are illustrated by examples.
Neuroplasticity in the damaged dentate gyrus of the epileptic brain.

Abstract Using Golgi preparations, Cajal described many cell types and connections of the dentate gyrus. He describe granule cells as having a round or elliptical cell body with their long axis perpendicular to the granule cell layer, dendrites arising from one pole and an axon arising from the other. Cajal apparently never studied the brains from epileptic animals or humans, and thus did not report on changes in granule cell morphology after epilepsy. Several neuroplastic changes have been described in the dentate gyrus of epileptic mammals in the past decade or so using modern methods. Two changes involving their processes include mossy fiber sprouting of granule cell axons into the inner molecular layer of the dentate gyrus and the formation of hilar basal dendrites. Two changes associated with increased neurogenesis of granule cells in the epileptic brain include hilar ectopic granule cells and the dispersion of the granule cell layer. The significance of the first two changes is that granule cell axon collaterals establish additional synapses with apical and basal dendrites of granule cells, and these connections contribute to new recurrent excitatory circuitry. The significance of increased neurogenesis is that granule cells are migrating into inappropriate areas (deep hilus) or excessive numbers of granule cells accumulate in the layer (dispersion). These data on the epileptic dentate gyrus show that granule cells may change their axonal and dendritic arbors as well as their numbers and position to respond to altered activity possibly caused by decreased inhibition. These findings indicate that the dentate gyrus shows several neuroplastic changes following temporal lobe epilepsy.
A Comparison of Radio and Optical Astrometric Reduction Algorithms

Abstract : This paper examines the correspondence between two approaches to astrometric observational reductions: the approach based on angular observables used for optical observations, and the approach based on the interferometric delay observable used for very long baseline radio interferometry (VLBI) observations. Specifically, of interest here is the group of algorithms that have become standard in accounting for the physical effects traditionally called annual and diurnal aberration and gravitational light bending. These algorithms are important because they must be applied to all wide-angle astrometric measurements, whether ground-or space-based, and regardless of the distance of the objects observed.
Forced Heirship on the European Stage: Concerns and Issues with European Forced Heirship Claims

In "Forced Heirship on the European Stage: Concerns and Issues with European Forced Heirship Claims," student author Ryan McLearen explores the differences in the common law estate disposition, as used in Texas, and civil law estate disposition, used in Europe and parts of the United States. To start, the author defines forced heirship statutes and their effect upon estate distribution. He focuses much of his analysis on international conflict of law, including instances where common law jurisdictions have upheld forced heir situations and the reasoning behind those decisions. McLearen also discusses the enforcement of forced heir statutes, as well as avoidance techniques to avoid having to distribute the estate to a forced heir.
To transform or not transform skewed data for psychometric analysis: that is the question!

→ Background: Although data transformation is generally recommended, its benefits of have not been widely studied. This report reviews evidence regarding the costs and benefits of transforming skewed data with respect to two statistics commonly used in psychometric analyses: the Cronbach alpha and the Pearson product-moment correlation. → Methods: Data describing 758 immigrants from the former Soviet Union who completed a Russian language version of the Symptom Checklist-90-Revised (SCL-90-R) were used to demonstrate the effects of transformation. More than half (55%) of the SCL-90-R items had a problematic skew. The Cronbach alpha and the Pearson product-moment correlation were calculated for original item responses as well as for square root and log transformations of these responses. Sample size (full, 30%, 20%), trans? formation type (square root or log transformation), and transformation method (sum items first and then transform, transform items first and then sum) were manipulated to evaluate the relevance of these factors to transformation. Results: Regardless of sample size, neither the Cronbach alpha nor the Pearson product-moment correlation showed a difference between original and transformed data, with one exception. When items were transformed first before being summed in the calculation of the Pearson product-moment correlation, inconsistently higher (+.05) or slightly lower values (-.01) were observed relative to those created with the non-transformed data across the different sample sizes. Conclusions: These findings suggest that data transformation is not always needed or advisable when the Cronbach alpha or Pearson product-moment correlation is calculated for instruments with skewed item responses.
Mathematical modelling of dynamics and control in metabolic networks. V: Static bifurcations in single biochemical control loops

