cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Inferotemporal neurons distinguish and retain behaviorally relevant features of visual stimuli

Single-cell activity was recorded in the inferotemporal cortex of monkeys performing a task that requires perception and temporary retention of colored stimuli. Many cells reacted differentially to the stimuli. By changing the relevance of certain features of compound stimuli, it was found that the reactions of some cells to color depend critically on whether or not the task demands that the animal pay attention to color. A substantial number of cells showed color-dependent differences in frequency of discharge during the retention periods of the task. The temporal characteristics of differential discharge and its dissolution when memory is no longer required indicate that the cells that display it are involved in retaining visual information.
Fully Digital Transmit Equalizer With Dynamic Impedance Modulation

This paper analyzes the energy efficiency of different transmit equalizer driver topologies. Dynamic impedance modulation is found to be the most energy-efficient mechanism for transmit pre-emphasis, when compared with impedance-maintaining current and voltage-mode drivers. The equalizing transmitter is implemented as a digital push-pull impedance-modulating (RM) driver with fully digital RAM-DAC back-end for pattern lookup. This back-end compensates for both duty-cycle distortion and driver nonlinearity, while providing a programmable pre-emphasis. A testchip fabricated in 90-nm CMOS process shows relatively small signal degradation from dynamic modulation of driver output impedance over a variety of 20" backplanes at 4 Gb/s, with energy efficiency of 2 pJ/bit at 100 mV of receiver eye. Despite this signal degradation, at the same performance point, the impedance modulating driver shows better energy efficiency than impedance-maintaining current and voltage-mode drivers.
Effects of pH, Potassium, Magnesium, and Bacterial Growth Phase on Lysozyme Inhibition of Glucose Fermentation by Streptococcus mutans 10449

The effects of physiological (saliva and plaque fluid) concentrations of potassium and magnesium and growth phase on lysozyme inhibition of glucose fermentation by S. mutans 10449 were investigated. Glucose fermentations were carried out in a pH-stat at pH 7.0 or 5.5. Cells were at least two times more sensitive to lysozyme in the early-to-middle exponential phase compared with the stationary phase. S. sobrinus 6715 exhibited three-fold greater lysozyme resistance than S. rattus BHT or S. mutans 10449. The concentration of potassium which reduced lysozyme inhibition of S. mutans 10449 fermentation by 50% was 0.2 and 10 mmol/L for stationary and exponential phase cells, respectively. Corresponding values for magnesium were < or = 0.01 and 0.50 mmol/L. Potassium and magnesium exhibited little pH dependence in their reduction of lysozyme inhibition of fermentation by exponential- or stationary-phase S. mutans 10449. The results suggest that: (i) lysozyme interaction with stationary-phase cells involves more non-inhibitory modes than with exponential-phase cells, and (ii) lysozyme may be more effective as an antibacterial agent in saliva than in plaque fluid.
Spatial dependence in constitutional constraints: the case of US states

Several theories suggest that states’ choices of constitutional rules are at least partially a function of neighboring constitutions. This paper provides the first analysis of spatial dependence of specific provisions within state constitutions in the United States. The analysis effectively makes constitutional rules endogenous, contributing to a relatively underdeveloped branch of constitutional economics. By employing a series of probit estimations of nineteen specific constitutional rules, I find evidence of spatial dependence in state constitutions. Specifically, the presence of specific constitutional constraints pertaining to term limits, supreme court justice selection, recall, home rule, direct democracy, constitutional amendment by convention, balanced budget requirements, tax and expenditure limits, line item veto, victims’ bill of rights, health and welfare, right to privacy, environmental protection, sex discrimination, abortion, and official language all exhibit some evidence spatial dependence.
Symbolic analysts or indentured servants? Indian high-tech migrants in America’s information economy

Paula Chakravartty contrasts the everyday experiences of Indian entrepreneurs from Bangalore, who are very successfully developing that region as a high-tech global metropolis, with the often unhappy, mid-level educated Indian migrants to the U.S. who now come to the U.S. on H-1B visas because they were not “good enough” to break into the elite schools and best high-tech operations in India. Because of foreign status, Indian migrants often face “glass ceilings” in professional advancement not commensurate with education, experience or professional attainment, as Chakravartty points out. She maintains that due to the precariousness of the H-1B type immigration status, it can be argued skilled migrants to the U.S. have frequently been exploited by employers, having become the equivalent of “high-tech braceros.” Chakravartty also explores the evolving ties of international students in the U.S. and high-tech workers from India in Silicon Valley that have led to kinds of globally circulating currents of hi-tech labor.
Almost Nearly: The Languages of Approximation

