cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Functional organization of surgically created visual circuits.

Lesions of cerebral targets of the retina in newborn hamsters, when combined with transection of lemniscal pathways to the primary auditory or somatosensory thalamic nuclei or the secondary thalamic visual nucleus, can induce the formation of permanent retinal pr ojections to the deafferented non-visual structures. These projections are retinotopically organized and form functional synapses. Consequently, neurons in the auditory or somatosensory cortices, which normally are not driven by visual stimuli, become visually responsive and have receptive field properties that ressemble, in several important ways, those of neurons in the visual cortex of normal animals. The surgically-induced retino-thalamo-cortical pathways can mediate visually guided behaviors whose normal substrate, the pathway from the retina to the primary visual cortex via the thalamic dorsal lateral geniculate nucleus, is missing.
Attachment security in infancy predicts reduced parasympathetic reactivity in middle childhood.

Children with histories of secure attachments during infancy are expected to develop healthier patterns of physiological activity at rest and in response to a stressor than children with insecure a...
7 – DNA Sequencing and the Evolution of the “-Omics”

Publisher Summary Omics refers to a field of study in biology ending in -omics, such as genomics, proteomics, or metabolomics. Sequencing is the first step in evaluating regulatory sequences as well as coding and noncoding regions. Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) sequences are used to reconstruct phylogenies, identify taxonomic groups, evaluate the evolution of genomes, and conduct research on population ecology and genetics. There are two original methods for sequencing DNA and in both, sequencing involves four procedures—cloning/preparing template DNA, performing sequencing reactions, gel electrophoresis of samples, and compiling and interpreting data. DNA sequencing can now be highly automated using bases labeled with fluorescent dyes. Sequences can be read by scanners directly, and sequence analysis is automated that has reduced costs and increased speed. Automated sequencing methods were used for the very large-scale sequencing required to sequence the entire Drosophila melanogaster genome. The information obtained from the Drosophila Genome Project has begun to revolutionize both fundamental and applied aspects of insect genetics. Genomics is providing insight into development, speciation, protein interactions, and evolution. Proteomics involves understanding the structure and function of the proteins encoded by genes. Transcriptomics resolves which genes are transcribed during development in specific tissues. Phenomics attempts to understand how genes and proteins interact in physiological cascades to determine the phenotype and development of organisms. Because genomics and proteomics produce huge amounts of data, biologists need to use computers and other information management tools that has generated a new discipline called bioinformatics.
What about Private Options

There is considerable enthusiasm today for public options, particularly in the health care and banking sectors. A compromise between entirely private commercial provision and wholly bureaucratic, tax-and-transfer government provision, public options are designed to offer citizen-consumers greater choice and protection. In blending (rather than choosing between) market ordering and state welfare, government agencies experimenting with public options are stepping out of their sovereign lane, forgoing legislative and regulatory tools in favor of commercial ones. Plenty of thoughtful work on public options already exists. For that reason, this Essay turns its attention to the converse phenomenon—namely, private options. Just as public options involve governments using commercial—not sovereign—pathways to remedy market failures, private options involve firms (or groups of employees) adopting sovereign—not commercial—postures to remedy government failures. Private, sovereign-like interventions refer to one or more of the following: private actors (1) utilizing democratic pathways and deliberative procedures in furtherance of some public policy; (2) taking on substantive responsibilities that modern liberal democracies are no longer willing or able to direct or fund; or (3) providing principally for the general welfare in ways that suggest they may be voluntarily internalizing externalities, at some profit loss or legal risk, and reducing rather than exploiting power and information asymmetries. Private options of this quasi-sovereign variety include such things as Facebook’s proposed digital currency and its self-styled supreme court tasked with rendering adjudicatory decisions as to user and advertiser content. They also include Apple and Google’s planned stewardship over what are in many respects twenty-first century reboots of old-school company towns. We may even look beyond the C-suite and consider workforces that are fashioning their own private options, and thus functioning as commercial analogs to the body politic. Specifically, worker strikes over their companies’ participation in politically and legally questionable government programs may likewise constitute private options. These workers are not protesting to augment their own wages and benefits. To the contrary, they are risking their own financial security to stand in for the American electorate when that electorate is (for structural reasons) unable to democratically influence U.S. immigration or defense policy. This Essay drills down on private options, identifying their defining characteristics, explaining how they respond to today’s serious government failures, and contextualizing their role within the larger ecosystem of government and market institutions and actors.
Theoretical foundations for a quantitative approach to paleogenetics : Part II: Proteins.

