cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Differentiation between hemp-type and marijuana-type cannabis using the Fast Blue BB colorimetric test

Abstract The Fast Blue BB (FBBB) colorimetric test has been shown to differentiate between the different cannabinoids found in cannabis addressing the urgent need to distinguish between hemp-type cannabis, which is legal in every state of the US, from marijuana-type cannabis (≥0.3% w/w THC). FBBB forms a red chromophore in the presence of THC, an orange chromophore in the presence of CBD, a detectable fluorophore with THC but no fluorescence with CBD. We report, for the first time, a miniaturized reaction directly on a 3.5 mm diameter solid substrate of a material previously developed in our laboratory using a methanol extract from ∼10 mg of plant sample. Different cannabinoids, various herbs and spices, and authentic cannabis samples were tested with the optimized color test, and the FBBB reaction was found selective for THC relative to other cannabinoids and herbs and spices. RGB (Red, Green, Blue) numerical codes were obtained for each color (and fluorescence) image produced by the reaction. Linear Discriminant Analysis (LDA) results correctly classify a set of 25 known plant samples (marijuana, hemp and herbs and spices) as either containing THC levels below 0.3% (w/w) (hemp) or as containing high THC levels (≥0.3% w/w) and low CBD levels (marijuana). Cannabis samples containing low THC (but just above 0.3%) and high CBD (THC:CBD ratios
The changing face of international space cooperation: One view of NASA

It is pointed out that from its earliest years NASA has incorporated international participation into many of its programs. Guidelines were developed with the objective to maximize the benefits of international cooperation. The cooperative guidelines were accepted because they reflected conditions which applied during much or all of the 1960-1980 period. There existed a clear technology and experience gap between the U.S. and even its largest cooperative partners. Thus, the U.S. enjoyed a virtual Free World monopoly on launching large satellites, especially those destined for geostationary or interplanetary orbits. However, on the basis of new developments, NASA faces now a modified international operating environment, in which the U.S. technological lead has been significantly reduced. The results of this situation are examined, taking into account the equalization of capabilities, the rise of commercial competition, Soviet competition, multinational patterns, and reduced cooperative opportunities.
Hierarchical rendering of trees from precomputed multi-layer z-buffers

Chen and Williams [2] show how precomputed z-buffer images from different fixed viewing positions can be reprojected to produce an image for a new viewpoint. Here, images are precomputed for twigs and branches at various levels in the hierarchical structure of a tree, and adaptively combined depending on the position of the new viewpoint. The precomputed images contain multiple z levels to avoid missing pixels in the reconstruction, subpixel masks for antialiasing, and colors and normals for shading after reprojection.
Task structure and work outcomes: Exploring the moderating role of emphasis on scheduling

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to investigate the moderating role of the emphasis placed by individuals on scheduling of activities on the relationship between task structure and work outcomes (i.e. job satisfaction and job involvement).Design/methodology/approach – Data were collected using surveys from 387 employees working in US‐based organizations. Regression analyses were used to test the hypothesized relationships.Findings – The results of the study show that for individuals who place high emphasis on scheduling of work and non‐work activities, the negative impact of highly structured tasks was weaker than for individuals who do not emphasize scheduling of activities. The results also provide support for the hypotheses concerning the direct relationships between task structure and work outcomes.Originality/value – Past research has largely ignored the role of individual differences in examining task structure. By providing empirical support for the moderating role of emphasis on scheduling o...
Apolipoprotein E epsilon4 allele and outcomes of traumatic spinal cord injury.

AbstractBackground/Objective: To test the hypothesis that apolipoprotein E (APOE) polymorphisms are associated with outcomes after spinal cord injury (SCI).Methods: Retrospective cohort study, from rehabilitation admission to discharge.Participants: Convenience sample of 89 persons with cervical SCI (C3-C8) treated from 1995 through 2003. Median age was 30 years (range 14-70); 67 were male (75%) and 83 were white (93%).Main Outcome Measures: American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) motor and sensory scores, ASIA Impairment Scale (AIS), time from injury to rehabilitation admission, and length of stay (LOS) in rehabilitation.Results: Subjects with an APOE s4 allele (n = 15; 17%) had significantly less motor recovery during rehabilitation than did individuals without an s4 allele (median 3.0 vs 5.5; P < 0.05) and a longer rehabilitation LOS (median 106 vs 89 days; P = 0.04), but better sensory-pinprick recovery (median 5.0 vs 2.0; P = 0.03). There were no significant differences by APOE s4 allele status in ...
Environment and Food: By Colin Sage

