cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Photic Sensitivity of Macaque Monkey and Pulvinar Neurons

The pulvinar complex of the primate brain, by sheer mass alone, is the major nucleus of the thalamus having visual input. The evolution of the pulvinar appears to culminate in primates where the nucleus is largest and becomes most differentiated. The following figures will serve to illustrate the relative size and location of the divisions of the primate pulvinar. Figure 1 illustrates the locus of the three divisions of the pulvinar complex at the level of the caudal pole of the lateral geniculate nucleus (LGN) while Fig. 2 outlines the major divisions of the pulvinar at their largest extent in the posterior thalamus. Clearly these nuclear groups make up the bulk of the thalamus at this level.
Influence of experience and the surgical learning curve on long-term patient outcomes in cardiac surgery

Abstract Objective We hypothesized that increased postgraduate surgical experience correlates with improved operative efficiency and long-term survival in standard cardiac surgery procedures. Methods Utilizing a prospectively collected retrospective database, we identified patients who underwent isolated coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) (n = 3726), aortic valve replacement (AVR) (n = 1626), mitral valve repair (n = 731), mitral valve replacement (MVR) (n = 324), and MVR + AVR (n = 184) from January 2002 through June 2012. After adjusting for patient risk and surgeon variability, we evaluated the influence of surgeon experience on cardiopulmonary bypass and crossclamp times, and long-term survival. Results Mean surgeon experience after fellowship graduation was 16.0 ± 11.7 years (range, 1.0-35.2 years). After adjusting for patient risk and surgeon-level fixed effects, learning curve analyses demonstrated improvements in cardiopulmonary bypass and crossclamp times with increased surgeon experience. There was marginal improvement in the predictability ( R 2 value) of cardiopulmonary bypass and crossclamp time for CABG with the addition of surgeon experience; however, all other procedures had marked increases in the R 2 following addition of surgeon experience. Cox proportional hazard models revealed that increased surgeon experience was associated with improved long-term survival in AVR (hazard ratio [HR], 0.85; P P P = .006) but not in CABG (HR, 0.80; P = .15), and a trend toward significance in MVR (HR, 0.87; P = .09). Conclusions In cardiac surgery, not including CABG, surgeon experience is an important determinant of operative efficiency and of long-term survival.
Synchronous Cell Differentiation

Publisher Summary Synchronous cell differentiation refers to the occurrence of simultaneous cellular transformations throughout a population of cells. Although the induction of cell division synchrony may be a prerequisite for such an experimental situation, it need not be the primary concern of the investigator. In fact, the motivating force for studying a synchronously differentiating system is that it is only through the amplification of specific biochemical and morphological changes that analytical methods of cell biology are successfully employed. The chapter focuses mainly on those cellular communities in which synchrony has been induced experimentally throughout the entire population. In order to achieve an understanding of the process of differentiation one must look beyond the question of genome replication. The possibly common feature in the systems described in the chapter has been the intimate involvement of extranuclear elements in morphogenetic changes. Membrane complexes, such as the bacterial chromosome “initiator” and the cortical organelles in protoza, are strategically localized to assume more than an incidental relationship with nuclear elements as a shift in the cell state is taking place. One must examine a specific event of differentiation not merely as a further example of the molecular virtuosity of cells but as an indication of the mechanisms which control such specialization.
Evaluation of likelihood-ratio and performance bounds for nonlinear decision problems via stochastic PDE

The nonlinear binary decision problem with signal satisfying a diffusion equation observed through noisy measurements is considered. Using the unnormalized conditional density of nonlinear filtering, expressions for evaluating the decision strategy and error probability bounds are obtained, in terms of the solution of a stochastic partial differential equation. This equation is solvable for linear as well as certain nonlinear decision problems. In the limit as the random inputs tend to zero, the application of large deviations result for the unnormalized conditional distribution gives asymptotic estimates for evaluating the decision strategy and performance.
Observation of new lines of Xe xliv, xlv, xlvi, and xlvii in the range 2.5–3.0 Å from laser-imploded targets

A spherical target symmetrically irradiated and imploded by a multibeam laser system can be a powerful source of spectra of highly ionized atoms. The high density achieved at peak compression (Ne ~ 1024 cm−3) permits fast ionization to high-charge states. We report here on the observation of new lines of Xe xliv, xlv, xlvi, and xlvii in the range of 2.5–3.0 A from xenon-filled glass microballoons imploded with the six-beam 2 TW-ZETA laser system. Classification of these lines was done with the aid of a Hartree–Fock relativistic calculation. Tables of wavelengths and oscillator strengths are given.
Induction of Senescence

Sencescence is an essential mechanism to protect from excessive tissue proliferation. After about 50 population doublings, somatic cells enter irreversible cell cycle arrest. During cell division, the ends of chromosomes (telomeres) cannot be fully reduplicated and, in the absence of a mechanism for maintaining telomere length, erode 50–100 bases per cell division. The telomere shortening with every cell division reflects the history of population doublings. In addition, chromosome shortening may be caused by single strand breaks derived from oxidative stress (accumulation of reactive oxygen metabolites). Senescence is overcome in cancer cells.
Approximating the α-permanent

