cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Plasma Uric Acid Levels in Women With Cervical Intraepithelial Neoplasia

The objective of this study was to determine the association of plasma levels of uric acid, an endogenous antioxidant, in women with cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN), while controlling for the confounding effects of human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, age, smoking, and use of oral contraception. Plasma-reduced and oxidized uric acid levels were determined in 650 women by high-performance liquid chromatography, employing electrochemical technique. The findings demonstrated that 1) plasma-reduced uric acid (PRUA) levels in women with CIN (n = 311) were significantly lower (P < 0.05) compared with women in a control group (n = 339); 2) according to multiple logistic regression analysis, PRUA levels were negatively (P = 0.0113) and HPV infection were positively associated (P < 0.0001) with CIN, after controlling for the confounding effects of the studied factors; 3) according to multiple regression analysis, there was a 31% decrease in CIN risk for each incremental increase of 1mg/dl of PRUA; and 4) according to polychotomous logistic regression analysis, independent of HPV infection, PRUA level was inversely associated with the histopathological graded severity of CIN. We have previously reported decreased plasma levels of exogenous antioxidants, for example, vitamins C and E, in women with CIN independent of HPV infection. The data suggest that plasma deficiencies of several antioxidants in HPV-infected uterine cervical tissue may create an oxidative environment that renders the tissue susceptible to free radical damage. It may be speculated that chronic free radical-induced tissue damage in the context of persistent HPV infection may be involved in the pathogenesis of CIN.
Multiparameter quantum groups and twisted quasitriangular Hopf algebras

On montre comment on peut obtenir des groupes quantiques multiparametres a partir des algebres de Hopf torsadees
Graphical models, causal inference, and econometric models

A graphical model is a graph that represents a set of conditional independence relations among the vertices (random variables). The graph is often given a causal interpretation as well. I describe how graphical causal models can be used in an algorithm for constructing partial information about causal graphs from observational data that is reliable in the large sample limit, even when some of the variables in the causal graph are unmeasured. I also describe an algorithm for estimating from observational data (in some cases) the total effect of a given variable on a second variable, and theoretical insights into fundamental limitations on the possibility of certain causal inferences by any algorithm whatsoever, and regardless of sample size.
Probabilistic sequence alignment of stratigraphic records

The assessment of age uncertainty in stratigraphically aligned records is a pressing need in paleoceanographic research. The alignment of ocean sediment cores is used to develop mutually consistent age models for climate proxies and is often based on the δ18O of calcite from benthic foraminifera, which records a global ice volume and deep water temperature signal. To date, δ18O alignment has been performed by manual, qualitative comparison or by deterministic algorithms. Here we present a hidden Markov model (HMM) probabilistic algorithm to find 95% confidence bands for δ18O alignment. This model considers the probability of every possible alignment based on its fit to the δ18O data and transition probabilities for sedimentation rate changes obtained from radiocarbon-based estimates for 37 cores. Uncertainty is assessed using a stochastic back trace recursion to sample alignments in exact proportion to their probability. We applied the algorithm to align 35 late Pleistocene records to a global benthic δ18O stack and found that the mean width of 95% confidence intervals varies between 3 and 23 kyr depending on the resolution and noisiness of the record's δ18O signal. Confidence bands within individual cores also vary greatly, ranging from ~0 to >40 kyr. These alignment uncertainty estimates will allow researchers to examine the robustness of their conclusions, including the statistical evaluation of lead-lag relationships between events observed in different cores.
Finite Left-Distributive Algebras and Embedding Algebras

We consider algebras with one binary operation · and one generator (monogenic) and satisfying the left distributive lawa·(b·c)=(a·b)·(a·c). One can define a sequence of finite left-distributive algebrasAn, and then take a limit to get an infinite monogenic left-distributive algebraA∞. Results of Laver and Steel assuming a strong large cardinal axiom imply thatA∞is free; it is open whether the freeness ofA∞can be proved without the large cardinal assumption, or even in Peano arithmetic. The main result of this paper is the equivalence of this problem with the existence of a certain algebra of increasing functions on natural numbers, called anembedding algebra. Using this and results of the first author, we conclude that the freeness ofA∞is unprovable in primitive recursive arithmetic.
Cavity coherent-state cloning via Raman scattering

The Raman interaction of atoms singly traversing a two-mode cavity constitutes a quantum-cloning machine for coherent states. The quality of the two identical output coherent states is independent of the initial, albeit different, coherent state, initially present inside the cavity. The cloning of nonorthogonal states indicates that the entanglement of the output states for an arbitrary initial state is the essence of the no-cloning theorem.
The Nuts and Bolts of Educating Pre-Service School Librarians for Quality Reference Work

School librarians and their professional work lie at the heart of providing information in easily accessible formats to students, teachers, staff, administrators, and parents. School librarians play important roles in promoting critical thinking, the wise use of information, and the encouragement of democratic societies. This article outlines a paradigm for the pre-service education of the modern school librarian and school library media specialist. This discussion reflects the influence of state-endorsed standards, examinations, and certifications in how school librarians are educated for service in civil society. Based on examples provided by Texas School Librarian Certification Standards, this article outlines major curriculum areas that preparation programs for school librarians and library media specialists offer today's pre-service students.
Pole terms and absorption in theP-wave pion-deuteron interaction

