cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Irregularities of Distribution, Derandomization, and Complexity Theory

In 1935, van der Corput asked the following question: Given an infinite sequence of reals in [0, 1], define D(n) = sup0≤x≤1||Sn ∩ [O, x]| - nx|, where Sn consists of the first n elements in the sequence. Is it possible for D(n) to stay in O(1)? Many years later, Schmidt proved that D(n) can never be in o(log n). In other words, there are limitations on how well the discrete distribution, x → |Sn ∩ [0, x]|, can simulate the continuous one, x → nx. The study of this intriguing phenomenon and its numerous variants related to the irregularities of distributions has given rise to discrepancy theory. The relevance of the subject to complexity theory is most evident in the study of probabilistic algorithms. Suppose that we feed a probabilistic algorithm not with a perfectly random sequence of bits (as is usually required) but one that is only pseudorandom or even deterministic. Should performance necessarily suffer? In particular, suppose that one could trade an exponential-size probability space for one of polynomial size without letting the algorithm realize the change. This form of derandomization can be expressed by saying that a very large distribution can be simulated by a small one for the purpose of the algorithm. Put differently, there exists a measure with respect to which the two distributions have low discrepancy. The study of discrepancy theory predates complexity theory and a wealth of mathematical techniques can be brought to bear to prove nontrivial derandomization results. The pipeline of ideas that flows from discrepancy theory to complexity theory constitutes the discrepancy method. We give a few examples in this survey. A more thorough treatment is given in our book [15]. We also briefly discuss the relevance of the discrepancy method to complexity lower bounds.
Developing an algorithm for mining semantics in texts

This paper discusses an algorithm for identifying semantic arguments of a verb, word senses of a polysemous word, noun phrases in a sentence. The heart of the algorithm is a probabilistic graphical model. In contrast with other existed graphical models, such as Naive Bayes models, CRFs, HMMs, and MEMMs, this model determines a sequence of optimal class assignments among M choices for a sequence of N input symbols without using dynamic programming, running fast---O(MN), and taking less memory space---O(M). Experiments conducted on standard data sets show encourage results.
Expression of calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase in relation to dopamine islands and synaptic maturation in the cat striatum

During pre- and postnatal development the dopamine-containing nigrostriatal afferents of the striatum are arranged as a conspicuous series of patches (the “dopamine islands”). The development of this dopamine island system, which metamorphoses in early postnatal life to the striosomal architecture of the adult, has recently received considerable attention, but the factors initiating and influencing maturation of this architecture are largely unknown. In an attempt to clarify the relationships between the onset of clustering of dopamine- containing afferents, the grouping of neurons within future striosomes and the maturation of synapses in the striatum, we compared the initial prenatal appearance and subsequent development of immunohistochemical markers for the dopamine-containing innervation [tyrosine hydroxylase (TH)-like immunoreactivity], for synaptic vesicles (SV48-like immunoreactivity), and for a phosphorylation-related enzyme Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase type II (CaM kinase II-like immunoreactivity) that is expressed in virtually all striatal neurons by adulthood. Here we present evidence that during striatal ontogeny, both neurons and neuropil expressing CaM kinase II-like immunoreactivity and SV48-positive terminals form discrete patches that are in register with dopamine islands. It is CaM kinase II-positive elements, however, rather than the TH-positive island fibers (or SV48- positive synapses), that initially form overt clusters. Dopamine- containing fibers begin to innervate the striatal anlage just prior to embryonic day (E) 32. Their distribution follows the general lateral to medial developmental gradient characteristic of the striatum but is not yet distinctly islandic. At this time, CaM kinase II-like immunoreactivity was very weak or not present at all and SV48-like immunoreactivity was undetectable. By E36, CaM kinase II-positive neurons are visible in discrete patches of immunopositive neuropil, but only faint inhomogeneities are detectable in the distribution of TH- positive fibers and scarcely any SV48-like immunoreactivity can be seen. By E45, all 3 markers are focused in typical islandic patterns, and they remain so into the early postnatal period. These observations suggest a developmental sequence in which dopamine-containing fibers invade the striatal anlage prior to forming distinct islandic foci and prior to the maturational events signaled by the production of CaM kinase II within the neurons and neuropil of future striosomes.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
Resonant recombination in ion-atom collisions

Resonant recombination in atomic collisions is reviewed. This process, often referred to as resonant transfer excitation (RTE), occurs when electron capture (transfer) is accompanied by projectile excitation in a single-collision with the electron-electron interaction mediating the combined capture and excitation. The close relationship of RTE to dielectronic recombination (DR) can be exploited to provide significant tests of theoretical calculations of this latter fundamental ion-electron recombination process. An overview of resonant recombination results obtained to date along isoelectronic and isonuclear sequences is presented and compared with theory. Certain discrepancies with theory exist and explanations which have been advanced are noted. Apart from its connection with DR, the RTE process also demonstrates the importance of the electron-electron interaction in the dynamics of fast ion-atom collisions. In this regard, results are discussed showing the role of resonant recombination in ion channeling and in relativistic heavy ion-atom collisions.
Centralized and decentralized lab approaches based on different virtualization models

