cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Minimally-invasive electrical stimulation of the pudendal nerve: a pre-clinical study for neural control of the lower urinary tract.

Aims Electrical stimulation of afferent pudendal nerve fibers can evoke sustained bladder contractions (SBC) in cats, yet evidence of therapeutic efficacy in human subjects is lacking. This pre-clinical study was undertaken to test the hypothesis that robust bladder contractions can be generated with a minimally-invasive needle electrode. Materials and Methods In seven adult cats, triggered electromyographic (EMG) signals from the external anal sphincter (EAS) were used to minimize the needle-to-nerve distance; while reflex bladder contractions were recorded as 20-sec trains of current pulses of varying amplitude (threshold to 10 mA) and frequency (1–100 Hz) were applied to the nerve. This stimulation paradigm was repeated at successively greater needle-to-nerve distances (0.5 cm intervals) and also at different electrode positions along the nerve. Results Electrophysiological access to the pudendal nerve was consistently achieved, as indicated by the average threshold for EAS activation (0.31 ± 0.19 mA). Using different combinations of stimulus amplitude and frequency, robust SBCs were evoked in every experiment. More rostral electrode positions exhibited stimulation amplitudes and corresponding maximum bladder pressures (0.68 ± 0.36 mA and 25.3 ± 3.5 cmH2O, respectively) that were comparable to those of more invasive stimulation methods. Conclusions The needle electrode provides a minimally-invasive approach that will enable the study of reflexes mediated by pudendal afferents in humans, and allow pre-operative testing before implanting a permanent device. Neurourol. Urodynam. 26:562–569, 2007. © 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Different levels of Notch signaling regulate quiescence, renewal and differentiation in pancreatic endocrine progenitors

Genetic studies have implicated Notch signaling in the maintenance of pancreatic progenitors. However, how Notch signaling regulates the quiescent, proliferative or differentiation behaviors of pancreatic progenitors at the single-cell level remains unclear. Here, using single-cell genetic analyses and a new transgenic system that allows dynamic assessment of Notch signaling, we address how discrete levels of Notch signaling regulate the behavior of endocrine progenitors in the zebrafish intrapancreatic duct. We find that these progenitors experience different levels of Notch signaling, which in turn regulate distinct cellular outcomes. High levels of Notch signaling induce quiescence, whereas lower levels promote progenitor amplification. The sustained downregulation of Notch signaling triggers a multistep process that includes cell cycle entry and progenitor amplification prior to endocrine differentiation. Importantly, progenitor amplification and differentiation can be uncoupled by modulating the duration and/or extent of Notch signaling downregulation, indicating that these processes are triggered by distinct levels of Notch signaling. These data show that different levels of Notch signaling drive distinct behaviors in a progenitor population.
Strategic stockpile acquisitions and the current world oil market

Abstract Recent legislation requires that the US government increase the Strategic Petroleum Reserve at a rate of 300 000 bbl/day; however, under certain circumstances that rate can be lowered to 220 000 bbl/day. It is speculated that the Administration will opt for the lower rate because of recent trends in the world oil market and in the US economy. This communication argues, however, that a rapid stockpile acquisition rate of at least 300 000 bbl/day is called for. The arguments include the following. While recent trends in the world oil market change the nature of the vulnerability problem, these trends do not necessarily imply that the long-run oil vulnerability problem is less severe. Further, given that there is a need for larger strategic stocks in the long run, the present depressed market conditions suggest that stocks should be accumulated at a rapid rate while these conditions continue.
Reflection optical two-dimensional Fourier-transform spectroscopy

We have developed a technique to perform optical two-dimensional Fourier-transform (2DFT) spectroscopy in a reflection geometry. Various reflection 2DFT spectra are obtained for an atomic vapor. The technique is useful for the cases where optical 2DFT spectroscopy cannot be performed in the transmission geometry.
SONG VARIATION IN AN AVIAN RING SPECIES

Abstract Divergence of mating signals can occur rapidly and be of prime importance in causing reproductive isolation and speciation. A ring species, in which two reproductively isolated taxa are connected by a chain of intergrading populations, provides a rare opportunity to use spatial variation to reconstruct the history of divergence. I use geographic variation in the song of a likely ring species, the greenish warbler (Phylloscopus trochiloides) to reconstruct the microevolutionary steps that occurred during divergence of a trait that is often important in speciation in birds. Populations of a western Siberian (P. t. viridanus) and an eastern Siberian (P. t. plumbeitarsus) form of the greenish warbler meet, but do not interbreed in central Siberia; these forms are connected by a chain of interbreeding populations extending in a ring to the south around the treeless Tibetan Plateau. I show that: (1) song structure differs greatly between the two Siberian forms, which share the same habitat; (2) song st...
Creating More Convergent Series

and declare the series to converge provided that limN-,N SN exists as a finite real number, which number is called the sum of the given series. This paradigm becomes so ingrained in most of us that we seldom question its appropriateness. To be sure, a frequently useful theorem of K. Weierstrass (1815-1897) tells us that an absolutely convergent series may be rearranged at will, with the convergence undisturbed and the resulting sum the same. A companion theorem due to G. F. B. Riemann (1826-1866), asserting that a conditionally convergent series may be rearranged to obtain any sum in the extended reals, seems to lay to rest any desire to rearrange conditionally convergent series. But that desire has blossomed forth in the authors of this article. One of us learned, in the course of teaching an analysis class, that there exist permutations a of the positive integers N with the following two properties:
Scales of religio-political action: The local and the ‘civil’ in contemporary US evangelicalism