It is shown that simply counting the number of amino acid differences between two homologous present day proteins may underestimate the number of mutagenic events that have occurred by more than a factor of three. In a previous paper (Part I) it was shown how to correct quantitatively for multiple mutagenic events at the same base site and for back mutation at that site. In this paper formulas are derived to correct for multiple mutagenic events within the same codon triplet and for the degeneracy of the genetic code. These formulas are related to the often used concept of minimum mutation distance, and it is demonstrated that the latter underestimates the number of 3-base changes (per codon) by more than an order of magnitude. The formulas developed in this paper are shown to be capable of detectinga priori, and with statistical significance, the nonrandomness that is known from experiment to exist in theA fibrinopeptides of ox, reindeer, sheep, and goat; the formulas also show, with statistical significance, that the assumption of a single ancestral DNA does not suffice to explain the known number of amino acid differences which occur between pairs of these fibrinopeptides.More explicitly, the following problems are solved: 1. Consider a protein ofT amino acids which is coded by a polynucleotide ofL = 3 T individual nucleotide bases. Let exactlyX mutagenic events occur randomly along the length of this polynucleotide. After theX mutagenic events have occurred, a numberA, less than or equal toT, amino acid sites will differ from the corresponding sites in the ancestral protein. An explicit formula forN(A), the average number of amino acid substitutions that have occurred, is derived. 2. Because of chance identities, the number of amino acid differencesN(d) between two homologous present day proteins will be less thanN 1 (A) plusN 2 (A), where the subscripts refer to each homologue; a formula forN(d) is derived. 3. The limits of validity of the commonly used approximationN(A)=1/2N(d) are derived. 4. Formulas are given which permit the estimation of the proportion of amino acid substitutions which have occurred by one base, two base, and three base changes.
ARIAN: A Scalable Method for Adding aRbItrAry Numbers on Modern Processors

High precision calculations that exceed the register's width on a computing system require arbitrary arithmetic. An application example where arbitrary long numbers are widely used is cryptography because longer numbers offer higher encryption security. Modern systems typically employ up to 64-bit registers, way less than what an arbitrary number requires, while conventional algorithms do not exploit hardware characteristics as well. In this paper, we propose ARIAN, a new scalable method to add arbitrary long numbers which utilizes logical operations rather than arithmetic to perform calculations. We also extended our algorithm (AR-AVX) to utilize AVX (Advanced Vector eXtensions) instructions to exploit parallelization and further increase calculation speed up. Experimental results show that the proposed methodology achieves a speed up of more than 120× on average, comparing to current implementations, while with the addition of AVX we achieve a 300× speed up on average.
Design optimization of double-layered structural insulated panels for windborne debris hazard

Abstract The design and performance of double-layered structural insulated panels (DL-SIPs) are investigated in this study with a focus on how they resist the windborne debris hazard. Such composite panels are commonly used in building envelopes to provide insulation and energy-saving advantages. However, if not designed properly, they can be at the risk of failure due to windborne debris impact, especially in high wind regions. This critical aspect motivated the current study to establish an experimentally-supported computational platform to assess the DL-SIPs, in terms of their key response measures, such as energy absorption, maximum displacement, and projectile penetration. A global sensitivity analysis is then conducted to systematically evaluate the effects of various design variables considered for metal sheets and foam cores on the impact response characteristics of the DL-SIPs. This study is further extended to perform a multi-objective design optimization for the DL-SIPs using two surrogate models (i.e., radial basis function network and kriging model). From the optimization results, the trade-offs between the design details and the impact resistance measures are determined. This leads to a set of configurations recommended for the DL-SIPs to properly resist windborne debris impact, while avoiding an overdesign.
"There may be a problem, but I'm not going because…": examining classes of men and their rationales for not seeking mental health treatment.

Men are less likely than women to seek out mental health treatment, despite men also having mental health struggles.We examined typologies of men’s reasons for not seeking treatment even though the...
Do cultural districts spur urban revitalization: Evidence from Louisiana

Abstract In the past two decades, cultural districts have become a popular instrument to encourage urban revitalization. Districts typically receive support such as grants, investments, or tax credits and, in this sense, are a variation of place-based economic development policies. In this paper, we examine the effect of state-designated cultural districts on transaction-level residential real estate prices in the metropolitan region of Lafayette, Louisiana. Using a difference-in-differences identification strategy that adjusts for staggered treatment timing, we find that residential properties within districts sell for 7% more after certification relative to nearby comparison group properties. The results are robust to extreme sale prices, alternative samples, and recently developed randomization inference techniques. Our results add to the literature showing that place-based policies can spur economic revitalization if they are carefully targeted toward amenities that residents value.
Bringing the Legal Unity Into Focus

It has been shown that under the influence of the areal and functional characteristics of drainage the basin emerged or tended to emerge at different periods of history as a legal entity. This process operated long before the idea of river basin unity was formally conceptualized. It has sometimes taken the form of areal unification (i.e., the basin became a political or administrative unit through water use or control), sometimes of functional unification (water resources exploitation was organized with an awareness of the interconnection of drainage), and sometimes of both together. What are the salient points of this legal unity as unfolded in this study and what conclusions can be drawn for its future?
Chemical extraction of indigo from Indigofera tinctoria while attaining biological integrity

Indigofera tinctoria was permeabilized with 20% methanol (v/v) at 25 °C and released 8±2 μg indigo g−1 dry plant material (excluding roots). This is equivalent to 42±11% of the total indican within the cells. The plants began to recover after 2 weeks.
Chemical aminoacylation of transfer ribonucleic acid. The reaction of Escherichia coli tRNA with ethyl N-benzyloxycarbonylorthoglycinate.