(2013). Environment and Food: By Colin Sage. Food, Culture & Society: Vol. 16, No. 1, pp. 164-166.
Isolation and Physicochemical Characterization of Luteinizing Hormone from Human Pituitary Glands

Abstract Luteinizing hormone containing 8.9 NIH-LH-S1 units per mg was isolated from human pituitary glands by isoelectric focusing in a sucrose gradient containing carrier ampholytes. Approximately 88% of the starting units was recovered, suggesting no apparent loss or inactivation of the hormone activity during isolation procedures. The luteinizing hormone showed a single protein band in acrylamide disc electrophoresis and a single precipitin band in immunoelectrophoresis with antisera to luteinizing hormone and to human chorionic gonadotropin. The luteinizing hormone did not cross-react with antisera to follicle-stimulating hormone or to serum proteins. The hormone sedimented as a single boundary in the ultracentrifuge with an s20,w of 2.31 S. A Stokes radius of 28.5 A and a molecular weight of 26,750 were calculated for the luteinizing hormone. Amino acid analysis revealed a high content of proline. Serine was detected at the COOH terminus. The luteinizing hormone was devoid of follicle-stimulating hormone activity; however, it contained 0.1 USP-TSH unit per mg.
Molecular weight dependence of lymphatic permeability

Abstract Lymphatics of the dog were perfused between the hind leg and the left thoracic duct outlet with chemicals of various molecular weights. Almost three-fourths of the albumin (molecular weight 68,000) which was infused was recovered in the lymph. Approximately half of the infused inulin (molecular weight 5,000) was recovered in the lymph. Only small amounts of lower molecular weight substances (creatinine, thiotepa, 5-fluorouracil) could be recovered. The study supports the concept that the permeability of the lymphatics depends to an appreciable extent on molecular weight. In a second group of 10 dogs both thoracic ducts were ligated for 1 to 4 weeks, after which the left thoracic duct was cannulated and the albumin infusion performed. In this group more than half of the albumin appeared in the plasma of 6 of the dogs, indicating the probable development of major lymphatico-venous shunts. A similar result was obtained in one human. The studies suggest that any substance with a therapeutic usefulness dependent upon its remaining within the lymphatic vessels can only be used in an unobstructed lymphatic system and must be of a large molecular weight. Conversely, it is unlikely that measurement of the content of any small molecular weight substance in the lymph can be interpreted as indicative of the content of lymph in any other part of the body.
Modeling techniques for curved and tapered branches at different microwave frequencies

The effects of modeling the curvature and tapering of branches for various microwave frequencies are examined. The forest models that are currently being used represent branches as perfect dielectric cylinders. However actual branches are composed of segments decreasing in diameter along the branch length. Adjacent branch segments also have slightly different angles causing branch curvature. In this study, each branch is represented as a collection of cylindrical segments whose sizes and positions are known. The data for the calculations are obtained from actual branch measurements of red pine and jack pine trees using the "tree vectorization" technique which has been developed at the Canada Centre for Remote Sensing. For a given frequency and incidence angle, a curved and tapered branch can be approximated by an equivalent cylindrical branch. The equivalent cylinder can be determined by choosing the size and orientation so that the radiation patterns match closely. For curved branches, the radiation pattern at typical incident angles is calculated by adding the contributions from each branch segment coherently. It is observed that at low frequencies, the parts of the branch with thinner segments do not contribute to scattering. Therefore, the resulting equivalent cylinder is represented by the thicker part of the branch which is closer to the trunk.
Water Recovery with the Heat Melt Compactor in a Microgravity Environment