SUMMARY The standard matrix permanent is the solution to a number of combinatorial and graph-theoretic problems, and the α-weighted permanent is the density function for a class of Cox processes called boson processes. The exact computation of the ordinary permanent is known to be #P-complete, and the same appears to be the case for the α-permanent for most values of α. At present, the lack of a satisfactory algorithm for approximating the α-permanent is a formidable obstacle to the use of boson processes in applied work. This paper proposes an importance-sampling estimator using nonuniform random permutations generated in a cycle format. Empirical investigation reveals that the estimator works well for the sorts of matrices that arise in point-process applications, involving up to a few hundred points. We conclude with a numerical illustration of the Bayes estimate of the intensity function of a boson point process, which is a ratio of α-permanents.
Bank Litigation, Bank Performance and Operational Risk: Evidence from the Financial Crisis

Deposit insurance is a put option that encourages excessive risk taking by banks. Excess litigation against a bank, a form of operational risk, is one indicator of risk because litigation often reflects a failure to maintain a strong system of internal control. We analyze five different measures of bank financial performance and a unique hand-collected data set on bank legal expense. Our results are consistent with the hypothesis that high legal expense predicts weak future bank performance. If investors had legal expense information on a regular basis there would be greater market discipline. Bank regulators should consider requiring consistent and comprehensive reporting of legal expense on regulatory reports to help identify institutions with excessive operational risk. Existing reporting creates unnecessary information asymmetries since investors are not as informed as they could be about operational risk, no doubt leading to mispricing of bank securities.
Observations on the misdiagnosis of generalized epilepsy as partial epilepsy: causes and consequences

Abstract More therapeutic options (surgical and pharmacologic) are available for partial than for generalized epilepsies. This report describes and analyzes a possible bias to diagnose focal epilepsies. Data were prospectively collected on patients who underwent noninvasive prolonged EEG-video monitoring over a 2-year period at an epilepsy program. Cases where the diagnosis of ‘partial seizures’ (after monitoring) was questionable were identified and the data reviewed. Sixteen cases were identified. (a) Six had an idiopathic generalized epilepsy. All had generalized tonic–clonic (GTC) seizures, two had myoclonic seizures, and three had typical absences. All patients had generalized spikes and spike–wave complexes. All had normal IQs and normal brain imaging. One patient underwent invasive EEG. (b) Ten patients had a symptomatic or cryptogenic generalized epilepsy. IQs ranged from 49 to 74 (mean: 63). All patients had diffuse EEG slowing, and generalized ictal EEG patterns. Interictal EEG showed generalized spike–wave complexes in nine, and multifocal spikes in five. Seizures included GTC in all, generalized tonic in four, and atypical absences in two. Two of the 10 patients underwent invasive EEG. The misdiagnosis of generalized epilepsy as partial epilepsy occurs for both idiopathic and cryptogenic or symptomatic generalized epilepsies, more often in the latter case. Risk factors may include: asymmetry in EEG or seizure semeiology, the eagerness to enroll in drug studies or surgical programs, and the lack of team thinking involving several epileptologists. This problem is almost certainly under-reported and may occasionally result in unwarranted invasive procedures.
Adsorption and desorption hysteresis of pahs in surface sediment

The overall objective of this research is to investigate the desorption reversibility of two PAHs (naphthalene and phenanthrene) from sediment materials Batch adsorption and desorption experiments were designed to minimize the contribution of experimental artifacts The sorbent was sediment obtained from Johnson Ranch (Lula, OK) that contained 92% sand, 6% silt, 2% clay, and 0 27% organic matter Batch adsorption and desorption experiments with radiolabeled chemicals were conducted at various pH levels and ionic strengths, solute concentrations ranging over several orders of magnitude, and equilibrium times up to five months These model pollutants appear to be readily adsorbed by sediment, but a portion of the bound pollutants resists desorption The adsorption is rapid and predictable using published Koc and Kow relationships From 30 to 50% of the adsorbed amount resists desorption The resistant fraction can be desorbed in water only at rates one to three orders of magnitude slower than previous observations or theories It is hypothesized that some multistep chemical or mechanical effects promote soil aggregation and/or entrapment of pollutants in the soil organic matter during adsorption
Is the lens canned

Abstract The ocular lens somehow remains pellucid despite bombardment by ultraviolet radiation and endogenous hydrogen peroxide (present in the humoral fluids which bathe tissue). The lens and vitresous humors contain exceptionally high concentration of reducing substances, particularlty acid, though to be important in lenticular oxidant defense. However, in the pressure of traces of transition metals, or when exposed to ultraviolet radiation, ascorbic acid readily reacts with oxygen, yeilding hydrogen peroxide, and damaging lens crystallins. We propose the alternative hypothesis that the real antioxidant function of ascorbic acid, particularly that in the aqueous and vitreous humors, may be effecting the conversion of oxygen to water. Because the lens lacks a blood supply, coupled reactions acid with oxygen in the humoral fluid spaces should produce a metabolically sustained anaerobiosis. If so, nature may have preinvented the process of cannning, wherein food (or in this case, the lens) is preserved by a combination of sterility and anoxia.
Protein deficiency and tribal warfare in Amazonia: new data.