We estimate the accuracy of the conventional ansatz of approximating the lowest order absorptiveP-wave pion-deuteron interactions by pole term amplitudes. By comparing the matrix elements of the approximate pole term and complete absorptive reaction amplitudes for elasticπd scattering we find the pole term approximation to lead to better than 10% accuracy for both theP11 andP33 state interactions.
Reduced-complexity check node processing for non-binary LDPC decoding

Non-binary low-density parity-check (NB-LDPC) codes can achieve better error-correcting performance than their binary counterparts when the code length is moderate. Check node processing is one bottleneck in NB-LDPC decoding. Various techniques have been proposed to simplify the check node processing. Particularly, the computation complexity can be reduced by employing an iterative forward-backward scheme. However, this scheme requires large memory to store intermediate results. In this paper, a novel check node processing scheme and corresponding VLSI architectures are proposed for the Min-max NB-LDPC decoding. The proposed scheme first chooses a limited number of variable-to-check messages, then the check-to-variable messages to all connected variable nodes are generated independently. Employing the proposed architecture, the area requirement of the check node processing for an (837, 726) NB-LDPC code over GF (25) can be reduced to 22.5% of that of the previous work with the same processing speed and error-correcting performance.
Development of a novel animal model to differentiate radiation necrosis from tumor recurrence

Distinguishing tumor progression from radiation necrosis after treatment in patients with brain tumors presents a clinical dilemma. A well-characterized, orthotopic rodent model of radiation-induced brain necrosis including a tumor is not currently available The objective of the study was to create focal radiation necrosis in rat brain bearing human glioblastoma (GBM) using stereotactic radiosurgery and confirm it by immuno-histological analysis. Nude rats implanted with primary GBM cells were irradiated using a stereotactic setup (n = 3) or received no radiation (n = 3). Ten weeks after the implantation, growth of the tumor was confirmed by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). For each animal, MRI and contrast-enhanced CT images were obtained and fused using registration software. The tumor was identified and delineated using the fused CT/MR images. A treatment plan was generated using a 4 mm radiosurgery cone such that one portion of the tumor receives 100% dose of 60 Gy sufficient to cause necrosis, whereas the tumor edge at depth receives only 50% or less dose, allowing for regrowth of the tumor. The brains were collected 10 weeks after irradiation and immuno-histological analysis was performed. Hematoxylin and eosin staining showed central liquefaction necrosis in the high dose region consistent with necrosis and viable tumor in the peripheral low dose region. Ki-67 staining showed highly proliferative tumor cells surrounding the necrotic parts of the tumor. Luxol fast blue and lectin staining showed demyelination and vascular injury in brain tissue consistent with radiation necrosis. We have developed a novel model of radiation necrosis in rats bearing glioma.
Candidates for μ<0, ∊<0 Nanostructures

Recent interest has been generated in composite materials for which both the dielectric constant and the magnetic permeability are negative. These composites behave as if they possess a negative index of refraction, although the broader, less specific adjective "left-handed" has also been applied to them. Such composites possess two sets of structures which are separately responsible for the negative ∊ and μ. However, materials having a negative μ are common in the microwave frequency range and such a material can replace one set of structures in the composite. An example of a simple composite is a YIG medium (μ<0) penetrated by sets of metallic strips or wires which give rise a negative dielectric constant in the appropriate frequency range. The index of refraction of the composite can be modulated by adjusting the applied magnetic field.
Development of a short form for the Raven Advanced Progressive Matrices Test.

The Raven Advanced Progressive Matrices Test (APM) is a popular measure of higher order general cognitive ability (g). Its use in both basic research and applied settings is partially attributable to its apparent low level of culture loading. However, a major drawback curtailing more widespread use is its length; the APM is a 36-item power test with an administration time of 40-60 minutes. The present study reports on the development of a 12-item short form of the APM that demonstrates psychometric properties similar to the long form, but with a substantially shorter administration time. The ultimate goal is to provide researchers and practitioners with a version of the APM that can better meet their needs by providing a sound assessment of general intelligence in a shorter time frame than is available with the present form.
Study of Natural Colorants as Antibacterial Agents on Natural Fibers

Cotton and wool substrates were treated with natural colorants from plants and their antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli were evaluated. The studies encompassed qualitative evaluation in terms of zone of inhibition of the treated substrate and quantitative evaluation in terms of percentage reduction in bacteria. Also, the durability of the natural colorant agent to laundering and exposure to light was determined. Of the six colorants investigated in this study, the colorant obtained from pomegranate's bark and rind indicated presence of good antibacterial activity against both gram-positive as well as gram-negative bacteria.
The Elders Risk Assessment Index, an Electronic Administrative Database–Derived Frailty Index, Can Identify Risk of Hip Fracture in a Cohort of Community-Dwelling Adults

