cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Bioinformatic Application of Fluorescence-Based In Vivo RNA Regional Accessibility Data to Identify Novel sRNA Targets.

Data from fluorescence-based methods that measure in vivo hybridization efficacy of unique RNA regions can be used to infer regulatory activity and to identify novel RNA: RNA interactions. Here, we document the step-by-step analysis of fluorescence data collected using an in vivo regional RNA structural sensing system (iRS3) for the purpose of identifying potential functional sites that are likely to be involved in regulatory interactions. We also detail a step-by-step protocol that couples this in vivo accessibility data with computational mRNA target predictions to inform the selection of potentially true targets from long lists of thermodynamic predictions.
Too much TMAO and GVHD

In this issue of Blood, Wu and colleagues report that trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO), an intestinal microbiome-dependent metabolite, worsens graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). They further found that TMAO induces M1 polarization of bone marrow–derived macrophages via the nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain–like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3). TMAO is produced by hepatic processing of intestinal bacteria–derived trimethylamine (TMA) following metabolism of certain dietary nutrients, including choline, lecithin, l -carnitine, and γ-butyrobetaine.
Mapping cognitive brain functions at scale

Abstract A fundamental set of cognitive abilities enable humans to efficiently process goal-relevant information, suppress irrelevant distractions, maintain information in working memory, and act flexibly in different behavioral contexts. Yet, studies of human cognition and their underlying neural mechanisms usually evaluate these cognitive constructs in silos, instead of comprehensively in-tandem within the same individual. Here, we developed a scalable, mobile platform, “BrainE” (short for Brain Engagement), to rapidly assay several essential aspects of cognition simultaneous with wireless electroencephalography (EEG) recordings. Using BrainE, we rapidly assessed five aspects of cognition including (1) selective attention, (2) response inhibition, (3) working memory, (4) flanker interference and (5) emotion interference processing, in 102 healthy young adults. We evaluated stimulus encoding in all tasks using the EEG neural recordings, and isolated the cortical sources of the spectrotemporal EEG dynamics. Additionally, we used BrainE in a two-visit study in 24 young adults to investigate the reliability of the neuro-cognitive data as well as its plasticity to transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS). We found that stimulus encoding on multiple cognitive tasks could be rapidly assessed, identifying common as well as distinct task processes in both sensory and cognitive control brain regions. Event related synchronization (ERS) in the theta (3-7 Hz) and alpha (8-12 Hz) frequencies as well as event related desynchronization (ERD) in the beta frequencies (13-30 Hz) were distinctly observed in each task. The observed ERS/ERD effects were overall anticorrelated. The two-visit study confirmed high test-retest reliability for both cognitive and neural data, and neural responses showed specific TMS protocol driven modulation. We also show that the global cognitive neural responses are sensitive to mental health symptom self-reports. This first study with the BrainE platform showcases its utility in studying neuro-cognitive dynamics in a rapid and scalable fashion.
Investigating Item Bias in a CS1 Exam with Differential Item Functioning

Reliable and valid exams are a crucial part of both sound research design and trustworthy assessment of student knowledge. Assessing and addressing item bias is a crucial step in building a validity argument for any assessment instrument. Despite calls for valid assessment tools in CS, item bias is rarely investigated. What kinds of item bias might appear in conventional CS1 exams? To investigate this, we examined responses to a final exam in a large CS1 course. We used differential item functioning (DIF) methods and specifically investigated bias related to binary gender and year of study. Although not a published assessment instrument, the exam had a similar format to many exams in higher education and research: students are asked to trace code and write programs, using paper and pencil. One item with significant DIF was detected on the exam, though the magnitude was negligible. This case study shows how to detect DIF items so that future researchers and practitioners can do these analyses.
Ghost-induced exact degeneracies.

We show that ghost waves—a special class of nonuniform waves in biaxial dielectric media—can lead to exact frequency degeneracies in guided modes. These degeneracies offer a new way of controlling mode interactions with a broad range of potential applications, from integrated waveguides to nonlinear optics and optical sensing.
What Drives Entrepreneurship? Some Evidence From India

We study the growth of entrepreneurship in India by analyzing the micro, small and medium enterprises sector (MSME) and explore the factors that contribute to its development. We analyze a panel data of all 35 states and union territories from 1991 until 2006. The outcomes of interest are number of units, output, employment and total exports from the MSME sector. Our main findings suggest that general improvements in physical and financial infrastruc- ture have contributed significantly more to growth of entrepreneurship in India, than specific targeted policies of the government such as financial subsidies and creation of special economic zones aimed at entrepreneurship development.
SHOP AND ZONE ADMINISTRATION AND MANAGEMENT : THE TRANSITION TO ZONE OUTFITTING IN REPAIR AND OVERHAUL AT PUGET SOUND NAVAL SHIPYARD

This paper discusses Puget Sound Naval Shipyard's implementation of Zone Outfitting in Repair and Overhaul (ZORO). Four problems are responsible for past poor performance: funding by system, planning using key-operations which are too broad, scheduling by event, are inflating cost by inaccurate historical expenditure records. These problems are discussed and addressed. Several preliminary studies have also been released which show significant gains as a result of ZORO
The Effects of Algorithm Visualizations with Storylines on Retention: An Experimental Study