Late eighteenth-century thought was profoundly influenced by the mathematics of infinity and infinitesimals in Isaac Newton, Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz, and Leonhard Euler. Immanuel Kant’s pronouncement in the Critique of Pure Reason that the spatio-temporal world is neither finite nor infinite, along with his doctrine of the mathematical sublime in the Critique of Judgment, set the stage for the accounts of singularity, totality, and the absolute that emerge in Johann Gottlieb Fichte, Friedrich Schelling, and Georg Wilhelm Friedrich Hegel. One of the most familiar Romantic motifs presents the conceptualization of the unconditioned as a perpetual striving after an unattainable goal. Characterized as the asymptotic approach to a limit, this dynamic is often illustrated with a diagram from analytic geometry showing the distance between a curve and a line nearing zero as the two tend to infinity. This “endlose Annaherung,” as Friedrich Schlegel terms it, is first and foremost an emblem of tension or contradiction (Studien des klassischen Altertums 255). As boundlessly precise imprecision, such a process is constitutively imperfect and open-ended, its telos uncertain, yet it remains unsurpassed in the exactitude of its execution. The privilege accorded infinite approximation by Romantic authors highlights their investment in irreducibly provisional programs whose coherence and integrity are permanently under threat. But it is also a reminder of the substantial advances that had taken place in infinitesimal calculus, which by Schlegel’s time was generating algorithms of considerable accuracy, distinguishing itself as a discourse of continuity as much as discontinuity. The Romantic concern with the interplay of verbal and mathematical dynamics raises the question of whether sentences or words may relate asymptotically. On a larger scale, could one speak of the infinite approach of one poem to another? In this article, I will explore the concept of proximity in Romantic poetry and poetics by focusing on a small constellation of terms: nah, beinahe, and annahern. As the invocation of an asymptotic function implies, what is at issue is less a static set of fixed elements than a dynamic of forces of uncertain provenance. Even the exposition of the word near proves a challenging task. As much as it describes the arrangement of objects in space or metaphorically characterizes relations between abstract terms, nearness also seems to pre-exist and even enable relationships, thereby proving central to the Romantic account of
Damage to hypothalamic dopaminergic neurons is associated with development of prolactin-secreting pituitary tumors

Old female rats with spontaneous prolactin-secreting pituitary tumors (prolactinomas) and young females with prolactinomas produced by prolonged estrogen treatment had damaged tuberoinfundibular dopaminergic neurons. Since these neurons inhibit the function of pituitary prolactin-secreting cells, their destruction may lead to development of prolactinomas.
Toxoplasma gondii Triggers Phosphorylation and Nuclear Translocation of Dendritic Cell STAT1 while Simultaneously Blocking IFNγ-Induced STAT1 Transcriptional Activity

The protozoan Toxoplasma gondii actively modulates cytokine-induced JAK/STAT signaling pathways to facilitate survival within the host, including blocking IFNγ-mediated STAT1-dependent proinflammatory gene expression. We sought to further characterize inhibition of STAT1 signaling in infected murine dendritic cells (DC) because this cell type has not previously been examined, yet is known to serve as an early target of in vivo infection. Unexpectedly, we discovered that T. gondii infection alone induced sustained STAT1 phosphorylation and nuclear translocation in DC in a parasite strain-independent manner. Maintenance of STAT1 phosphorylation required active invasion but intracellular parasite replication was dispensable. The parasite rhoptry protein ROP16, recently shown to mediate STAT3 and STAT6 phosphorylation, was not required for STAT1 phosphorylation. In combination with IFNγ, T. gondii induced synergistic STAT1 phosphorylation and binding of aberrant STAT1-containing complexes to IFNγ consensus sequence oligonucleotides. Despite these findings, parasite infection blocked STAT1 binding to the native promoters of the IFNγ-inducible genes Irf-1 and Lrg47, along with subsequent gene expression. These results reinforce the importance of parasite-mediated blockade of IFNγ responses in dendritic cells, while simultaneously showing that T. gondii alone induces STAT1 phosphorylation.
Synthesis and a simple molecular weight determination of polystyrene

Procedure for synthesizing styrene and determining its molecular weight using thin layer chromatography.
Prospects for fungal bioremediation of TNT munition waste

Abstract Munitions wastes constitute a major problem for the military. In addition to their explosive properties, these compounds are biological poisons, and their accumulation in the environment has damaged many ecosystems. Until recently, there was evidence for microbial reductton but not mineralization of trinitrotoluene (TNT) and its transformation products. This paper reviews the literature on metabolism of TNT and compares the classical studies on microbial biotransformation and biodegradation with more recent studies on the successful use of anaerobic bacteria and white rot fungi for mineralizing TNT.
Long-term follow-up of first metacarpal extension osteotomy for early CMC arthritis

Background The purpose of this study was to evaluate long-term outcomes of first metacarpal extension osteotomy for early trapeziometacarpal arthritis.
The Verbal Summator and a Method for the Study of Latent Speech

(1936). The Verbal Summator and a Method for the Study of Latent Speech. The Journal of Psychology: Vol. 2, No. 1, pp. 71-107.
Building the Cathedral of Noto; earthquakes, reconstruction and building practice in 18th-century Sicily

Abstract The collapse of the nave and dome of the Cathedral of Noto, S. Nicolo, in a rainstorm in 1996 brought to light 18th century construction errors unique to this building. S. Nicolo is the most prominent church in the city of Noto, a rich Baroque center in southeastern Sicily completely reconstructed after an earthquake in 1693. During the course of its construction and reconstruction between 1696 and 1950, S. Nicolo was plagued by multiple earthquake failures and construction errors. This paper attempts to assemble the unwritten construction history of the church for the first time in English, and to address the question of how architects, engineers and builders responded to the problem of creating a seismically resistant building.
Adaptive variation in sex ratios of offspring in nutritionally stressed mule deer