The Heat Melt Compactor is a proposed utility that will compact astronaut trash, extract the water for eventual re-use, and form dry square tiles that can be used as additional ionizing radiation shields for future human deep space missions. The Heat Melt Compactor has been under development by a consortium of NASA centers. The downstream portion of the device is planned to recover a small amount of water while in a microgravity environment. Drop tower low gravity testing was performed to assess the effect of small particles on a capillary-based water/air separation device proposed for the water recovery portion of the Heat Melt Compactor.
Killing the myth of Cisco IOS diversity: recent advances in reliable shellcode design

IOS firmware diversity, the unintended consequence of a complex firmware compilation process, has historically made reliable exploitation of Cisco routers difficult. With approximately 300,000 unique IOS images in existence, a new class of version-agnostic shellcode is needed in order to make the large-scale exploitation of Cisco IOS possible. We show that such attacks are now feasible by demonstrating two different reliable shellcodes which will operate correctly over many Cisco hardware platforms and all known IOS versions. We propose a novel two-phase attack strategy against Cisco routers and the use of offline analysis of existing IOS images to defeat IOS firmware diversity. Furthermore, we discuss a new IOS rootkit which hijacks all interrupt service routines within the router and its ability to use intercept and modify process-switched packets just before they are scheduled for transmission. This ability allows the attacker to use the payload of innocuous packets, like ICMP, as a covert command and control channel. The same mechanism can be used to stealthily exfiltrate data out of the router, using response packets generated by the router itself as the vehicle. We present the implementation and quantitative reliability measurements by testing both shellcode algorithms against a large collection of IOS images. As our experimental results show, the techniques proposed in this paper can reliably inject command and control capabilities into arbitrary IOS images in a version-agnostic manner. We believe that the technique presented in this paper overcomes an important hurdle in the large-scale, reliable rootkit execution within Cisco IOS. Thus, effective host-based defense for such routers is imperative for maintaining the integrity of our global communication infrastructures.
A method for determining information flow breakdown in clinical systems

This paper presents Determining Information flow Breakdown (DIB), a method for analyzing adverse events in clinical environments from the perspective of breakdowns in information flow. The larger context for DIB is that it is the first stage in a process that promotes organizational learning in response to adverse events through the design of novel IT solutions. DIB is based on the theoretical view of distributed cognition and adopts a system-wide view of failures. DIB is both a reactive and a proactive method in that it aims to locate the causes of either actual or potential adverse events by investigating all elements of the system related to a chosen aspect of patient care. It was developed and evolved using a case study approach whereby data on actual and potential adverse events in clinical environments was collected, modeled and analyzed using successive versions of the method. We provide an explanation and overview of the DIB method, and discuss our experiences of applying it in practice via a detailed example.
The incorporation of 51Cr-3, 4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (DOPA) complex into melanoma B 16

The complex is accumulated by the tumors as well as by the adrenal glands of the tumor-bearing mice. Although in adrenals a higher uptake was found with L-DOPA complex, no significant differences are observed in the tumor between L-DOPA and D,l-DOPA complexes. The incorporation of the 51Cr-DOPA complex shows a general pattern like those obtained with 14C and 3H labelled DOPA by other authors.
Child Rearing Practices and Child Care Resources Used by Ohio Farm Families with Preschool Children

(1954). Child Rearing Practices and Child Care Resources Used by Ohio Farm Families with Preschool Children. The Pedagogical Seminary and Journal of Genetic Psychology: Vol. 84, No. 2, pp. 271-297.
Synthetic Routes to Chiral 3-Pyrrolidinols

Abstract Short conyenient syntheses of chiral 3-pyrrolidinols and reloted compounds are described.
The role of terminal oxide structure and properties in nanothermite reactions

Abstract In this report, thin films of copper oxide, a common thermite oxidant, and varying metallic species (Al, Zr, and Mg) were deposited in an alternating layered geometry on sapphire by magnetron sputtering. Keeping stoichiometric equivalence, the effects of varying metallic constituents were studied with respect to their onset reaction temperature and energy output. Reaction progression was characterized by a systematic step wise vacuum anneal followed by subsequent ex situ X-ray diffraction, and differential thermal analysis. It was found that reaction temperature depends heavily on the terminal oxide's diffusion properties, showing a correlation
Experiments on the attenuation of third sound in saturated superfluid helium films