Algorithm visualizations graphically illustrate how algorithms work. In prior ethnographic studies of a computer science course in which students were required to construct and present their own algorithm visualizations, we observed that visualizations based on storylines tended to stimulate increased audience interest and involvement. This observation, coupled with the empirical research that substantiates the value of stories as mnemonic devices, raises an interesting research question: Do visualizations with storylines actually help students remember the procedural behavior of an algorithm better than visualizations that do not involve storylines? To investigate this question, we conducted an experimental study that compared the memorability of algorithm descriptions involving differing degrees of spatial and verbal embellishment. The study failed to detect significant differences. We reflect on our lack of significant results, and suggest two alternative paths for future research into the value of story-based algorithm visualization
On Spatial Conjunction as Second-Order Logic

Spatial conjunction is a powerful construct for reasoning about dynamically al- located data structures, as well as concurrent, distribute d and mobile computation. While researchers have identified many uses of spatial conjunctio n, its precise expressive power compared to traditional logical constructs was not previously known. In this paper we establish the expressive power of spatial conjunction. We construct an embedding from first-order logic with spatial conjunction i nto second-order logic, and more surprisingly, an embedding from full second order logic into first-order logic with spatial conjunction. These embeddings show that the satisfiability of formulas in first-order logic with spatial conjunction is equivalent to the satisfiabilit y of formulas in second-order logic. These results explain the great expressive power of spatial conjunction and can be used to show that adding unrestricted spatial conjunction to a decidable logic leads to an un- decidable logic. As one example, we show that adding unrestricted spatial conjunction to two-variable logic leads to undecidability. On the side of decidability, the embedding into second-order logic immediately implies the decidability of first-order logic with a form of spatial conj unction over trees. The embedding into spatial conjunction also has useful consequences: because a restricted form of spatial conjunction in two-variable logic preserves decidability, we obtain that a correspondingly restricted form of second-order quantification in two-vari able logic is decidable. The result- ing language generalizes the first-order theory of boolean a lgebra over sets and is useful in reasoning about the contents of data structures in object-o riented languages.
Cryptographic protocols for electronic voting

Electronic voting has seen a surge of growth in the US over the past five years; yet many questions have been raised about the trustworthiness of today's e-voting systems. One solution that has been proposed involves use of sophisticated cryptographic protocols to prove to voters that their vote has been recorded and counted correctly. These protocols are of interest both for their use of many fundamental tools in cryptography (e.g., zero-knowledge proofs, mixnets, threshold cryptosystems) as well as because of the social importance of the problem. I will survey some promising recent work in this area, discuss several open problems for future research, and suggest some ways that cryptographers might be able to contribute to improving the integrity of public elections.
H ( 2 s ) formation in H + -H and H-H collisions

Cross sections for metastable $\mathrm{H}(2s)$ formation by electron caputre in ${\mathrm{H}}^{+}\ensuremath{-}\mathrm{H}(1s)$ collisions and by excitation in $\mathrm{H}(1s)\ensuremath{-}\mathrm{H}(1s)$ collisions have been measured over the energy range 1.9-92 keV. A fast beam of ${\mathrm{H}}^{+}$ ions or $\mathrm{H}(1s)$ atoms was passed through a tungsten-tube-furnace target which contained thermally dissociated hydrogen. Fast metastable $\mathrm{H}(2s)$ atoms formed by collisions in the target were detected downstream using electric field quenching and Lyman-$\ensuremath{\alpha}$ photon-counting techniques. The present values are normalized at 24.5 keV to the average value of three previous independent measurements of the $\mathrm{H}(2s)$ formation cross section in ${\mathrm{H}}^{+}$-H collisions which agree to within 20%. Measured cross sections for both ${\mathrm{H}}^{+}$-H and H-H collisions contain only one maximum, in contrast with certain theoretical predictions. For ${\mathrm{H}}^{+}$-H the low-energy data are in good agreement with theoretical results based on a multistate molecular treatment of the collision. Above 75 keV the ${\mathrm{H}}^{+}$-H data agree with the Born approximation cross sections. Close-coupling pseudostate predictions lack overall detailed agreement with the present results, although the maximum in the cross section is reproduced well. High-energy ($Eg15$ keV) coupled-state calculations using a scaled hydrogenic two-center expansion are in good accord with the data. For H-H collisions all theoretical treatments are in poor accord with the present experimental results. Above 40 keV the measured H-H cross section is inversely proportional to the impact energy. This ${E}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$ energy dependence is in agreement with high-energy theoretical predictions. However, above 10 keV the Born approximation predicts structure in the cross section due to simultaneous excitation of the projectile and target which is not observed. The present results are compared with previous experimental determinations, and discrepancies are found to exist.
Flux growth of bulk photorefractive barium titanate crystals

