cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Directional selectivity and frequency tuning of midbrain cells in the oyster toadfish, Opsanus tau

Single-unit recordings were made from areas in the midbrain (torus semicircularis) of the oyster toadfish. We evaluated frequency tuning and directional responses using whole-body oscillation to simulate auditory stimulation by particle motion along axes in the horizontal and mid-sagittal planes. We also tested for bimodality in responses to auditory and hydrodynamic stimuli. One recording location in each animal was marked by a neurobiotin injection to confirm the recording site. Recordings were made in nucleus centralis, nucleus ventrolateralis, and the deep cell layer. Most units were frequency-selective with best frequencies between 50 and 141 Hz. Suppression of activity was apparent in 10% of the cells. Bimodality was common, including inhibition and suppression of background activity by auditory or hydrodynamic stimulation. The majority of the cells were directionally selective with directional response patterns that were sharpened compared with those of primary saccular afferents. The best directional axes were arrayed widely in spherical space, covering most azimuths and elevations. This representation is adequate for the computation of the motional axis of an auditory stimulus for sound source localization.
The effect of thermal acclimation on the activity of arylhydrocarbon hydroxylase in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss).

1. The possibility that temperature acclimation (to 10 or 18°C for 28 days) would alter the cytochromes P-450 of rainbow trout was addressed. 2. The specific content of LM4b (P-450 IA1), the trout isozyme responsible for activation of polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons, was lower in 18°C fish than it was in 10°C fish. 3. Kinetic analysis of aryl hydrocarbon hydroxylase indicated that, while thermal acclimation caused no change in Vmax, it lowered the apparent Km of this enzyme for benzo[a]pyrene when assayed at acutely shifted temperatures. 4. Thermal acclimation of fish may have significance when feral populations are subjected to acute temperature shifts.
Chalk Talk: Teaching Tips from the UGA Teaching Academy

Do you want to reinvigorate the conversation about teaching and learning on your campus? Do you want the campus to learn new and innovative teaching tips from colleagues while letting students get a glimpse into the instructional practices of leading teachers? Consider inviting faculty members on your campus to submit “tips on teaching.” That’s just what the Teaching Academy of the University of Georgia (UGA) did, and the buzz on campus is rather amazing. “Who is in the publication? What did they say?” One featured writer told me that her copy of the book is now missing, so perhaps I should write an editorial for a future issue on the ethics of “borrowing” and not returning books! In fall 2009, the UGATeaching Academy chose to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Academy with a publication on teaching. The Academy is an honorary group that selects its own members and promotes teaching and learning on campus through workshops; speakers; and, importantly, by featuring an annual 3-day symposium on a topic important to the University community. Approximately 10 members are selected annually, based on nominations from academy members and others committed to teaching and learning. (The url below provides information on the Academy.) This project was spearheaded by Loch Johnson, an inaugural member of the Academy and Regents Professor of Public and International Affairs, and Provost Jere Morehead, a Meigs teaching award winner and a member of the Teaching Academy. Provost Morehead provided the financial support for publishing the book. As a side note, the Meigs Distinguished Teaching Professorship is UGA’s highest award for teaching and carries a permanent salary increase, which is quite a nice benefit in these tight economic times! Professor Johnson invited the members of the Academy, which consists of over 100 faculty members, and the winners of the Russell and Meigs teaching awards to write essays of 1000 words or less explaining a particularly useful teaching practice. The deadline for submission was tight, less than 8 weeks. Amazingly, 69 faculty members accepted the invitation; and the result was Chalk Talk, a 192page publication of thoughtful and innovative approaches to instruction used by UGA faculty from a wide range of schools and colleges. Innov High Educ (2011) 36:1–2 DOI 10.1007/s10755-010-9172-6
Synergism in experimental infections with non-sporulating anaerobic bacteria.

tions since the early days of bacteriology. Thus, the role of anaerobic cocci, particularly streptococci, in puerperal sepsis has been established by Schottmueller^Schwarz and Dieckmann,2 Colebrook,3 Brown,4 Douglas and Davis5 and others. These organisms have also been recovered from wounds, abscesses and other infections in many regions of the body6'7 and have been assessed an etiological role in cutaneous gangrenes8 and peritonitis.9 Bacterium fundulifor mis (Bacterium necrophorum, Actinomyces necrophorus) has been isolated from septicemias and a variety of other infections including abscesses, chronic ulcerative colitis and puerperal infec-
Improved Algorithm for the W-Transform in Variance Component Estimation

The W transformation greatly reduces the computational bruden in obtaining maximum likelihood estimates for the mixed A.O.V. model. However, effective optimization methods for maximizing the likelihood must comptlte the matrix W at each iteration. This paper develops an efficient Cholesky type algorithm for forming W.
Certain Host-Donor Rat Strain Combinations Do Not Reject Brain Allografts after Systemic Sensitization