Abstract The α-carbethoxypentadecyltrimethylammonium (Septonex) salt of tRNA (Ib) was condensed with ethyl N- benzyloxycarbonylorthoglycinate (II) in dimethylformamide in vacuo and in the presence of H 3 PO 4 as catalyst. Pancreatic RNAase degradation and phenylalanine acceptor activity showed a 55–60% conversion to the 2′,3′-cyclic orthoglycinate derivative of tRNA (IIIb). The orthoester grouping of IIIb was quantitatively hydrolyzed in 80% formic acid at 0°C for 15 min to give 2′(3′)-O-(N- benzyloxycarbonyl)glycyl tRNA (IVb). The latter was stripped at pH 8.8 to give tRNA whose behavior on DEAE cellulose column and gel electrophoresis was similar to that of starting tRNA. The phenylalanine acceptor activity amounted to almost 80% of the starting tRNA.
Promotion of Social Change: A Conceptual Framework

This paper argues for the need to advance promotion efforts and proposes a conceptual framework for promotion of social change. A brief review is presented of traditional frameworks for the prevention of mental and social disorders and the promotion of wellness and social competencies, with attention to the ways in which promotion of social change extends and departs from these frameworks. In a framework for promoting social change, we advocate for promoting dynamic processes within systems, rather than outcomes within individuals. Systems are viewed as flexible and capable of facilitating multiple adaptive pathways for individuals and groups. Promoting social change also involves careful attention to critical analysis, values, language, and contextual processes. Examples are discussed throughout to illustrate how these principles have been used in the past and can be implemented in future efforts to promote social change.
Surface tension-driven assembly of metallic nanosheets at the liquid-air interface: Application to highly laminated magnetic cores

This paper presents a fabrication technique to develop highly laminated structures comprising stacked thin films, in which the structures are based on surface tension-driven assembly at the liquid-air interface. When multiple metallic films are removed from a liquid solution, there is a surface tension-driven coalescence and self-alignment of the wetted films, resulting in thick metallic microstuctures comprised of many layers of metallic nanosheets after evaporation of the liquid. If the liquid contains a dissolved material, each sheet can further be coated with the material prior to assembly. Based on this technique, we developed laminated structures comprising hundreds of nanoscale layers of alternating metallic film and non-conducting polymer. Electroplated Co 44 Ni 37 Fe 19 (Cobalt-Nickel-Iron alloy) and a commercial Novec 1700 solution (3M, Minnesota) were utilized for the metallic film and the liquid solution, respectively. However, the assembly process inherently allows a variety of materials to be exploited. Theoretical analysis and experimental results were compared, demonstrating a critical gap between the metallic films, below which capillary force is sufficient for driving self-assembly of the films. As an exemplary application of this technique, highly laminated magnetic cores comprising 600 layers of 500 nm thick CoNiFe that are insulated by 100 nm thick polymer were prepared. A 15-turn toroidal inductor with the fabricated magnetic core exhibited a constant inductance of 2.5 µH up to 30 MHz with a quality factor over 70 at 1 MHz.
Don't Forget What We're Fighting For:Will the Fourth Amendment Be aCasualty of the War on Terror?

Table of Contents I. Introduction The terrorist enemy that threatens civilization today is unlike any we have ever known . . . . [Terrorists] enjoy the benefits of our free society even as they commit themselves to our destruction. They exploit our openness -- not randomly or haphazardly - but by deliberate, premeditated design. . . . [Me are at war with an enemy who abuses individual rights as it abuses jet airliners: as weapons with which to kill Americans.1 The greatest dangers to liberty huk in insidious encroachment by men of zeal, well-meaning but without undertanding.2 At 8:45 in the morning on September 11, 2001 (9-11), American Airlines Flight 11 slammed into the South Tower of the World Trade Center in New York City.3 Twenty minutes later, as live television cameras rolled and stunned New Yorkers gazed up in disbelief, a second plane, United Airlines Flight 175, banked left and ripped through the World Trade Center's North Tower.4 Barely forty minutes after these devastating explosions that ultimately would topple the preeminent icon of America's economic dominance, a third civilian jetliner, American Airlines Flight 77, barreled into the United States' military headquarters at the Pentagon.5 In just over an hour, terrorists crippled two of the most important symbols of American society and took the lives of nearly 3,000 people;6 on 9-11 the horrible reality of modern terrorism found a global television audience. With nothing more imposing than box cutters,7 nineteen single-minded zealots realized what now seem disturbingly prophetic words: "[T]he technology of transportation about the planet has advanced to a point where it has become increasingly easy to plan and implement highly destructive terrorist actions in the territory of another state."8 Now, the dust and smoke that lingered for so long over lower Manhattan has cleared and workers have mended the gaping wound in the Pentagon, yet the true breadth of the attacks' impact on the United States is only just coming to light. For more than two centuries, the United States has stood as a nation of carefully counterbalanced laws and freedoms. However, the tragic events of 9-11 have threatened the very nature of American society and forced our nation to reset the scales and to reevaluate just how free we can afford to be. The United States government responded quickly to 9-11, both at home and abroad. Within hours, federal buildings in Washington, D.C. closed their doors and the Federal Aviation Administration shut down U.S. airports, diverting all in-flight craft to airports in Canada.9 Within days, President Bush issued an Executive Order calling the ready reserves of the armed forces to active duty,10 and the Department of Justice (DOJ) initiated what Attorney General John Ashcroft would later claim to be the largest investigation ever undertaken. …
Strand Displacement Synthesis of the Long Terminal Repeats by HIV Reverse Transcriptase (