Upper limits of the attenuation of third sound in saturated superfluid /sup 4/He films have been measured in three separate experiments. Observations at frequencies from 0.1 to 200 Hz indicate that the attenuation in these thick films is substantially lower than would be inferred from the only previous experiment done on saturated films. The third-sound velocity is observed to have the temperature dependence predicted by Bergman. (AIP)
Summary of the 9th International Symposium on High Energy Spin Physics

Summarizing an international conference in high energy spin physics is never an easy task, because of the wide-ranging subjects in physics and technology that are involved. I have chosen to organize the topics of this conference into three broad categories relating to spin; (i) intrinsic spin; (ii) composite spin; and (iii) spin, the experimental tool. In the first category, I will briefly revisit some historical and recent developments to set a background. In the second category, composite spin, I will discuss the status and developments in several areas, including magnetic moments of baryons, hyperon polarization in high energy high p⊥ production, transverse polarization and asymmetries from transversely polarized targets in high p⊥ scattering, spin structure of the proton, and the Bjorken sum rule. In the third category, I will discuss the steady, and at times rapid, progress in spin technology. In this part I include recent progress in high energy facilities, and comment on the highlights of the Workshops. This 9th International Symposium in Bonn has surely been an important one for spin physics. Since the Minneapolis symposium on spin physics in 1988, several important breakthroughs in spin technology have occurred, promising a bright future for the field. For example, we heard at this conference that LEP is polarized and TRISTAN is polarized. Extensive simulations on LEP, HERA, and TRISTAN were reported at earlier conferences. Simulations lend very important guidance to experimenters and accelerator physicists, but now the accomplishments speak for themselves, and progress will be hastened. HERA, whose electron ring has been off while the installation of the proton ring magnets proceeds, should have opportunities in the next year to begin tests of electron polarization.
Les calcifications artérielles sont plus fréquentes au niveau des artères distales chez les malades ayant une artériopathie oblitérante des membres inferieurs

Le but de cette etude etait de determiner s'il existait des differences significatives de composition des plaques entre l'artere poplitee et les arteres de jambe chez les malades ayant une arteriopathie obliterante des membres inferieurs (AOMI) severe. Quarante quatre malades ayant une AOMI ont necessite une amputation de cuisse (n = 38), une amputation de jambe (n = 5) ou une amputation au niveau du genou (n = 1) pour un sepsis et/ou une gangrene du pied. Les 51 arteres (tibiale anterieure n = 9; tibiale posterieure n = 10; peroniere n = 3; poplitee n = 29) ont ete prelevees et ont eu une evaluation ex vivo par echographie endovasculaire (IVUS) dans les 24 heures de l'amputation. Des donnees IVUS sequentielles ont ete obtenues a intervalles connus sur toute la longueur de l'artere puis analysees par des techniques de radiofrequence de facon a quantifier la composition de la plaque, le volume de la plaque et le volume total de l'artere. La composition de la plaque a ete classee en fibreuse, fibro-graisseuse, a centre necrotique et a calcifications denses. Les donnees cliniques ont ete obtenues par etude des dossiers electroniques lors de l'amputation. Des tests t ont ete realises pour comparer les composantes de chaque plaque. Les resultats sont exprimes sous la forme d'un pourcentage moyen ± l'erreur standard de la moyenne. Les arteres de jambe avaient des calcifications plus denses au niveau de ces plaques que les arteres poplitees (33,8 ± 5,6% versus 10,6 ± 1,9%, p
Geography and Planning: The Need for an Applied Interface

(1977). Geography and Planning: The Need for an Applied Interface. The Professional Geographer: Vol. 29, No. 2, pp. 139-147.
Managing Workforce Diversity: A Challenge for New Zealand Business in the 1990s*

One of the biggest challenges facing New Zealand firms in the 1990s involves preparing their managers to deal with the problems and opportunities created by an increasingly diverse labour force. The traditional equal employment opportunity and legal position among companies has been to treat all employees the same and assume they are. However, an approach that recognizes diversity and acknowledges That some differences in management style or problem-solving techniques may be partly a function of gender, race, or ethnicity will ultimately be the most successful. This article discusses some of the barriers that must be overcome if managers are to work effectively withpeople different from themselves The advantages that companies stand to gain if they do a good job of managing diversity are also detailed.
Prophylactic citalopram treatment in hepatitis C patients on antiviral therapy: Will it limit drug-induced depression and enhance adherence?