To investigate the factors related to allogenic brain graft rejection, rat cortex from either LEW-RT1l or BN-RT1n rats was transplanted into brains of several isogenic and allogenic inbred strains: F344-RT1l, LEW-RT1l, BN-RT1n, AO-RT1u, PVG-RT1c, PVG-RT1u, and PVG-RT1l. Each donor and host combination was subsequently subdivided into two subgroups. One group was systematically sensitized twice with donor skin tissue and another group served as a sham-sensitization control. Four weeks after the second sensitization, host brains were examined histologically, and the percentage volume of each graft that showed increased cellularity was estimated. Expression of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) and T cell antigens was also studied immunocytochemically. Almost all grafts in sham-sensitized animals from all groups were accepted with minimal or no reaction. However, two strains (AO-RT1u and F344-RT1l) showed considerable cell infiltration and expression of MHC antigens even without sensitization. After sensitization, almost all allogenic strain combinations showed greater signs of rejection-related responses. The severity of the tissue reaction, however, varied considerably between groups. All grafts from BN-RT1n donors were rejected severely in all host strains. For LEW-RT1l donors, grafts survived well in some host strains (BN-RT1n, AO-RT1u, PVG-RT1c, and PVG-RT1u), even with MHC + non-MHC disparity. Curiously, F344-RT1l hosts rejected LEW-RT1l grafts even though the two strains have the same MHC loci, but different minor histocompatibility (mH) loci. For both donor strains, experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis-susceptible hosts tended to show more vigorous rejection responses.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
The Economy, Obama, and the 2008 Election

In late summer of 2008, there were clear objective signs of a weakening economy. Industrial production was negative (−1.5 in August), inflation was creeping up (+5.4 in August), the unemployment rate was rising (6.1% in September). Housing starts were at a near-record low, with mortgages getting hard to come by, and hard to pay for. Consumer sentiment, as measured in public opinion surveys, was dropping to levels not seen since the 1980s. But there was no talk of an “economic crisis,” and reported conditions still did not qualify officially as a “recession.” The disintegration of Wall Street financial giants, which began in September, quickly accelerated the scale of the perceived, and actual, decline. “At that point,” as Campbell ( 2009 , 13–14) puts it, “the economy was in crisis, perhaps teetering on the brink [of] a deep recession or even a depression,” with the stock market experiencing about a 25% drop in value over one month. By October 3, a $700 billion Economic Stabilization Act had passed through Congress, and was signed by President Bush. Despite this unprecedented emergency measure, the stock market continued to tumble. During the 2008 presidential campaign, at least one voter saw the electoral relevance of these economic struggles. Francine Caruso wanted a president who would “fix the economy.” Francine, an administrative assistant who lost her job, couldn't sell her home, and watched her husband postpone retirement, declared that Obama and McCain “need to stop knocking each other and tell us what they can do for us” (Amon 2008 ). Our overarching question, in this collection of articles, is how other voters linked the economy to their 2008 candidate choice.
Analysis of ν4 of CD3Br

Abstract The infrared spectrum of ν 4 of CD 3 Br has been obtained with a resolution limit of 0.05 cm −1 . This resolution is sufficient to resolve the P and R structure, but insufficient to resolve the isotope effect for the two isotopes 79 Br and 81 Br. Combining the results of our analysis with estimates of A e and ζ 4 z given by Morino and Nakamura ( 1 ), we obtain ν 0 = 2296.46 cm −1 and A 0 = 2.603 cm −1 .
Development of fcc-Al nanocrystals in Al–Ni–Gd metallic glasses during continuous heating DSC scan

Abstract This paper examines the early crystallization stages in Al–Ni–Gd glass-forming alloys, especially in Al 87 Ni 7 Gd 6 , Al 85 Ni 7 Gd 8 and Al 90 Ni 5 Gd 5 , to more thoroughly quantify the mechanisms responsible for two-step fcc-Al nanocrystal formation phenomenon observed in certain amorphous Al alloys. Alloys were systematically studied using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and high-resolution TEM techniques. It was found that a confined range of chemistries for Al–Ni–Gd alloys partially devitrified into fcc-Al nanocrystals during both the first and second stages. The morphology of fcc-Al nanocrystals evolves gradually from spherical to irregular as the bulk Al content is decreased, consistent with an earlier report [M.C. Gao, G.J. Shiflet, Scripta Mater. 53 (2005) 1129–1134]. The current study reveals a close relationship among crystallization behavior during continuous heating DSC, isothermal annealing and plastic deformation, especially on the compositional dependence. For alloys of high Al contents such as Al 87 Ni 7 Gd 6 whose first crystallization peak during a DSC scan spans a wide temperature range with a long decaying tail, the presence of medium-range Al clustering in the amorphous solid is responsible for exclusive formation of fcc-Al nanocrystals when annealed at low temperatures or when plastically deformed at room temperature and the absence of an apparent glass transition event. The morphology of the initially spherical nanocrystals evolves into irregular shapes after passing the first stage peak temperature. The fact that both particle number density and volume fraction keeps rising throughout both stages suggests continuous nucleation and crystal growth. For alloys of low Al contents such as Al 85 Ni 7 Gd 8 , there is no sign of medium range Al clustering in the as-quenched state, and they exhibit a well-defined glass transition and a supercooled liquid regime. It is noted that the particle number density drops while the volume fraction rises during the second stage.
Imaging by time-tagging photons with the multi-anode microchannel array detector system.