Increasing numbers of anthropological studies about native Amazonian warfare and demographic practices attempt to explain these phenomena as competition over or a response to scarce game animals and other sources of high-quality protein. Recently completed field research among the Yanomamo Indians living at the Venezuela-Brazil border indicates that their protein intake is comparable to that found in highly developed industrialized nations and as much as 200 percent more than many nutritional authorities recommend as daily allowances. Recent data on other Amazonian tribes likewise fails to indicate a correlation between protein intake and intensity of warfare patterns.
Quantification of Sodium Uptake in Chirocephalopsis Bundyi (Forbes) (Branchiopoda Anostraca)

Der Anostrake Chirocephalopsis bundyi transportiert aktiv Natrium-ionen durch ein sattigbares, intensitatslimitiertes System mit einer hohen ionischen Affinitat. Diese Garnelen konnen bei weniger als 0,04 mmol Na/1 uberleben und verfugen uber eine maximale Natriumaufnahmekapazitat von 6,68 ± SE 0,69 mmol Na/kg/hr in einer Losung von 6 mmol/l. In niedrigeren Umwelt-Natrium-Konzentrationen ist die Aufnahme wesentlich geringer.
Total and regional myocardial blood flow in aortic regurgitation.

Abstract Total, phasic, and regional flow were studied in 12 open-chest dogs with aortic regurgitation. An adjustable catheter device was used to produce aortic regurgitation. Four differently labeled 7 to 9μ microspheres were injected into the left atrium during control, mild (5 to 25 per cent), moderate (25 to 50 per cent), and severe (50 to 80 per cent) regurgitation. Aortic regurgitation (AR) and the ratio of diastolic coronary blood flow to systolic coronary blood flow ( DIAS SYS RATIO) were measured from the electromagnetic flow tracings. The simultaneous left ventricular and aortic pressures were used to calculate DPTI SPTI (diastolic pressure time index to systolic time index). Myocardial flow, flow to major subgroups, and endocardial/epicardial ratios were determined from radioisotope analysis of the left ventricle. Mean absolute control values and mean changes of key variables from control were: 3 . Control Mild AR Mod AR Severe AR Heart rate (beats/min.) 163.42 −5.00 −4.83 ∗ −8.56 DPTI SPTI 1.18 −0.12 ∗ −0.24 ∗ −0.56 ∗ Dias/Sys ratio 4.23 −0.28 −1.64 ∗ −3.31 ∗ Myo. flow (ml./100g./min.) 99.90 −5.63 11.18 21.63 Endocardium (ml./100 g./min.) 97.27 −5.28 10.26 7.39 Epicardium (ml./100 g./min.) 100.15 −7.38 7.88 21.58 ENDO EPI ratio 0.99 0.01 0.01 −0.11 ∗ Denotes significant change from control state (P = 0.05). The phasic coronary blood flow results in this study are similar to those reported in chronic, intact anesthetized dogs; when the degree of aortic regurgitation increased, there was a significant decrease in diastolic coronary blood flow with an increase in systolic coronary blood flow. Not previously reported are the changes in the distribution of myocardial perfusion. Total myocardial flow increased slightly. There were minimal changes in blood flow to the endocardium which resulted in a slight decrease in the ENDO EPI ratio and a decrease in the per cent of flow to the endocardium. These results indicate that, although acute aortic regurgitation produces significant changes in phasic coronary flow, there are much smaller effects on total and regional myocardial blood flow.
The effect of spark timing and negative valve overlap on Spark Assisted Compression Ignition combustion heat release rate

Abstract Spark Assisted Compression Ignition (SACI) combustion is capable of partially decoupling combustion phasing from peak heat release rate, overcoming one of the major challenges associated with low temperature combustion. Experimental SACI studies have shown that for a given combustion phasing, peak heat release rate can be modulated by trading the fraction of the fresh charge consumed by flame propagation with the fraction consumed by auto-ignition. The chemical and physical mechanisms controlling the changes in heat release rate are not well known. The current work uses computational simulation to explore these modes through the combined control of spark timing and charge temperature via changes in negative valve overlap. Open cycle CFD simulation results are compared with experimental data to validate a newly developed SACI model, and used to gain insight into the processes governing combustion behavior. The simulations predict a 43% reduction in the peak rate of heat release with increasing spark advance, while the unburned charge mass at the time of auto-ignition decreases by only 23%. Detailed analysis of the end-gas thermodynamic state prior to auto-ignition shows as spark is advanced, the end-gas thermal and compositional distributions vary with the fraction of the charge consumed by the flame. The reduction in the rate of peak rate of heat release during the auto-ignition process is therefore a function of both the mass of the end-gas and the end-gas reactivity.
Cultured trabecular-meshwork cells: Immunohistochemical and lectin-binding characteristics