It is often assumed that religio-political action must necessarily take place on the socio-spatial scales of the urban, national, or global. This view stems from a more fundamental assumption that modern religious action occurs at a local, private scale, and its political expression is a challenge to the supra-local scales of the state, the market and civil society. This notion is integral to the macro-sociological concept of desecularisation. Through a detailed empirical analysis of a recent, high-profile instance of religio-political action – the 2008 Saddleback Civil Forum on the Presidency – this paper argues that certain instances of such action are misunderstood if seen as inter-scale conflicts of desecularisation. Instead of mobilising individuals for broader scale state-political action, some types of religio-political action can mobilise individuals for a locally scaled, non-political religious action.
Not Always Enslaved, Yet Not Quite Free: Philosophical Challenges from the Underside of the New World

This article is the keynote address of the University of the West Indies at Cave Hill, Barbados, philosophy symposium in celebration of the 200th Anniversary of the British outlawing the Atlantic Slave Trade. The paper explores questions of enslavement and freedom through challenges of philosophical anthropology, philosophy of social change, and metacritical reflections posed by African Diasporic or Africana philosophy. Such challenges include the relevance and legitimacy of philosophical reflection to the lives of racialized slaves and concludes with a discussion of the implications of the analysis for an understanding of the “face” of political life and the importance of the concept of “home” for a cogent theory of freedom.
Prevalence of an increased ascending and descending thoracic aorta diameter diagnosed by multislice cardiac computed tomography in men versus women and in persons aged 23 to 50 years, 51 to 65 years, 66 to 80 years, and 81 to 88 years.

The prevalence of increased ascending thoracic aortic diameter (AAD) and increased descending thoracic aortic diameter (DAD) diagnosed using multislice cardiac computed tomography was investigated in 624 consecutive patients at an academic cardiology practice in 2006. Increased AAD (>3.7 cm) was present in 71 of 361 men (20%) and in 23 of 263 women (9%) (p 3.0 cm) was present in 26 of 339 men (8%) and in 8 of 258 women (3%) (p
Antigenic variation and lentivirus persistence: Variations in envelope gene sequences during EIAV infection resemble changes reported for sequential isolates of HIV

Abstract The extent and nature of genomic variation among nine antigenically distinct EIAV isolates recovered during sequential clinical episodes from two experimentally infected ponies were examined by restriction fragment analysis and nucleotide sequencing. Only minor variations in restriction enzyme patterns were observed among the viral genomes. In contrast, env gene sequences of four isolates from one pony revealed numerous clustered base substitutions. Divergence in env gene nucleotide and deduced amino acid sequences between pairs of virus isolates ranged from 0.62 to 3.4%. env gene mutation rates for isolates recovered during sequential febrile episodes were calculated to be greater than 10 −2 base substitutions per site per year. The degree and nature of env gene variation in EIAV is remarkably similar to the human immunodeficiency virus, suggesting common mechanisms for env gene variation among lentiviruses.
The Work and Family Researchers Network: an organizational and intellectual agenda

This essay outlines the organizational form and programmatic goals of the Work and Family Researchers Network (WFRN). This international membership organization aspires to bring together researchers and scholars from a range of academic disciplines as well as policy makers and practitioners. A brief sketch of the structure of the WFRN emphasizes its marriage of virtual and face-to-face communities. A sketch of the intellectual domain of work and family research maps this field with respect to basic social science and applied concerns. I suggest that the preoccupations of this field of inquiry are not marginal but rather occupy intellectually central space in several disciplines. Moreover, the policy questions of interest to work and family researchers are numerous and noteworthy, as they pertain to different stages of the life course and individuals facing a wide array of work and family interactions. Work and family research is interdisciplinary, based on the extensive cross-disciplinary citation pattern...
The effects of heat activation on bacillus spore germination, with nutrients or under high pressure, with or without various germination proteins