Single crystals of pure and Cr/sup 3+/ doped barium titanate (BaTiO/sub 3/) have been grown by top seeded solution growth technique (TSSG). TSSG system consists of a resistance heated super kanthal cylindrical furnace capable of temperatures up to 1540/spl deg/C along with crystal rotation and pulling arrangement. According to the phase diagram, 65 mol% TiO/sub 2/ is mixed with 35 mol% BaO to have a molten flux at 1460/spl deg/C. We typically have grown 20-39 g boules from 300 g of melt in a 100 ml platinum crucible. Polished and poled cubes as large as 15/spl times/15/spl times/10 mm/sup 3/ have been successfully fabricated.
Torsional splitting and l-doubling in the ν9 R Q 0 infrared band of ethane

A high resolution diode laser absorption spectrum of the ν9 R Q 0 branch of C2H6 at 822 cm-1 reveals a rotational progression with anomalous spacing and intensity, which is shown to be a result of both l-doubling and torsional splitting of rotational levels, both of which give rise to a J(J+1) energy dependence. From a contour analysis of the spectrum we estimate values for the l-doubling and torsional splitting parameters.
Monocrystalline beta -SiC semiconductor thin films: epitaxial growth, doping, and FET device development

High-purity, single-crystal beta -SiC thin films have been epitaxially grown by means of chemical vapor deposition. The defect nature of these films has been characterized, and antiphase boundaries, one of the major defects observed, were eliminated through utilization of off-axis Si-substrates. Doping of these films was possible through in-situ incorporation during growth or through ion implantation. The use of elevated temperatures during ion implantation resulted in damage-free material suitable for device fabrication. MESFETs constructed from these films showed good transistor action up to temperature of 523 K. Depletion-mode MOSFETs fabricated on beta -SiC
Transparency in Pediatric Outcomes Reporting—Reducing Knowledge Asymmetries in Pediatric Healthcare

Hospitals and pediatric practices may be under increasing pressure to be publicly transparent about their quality and safety outcomes. In this review, we examine the literature which addresses the risks and benefits of transparency and provide examples of how our three children’s hospitals have approached becoming transparent to the public about our outcomes. We briefly reviewed the history of healthcare outcomes reporting from Semmelweiss to the present. We also examined how three pediatric hospitals have taken somewhat differing approaches to making their clinical outcomes available on the Internet. Public reporting of clinical outcomes has largely been associated with an improvement in those outcomes. Legal risks and the potential loss of market share based on less than stellar performance have been and are concerns that inhibit some institutions from sharing their outcomes. Based on published experience, those risks appear small. Each of the three hospitals presented chose to present their outcomes in a different format. While informative, it would be hard for families, payers, or governmental agencies to directly compare the clinical outcomes of these three institutions. Transparency in pediatric outcomes seems to have become an established tradition among many pediatric healthcare organizations. What is now needed is standardization of what outcomes should be reported and how they should be presented to make them easily understandable to patients and families.
Multidimensional maximum-entropy covariance extension

A universal characterization of multi-dimensional maximum-entropy covariances is presented. We show that the maximum-entropy extension of an arbitrary covariance band of a (nonstationary) multi-dimensional signal must have a banded inverse. Furthermore, we show that for one-dimensional signals such banded-inverse covariances are characterized by finite-order autoregressive models. The same kind of model is inadequate for multi-dimensional signals, but it can be used to approximate maximum-entropy covariances.
Quantum dot solar cells. Electrophoretic deposition of CdSe-C60 composite films and capture of photogenerated electrons with nC60 cluster shell.

Encapsulation with a nC60 cluster shell facilitates capture of photogenerated electrons from CdSe quantum dots following visible light excitation. Electrophoretic deposition of CdSe−C60 composite clusters on optically transparent electrodes (OTE/SnO2) produce photoactive films that exhibit photoelectrochemical activity. The observed photoconversion efficiency (IPCE) of ∼4% is significantly greater than those observed with CdSe or nC60 films.
Laminar distributions of 2-deoxyglucose uptake in the rat spinal cord following electrical stimulation of the sciatic nerve.

Abstract The 2-deoxyglucose method was employed to study the functional organization of afferent axons in the dorsal horn of the rat spinal cord. Stimulation of axons in the sciatic nerve with conductionvelocities > 17m/s produced activity predominantly in the deep laminae of the dorsal horn. In contrast, stimulation of the entire population produced activity throughout the dorsal horn. The results are discussed in relation to the functional organization of the rat dorsal horn.
Nurslings, Milk and Moral Development in the Greco-Roman Context: A Reappraisal of the Paraenetic Utilization of Metaphor in 1 Peter 2.1-3

A scholarly tradition exists linking the nursling-milk metaphor in 1 Pet. 2.1-3 with Jewish (or Jewish-Christian) motifs from, for example, the Odes of Solomon and Qumran. This article attempts to broaden the cultural associations of this metaphor to include the broader Greco-Roman world—specifically the role of the wet nurse, the idealized mother, and formative moral development of the child through breast-feeding and childminders (nutrix and nutritor). This article will then link these cultural referents to the rhetorical strategy of this section of 1 Peter's paraenesis.
Estimates of the average Pacific deep-sea clay accumulation rate from material balance calculations