Objective To determine whether an Elders Risk Assessment (ERA) index can predict incident hip fractures without the need for physician-patient encounter or bone mineral density testing.
Kinetics and mechanism of aluminum(III)/siderophore ligand exchange: mono(deferriferrioxamine B)aluminum(III) formation and dissociation in aqueous acid solution

Abstract The kinetics and mechanism of a linear trihydroxamic acid siderophore (deferriferrioxamine B, H 4 DFB + ) ligand exchange with Al(H 2 O) 6 3+ to form mono(deferriferrioxamine B)aluminum(III) (Al(H 2 O) 4 H 3 DFB) 3+ have been investigated at 25 °C over the [H + ] range 0.001−1.0 M and I = 2.0 M (HClO 4 /NaClO 4 ) by 27 Al NMR. Kinetic results are consistent with Al(H 2 O) 4 (H 3 DFB) 3+ formation and dissociation proceeding through a parallel path mechanistic scheme involving Al(H 2 O) 6 3+ ( k 2 / k −1 ) and Al(H 2 O) 5 (OH) 2+ ( k 2 / k −2 ) where k 1 = 0.13 M −1 s −1 , k −1 = 8.7 × 10 −3 M −1 s −1 , k 2 = 2.7 × 10 3 M −1 s −1 , and k −2 = 9.6 × 10 −4 s −1 . Relative complex formation rates at Al(H 2 O) 6 3+ and Al(H 2 O) 5 OH 2+ , and comparison with kinetic data for a series of synthetic hydroxamic acids, suggest that an interchange mechanism is operative. These results are also discussed in relation to kinetic data for the corresponding iron(III)-deferriferrioxamine B system.
Child behavior problems: role of cocaine use, parenting and child exposure to violence

OBJECTIVE: Studies examining the association between prenatal cocaine exposure (PCE) and child behavior problems have yielded mixed results, suggesting a need to identify additional mediating and moderating influences. We hypothesized that the relation between PCE and behavior problems at kindergarten would be mediated/moderated by child exposure to violence; and that maternal warmth/sensitivity and harshness would moderate the association between violence exposure and behavior problems. METHODS: Participants consisted of 216 (116 cocaine-exposed, 100 non-cocaine exposed (NCE) mother-child dyads participating in an ongoing longitudinal study of PCE. RESULTS: Results yielded no direct or mediated/moderated association between PCE and child behavior problems, and no significant interaction effects between PCE and parenting quality. However, higher exposure to violence in kindergarten was significantly associated with higher child behavior problems. This association was moderated by maternal warmth/sensitivity and harshness. High maternal warmth/sensitivity buffered the association between violence exposure and behavior problems while high maternal harshness exacerbated this association. CONCLUSION: This study highlights the role of violence exposure in the development of behavior problems among high-risk children, and emphasizes the significance of parenting quality in buffering or exacerbating this risk among these children. Implications for prevention include targeting the potential role of maternal warmth/sensitivity as a protective influence among children exposed to violence. Language: en
Analysis of acoustic emission in chatter vibration with tool wear effect in turning

Abstract The progressive wear of cutting tools and occurrence of chatter vibration often pose limiting factors on the achievable productivity in machining processes. An effective in-process monitoring system for tool wear and chatter therefore offers the unique advantage of relaxing the process parameter constraints and optimizing the machining production rate. This research presents a dynamic model of the cutting RMS acoustic emission (AE) signal when chatter occurs in turning, and it determines how this motion is related to the RMS AE signal in the presence of tool flank wear. The tool wear effect on acoustic emission generated in turning is expressed as an explicit function of the cutting parameters and tool/workpiece geometry. The AE generated from the sliding contact on the flank wear flat during chatter is investigated based on the energy dissipation principle. This model offers an explanation of the phenomenon of chatter vibration in the neighborhood of the chatter frequency of the tool. It also sheds light on the variation of the RMS AE signal power in close correlation to the characteristic of the state of wear. Cutting tests were conducted to determine the amplitude relationship between RMS AE and cutting parameters. It is shown that RMS AE is quite sensitive to the dynamic incremental changes in the friction and the wear flat mechanism active in machining processes.
EFFECTS OF DIFLUBENZURON ON CHITIN SYNTHESIS IN THE POSTMOLT BLUE CRAB CALLINECTES SAPIDUS : A MORPHOLOGIC STUDY USING AN IN VITRO EXPLANT CULTURE SYSTEM

ABSTRACT Diflubenzuron is an insect larvicide that inhibits chitin synthesis. The effects of diflubenzuron were investigated on a nontarget organism, the postmolt adult blue crab Callinectes sapidus. Sections (explants) of the cuticle and epithelium were cut from the dorsal carapace of freshly molted blue crabs and maintained for 6 h in a buffered Ringer's solution containing diflubenzuron and 3H-glucosamine. Control sections were taken from the same animals and were maintained in a like fashion but without exposure to diflubenzuron. The sections were subsequently fixed, processed and examined by electron microscopy, or probed with a chitin oligosaccharide-binding lectin, or studied for 3H-glucosamine incorporation by autoradiography. Ultrastructurally, diflubenzuron-treated tissues showed coarse clumping of nuclear chromatin, dilation of the rough endoplasmic reticulum, and vesiculation of the apical cytoplasm of the cuticular epithelial cells. Decrease in nascent chitin in the treated tissues was demonstrated at the light microscopic level by scant binding of the lectin and minimal radiolabeling in the endocuticular region. The results offer morphologic evidence that diflubenzuron can interfere with crustacean chitin synthesis.
Oligosaccharide receptor mimics inhibit Legionella pneumophila attachment to human respiratory epithelial cells