According to the current model for retroviral replication, strand displacement of the long terminal repeat (LTR) is a necessary step during plus strand DNA synthesis in vivo. We have investigated the ability of human immunodeficiency virus reverse transcriptase (HIV-RT) to synthesize in vitro over a 634-nucleotide HIV LTR DNA template, having or lacking a single full-length DNA downstream primer. The presence of the downstream primer resulted in an approximately 12-fold reduction in the rate of upstream primer elongation. Addition of Escherichia coli single-stranded binding protein (SSB) or human replication protein A (RP-A) enhanced strand displacement synthesis; however, addition of HIV nucleocapsid protein (NC) did not. The presence of excess single-stranded DNA complementary to the downstream primer did not stimulate displacement synthesis. Interestingly, we observed that the elongating upstream primer could readily transfer to this DNA. This observation suggests that recombination is favored during strand displacement synthesis in vivo.
Simultaneous quantification of glutamate and glutamine by J-modulated spectroscopy at 3 Tesla.

Purpose The echo time (TE) averaged spectrum is the one-dimensional (1D) cross-section of the J-resolved spectrum at J = 0. In multiecho TE-averaged spectroscopy, glutamate (Glu) is differentiated from glutamine (Gln) at 3 Tesla (T). This method, however, almost entirely suppresses Gln resonance lines around 2.35 ppm, leaving Gln undetermined. This study presents a novel method for quantifying both Glu and Gln using multi-echo spectral data. Methods A 1D cross-section of J-resolved spectroscopy at J = 7.5 Hz—referred to as J-modulated spectroscopy—was developed to simultaneously quantify Glu and Gln levels in the human brain. The transverse relaxation times (T2s) of metabolites were first determined using conventional TE-averaged spectroscopy with different starting echo time and then incorporated into the spectral model for fitting J-modulated data. Results Simulation and in vivo data showed that the resonance signals of Glu and Gln were clearly separated around 2.35 ppm in J-modulated spectroscopy. In the anterior cingulate cortex, both Glu and Gln levels were found to be significantly higher in gray matter than in white matter in healthy subjects (P < 10−10 and < 10−5, respectively). Conclusion Gln resonances can be clearly separated from Glu and N-acetyl-aspartate around 2.35 ppm using J-modulated spectroscopy. This method can be used to quantitatively measure Glu and Gln simultaneously at 3T. Magn Reson Med, 2015. Published 2015. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.
Equivariant Novikov conjecture for groups acting on Euclidean buildings

We prove the equivariant Novikov conjecture for groups acting on Euclidean buildings by using an equivariant F:tilsum-Skandalis methocl. We also obtain an equivariant version of the Connes-Gromov-Moscovic; th.eorem for almost flat C*-algebra bundles.
Flow regimes for fiber suspensions in narrow gaps

Abstract The flow of fiber suspensions in narrow gaps is examined using rheological theories for suspensions of rigid particles in a Newtonian solvent. A dimensionless particle number Np describes the intrinsic anisotropy of the suspension. Order-of-magnitude estimates are developed for the velocity, stress and fiber-orientation components in a narrow gap of slowly varying thickness. The estimates reveal four distinct flow regimes. At one extreme the flow is decoupled from fiber orientation and lubrication theory applies. The other extreme exhibits a flat velocity profile with a shear boundary layer of thickness L(Np− 1 2 . The key dimensionless group separating the regimes is Npδ2. Here δ describes the out-of-plane fiber orientation; it equals the greater of ϵ or CI 1 3 , where ϵ is the slenderness of the gap and CI is an interaction coefficient for fiber orientation. The existence of the first regime supports the practice of decoupling the calculation of flow and fiber orientation, provided that Npδ2 is much smaller than one. The fourth regime generalizes Barone and Caulk's model for compression molding flows of chopped-fiber molding compounds. Limitations due to entrance effects and start-up transients are discussed, along with applications to the modeling of injection and compression molding of fiber-reinforced polymers.
Adsorption of Phenyl Isothiocyanate on Si(001): A 1,2-Dipolar Surface Addition Reaction