Nutrient germination of spores of Bacillus species occurs through germinant receptors (GRs) in spores' inner membrane (IM) in a process stimulated by sublethal heat activation. Bacillus subtilis spores maximum germination rates via different GRs required different 75 °C heat activation times: 15 min for l-valine germination via the GerA GR and 4 h for germination with the L-asparagine-glucose-fructose-K(+) mixture via the GerB and GerK GRs, with GerK requiring the most heat activation. In some cases, optimal heat activation decreased nutrient concentrations for half-maximal germination rates. Germination of spores via various GRs by high pressure (HP) of 150 MPa exhibited heat activation requirements similar to those of nutrient germination, and the loss of the GerD protein, required for optimal GR function, did not eliminate heat activation requirements for maximal germination rates. These results are consistent with heat activation acting primarily on GRs. However, (i) heat activation had no effects on GR or GerD protein conformation, as probed by biotinylation by an external reagent; (ii) spores prepared at low and high temperatures that affect spores' IM properties exhibited large differences in heat activation requirements for nutrient germination; and (iii) spore germination by 550 MPa of HP was also affected by heat activation, but the effects were relatively GR independent. The last results are consistent with heat activation affecting spores' IM and only indirectly affecting GRs. The 150- and 550-MPa HP germinations of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens spores, a potential surrogate for Clostridium botulinum spores in HP treatments of foods, were also stimulated by heat activation.
Orbital interpretation of kinetic energy density and a direct space comparison of chemical bonding in tetrahedral network solids.

We present how the kinetic energy density (KED) can be interpreted on the basis of the orbital interactions within the Kohn−Sham theory and propose how to utilize a direct space function in chemical bonding analysis, the relative entropy density (RED), which is constructed from the KED, the Thomas−Fermi KED (TF-KED), and the electron density. From the detailed analysis of the KED of wave functions and the TF-KED from the free electron model, it is shown that the RED can reveal the nodal properties of individual wave functions and provide a variationally meaningful way of accumulating chemical bonding information from the wave functions, hence allowing quantitative bonding analysis in direct space. To substantiate the proposal, the RED function has been tested on the tetrahedral network solids, including the group 14 elements and the III−V binary compounds with the zinc blende structure. The direct space maps of the RED quantitatively reflect the trend in metallicity and the polarity of their two-center, t...
On the interpretation of the geomagnetic energy spectrum

Abstract Two recent high-degree magnetic energy spectra, based mostly on MAGSAT data, are compared and found to agree very well out to order and degree n = 15, but the spectrum remains somewhat uncertain for higher degrees. The hypothesis that a primary break in the slope of the spectrum, plotted semi-logarithmically, is due to a transition from dominance by core sources to dominance by crustal magnetization is tested. Simple arrays of dipoles and current loops are found whose combined fields fit the spectrum. Two distinctly different ranges of source depth are found to be adequate. Because one range is shallow and the other deep, the hypothesis is supported.
Rehabilitation Engineering Research Center (RERC) for the advancement of cognitive technologies

Individuals with cognitive disabilities have long been marginalized by society's unwillingness to include them - within their local communities, educational systems and workplaces - in short, into the very fabric of society. While technology undoubtedly can play a vital role in decreasing this marginalization, there have been very few attempts to date to produce a coherent and sustained approach to identifying and ameliorating barriers for persons with significant cognitive disabilities through the use of technology.
Electrophoretic separation of proteins on a microchip with noncovalent, postcolumn labeling.

Proteins were separated by microchip capillary electrophoresis and labeled on-chip by postcolumn addition of a fluorogenic dye, NanoOrange, for detection by laser-induced fluorescence. NanoOrange binds noncovalently with hydrophobic protein regions to form highly fluorescent complexes. Kinetic measurements of complex formation on the microchips suggest that the reaction rate is near the diffusion limit under the conditions used for protein separation. Little or no band broadening is caused by the postcolumn labeling step. Lower limits of detection for model proteins, α-lactalbumin, β-lactoglobulin A, and β-lactoglobulin B, were <0.5 pg (∼30 amol) of injected sample. The relative fluorescence and reaction rates are compared with those of a number of other fluorogenic dyes used for protein labeling.
Solid-phase immunoradiometric assay of factor-VIII protein.

Summary. A solid phase immunoradiometric assay for factor-VIII protein has been developed using 125I-labelled rabbit antibody made against highly purified factor VIII. Antibody specific for high molecular weight factor-VIII protein was isolated using an immunoadsorbent consisting of highly purified factor VIII bound to diazotized m-aminobenzyl (oxymethyl)-cellulose. The purified anti-factor VIII antibody was labelled with 125I while bound to the immunoadsorbent and then eluted at pH 2.9. Dilutions of plasma samples for assay were incubated for 48 h in anti-factor VIII antibody-coated tubes. The tubes were washed to remove unbound proteins and the 125I-labelled, purified antibody was added. After 48 h incubation the tubes were washed to remove unbound antibody and counted. The concentration of immunoreactive factor-VIII protein in pooled normal human plasma was determined to be 8 μg/ml. The minimum amount of factor VIII measured by the assay is less than 0.16 ng. Factor-VIII protein was present in normal concentration in haemophilia A plasma, and in reduced concentration in von Willebrand's disease plasma. This method has the advantages of improved sensitivity, specificity, efficiency and economy as compared with previous factor-VIII immunoassays.
The role of goal orientations for adolescent mathematics achievement

Abstract This study examines the association between personal goal orientations and mathematics achievement within the trichotomous goal framework. Participants comprised approximately 2000 seventh and eighth grade White, Hispanic, and Vietnamese students in a low-income urban school district in California. Regression analysis with classroom fixed effects minimized biases arising from non-random assignment of teachers and students to schools and classrooms. While all three achievement goal orientations were correlated with mathematics achievement, only a mastery goal orientation consistently predicted achievement when a full set of prior achievement and demographic controls were included. Performance-approach and performance-avoidance goal orientations did not predict achievement in the full model.
Atomic force microscopy for high-resolution measurements of Young's modulus