We examined the extracellular matrix formation and lectin-binding properties of cultured trabecular-meshwork cells established from cynomologus monkey and bovine eyes. Using an avidin-biotin complex method, we found that the extracellular matrix in both the monkey and bovine cultures stained intensely with antibodies to fibronectin, type IV collagen, and laminin. These materials were especially prominent when the cultured monkey trabecular-meshwork cells aggregated in clusters, manifesting their close anatomic relationship to trabecular beams. Cell-surface and intracellular lectin-binding properties were studied using eight biotinylated lectins: concanavalin A (Con A), peanut agglutinin (PNA), Ricinus communis agglutinin (RCA), Dolichos biflorus agglutinin (DBA), soy bean agglutinin (SBA), Phaseolus vulgaris (PHA), wheat germ agglutinin (WGA), and Ulex europaeus agglutinin I (UEA I). Both monkey and bovine trabecular-meshwork cells showed positive cell surface and intracellular binding to Con A, WGA, and PHA. Only moderate cell-surface staining was observed with RCA, and no visible staining occurred with PNA, DBA, SBA, and UEA—1.
Writing on the Margins from the Center: Homeless Youth + Politics at the Borders:

Research with homeless youth requires negotiating with Institutional Review Boards (IRB), school districts, and social service agencies. Youth that are homeless live a life different from the researcher, thus issues of trust and caring need to be considered before asking a vulnerable young person to share his or her story. The authors share insight learned from a qualitative study of the educational barriers of homeless youth that highlight these issues. The overarching finding is that homeless youth are invisible and silenced in a social service system overwhelmed with red tape and bureaucratic procedures. The authors suggest that program developers, researchers, and policymakers give voice to homeless youth by listening to the stories they tell and then enacting policies that build on their recommendations.
The 1960s: a decade of progress for blacks?

Between 1960 and 1970 blacks, as well as whites, improved their socioeconomic status. Among both races, educational attainment increased, the occupational distribution was upgraded, and real purchasing power rose markedly. In almost every comparison, the gains were somewhat greater among blacks than among whites and thus most indicators of racial differentiation declined. Nevertheless, the changes of this decade failed to eliminate racial differences with regard to socioeconomic status. In all comparisons, except for the income of certain groups of women, blacks were at a disadvantage when compared to whites both at the start and at the end of this decade, and very large racial differences remain. Further socioeconomic progress by blacks during the 1970s will probably not eliminate racial differences. The article concludes by relating the socioeconomic trends to such other aspects of race relations as integration, governmental policy, and the attitudes of whites and blacks.
Minimizing the probability of a tie for first place

Abstract Suppose that the scores of k players are independent integer valued random variables with probabilities p j , j =1, 2,…, n . We investigate the distributions which minimize the probability of a tie for the highest score and show that these satisfy the limit law lim n →∞ ∑ j ≤ n x p j = x 2/ k for 0≤x≤1.
An M -ary neural network model

An M-ary neural network model is described, and is shown to have a higher error correction capability than the bipolar Hopfield neural net. The M-ary model is then applied to an image recognition problem.
Computed tomographic diagnosis of complications of transhepatic cholangiography and percutaneous biliary drainage

Over a 12-month period we evaluated, using computed tomography, 11 patients suspected of having developed complications of biliary interventional procedures. CT scans revealed 3 hepatic abscesses, 3 intrahepatic or subcapsular hematomas, 3 bilomas, of which 2 were infected, 1 pancreatic abscess, and 1 case of extension of tumor along a biliary catheter tract. Computed tomography provided information which allowed very specific preoperative diagnoses and which guided plans for further evaluation and treatment.
Recent Developments Related To An Optically Controlled Microwave Phased Array Antenna.

This paper is concerned with recent developments related to an optically controlled phased array antenna (OCPA). It will discuss the most important requirements of such a system, highlighting important results in optically controlled beamforming, and routing via fibers reference and communications signals.
Reproductive gonadal steroidogenic activity in the fishing cat (Prionailurus viverrinus) assessed by fecal steroid analyses

Non-invasive fecal steroid analyses were used to characterize gonadal activity in the fishing cat (Prionailurus viverrinus). Estrogen, progestagen and androgen metabolites were quantified in fecal samples collected for 12 months from four males and 10 females housed at seven North American zoological institutions. Male reproductive hormone concentrations did not vary (P>0.05) among season, and estrogen cycles were observed year-round in females and averaged (±SEM) 19.9±1.0 days. Mean peak estrogen concentration during estrus (460.0±72.6ng/g feces) was five-fold higher than baseline (87.3±14.0ng/g feces). Five of seven females (71.4%) housed alone or with another female demonstrated spontaneous luteal activity (apparent ovulation without copulation), with mean progestagen concentration (20.3±4.7μg/g feces), increasing nearly five-fold above baseline (4.1±0.8μg/g feces). The non-pregnant luteal phase averaged 32.9±2.5 days (n=13). One female delivered kittens 70 days after natural mating with fecal progestagen concentrations averaging 51.2±5.2μg/g feces. Two additional females were administered exogenous gonadotropins (150IU eCG; 100IU hCG), which caused hyper-elevated concentrations of fecal estrogen and progestagen (plus ovulation). Results indicate that: (1) male and female fishing cats managed in North American zoos are reproductively active year round; (2) 71.4% of females experienced spontaneous ovulation; and (3) females are responsive to exogenous gonadotropins for ovulation induction, but a regimen that produces a normative ovarian steroidogenic response needs to be identified.
Acute hepatic and renal toxicity of dichlorobenzene isomers in Fischer 344 rats.