The capability and initial use of the Multi-Anode Microchannel Array (MAMA) detector in the time-tag mode is reported. The detector hardware currently in use consists of a visible-light detector tube with a semitransparent photocathode proximity-focused to a high-gain curved-channel microchannel plate MCP. The photoevents are detected by a (256 x 1024)-pixel coincidence-anode array with pixel dimensions of 25 x 25 microns connected to charge-sensitive amplifiers and event-detection circuitry. In the time-lag mode, the detector delivers the pixel address and the time of arrival for each detected photon to an accuracy of 10 microns. The maximum count rate is limited by the speed of data-acquisition hardware. The MAMA detector in the time-lag mode is currently being evaluated in programs of astrometry and speckle imaging.
A generalization of Petersen's theorem

Abstract Petersen's theorem asserts that any cubic graph with at most 2 cut edges has a perfect matching. We generalize this classical result by showing that any cubic graph G =( V,E ) with at most 1 cut edge has a T -join of cardinality less than or equal to ¦ V ¦/2 for every even subset T of vertices. Our result is based on the Edmonds-Johnson min-max relation for T -joins.
T3JAM, a novel protein that specifically interacts with TRAF3 and promotes the activation of JNK1

Previous studies suggest that localization of tumor necrosis factor receptor (TNFR)-associated factor (TRAF) family members is important for regulating their signal transduction. During a screen for TRAF3-associated proteins that potentially alter TRAF3 subcellular localization and enable signal transduction, we identified a novel protein, T3JAM (TRAF3-interacting Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK)-activating modulator). This protein associates specifically with TRAF3 but not other TRAF family members. Coexpression of T3JAM with TRAF3 recruits TRAF3 to the detergent-insoluble fraction. More importantly, T3JAM and TRAF3 synergistically activate JNK but not nuclear factor (NF)-κB. Our studies indicate that T3JAM may function as an adapter molecule that specifically regulates TRAF3-mediated JNK activation.
Oxygen Inhibition of Photosynthesis in the C4 Species Amaranthus graecizans L.

In the C4 plant, Amaranthus graecizans, increasing [O2] from 2% up to 100% inhibited photosynthesis, quantum yield, and the carboxylation efficiency, and increased the CO2 compensation point (Γ) from 2 to about 12 μl/l. The O2 inhibition of photosynthesis was fully reversible. When changing from 2.5 to 40% O2 and vice versa, about 1 h was required for full equilibration with an O2 inhibition of 18%; whereas in wheat, a C3 species, inhibition of photosynthesis and its reversal occurs within minutes after changing [O2], resulting in 63% inhibition of photosynthesis by 45% O2. These differences in O2 inhibition between a C4 and C3 species can be explained by high diffusive resistance across bundle-sheath cells of C4 plants and the increased CO2/O2 ratio in bundle-sheath cells which is the consequence of the C4 cycle. In A. graecizans, Γ increased with increasing [O2] but tended to reach a maximum at relatively high O2 levels. The lack of a linear increase in Γ as previously observed for C3 species indicates that a considerable amount of photorespired CO2 may be re-fixed with increasing levels of O2. In comparison to previous reports with other C4 species, photosynthesis of A. graecizans shows greater sensitivity to O2, with a noticeable inhibition occurring with shifts from 2 to 21% O2. A. graecizans has characteristics of other C4 species with respect to Kranz anatomy, localization of PEP carboxylase in mesophyll cells and RuBP carboxylase in bundle-sheath cells, and little fractionation among carbon isotopes during CO2 fixation. The basis for the higher sensitivity of photosynthesis of A. graecizans to O2 may be based upon a lower diffusive resistance of gases across bundle-sheath cells than in some other C4 species.
AB0567 Coexistence of spondyloarthropathy and hypermobility joint syndrome: a report of seven cases

Background Spondyloarthropathies manifest with axial skeletal pain, stiffness and loss of mobility, whereas, Hypermobility Joint Syndromes, most commonly Benign Joint Hypermobility Syndrome (BJHS), Marfan’s syndrome, and Ehler’s Danlos syndrome (EDS), manifest with increased joint laxity and mobility in the peripheral and axial skeleton, and peripheral joint and back pain. The presence of hypermobility in patients with spondyloarthropathy, may underestimate the severity of spinal loss of mobility and present a diagnostic dilemma. Objectives To report the unusual association of Spondyloarthropathy( SpA) and Hypermobility Joint Syndrome(HJS). Methods Seven patients presenting in an academic rheumatology clinic over a course of 15 years are described in the following table Results Conclusions Peripheral arthralgia and back pain are common symptoms of hypermobility syndrome (1). Previously there have been four case reports of coexistence of SpA with HJS (2,3,4,5). We are presenting the largest series of SpA cases coexisting with Hypermobility syndromes. The unique association of two pathophysiologically(clinically) opposite entities may prevent more severe manifestation of axial stiffness and loss of mobility in SpA, a potentially beneficial effect. However, back pain persisted as a dominant symptom. This association should be suspected in young patients with back pain and physical exam findings of peripheral joint hypermobility and axial skeletal loss of mobility. References Kirk JA, et al. Ann Rheum Dis 1967; 26:419. Fietta P, Clin Rheumatol. 2001;20(2):140-2. Viitanen JV.Scand J Rheumatol. 1999;28(2):120-2. LeBlanc ML, et al. Arthritis Rheum. 1980 Jan;23(1):129-31. Vounotrypidis, P. Medical Hyptheses 75 (2010) pp 284-286. Disclosure of Interest None Declared
Centrifugal spinning: A novel approach to fabricate porous carbon fibers as binder-free electrodes for electric double-layer capacitors