Many versions of dynamic atomic force microscopy have been proposed for imaging specimens. All of these methods rely on the relative motion between the atomic force microscope (AFM) tip and the specimen surface. These techniques are used to extract quantitative information about the surface stiffness with high resolution. These techniques utilize the dynamic response of the cantilever, specifically in terms of the higher-order cantilever modes. These techniques rely on tip-sample mechanics models in order to determine material properties. The implications of the different models on the interpretation of AFM images is discussed. In particular, the effect of adhesion on these measurements is discussed.
Regulation of costimulation in the era of butyrophilins

The butyrophilin and butyrophilin-like superfamily of molecules has garnered attention in the immunology world in the past few years as a result of the observation that the butyrophilin-like 2 molecule, BTNL2, can alter T cell responsiveness. Additional interest in this superfamily solidified following the discovery that genetic polymorphisms in BTNL2 are associated with predisposition to many human diseases. In this review, we will provide an overview of the members comprising the butyrophilin superfamily of molecules. We will then discuss BTNL2 immunomodulatory function, and BTNL2 structural associations with other costimulatory molecules. We will then draw your attention to some of the lesser-known butyrophilin superfamily members by describing the expression patterns of these molecules in human tissues and cells. And we will finish by hypothesizing on the potential influence on general immune homeostasis that might be mediated by this, thus-far little-studied, family of molecules.
Velocity field in isothermal turbulent bubbly gas-liquid flow through a pipe

Velocity field was measured by laser Doppler velocimetry in isothermal, turbulent bubbly gas-liquid flow through a 26.6 mm inner diameter vertical pipe. The measurements were made about 33 diameters downstream from the pipe entrance, gas injection being just upstream of the entrance. The gas phase radial distribution at the measurement plane exhibited influence of the injection device in that higher gas fraction existed in the central region of the pipe. For comparison, velocity field was also measured in isothermal, turbulent single-phase liquid flow through the same pipe at the same axial plane. Measured were the radial distributions of liquid mean axial and radial velocities, axial and radial turbulent intensities, and axial Reynolds shear stress. The radial distributions of gas bubble mean axial velocity and axial velocity fluctuation intensity were also measured by LDV. A dualsensor fiberoptic probe was used at the same time to measure the radial distributions of gas fraction, bubble mean axial velocity and size slightly downstream of the LDV measurement plane.
Localization of the antinociceptive and antianalgesic effects of neurotensin within the rostral ventromedial medulla.

Abstract Triple microinjections of neurotensin (10 nmol each), which occupied a large volume of tissue within the nucleus reticularis gigantocellularis (Gi), produced an inhibition of the tail-flick reflex in awake rats. This effect was less than that previously observed by a single injection (10 nmol) into the nucleus raphe magnus (RMg) (see ref. [25]). Bilateral injections of neurotensin (10 nmol each) into the nucleus reticularis paragigantocellularis lateralis (LPGi) had no effect. The neurotensin antagonist [ d -Trp 11 ]-neurotensin (3 pmol) was previously found to enhance morphine, but not β-endorphin antinociception from the periaqueductal gray (PAG) when injected into the RMg. A similar enhancement of morphine, but not β-endorphin antinociception from the PAG was observed in the current study by [ d -Trp 11 ]-neurotensin injections into the bilateral LPGi, bilateral Gi, or medial Gi. These data suggest that neurotensinergic projections from the PAG function in an antianalgesic manner throughout the RVM during morphine, but not β-endorphin antinociception. The antinociceptive effect of neurotensin, on the other hand, is more localized.
Secondary proximal tubular acidosis

Abstract Renal clearance and acid-base data from six patients with hyperchloremic acidosis associated with chronic renal disease are analyzed. A defective tubular threshold for bicarbonate absorption was identified in each. When the plasma (HCO3−) fell below this threshold, all patients were able to excrete urine with pH 5.0, indicating the tubular capacity for ammonia and titratable acid excretion. Following acetazolamide infusion in one patient, there was an immediate increase in urine (HCO3−) which substantiated the qualitative presence of tubular carbonic anhydrase. These data support a proximal tubular abnormality in association with the underlying renal disease. Although alkaline urine is the expected finding with such a defect, the reduced glomerular filtration and small bicarbonate load resulted in the intermittent excretion of acid urine. The presence of hypercholoremia associated with severe and recurrent acidosis distinguishes this group from the more commonly recognized patient with “uremic acidosis”. Appropriately, they may be classified as secondary proximal renal tubular acidosis. Sodium bicarbonate prevents and readily corrects the alkali deficit.
The natural feed additive caprylic acid decreases Campylobacter jejuni colonization in market-aged broiler chickens