Studies were conducted to examine acute hepatic and renal toxicity of dichlorobenzene (DCB) structural isomers. Male Fischer 344 (F344) rats were injected with 2, 3 or 4 mmol kg-1 of 1,2-DCB, 1,3-DCB or 1,4-DCB (o-, m-, p-). Pair-fed control (PFC) animals were injected (i.p.) with corn oil (1 ml kg-1). Hepatic and renal toxicity was quantitated 24 h after injection of DCB or vehicle. Plasma transaminase (ALT/GPT) activity was increased (P < 0.05) by 1,2-DCB as a function of dose administered. Centrilobular necrosis was observed in rats treated with 1,2-DCB while morphology was relatively normal in rats treated with m- or p-DCB. Administration of (2 or 4 mmol kg-1) 1,3-DCB or 1,4-DCB did not alter kidney weight or blood urea nitrogen (BUN) levels. Renal cortical slice accumulation of p-aminohippurate (PAH) was decreased (P < 0.05) by (2 and 4 mmol kg-1) 1,3-DCB and (3 and 4 mmol kg-1) 1,2-DCB while accumulation of the cation tetraethylammonium (TEA) was decreased by 4 mmol kg-1 1,4-DCB. (TEA). The results of these studies demonstrated that ortho substitution enhanced hepatic and renal toxicity. The results also would suggest that the liver was more sensitive than the kidney for DCB toxicity.
Making Library Screencast Tutorials: Factors and Processes

Many library tutorials are currently being created by using screencasts, a form of web-based streaming media. This case study describes a tutorial project undertaken by a group of three librarians who had not had previous experience in this area. The article explains the planning, documentation, and production processes involved with making the tutorials as well as the multiple roles that emerged. It outlines the review process that involved project supervisors and the input of library staff from various departments. Upon project completion, the team revisited matters that needed to be a part of the initial process: marketing, faculty buy-in, and assessment.
The Challenging Road to Reconciliation in Rwanda: Societal Processes, Interventions and Their Evaluation

This article briefly discusses some efforts that Rwanda has made to recover from the genocide, ranging from trying perpetrators to creating just social arrangements. It also discusses problematic policies and practices that may interfere with reconciliation. It then describes work the author and his associates have engaged in to promote healing and reconciliation in Rwanda. First, they conducted training/workshops to help people understand the influences that lead to genocide and other great violence, and avenues to prevention, healing and reconciliation. Following this they created educational radio programs for the same ends. The article describes a highly popular radio drama in Rwanda, which has been broadcast since 2004. Evaluation studies of both the effects of the trainings and of the radio drama have found positive effects that are highly relevant for reconciliation. These include more positive attitudes toward the other group, more empathy, more willingness to say what one believes, and more moderate respect for authority (presumably leading to less blind obedience). Anecdotal reports from the community also show the positive effects of the radio drama.
Field survival, migration and ovipositional characteristics of laboratory-reared Toxorhynchites rutilus rutilus (Diptera: Culicidae).

Three hundred and fifty 6-day-old laboratoryreared adult Toxorhyuchites rutilus rutilus were released on 2 occasions in a sparsely wooded 5.3-ha residential area in Gainesville, Florida. Oviposition was monitored for 14 days after each release by using a grid of 64 oviposition traps located within the residential area and surrounding woods (total of 12.6 ha). Eggs were deposited in an average of 70% of the ovitraps. Despite migration of females into the surrounding woods at a rate of about 6% per day, an average of 80% of the eggs recovered were laid in the residential area. Daily adult survival was estimated as 0.795 and lifetime egg production per female released as 4.88.
Aeolian dune interactions and dune‐field pattern formation: White Sands Dune Field, New Mexico

Pattern formation is a fundamental aspect of self-organization in fields of bedforms. Time-series aerial photographs and airborne light detection and ranging show that fully developed, crescentic aeolian dunes at White Sands, New Mexico, interact and the dune pattern organizes in systematically similar ways as wind ripples and subaqueous dunes and ripples. Documented interactions include: (i) merging; (ii) lateral linking; (iii) defect repulsion; (iv) bedform repulsion; (v) off-centre collision; (vi) defect creation; and (vii) dune splitting. Merging and lateral linking are constructive interactions that give rise to a more organized pattern. Defect creation and bedform splitting are regenerative interactions that push the system to a more disorganized state. Defect/bedform repulsion and off-centre collision cause significant pattern change, but appear to be neutral in overall pattern development. Measurements of pattern parameters (number of dunes, crest length, defect density, crest spacing and dune height), dune migration rates, and the type and frequency of dune interactions within a 3500 m box transect from the upwind margin to the core of the dune field show that most pattern organization occurs within the upwind field. Upwind dominance by constructive interactions yields to neutral and regenerative interactions in the field centre. This spatial change reflects upwind line source and sediment availability boundary conditions arising from antecedent palaeo-lake topography. Pattern evolution is most strongly coupled to the pattern parameters of dune spacing and defect density, such that spatially or temporally the frequency of bedform interactions decreases as the dunes become further apart and have fewer defects.
Iron-Catalyzed Olefin cis-Dihydroxylation Using a Bio-Inspired N,N,O-Ligand