Abstract Carbon nanofibers (CNFs), among various carbonaceous candidates for electric double-layer capacitor (EDLC) electrodes, draw extensive attention because their one-dimensional architecture offers both shortened electron pathways and high ion-accessible sites. Creating porous structures on CNFs yields larger surface area and enhanced capacitive performance. Herein, porous carbon nanofibers (PCNFs) were synthesized via centrifugal spinning of polyacrylonitrile (PAN)/poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) solutions combined with thermal treatment and were used as binder-free EDLC electrodes. Three precursor fibers with PAN/PMMA weight ratios of 9/1, 7/3 and 5/5 were prepared and carbonized at 700, 800, and 900 °C, respectively. The highest specific capacitance obtained was 144 F g −1 at 0.1 A g −1 with a rate capability of 74% from 0.1 to 2 A g −1 by PCNFs prepared with PAN/PMMA weight ratio of 7/3 at 900 °C. These PCNFs also showed stable cycling performance. The present work demonstrates that PCNFs are promising EDLC electrode candidate and centrifugal spinning offers a simple, cost-effective strategy to produce PCNFs.
Vapor-Liquid equilibrium: Part I. An appraisal of data reduction methods

Correlations of the excess Gibbs function and the activity coefficients of a binary, liquid-phase system at constant temperature depend on reduction of P-x-y data taken for the system in vapor-liquid equilibrium. It is shown that use of a full P-x-y data set is for all practical purposes based on just the P-y values. Alternative procedures require only P-x or P-y data. In any case, effective use of a full P-x-y data set can be made only if redundent experimental values of Px,y or P are compared for consistency with calculated values. This cannot be accomplished by means of the popular area test for thermodynamic consistency.
Adsorption of cesium on Ru(001)

The adsorption of Cs on Ru(001) was studied using LEED, TDS, Δφ and UPS. Adsorbed cesium formed a set of ordered structures with increasing coverage. The (√3 × √3)−R30° pattern with 5.3 × 1014 Cs atoms/cm2 was formed at monolayer saturation implying 13% compression in cesium layer with respect to the bulk. The work function decreased to a minimum at coverage 3.9 × 1014 Cs atoms/cm2 and for the higher coverages the work function increased toward the value of metallic cesium. The activation energy of desorption decreased from 60 kcal/mol at zero coverage to 19 kcal/mol for θCs = 13. Binding energy shifts of less than 0.5 eV of the Cs 5p semi-core levels were observed in the coverage range up to a monolayer. The 5p pair of Cs multilayers was shifted by 0.8 eV toward higher binding energy.
Evolutionary sequences of very hot, low-mass, accreting white dwarfs with application to symbiotic variables and ultrasoft/supersoft low-luminosity X-ray sources

We present the first detailed model results of quasi-static evolutionary sequences of very hot low-mass white dwarfs accreting hydrogen-rich material at rates between 1 x 10(exp -7) and 1 x 10(exp -9) solar mass/yr. Most of the sequences were generated from starting models whose core thermal structures were not thermally relaxed in the thermal pulse cycle-averaged sense of an asymptotic giant branch stellar core. Hence, the evolution at constant accretion rate was not invariably characterized by series of identical shell flashes. Sequences exhibiting stable steady state nuclear burning at the accretion supply rate as well as sequences exhibiting recurrent thermonuclear shell flashes are presented and discussed. In some cases, the white dwarf accretors remain small (less than 10(exp 11) cm) and very hot even during the shell flash episode. They then experience continued but reduced hydrogen shell burning during the longer quiescent intervals while their surface temperatures increase both because of compressional heating and envelope structure readjustment in response to accretion over thousands of years. Both accretion and continued hydrogen burning power these models with luminosities of a few times 10(exp 37) ergs/s. We suggest that the physical properties of these model sequences are of considerable relevance to the observed outburst and quiescent behavior of those symbiotic variables and symbiotic novae containing low-mass white dwarfs. We also suggest that our models are relevant to the observational characteristics of the growing class of low-luminosity, supersoft/ultrasoft X-ray sources in globular clusters, and the Magellanic Clouds.
Hybrid approach to the Japanese candlestick method for financial forecasting