Legionnaire’s disease is caused by the intracellular pathogen Legionella pneumophila, presenting as an acute pneumonia. Attachment is the key step during infection, often relying on an interaction between host cell oligosaccharides and bacterial adhesins. Inhibition of this interaction by receptor mimics offers possible novel therapeutic treatments. L. pneumophila attachment to the A549 cell line was significantly reduced by treatment with tunicamycin (73.6%) and sodium metaperiodate (63.7%). This indicates the importance of cell surface oligosaccharide chains in adhesion. A number of putative anti-adhesion compounds inhibited attachment to the A549 and U937 cell lines. The most inhibitory compounds were polymeric saccharides, GalNAcb1-4Gal, Galb1-4GlcNAc and para-nitrophenol. These compounds inhibited adhesion to a range of human respiratory cell lines, including nasal epithelial, bronchial epithelial and alveolar epithelial cell lines and the human monocytic cell line, U937. Some eukaryotic receptors for L. pneumophila were determined to be the glycolipids, asialo-GM1 and asialo-GM2 that contain the inhibitory saccharide moiety, GalNAcb1-4Gal. The identified compounds have the potential to be used as novel treatments for Legionnaire’s disease. Crown Copyright q 2003 Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Inheritance of mitochondrial DNA in interspecific crosses of Picea glauca and Picea omorika

Fifteen interspecific hybrids of Serbian spruce (Piceaomorika (Panc) Purkyne) and white spruce (Piceaglauca (Moench) Voss) representing five separate crosses, including reciprocals, were used to demonstrate maternal inheritance of mitochondrial DNA. Total DNA was extracted from foliage samples of Serbian spruce (S), white spruce (W), and both S(♂) × W(♀) and W(♂) × S(♀) hybrids, digested and probed with one of two maize mitochondrial genes, ATPaseα or COXII. ATPaseα generated diagnostic Serbian and white spruce genotypes for all five enzymes tested, while COXII differentiated between the two species for four of five enzymes. Maternal inheritance was indicated in all hybrids for every diagnostic enzyme–probe combination. No paternal or nonparental bands were detected. A dilution experiment indicated that the Serbian and white spruce mitochondrial DNA restriction fragment length polymorphisms could be detected in as little as 60 and 500 ng of total DNA, respectively. It appears that the mechanism that contr...
EFFECTS OF PASSIVE SMOKING ON CHILDREN'S BEHAVIORAL AND COGNITIVE DEVELOPMENT

Seventy children were evaluated at the mean age of 4.7 years as part of a longitudinal study of full term infants born to cigarette smokers and to non-smokers. They were enrolled at birth. Evaluation included a PEER [Pediatric Examination of Education Readiness]: (score: 1=no concern, 2=equivocal, 3=definite concern); McCarthy Scales, speech & learning assessment, and pulmonary function testing. Parents completed an ANSER System questionnaire: (0=definite concern, 1=equivocal, 2=no concern). The history of passive smoking was validated by measurment of cotinine in urine and saliva of the children and their mothers. Significant findings are shown in the table. Multiple regression analysis was used to adjust for sex, race, SES, preschool experience and urine cotinine level. These data indicate that exposure to smoking in utero or in childhood may affect neurobehavioral function of children.
Experimental verification of an optimal thermal design in a compression mold

A production sheet molding compound (SMC) mold for an automotive hood outer panel was instrumented with 64 thermocouples to measure cavity surface temperatures along two cross-sections in each mold half and regulate the supply of steam to each heating line. The positions and temperatures of each heating line in the mold were optimized using an in-house computer program to produce a minimum spatial variation in cavity surface temperature during steady cyclic molding. Provision was also made to heat the mold conventionally so that optimal and conventional heating could be directly compared in the same mold. While maintaining a 78 s overall molding cycle, the conventional heating system eventually produced a 10°C temperature variation on the cavity surface. This, in turn, led to serious resin undercure and severe difficulties in removing the part from the mold. When the optimal heating design was substituted in place of the conventional system, the surface temperature variation was reduced to less than 3°C and the problems experienced with conventional heating disappeared. For the most part, the measured temperatures in these experiments agreed with the results of the computer analysis to within 1°C.
Natural gas fired combined cycle power plant with CO2 capture