The adsorption of phenyl isothiocyanate (PITC) on silicon (001) surfaces has been investigated using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, scanning tunneling microscopy (STM), and ab initio calculations. The experimental evidence shows that adsorption onto the Si surface occurs in a highly selective manner, through the NCS group and not through the benzene ring. Both experimental and theoretical evidence suggests that the adsorption involves the interaction of the N and C atoms of the NCS group with the SiSi dimer, forming a four-member Si2NC ring at the interface. This process leaves the aromatic ring nearly unperturbed and is analogous to a 1,2-dipolar addition reaction. Theoretical calculations confirm that this is the most stable product.
Uncertainty Modeling Via Frequency Domain Model Validation

Abstract The majority of literature on robust control assumes that a design model is available and that the uncertainty model bounds the actual variations about the nominal model. However, methods for generating accurate design models have not received as much attention in the literature. The influence of the level of accuracy of the uncertainty model on closed loop performance has received even less attention. The research reported herein is an initial step in applying and extending the concept of model validation to the problem of obtaining practical uncertainty models for robust control analysis and design applications. An extension of model validation called 'sequential validation' is presented and applied to a simple spring-mass-damper system to establish the feasibility of the approach and demonstrate the benefits of the new developments.
Hybrid Pseudo-Random (HYPR) dynamic scenario generation capability

This paper discusses a new capability, the Hybrid Pseudo-Random (HyPR) Dynamic Force Generator. This capability uses geographic position data of select ground platforms in an operational unit to quickly generate realistic, dynamic positions for the remaining unit platforms. This capability (implemented in MATLAB) was initially designed to generate scenario-linked laydowns for an entire ∼3000 platform U.S. Army Future Combat System (FCS) Brigade Combat Team (BCT) with varying configurations. The configurations were driven by Horseblanket/Unit Requirements Sheet (URS) and established guidelines for FCS and its spinouts, e.g. Infantry BCT (IBCT). The HyPR generated platform level maneuver data was then input into a wireless connectivity analysis tool and an OPNET-based Mobile Ad-Hoc Network (MANET) system performance model of Joint Tactical Radio System (JTRS) and other radio systems/protocols to enable network analyses. HyPR provides a speedy and robust capability to develop high fidelity, scenario linked platform level maneuver data.
Upper Limit of Vulnerability Predicts Chronic Defibrillation Threshold for Transvenous Implantable Defibrillators

ULV Predicts Chronic DFT. Introduction: The upper limit of vulnerability (ULV) is the shock strength at or above which ventricular fibrillation cannot be induced when delivered in the vulnerable period. It correlates acutely with the acute defibrillation threshold (DFT) and can be determined with a single episode of fibrillation. The goal of this prospective study was to determine the relationship between the ULV and the chronic DFT. Methods and Results: We studied 40 patients at, and 3 months after, implantation of transvenous cardioverter defibrillators. The ULV was defined as the weakest biphasic shock that failed to induce fibrillation when delivered 0,20, and 40 msec before the peak of the T wave. Patients were classified as clinically stable or unstable based on prospectively defined criteria. There were no significant differences between the group means for the acute and chronic determinations of ULV (13.5 ± 5.3 J vs 12.4 ± 6.8 J, P = 0.25) and DFT (10.1 ± 5.0 J vs 9.9 ± 5.7 J, P = 0.74). Five patients (15%) were classified as unstable. The strength of the correlation between acute ULV and acute DFT (r = 0.74, P < 0.001) was similar to that between the chronic ULV and chronic DFT (r = 0.82, P < 0.001). There was a correlation between the change in ULV from acute to chronic and the corresponding change in DFT (r = 0.67, P < 0.001). The chronic DFT was less than the acute ULV + 3 J in all 35 stable patients, but it was greater in 2 of 5 unstable patients (P = 0.04). Conclusions: The strength of the correlation between the chronic ULV and the chronic DFT is comparable to that between the acute ULV and the acute DFT. Temporal changes in the ULV predict temporal changes in the DFT. In clinically stable patients, a defibrillation safety margin of 3 J above the acute ULV proved an adequate chronic safety margin.
Vanadium-titanium-bearing mixed-layered clay from Potash Sulphur Springs, Arkansas

A unique vanadium-titanium-bearing mixed-layered clay is currently being mined as an ore of vanadium at Potash Sulphur Springs, AR. The clay contains 80% expandable portion and has both a 14.22 and 18.24 A hydration state in addition to the 9.49 A dehydrated state; ethylene glycol expands this material to 16.69 A. The 060 reflection for all hydration states is between 1.50 and 1.51 A indicating the material is dioctahedral. The “mean chemical formula” calculates as (Ca0.08 K0.02 Na0.03)0.13 (Al0.11 V0.90 Ti0.19 Fe0.64 Mg0.14)1.98 (Si3.79 Al0.21)4 O10 (OH)2·nH2O.
Cell Therapy for Heart Failure—Muscle, Bone Marrow, Blood, and Cardiac-Derived Stem Cells