Patients were recruited from two Veterans Affairs hospitals. They were randomly assigned to a citalopram arm or a placebo arm. Patients who were already depressed, taking antidepressants, had abused substances within 6 months of the study, or had medical comorbidities that could interfere with treatment were excluded. Citalopram or placebo was begun 2 weeks after antiviral therapy was initiated. Patients were continued on the IFN-α and ribavirin for at least 24 to 48 weeks, depending on their genotype. Assessment of diagnosis was by the Structured Clinical Interview for the DSM-IV (SCID) 2 weeks before the antiviral treatment was administered. Both the Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale and the Beck Depression Inventory-II were administered throughout the study, which included eight follow-up visits during the first 24 weeks. The Hamilton Anxiety Depression Scale and two scales for adverse events were also used for neurotoxicity as well as the side effects of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). The final study cohorts included 19 on citalopram and 20 on placebo. Following the initial citalopram dose of 20 μm, increases after 2 weeks were allowed, up to a maximum of 60 μm daily, depending on the depression rating scale results.
RIBOZYMES, GENOMICS AND THERAPEUTICS

Genome-sequencing projects are proceeding at a rapid pace and determining the function of open reading frames is the next great challenge. Ribozymes with sitespecific cleaving activity could aid greatly in this process. High-throughput screening methods to identify optimal target sites for ribozyme cleavage will provide tools for functional genomics as well as therapeutic reagents.
Sex differences in economic well-being.

Despite large structural changes in the economy and major antidiscrimination legislation, the economic well-being of women in comparison with that of men did not improve between 1959 and 1983. The women to men ratio of money income almost doubled, but women had less leisure while men had more, an increase in the proportion of adults not married made more women dependent on their own income, and women9s share of financial responsibility for children rose. The net result for women9s access to goods, services, and leisure in comparison with that of men ranged from a decrease of 15 percent to an increase of 4 percent, depending on assumptions about income sharing within households.
Photogenerated free carrier dynamics in metal and semiconductor single-walled carbon nanotube films.

Time-resolved THz spectroscopy (TRTS) is employed to study the photogenerated charge-carrier dynamics in transparent films of single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs). Two films were investigated: a film with 94% semiconducting-type tubes (s-SWNTs) and a film with only 7% s-SWNT and 93% metal-type tubes (m-SWNTs). We conclude that charge-carriers are generated with >60% yields at low light intensities in both films. Free-carriers are generated by a linear exciton dissociation process that occurs within ∼1 ps and is independent of excitation wavelength or tube type.
Sister chromatid exchange in lymphocytes from patients with malignant lymphoma

Sister chromatid exchange (SCE) frequencies were studied in differentially stained lymphocytes from 47 patients with malignant lymphoma. Thirteen patients were untreated when studied. The mean SCE frequency [±standard error (SE)] for these patients was 12.7±0.9 per mitosis. The mean score for 40 controls was 6.1±0.3. SCE mean scores were significantly higher in the untreated patients than in the controls (P<0.001). Seven patients were treated with radiotherapy alone. They demonstrated a mean SCE frequency (8.8±0.8) significantly lower (P<0.01) than that found in untreated patients. Eleven patients received cyclophosphamide within 4 weeks prior to study. They demonstrated a mean SCE frequency (14.3±1.3) significantly higher (P<0.05) than that found in patients who had received regimens that did not contain cyclophosphamide in the prior 4 weeks (11.1±1.3) or who had been off drugs for at least 8 weeks (10.1±0.8). Our data suggest that untreated patients with malignant lymphoma have elevated SCE frequencies, which may be further increased by certain chemotherapeutic agents.
Expanding the club: engineering plants to talk to bacteria.