Abstract In the absence of a large number of radiocarbon dated cores from the Pacific Ocean for comparison with the Atlantic Ocean, two methods of determining the average deep-sea clay accumulation rate in the Pacific relative to the Atlantic using material balance calculations are discussed. Using the average deep-sea clay accumulation rate in the Atlantic Ocean of 1.1 to 1.2 g/cm2 1000 year the “trace element veil” concept of Wedepohl and others, requires a minimum ratio of Atlantic clay rate to Pacific clay rate of 12 to be consistent with the data of a Carribean Core A179-4. This model, however, is rejected because of the inhomogenous distribution of the critical trace elements in the oceans. The calcium carbonate balance sheet requires that of the 122 × 1016 g equivalent CaCO3 brought to the sea by streams, 77 × 1016 g CaCO3 is deposited in the Atlantic Ocean. Assuming the average calcium carbonate concentrations and the average clay accumulation rates per unit area of the Indian Ocean and the Pacific Ocean are the same, the deep-sea clay accumulation rate for both oceans is 0.47 g/cm2 1000 y. It is argued that the average clay accumulation rate is actually probably smaller in the Pacific Ocean relative to the Indian Ocean and the ratio of the Atlantic clay rate to the Pacific clay rate is greater than 2.6.
Duodenal-ulcer disease associated with elevated serum pepsinogen I: an inherited autosomal dominant disorder.

Abstract To delineate genetic factors involved in the pathogenesis of duodenal ulcer, serum pepsinogen I levels were determined by radioimmunoassay in two large kindreds with multiple members affected with duodenal ulcer. An elevated serum immunoreactive pepsinogen I concentration (>100 ng per milliliter) segregated as an autosomal dominant trait in these families. Furthermore, 10 of 11 patients with clinical ulcer disease in these families had hyperpepsinogenemia. An elevated serum pepsinogen I concentration appears to be a subclinical marker of the ulcer diathesis in families with this autosomal dominant form of peptic-ulcer disease. (N Engl J Med 300:63–66, 1979)
Esophagogastric separation and abdominal esophagostomy via jejunal interposition: a new operation for extreme forms of pathologic aerophagia

Pathologic aerophagia is sometimes seen in patients with neurologic disorders. It rarely causes massive bowel distention, ileus, and volvulus. Here, we report the use of esophagogastric separation and abdominal esophagostomy via jejunal interposition to prevent bowel distention caused by severe aerophagia in 2 patients with neurologic disorders in whom the usual nonoperative methods of management failed. In both cases, swallowed air was evacuated via the jejunostomy, eliminating bowel distention. This operation may be useful in patients with neurologic disorders associated with severe aerophagia.
Neuroendocrine and behavioral interaction in exposure treatment of phobic avoidance

Abstract A large body of literature on the human stress response provides ample evidence of the involvement of Beta Endorphin (BE), and its anxiolytic as well as analgesic effects in response to a wide range of biologic, behavioral, cognitive, socio-cultural, and environmental Stressors. Several studies are reviewed which demonstrate that the presence of the BE anxiolytic effect is coincident with efficacious outcome in exposure therapy with phobic patients. It has been hypothesized that in the treatment of phobic avoidance, the controlled stress of imaginai and in vivo exposure activates the stress-induced release of BE into the blood stream. The neuroendocrine literature indicates BE is coreleased with Adrenocorticotrophic Hormone (ACTH), and that the stress-induced anxiolytic effect of BE appears to be momentarily blocked by ACTH at their common receptor sites. The more rapidly decaying ACTH soon disperses, resulting in a delayed BE anxiolytic effect within minutes of the exposure. Of the four studies found in the literature that report both ACTH and BE response to stress in humans, all four demonstrate a differential ACTH and delayed BE response within 15, 7, 5, and 3 minutes of exposure to stress. Although indirect, these results are consistent with and suggest support for an hypothesized bio-behavioral mechanism which may help to explain the clinical phenomenon of anxiety reduction in response to exposure. The implications of this model with regard to etiology, differential diagnosis, and pharmacological, as well as cognitive-behavioral treatment of various anxiety disorders suggest future research directions.
Strain-dependent dynamic mechanical properties of Kevlar to failure: Structural correlations and comparisons to other polymers

The processing of Kevlar to certain strengths by hot-drawing can benefit by quantitative understanding of the correlation between structural and mechanical properties during the pre-drawing process. Here, we use a novel continuous dynamic analysis (CDA) to monitor the evolution in storage modulus and loss factor of Kevlar 49 fibers as a function of strain via a quasi-static tensile test. Unlike traditional dynamic mechanical analysis, CDA allows the tracking of strain-dependent mechanical properties until failure. The obtained dynamic viscoelastic properties of Kevlar 49 are correlated with structural data obtained from synchrotron radiation analysis and with Raman scattering frequencies. Rate-dependent stress–strain results from Kevlar are compared to Nomex, spider silk, polyester and rubber, and provide insight into how the mechanical properties of Kevlar originate from its characteristic structural features. We find that as the storage modulus of Kevlar is essentially equal to the Young's modulus, the measured quantitative relationships between storage modulus and strain can provide insights into the tuning of the mechanical properties of aramid materials for specific applications.
Complex refractive index and color of quinacridone pigments