This paper discusses an experimental study of the Japanese candlestick method as used in hybrid stock market forecasting models. Two models are presented in this paper. Model 1 is a committee machine with simple generalized regression neural networks (GRNN) experts. This model also has a simple gating network. Model 2 has a similar committee machine along with a hybrid type gating network that contains fuzzy logic. Model 1 was developed to introduce the candlestick method and examine whether using the candlestick method improves performance. Model 2 is developed to determine whether the application of fuzzy logic could improve the former model. This model uses standard IF-THEN rules based fuzzy logic. In the experiment, a few simple Japanese candlestick patterns are integrated into the models. Both models use the same simple candlestick patterns to provide a basis for comparison. The Japanese candlestick method is implemented in the gating network. Model 1 uses features of candlestick patterns in the gating network. Model 2 uses candlestick patterns for recognizing the strength of market conditions. To investigate the performance of these models, the daily stock quotes of Hewlett-Packard, Bank of America, Ford, DuPont, and Yahoo are used as input data sets. The performance of the models was satisfactory based on the mean squared error.
The fate of reef-derived sediment on the north Jamaican island slope

Abstract The Island slope north of Discovery Bay, Jamaica, consists of a steep, 5 km high, normal faulted monocline of Miocene chalk, dissected by submarine canyons, and partially mantled by pelagic brown clay—calcareous ooze. Beds of Holocene sand-sized reef debris are absent on the Island slope and in the adjacent abyssal basins of the Cayman trench. A few thin bends of sand-sized reef-crest sand are locally present less than one meter below the sediment—water interface on the upper Island slope, and resulted from seaward transport during a period of glacially lowered sea level. Minor amounts of sand, silt, and clay-sized reef debris are admixed with pelagic components in the late Pleistocene and Holocene sediments from the upper Island slope and abyssal basins adjacent to the Island slope. Reflection seismic profiles between Jamaica and Cuba suggest the Cayman trench to be a zone of north—south extension as a result of late Miocene normal faulting which created several kilometers of vertical relief. Eocene sediments may outcrop on horsts in the trench which bound the kilometer thick abyssal basins. Mass balance considerations suggest that half of modern carbonate reef productivity dissolves in adjacent deep water.
Sequence analysis of ripening-related cytochrome P-450 cDNAs from avocado fruit.

Abstract The ripening of avocado fruit is associated with the expression of a number of mRNAs concomitant with overt changes in texture and flavor. Two overlapping cDNAs for a mRNA that accumulates during ripening were identified. Sequence analysis of these two cDNAs revealed a polypeptide of 471 amino acids with characteristics of a typical P-450: an N-terminal hydrophobic membrane anchor, a conserved heme-binding domain in the C-terminal region, and patches of similarity to various P-450 family members. Further evidence that this polypeptide represents a cytochrome P-450 oxidase comes from the recent isolation and characterization of a cytochrome P-450 from ripe avocado mesocarp [O'Keefe, D. P. & Leto, K. J. (1989) Plant Physiol. 89, 1141-1149]. The N terminus of the predicted polypeptide in the cDNAs is identical to the N terminus of the purified avocado P-450. Gel blot analysis of RNA from fruit at various stages of ripening showed the accumulation of an 1800-nucleotide P-450 mRNA that hybridized to the P-450 cDNA. The P-450 protein predicted by the avocado cDNA sequence shares less than 40% positional identity with any known P-450 gene family. We propose therefore that it be placed in a separate family, P450LXXI, and that the corresponding gene from avocado be named cyp71A1.
Renal deficiency associated with diabetes insipidus in the SWR/J mouse.

Abstract The age-dependent polydipsia and polyuria observed in SWR/J mice was found to be caused by relative inability of the kidneys to respond to antidiuretic hormone (ADH), resulting in a concentrating defect, which persisted even following Pitressin injection or water deprivation. Posterior pituitaries contained large amounts of ADH, which was also found in the urine and increased in output following water deprivation, indicating normal, or above normal synthesis and release of ADH. Kidneys of polydipsic SWR/J mice weighed more than those of normal strains and sometimes contained a lesion in the medullary area. No clear relationship was found between the size of the lesion and water intake.
Analysis of spatially multiplexed channels to demonstrate and measure orbital angular momentum of photons in 62.5µm multimode fiber channels

Orbital Angular Momentum in a standard 62.5μm multimode fiber is demonstrated and measured for a 4 channel spatial division multiplexed system. Experimental results show that bandwidth of optical systems can be increased 8 folds.
Spatially covariant theories of a transverse, traceless graviton: Formalism

General relativity is a generally covariant, locally Lorentz covariant theory of two transverse, traceless graviton degrees of freedom. According to a theorem of Hojman, Kucha\ifmmode \check{r}\else \v{r}\fi{}, and Teitelboim, modifications of general relativity must either introduce new degrees of freedom or violate the principle of local Lorentz covariance. In this paper, we explore modifications of general relativity that retain the same graviton degrees of freedom, and therefore explicitly break Lorentz covariance. Motivated by cosmology, the modifications of interest maintain explicit spatial covariance. In spatially covariant theories of the graviton, the physical Hamiltonian density obeys an analogue of the renormalization group equation which encodes invariance under flow through the space of conformally equivalent spatial metrics. This paper is dedicated to setting up the formalism of our approach and applying it to a realistic class of theories. Forthcoming work will apply the formalism more generally.
Combined high-performance liquid chromatography-radioimmunoassay for cytokinins

Abstract The cytokinins isopentenyladenosine and ribosylzeatin were conjugated to bovine serum albumin and the conjugates used to raise antisera in rabbits. The resulting antisera had high specificity towards the cytokinin haptens and low cross-reactivity towards other purines. They were used as the basis for a radioimmunoassay for cytokinins, which, when applied in conjunction with high-performance liquid chromatography, allowed rapid and sensitive (to the picogram range) estimation and identification of multiple cytokinins from natural plant and bacterial sources.
Elastofibroma in ligamentum flavum in a patient with symptoms of spinal stenosis: yet another case report.