Nature has evolved enzymes that carry out the cis-dihydroxylation of CC bonds in the biodegradation of arenes in the environment. These enzymes, called Rieske dioxygenases, have mononuclear iron centers coordinated to a 2-His-1-carboxylate facial triad motif that has emerged as a common structural element among many nonheme iron enzymes. In contrast, olefin cis-dihydroxylation is conveniently carried out by OsO4 and related species in synthetic procedures. To develop more environmentally benign strategies for carrying out these transformations, we have designed Ph-DPAH [(di-(2-pyridyl)methyl)benzamide], a tridentate ligand that mimics the facial N,N,O site of the mononuclear iron center in the Rieske dioxygenases. Its iron(II) complex has been found to catalyze olefin cis-dihydroxylation almost exclusively and with high H2O2 conversion efficiency on a wide range of substrates. and 18O labeling experiments suggest the participation of an FeV oxidant.
Homocystinuria: investigations of cystathionine synthase in cultured fetal cells and the prenatal determination of genetic status.

CYSTATHIONINE SYNTHASE DEFICIENCY (Fig. 1), which is inherited in an autosomal recessive manner , results in the clinical syndrome of homocystinuria. The full clinical picture is distinct 1 and may include dislocation of the optic lenses, progressive skeletal changes, severe t h r o m b o e m b o l i c disease , and, of ten, var iable degrees of mental retardation. Synthase activity, and its absence in affected individuals, has been demonstrated in liver and brain2,3,7; more recently it has been found in cultured skin fibroblasts 4, 6 and phytohemagglutininstimulated lymphocytes, s Heterozygotes can now be distinguished from patients and from normal individuals by determinat ion of synthase activity in cultured skin fibroblasts. 6 The utilization of cultured skin fibroblasts in the diagnosis of numerous enzymatic disorders often has been followed by attempts a t spec i f ic prenatal diagnosis by assay of cultured amniotic fluid cells. However, in order to establish proper control data, it is essential to determine optimal assay conditions for cultured amniotic
Prospective controlled clinical and histopathologic study of hidradenitis suppurativa treated with the long-pulsed neodymium:yttrium-aluminium-garnet laser

Background Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic inflammatory disease involving the intertriginous areas. Objective We sought to conduct clinical and histopathologic evaluation of the efficacy of long-pulsed neodymium:yttrium-aluminium-garnet laser treatment for HS. Methods We conducted a prospective, randomized, right-left within-patient controlled trial for HS (n = 22). Four monthly laser sessions were performed. Disease activity was measured at baseline, and treatment response was assessed before each laser session and monthly for 2 months after the completion of laser treatment, using a modified scoring system based on Sartorius score. Histologic examination was performed at baseline, immediately after laser treatment, and at 1 and 4 weeks after treatment. A patient questionnaire was circulated on the last visit to assess patients' level of satisfaction. Results There was progressive improvement in disease activity, most significantly during the 4 months of treatment, which was maintained during the 2-month posttreatment follow-up period. Averaged over all anatomic sites, the percent improvement was 72.7% on the laser treated side, and 22.9% on the control side ( P Limitations Small sample size was a limitation. Conclusions Long-pulsed neodymium:yttrium-aluminium-garnet laser, together with topical benzoyl peroxide and clindamycin, is significantly more effective than topical benzoyl peroxide and clindamycin alone for the treatment of HS. Preliminary review of histopathology suggests the mechanism of action is destruction of the hair follicle. The overall success of the treatment in both clearing pre-existing lesions and preventing new eruptions, coupled with high patient satisfaction, makes the neodymium:yttrium-aluminium-garnet laser a promising treatment advance for this highly disabling condition.
Early postoperative small bowel obstruction.

Background: Early postoperative small bowel obstruction (EPSBO) is a distinct clinical entity that is often difficult to differentiate from postoperative ileus. Methods: A literature search was performed for articles dealing with early postoperative small bowel obstruction using Medline and Google™. Results and conclusion: When bowel function does not return within 5 days after surgery, causes of persistent ileus should be excluded and treated. Most instances of mechanical EPSBO can be treated expectantly for at least 10–14 days with almost no risk of bowel strangulation. Some causes of obstruction (for example herniation at a laparoscopic trocar site) require early reintervention, whereas in other cases (such as radiation enteritis, carcinomatosis) reintervention may be deferred indefinitely. Many episodes of EPSBO resolve without the cause being elucidated. Copyright © 2004 British Journal of Surgery Society Ltd. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The Influence of a Positive Psychology Course on Student Well-Being.