Complex refractive index of pigment violet 19 (β- modification) was determined by means of an ellipsometric method within the visible spectral range. From the known complex refractive index and the particle size of the pigment, single-scattering properties (scattering and extinction efficiency, asymmetry parameter) were calculated for vehicles of different refractive indices employing an algorithm based on Mie-theory for spherical particles. These parameters were fed into a multiple-scattering model to investigate the dependence of reflectance of a semi-infinite film on particle size and refractive index of the embedding medium. Theoretically calculated results are in reasonable agreement with corresponding experimentally determined reflectance spectra of pigment violet 19 dispersed in different solvent- and water-based resin systems.
Parameterization of bedform morphology and defect density with fingerprint analysis techniques

Abstract A novel method for parameterizing the morphology of seafloor ripples with fingerprint analysis numerical techniques is presented. This fully automated analysis tool identifies rippled areas in two-dimensional imagery of the seafloor, and returns ripple orientation and wavelength as well as a new morphological parameter, the spatial density of ripple defects. In contrast to widely used manual and spectral parameterization methods, this new technique yields a unique probability distribution for each derived parameter, which describes its spatial variability across the sampled domain. Here we apply this new analysis technique to synthetic and field collected side-scan sonar seafloor images in order to assess the methods capacity to define bed geometry across a wide range of simulated and observed morphological conditions. The resulting orientation and wavelength values compare favorably with those of the existing manual and spectral parameterization methods, and are superior under environmental conditions characterized by low signal to noise ratios as well as high planform ripple sinuosity. Furthermore, the resulting ripple defect density values demonstrate correlation with ripple orientation, wave direction, and the Shields parameter, which is consistent with recent investigations that have theoretically linked this parameter to hydrodynamic forcing conditions. The presented fingerprint analysis method surpasses the capacity of existing methods for ripple parameterization and promises to yield greater insight into theoretical and applied problems associated with the temporal and spatial variability of ripple morphology across a wide spectrum of marine environments.
Numerical simulation of dolos drop tests

Abstract A three-dimensional finite element method (FEM) analysis is conducted to simulate dolos drop tests. The FEM analysis employs a nonlinear concrete material model and utilizes a contact surface at the base of the vertical fluke. The results of the analysis predict the dynamic states of stress in the dolos and the pattern of cracking in the unit.
Some new approximations for the renewal function

In this paper, an approximation for computing the (renewal function) solution of renewal-type integral equations is presented. This approximation is a modified rational function near the origin and switches to an asymptotic linear function for larger values of the time variable. This approach is similar to that of Garg and Kalagnanam (IEEE Trans. Reliability 1998, 47 (1), 66–72) but differs near the origin and has a different switch-over-point in general. Examples are presented for the truncated normal and Weibull distributions. Some alternative models are also discussed.
Assessment of cellular and humoral immunity of myasthenics

A close association of autoimmune diseases or autoimmune phenomena in myasthenia gravis is well known. A comprehensive immunological study of 22 patients with myasthenia gravis showed that changes in the immune system mainly involve the thymus-derived lymphocytes (T cells). Anti-thymus antibody was present in 90% of the patients, and it paralleled the frequency of thymic abnormality in myasthenia gravis. It is postulated that in myasthenia gravis the altered T cell functions caused by anti-thymus antibody result in the formation of an array of autoantibodies including the factor which blocks the neuromuscular transmission.
Changes of lysine reactivities of actin in complex with DNAase I.

Abstract The reactivities of lysines of actin in the actin-DNAase I complex were measured by the method of reductive methylation. The reactivities of lysines in the amino-terminal part, lysines 18, 50, 61 and 68, decreased 50%, while those of lysines 237, 283 and 290 increased about 30%, in comparison with those in G-actin, when actin was bound to DNAase I. These results are consistent with the view that the amino-terminal region of actin is the binding site for DNAase I. In conjunction with our earlier work on the reactivities of lysines in F-actin (Lu, R.C. and Szilagyi, L. (1981) Biochemistry 20, 5914–5919), these results are also consistent with the view that DNAase I binds to actin at one of the regions that is involved in polymerization.
In vitro design and characterization of the nonviral gene delivery vector iopamidol, protamine, ethiodized oil reagent.