Heart failure (HF) affects a rapidly growing population of patients. Despite improvements in the understanding and therapy of many stages of cardiovascular disease, there has been little progress in treating HF. In the late-stage disease, current options are cardiac transplantation and mechanical support--options that are limited to a small patient collective. The ischemically injured failing heart lacks contractile myocardium, functional vasculature, and electrical integrity, which has made treatment of the underlying injury untenable in the past. Restoring all of these components seems an overwhelming challenge. Yet, the concept of cell therapy--tissue repair by transplantation of stem and progenitor cells--has opened new potential options for patients with heart failure. Skeletal myoblasts, bone marrow, and blood-derived stem cells have all shown considerable myogenic and angiogenic potential in vitro and have rapidly moved from bench to bedside. A number of nonrandomized, non-placebo-controlled safety and feasibility studies have been reported and now double-blinded randomized controlled trials are underway. Despite this rapid clinical pace, the exact mechanisms underlying the functional benefits of different cell types are not well understood. Instead, multiple similar mechanism have been ascribed to virtually every cell type. Thus, while the field is exciting and offers unheralded promise to treat patients with CVD, we must proceed with due diligence and caution. Only a deep understanding of the benefits versus the risks, and the mechanisms involved in cell-mediated cardiac repair, will allow us to design clinically valuable tools and fulfill the potential of this exciting 21st century approach to treating cardiovascular disease.
Epithelial differentiation in pancreatic development and neoplasia: new niches for nestin and Notch.

Abstract:Changes in epithelial differentiation represent a characteristic early feature of human pancreatic cancer. Recent work suggests that many of these changes may reflect a pathologic recapitulation of developmental events. Reflecting this principle, metaplastic and neoplastic pancreatic epithe
Self-reported overweight and obesity are not associated with concern about enough food among adults in New York and Louisiana.

Abstract Background . A causal relationship between hunger and obesity has been postulated. Two cross-sectional studies have found evidence to suggest an association between obesity and food insecurity among adult women, and a third study suggests an association between underweight and food insecurity among men. The purpose of this study was to investigate the association between concern about enough food and obesity in an adult population at the state level. Methods . A cross-sectional analysis was conducted using 1999 data from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS), Social Context Module ( n = 3,945). Results . An 8.0% prevalence of concern about enough food was found in Louisiana, and an 11.8% prevalence was found in New York, and was positively associated with morbid obesity, RR = 2.20 (95% CI = 1.24, 3.90) and RR = 2.23 (95% CI = 1.30, 3.84), respectively. However, this association became nonsignificant after controlling for education, income, race/ethnicity, marital status, and general health. Conclusion . A very strong apparent relationship between concern about enough food and obesity could be entirely accounted for by the influences of socioeconomic variables. This emphasizes the need for longitudinal research studies using precise measures of weight, height, and food security.
The Role of Fentanyl in Cancer-Related Pain

Abstract Fentanyl is a lipophilic, short-acting, synthetic opioid with a piperidine chemical structure. Fentanyl is an effective analgesic for cancer pain, and newer formulations such as the transmucosal and buccal forms have shown efficacy for the management of cancer-related breakthrough pain. This article reviews the pharmacodynamics, pharmacology, and clinical efficacy for this new option in treating moderate to severe pain.
Adsorption of Water Vapor on Active Carbon Preadsorbed with Methanol and Benzene

Abstract Adsorption isotherms of water vapor on active carbon preadsorbed with small amounts of methanol and benzene are measured and the influence of the preadsorbates on the following water vapor adsorption is discussed in terms of the number of primary adsorption centers a 0 for water vapor adsorption by the Dubinin–Serpinsky equation. Methanol preadsorption decreases the values of a 0 , while benzene does not. The results show that methanol is adsorbed on the edges of the micropore walls, where oxygen–surface complexes exist and the adsorption space for water in micropores is maintained, while benzene is adsorbed on the basal planes, which diminishes the adsorption space for water vapor in micropores.
Breastfeeding and waiting time to conception for Malay women: A tale of two surveys

This study investigates the unusual relationship between breastfeeding and waiting time to conception in Malaysia as reported in Goldman et al. (1987). Using data from the Malaysian World Fertility Survey (MWFS), Goldman and her colleagues (1987) find that noncontracepting Malaysian women have an unusually long waiting time to conception, given their relatively short durations of breastfeeding. This study provides a similar analysis using data from the Malaysian Family Life Survey (MFLS) and finds a more typical relationship. I conclude that the distinction between full and partial breastfeeding made to respondents of the MFLS probably led to more reliable responses to questions about breastfeeding duration, especially for women who breastfeed for long durations.
Regulation of Three Nitrogenase Gene Clusters in the Cyanobacterium Anabaena variabilis ATCC 29413