Virtualization technology allows a single physical computer to run multiple isolated virtual machines concurrently. To find cost-effective ways of delivering remote labs, decentralized and centralized virtual lab approaches were explored in several information and computer technology courses. The virtual lab approaches employed different virtualization techniques, supported by native hypervisors, hosted hypervisors and container-based operating system virtualization.
Immediate reduction in temporal sensory summation after thoracic spinal manipulation

Abstract Background context Spinal manipulative techniques (SMT) have shown clinical effectiveness in some patients with musculoskeletal pain. Purpose We performed the current experiment to test whether regional pain modulation is to be expected from thoracic SMT. Study design/setting Randomized experimental design performed in a university pain laboratory. Outcome measures The primary outcome was experimental pain sensitivity in cervical and lumbar innervated area. Methods Ninety healthy volunteers were randomly assigned to receive one of three interventions (SMT, exercise, or rest) to the upper thoracic spine. Participants completed questionnaires about pain-related affect and expectations regarding each of the interventions. We collected experimental pain sensitivity measures of cervical and lumbar innervated areas before and immediately after randomly assigned intervention. Mixed model analysis of covariance was used to test changes in measures of experimental pain sensitivity. Results No interactions or intervention (group) effects were noted for pressure or A-delta–mediated thermal pain responses. Participants receiving SMT had greater reductions in temporal sensory summation (TSS). Conclusions This present study indicates thoracic SMT that reduces TSS in healthy subjects. These findings extend our previous work in healthy and clinical subjects by indicating change in the nocioceptive afferent system occurred caudal to the region of SMT application. However, the duration of reduction in TSS is unknown, and more work needs to be completed in clinical populations to confirm the relevance of these findings.
Ultrasound pretreatment of elemental iron: kinetic studies of dehalogenation reaction enhancement and surface effects.

This work presents data showing the kinetic improvement afforded by ultrasound pretreatment and illustrates the physical and chemical changes that take place at the iron surface. First-order rate constants improved as much as 78% with 2 h of ultrasound pretreatment. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and surface area analysis were used for confirmation of the physical changes that take place after ultrasound was used on iron surfaces exposed to a variety of conditions. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy was used to determine chemical surface characteristics before and after ultrasound use. SEM and surface area analysis showed that ultrasound use clears the iron surface of debris increasing the surface area up to 169%. In addition, exposure to ultrasound alters ratios of surface species, such as adventitious carbon to carbonyl carbon and iron to oxygen, and removed hydroxides thus making the iron more reactive to reductive dehalogenation.
External beam radiotherapy for head and neck cancers is associated with increased variability in retinal vascular oxygenation.

Background Radiation retinopathy is a possible post-treatment complication of radiation therapy. The pathophysiologic mechanism is hypothesized to be microvascular in origin, but evidence is limited. In an effort to study retinal oxygenation in these patients, we herein evaluate the repeatability and variability of retinal oximetry measurements in subjects who had previously received radiation and make comparisons to a cohort of unirradiated subjects.
Spectral dependence of nanocrystal photoionization probability: the role of hot-carrier transfer.

We conduct measurements of photocharging of PbSe and PbS nanocrystal quantum dots (NQDs) as a function of excitation energy (ℏω). We observe a rapid growth of the degree of photocharging with increasing ℏω, which indicates an important role of hot-carrier transfer in the photoionization process. The corresponding spectral dependence exhibits two thresholds that mark the onsets of weak and strong photocharging. Interestingly, both thresholds are linked to the NQD band gap energy (Eg) and scale as ∼1.5Eg and ∼3Eg, indicating that the onsets of photoionization are associated with specific nanocrystal states (tentatively, 1P and 2P, respectively) and are not significantly dependent on the energy of external acceptor sites. For all samples, the hot-electron transfer probability increases by nearly 2 orders of magnitude as photon energy increases from 1.5 to 3.5 eV, although at any given wavelength the photoionization probability shows significant sample-to-sample variations (∼10–6 to 10–3 for 1.5 eV and ∼10–4 ...
Randomized prospective evaluation of a novel technique for biopsy or lumpectomy of nonpalpable breast lesions: radioactive seed versus wire localization.

Background: Standard wire localization (WL) and excision of nonpalpable breast lesions has several shortcomings.
HEAT-RESISTANCE OF THE TUMORIGENIC NUCLEIC ACID OF SHOPE PAPILLOMATOSIS.

1 See Dunford, N., and J. T. Schwartz, J. Rational Mech. Anal., 5, 129-178 (1956). In what, follows, m will denote a general measure space with points x, y, . .., and measure dx. ' The case p = 2 of the theorem is due to D. L. Burkholder and Y. S. Chow, Proc. Amer. Math. Soc., 12, 490-495 (1961). This article was brought to our attention by G. C. Rota. We had independently obtained the general theorem in 1958, but did not publish it. Recently Rota has obtained another approach to the theorem which will appear elsewhere. See also C. Herz, Proc. Amer. Math. Soc., 12, 229-233 (1961). 3 These notions were used in the article of E. M. Stein and G. Weiss, Tohoku Math. J., 9, 318-339 (1957), especially section 3. 4 Stein, E. M., Trans. Amer. Math. Soc., 83, 482-492 (1956). 5 See the argument in R. E. Paley, Proc. London Math. Soc., 31, 289-300 (1930). 6 In the cases mentioned, the kernels are nonnegative. See G. N. Watson, J. London Math. Soc., 8, 189-192, 194-199, 289-292 (1933). 7 McKean, H. P., Trans. Amer. Math. Soc., 82, 519-548 (1956).
Tobacco and public policy in the USA