Abstract Purpose To demonstrate cellular selectivity toward hepatoma cells and compare the efficiency of gene delivery of a novel nonviral vector of iopamidol, protamine, and ethiodized oil reagents (VIPER). Materials and Methods Rat hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells were transfected in triplicate under varying conditions by using firefly luciferase as a reporter gene. Conditions included variations of a protamine:DNA (P:D) complex (20:1, 50:1, 100:1, 200:1 mass ratios), iopamidol (0%, 10%, 33%), and ethiodized oil (0%, 1%, 2%, 4%, 8%, and 16%). The conditions affording efficient gene transfer and ease of translation to in vivo studies were selected for cell line comparison (HCC cells vs hepatocytes). Adenoviral transduction was compared with nonviral vector transfection. Results At low concentrations, ethiodized oil increased transfection efficiency regardless of P:D mass ratio. However, high concentrations resulted in significant attenuation. Unexpectedly, the addition of iopamidol to P:D complexes markedly improved transfection efficiency. When using an optimal P:D, iopamidol, and ethiodized oil solution, DNA transfection of normal liver and tumor cells showed significant selectivity for tumor cells. In the context of hepatoma cells, transfection efficiency with the nonviral vector was better than 10 4 pfu adenovirus. Conclusions The development and characterization of the VIPER system provides a possible alternative to viral gene therapy of HCC.
Freeze-fracture characterization of isolated myelin and axolemma membrane fractions.

Abstract The macromolecular organization of membranes isolated from the rabbit optic nerve and tract was analyzed using the freese-fracture technique. A myelin fraction and two axolemma-enriched fractions were prepared from a preparation of myelinated axons isolated by flotation in a buffered salt-sucrose medium. In the myelinated axon preparation, axolemma and myelin membranes were easily identified. Large areas of the axon membrane and myelin membrane totally lacked intramembronous particles. The particles remaining on the myelin membrane formed patches of evenly distributed elongated and globular particles. In contrast, the particles remaining on the axolemma were globular in shape and tightly clustered. Particle clustering and particle-free areas were not characteristic of either the axolemma or myelin membrane of whole nerves fixed in situ and processed for freeze-fracture. The isolated myelin membrane fraction contained a large number of vesicles completely lacking intramembronous particles. Of the remaining membrane vesicles, profiles with dispersed elongated and globular particles predominated. A small percentage of vesicles displayed intramembranous particles of the same size, shape and clustering pattern as that seen on the axolemma of the myelinated axon preparation. The two axolemma fractions were enriched in membrane containing tightly clustered globular particles. Particle-free vesicles as well as some myelin membrane vesicles were also seen in the axolemma fractions.
A tidal origin for coarsening-upward sequences above two Wilcox lignites in East Texas

Conventional palaeogeographic reconstructions show a large river system occupying the East Texas Embayment during the deposition of the Wilcox Group. Coarsening-upward sequences above Wilcox lignites in East Texas have been interpreted as floodplain splays. However, the bedding types, sedimentary structures and shallow scour surfaces in a coarsening-upward sequence above the main seam at the Martin Lake Mine in Panola County indicate deposition in water stirred by tidal and wave activity. The bedding types include sand streaks in mud and lenticular, wavy and flaser bedding. The sedimentary structures include abundant wave-ripple lamination and large-scale crossbeds with thin, closely-spaced mud drapes. These crossbeds suggest traction currents of short duration alternating with periods of slack water. Pollen from broadleaf hardwood trees is the most common element of the palynoflora from the coarsening-upward sequence at the mine. The upper reaches of riverine estuaries along the SE coast of the United States provide a modern analogue for the environment of deposition of the Wilcox sediments at the Martin Lake Mine. Here tidal currents extend inland to places where freshwater aquatic plants and forests border the estuaries. The same bedding types and sedimentary structures that occur in the sediments at the Martin Lake Mine occur in a coarsening-upward sequence above a lignite at the Big Brown Mine in Freestone County. Recognition of the tidal origin of the coarsening-upward sequences suggests an embayed coast or a shoreline within the East Texas Embayment during the deposition of the strata above the lignites.
U.S. interdisciplinary modeling studies of coastal-offshore exchange processes: Past and future

Abstract Within the past decade there have been several multidisciplinary research programs designed study interactions among physical, biological and chemical processes in U.S. continental shelf waters. The data sets resulting from these oceanographic studies have provided a basis for the formulation of interdisciplinary models. This overview focuses on those models that investigate the transport of biogenic material between estuarine, nearshore, shelf, slope and oceanic regimes. We summarize the physical mechanisms controlling fluxes of nutrients and plankton between the continental margin and the open ocean. Finally, we discuss how physical-biological modeling coastal-offshore exchange processes can contribute to global biogeochemical studies that are planned for the coming decade.
Temporal variation of resuspended matter for one tidal cycle in the Hiuchi-Nada area

The observed relation between the vertical distribution of suspended matter and the size distribution of bottom sediment in the Hiuchi-Nada area indicates that a turbid bottom water layer exists above the bottom when the bottom sediment is of silt size. The turbid bottom water is thought to be produced by resuspension of bottom sediment. Measurements of the temporal variation of resuspended matter and water movement near the bottom was carried out for one full tidal cycle at an anchored station. The concentration of resuspended matter reached a maximum at the time of strongest ebb and flood flow.
Esophageal perforation secondary to alkaline battery ingestion