Here we expand an earlier study of feedback activation in simple linear reaction sequences by searching the parameter space of biologically realistic rate laws for multiple stable steady states. The impetus for this work is to seek the origin of decision making strategies at the metabolic level, with particular emphasis on the switching between the operating conditions needed to meet changing substrate availability and organism requirements. The control loop considered herein is a linear reaction chain in which the end product of the reaction sequence feedback activates the first reaction in the sequence to produce feedback control. It has been found that the criteria for the existence of multiple steady state solutions in such loops involve only the kinetics of the regulatory enzyme controlling the first reaction and that of end product removal. The effects of these kinetics are examined here using two representative models for the regulatory enzyme: the lumped controller, based on Hill-type kinetics, and the symmetry model. The behavior of these two models is qualitatively similar, and both show the characteristics needed for switching between low and high substrate utilization. The removal rate is assumed to be of the Michaelis-Menten type. Judicious scaling of the governing equations permits separation of genetically determined kinetic parameters from concentration dependent ones. This allows us to conclude that, for a fixed set of kinetic parameters, the steady state flux through the loop can be switched between stable steady states by merely varying metabolite or enzyme concentrations. In particular, when the initial substrate exceeds a certain critical level, the loop can be “switched on” (by a discontinuous increase in the flux through the chain), and similarly, when it falls below a critical level, the pathway is shut down. Similar effects can be realized by varying the ratios of enzyme concentrations. It is proposed that by identifying these critical points one can gain significant insight into the objectives of decision making at the metabolic level.
Corneal light scattering after laser in situ keratomileusis and photorefractive keratectomy

Purpose To compare corneal light scattering after laser in situ keratomileusis and photorefractive keratectomy in rabbit eyes. Methods For laser in situ keratomileusis, a 5-mm, −10-diopter spherorefractive resection was performed on the stromal bed under a corneal flap. Corneal light scattering was objectively measured for 12 weeks, and compared to corneal light scattering after photorefractive keratectomy (5 mm, −10 diopters). Results Corneal light scattering was significantly lower in the laser in situ keratomileusis group than in the photorefractive keratectomy group at all time points after surgery (P Conclusions In this experimental study, laser in situ keratomileusis resulted in significantly less corneal light scattering than photorefractive keratectomy.
Spider cardiac physiology, III. responses of a tarantula heart to certain catecholamines, amino-acids, and 5-hydroxytryptamine

Abstract 1. 1. Epinephrine and norepinephrine at concentrations greater than 1 × 10 −6 M produce an increase in heart-rate and heart-beat amplitude by their actions on the cardiac ganglion. 2. 2. Gamma aminobutyric acid at concentrations greater than 1 × 10 −5 M produces a decrease in heart-rate and a dual phased heart-beat amplitude response (decrease, then an increase) by its actions on the cardiac ganglion. 3. 3. D -Glutamate at concentrations greater than 1 × 10 −4 M produces an increase in heart-rate and a decrease in heart-beat amplituse by its actions on the cardiac ganglion. 4. 4. L -Glutamate at concentrations greater than 1 × 10 −4 M has little effect on heart-rate, but produces an increase in heart-beat amplitude by a direct action on the myocardium. 5. 5. 5-Hydroxytryptamine at concentrations greater than 1 × 10 −4 M evokes a decrease in heart-rate and heart-beat amplitude by its actions on the cardiac ganglion. 6. 6. d -Aspartate, and glycine, in concentrations up to 1 × 10 −3 M , have no appreciable effects on heart-rate and heart-beat amplitude.
Assessing and Augmenting Administration Skills in Nonprofits: An Exploratory Mixed Methods Study

Due to a growing shortage of suitable nonprofit managers, we must search for alternative ways to meet the increasing need for human services leaders. This article presents results from an exploratory study of the job skills needed for successful promotion and compares these with current staff competencies in order to design a brief training intervention targeted at identified gaps. Results indicate that knowledge gains are the first step in a more challenging skill acquisition process, in which human services leaders may experience many barriers to successful leadership development. Lessons for administrative capacity building and social work education are examined.
Significance of the Parkin Gene and Protein in Understanding Parkinson's Disease

Mutations in the parkin gene cause autosomal recessive inherited juvenile parkinsonism (ARJP) and account for the majority of cases of inherited Parkinson’s disease (PD) of young onset (<45 years of age). Patients with parkin mutations commonly have atypical clinical features such as dystonia at onset, hyper-reflexia, diurnal fluctuations, and sleep benefit; however, parkin mutation patients with both typical PD symptoms and older age of onset have been identified. Parkin is a ubiquitin protein ligase (E3), a component in the pathway that attaches ubiquitin to specific proteins, designating them for degradation by the proteasome. Several substrates for parkin have been identified (CDCrel-1, o-glycosylated α-synuclein, parkin associated endothelin-like cell receptor, and synphilin). The role of these substrates in the pathogenesis of ARJP is under active study. Most patients with parkin mutations lack Lewy bodies, suggesting that functional parkin is involved in the formation of these highly ubiquitinated inclusions. Furthermore, the recognition that parkin mutations can lead to a disorder clinically similar to sporadic PD, but presumably lacking Lewy bodies, calls into question the necessity of Lewy bodies for the diagnosis of PD and nigral cell death. Studies of parkin are increasing the focus on the role of the ubiquitin-proteasome system in the pathogenesis of both familial and sporadic PD.
Adaptive Control for Linear Uncertain Systems with Unmodeled Dynamics Revisited via Optimal Control Modification