Focuses on information resources for US public policy concerning tobacco. Aspects of public policy are addressed under the following general topic areas: tobacco as an agricultural product or commodity; tobacco as a public health concern; legislation concerning tobacco; sources on tobacco regulation; and statistical sources on tobacco. Resources available over the World Wide Web are emphasized.
Scaling LAPACK panel operations using parallel cache assignment

In LAPACK many matrix operations are cast as block algorithms which iteratively process a panel using an unblocked algorithm and then update a remainder matrix using the high performance Level 3 BLAS. The Level 3 BLAS have excellent scaling, but panel processing tends to be bus bound, and thus scales with bus speed rather than the number of processors (p). Amdahl's law therefore ensures that as p grows, the panel computation will become the dominant cost of these LAPACK routines. Our contribution is a novel parallel cache assignment approach to the panel factorization which we show scales well with p. We apply this general approach to the QR, QL, RQ, LQ and LU panel factorizations. We show results for two commodity platforms: an 8-core Intel platform and a 32-core AMD platform. For both platforms and all twenty implementations (five factorizations each of which is available in 4 types), we present results that demonstrate that our approach yields significant speedup over the existing state of the art.
Volatiles from carpet: A source of frequent misinterpretation in arson analysis

Abstract Carpet and carpet padding are frequently submitted to laboratories for the analysis of residual accelerant in suspect arson cases. Charring and pyrolysis of the above matrixes produces volatiles that can cause interferences with some accelerants, most notably gasoline. A study was conducted to evaluate the interference potential of pyrolysis products obtained from simulated fire debris samples and from samples collected in the field. It was found that variable amounts of alkylbenzenes and naphthalenes are produced, along with large quantities of styrene and alkylstyrenes. Small amounts of higher-molecular-mass aromatic hydrocarbons are also generated but no alkanes or alkenes appeared. Since aromatic hydrocarbons are the major diagnostic components in gasoline, a potential interference is indicated. Careful observation of patterns within each group of isomers is required to rule out interferences. The distribution of alkylbenzenes in gasoline is quite different from the patterns produced by pyrolysis. Guidelines are proposed to distinguish between petroleum-based aromatic hydrocarbons and those derived from the pyrolysis of carpet/carpet padding. Mass fragmentography was found to be particularly useful toward the discrimination of interferences.
Interactions among Cu2+, Zn2+, and Mn2+ in controlling cellular Mn, Zn, and growth rate in the coastal alga Chlamydomonas

Culture experiments with the green alga Chlamydomonas sp. in metal ion-buffered media revealed antagonistic interactions between toxic metals (Cu and Zn) and nutrient metals (Zn and Mn) in regulating cellular Mn and Zn uptake and specific growth rate. High levels of ionic Cu2+ and Zn2+ inhibited cellular Mn uptake, and high Cu2+ inhibited Zn uptake rates. These effects were associated with growth rate inhibition at combined conditions of high Zn2+ and low Mn2+ and at high Cu2+ and low Zn2+. Zinc inhibited Mn uptake by competitively blocking Mn binding to a high-affinity Mn uptake system which was under negative feedback regulation. Kinetic modeling suggested that Zn was taken up by this system, and as a result, cellular Zn concentrations increased as external Mn2+ was decreased. Zinc uptake behavior was complex, and in addition to the Mn system, uptake appeared to involve a high-affinity Zn system induced at low Zn2+ and a separate constitutive low-affinity system. High Cu2+ levels inhibited zinc uptake by the high-affinity transport system. Such complex competitive interactions among metals provide important controls on cellular metal accumulation, toxicity, and nutrition.
Characteristics of Epstein-Barr Virus Envelope Protein gp42

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) glycoprotein 42 (gp42) is a membrane protein essential for fusion and entry of EBV into host B-lymphocytes. Gp42 is a member of the protein-fold family C-type lectin or lectin-like domains (CLECT or CTLD) and specifically is classified as a natural-killer receptor (NKR)-like CLECT. Literature review and phylogenetic comparison show that EBV gp42 shares a common structure with other NKR-like CLECTs and possibly with many viral CTLDs, but does not appear to exhibit some common binding characteristics of many CTLDs, such as features required for calcium binding. The flexible N-terminal region adjacent to the CTLD fold is important for binding to other EBV glycoproteins and for a cleavage site that is necessary for infection of host cells. From structural studies of gp42 unbound and bound to receptor and extensive mutational analysis, a general model of how gp42 triggers membrane fusion utilizing both the flexible N-terminal region and the CTLD domain has emerged.
Tracking Epileptogenesis Progressions with Layered Fuzzy K-means and K-medoid Clustering