Abstract A natural gas (NG) fired power plant is designed with virtually zero emissions of pollutants, including CO 2 . The plant operates in a gas turbine-steam turbine combined cycle mode. NG is fired in highly enriched oxygen (99.7%) and recycled CO 2 from the flue gas. Liquid oxygen (LOX) is supplied by an on-site air separation unit (ASU). By cross-integrating the ASU with the CO 2 capture unit, the energy consumption for CO 2 capture is significantly reduced. The exergy of LOX is used to liquefy CO 2 from the flue gas, thereby saving compression energy and also delivering product CO 2 in a saleable form. By applying a new technique, the gas turbine efficiency is increased by about 2.9%. The net thermal efficiency (electricity out/heat input) is estimated at 45%, compared to a plant without CO 2 capture of 54%. However, the relatively modest efficiency loss is amply compensated by producing saleable byproducts, and by the virtue that the plant is pollution free, including NO x , SO 2 and particulate matter. In fact, the plant needs no smokestack. Besides electricity, the byproducts of the plant are condensed CO 2 , NO 2 and Ar, and if operated in cogeneration mode, steam.
Wavelength response of waveguide volume grating couplers for optical interconnects

The wavelength response of a waveguide volume grating coupler (WVGC) is analyzed for coupling light from a slab waveguide into the superstrate. A leaky-mode approach is used in conjunction with rigorous coupled-wave analysis. A quantitative theoretical study of the effect of index modulation, waveguide index, and grating thickness on the wavelength bandpass of a WVGC is also presented. The FWHM wavelength bandpasses found for high-efficiency couplers range from 173 to 525 nm. The various Bragg conditions that can be used in designing a WVGC are also presented and compared. The use of the propagation constant of the mode being outcoupled as the incident wave vector in the Bragg condition is shown to produce the highest coupling efficiency.
Nitrogen and carbon isotopic ratios of chlorophyll from marine phytoplankton

The relationship between the nitrogen and carbon isotopic ratios of chlorophyll a and total biomass was explored in cultured marine phytoplankton to assess the utility of chlorophyll as an isotopic proxy for photoautotrophs. A near constant nitrogen isotopic depletion of 5.06 6 1.13‰ (95% confidence interval) in chlorophyll a relative to total nitrogen was observed in 8 species. This value was similar to isotopic differences between chlorophyll a and marine particles (5.27 6 1.48‰ (1 s); n 5 6) and sediments (5.39 6 0.67‰ (1s); n 5 4) in a variety of settings. These findings suggest that a 5.1‰ isotopic depletion of chlorophyll a relative to total algal nitrogen is a robust relationship that justifies the use of chlorophyll as a nitrogen isotopic surrogate for photoautotrophs. Although interspecies differences in Dd 15 Ncell-Chla exist, and growth rate has a small effect on this parameter, the field data suggest these factors are probably minimized in the ocean where multiple species and growth rates occur. The nitrogen isotopic depletion of chlorophyll a probably occurs during the transamination of glutamic acid in d-aminolevulinic acid biosynthesis, the first committed precursor to chlorophyll. The carbon isotopic composition of chlorophyll from 12 batch cultures and 7 species of marine phyto- plankton was elevated by 0.32 6 1.61‰ (95% confidence interval) relative to total cellular carbon. No significant interspecies variance was observed that was not attributable to intraspecies variance. There was a moderate inverse correlation between growth rate and Dd 13 Ccell-Chla, and it is hypothesized that this parameter is largely responsible for the large range of intraspecies Dd 13 Ccell-Chla values observed in batch cultures. Copyright © 1999 Elsevier Science Ltd
Batlike mobile robot for tracking a moving obstacle

The problem of tracking and capturing a moving obstacle in two dimensions by a mobile robot equipped with a wide-beam sonar system is discussed. In a practical system the range and azimuth measurements contain random errors and are available over a limited region. This pursuer/prey problem is treated as a feedback control system for which the pursuer action is dependent on the observed measurements. Two measures of performance are considered: the capture probability and the mean capture time when capture occurs. The lower bound for the mean capture time is determined from game theory, which assumes complete information about the prey. Strategies employing either qualitative (prey is to the left or right) or quantitative (range and azimuth to prey) information are implemented and compared. It is found that qualitative information is sufficient for prey capture, although quantitative information allows more efficient prey capture.
Memory trace disruption by cortical spreading depression.

Summary.-Eight roo were trained under unilateral spreading depression to make a brightness discrimination in a T-maze for water reward. Following training, all Ss were give1 a single trial (transfer trial) with neither hemisphere depressed. Four Ss were replaced in their home cages for 24 hr. and then the untrained hemisphere ww tested by depressing the trained hemisphere. These Ss showed significant transfer of the learning. The other 4 Ss were depressed on the untrained side 1 hr. after the transfer trial. Transfer to the untrained side was then tested 6 ht. after this depression. No transfer appeared in this group, apparently becaus: the depression of the untrained side after the transfer trial disrupted the rrarsferred engram. Pearlman and Jarvik (1961) have reported that retrograde amnesia for single-trial avoidance learning in rats can be produced by bilateral spreading depression. By application of potassium chloride to the cortex of each hemisphere within 10 min. after the training trial, learning of a simple avoidance task was blocked. According to present concepts of memory, there is an initial labile or dynamic state of a memory trace during which the trace is maintained through electrical activity. Only after a period of time has elapsed does the trace become consolidated, presumably through structural or chemical changes. The retrograde amnesia produced by electroconvulsive shock (Duncan, 1949) or, as in the above study, by bilateral spreading depression, is interpreted as being due to interference with the memory trace while it is still in the initial unconsolidated or dynamic phase. The present study examines the amnesic effects of spreading depression upon memory traces that have been established unilaterally and have been interhemispherically transferred to the naive hemisphere of the brain. METHOD Eight male Holtzman straln albino rats, 90 days of age, were prepared for the chronic application of potassium chloride (KC]) to the cortex by drilling longitudinal slots 5 mm. long and 2 mm. wide in che skull over each hemisphere of the brain. Each slot was centered 3 mm. lateral to the midline of the skull. Polyethylene tubing of 4 mm, i.d. and 5 mm. in length was slightly flattened into an oval shape and fixed in place over each slot with stainless steel screws and acrylic cement. The cubing prevented the skin from growing back in place and maintained a patent lumen to the surface of the cortex. Following recovery from surgery, Ss were maintained at approximately 80% of normal body weight by water dcprivation. After adaptation to the deprivation schedule,
The heritable effects of nanotoxicity