This paper presents the optimal control modification for linear uncertain plants. The Lyapunov analysis shows that the modification parameter has a limiting value depending on the nature of the uncertainty. The optimal control modification exhibits a linear asymptotic property that enables it to be analyzed in a linear time invariant framework for linear uncertain plants. The linear asymptotic property shows that the closed-loop plants in the limit possess a scaled input-output mapping. Using this property, we can derive an analytical closed-loop transfer function in the limit as the adaptive gain tends to infinity. The paper revisits the Rohrs counterexample problem that illustrates the nature of non-robustness of model-reference adaptive control in the presence of unmodeled dynamics. An analytical approach is developed to compute exactly the modification parameter for the optimal control modification that stabilizes the plant in the Rohrs counterexample. The linear asymptotic property is also used to address output feedback adaptive control for non-minimum phase plants with a relative degree 1.
Evidence for chemical coding of color discrimination in goldfish brain.

Des comportements provoques par la discrimination de couleurs ont pu etre observes chez des poissons ayant recu par injection intracranienne des extraits de cerveau de poissons donneursentraines. Cette experience est utilisee comme essai biologique pour la purification et l'identification des substances actives.
Equation of state for a degenerate baryon gas including strong forces

Abstract The equation of state for a degenerate gas of the 45 known species of baryons is computed for 0°K, with inclusion of the interaction energy derived from high energy proton-proton elastic scattering. A region of partial collapse is indicated for density ∼ 10 40 cm −3 .
Early maternal employment and childhood obesity among economically disadvantaged families in the USA

Research indicates a link between maternal employment and children's risk of obesity, but little prior work has addressed maternal employment during children's infancy. This study examined the timing and intensity of early maternal employment and associations with children's later overweight and obesity in a sample of low-income families in low-income urban communities in the USA (n = 322). Logistic regression and propensity score models suggested that mothers’ entry into employment when a child was 9–23 months old predicted a higher risk of child overweight/obesity at age 7 in comparison to both earlier entries and remaining out of the labour market for at least two years. This association was more pronounced with full-time work and existed mainly for children who remained in mother care or attended child care centres. Further work is necessary to determine mechanisms for this relationship, such as breastfeeding and nutrition.
Prolonged mild fetal hypoxia up-regulates type I nitric oxide synthase expression in discrete areas of the late-gestation fetal sheep brain.

Abstract Objective: Our purpose was to study the effects of prolonged mild hypoxemia on type I nitric oxide synthase (NOS) messenger RNA, protein, and enzymatic activity in the fetal sheep brain. Study Design: Pregnant sheep were randomly allocated to receive maternal nitrogen (n = 8) or compressed air (controls, n=5) to reduce fetal brachial artery PO 2 by 25% for 5 days. Type I NOS mRNA (determined by ribonuclease protection assay) protein (determined by Western blot) and enzymatic activity (determined by citrulline assay) were measured in the hippocampus, striatum, cerebellum, and frontal cortex. Data are presented as mean ± SEM and were compared by means of one-way analysis of variance or two-sample t test. Results: The reduction in maternal inspired oxygen concentration decreased fetal PO 2 by 26% and oxygen content by 25% without an associated change in PCO 2 or pH. Fetal hypoxemia increased type I NOS mRNA by threefold in the striatum and by 2-fold in the frontal cortex and cerebellum, but it did not change mRNA expression in the hippocampus ( P P Conclusion: Prolonged mild hypoxemia has a differential effect on type I NOS mRNA in fetal sheep brain areas. Type I NOS protein and catalytic activity significantly increased only in the striatum. Our data suggest that fetal type I NOS gene expression is regulated at transcriptional, post-transcriptional, and translational levels. (Am J Obstet Gynecol 2002;187:164-70.)
PNEUMOGRAMS AND VENTILATORY RESPONSE TO C02 IN INFANTILE APNEA