I would like to thank Elizabeth A. Pierson for helpful comments on the manuscript. Some of the work on P. aureofaciens was supported by NRICGP grant 98-353036403.
Report of a Study Correlating the Performance of Sonographers with Their Cognitive Abilities

A study was undertaken to determine whether practicing sonographers who are regarded as being effective by their peers, supervising physician, and themselves have special abilities. Eighty-three sonographers and echocardiographers agreed to take the written tests and be evaluated on their performance. The results indicated that sonographers who received the highest ratings also performed well on the tests of general reasoning (General Reasoning) and the ability to pick out an image hidden in other patterns (Flexibility of Closure). The correlations with the other two abilities, which represented visual skills, were weak to nonexistent. Relationships were also seen between Registry status, years of scanning experience, sex, and educational background.
Hypoplastic left heart syndrome with male pseudohermaphroditism and bicornuate uterus bicollis

A 39-week-old phenotypically female infant was born with hypoplastic left heart syndrome and expired on the third day of life. An autopsy revealed the patient to also have male pseudohermaphroditism and uterus bicornis bicollis. The association of hypoplastic left heart syndrome and male pseudohermaphroditism has been reported in only two previous patients.
(Na+ + K+)-ATPase in subcellular fractions of rat skeletal muscle

Abstract Sodium and potassium-stimulated, magnesium-dependent, ouabain-sensitive ATPase has been used as an enzymic marker for muscle membrane (sarcolemma). However, the precise localization of this enzyme is still unknown. The enzyme activity was determined in muscle homogenates, sarcolemma, mitochondria, myosin B, and fragmented sarcoplasmic reticulum fractions isolated from frozen rat skeletal muscle. NaI-extracted fragmented sarcoplasmic reticulum isolated from frozen muscle (NaI-extracted high-speed fraction) contained a much higher specific (Na+ + K+)-ATPase activity (102 nmoles P1/mg/min) than did a similar fraction isolated from fresh skeletal muscle (34 nmoles P1/mg/min). NaI-treated muscle homogenate, sarcolemma, myosin B, and mitochondria had lower (Na+ + K+)-ATPase specific activity than the NaI-extracted high-speed fraction. The fragmented sarcoplasmic reticulum prepared from fresh or frozen muscle had the same calcium accumulating capacity; this capacity was almost abolished in the fragmented sarcoplasmic reticulum of both fresh and frozen muscle treated with NaI. The methods described may be useful in the study of muscle from humans or experimental animals where the amount of tissue available is limited. The results reemphasize the possible hazard in determining precise subcellular localization of enzyme activities in frozen tissues, as is a necessarily routine procedure in histochemistry.
HTML5: A New Standard for the Web

HTML5 is the newest revision of the HTML standard developed by the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C). This new standard adds several exciting news features and capabilities to HTML. This article will briefly discuss the history of HTML standards, explore what changes are in the new HTML5 standard, and what implications it has for information professionals. A list of HTML5 resources and examples will also be provided.
High power femtosecond pulses from an X-ray SASE-FEL

Abstract We discuss how to use the large-gain bandwidth of an X-ray SASE-FEL to produce femtosecond long pulses by chirping and compressing the output FEL radiation. We consider the power level, spectral width, and intensity fluctuations of the compressed X-ray pulses, compared to the case with no compression.
Hominid fossil sample from Kanjera, Kenya: description, provenance, and implications of new and earlier discoveries.

Anatomically modern hominids were first collected from Kanjera, Kenya, by L.S.B. Leakey in the 1930s. Their apparent association with an archaic fauna was quickly challenged, throwing their age into doubt. Further unpublished hominid fragments were collected in 1974, 1975, 1981, and 1987. We review the context and morphology of the entire hominid sample. A minimum number of five individuals is represented by both cranial and postcranial elements. Several individuals have thickened cranial vaults, a characteristic originally thought to reflect their great antiquity. Vault thickening resulted from diploic expansion and may have been a response to acquired or inherited anemia. The entire hominid sample postdates the Kanjera Formation, deposited from the early into the middle Pleistocene. Most of the sample was derived from the black cotton soil capping the stratigraphic column. The morphology and context of the Kanjera hominids is consistent with human skeletal remains from nearby Holocene sites. Hominid 3 was probably an intrusive burial into an early Pleistocene bed.
Communicating using the desktop background