It is with great interest that I read the article by Daum et al titled “Elastofibromatous changes in tissues from spinal biopsies. A degenerative process afflicting a small but important subset of patients operated for spinal canal compression: report of 18 cases.” This seminal article together with 2 previous case reports constitute the whole literature on the subject. I wish to share a case with striking similarities to this clinicopathological entity. Recently, I was faced with biopsy material from a significantly thickened ligamentum flavum at the level of L4-L5 of a 53-year-old man with clinical symptoms of spinal stenosis. The altered ligamentum flavum warranted a biopsy with a clinical diagnosis of suspected granulomatous process. The biopsy material consisted of whitish firm tissue measuring 1.5 × 1.5 × 0.5 cm. Hematoxylin and eosin–stained sections showed cell-poor connective (ligament) tissue with surrounding fat and striated muscle tissue. The connective (ligament) tissue focally showed a preserved parallel structure of the collagen fibers but mostly displayed degenerative changes of myxoid type with pseudocystic spaces wherein clumps of fibrinoid material were found. Scattered areas of chondroid metaplasia were seen intermingled with areas showing myxoid degeneration. No inflammation was present. Throughout the degenerative areas with a predilection for regions with pseudocystic structures, irregular thick fibers, clumps, cords, and globoid structures composed of thick eosinophilic material separated by swollen collagen were present (Figure 1). On a van Gieson–Verhoeff elastin stain, these structures stained black and displayed the morphological features of pathological elastin (Figure 2). These findings show a striking similarity to the pictures and verbal descriptions of the elastofibromatous changes in spinal biopsies presented in the article by Daum et al. Also present, both in some of the cases presented by the authors and in the case presented herein, were regularly arranged elastic tissue fibers devoid of thick, fragmented globoid clumps of elastin, representing native ligament tissue. Of note is that 4 of the 18 cases presented by the authors, in addition to having symptoms of spinal cord compression, also displayed a thickening of the ligamentum flavum. All these patients were female (age 54-76 years), whereas the patient presented here is a man of similar age. Reportedly, 2 of these patients had disc herniation/
MAP kinase and cAMP filamentation signaling pathways converge on the unusually large promoter of the yeast FLO11 gene

In Saccharomyces cerevisiae, two major signal transduction pathways, the Kss1 MAPK pathway and the cAMP-regulated pathway, are critical for the differentiation of round yeast form cells to multicellular, invasive pseudohyphae. Here we report that these parallel pathways converge on the promoter of a gene, FLO11, which encodes a cell surface protein required for pseudohyphal formation. The FLO11 promoter is unusually large, containing at least four upstream activation sequences (UASs) and nine repression elements which together span at least 2.8 kb. Several lines of evidence indicate that the MAPK and cAMP signals are received by distinct transcription factors and promoter elements. First, regulation via the MAPK pathway requires the transcription factors Ste12p/Tec1p, whereas cAMP-mediated activation requires a distinct factor, Flo8p. Secondly, mutations in either pathway block FLO11 transcription. Overexpression of STE12 can suppress the loss of FLO8, and overexpression of FLO8 can suppress the loss of STE12. Finally, multiple distinct promoter regions of the FLO11 promoter are required for its activation by either Flo8p or Ste12p/ Tec1p. Thus, like the promoters of the key developmental genes, HO and IME1, the FLO11 promoter is large and complex, endowing it with the ability to integrate multiple inputs.
A two-dimensional model of the passive coastal margin deep sedimentary carbon and methane cycles

Abstract. We present a new geologic-time and basin-spatial scale model of the continental margin methane cycle. The model, SpongeBOB, is used to simulate evolution of the carbon cycle in a passive sedimentary continental margin in response to changing oceanographic and geologic forcing over a time scale of 200 million years. The geochemistry of the sediment column is altered by the addition of vertical high-permeability channels intended to mimic the effects of heterogeneity in the real sediment column due to faults, and produces results consistent with measured pore-water tracers SO42− and 129I. Pore water dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) concentrations are consistent with chemical weathering (CaCO3 formation from igneous rocks) at depth within the sediment column. The carbon isotopic composition of the DIC is consistent with a methane production efficiency from particulate organic carbon (POC) of 50%, which is somewhat lower than redox balance with the H / C of organic matter in the model. The hydrate inventory in the model is somewhat less sensitive to temperature than our previous results with a one-dimensional model, quite sensitive to reasonable changes in POC, and extremely sensitive to the ability of methane bubbles to rise within the sediment column, and how far gas-phase methane can get through the sediment column before it redissolves when it reaches undersaturated conditions. Hydrate formation is also sensitive to deep respiration of migrating petroleum. Other phenomena which we simulated had only a small impact on the hydrate inventory, including thermogenic methane production and production/decomposition of dissolved organic carbon.
Relationships Between Support for the Death Penalty and Cognitive Processing: A Comparison of Students and Community Members