This study examined the influence of participation in a positive psychology course on undergraduates’ well-being. Twenty-three students from a small liberal arts college in the Northeastern United ...
The immune response to viral antigens as a determinant of arthritis in caprine arthritis-encephalitis virus infection

Evidence is reviewed which indicates that CAEV persists in infected goats with variable and restricted expression. Immunosuppression prevents the lesions caused by CAEV. Arthritis is enhanced in CAEV-challenged goats that have been immunized with inactivated CAEV or are persistently infected with CAEV. A large part of the synovial fluid immunoglobulin is antibody against virion surface glycoproteins. These observations support the hypothesis that the immune response to viral antigens is a major determinant of CAEV arthritis.
A Spatial Autocorrelation Approach for Examining the Effects of Urban Greenspace on Residential Property Values

This paper presents spatially explicit analyses of the greenspace contribution to residential property values in a hedonic model. The paper utilizes data from the housing market near downtown Los Angeles. We first used a standard hedonic model to estimate greenspace effects. Because the residuals were spatially autocorrelated, we implemented a spatial lag model as indicated by specification tests. Our results show that neighborhood greenspace at the immediate vicinity of houses has a significant impact on house prices even after controlling for spatial autocorrelation. The different estimation results from non-spatial and spatial models provide useful bounds for the greenspace effect. Greening of inner city areas may provide a valuable policy instrument for elevating depressed housing markets in those areas.
Synthesis and Cytotoxicity of Semisynthetic Withalongolide A Analogues

The natural product withaferin A exhibits potent antitumor activity and other diverse pharmacological activities. The recently discovered withalongolide A, a C-19 hydroxylated congener of withaferin A, was recently reported to possess cytotoxic activity against head and neck squamous cell carcinomas. Semisynthetic acetylated analogues of withalongolide A were shown to be considerably more cytotoxic than the parent compound. To further explore the structure–activity relationships, 20 new semisynthetic analogues of withalongolide A were synthesized and evaluated for cytotoxic activity against four different cancer cell lines. A number of derivatives were found to be more potent than the parent compound and withaferin A.
Neighborhood Influences on Travel Behavior and Availability Constraints

Traditionally, transportation demand studies have, for the most part, viewed modal choice in terms of an aggregate system-wide function. However, it seems reasonable to expect that the travel decision may be influenced by a composite of factors that include not only availability conditions, but determinants relating to neighborhood characteristics and peer-group pressures. In this paper, supply-side constraints on availability were used to segment the market and logit probabilistic choice models were fitted to each segment. It was found that inducements to individuals to alter their modal choice must consider not only cost factors and standard demographics, but also peer-group (class) constraints. System-wide approaches will fail to consider these important demand considerations. (Author/TRRL)
Two Selective Etching Solutions for GaAs on InGaAs and GaAs / AlGaAs on InGaAs

Two solutions for selectively etching on and on are presented. A solution of is shown to have a etch rate more than 50 times higher than the etch rate of . A solution of etches both and selectively relative to , with a selectivity of 8 or more for.
Arachidonic acid regulates unsaturated fatty acid synthesis in lymphocytes by inhibiting stearoyl-CoA desaturase gene expression

This work was based upon the observation that a reduction in the level of serum, provided to murine lymphocytes in culture, augmented endogenous unsaturated fatty acid (UFA) synthesis. Since the phospholipids of BW5147 cells grown in 1% serum were especially deficient in arachidonic acid (20:4), and given the findings of previous workers, we suspected that the availability of exogenous 20:4 in serum might correlate with the squelching of UFA synthesis. Indeed, after a 5 h exposure to 4-28 microM 20:4, the 20:4 content of BW5147 cell phospholipids increased from 1% to 15% of the total fatty acids with a coincident reduction in 18:1 synthesis to approx. 30% of starting values. Subsequent studies were done to define the mechanism by which 20:4 down-regulates 18:1 synthesis. The results indicated that 20:4 inhibited endogenous 18:1 synthesis by reducing stearoyl-CoA desaturase (SCD) enzyme activity. Moreover, as determined by Northern blot analyses, the inhibitory effect of 20:4 on stearoyl-CoA desaturase activity coincided with decreased stearoyl-CoA desaturase mRNA levels. Exposure of BW5147 cells to either 20:4, actinomycin D, or both, resulted in a temporal decay of stearoyl-CoA desaturase mRNAs with half-lives ranging from 4.0 h to 4.4 h. Such a similarity in decay times implied that 20:4 regulates stearoyl-CoA desaturase expression by inhibiting transcription. This was confirmed by nuclear run-on studies in which 20:4 was found to inhibit transcription of nascent stearoyl-CoA desaturase mRNA. Collectively, these findings implicate 20:4 as an important regulator of stearoyl-CoA desaturase gene expression, and hence UFA synthesis, in lymphoid cells.
Prediction of the kinetics of crack propagation and the residual durability of vessels in gaseous hydrogen

We propose an experimental–theoretic approach to the prediction of the kinetics of crack propagation and determination of the residual durability of vessels in gaseous hydrogen. Kinetic diagrams of hydrogen cracking (KDHC) of VNL-1М (05Kh13N8M3) cast martensitic steel under various pressures of the hydrogen atmosphere and various concentrations of hydrogen preabsorbed at high temperatures are constructed. The threshold values of stress intensity factors are established. The residual durability of a pipeline and a high-pressure gas cylinder are calculated. It is established that, as the hydrogen pressure and concentration increase, the threshold value of the stress intensity factor decreases in the first section of a KDHC and the rate of subcritical propagation of a crack increases in the second section.
Learning parallel portfolios of algorithms