Campylobacter causes human foodborne illness, and epidemiological evidence indicates poultry and poultry products as a significant source of human infection. Decreasing Campylobacter in the poultry intestinal tract would decrease contamination of poultry products. Caprylic acid is a medium-chain fatty acid reported to be effective in killing a variety of bacterial pathogens, including Campylobacter jejuni, but its effect has not been investigated in the control of C. jejuni in preslaughter market-aged poultry already colonized with this bacterium. The objective of this study was to determine the therapeutic effect of caprylic acid on C. jejuni counts in the cecal contents of 42-d-old chickens. Four trials were conducted. In the first 2 trials, day-of-hatch chicks (n = 60 per trial) were assigned to 6 treatment groups (n = 10 birds per treatment group): positive controls (Campylobacter, no caprylic acid), 0.7 or 1.4% of caprylic acid in feed for the last 3 d of the trial with or without a 12-h feed withdrawal. Treatments were similar for trials 3 and 4 except the doses used were 0.35 or 0.7% caprylic acid supplementation for the last 7 d of the trial. On d 42, ceca were collected and Campylobacter counts determined. The supplementation of caprylic acid at 0.35 and 0.7% consistently decreased (P < 0.05) the colonization of C. jejuni in the chicken ceca compared with positive control treatment. When these treatments were evaluated after a 12-h feed withdrawal period, 0.7% caprylic acid decreased Campylobacter colonization in the 3-d treatment supplementation. Body weight and feed consumption did not differ between the caprylic acid and control groups. The results suggest that therapeutic supplementation of caprylic acid in the feed can effectively decrease Campylobacter in market-aged chickens and may be a potential treatment for decreasing pathogen carriage in poultry.
Amobarbital interactions with 25-hydroxycholecalciferol: effects on the extraction, quantification, and competitive protein binding in vitro.

ABSTRACT. Amobarbital has been found to coelute with 25-hydroxycholecalciferol 25OHD3 on a normal phase high performance liquid chromatographic system and cause subsequent interference in the UV detection and plasma transport competitive protein binding assay for this vitamin D metabolite. Con(centrations of 25OHD3 were overestimated by 95% in the presence of 0.4 mg amobarbital in the competitive protein binding assay; as little as 0.1 mg amobarbital caused a 22% overestima-tion (in the concentration of 25OHD3 in the assay. Separation of 25OHD3 from amobarbital on a reverse phasehigh performance liquid chromatographic system allowedfor proper quantification without interference. Because of the similarity of chemical structures, other barbital-based compounds may cause similar interactions with 25OHD3 or other vitamin D metabolites as well.
Teratogenic Risks of Drug Synergism

IT is well known that the effectiveness of teratogens, measured either in incidence or in severity of resulting malformations, is frequently modified, in a plus or minus direction, by unrelated external conditions. The mechanisms by which these modifying agencies operate are largely unknown. A little, if not a great deal more, is known about the role of drug interaction in teratogenesis. There are, for example, the facts of interference with essential metabolites, such as deprivation of available vitamins by competing analogues1 or by blockage of their utilization in co-enzyme systems2. Then there are the potentiating effects of lowering the available sources of utilizable carbohydrates3 or of uncoupling oxidative phosphorylation4. Among the latter sources of synergism we found compounds, for example, 2-deoxy-D-glucose and chlorpromazine, which when administered alone were nonteratogenic and which even in larger (and highly toxic) amounts did not produce malformations. Other compounds of this type, however, are themselves teratogenic, in dosages higher than those required for synergism, but the range of their interference with development may be more restricted than their synergistic activity.
Computer science homework and grading practices: an alternative to the popular model

The approach to homework used in elementary school and high school is also popular in college computer courses, particularly those involving programming. Regardless of its popularity, there are compelling reasons to eschew this approach at the college level. This paper outlines the major problems inherent in the high school approach, and proposes an alternative. The proposed model provides opportunities for learning and maturation, while preventing further erosion of the meaning of an academic grade.
CEREBELLAR tRNA METHYLTRANSFERASES: A DEVELOPMENTAL STUDY

Developmental patterns of homologous and heterologous tRNA methylation by cerebellar tRNA methyltransferases are described. The study revealed that: (a) homologous tRNA methylation results in the predominant formation of N2-methylguanine and 1-methyladenine; (b) tRNA methyltransferase of bulk-isolated Purkinje and granule cells methylate E. coli tRNAglu2 in vitro in a characteristic manner, and (c) the methylation of 8-day-old cerebellar, cortical and hepatic tRNA in vivo yields tRNAs containing different proportions of methylated bases. The findings suggest that the presumably cell-specific populations of cerebellar tRNA methyltransferases continue to alter their substrate recognition characteristics up to and beyond the first month of post-natal life.
The State-of-the-Science: Challenges in Designing Postacute Care Payment Policy

This report describes Medicare's postacute care (PAC) payment systems and their incentives, as well as global changes in capacity, quality, and utilization over time. It assesses the payment systems' impact on PAC services, referencing relevant works in progress. Suggestions are made for future research.
Generalizability of center of pressure measures of quiet standing