The filamentous cyanobacterium Anabaena variabilis ATCC 29413 fixes nitrogen under aerobic conditions in specialized cells called heterocysts that form in response to an environmental deficiency in combined nitrogen. Nitrogen fixation is mediated by the enzyme nitrogenase, which is very sensitive to oxygen. Heterocysts are microxic cells that allow nitrogenase to function in a filament comprised primarily of vegetative cells that produce oxygen by photosynthesis. A. variabilis is unique among well-characterized cyanobacteria in that it has three nitrogenase gene clusters that encode different nitrogenases, which function under different environmental conditions. The nif1 genes encode a Mo-nitrogenase that functions only in heterocysts, even in filaments grown anaerobically. The nif2 genes encode a different Mo-nitrogenase that functions in vegetative cells, but only in filaments grown under anoxic conditions. An alternative V-nitrogenase is encoded by vnf genes that are expressed only in heterocysts in an environment that is deficient in Mo. Thus, these three nitrogenases are expressed differentially in response to environmental conditions. The entire nif1 gene cluster, comprising at least 15 genes, is primarily under the control of the promoter for the first gene, nifB1. Transcriptional control of many of the downstream nif1 genes occurs by a combination of weak promoters within the coding regions of some downstream genes and by RNA processing, which is associated with increased transcript stability. The vnf genes show a similar pattern of transcriptional and post-transcriptional control of expression suggesting that the complex pattern of regulation of the nif1 cluster is conserved in other cyanobacterial nitrogenase gene clusters.
Time-dependent effects of pre-aging polymer films in cell culture medium on cell adhesion and spreading

We have tested the hypothesis that cell adhesion and spreading on polymer films are influenced by the amount of time that the polymer films are pre-aged in cell culture medium. Cell adhesion and spreading were assessed after a 6-h culture on poly(D,L-lactic acid) (PDLLA) films that had been pre-aged in cell culture medium for 30 min, 1, 3 or 7 d. Cell adhesion and spread area were enhanced as the duration of pre-aging PDLLA films in cell culture medium was increased. Materials characterization showed that the hydrophobicity and surface morphology of the PDLLA films changed with increasing length of pre-aging time. These results suggest that cell adhesion and spreading are sensitive to the time-dependent changes in PDLLA hydrophobicity and surface morphology that occur during exposure of the polymer to cell medium for different lengths of time. These results demonstrate that cell response to a degradable, biomedical polymer can change as a function of the amount of time that the polymer is exposed to physiological medium.
In the Name of Oil: Anglo-American Relations in the Middle East, 1950–1958

In the Name of Oil: Anglo-American Relations in the Middle East, 1950–1958, Ivan L. G. Pearson, Brighton: Sussex Academic Press, 2010, ISBN 978-1-84519-388-1, 240 pp. This study seeks to challenge ...
The Continuous Spectrum of Hydrogen

Effect of the source on the continuous spectrum of hydrogen---The continuous spectrum of hydrogen is observed to be of similar character, although of differing intensity, in a number of sources, a Wood tube, an ordinary discharge tube, the separate striations of the positive column, the condensed spark in hydrogen at pressures above atmospheric, and in the water spark. It is of appreciable intensity near $H\ensuremath{\alpha}$, rises slowly to a maximum in the near ultra-violet and descends slowly in intensity from $\ensuremath{\lambda}300$ to 220\ensuremath{\mu}\ensuremath{\mu}.Theory of the continuous spectrum of hydrogen.---Bohr's idea, which attributes a continuous spectrum near the Balmer lines to an electron plunging from an unquantized energy region to the second orbit, together with Wright's theory that such unquantization may exist from any given orbit outwards, is given statistical formulation on the assumption that the plunging electrons obey a Maxwellian law of distribution. A formula for the distribution of energy across the continuous spectrum is obtained which involves an unknown probability, ${a}_{n}$, that the atom exist through the $n\mathrm{th}$ orbit, the region beyond being unquantized. When ${a}_{n}$ is evaluated roughly from general physical considerations the formula agrees qualitatively with the continuous spectra observed in the hydrogen stars and the laboratory sources. It is recognized that the theory is a simple type of the more general theory of retardation spectra.
Use of optimal control models to predict treatment time for managing tick-borne disease

Tick-borne diseases have been on the rise recently, and correspondingly, there is an increased interest in implementing control measures to decrease the risk. Optimal control provides an ideal tool to identify the best method for reducing risk while accounting for the associated costs. Using a previously published model, a variety of frameworks are assessed to identify the key factors influencing mitigation strategies. The level and duration of tick-reducing efforts are key metrics for understanding the successful reduction in tick-borne disease incidence. The results show that the punctuated nature of the tick's life history plays a critical role in reducing risk without the need for a permanent treatment programme. This work suggests that across a variety of optimal control frameworks and objective functionals within a closed environment, similar strategies are created, all suggesting that the tick-borne disease risk can be reduced to near zero without completely eliminating the tick population.
The Temporary Construction of Consumer Attitudes

This article investigates factors that affect whether people will construct attitudes based on external information from others, their own direct experience, or some combination of the two. Evidence from two studies suggests that consumers' salient goals and the order and degree of favorability associated with the two types of information (external vs. experiential) are factors that may jointly determine attitude construction. In study 1, participants who were in an evaluative (nonevaluative) frame of mind were more likely to construct their attitudes based on initial (recent) diagnostic information regarding the attitude object (i.e., an advertisement). Participants appear to use an anchoring and adjustment process to construct their attitudes. In study 2, to further test this anchoring and adjustment explanation, we use the well-established finding that people sometimes express attitude behaviors in line with a third party's views. When a third party created an external contingency, participants no longer systematically anchored on prior or recent information toward the attitude object. The results of these two studies point out the usefulness of identifying (a) processes of attitude construction, and (b) processes of how consumers determine whether a generated attitude is an appropriate guide for their behavior. The findings are discussed in terms of the current retrieval versus construction debate in the attitude literature.
Regulation by Rab3A of an endogenous modulator of neurotransmitter release at mouse motor nerve endings.