The widespread entry of nanomaterials into manifold life fields posed serious concerns on environmental health and safety issues. Potential adverse effects of nanoparticles (NPs) are continuously faced using in vitro cell systems and by mean of cell and molecular biology tools, several mechanisms have been found beyond their toxicity. The evaluation of the in vivo possible consequences derived from exposure of living organisms to NPs is instead more complex but compulsory in view of their application for diagnosis or therapeutic purposes. Here the effects of NP-induced genetic alteration on the progeny of treated animals will be treated, considering selected species from invertebrate and vertebrates as examples of transgenerational transmission of NP toxicity. The effects on reproductive capability, fertility and embryogenesis observed in different animal species upon treatment with different materials will provide an overview of the current knowledge on the heritable feature of nanotoxicity.
What Determines Where Transnational Labor Migrants Go? Modifications in Migration Theories

Three theories that purport to explain where migrants go are set forth, then examined for explanatory validity using data acquired from a study of a relatively affluent rancho in the state of Jalisco, Mexico. The theories include the immigration market, the stage migration, and the network-mediated chain migration theories. It is found that the network mediated migration theory, with modifications including a movement from bilocational to multilocational conceptualizations, has the greatest value in explaining transnational wage labor migration from the rancho to multiple destination points in the US. Migrants may chose to join friends and/or kin in a variety of locations upon their first crossing, and may work in several towns and/or cities in the United States over their migratory careers.
An intelligent system for failure detection and control in an autonomous underwater vehicle

Autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) have been used extensively in deep sea research. Failure detection and control is an important issue in maintaining the stability of an AUV. In most AUVs, the vehicle resurfaces in the event of minor failures such as in the depth sensor, the inclinometer, etc. The paper proposes an intelligent system for failure detection and control in AUVs where the vehicle could continue exploration in case of minor failures in the sensors and control surfaces. The intelligent system, based on the model proposed in Patel and Ranganathan (1996), integrates the adaptability of an artificial neural network (ANN) and the inferencing ability of a fuzzy rule based expert system on a single VLSI chip. The associative function of the ANN is used to recognize and detect the failures by observing the various changing parameters of the dynamic vehicle. The inferencing ability of an expert system suggests ways to control the failure and indicates the subsequent status of the vehicle. The entire system could be used as a low level diagnoser in an overall control system for AUVs.
Forces Applied at the Skull Base during Transnasal Endoscopic Transsphenoidal Pituitary Tumor Excision

Objectives Our laboratory is developing a surgical robotic system to further improve dexterity and visualization that will allow for broader application of transnasal skull base surgery. To optimize this system, intraoperative force data are required. Using a modified curette, force data were recorded and analyzed during pituitary tumor excision. Design A neurosurgical curette was modified by the addition of a force sensor. The instrument was validated in an in vitro model to measure forces during simulated pituitary tumor excision. Following this, intraoperative force data from three patients during transnasal endoscopic excision of pituitary tumors was obtained. Setting Academic medical center. Main Outcome Measures Forces applied at the skull base during surgical excision of pituitary tumors. Results Average forces applied during in vitro testing ranged from 0.1 to 0.15 N. Average forces recorded during in vivo testing ranged from 0.1 to 0.5 N. Maximal forces occurred with collisions of the bony sella. The average maximal force was 1.61 N. There were no complications related to the use of the modified curette. Conclusions Forces to remove pituitary tumor are small and are similar between patients. The in vitro model presented here is adequate for further testing of a robotic skull base surgery system.
Language Bias in Tests ITPA Grammatic Closure

The Grammatic Closure subtest of the Illinois Test of Psycholinguistic Abilities (ITPA) was examined to determine the extent to which an alleged bias exists against speakers of nonstandard English. A total of 23 of the 33 subtest items was identified as potentially high-risk for dialect speakers. Data collected from 38 black and 38 white children were analyzed for error responses; for 11 of the high-risk items, responses that were appropriate in nonstandard English accounted for 52–100% of all errors. The authors conclude that this subtest is inappropriate for use as a diagnostic instrument with children who use nonstandard English, even infrequently.
Expanded microbial genome coverage and improved protein family annotation in the COG database