Abstract This paper illustrates a method that identifies abnormal neurological events associated with acute brain injuries and seizures. The data is derived from intracortical electrodes that transmit EEG recordings that contain substantial amounts of noise. The output for the identification is specifically designed to be fed back into nan artificial intelligence unit the authors have designed that predict seizures in rats within 6 seconds of onset. This data will verify whether or not the prediction as accurate or not. The methodology set forth in this paper refiects the results of an ongoing research program that has investigated multiple techniques that have computational simplicity and are able to identify events with high precision. The paper presents our most recent in-house algorithm for seizure detection. The authors present this novel approach through the analysis of 3 channel EEG recordings from 3 rats that have 10 seizures each. The algorithm uses a Riemann sum analysis that compares the time to zero crossings with the absolute amplitude of the intervening signal. Herein, the authors present a system that incorporates clustering analysis using fuzzy K-means (FCM) and K-medoid clustering that identifies and separates artifact and normal states of animal with states seizure.
Managerial Authority as Political Authority: A Retrospective Examination of Christopher McMahon’s Authority and Democracy

An introduction to the March, 2005 symposium “The Political Theory of Organizations: A Retrospective Examination of Christopher McMahon’s Authority and Democracy” held in San Francisco as part of the Society for Business Ethics Group Meeting at the Pacific Division Meetings of the American Philosophical Association.
Progress In High Peak And Average Power Lasers For Soft X-Ray Production

A high intensity laser beam focused onto a surface is a source of soft X-rays that is both simple and elegant. In the past the high peak power laser sources were limited in repetition rate and average power. Thus the laser produced plasma was not considered useful in applications where average power is important such as lithography. However, even single pulse, low average power, laser plasma soft X-ray sources have been used for lithography studies. 1-4 In this talk we describe advances in laser sources that may lead to laser plasma soft X-ray average power levels that are adequate for production X-ray lithography. Our work in this area was motivated by the recent advances in high peak and average power laser sources, particularly the slab geometry solid state laser devices. 5,6 We were also motivated by Grobman's pro7posal that synchrotron radiation could be used for production X-ray lithography. We were curious as to whether a laser plasma soft X-ray source could be competitive with the synchrotron source. Our study showed that a laser source of 100-W average powqr could produce soft X-rays at the same level as the synchrotron source proposed by Grobman.8 However, the laser source must provide high peak power pulses to drive the plasma efficiently. Using the slab geometry it is possible to construct a 100-W average power, high peak power Nd:Glass laser source. The laser source must meet a set of engineering criteria such as size, reliability and efficiency in addition to criteria required to efficiently drive the plasma such as high peak and average power, excellent spatial mode properties and proper wavelength. The design of the laser source must also reflect the application of the soft X-rays to lithography, microscopy or spectroscopy. We briefly describe the slab geometry laser concept and then proceed to consider the plasma properties. We conclude by comparing various laser sources for driving the plasma and compare the plasma soft X-ray source to a conventional rotating anode source.© (1984) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Specific Surface Areas of Milk Powders Produced by Different Drying Methods

Abstract Low-temperature (−195C) adsorption of N 2 was used to study the physical surface features of whole and skimmilk powders produced by different drying techniques. Specific surface areas were calculated using the Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) multilayer adsorption theory. All the milk powders exhibited rather low surface areas (∼ .1-.6m 2 /g) and abnormally low values for the energy of adsorption of N 2 . Comparison of these surface areas with those obtained by permeametry yielded information on the relative porosities of the various powders. Conventional spray-dried powders were less porous than the instantized powders and the spray-dried foams. In addition, the surface areas of several milk constituents, including lactose, α -lactalbumin, β -lactoglobulin, and Na- α -caseinate, were measured.
Biosynthesis of the Thioquinolobactin Siderophore: an Interesting Variation on Sulfur Transfer

The thioquinolobactin siderophore from Pseudomonas fluorescens ATCC 17400 utilizes a variation of the sulfur transfer chemistry found in thiamine and molydobterin biosynthesis. A JAMM motif protein cleaves the C-terminal amino acid residues following a diglycine moiety on a small sulfur carrier protein, and the modified C terminus is activated and sulfurylated, forming a thiocarboxylate.
CONSTITUTIVE RELATIONS FOR SPLIT CYLINDER TESTS ON BITUMINOUS CONCRETE

The scope of this progress report was to a determine the constitutive relations for asphaltic concrete using the split cylinder test for two percents of bitumen, and b. compare the results with uniaxial tensile data on asphaltic concrete to assess the suitability of the split cylinder test for routine material characterizations. A special digital computer routine was used to reduce the experimental data, develop the constitutive relations, and perform the statistical analysis. Using the procedures reported here, the split cylinder tests, compared with uniaxial tension tests, overestimated the strain at high rates of loading, underestimated at very low rates of loading, and the ultimate strain values for the two test methods were the same for a value of R of about 0.1%/min. The split cylinder test underestimated the ultimate tensile stress by about one-half an order of magnitude for all values of strain rate that would be used in highway work.
Comparative biochemical studies of milks. V. The triglyceride composition of milk fats.