Computing site desktop displays offer an easy-to-manage way to communicate with students on a variety of topics from news to policies to University resources. For best effect, the messages should be as unobtrusive as possible and updated regularly to keep information from becoming stale. At the University of Delaware, we have implemented this in two ways: through the use of a scrolling set of topics on the desktop background and with the use of screen savers. In addition to contact information for the computing site director and other static links, which vary by location, the desktop background features a box with scrolling topics as live links. This display is shown as an item on the desktop background, so it is only visible when applications do not obscure it. Links open in a new browser window when clicked and point to web pages that provide more detailed content. The actual list of topics and the customizable background are located on a central web server and can be easily edited to change all desktops that point to them simultaneously. The engine that runs the scrolling sub-window is written in Macromedia Flash, so no special software is required. Topics include responsible computing, digital media rights, library resources, and news items like UDaily, the University's on-line news service. Screen savers are used in a similar manner to display messages to students in much the same way posters would.
Modification of endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ stores by select oxidants produces changes reminiscent of those in cells from patients with Alzheimer disease.

Abstract Abnormalities in calcium homeostasis and oxidative processes occur in fibroblasts from patients with Alzheimer disease (AD) and in fibroblasts and neurons from transgenic mice bearing a presenilin-1 (PS-1) mutation. Bombesin-releasable endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ stores (BRCS) are exaggerated in all of these cells. Our previous studies show that H2O2 exaggerates BRCS. The goal of the present study was to determine whether select reactive species exaggerate BRCS in cultured human fibroblasts and to determine if the ability of fibroblasts to handle these specific oxidant species is altered in cells from AD patients. Two fluorescent indicators were used to distinguish different reactive oxygen species (ROS): 6-carboxy-2′,7′-dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate, di(acetoxymethyl ester) (c-DCF) and 4-amino-5-methylamino-2′,7′-difluorofluorescein diacetate (DAF-FM). ROS were produced by a variety of oxidants, including tert-butyl-hydroxyperoxide (t-BHP), hypoxanthine/xanthine oxidase, S-nitroso-N-acetylpenicillamine, 3-morpholinosydnonimine, and sodium nitroprusside. Different oxidants selectively induced various ROS in distinct patterns. These oxidants also induced selective modification in [Ca2+]i and/or BRCS. Of the several oxidants tested, t-BHP was most specific for exaggerating BRCS without affecting basal [Ca2+]i and inducing only c-DCF-detectable ROS. On the other hand, the results show that NO that reacted with DAF-FM was not responsible for alterations in BRCS. Furthermore, the c-DCF-detectable ROS production induced by t-BHP was higher in fibroblasts from AD patients bearing a PS-1 mutation (n = 7) than in those from aged controls (n = 8). The higher production of c-DCF-detectable ROS may underlie the exaggeration of BRCS in fibroblasts from AD patients. Thus, these results are consistent with the hypothesis that abnormalities in selective cellular ROS cause AD-related changes in intracellular calcium regulation.
Mutational analysis of human uroporphyrinogen decarboxylase

Uroporphyrinogen decarboxylase (URO-D), a heme biosynthetic enzyme, catalyzes the multi-step decarboxylation reaction converting uroporphyrinogen I or III to coproporphyrinogen I or III. The URO-D protein has been purified from several sources and its gene has been cloned from many organisms. In spite of this, little is known about the active site(s) of the enzyme. Inhibitor studies suggest that cysteine and histidine residues are important for enzyme activity. We employed the Kunkel method of site-directed mutagenesis to convert each of the six cysteines in human URO-D to serine and each of the three conserved histidines to asparagine. Recombinant mutant URO-D's were expressed in Escherichia coli, partially purified, and their kinetic properties compared to recombinant wild-type URO-D. All cysteine mutants retained approx. 40% wild-type enzyme activity, indicating that no single cysteine is absolutely critical for the integrity of the catalytic site. The three histidine mutants also retained significant enzyme activity and one, (H339N), displayed unique properties. The H339N mutation resulted in an enzyme with high residual activity but decarboxylation of intermediate reaction products of the I isomer series was markedly abnormal. The histidine at residue 339 is likely important in imparting isomer specificity.
A geometrical method for the determination and indexing of electron diffraction patterns

Abstract A geometrical method for the determination and indexing of electron diffraction patterns was developed by making use of descriptive geometry. This method is especially advantageous for noncubic structures. The general geometrical principles are presented, and a typical problem is solved in order to illustrate the procedures that can be followed to simplify the operations.
Market-Based Fiscal Discipline Under Evolving Decentralisation: The Case of Russian Regions