I examined the sex ratio of litters of mule deer ( Odocoileus hemionus ) collected during late winter in 1984–1989 in eastern California. Although the overall sex ratio was unity, heavier mothers, and those with higher kidney-fat indexes, tended to produce male-biased litters. Results conformed to predictions from theory that relates maternal-investment ability to adaptive variation in sex ratios of offspring in polygynous animals.
Experimental and Theoretical Investigation of the Effect of Lubricant Structure on the Bonding Kinetics of Perfluoroalkylpolyethers on CHx Amorphous Hydrogenated Carbon

Perfluoropolyethers (PFPEs) are widely used as topical lubricants on rigid magnetic media to provide a low wear interface. The tribological reliability of the disk storage device is strongly depend...
Sol-gel transition in simple silicates II☆

Abstract Silicate gels were prepared under a range of conditions in which the rate of hydrolysis was varied from fast to slow with respect to the rate of condensation. When hydrolysis was fast, larger, more highly condensed polymers were formed during gelation. Conversely, for slow hydrolysis, smaller, less highly condensed polymers were formed. These gels dried to low density coarse textured and high density fine textured gels, respectively. High temperatures, (>800°C) were required to densify the coarse gels by viscous sintering. Lower temperatures were sufficient to densify fine gels by a process which was postulated to consist of polymer relaxation followed by condensation and pore collapse.
High-performance crest factor reduction processor for W-CDMA and OFDM applications

Highly linear wideband power amplifiers (PAs) are needed for code division multiple access (CDMA) and orthogonal frequency division multiplex (OFDM) modulations. Such PAs normally have low operating efficiency because of the high peak-to-average ratio (PAR) of CDMA and OFDM signals. By reducing the PAR of CDMA and OFDM signals, both PA acquisition and operating costs are decreased. We describe the GC1115 crest factor reduction processor, a 1.8M gate device fabricated in 130 nm CMOS process that operates at input and output sample rates up to 130 Msamp/sec. The GC1115 decreases the PAR of W-CDMA test model signals to 5.7 dB while meeting all signal quality requirements of 3GPP TS 25.141. The GC1115 achieves similar PAR improvement on OFDM signals.
von Hippel-Lindau Gene Status and Response to Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Targeted Therapy for Metastatic Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma

Purpose: The von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) gene is often inactivated (by mutation or promoter hypermethylation) in renal cell carcinoma but the relation to therapeutic outcome is unclear.Materials and Methods: Patients with metastatic clear cell renal cell carcinoma with available baseline tumor samples who received vascular endothelial growth factor targeted therapy were included in analysis. Patient characteristics, VHL gene status and clinical outcome were documented. Our primary end point was to test for response rate in relation to VHL inactivation. Progression-free survival and overall survival in relation to VHL status were investigated as secondary end points.Results: A total of 123 patients were evaluable. Response rate, median progression-free survival and median overall survival were 37% (95% CI 28–46), 10.8 (95% CI 7.7–14.8) and 29.8 (CI not estimable) months, respectively. Patients with VHL inactivation had a response rate of 41% vs 31% for those with wild-type VHL (p = 0.34). Patients with loss of...
Cu(II)-α-keto acid complexes as structural models of α-keto acid-dependent enzymes: syntheses, crystal structure and properties of [Cu(L) (benzoylformate)]X

Abstract Three [CuII(L)(BF)]+ complexes, where L is tris(2-pyridylmethyl)amine (TPA) (1), bis(2-pyridylmethyl)amine (BPA) (2) or bis(2-benzimidazolymethyl)amine (BBA) (3), and BF is benzoylformate, have been synthesized as structural models for the active site of α-keto acid-dependent enzymes. Single crystals of 1 P2 1 /n, a = 11.3332(1), b = 9.0159(1), c = 40.2883(1) A , Z = 4, V = 4114.62(6) A 3 ) were obtained and subjected to X-ray diffraction analysis. Complex 1 has a mononuclear trigonal bipyramidal Cu(II) center with a monodentate BF occupying an axial position. The solid structure of 1 appears to be maintained in solution as probed by IR, Vis, NMR and EPR spectroscopy. Spectroscopic studies of 2 and 3 with tridentate ligands replacing the tetradentate TPA ligand suggest a square pyramidal Cu(II) center in these two complexes, and the BF is proposed to bind in a bidentate manner via its two carboxylate oxygen atoms. The fact that the α-keto carbonyl is not involved in binding to the Cu(II) center suggests that it is not crucial for the formation of Cu(II)-BF complexes. This conclusion supports the working model proposed for the metal site in Cu-TfdA (Cu-substituted 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetate/α-ketoglutarate dioxygenase) and its interaction with the cofactor α-ketoglutarate.
Molecular tools for targeted imaging and therapy of cancer.