Cognitive Experiential Self-Theory (CEST) posits that individuals process information rationally (measured by Need for Cognition [NFC]) or experientially (measured by Faith in Intuition [FI]). This...
First report of Basidiolum fimbriatum since 1861, with comments on its development, occurrence, distribution and relationship with other fungi

An obscure parasitic fungus, Basidiolum fimbriatum was found on Amoebidium parasiticum (Amoebidiales) associated with Caenis sp. (mayfly) nymphs, during a survey of gut fungi (Trichomycetes) from a small stream in northeastern Kansas, USA. The hindguts of the nymphs harboured a species of Legeriomycetaceae and Paramoebidium sp. This is the first report of the ectocommensal protozoan, A. parasiticum associated with the gills of Caenidae (Ephemeroptera) and of B. fimbriatum in the 142 years since its original documentation from Wiesbaden, Germany. B. fimbriatum is recorded from two midwestern USA states (Kansas and Iowa) and the morphological and developmental features of the parasite on its host are compared with Cienkowski's original observations and interpretation. B. fimbriatum is characterized as a parasitic fungus possessing merosporangia that form on a simple pyriform thallus that penetrates and consumes its host via a haustorial network. The hypothesis that B. fimbriatum is most closely related to members of the order Zoopagales sensu Benjamin (1979) is proposed. The importance of future collections and molecular-based phylogenetic approaches to place this parasitic fungus within a current system of classification are highlighted.
Interactive visualization and analysis for gene expression data

Currently, the cDNA and genomic sequence projects are processing at such a rapid rate that more and more gene data become available. New methods are needed to efficiently and effectively analyze and visualize this data. We present a visualization method which maps the samples' n-dimensional gene vectors into 2-dimensional points. This mapping is effective in keeping correlation coefficient similarity which is the most suitable similarity measure for analyzing the gene expression data. Our analysis method first removes noise genes from the gene expression matrix, then adjusts the weight for each remaining gene. We have integrated our gene analysis algorithm into a visualization tool based on this mapping method. We can use this tool to monitor the analysis procedure, to adjust parameters dynamically, and to evaluate the result of each step. The experiments based on two groups of multiple sclerosis (MS) and treatment data demonstrate the effectiveness of this approach.
Brane inflation: String theory viewed from the cosmos

Brane inflation is a specific realization of the inflationary universe scenario in the early universe within the brane world framework in string theory. The naturalness and robustness of this realistic scenario is explained. Its predictions on the cosmological observables in the cosmic microwave background radiation, especially possible distinct stringy features, such as large non-Gaussianity or large tensor mode that deviates from that predicted in the slow-roll scenario, are discussed. Stringy Kaluza–Klein (KK) modes as hidden dark matter is also a possibility. Another generic consequence of brane inflation is the production of cosmic strings towards the end of inflation. These cosmic strings are nothing but superstrings stretched to cosmological sizes. The properties of these cosmic superstrings and their subsequent cosmological evolution into a scaling network open up their possible detections in the near future, via cosmological, astronomical and/or gravitational wave measurements. At the moment, cosmological data are already imposing strong constraints on the details of the scenario. Finding distinctive stringy signatures in cosmological observations will go a long way in revealing the specific brane inflationary scenario and validating string theory as well as the brane world picture. Precision measurements may even reveal the structures of the flux compactification. Irrespective of the final outcome, we see that string theory is confronting data and making predictions.
Reducing racial disparities in obesity: simulating the effects of improved education and social network influence on diet behavior.

Abstract Purpose Understanding how to mitigate the present black–white obesity disparity in the United States is a complex issue, stemming from a multitude of intertwined causes. An appropriate but underused approach to guiding policy approaches to this problem is to account for this complexity using simulation modeling. Methods We explored the efficacy of a policy that improved the quality of neighborhood schools in reducing racial disparities in obesity-related behavior and the dependence of this effect on social network influence and norms. We used an empirically grounded agent-based model to generate simulation experiments. We used a 2 × 2 × 2 factorial design that represented the presence or absence of improved neighborhood school quality, the presence or absence of social influence, and the type of social norm (healthy or unhealthy). Analyses focused on time trends in sociodemographic variables and diet quality. Results First, the quality of schools and social network influence had independent and interactive effects on diet behavior. Second, the black–white disparity in diet behavior was considerably reduced under some conditions, but never completely eliminated. Third, the degree to which the disparity in diet behavior was reduced was a function of the type of social norm that was in place; the reduction was the smallest when the type of social norm was healthy. Conclusions Improving school quality can reduce, but not eliminate racial disparities in obesity-related behavior, and the degree to which this is true depends partly on social network effects.
Auditory Processing, Plasticity, and Learning in the Barn Owl

The human brain has accumulated many useful building blocks over its evolutionary history, and the best knowledge of these has often derived from experiments performed in animal species that display finely honed abilities. In this article we review a model system at the forefront of investigation into the neural bases of information processing, plasticity, and learning: the barn owl auditory localization pathway. In addition to the broadly applicable principles gleaned from three decades of work in this system, there are good reasons to believe that continued exploration of the owl brain will be invaluable for further advances in understanding of how neuronal networks give rise to behavior.
Effect of Lung Surfactant Collectins on Bronchoalveolar Macrophage Interaction with Blastomyces dermatitidis: Inhibition of Tumor Necrosis Factor Alpha Production by Surfactant Protein D