Rab3A, a small GTP-binding protein attached to synaptic vesicles, has been implicated in several stages in the process of neurosecretion, including a late stage occurring just prior to the actual release of neurotransmitter. The inhibitory neuromodulator adenosine also targets a late step in the neurosecretory pathway. We thus compared neuromuscular junctions from adult Rab3A−/- mutant mice with those from wild-type mice with respect to: (a) the basic electrophysiological correlates of neurotransmitter release at different stimulation frequencies, and (b) the actions of exogenous and endogenous adenosine on neurotransmitter release in normal calcium solutions. Neither the spontaneous quantal release of acetylcholine (ACh) nor basal evoked ACh release (0.05 Hz) differed between the mutant and wild-type mice. At 50-100 Hz stimulation (10-19 stimuli), facilitation of release was observed in the mutant mice but not in wild-type, followed by a depression of ACh release in both strains. ACh release at the end of the stimulus train in the mutant mouse was approximately double that of the wild-type mouse. The threshold concentration for inhibition of ACh release by exogenous adenosine was over 20-fold lower in the mutant mouse than in the wild-type mouse. The adenosine A1 receptor antagonist 8-cyclopentyltheophylline (CPT) increased ACh release (0.05-1 Hz stimulation) in the mutant mouse under conditions in which it had no effect in the wild-type mouse. CPT had no effect on the pattern of responses recorded during repetitive stimulation in either strain. The results suggest that Rab3A reduces the potency of adenosine as an endogenous mediator of neuromuscular depression.
Lubrication Approximation for Thin Viscous Films: Asymptotic Behavior of Nonnegative Solutions

We use standard regularized equations and adapted entropy functionals to prove exponential asymptotic decay in the H 1 norm for nonnegative weak solutions of fourth-order nonlinear degenerate parabolic equations of lubrication approximation for thin viscous film type. The weak solutions considered arise as limits of solutions for the regularized problems. Relaxed problems, with second-order nonlinear terms of porous media type are also successfully treated by the same means. The problems investigated here are one-dimensional in space, with power-law nonlinearities. Our approach is direct and natural, as it is adapted to deal with the more complex nonlinear terms occurring in the regularized, approximating problems.
The Covering Radius of R(1,9) in R(4,9)

We prove that the covering radius of the Reed-Muller code R(1,9) in R(4,9) is 240, not exceeding the quadratic bound.
Colorectal anomalies in patients with classic bladder exstrophy

Abstract Aim This study aims to determine the proportion and type of colorectal anomalies that occur in children born with classic bladder exstrophy (CBE). Methods All patients in a database of 1044 patients with the bladder exstrophy-epispadias-cloacal exstrophy complex were reviewed. Those with CBE had their complete medical records reviewed. Children noted to have gastrointestinal malformations were identified, and all aspects of their history were extracted. Results A total of 676 patients were identified with CBE, of whom 12 patients were identified who had a concomitant colorectal anomaly. In this population, the proportion of colorectal anomalies is 1.8%. The most common gastrointestinal anomaly was imperforate anus in 8 patients. Two patients had severe rectal stenosis requiring serial dilations, and 2 patients were born with congenital rectal prolapse. Conclusions Excluding all variants and cloacal patients with exstrophy, isolated colorectal anomalies occur at a rate of 1.8% in children born with CBE, a 72-fold increase compared with the general population. Although uncommon in this rare birth defect, the morbidity is significant and warrants prompt evaluation and treatment of both the genitourinary and colorectal anomalies.
Advertising and Consumption of Alcoholic Beverages

After a nearly 50-year voluntary ban, broadcast advertising of distilled spirits was introduced in the United States in 1996. The decision appears to be a response to broadcast advertising expenditures on beer and wine and to the steady decline in the consumption of distilled spirits. Lifting the ban may result in the increased advertising of distilled spirits. Such advertising has been referred to as a political time bomb. Using historical industry data, I tested several related issues including the following: Do increases in beer and spirits advertising expenditures influence the share of distilled spirits consumption? Are such advertising expenditure increases associated with increases in absolute alcohol consumption? The findings of the study support the concerns of both distilled spirits marketing executives and public policymakers. For example, using shares of hard liquor and beer advertising to predict absolute alcohol consumed via spirits indicated significant influences: A 0.15% increase in absolute alcohol consumption was associated with a 1% share increase in hard liquor advertising, and a 0.25% decrease in absolute alcohol consumption was associated with a 1 % share increase in beer advertising (adjusted R 2 = .93). The conclusions include specific suggestions to both hard liquor advertisers and policymakers.