Abstract 1. 1. In thin-layer chromatography milk fats of fifteen species of ruminants exhibited two distinct triglyceride spots, those of forty species of non-ruminants only a single spot. 2. 2. The faster-moving triglycerides in ruminant milk fats had higher contents of 18 carbon acids and were devoid of butyric acid. The palmitic acid contents of the two groups of triglycerides were nearly identical.
Wrinkling of a bilayer resting on a soft substrate under in-plane compression

The wrinkling problem of a bilayer film resting on a soft substrate under in-plane compression is investigated via theoretical analysis and numerical simulations. Such a system may undergo two different wrinkling modes, namely surface wrinkling of the top single layer on a composite substrate or bilayer wrinkling on a homogeneous substrate, depending on the geometric and material parameters. In the present paper, a theoretical solution is first derived for the former case, while a solution available in the literature is applied for the latter. The solution derived here can degenerate both to the classical solution for a stiff layer resting on a semi-infinite soft substrate and that for a stiff layer lying on a compliant substrate of finite thickness. A series of finite element simulations are performed to demonstrate the accuracy of the theoretical solution. In addition, it is found that, at a given compressive strain, a certain change in the elastic modulus of the intermediate layer may lead to a dramati...
Transmembrane Domain Analysis of Polycystin-1, the Product of the Polycystic Kidney Disease-1 (PKD1) Gene: Evidence for 11 Membrane-Spanning Domains†

Polycystin-1, the protein product of the polycystic kidney disease-1 (PKD1) gene, was originally predicted to be an integral membrane glycoprotein with 11 transmembrane (TM) domains (TM 1-11). Subsequent comparative sequence analyses led to a revision of the original model, which retained the overall topology and 11 TM segments (TM I-XI) but dropped 3 of the original domains and introduced 3 new TM domains. The membrane-spanning potential and the orientation of each of the proposed TM domains following the extracellular REJ domain (TM I-XI and TM 11) have now been tested. Using a series of N-terminal polycystin TM-glycosylation reporter gene fusions expressed in vivo, we assayed N-linked glycosylation of the C-terminal glycosylation reporter as an indicator of TM domain presence and orientation. This approach has clearly demonstrated that 7 of the 12 TM domains tested function as membrane-spanning domains. In vitro analysis of the topogenic potential of the five remaining TM domains revealed that four of these also function as membrane-spanning domains, thus supporting an 11 TM structure for polycystin-1 comprised of TM domains I-XI. In addition, these studies suggest that the membrane insertion of TM domains I-IX occurs in a cotranslational and sequential manner, while multiple topogenic determinants appear to be required for the integration of the C-terminal-most TM segments of polycystin-1.
Estrogen therapy selectively enhances prefrontal cognitive processes: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study with functional magnetic resonance imaging in perimenopausal and recently postmenopausal women.

Objective: Estrogen therapy (ET) seems to differentially effect cognitive processes in younger versus older postmenopausal women, suggesting a window of opportunity when ET is most beneficial. Cognitive improvement in younger postmenopausal women has been attributed to ET's influence on hot flushes and sleep, but empiric examination of the mediating role of menopause symptoms versus direct effects of ET on the brain is limited. The aim of this study was to determine which cognitive domains are influenced by ET and whether hot flushes and sleep play mediating roles in these effects. Design: In a double-blind trial, 52 women were randomly assigned to estradiol 0.05 mg/day (n = 26) or placebo transdermal patches (n = 26) for 12 weeks. Women completed tests of memory, learning, and executive functioning, and hot flush and sleep assessments at baseline and study end. A subset of women (five ET treated, six placebo treated) also underwent blood oxygenation level-dependent (BOLD) functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) studies. Results: Nondepressed perimenopausal and postmenopausal women were studied. The majority had hot flushes and sleep impairment. Compared with placebo, ET selectively reduced errors of perseveration during verbal recall (P = 0.03), a frontal system-mediated function, but did not influence other cognitive processes. Women with baseline hot flushes had greater cognitive benefit with ET (P < 0.05). Cognitive benefit was not associated with sleep problems or its improvement. Measures of fMRI BOLD activation during tests of verbal and spatial working memory showed significant increases in frontal system activity with ET (P < 0.001). Conclusions: Estrogen therapy selectively improves executive functioning as demonstrated by reduced perseverative errors and prefrontal cortex activation during verbal recall tasks. Cognitive improvement with ET is associated with hot flushes, but not with sleep, suggesting that ET has a direct central nervous system effect, rather than an indirect effect mediated through improvement of sleep.
Nanofluidic structures for single biomolecule fluorescent detection

Fluid-filled nanofabricated cavities can be used to increase the spatial resolution of single molecule confocal microscopy based techniques by creating smaller and more uniformly illuminated probe volumes. Such structures may also be used to temporarily stretch single macromolecules, permitting the resolution of molecular details that would otherwise be beyond the capabilities of a diffraction limited system.
Artinian Gorenstein algebras of embedding dimension four: components of for