Here we review an approach to the design and production of antibody/ligand pairs for use in cell targeting procedures, to achieve functional affinity far greater than avidin/biotin. Using fundamental chemical principles, we have developed antibody/ligand pairs that retain the binding specificity of the antibody, but do not dissociate. By eliminating the dissociation of the ligand from the antibody, we have made the affinity functionally infinite. This methodology is applicable to other biological binding pairs.
Reviving Evolutionary Psychology: Biology Meets Society

This summary article discusses the impoverishment of biological reductionism and the limitations of genetic explanations for complex social arrangements. Because there are no direct links between evolutionary history and present behavior, theories of human evolution must be multidisciplinary. To escape the competitive individualism of sociobiological perspectives, we propose a new basis for evolutionary psychology that focuses on the group as the selection environment for the evolution of human sociality. Finally, we discuss the reasons for attempting to build a socially and scientifically responsible evolutionary psychology.
P04.88. Education plus exercise vs. education, exercise and chiropractic care for veterans with chronic low back pain: a pilot randomized trial

Methods Veterans were recruited within the Minneapolis VA Medical Center, through flyers given to LBP patients, recruitment posters, and direct mailings to patients diagnosed with LBP. All participants were screened at the VA Medical Center and interventions were delivered at Northwestern Health Sciences University. After screening, eligible participants were randomized to education plus exercise (EE) vs. education, exercise and chiropractic treatment (EEC). EE participants also were scheduled for assessment visits to balance contact time. Outcomes were ascertained by mailed questionnaires.
The Community Epidemiology of Underage Drinking: Variation Across Communities in Relations of Risk to Alcohol Use

To test the assumption embedded in state-of-the-art, community assessment and decision-making regarding prevention of underage drinking: that there is minimal variation in the way that risk and protective factors (RPF) are associated with underage drinking across communities. Three large datasets provided the same measures of adolescent alcohol use and RPFs. Multilevel ordered-logistic regression models were carried out separately for each dataset and separately for males and females in 8th and 10th grades, testing random slopes for each RPF index. Predicted school-level coefficients were derived from these models, representing the association between RPFs and alcohol use. The variation in associations between RPFs and alcohol use across schools was greatest for antisocial peer risk and community protection; the lowest variation across schools was found for family cohesion and individual antisocial behavior. Ranges in predicted coefficients indicate large differences across schools for many RPFs. Bivariate correlations indicated that school-level associations vary across RPFs in expected directions. Policy makers should recognize that the magnitude of associations between RPFs and adolescent alcohol use vary considerably across communities, and that such variability is greater for certain RPFs than others. These findings have implications for policies regarding how prevention resources are targeted within and across communities.
The Moral Right of the Author

IT IS FREQUENTLY SAID ABROAD that the "moral" right of the author, i.e., the right to safeguard his artistic reputation-as distinguished from the property aspects of his copyright-is not sufficiently protected in the law of the United States. Even American lawyers have expressed this opinion.' The alleged nonexistence of protection of the author's moral right has been considered one of the principal obstacles to adherence by the United States to the Berne and Washington Copyright Conventions, both of which contain provisions for the protection of the right of the author to claim authorship in his work and to prevent others from interfering with its integrity. In the following pages we shall compare the protection of the author's personality rights under the doctrine of moral right in the European law with the protection given the author's personal rights under our law.
Occupational Histories, Settlements, and Subsistence in Western India: What Bones and Genes can tell us about the Origins and Spread of Pastoralism

Patel A.K. 2009. — Occupational Histories, Settlements, and Subsistence in Western India: What Bones and Genes can tell us about the Origins and Spread of Pastoralism. Anthropozoologica 44(1): 173-188.
Access to food source and food source use are associated with healthy and unhealthy food-purchasing behaviours among low-income African-American adults in Baltimore City.

Department of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Science, University of Maryland School of Medicine,Baltimore, MD, USASubmitted 21 April 2010: Accepted 5 February 2011AbstractObjective: Although previous research has shown limited availability of healthyfood in low-income urban neighbourhoods, the association between food sourceuse and food-purchasing patterns has not yet been examined. We explored food-purchasing patterns in the context of food source use and food source accessfactors in low-income areas of Baltimore City.Design: Cross-sectional survey.Setting: Predominantlylow-incomeneighbourhoodsin East andWestBaltimoreCity.Subjects: A total of 175 low-income African-American adult residents.Results: Supermarkets and corner stores were the most frequently used food sources.Walking was themain formof transportation usedby57%of all respondents, 97%ofcorner-store shoppers and 49% of supermar ket shoppers. Multiple linear regressionmodels adjusting for demographic factors, type of food source used and transpor-tationtypefoundthatcorner-storeusewasassociatedwithobtainingmoreunhealthyfood (P50?005), whereas driving to the food source was associated with obtainingmore healthy food (P50?012).Conclusions: The large number of corner stores compared with supermarkets inlow-income neighbourhoods makes them an eas ily accessible and frequently used foodsource for many people. Interventions to increase the availability and promotion ofhealthy food in highly accessed corner stores in low-income neighbourhoods areneeded. Increased access to transportationmayalsoleadtotheuseoffoodsourcesbeyond the corner store, and to increased healthy food purchasing.KeywordsFood storesUrbanAfrican AmericanAccessMinority populations in the USA are disproportionatelyaffected by high rates of obesity and chronic diseases
Post-glacial colonization of northwestern North America by the forest-associated American marten (Martes americana, Mammalia: Carnivora: Mustelidae).