A 16-month-old infant ingested an alkaline battery, 22 mm × 5 mm, which became entrapped in her esophagus. She was brought to the emergency department with a four-day history of vomiting. After tube thoracostomy, the battery was removed by esophagoscopy. However, she experienced cardiac arrest in the intensive care unit. Post mortem examination revealed exsanguination by perforation of the posterior aspect of the aortic arch as the cause of death. Microscopic examination showed liquefaction necrosis through the mucosa and submucosa of the esophagus into the upper mediastinum and right pleural space. The possible role of the alkaline center of the battery causing perforation is presented.
Application of the Correlation Consistent Composite Approach (ccCA) to Third-Row (Ga-Kr) Molecules

The correlation consistent composite approach (ccCA) has been applied to the G3/05 training set of 51 energetic properties for the atoms and molecules that contain the 4p elements, Ga-Kr. When atomic and molecular first-order spin orbit coupling corrections are added to open shell atoms and molecules, the ccCA has a mean absolute deviation from experiment (MAD) of 0.95 kcal mol(-1), an improvement of 0.10 kcal mol(-1) over G3 and G3X model chemistries. The performance of the ccCA on third-row-containing atoms and molecules is, therefore, commensurate in accuracy with previous studies on lighter main group elements H-Ar. While the typical methods used to compute theoretical molecular spin orbit corrections may go against the spirit of "black box" model chemistries, such corrections may be necessary for molecules containing heavy elements such as Ga-Kr. For example, when second-order spin orbit corrections are added to the atomic and molecular energies, the ccCA MAD is reduced to 0.88 kcal mol(-1).
Correlates of Early Alcohol and Drug Use in Hispanic Adolescents: Examining the Role of ADHD with Comorbid Conduct Disorder, Family, School, and Peers

This study examined correlates of early adolescent alcohol and drug use in a community sample of 217 eighth-grade adolescents with behavior problems and from Hispanic/Latino immigrant families. Structural equation modeling was used to examine relationships of multiple contexts (e.g., family, school, and peers) to alcohol and drug use. Results suggest that conduct disorder in youth with high levels of hyperactivity symptoms, poor school functioning, and peer alcohol and drug use was directly related to early adolescent alcohol and drug use. Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder with comorbid conduct disorder and family functioning was indirectly related to early alcohol and drug use through poor school functioning and through peer alcohol and drug use. Results are discussed in terms of possible targets for interventions to prevent alcohol and drug use in Hispanic adolescents.
Pathways for the asymmetric amplification of protein amino acids in the Murchison meteorite

ABSTRACT The amplification of L-enantiomers of amino acids from racemates was likely a precondition for the origin of life on Earth. Engel and Nagy 1 first reported that seven protein amino acids in the Murchison meteorite exhibited a significant L-enantiomer excess, leading to speculation that meteorite bombardment during the earliest stages of Earth history provided these essential building blocks for the development of life. Stable isotope signat ures of amino acids extracted from the Murchison meteorite confirmed the extraterrestrial origin and stereochemistry of these compounds 2,3 . However, until recently, plausible explanations for the observed magnitude of the L-enantiomer excess in Murchison have been lacking. Alternative methods for the asymmetric amplification of L-amino acids have recently been reported e.g.4,5 that are consistent with that observed in the Murchison meteorite. A model is presented for the synthesis and subsequent alteration of amino acids on the parent body of the Murchison meteorite that is consistent with the stereochemistry presently observed. Keywords: amino acids, stereochemistry, Murchison Meteorite, stable isotopes
Chemical Cryptology of Cancer’s Histone Code

Somatic mutations in non-Hodgkin's lymphoma frequently activate EZH2, a protein methyltransferase responsible for H3K27 trimethylation. In this issue of Chemistry and Biology, Bradley and coworkers describe a new set of EZH2 inhibitors amenable to probing the targetable role of H3K27 trimethylation in lymphoma.
Local reactions after injection of iodinated contrast material: detection, management, and outcome.

Rationale and Objectives. The authors assessed the frequency, sequelae, and risk factors of extravasation of intravenously administered iodinated contrast media. Materials and Methods. All patients with local reactions after intravenous injection of contrast media between November 1994 and December 1996 were studied. Comparison was made with data obtained from a control group of 100 patients with no local reactions who underwent contrast material—enhanced computed tomography (CT). Results. Local reactions were reported in 56 (0.25%) of 22,254 patients who received intravenous injections of iodinated contrast media. Fifty-one patients experienced extravasation, and five patients experienced local irritation in the absence of clinically detectable extravasation. Extravasation occurred during CT (n = 46), urography (n = 4), and venography (n = 1). Contrast material was nonionic in 37 cases and conventional ionic in 14 cases of extravasation. Extravasated volumes exceeded 30 mL in 22 patients and 100 mL in six patients. Forty-five (80%) of 56 patients with local reactions had complete resolution of symptoms within 24 hours. Only four patients had symptoms for more than 48 hours. No surgery was required. Compared with the control group, patients with extravasation were significantly more likely to have been injected with small-bore catheters (21 or 22 gauge) and to have been injected at low or high rates. Conclusion. Symptoms of contrast medium extravasation usually resolve quickly. In patients with extravasation, injections are more likely to have been performed with techniques that vary from normal practice.
Evaluation of SSYA10-001 as a Replication Inhibitor of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome, Mouse Hepatitis, and Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronaviruses

We have previously shown that SSYA10-001 blocks severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV) replication by inhibiting SARS-CoV helicase (nsp13). Here, we show that SSYA10-001 also inhibits replication of two other coronaviruses, mouse hepatitis virus (MHV) and Middle Eastern respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV). A putative binding pocket for SSYA10-001 was identified and shown to be similar in SARS-CoV, MERS-CoV, and MHV helicases. These studies show that it is possible to target multiple coronaviruses through broad-spectrum inhibitors.
Effects of streptozotocin on an islet cell carcinoma with hypercalcemia.