Abstract A Gorenstein sequence H is a sequence of nonnegative integers H = ( 1 , h 1 , … , h j = 1 ) symmetric about j / 2 that occurs as the Hilbert function in degrees less or equal j of a standard graded Artinian Gorenstein algebra A = R / I , where R is a polynomial ring in r variables and I is a graded ideal. The scheme P Gor ( H ) parametrizes all such Gorenstein algebra quotients of R having Hilbert function H and it is known to be smooth when the embedding dimension satisfies h 1 ⩽ 3 . The authors give a structure theorem for such Gorenstein algebras of Hilbert function H = ( 1 , 4 , 7 , … ) when R = K [ w , x , y , z ] and I 2 ≅ 〈 wx , wy , wz 〉 (Theorems 3.7 and 3.9). They also show that any Gorenstein sequence H = ( 1 , 4 , a , … ) , a ⩽ 7 satisfies the condition Δ H ⩽ j / 2 is an O -sequence (Theorems 4.2 and 4.4). Using these results, they show that if H = ( 1 , 4 , 7 , h , b , … , 1 ) is a Gorenstein sequence satisfying 3 h - b - 17 ⩾ 0 , then the Zariski closure C ( H ) ¯ of the subscheme C ( H ) ⊂ P Gor ( H ) parametrizing Artinian Gorenstein quotients A = R / I with I 2 ≅ 〈 wx , wy , wz 〉 is a generically smooth component of P Gor ( H ) (Theorem 4.6). They show that if in addition 8 ⩽ h ⩽ 10 , then such P Gor ( H ) have several irreducible components (Theorem 4.9). M. Boij and others had given previous examples of certain P Gor ( H ) having several components in embedding dimension four or more (Pacific J. Math. 187(1) (1999) 1–11). The proofs use properties of minimal resolutions, the smoothness of P Gor ( H ′ ) for embedding dimension three (J.O. Kleppe, J. Algebra 200 (1998) 606–628), and the Gotzmann Hilbert scheme theorems (Math. Z. 158(1) (1978) 61–70).
Synthesis and Characterization of Molecularly Imprinted Uranyl Ion Exchange Resins

Abstract Ion exchange resins with enhanced capacity and selectivity for UO2 2+ have been prepared using the molecular imprinting method. The imprinted structure was introduced by copolymerization of styrene with uranyl vinylbenzoate in the presence of divinylbenzene as the cross‐linking agent. The polymerization was carried out in bulk with free‐radical initiation using 2‐methoxyethanol as a solvent and porogen. Upon removal of the template, specific sites for UO2 2+ rebinding remained. In equilibrium binding experiments with a variety of metal ions, the polymers preferentially bound UO2 2+. Control experiments were performed with reference polymers prepared without the template (unimprinted) and Ni2+ imprinted polymers. Selectivity data show that the imprinted polymers have a higher affinity for UO2 2+ than any of the competing metal ions tested. Several variables, that are crucial in improving the capacity and selectivity of imprinted polymers, were investigated in detail. The variables included (1) the...
A prospective comparison of antibiotic usage in pediatric surgical patients: The safety, advantage, and effectiveness of the Surgical Infection Society guidelines versus a common practice

Abstract Background: The Surgical Infection Society (SIS) guidelines for antibiotic (Ab) usage minimally changed the surgical practice. The authors believed that clinical evidence of the safety, advantage, and effectiveness of SIS guidelines may improve inappropriate usage of Ab. Methods: A group of dedicated surgeons attempted to use Ab appropriately to SIS guidelines in their patients (group A). A comparison was made with a concurrent cohort of patients (group B), treated by surgeons who were nonsupporters of SIS guidelines. The trial was conducted in 378 children between March 1999 and May 2000. The outcome measures were morbidity and mortality rates, Ab treatment duration, timing of administration, unjustified spectrum, and switch of Ab. Analysis of variance and X 2 test were used in statistics. P value less than.05 was considered significant (s). Results: Group A included 124 patients and Group B, 254. There were no intergroup differences in age, sex, and clean/contaminated/dirty ratio of procedures. The mean duration of Ab treatment was 3.9 days in group A, versus 7.1 days in group B (s), with overall rate of appropriateness of 77% versus 36% (s) and no differences in mortality and morbidity rates. Conclusion: Perhaps these results may change Ab usage in pediatric surgery. J Pediatr Surg 37:1430-1434. Copyright 2002, Elsevier Science (USA). All rights reserved.
Programmed Instruction using Band Literature to Teach Pitch and Rhythm Error Detection to Music Education Students

One of the skills necessary for the conductor of an ensemble is the ability to detect errors of pitch and rhythm in a rehearsal while examining a correct score. This study developed (1) a program to train the ability to detect errors, and (2) a test to measure improvement of this ability. Both the program and the test used full-score band literature of medium-level difficulty. Three forms of the program, each differing in the number of practice frames, were developed in order to determine the optimum length of program needed to effectively train error detection skill. Results showed that programmed instruction was effective in training error detection skill and that the longer forms of the program resulted in greater gains.
Vacuum-assisted closure of necrotic and infected cranial wound with loss of dura mater: A technical note.

Background Complex cranial wounds can be a problematic occurrence for surgeons. Vacuum-assisted closure devices have a wide variety of applications and have recently been used in neurosurgical cases involving complex cranial wounds. There is only one report regarding the use of a vacuum-assisted closure device with loss of dura mater. We report a complicated case of a necrotic cranial wound with loss of dura mater. Case description A 68-year-old female underwent an evacuation of a subdural hematoma. Postoperatively, the patient developed a wound infection that required removal of the bone flap. The wound developed a wedge-shaped necrosis of the scalp with exposure of brain tissue due to loss of dura mater from previous surgeries. She underwent debridement and excision of the necrotic tissue with placement of a synthetic dural graft (Durepair®, Medtronic, Inc.) and placement of a wound vac. The patient underwent a latissismus dorsi muscle flap reconstruction that subsequently failed. After the wound vac was replaced, the synthetic dural graft was replaced with a fascia lata graft and an anterolateral thigh free flap reconstruction. We describe the technical nuances of this complicated case, how the obstacles were handled, and the literature that discusses the utility. Conclusion We describe a case of a complex cranial wound and technical nuances on how to utilize a wound-vac with loss of dura mater.
Prevalence of left ventricular diastolic dysfunction by Doppler echocardiography: clinical application of the Canadian consensus guidelines.