Phylogeographic patterns were used to assess intraspecific diversification of American martens (Martes americana). Within martens, two morphological groups (americana and caurina) have been recognized, though the level of distinction between them has been debated. We examined mitochondrial cytochrome b gene haplotypes from 680 martens to explore the colonization history of the Pacific Northwest and found two clades that correspond to the morphological groups. The widespread americana clade extends from interior Alaska south to Montana and eastward to Newfoundland and New England (i.e. northwestern, north-central and northeastern North America). The caurina clade occurs in western North America, minimally extending from Admiralty Island (southeastern Alaska) south to Oregon and Wyoming. Our data indicated two colonization events for the Pacific Northwest (one by members of each clade) and were consistent with the persistence of populations throughout past glacial periods in eastern and western refugia. Due to vegetational and geological history following the past deglaciation, we hypothesize that martens of the caurina clade spread along the North Pacific Coast, and into southeastern Alaska, earlier than martens of the americana clade. Mismatch distributions for the americana clade were indicative of populations that recently experienced demographic expansion, while mismatch distributions for the caurina clade suggested that populations were at equilibrium. These clades are reciprocally monophyletic and distinctive (interclade divergence ranged from 2.5 to 3.0% (uncorrected p), whereas, intraclade divergence was < 0.7%), and two regions of sympatry have been identified. Genetic signatures of past admixture in hybrid zones may have been extinguished during subsequent glacial periods when ranges contracted. This recurrent pattern of relatively restricted western, or Pacific coastal, lineages and more widespread eastern, or interior continental, lineages exists across broad taxonomic groups and suggests a shared biogeographical history.
Roseovarius crassostreae sp. nov., a member of the Roseobacter clade and the apparent cause of juvenile oyster disease (JOD) in cultured Eastern oysters

An alpha-proteobacterium has been identified which is believed to be the causative agent of juvenile oyster disease (JOD). Since its first isolation in 1997, the bacterium has been recovered as the numerically dominant species from JOD-affected animals throughout the north-eastern United States (Maine, New York and Massachusetts). Colonies are usually beige to pinkish-beige, although the majority of isolates recovered in 2003 from an epizootic in Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts, produce colonies with a greenish-yellow appearance. The cells are Gram-negative, aerobic, strictly marine and rod or ovoid in appearance. They are actively motile by one or two flagella, but cells are also observed to produce tufts of polar fimbriae. The principal fatty acid in whole cells is C(18:1)omega7c and other characteristic fatty acids are C(16:0), C(10:0) 3-OH, 11-methyl C(18:1)omega7c and C(18:0). Almost without exception, isolates have 16S rRNA gene sequences that are 100% identical to each other. Phylogenetic analyses place the organism within the Roseobacter clade of the alpha-Proteobacteria, with moderate bootstrap support for inclusion in the genus Roseovarius. DNA-DNA relatedness values from pairwise comparisons of this organism with the type species of the genus (Roseovarius tolerans) and the only other described species in this genus, Roseovarius nubinhibens, were 11 and 47%, respectively. Phenotypic and biochemical dissimilarities also support the assignment of this bacterium to a novel species. The name Roseovarius crassostreae sp. nov. is proposed, with the type strain CV919-312(T) (=ATCC BAA-1102(T)=DSM 16950(T)).
GONADAL DYSGENESIS WITH XUXX MOSAICISM AND A POSITIVE SEX CHROMATIN PATTERN.

A case is presented of gonadal dysgenesis in a 14-yr-old white female found to have short stature, cubitus valgus, primary amenorrhea and underdeveloped secondary sexual characteristics. Chromosome analyses of material cultured from peripheral blood revealed a 45/46 mosaic with an XO/XX pattern. A significant right to left discrepancy was found in the sex chromatin findings of oral muscosal cells and in the sex chromosome composition of skin specimens obtained from the right and left sides of the body. The clinical characteristics of this patient and the possibility of bilateral mosaicism are discussed.
Institutional Review Board and International Field Research in Conflict Zones

Research on political conflict can benefit immensely from fieldwork. However, the Institutional Review Board (IRB) process is elaborate and daunting that discourages rather than encourages this type of research. Existing policies often are insensitive to the many uncertainties related to field research abroad, especially in conflict zones. Three reasons for this are identified in this article. First, the federal regulations to protect human subjects of social science research are most suitable for biomedical sciences. Second, there is huge gap between “procedural ethics” and “ethics in practice.” Third, there is a lack of communication or dialogue between researchers and IRBs. After discussing these reasons, I offer the following suggestions: bridging the gap between the researcher and the IRB; reducing delays in the IRB approval and revision process; encouraging collaboration and dialogue among researchers; and advocating a proactive stance by academic associations.
Notes on Violaceae from Ethiopia

Two new species of Violaceae are described: Rinorea friisii from the forests of SW Ethiopia and Hybanthus puberulus from the Borena bushland of S Ethiopia. The position of Viola erythraea within the V. cinerea complex is discussed.
Artificial neural networks distinguish among subtypes of neoplastic colorectal lesions