Abstract A 57 year old man had an inoperable pancreatic islet cell carcinoma with liver metastases. Biochemical studies indicated the possibility of a circulating parathyroid hormone-like substance; exploration of the neck revealed normal parathyroid glands. Biochemical studies of family members revealed no evidence of familial endocrine adenomatosis. The patient's hypercalcemia could not be controlled with the usual calcium lowering measures. He was treated with streptozotocin, with temporary increases in his hypercalcemia after each of the first three treatments. After four doses of streptozotocin, the size of the tumor decreased and the serum calcium fell to hypocalcemic levels. The serum calcium subsequently stabilized at low normal levels, and the tumor has remained in partial remission for 14 months after administration of the last dose of streptozotocin.
An analytical approach to root loci

The general algebraic equations of root loci for real K are found in polar and Cartesian coordinates. A synthesis method is then suggested which leads to linear equations in the coefficients of the open-loop transfer function when closed-loop poles and their corresponding gains are specified. Equations are also found for the gain corresponding to a given point on the root locus. A superposition theorem is presented which shows how the root loci for two open-loop functions place constraints on the locus for their product. With a knowledge of the simple lower-order loci, this theorem can be used in sketching and constructing root loci.
MK-801 reverses effects of chronic levodopa on D1 and D2 dopamine agonist-induced rotational behavior

The effect of dizocilpine (MK-801) on dopaminergic agonist-induced rotational behavior was investigated in rats with 6-hydroxydopamine lesions of the nigrostriatal pathway after chronic administration of levodopa. The rotational response to the D2 agonist quinpirole was markedly increased in levodopa-treated animals compared with rats chronically administered saline. The increase in responsiveness to quinpirole was reversed by co-administered MK-801. Conversely, the rotational response to the D1 agonist SKF 38393 was reduced following chronic treatment with levodopa. The decrease in response to SKF 38393 was also reversed by MK-801. Chronic treatment with levodopa failed to alter the rotational responses to two other D1 preferring agonists SKF 81297 and SKF 82968, but responses to both agonists were increased by the co-administration of MK-801. These data support the hypothesis the MK-801 may reverse the differential changes in D1 and D2 agonist-induced motor responses which result from chronic treatment with levodopa.
Professor Pigou's Theory of Unemployment

Introduction, 286. — 1. Elasticity of real demand for labor in a particular occupation, 287. —2. The relation of employment in non-wage-good industries and wage-good industries, 291. — 3. Elasticity of discounting. — The effects on the rate of interest and hence on employment of changes in the wage bill that follow movements in the real rate of wages, 293. — 4. The elasticity of demand for labor over all occupations, 301. — 6. Monetary elasticity of demand for labor, 305. — 6. Factors other than money affecting the level and variations of the real demand for labor, 308. — (a) Variations in demand for durable commodities, 308. — (b) Costs of various methods of state stimulation of emplo3rment, 310. — (c) Employment and the supply of wage-goods, 311. — (d) Special problems relating to the flow of wage-goods, 313. — 7. The difference made by money, 315. — (a) Money and the real demand function for labor, 315. — (b) The removal of some assumptions, 317. — (c) An error in estimating the intervals between receipt and expenditure of income and between expenditure and subsequent reincarnation as new income, 318. — 8. Problems in the causation of unemployment, 319. — Conclusion.
Retarded interaction of two nonidentical atoms

We extend our recent work on the causal aspects of two-atom spontaneous decay to the case of nonidentical atoms.
Exploring ultraviolet astronomical polarimetry: results from the Wisconsin Ultraviolet Photo-Polarimeter Experiment (WUPPE)

In December 1990, the Wisconsin Ultraviolet Photo-Polarimeter Experiment (WUPPE) on the Astro-1 shuttle Spacelab mission obtained approximately eight hours of pioneering ultraviolet spectropolarimetric observations on more than 20 galactic and extragalactic objects. WUPPE is a 0.5 m Cassegrain telescope coupled to a Monk-Gilleson spectrometer with a magnesium fluoride polarizing beamsplitter preceded by magnesium fluoride halfwave retarders. Two spectra from 135 to 330 nm with orthogonal polarization are detected simultaneously by a pair of intensified photodiode arrays. The first flight measured for the first time the ultraviolet polarization induced by interstellar dust, the UV intrinsic polarization of the rapidly rotating `Be' stars, and the large polarization in a `hidden' active galactic nucleus. A second flight of Astro is currently scheduled for 1994.© (1994) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.