We studied 16 ventilatory response to CO2 and (12 hour) pneumograms (PPG) in 14 infants who had apnea or cyanotic spell at home or in the hospital in order to evaluate the comparative results of these tests in infantile apnea. Pneumograms were classified as normal, borderline or abnormal after studying the following factors-(Apnea density (A6/D), Prolonged apnea, Periodic breathing, Disorganized breathing and Bradycardia). Ventilatory responses to 2% and 4% CO2 in 21% O2 were studied the day after the pneumogram. A mean slope of the CO2 response curve of 30 normal. Our results indicate that combining both tests identified more abnormalities than by PPG or CO2 response test alone. 30% of the normal PPG had abnormal CO2 response and 22% of normal CO2 response had abnormal PPG. We recommend a CO2 response test in infants with normal PPG with clinical history of apnea. Combining both tests increases the sensitivity of either test alone.
Effect of hepatectomy on glucose metabolism in the dog

The response of whole-body glucose uptake and oxidation and hindlimb glucose and lactate balance was investigated using the hyperinsulinemic, euglycemic clamp in 12 sham-operated control dogs and 10 hepatectomized dogs. A combination of radioactive (NaH14CO3) and stable (U-13C-glucose) isotope tracers was used to quantify glucose kinetics and oxidation. The insulin concentration was increased to approximately 5,000 microU/mL. Mean glucose uptake rates across the hindlimb were similar, 7.72 and 8.06 mumol.kg-1.min-1 for hepatectomy and sham-operated groups, respectively. Lactate release across the hindlimb also showed no significant differences between the two groups. Therefore, it was concluded that the liver did not affect peripheral glucose uptake in response to supramaximal insulin infusion under these experimental conditions. On the other hand, the mean glucose infusion rate during the last 60 minutes of the insulin clamp in the hepatectomy group was significantly decreased compared with that in the sham-operated group, 57.11 versus 46.29 mumol.kg-1.min-1, respectively (P < .05). Consequently, the maximal capacity of the liver of the anesthetized dog to clear glucose in response to supramaximal insulin infusion appears to be approximately 10.8 mumol.kg-1.min-1, which is about 20% of the total glucose infused. Isotopic data showed that most hepatic glucose uptake was oxidized. In contrast, most peripheral glucose uptake appeared to be stored as glycogen.
The Weil Pairing, and Its Efficient Calculation

The Weil Pairing, first introduced by Andre Weil in 1940, plays an important role in the theoretical study of the arithmetic of elliptic curves and Abelian varieties. It has also recently become extremely useful in cryptologic constructions related to those objects. This paper gives the definition of the Weil Pairing, describes efficient algorithms to calculate it, gives two applications, and describes the motivation to considering it.
BIFID MESONEPHRIC DUCT PRESENTING AS A SCROTAL URINOMA

An 8-year-old boy presented with a several week history of painless right hemiscrotal swelling. Physical examination revealed a firm, right paratesticular mass and normal right testis. Scrotal ultrasound showed a right cystic paratesticular mass and normal testes. Inguinal exploration was performed. On opening the tunica vaginalis a cystic mass adjacent to the right epididymis was found. The right testis was completely normal. A tubular structure suspicious of an ectopic ureter was seen penetrating the tunica vaginalis and inserting into the superior aspect of the cyst. After division of the tubular structure, contrast material injected retrograde under fluoroscopy revealed what appeared to be an ectopic ureter originating from the lower pole calix of the ipsilateral kidney (fig. 1). After the cyst was excised, the ectopic ureter was ligated at the level of the internal inguinal ring and excised. Further evaluation by magnetic resonance urography revealed a normal urinary system. Aspiration of the fluid from the cystic mass yielded a creatinine of 6.9 mg./dl. (normal 0.2 to 0.7). At 1-month followup cystoscopy showed normal ureteral orifices, bladder and urethra. Exploration through a standard flank incision demonstrated an ectopic ureter originating in the lower pole calix and penetrating the overlying renal parenchyma, which was completely excised. Pathological examination revealed a normal ureter in the surgical specimen. Convalescence was uneventful and the patient remains asymptomatic. DISCUSSION
Molecular diagnosis of Ureaplasma urealyticum septic arthritis in a patient with hypogammaglobulinemia.

Objective. We report a hypogammaglobulinemic patient with a destructive oligoarticular arthritis, whose synovial fluid cultures were repeatedly sterile. Methods and Results. We identified a Ureaplasma urealyticum infection in his affected joints, using a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay. Conclusion. The PCR technique promises to be extremely valuable in the rapid and specific diagnosis of infectious arthritis.