Center of pressure (COP) measures are commonly used as indicators of balance and postural control. At present, there are no universally accepted standards in research investigating fluctuations in the COP with regard to the number of trials or the length of a given trial. The purpose of this study was to use the tools of Generalizability Theory (G-Theory) to investigate the reliability of COP measures of quiet standing and to establish an optimal measurement protocol. G-Theory provides a tool that allows us to break down the sources of variation, or facets, in a measurement procedure and ultimately design a protocol that provides optimal reliability. Fifteen participants completed 10 90-s trials with eyes open and closed. COP measures of anterior-posterior standard deviation (SD(AP)), medial-lateral SD (SD(ML)), average velocity (Vel), and 95% confidence ellipse area (Area) were calculated using the first 30, 60, and 90s of each trial. A G-study and follow-up D-studies were performed to estimate reliability coefficients (G-coefficients). The results of the G-Theory analysis suggest that these COP measures reached acceptable levels of reliability (G>or=0.70) with at least five 60s trials.
“Ihr Hinweis auf Aristophanes Clouds Wichtige Fragen Einschließt, die Ich Hätte Sehen Sollen”: Gadamer and the Question of Comedy

In a letter written to Gadamer after receiving a copy of Truth and Method, Leo Strauss offered many criticisms with which Gadamer took issue. However, he acknowledged the important hint cited in the title. Perhaps strangely, Gadamer never took up this hint and showed very little interest in comedy throughout his Gesammelte Schriften. In this essay, I show that there are ample resources within Gadamerian hermeneutics to answer Strauss positively, also for a rich philosophy of comedy along Gadamerian lines. Toward that end, I use Gadamer's Aristotelian view of tragedy as a clue; interpretations of play, excess and delight (Ergotzen) also weave into the analyses.
From Collective Memory to Collective Imagination: Time, Place, and Urban Redevelopment

This article is about a place that does not exist, yet. It is about residents' perceptions of redevelopment plans involving the reconstruction of a defunct neighborhood firehouse. Interviews revealed the residents' “collective imagination” as they actively envisioned potential future outcomes for a firehouse-turned–community center. When asked about the needs of the community, interviewees discussed the current conditions of their neighborhood (the present), its history (the past), and how they would like to see it change (the future). This corresponds well with George Herbert Mead's ideas about temporality. I argue that connecting the identity of a place to a sociological understanding of time (especially Mead's) is a necessary step for gaining a better understanding of the subjective side of urbanization and ultimately creating a better vernacular knowledge base for urban redevelopment plans.
Identification of genes induced in proteoid roots of white lupin under nitrogen and phosphorus deprivation, with functional characterization of a formamidase.

White lupin (Lupinus albus L.) is considered a model system for understanding plant acclimation to nutrient deficiency. It acclimates to phosphorus (P) and iron (Fe) deficiency by the development of short, densely clustered lateral roots called proteoid (or cluster) roots; proteoid-root development is further influenced by nitrogen (N) supply. In an effort to better understand proteoid root function under various nutrient deficiencies, we used nylon filter arrays to analyze 2,102 expressed sequence tags (ESTs) from proteoid roots of P-deficient white lupin. These have been previously analyzed for up-regulation in −P proteoid roots, and were here analyzed for up-regulation in proteoid roots of N-deprived plants. We identified a total of 19 genes that displayed up-regulation in proteoid roots under both P and N deprivation. One of these genes showed homology to putative formamidases. The corresponding open reading frame was cloned, overexpressed in E. coli, and the encoded protein was purified; functional characterization of the recombinant protein confirmed formamidase activity. Though many homologues of bacterial and fungal formamidases have been identified in plants, to our knowledge, this is the first report of a functional characterization of a plant formamidase.
Incidental learning of words used in a memory scanning task

Incidental learning data was obtained by testing if Ss recognized words previously used in a memory scanning task. In the memory scanning task, Ss had compared probe words to memory sets consisting of one to four words, responding positively if the probes matched one of the memory set words or otherwise responding negatively. The incidental learning scores differentiated between certain memory set conditions: (1) Words from memory sets of one had higher scores than those from larger memory sets. (2) Positive probe words were better recognized than all other words. (3) There were no differences between memory sets larger than one item.
MMR/c-Abl-dependent activation of ING2/p73α signaling regulates the cell death response to N-methyl-N’-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine

Abstract Agents inducing O6-methylguanine (O6MeG) in DNA such as N-methyl-N'-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine (MNNG) are cytotoxic and a deficiency in mismatch repair (MMR) results in lack of sensitivity to this genotoxin (termed alkylation tolerance). Here, we show that ING2, a member of the inhibitor of growth family, is required for cell death induced by MNNG. We further observe that MNNG treatment increases cellular protein levels of ING2 that is dependent on intact MMR function and that MNNG-induced ING2 localizes and associates with p73α in the nucleus. Suppression of ING2 by short hairpin RNA (shRNA) in MMR-proficient colorectal cancer cells decreased its sensitivity to MNNG and, in addition, abrogated MNNG-induced stabilization and acetylation of p73α. Interestingly, suppression of p73α had a greater impact on MNNG-induced cell death than ING2 leading us to conclude that ING2 regulates the cell death response, in part, through p73α. Inhibition of c-Abl by STI571 or suppression of c-Abl expression by shRNA blocked ING2 induction and p73α acetylation induced by this alkylator. Similarly, suppression of MMR (MLH1) by shRNA abrogated ING2 induction/p73α acetylation. Taken together, these results demonstrate that MLH1/c-Abl-dependent activation of ING2 > p73α signaling regulates cell death triggered by MNNG and further suggests that dysregulation of this event may, in part, be responsible for alkylation tolerance observed in MMR compromised cells.
N = 4 fake supergravity