Abstract We evaluated diastolic filling patterns using Doppler echocardiography in 520 consecutive patients referred to our laboratory for transthoracic echocardiograms retrospectively and applied the standard guidelines used to characterize left ventricular (LV) diastolic function. Patients were classified by the Canadian consensus guidelines using transmitral and pulmonary venous Doppler echocardiographic parameters to have normal diastolic function or mild (abnormal relaxation), mild-to-moderate, moderate (pseudonormal), or severe (restrictive) diastolic dysfunction. LV diastolic dysfunction was present in 290 (56%) patients, whereas 167 (45%) patients with a normal LV ejection fraction had abnormal diastolic function. Patients with progressively more abnormal diastolic patterns had greater structural abnormalities with larger left atrial and LV size and lower LV ejection fractions. In the subset of patients with clinical evidence of congestive heart failure (99 patients), the prevalence of primary diastolic heart failure was 38% and most patients had underlying coronary or hypertensive heart disease. Standard guidelines of Doppler echocardiographic parameters allow semiquantitation of diastolic function and can be applied to studying large number of patients in a large clinical practice. (J Am Soc Echocardiogr 2002;15:1237-44.)
Adenyl Cyclase of Cultured Mammalian Cells: Activation by Catecholamines

Chang's liver cells and 3T6 mouse embryo fibroblasts contain high amounts of catecholamine-sensitive adenyl cyclase, whereas HeLa cells contain relatively low amounts of activity. Both epinephrine and fluoride ion stimulate activity of each cell line. In contrast to normal liver, Chang's liver cells show greater response to epinephrine and no detectable stimulation by glucagon.
Normal Structure of the Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone (GnRH) Gene in Patients with GnRH Deficiency and Idiopathic Hypogonadotropic Hypogonadism*

ABSTRACT. Idiopathic hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (IHH) is a genetic disorder in which a lack of hypothalamic GnRH secretion forms the basis for impaired gonadotropin release. Several lines of evidence, including an animal model of GnRH deficiency, suggest that an abnormality at the level of the GnRH gene might be responsible for the secretory defect in patients with IHH. We examined 13 patients (11 males and 2 females) with IHH documented by standard clinical and biochemical criteria, including apulsatile basal LH secretion which was reversed by administration of pulsatile GnRH. The structure of the GnRH gene in these patients was determined using Southern blot analyses. In every case EcoRI digestion revealed a 10-kilobase fragment including the entire GnRH gene, eliminating deletion of the gene as a cause of IHH. Multiple restriction enzymes (Xba I, BglII, BamHl, Pstl, TaqI, Rsal, EcoRV, and BglI) and hybridization probes to exons 2 and 4 of the gene were used to search for polymorphisms or relatively ...
Effects of neonatal thymectomy on spontaneous murine autoimmune disease.

SummaryThymectomies were done on the first day of life in NZB-NZW and NZB-NZC F1 hybrid mice. Sham thymectomized and nonthymectomized animals served as controls. Survival was somewhat shortened in thymectomized animals. The appearance of antinuclear antibodies, but not of Coombs positive hemolytic anemia was accelerated. There was little effect of thymectomy on the morphology of spleen and lymph nodes. When considered in relation to recent work on the bursa of Fabricius the results suggest that the mammalian analog of the bursa, rather than the thymus, may play a more important role in the pathogenesis of the murine autoimmune disease.
Place Cells Can Flexibly Terminate and Develop Their Spatial Firing. A New Theory for Their Function

In this study, hippocampal place cells were recorded in a behavioral paradigm previously not employed in place-cell research. Rats were exposed to the same fixed environment for as long as 8-24 h without interruption, while the firing of CA1 and CA3 place cells was monitored continuously. The first finding was that all place cells that were detected at the beginning of the recording sessions ceased to produce location-specific firing in their original firing fields within 2-12 h. This was observed despite the fact that the animals kept visiting the original firing fields, the hippocampal EEG was virtually unchanged, and the discriminated action potentials of the cells could be clearly recorded. The second finding was that some complex-spike cells that produced no spatially selective firing pattern at the beginning of the recording sessions developed location-specific discharges within 3-12 h. Thus, place cells can flexibly terminate and develop their spatial firing. even in a fixed environment and during similar behaviors, if that environment is explored continuously for a prolonged period. To explain this phenomenon, a new place-cell theory is outlined. Accordingly, the high-frequency discharges of these neurons may serve to create, under multiple extrahippocampal control and within limited periods, stable engrams for specific spatial sites in the association cortex where the cognitive map probably resides. After the creation of a stable engram, or in the absence of favorable extrahippocampal inputs, place cells may suspend their location-specific firing in the original field, and initiate the processing of another spatial site.
Narcissus and ECHO; Notes on Poussin's Birth of Bacchus in the FOGG Museum of Art