Background & Aims: There is a subtle distinction between sporadic colorectal adenomas and cancers (SAC) and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)-associated dysplasias and cancers. However, this distinction is clinically important because sporadic adenomas are usually managed by polypectomy alone, whereas IBD-related high-grade dysplasias mandate subtotal colectomy. The current study evaluated the ability of artificial neural networks (ANNs) based on complementary DNA (cDNA) microarray data to discriminate between these 2 types of colorectal lesions. Methods: We hybridized cDNA microarrays, each containing 8064 cDNA clones, to RNAs derived from 39 colorectal neoplastic specimens. Hierarchical clustering was performed, and an ANN was constructed and trained on a set of 5 IBD-related dysplasia or cancer (IBDNs) and 22 SACs. Results: Hierarchical clustering based on all 8064 clones failed to correctly categorize the SACs and IBDNs. However, the ANN correctly diagnosed 12 of 12 blinded samples in a test set (3 IBDNs and 9 SACs). Furthermore, using an iterative process based on the computer programs GeneFinder, Cluster, and MATLAB, we reduced the number of clones used for diagnosis from 8064 to 97. Even with this reduced clone set, the ANN retained its capacity for correct diagnosis. Moreover, cluster analysis performed with these 97 clones now separated the 2 types of lesions. Conclusions: Our results suggest that ANNs have the potential to discriminate among subtly different clinical entities, such as IBDNs and SACs, as well as to identify gene subsets having the power to make these diagnostic distinctions.
Integrated mold/surface-micromachining process

We detail a new monolithically integrated silicon mold/surface-micromachining process which makes possible the fabrication of stiff, high-aspect-ratio micromachined structures integrated with finely detailed, compliant structures. An important example, which we use here as our process demonstration vehicle, is that of an accelerometer with a large proof mass and compliant suspension. The proof mass is formed by etching a mold into the silicon substrate, lining the mold with oxide, filling it with mechanical polysilicon, and then planarizing back to the level of the substrate. The resulting molded structure is recessed into the substrate, forming a planar surface ideal for subsequent processing. We then add surface-micromachined springs and sense contacts. The principal advantage of this new monolithically integrated mold/surface-micromachining process is that it decouples the design of the different sections of the device: In the case of a sensitive accelerometer, it allows us to optimize independently the proof mass, which needs to be as large, stiff, and heavy as possible, and the suspension, which needs to be as delicate and compliant as possible. The fact that the high-aspect-ratio section of the device is embedded in the substrate enables the monolithic integration of high-aspect-ratio parts with surface-micromachined mechanical parts, and, in the future, also electronics. We anticipate that such an integrated mold/surface micromachining/electronics process will offer versatile high-aspect-ratio micromachined structures that can be batch-fabricated and monolithically integrated into complex microelectromechanical systems.
Still another cause of monocular oscillopsia

Dans un cas de myokymie palpebrale, le mouvement de la paupiere entrainait une oscillation du verre de contact et une oscilloscopie unilaterale secondaire
Long-Term Simulation of Beam-Beam Effects in the Tevatron at Collision Energy

The beam-beam effect is a significant source of non-linearities in the Tevatron. We have developed a code which allows us to estimate its contribution to the finite lifetime of the anti-proton beam, both at collision and injection energy, by tracking realistic particle distribution for a high number of terms and extrapolating from the particle loss rate. We describe the physical modeling underlying the code and give benchmarking results.
Safe diving operations on near-shore coastal construction projects

In the past, ensuring safe diving operations on coastal construction projects has typically been the sole responsibility of the individual divers. However, it takes a concerted effort by both the project proponent as well as the construction contractor to guarantee a safe dive operation. Conducting successful underwater construction requires state-of-the-art equipment, specialized training and the ability to adapt to a constantly changing work and natural environment. The paper elaborates on the US Army Corps of Engineers' dive regulations and its intent. The paper addresses the differences between construction diving and engineering inspection diving. The author shows specific examples of diving operations at construction projects in the Pacific.
Ceremonial Dialogues in South America

In native South America, ceremonial dialogue is a widespread and prominent, yet simultaneously enigmatic, form of ritualized language use. This paper examines the ceremonial dialogic complex through the interpretive lens of a semiotic hypothesis, namely, that ritualized dialogic form is a sign vehicle, a “model of and for” linguistic and more generally social solidarity. A comparative correlational study confirms this semiotic interpretation, showing that the ceremonial dialogue is used in situations of potential conflict—the maximally distant social relations within a given society. This paper also raises a broader theoretical issue concerning the role of metacommunicative devices in social action, suggesting that it is the “meta-signal” itself that enables actors to formulate an image of action—thereby regulating it—simultaneously as it occurs.
Strong approximations of open queueing networks

We consider a queueing system with one or more stations. We show that the queue length processes can be approximated with Brownian motions or reflected Brownian motions. Using the approximations we obtain rates of convergence of the distributions and expected values of queue lengths.
The C. elegans heterochronic gene lin-4 encodes small RNAs with antisense complementarity to lin-14