Blastomycosis is a pulmonary mycotic disease contracted by inhalation of airborne conidia or mycelial fragments of the dimorphic fungus Blastomyces dermatitidis, which promptly converts to its parasitic form, yeasts (2, 23, 39). The disease can become chronic and can disseminate, with granuloma formation and suppuration. Complete understanding of the epidemiology of blastomycosis is hindered by a lack of reporting (23, 25). The lung is an important interface between the host and an environment that contains a plethora of potentially harmful microorganisms. The innate immune defense of the lung includes the bronchoalveolar macrophages (BAM) and pulmonary surfactant. Under ordinary conditions BAM are a part of the defense against inhaled microorganisms. The bactericidal activity of BAM from humans, rats, or mice is well documented. In contrast, BAM fungicidal activity is limited for such pulmonary pathogens as Histoplasma capsulatum (24), B. dermatitidis (42), Coccidioides immitis (5), and Aspergillus fumigatus mycelia (37). A weak fungicidal activity of BAM for B. dermatitidis might relate to only a modest respiratory burst triggered by B. dermatitidis (8, 10). Pulmonary surfactant is a complex mixture of lipids, phospholipids, and proteins (36). Two of the surfactant-associated proteins, SP-A and SP-D, are involved in innate immunity and lung homeostasis and belong to a family known as collectins. One important biological role of collectins (20) is to bind to targets such as bacteria (26, 27), viruses (17-19, 32), and fungi (13, 29-31, 35). The collectins bind by recognizing patterns of carbohydrate distribution and, by binding and/or enhancement of phagocytosis, increase the clearance of the target by BAM. Little is known regarding the interaction of B. dermatitidis with surfactant protein (SP-A and SP-D) in the pulmonary compartment. The goal of the present study was to investigate the role of SP-A and SP-D in the interaction between BAM and B. dermatitidis, especially with regard to tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) production, since TNF-α is an important orchestrator of lung innate and adaptive immune responses, and this role is especially prominent with fungi (11, 15, 34).
An International Survey of Gross Anatomy Courses in Chiropractic Colleges

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to provide the first comprehensive description of gross anatomy course design in chiropractic colleges internationally and to provide baseline data for future investigation, future comparison with other health care professions, and identification of trends. Methods: A 72-question cross-sectional electronic survey was sent to the anatomy department chair at 36 chiropractic colleges internationally using Zoomerang, a web-based survey instrument. To augment the survey response data, public sources of data also were collected. Results: Forty-four percent of the electronic surveys were returned and information was gathered for 31 institutions from public sources. These results indicate (1) the most common degrees held by anatomy faculty were MS and PhD in anatomy, and DC degrees; (2) 75% of institutions utilized human cadavers and 75% presented laboratory anatomical demonstrations; (3) 62% used PowerPoint and 100% provided students with copies of lecture presentations; (4)...
"Vascular neurofibromatosis" and infantile gangrene.

An 11-year-old boy with slowly progressive gangrene caused by vasculopathy similar to that of neurofibromatosis (NF) type 1 (NF I; von Recklinghausen disease [NFvR]) and a newborn girl with idiopathic gangrene with vascular changes resembling those of NFvR prompted the analysis of all 105 propositi with NF (NF I and NF II) evaluated between January 2, 1982, and December 31, 1986, at the genetics clinic of University of South Florida. They were analyzed for renal hypertension, symptomatic ischemia, and known vascular changes. One additional 27-month-old boy with NFvR was found to have extensive vascular changes with renal hypertension. The vasculopathy indicated asymmetric over/undergrowth of cellular and extracellular components of the vascular wall and implied dysregulation of the paracrine growth mechanism. Immunocytochemical studies of affected vessels were done only in the 11-year-old boy and showed positive neuron-specific enolase, S-100 protein, and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) reactions indicative of Schwann cell involvement. The vascular changes in children with NFvR are mostly asymptomatic; however hypertension secondary to renal artery stenosis and/or Moya-moya disease have been reported infrequently. Our patients with vasculopathies provoked thoughts in regard to the so-called vascular NF, its place in current NF nomenclature and classification, relationship to fibromuscular dysplasia (FMD), and possible role in infantile gangrene.
Renal-Splanchnic Steal Syndrome: The Treatment of Chronic Mesenteric Ischemia With Renal Angioplasty and Stenting

The clinical syndrome of chronic mesenteric ischemia classically presents with a combination of involuntary weight loss, post prandial abdominal pain, and food fear. With occlusion or stenosis of the celiac and superior mesenteric arteries (SMA) collateral blood flow between mesenteric vessels is common and frequently act as the sole blood supply to the intestine. We present a rare case of chronic mesenteric ischemia in which the main blood supply to the celiac and SMA were collaterals coming off the right renal artery resulting in renal-splachnic steal. After an unsuccessful attempt to cannulate the SMA and celiac vessels it was possible to relieve this patient's symptoms with renal artery stenting.