Poussin's late picture in the Fogg Museum, executed for the painter Stella in 1657 (Fig. 1),1 is commonly referred to by the abbreviated title, The Birth of Bacchus. It represents, however, not one subject but two. The left-hand section of the canvas, occupying about two-thirds of the total area, does not show the Birth of Bacchus but a subsequent event of his infancy. After his mother, Semele, had died in the fiery embraces of Jove, her infant son, too small to live, was sewn into the thigh of his father; in due time he was “born” once more and handed over to the nymphs of Nysa for upbringing and education. Accordingly the scene is laid before a cave overgrown with vines and ivy, with wine jugs and bowls full of fruits and flowers dimly discernible within. In, and near, a clear pool before the cave are seen seven nymphs excited by the sudden apparition of Mercury. Clad in a deep red mantle, the messenger of the gods has descended from the heavens and, with his right hand, points upward from whence he cam...
Addition of a C-Terminal Extension Sequence to Transforming Growth Factor-pl Interferes with Biosynthetic Processing and Abolishes Biological Activity

AbstractTransforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) is synthesized and secreted as a biologically latent complex. It has been proposed that one role of the latent complex is to prevent premature interaction of ligand and receptor intracellularly during biosynthesis (Wakefield et al, J. Cell Biol. (1987) 105, 965-9751. To test this hypothesis, the endoplasmic reticulum retention sequence Lys-Asp-Glu-Leu (KDEL) was added to the C-terminus of the wildtype TGF-β1 coding sequence, and to a construct in which mutagenesis of two cysteine residues in the precursor pro region results in the synthesis and secretion of active, as opposed to latent, TGF-β. Addition of either SEKDEL, or the control sequence SEKDVS to the TGF-β1 protein abolished biological activity. Western blot analysis indicated that the extended gene products are synthesized, but that the extension sequence partially interferes with the normal dimerization of the protein product, and totally inhibits the normal proteolytic processing and glycosylation o...
Overexpression of BCL2 blocks TNF-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL)-induced apoptosis in human lung cancer cells.

The tumor necrosis factor (TNF) related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL or Apo2L) and its receptors are members of the tumor necrosis factor superfamily. TRAIL triggers apoptosis by binding to its two proapoptotic receptors DR4 and DR5, a process which is negatively regulated by binding of TRAIL to its two decoy receptors TRID and TRUNDD. Here, we show that TRAIL effectively induces apoptosis in H460 human non-small-cell lung carcinoma cells via cleavage of caspases 8, 9, 7, 3, and BID, release of cytochrome c from the mitochondria, and cleavage of poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP). However, overexpression of Bcl2 blocked TRAIL-induced apoptosis in H460 cells, which correlated with the Bcl2 protein levels. Importantly, the release of cytochrome c and cleavage of caspase 7 triggered by TRAIL were considerably blocked in Bcl2 overexpressing cells as compared to vector control cells. Moreover, inhibition of TRAIL-mediated cytochrome c release and caspase 7 activation by Bcl2 correlated with the inability of PARP to be cleaved and the inability of the Bcl2 transfectants to undergo apoptosis. Thus, these results suggest that Bcl2 can serve an anti-apoptotic function during TRAIL-dependent apoptosis by inhibiting the release of cytochrome c and activation of caspase 7, thereby blocking caspase 7-dependent cleavage of cellular substrates.
Discrimination between the lens fiber cell 115 kd cytoskeletal protein and alpha-actinin.

The lens fiber cell cytoskeleton includes a protein with a relative molecular weight, by SDS PAGE, of 115 kD. This protein has been purported to be, or be related to alpha-actinin, a highly-conserved family of actin-binding cytoskeletal proteins common to many tissues across a wide phylogenetic range. In this report we assess the relationship between the 115 kd lens fiber cell protein and alpha-actinin. Assessment of relative molecular weight, immunologic cross-reactivity, and partial sequence analysis suggest that the 115 kD lens fiber cell cytoskeletal protein and alpha-actinin are either unrelated, or, at best, that the lens protein represents an unusually divergent isoform of the alphaactin family of proteins. Immunochemical analysis of homogenates of bovine heart and red blood cells indicate that these tissues express a protein which is weakly cross-reactive with the lens 115 kD protein, but that this cross-reactive protein is not alpha-actinin.
Interleukin 2 induces tumor necrosis factor gene expression in vivo.

Interleukin 2 (IL-2) treatment of malignancies is often associated with severs toxicity, and the alterations observed after high dose administration of IL-2 are similar to those induced by recombinant tumor necrosis factor (TNF). We therefore examined the hypothesis that IL-2 induces TNF gene expression in vivo. Purified, recombinant human IL-2 was injected intraperitonealy into mice which had been previously primed with complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA). Biologically-active TNF was detected in the ascites fluid of CD-1 mice; it was detectable 30 minutes after IL-2 and peaked at 1 hour (500 ± 158 units/ml). Plasma levels of TNF also peaked at 1 hour at 32 ± 4 units/ml. Similar kinetics were observed in CBA/J mice. TNF specific mRNA was also present in the ascites cells, and peaked 30 minutes after IL-2 injection into CBA/J mice. Injection of vehicle containing 10 times the maximum contaminating dose of endotoxin did not induce TNF above background levels. As a further control for potential endotoxin contam...