We study curved and flat Bogomol'nyi-Prasad-Sommerfield (BPS)-domain walls in 5D, N=4 gauged supergravity and show that their effective dynamics along the flow is described by a generalized form of 'fake supergravity'. This generalizes previous work in N=2 supergravity and might hint towards a universal behavior of gauged supergravity theories in supersymmetric domain wall backgrounds. We show that BPS-domain walls in 5D, N=4 supergravity can never be curved if they are supported by the supergravity scalar only. Furthermore, a purely Abelian gauge group or a purely semisimple gauge group can never lead to a curved domain wall, and the flat walls for these gaugings always exhibit a runaway behavior.
The role of targeted therapy in the treatment of advanced colorectal cancer

The introduction of targeted therapies in the treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer (MCRC) has resulted in significant improvements in efficacy outcomes. Both vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) inhibitors have proven to be valid and valuable agents in the management of MCRC. This review will focus on the role of the anti-VEGF monoclonal antibody, bevacizumab, and the anti-EGFR monoclonal antibodies, cetuximab and panitumumab, in MCRC. Special focus will be placed on clinical evidence supporting the use of these agents in various lines of treatment, and on KRAS as a marker of response in relationship to anti-EGFR inhibitors.
What Holds Back the Second Generation?: The Intergenerational Transmission of Language Human Capital Among Immigrants

Research on the effect of parental human capital on children’s human capital is complicated by the endogeneity of parental human capital. This study exploits the phenomenon that younger children learn languages more easily than older children to construct an instrumental variable for language human capital. Thus, among U.S.-born children with childhood immigrant parents, those whose parents arrived to the U.S. as younger children tend to have more exposure to English at home. We find a significant positive effect of parent’s English-speaking proficiency on children’s English-speaking proficiency while the children are young, but eventually all children attain the highest level of English-speaking proficiency as measured by the Census. We find evidence that children with parents with lower English-speaking proficiency are more likely to drop out of high school, be below their age-appropriate grade, and not attend preschool. Strikingly, parental English-language skills can account for 60% of the difference in dropout rate between non-Hispanic whites and U.S.-born Hispanic children of immigrants. (JEL J13, J24, J62)
Evaluation of carbon monoxide treatment in modified atmosphere packaging or vacuum packaging to increase color stability of fresh beef.

Our goal was to obtain > 21 days red color stability for carbon monoxide (CO)-treated beef steaks in vacuum packaging (VP). In preliminary tests, pretreatment for 24 h in a 5% CO modified atmosphere package (MAP) was needed to maintain redness after re-packaging in VP. Pressure pretreatment with 5% CO for 2 h developed redness, but was impractical for large-scale application. Color stability and microbial load were then compared after treatment of steaks in 5% CO-MAP for 24 h, then VP; 100% CO-MAP for 1 h, then VP; steaks and ground beef in 0.5% CO-MAP; and steaks and ground beef in polyvinyl chloride (PVC) wrap. Steaks remained red for 5, 6, 8 and 106cfu/cm2) at 5, 6, 7 and <2-weeks, respectively. Thus, extended color stability in VP was achieved by pretreatment with 5% CO for 24 h or 100% CO for 1 h.
Failure analysis in query construction: data and analysis from a large sample of Web queries

This paper reports results from a failure analysis (i.e., incorrect query construction) of 51,473 queries from 18,113 users of Excite, a major Web search engine. Given that many digital libraries are accessed via the Web, this analysis points to the need for redesign of the traditional search engine interfaces.
Body-mind-self-world: Ecology and Buddhist Philosophy

Within yourself, no fixed positions: Things as they take shape disclose themselves. Moving, like water, still, be like a mirror, Respons like an echo. – Zhuangzi By the training of our nature we recover the Power, When Power is at its utmost, we accord with the Beginning. In according we attenuate, in attenuating we become Great, and blend together the twitters of the beaks, When the twitters of the beaks blend, we are blended with Heaven and Earth. – Zhuangzi
Mexican maize production: Evolving organizational and spatial structures since 1980

Abstract Maize has long been one of the most important crops produced in Mexico. The importance of maize stems not only from its role in national economic output, but also because of its strong connections to Mexican culture and, especially, the key role it plays in supporting rural livelihoods. The past 15 years have witnessed dramatic institutional and economic changes that are impacting maize production. Some are well known, such as increasing market integration under NAFTA, while others are less well known, such as the changes in irrigated land use. After an overview of the key changes that impact maize consumption and production since 1980, we provide a detailed description of changes both to the structure of production and to the spatial organization of this production. We close with a discussion of the interplay of changes to production and consumption and the associated changes in livelihood risk, food security, and political security.
Transrectal electrical impedance tomography of the prostate: spatially coregistered pathological findings for prostate cancer detection.