Summary h-4 is essential for the normal temporal control of diverse postembryonic developmental events in C. elegans. /in-4 acts by negatively regulating the level of LIN-14 protein, creating a temporal decrease in LIN-14 protein starting in the first larval stage (Ll). We have cloned the C. elegans lin-4 locus by chromosomal walking and transformation rescue. We used the C. elegans clone to isolate the gene from three other Caenorhabditis species; all four Caenorhabditis clones functionally rescue the h-4 null allele of C. elegans. Comparison of the /in-4 genomic sequence from these four species and site-directed mutagenesis of potential open reading frames indicated that /in-d does not encode a protein. Two small /in-4 transcripts of approximately 22 and 61 nt were identified in C. elegans and found to contain sequences complementary to a repeated sequence element in the 3’untranslated region (UTR) of lin-74 mRNA, suggesting that /in-4 regulates h-74 translation via an antisense RNA-RNA interaction.
Deorphanization of Novel Peptides and Their Receptors

Peptide hormones and neuropeptides play important roles in endocrine and neural signaling, often using G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR)-mediated signaling pathways. However, the rate of novel peptide discovery has slowed dramatically in recent years. Genomic sequencing efforts have yielded a large number of cDNA sequences that potentially encode novel candidate peptide precursors, as well as hundreds of orphan GPCRs with no known cognate ligands. The complexity of peptide signaling is further highlighted by the requirement for specific posttranslational processing steps, and these must be accomplished in vitro prior to testing newly discovered peptide precursor candidates in receptor assays. In this review, we present historic as well as current approaches to peptide discovery and GPCR deorphanization. We conclude that parallel and combinatorial discovery methods are likely to represent the most fruitful avenues for both peptide discovery as well as for matching the remaining GPCRs with their peptide ligands.
Long-term monitoring of gait in Parkinson's disease

A new system for long-term monitoring of gait in Parkinson’s disease (PD) has been developed and validated. The characteristics of every stride taken over 10-h epochs were acquired using a lightweight ankle-mounted sensor array that transmitted data wirelessly to a small pocket PC at a rate of 100 Hz. Stride was calculated from the vertical linear acceleration and pitch angular velocity of the leg with an accuracy of 5 cm. Results from PD patients (5) demonstrate the effectiveness of long-term monitoring of gait in a natural environment. The small, variable stride length characteristic of Parkinsonian gait, and fluctuations of efficacy associated with levodopa therapy, such as delayed onset, wearing off, and the ‘off/on’ effect, could reliably be detected from long-term changes in stride length. # 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Absorption losses in seawater for a rectangular electromagnetic pulse

Transient solutions for a class of waveforms in a general lossy medium have been published recently (H.F. Harmuth, 1986). These solutions are expressed in terms of improper integrals and are functions of the conductivity of the medium. Numerical evaluation of these integrals for the case of seawater results in ill-conditioned problems giving rise to computational overflows. An approximate closed-form transient solution valid for propagation of signals in seawater is developed. An electromagnetic signal with the initial time variation of a rectangular pulse with a given width is assumed. This solution is used for the computation of the absorption losses in seawater as a function of propagation distance. >
Chemical Synthesis of Syndecan‐3 Glycopeptides Bearing Two Heparan Sulfate Glycan Chains

Despite the ubiquitous presence of proteoglycans in mammalian systems, methodologies to synthesize this class of glycopeptides with homogeneous glycans are not well developed. Herein, we report the first synthesis of a glycosaminoglycan family glycopeptide containing two different heparan sulfate chains, namely the extracellular domain of syndecan-3. With the large size and tremendous structural complexity of these molecules, multiple unexpected obstacles were encountered during the synthesis, including high sensitivity to base treatment and the instability of glycopeptides with two glycan chains towards catalytic hydrogenation conditions. A successful strategy was established by constructing the partially deprotected single glycan chain containing glycopeptides first, followed by union of the glycan-bearing fragments and cleavage of the ester-type protecting groups. This work lays the foundation for preparing other members of this important class of molecules.
Determination of dipicolinic acid in bacterial spores by ultraviolet spectrometry of the calcium chelate.

Abstract Dipicolinic acid is determined by spectrometry of the calcium chelate in aqueous 0.005 M Ca(OH)2. Molar absorptivities at 25.0°C are: The equation: c=33.8 (A 277.8 −2A 274.4 +2A 269.8 −A 264.8 ) where c is the concentration of dipicolinic acid (MW 167.12) in μg/ml and A is the absorbance for 1 cm cell length and 25.0°, gives minimal interference by other components of extracts of bacterial spores. The temperature coefficient for c is −0.22 μg/ml/1°C, or −0.64%/1°C. Dipicolinic acid is extracted from spores with much less contamination by other ultraviolet absorbance, by heating for 1 hr at 101° in an aqueous solution containing 71.8% ethanol and 1% acetic acid than by heating in water.
Wavefunction delocalization in quantum dot arrays: an asymptotic analysis

Intermediate-band solar cells using quantum dot arrays (QDAs) are theoretically predicted to significantly increase the efficiency with which solar energy can be harvested. In the limit of identical quantum dots, the wavefunction for electrons in a QDA will be fully delocalized. Fully delocalized wavefunctions have been theoretically shown to reduce thermal losses and consequently increase photovoltaic device efficiency. However, even small nonuniformities can cause electrons to localize in a single quantum dot, negating any advantages from delocalized states. In this work a modified Schrodinger equation is used to model a two-dot array with nonuniform quantum dots and solved using perturbation methods. This result is extended to N-dot arrays, and several metrics are constructed to characterize the degree of delocalization. Our results, which compare favorably with numerical simulations, show explicitly how the amount of delocalization depends on key design parameters.
Impact of the 2008–2009 Economic Recession on Screening Colonoscopy Utilization Among the Insured