Microbial genome sequencing projects produce numerous sequences of deduced proteins, only a small fraction of which have been or will ever be studied experimentally. This leaves sequence analysis as the only feasible way to annotate these proteins and assign to them tentative functions. The Clusters of Orthologous Groups of proteins (COGs) database (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/COG/), first created in 1997, has been a popular tool for functional annotation. Its success was largely based on (i) its reliance on complete microbial genomes, which allowed reliable assignment of orthologs and paralogs for most genes;(ii)orthology-basedapproach,whichusedthe function(s)ofthecharacterizedmember(s)oftheprotein family (COG) to assign function(s) to the entire set of carefully identified orthologs and describe the range of potential functions when there were more than one; and (iii) careful manual curation of the annotation of the COGs, aimed at detailed prediction of the biological function(s) for each COG while avoiding annotation errors and overprediction. Here we present an update of the COGs, the first since 2003, and a comprehensive revision of the COG annotations and expansion of the genome coverage to include representative complete genomes from all bacterial and archaeal lineages down to the genus level. This re-analysis of the COGs shows that the original COG assignments had an error rate below 0.5% and allows an assessment of the progress in functional genomics in the past 12 years. During this time, functions of many previously uncharacterized COGs have been elucidated and tentative functional assignments of many COGs have been validated, either by targeted experiments or through the use of high-throughput methods. A particularly important development is the assignment of functions to several widespread, conserved proteins many of which turned out to participate in translation, in particular rRNA maturation and tRNA modification. The new version of the COGs is expected to become an important tool for microbial genomics.
On properties and applications of a new form of discrete time optimal control law

Unlike the well-known bang-bang control for continuous plants, the closed-form time optimal control for discrete time plants was obtained only recently (Z. Gao, 2004, J. Han, 1999). It is shown in this paper that this new discrete time optimal control (DTOC) law offers a practical alternative to bang-bang control. A particularly interesting property of DTOC is that the control signal is not always bang-bang. Instead of constant chattering, DTOC can produce a smooth control signal that results in a similar performance to that of the bang-bang control. Helpful insight is offered on how to maintain the smoothness of control signal in the presence of significant sensor noises. Superior robustness of the new control law is demonstrated for a general second order system with substantial dynamic uncertainties. Implementation issues and the tuning of the control parameters are also discussed. Finally, the performance of the new control law is examined in an industrial motion control case study and a computer hard disk drive problem.
QUANTITATIVE SURVEY RADIOGRAPHIC EVALUATION OF THE LUMBOSACRAL SPINE OF NORMAL DOGS AND DOGS WITH DEGENERATIVE LUMBOSACRAL STENOSIS

Survey radiographic studies of the lumbosacral region for 93 normal dogs and for 26 dogs with confirmed degenerative lumbosacral stenosis were reviewed. Normal dogs were divided into 9 groups based on age and body weight. For normal dogs, increasing age and body weight were associated with a decreased ability to extend the lumbosacral joint and with increased incidence and severity of spondylosis. Transitional lumbosacral vertebrae and evidence of lumbosacral disc space collapse were very infrequent findings, and the pivot point for lumbosacral motion was consistently centered over the lumbosacral disc space. Relative to an age/weight matched sub-population of normal dogs, dogs with degenerative lumbosacral stenosis had similar mean normalized lumbosacral vertebral canal height, larger mean neutral lumbosacral angle, decreased extension of the lumbosacral joint, increased flexion of the lumbosacral joint, reduced lumbosacral range of motion, increased lumbosacral dynamic malalignment, higher incidence and severity of spondylosis, higher incidence of transitional vertebrae, and higher incidence of lumbosacral disc space collapse. A logistic model based strictly on radiographic parameters was able to discriminate normal from affected dogs with an overall accuracy rate of 86%.
Effects of Category Order on Answers in Mail and Telephone Surveys1

Past research suggests that mail surveys encourage a primacy effect, which is a tendency to choose the first answers from a list, whereas telephone surveys encourage a recency effect, a tendency to choose the last answers from a list. This paper summarizes results from 82 new experiments conducted in 12 separate surveys in seven states. Only four of 33 mail survey comparisons exhibited significant primacy effects, while five of 26 experiments in telephone surveys exhibited recency effects. In addition, only three of 23 cross-method comparisons produced a significant primacy/recency effect in the expected manner. The conclusion is that the prevalence of primacy and recency effects has been over-estimated by past research and a new theoretical approach that takes into account multiple causation is needed for examining these effects.
Effects of potassium removal on the b-dimension of phlogopite.