A wide range of combinatorial optimization algorithms have been developed for complex reasoning tasks. Frequently, no single algorithm outperforms all the others. This has raised interest in leveraging the performance of a collection of algorithms to improve performance. We show how to accomplish this using a Parallel Portfolio of Algorithms (PPA). A PPA is a collection of diverse algorithms for solving a single problem, all running concurrently on a single processor until a solution is produced. The performance of the portfolio may be controlled by assigning different shares of processor time to each algorithm. We present an effective method for finding a PPA in which the share of processor time allocated to each algorithm is fixed. Finding the optimal static schedule is shown to be an NP-complete problem for a general class of utility functions. We present bounds on the performance of the PPA over random instances and evaluate the performance empirically on a collection of 23 state-of-the-art SAT algorithms. The results show significant performance gains over the fastest individual algorithm in the collection.
Coupled geophysical constraints on heat flow and fluid flux at a salt diapir

[1] Within a largely steady-state low-flux passive margin, a seafloor seep at the Blake Ridge Diapir transiently releases methane gas and sulfide-laden fluids. Until now, fluid flux estimates on the diapir have been too small to reconcile with seafloor gas emission and the survival of a chemosynthetic community at the seep. Analysis of heat flow and high-resolution seismic data collected across the diapir confirms fluid flux through a sub-vertical chimney with apparent fluid velocities between 20 to 400 m ky−1, ∼100 times larger than previous estimates derived from pore water geochemical data. Away from the chimneys, observations indicate that conductive thermal processes and low fluid fluxes dominate in the hydrate reservoir and that dissolution of the salt diapir does not control the thickness of the hydrate stability zone. The results suggest that, despite limited fluid flux in the larger area, focused flux can be significant enough to sustain a seafloor chemosynthetic community at the diapir.
Chromatin structure of active and inactive human X-linked phosphoglycerate kinase gene.

We have carried out a comparative analysis of DNase I sensitivity of the active and inactive X-linked phosphoglycerate kinase (Pgk)genes in human lymphoblast and fibroblast cultured cells. Three DNase I-sensitive regions were detected: a 5′ hypersensitive site, a sensitive region in the interior of the gene and a 3′ slightly sensitive site which we previously reported and have now mapped with some precision. A comparison of these sensitive sites in single and multiple X cell lines indicates that the sensitive sites are unique to the active X chromosome. A similar study of an X-linked Pgkpseudogene shows no difference in DNase I sensitivity between the pseudogenes on the active and inactive X chromosomes. These latter results imply that sex chromatin does not confer a unique level of DNase I resistance to DNA on the inactive X chromosome. The exact role of sex chromatin in differential DNase I sensitivity of genes on the inactive and active X chromosomes is discussed.
Antimagnet [AP-S Turnstile]

It is quite amazing that almost 160 years after Maxwell equations were first developed, we are still finding new solutions based solely on them! [1] (Alvaro Sanchez of the Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona, Spain)
Comparative heterokaryon study of cellular senescence and the serum-deprived state.

Abstract Autoradiographic patterns of DNA replication in serum-deprived human diploid fibroblast-like cells (HDFC) and “senescent” HDFC have been compared in two types of heterokaryons. Each was fused to low passage, proliferating HDFC and, in separate experiments, to HeLa cells. Sequential 1 h pulses with [3H]thymidine were initiated at short intervals following fusion. In all hybridizations serum-deprived and senescent cells behaved identically. Upon fusion to HeLa cells, DNA synthesis in the quiescent nuclei occurred in a wave between 3 and 30 h after fusion. When either serum-deprived or senescent HDFC were fused to young proliferating HDFC, the nuclei of the latter were blocked from entering the S phase if fusion occurred at least 3 h before the G/S boundary. These findings are consistent with the interpretation that one or more crucial steps in G0 occurs 3 h before the G1/S interface. That young serum-deprived (G0) HDFC behave identically to senescent cells in these hybridization studies suggests that the mechanism of arrest in each state might share a final common pathway, and a model based on these observations is proposed.
Influence of catalyst structure and modification on the photocatalytic production of hydrogen from water on mixed metal oxides

Abstract The photocatalytic decomposition of water on various mixed metal oxides showing tunnel or layered structures has been investigated and their catalytic performance has been evaluated by the rates of hydrogen production under the irradiation of a mercury lamp and sunlight. It was found that the photocatalytic activity depends significantly on catalyst structures and on modification techniques, such as loading, proton-exchange or substitution, and tunnel oxides were superior to layered one with respect to the hydrogen production from water. The activity was enhanced by loading Pt and RuO 2 for various mixed metal oxides, while it depended on the loading methods and the structure of catalysts. The comparison of the rates of hydrogen production under the mercury lamp and sunlight irradiations suggested that the hydrogen production under the irradiation of sunlight was almost attributed to the UV-light. The influence of Pt-loading methods and treatment with HNO 3 on the activity and structure of catalysts has been also discussed in this study.