Purpose: Prostate cancer ranks as one of the most common malignancies and currently represents the second leading cancer-specific cause of death in men. The current use of single modality transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) for biopsy guidance has a limited sensitivity and specificity for accurately identifying cancerous lesions within the prostate. This study introduces a novel prostate cancer imaging method that combines TRUS with electrical impedance tomography (EIT) and reports on initial clinical findings based onin vivo measurements. Methods: The ultrasound system provides anatomic information, which guides EIT image reconstruction. EIT reconstructions are correlated with semiquantitative pathological findings. Thin plate spline warping transformations are employed to overlay electrical impedance images and pathological maps describing the spatial distribution of prostate cancer, with the latter used as reference for data analysis. Clinical data were recorded from a total of 50 men prior to them undergoing radical prostatectomy for prostate cancer treatment. Student' st-tests were employed to statistically examine the electrical property difference between cancerous tissue and benign tissue as defined through histological assessment of the excised gland. Results: Example EIT reconstructions are presented along with a statistical analysis comparing EIT and pathology. An average transformation error of 1.67% is found when 381 spatially coregistered pathological images are compared with their target EIT reconstructed counterparts. At EIT signal frequencies of 0.4, 3.2, and 25.6 kHz, paired-testing demonstrated that the conductivity of cancerous regions is significantly greater than that of benign regions ( p < 0.0304). Conclusions: These preliminary clinical findings suggest the potential benefits electrical impedance measurements might have for prostate cancer detection.
Evolution of risk for neurologic deficit after descending and thoracoabdominal aortic repair.

Background Cross-clamp time has been reported to correlate with risk of neurologic deficit after thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm repair. Introduction of cerebrospinal fluid drainage and distal aortic perfusion (adjunct) has greatly reduced the incidence of neurologic deficit. We reevaluated the effect of cross-clamp time before and after introduction of adjunct during a 13-year period. Methods Between 1991 and 2004, we repaired 1,106 thoracic and thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms. Four hundred one patients were female and 705 were male (median age, 67 years). Selective use of adjunct was begun in late 1992, with its routine use by 1993. Results Aortic cross-clamp times have increased significantly (34 seconds/year; p p p p Conclusions Adjunct significantly reduced the risk of neurologic deficit, despite increasing cross-clamp time. The use of the adjunct appears to blunt the effect of the cross-clamp time and may provide the surgeon the ability to operate without being hurried. Because cross-clamp time has been effectively eliminated as a risk factor with the use of the adjunct, using this variable to construct risk models becomes irrelevant in our experience.
CE-Microreactor-CE-MS/MS for Protein Analysis

We present a proof-of-principle for a fully automated bottom-up approach to protein characterization. Proteins are first separated by capillary electrophoresis. A pepsin microreactor is incorporated into the distal end of this capillary. Peptides formed in the reactor are transferred to a second capillary, where they are separated by capillary electrophoresis and characterized by mass spectrometry. While peptides generated from one digestion are being separated in the second capillary, the next protein fraction undergoes digestion in the microreactor. The migration time in the first dimension capillary is characteristic of the protein while migration time in the second dimension is characteristic of the peptide. Spot capacity for the two-dimensional separation is 590. A MS/MS analysis of a mixture of cytochrome c and myoglobin generated Mascot MOWSE scores of 107 for cytochrome c and 58 for myoglobin. The sequence coverages were 48% and 22%, respectively.
Investigations into the methods of Anton and Sayre for the separation and determination of histamine.

Abstract 1. 1. Recoveries in the procedure of Anton and Sayre were investigated with 14 C-labelled histamine and spermidine. 2. 2. The recovery of histamine was much lower than that reported by the above-named authors. An overall recovery of only about 25% was found. 3. 3. Solid K 2 HPO 4 sequesters histamine in the isopentanol extraction (step 1) and thus severely limits the recovery in that step and compromises the overall recovery. 4. 4. Finely powdered K 2 HPO 4 decreases the recovery more than does the commercial crystalline product. 5. 5. Spermidine is poorly extracted in the isopentanol step (step 1), in agreement with Anton and Sayre.
Stishovite: Thermal Dependence of the Crystal Habit.

The crystal habit of stishovite changes with the temperature of crystallization at a pressure of about 120 kb. Below 600 ° C it is bipyramidal; between 600 ° and 900 ° C it is granular; and above 900 ° C it is acicular. This temperature dependence of the crystal habit of stishovite may constitute a highpressure geological thermometer which could indicate limiting values for the peak temperatures that prevailed at craters of meteoritic origin in highly siliceous rocks. It suggests that natural acicular stishovite from the rim sandstone at Meteor Crater, Arizona, crystallized at temperatures above 900 ° C.