Potassium was removed from 5 to 20-μ size fractions of two phlogopites by treatment with sodium tetraphenylboron and replaced with various exchange ions. The b-dimension of the mica increased with K+ removal, which suggests that the K+ ion in phlogopite acts to constrain b. This being the case, the K—O bond in phlogopite must be lengthened and weakened relative to the K—O bond in dioctahedral micas.
Criminal Justice in the Information Age: A Punishment Theory Paradox

This paper suggests how the information age might produce high capture and conviction rates and speculates on the effect of such developments on the criminal justice system's punishment theory. The low rate at which offenders presently are punished makes a deterrent threat of official sanction of limited effect. With a high punishment rate, however, a distribution of liability and punishment based upon a deterrence principle might, for the first time, make sense. On the other hand, the greater deterrent effect might eliminate crime as a serious social concern. And, without the pressure of a serious crime problem, the theory for distributing punishment might revert to distribution based upon community notions of desert, with social science research suggests is the lay person's default distributive principle. (Even a desert distribution of punishment would convey a strong deterrent in a world of high conviction rates.) In other words, the success of deterrence might paradoxically pave the way for its demise and for the domination of desert as the operating theory for the distribution of punishment.
THE GENDER ASSET GAP: WHAT DO WE KNOW AND WHY DOES IT MATTER?

Is there a gender asset gap? This article examines the evidence available on the distribution of wealth by gender around the world and asks why we do not know more. One of the contributions of feminist economics has been to demonstrate that household and individual welfare are not necessarily the same. However, relatively little work has been done that disaggregates the ownership of assets within the household to determine how asset distribution affects the gendered pattern of wealth ownership overall or how it impacts household decisions and women's well-being. As an initial step in this project, a number of factors are examined that affect women's ability to accumulate wealth, with emphasis on marital and inheritance regimes. Finally, the myriad ways in which the gender distribution of wealth is important are discussed.
A Multiple-Target DBS Strategy for Parkinson’s Disease. (P7.049)

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the outcomes of Parkinson’s disease (PD) cases where a tailored approach to deep brain stimulation (DBS) utilizing multiple-target strategy was applied. BACKGROUND: We have performed staged unilateral implantation DBS in most PD cases, and select the DBS target based on the PD symptomatology evaluated by interdisciplinary DBS team. We have a few cases where DBS electrodes were implanted unilaterally in a single target (subthalamic nucleus (STN), nucleus ventralis intermedius (VIM), or globus pallidus internus (Gpi)), and contralaterally in a different target; or alternatively a second lead was added ipsilaterally METHODS: We queried our DBS database to identify multiple target DBS cases, and we investigated the details and process for selecting the targets. The primary outcome measure was the Clinical Global Impression (CGI). Secondarily, the Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) and the Parkinson’s Disease Questionnaire-39 (PDQ-39) were evaluated. RESULTS: There were seven cases that met the inclusion criteria. GPi DBS was performed as the second surgery to address STN stimulation-induced refractory dyskinesia (n=4), and in case where mild cognitive decline was observed following the first STN DBS (n=1). Ipsilateral VIM DBS was performed to address a tremor refractory to the initial STN DBS (n=2). All of these patients described their symptoms on the CGIS as “much better” following surgery. We will present the specific results at the poster presentation. CONCLUSIONS: It is important to consider an optimal and tailored approach based on the PD phenomenology in each case. Multiple-target lead implantations may address the symptoms refractory to classic single-target DBS. Disclosure: Dr. Higuchi has nothing to disclose. Dr. Morishita has nothing to disclose. Dr. Foote has received personal compensation for activities with Medtronic Inc. as a teacher and fellow. Dr. Foote has received licensee fee payments through the University of Florida. Dr. Foote has received research support from the National Institutes of Health and the National Parkinson Foundation. Dr. Nestor has nothing to disclose. Dr. Hillard has nothing to disclose. Dr. Okun has received royalty payments from Demos, Humana, Amazon and Cambridge. Dr. Okun has received research support from the Michael J. Fox Foundation, the National Parkinson Foundation, the Parkinson Alliance, the Smallwood Foundation, the Tourette Syndrome Association, the Bachmann-Strauss Foundation, and the National Institutes of Health.
Computational models of development, social influences

In the article we argue that past Bayesian approaches that model children's learning from data are missing an important element — the role of other people in generating that data. We propose that children take the origin of data into account when learning, which can be understood through ideal observer analyses of the social situation. Moreover, when observing evidence, children are not just learning from others, but also about others. We review recent literature suggesting that children can make inferences about the knowledge and goals of the individual selecting the data and use this knowledge to bolster learning from this evidence.
Molecular systematics of unitunicate perithecial ascomycetes: the clavicipitales-hypocreales connection.

Cladistic analysis of partial sequences (840 nucleotide positions) from the nuclear encoded small subunit ribosomal DNA was performed to infer the higher taxonomic placement of the Clavicipitales within unitunicate perithecial ascomycetes. Two major classifications exist concerning the placement of this order of ascomycetes; one places it as a sister group to the Hypocreales and the other, as a member of or a near relative to the Xylariales. A strict consensus of 10 equally most parsimonious trees was in agreement with the placement of the Clavicipitales as a monophyletic sister group to the Hypocreales; relationships within the Clavicipitales were not fully resolved in the strict consensus. The taxa sampled from the Hypocreales comprised a paraphyletic lineage in the strict consensus. Characters derived from anamorphs, stromata, centrum anatomy and nutritional modes were reviewed with respect to their level of congruence with the results inferred from the molecular data.