Background & Aims Economic factors might affect the use of recommended preventative services. We sought to determine whether the recent severe economic recession was associated with diminished screening colonoscopy rates among an insured population and to assess the relationship between out-of-pocket (OOP) costs and screening colonoscopy use. Methods Administrative data from 106 health plans (IMS LifeLink Health Plan Claims Database) were analyzed to determine monthly rates of screening colonoscopies performed on beneficiaries ages 50 to 64 years between January 2005 and November 2007 (prerecession), as well as from December 2007 through June 2009 (recession). Segmented regression models were used to evaluate changes in screening colonoscopy rates, as well as the relationship between screening and OOP costs before and during the recession. Results Compared with prerecession trends, during the recession screening colonoscopy rates decreased by 68.9 colonoscopies/1 million individuals per month (95% confidence interval, −84.6 to −53.1; P P = .035). Conclusions During the recession of December 2007 to June 2009, insured individuals reduced their use of screening colonoscopy compared with the 2 years before the recession began. OOP costs were related inversely to screening use, especially during the recession. Policies to reduce cost sharing could increase adherence to recommended preventive services such as colonoscopy examinations.
Decomposition of Ni2SiO4 in an Oxygen Potential Gradient

Polycrystalline Ni2SiO4 was exposed to a gradient in oxygen potential at 1336°C to cause kinetic decomposition into its component oxides, NiO and SO2. At the higher-oxygen-potential side NiO formed, and at the lower-oxygen-potential side SiO2 formed. This spatial distribution of SiO2 and NiO is consistent with diffusion data for silicate olivines which indicate that Ni diffuses much faster than either Si or O.
Assessment of perfusion and wall-motion abnormalities and transient ischemic dilation in regadenoson stress cardiac magnetic resonance perfusion imaging

Vasodilator first-pass stress cardiac magnetic resonance perfusion imaging [stress cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR)] is a reliable, noninvasive method for evaluating myocardial ischemia; however, it does not routinely evaluate metrics such as wall-motion abnormality (WMA) and transient ischemic dilation (TID). Using the new selective A2A adenosine receptor agonist regadenoson, we tested a novel protocol for assessing perfusion defects, WMA, and TID in a single stress CMR session. We evaluated 29 consecutive patients who presented for clinically indicated regadenoson stress CMR. Immediately before and after the regadenoson stress perfusion sequence, we obtained baseline and post-stress cine images in the short-axis orientation to detect worsening or newly developed WMAs. This approach also allowed evaluation of TID. Delayed-enhancement imaging was performed in the standard orientations. All patients tolerated the procedure well. Thirteen patients (45 %) had perfusion abnormalities, and four patients developed TID. Seven patients had WMAs, and three of them also had TID. Patients with TID ± WMAs had multivessel disease documented by coronary angiography. By using regadenoson to assess myocardial ischemia during stress CMR, perfusion defects, WMAs, and TID can be evaluated in a single imaging session. To our knowledge, we are the first to describe this novel approach in a vasodilator stress CMR study.
Biopsy-induced flail tricuspid leaflet and tricuspid regurgitation following orthotopic cardiac transplantation

Damage to the tricuspid valve apparatus has been described after endomyocardial biopsy and may be associated with hemodynamically significant tricuspid regurgitation (TR). This study was performed to determine the prevalence of TR and flail tricuspid leaflet in cardiac transplant recipients and to evaluate the use of a 45 cm sheath placed directly in the right ventricle during endomyocardial biopsy to reduce the incidence of these complications. Echocardiograms and right heart catheterization data of 72 orthotopic cardiac transplant recipients were assessed for the presence of flail tricuspid leaflet, TR, and right-sided cardiac dysfunction 29 +/- 20 months (mean +/- SD) after transplantation. Moderate or severe TR was present in 23 patients (32%). Ten patients (14%) had flail tricuspid leaflet, with 7 of these having severe TR. Right atrial pressure (10 +/- 5 vs 6 +/- 5 mm Hg, p < 0.05) was higher, cardiac index (2.0 +/- 0.2 vs 2.5 +/- 0.7 L/min/m2, p < 0.05) was lower, and right-sided cardiac dimensions were greater in patients with flail leaflets than in those without flail leaflets. Both the prevalence of flail tricuspid leaflet (41% to 6%, p < 0.0001) and mean grade of TR (2 to 1, p < 0.0001) were reduced after the use of a 45 cm sheath. We conclude that TR secondary to biopsy-induced damage to the valve apparatus occurs in cardiac transplant recipients and is associated with signs of early right-sided heart failure. Use of a 45 cm sheath during endomyocardial biopsy reduces the prevalence of flail tricuspid leaflet and the severity of TR.
Alcohol problems as a signal for sensitivity to nicotine dependence and future smoking

Background Alcohol use is a well-documented risk factor for the emergence of chronic smoking behavior. Very little is known, however, about the mediating pathways through which alcohol and/or alcohol-related problems influence future smoking.