Subnational governments' access to credit is essential for smoothing out shocks to their revenue and expenditures, including those associated with large infrastructure projects. However, governments might pursue an unsustainable borrowing path unless they face appropriate incentives. Theoretically, credit markets can discourage excessive borrowing by charging risk premia rising with the level of indebtedness. We examine the robustness of this market mechanism under the evolving institutions of decentralised governance in a transitional country. Russia presents a perfect case for such analysis, for the market discipline was the only constraint on subnational borrowing there throughout the 1990s.
Geomorphic analysis of small rayed craters on Mars: Examining primary versus secondary impacts

[1] Twenty confirmed impacts over a 7-year time period on Mars were qualitatively and statistically compared to 287 secondary craters believed to originate from Zunil, an ∼500 ka, 10-km diameter, primary crater. Our goal was to establish criteria to distinguish secondaries from primaries in the general crater population on the basis of their horizontal planforms. Recent primary impacts have extensive “air blast” zones, distal ray systems (>100 crater radii, R), and ephemeral ejecta. Recent primaries formed clusters of craters from atmospheric fragmentation of the meteoroid body. Secondary craters have ejecta blankets with shorter rays that are consistent with emplacement by low-impact velocities (near 1 km/s). The mean extent of the continuous ejecta blankets was less distal for secondaries (5.38 ± 1.57R) versus primaries (18.07 ± 7.01R), though primary ejecta were less fractal (Fractal Dimension Index (FDI) < 1.30) and more circular on average (Circularity Ratio (CR) = 0.55 ± 0.25 versus 0.27 ± 0.13 for secondaries). Crater rims were remarkably circular (primaries CR = 0.97 ± 0.02, secondaries at 0.94 ± 0.05), though secondaries have the lowest values (CR < 0.9). Secondary crater rims were elongated toward or orthogonal to their primary of origin. Uprange source directions for most secondaries, determined by ejecta planform and crater rim ellipticity, point toward Zunil, although contamination from other primaries is considered in some areas. Ejecta blanket discrepancies between recent primaries and Zunil secondaries are attributable to differences in impact velocity and retention age. After removal of the ejecta blanket, crater rims are generally not diagnostic for determining crater origin. Fragmentation of primaries may play some role in steepening the size-frequency distribution of crater diameters in the 5 m < D < 30 m range.
Real Longitudinal Data Analysis for Real People: Building a Good Enough Mixed Model

Mixed effects models have become very popular, especially for the analysis of longitudinal data. One challenge is how to build a good enough mixed effects model. In this paper, we suggest a systematic strategy for addressing this challenge and introduce easily implemented practical advice to build mixed effects models. A general discussion of the scientific strategies motivates the recommended five-step procedure for model fitting. The need to model both the mean structure (the fixed effects) and the covariance structure (the random effects and residual error) creates the fundamental flexibility and complexity. Some very practical recommendations help to conquer the complexity. Centering, scaling, and full-rank coding of all the predictor variables radically improve the chances of convergence, computing speed, and numerical accuracy. Applying computational and assumption diagnostics from univariate linear models to mixed model data greatly helps to detect and solve the related computational problems. Applying computational and assumption diagnostics from the univariate linear models to the mixed model data can radically improve the chances of convergence, computing speed, and numerical accuracy. The approach helps to fit more general covariance models, a crucial step in selecting a credible covariance model needed for defensible inference. A detailed demonstration of the recommended strategy is based on data from a published study of a randomized trial of a multicomponent intervention to prevent young adolescents' alcohol use. The discussion highlights a need for additional covariance and inference tools for mixed models. The discussion also highlights the need for improving how scientists and statisticians teach and review the process of finding a good enough mixed model.
Sulfaethylthiadiazole (SETD) Release from Synthetic Wax Prolonged-Release Particles I: Effect of Dispersant Concentration

Synthetic wax particles containing sulfaethylthiadiazole (SETD) dispersed throughout and on the surface were made by a method of aqueous dispersion using various concentrations of polysorbate 80 USP and sorbitan monooleate each alone and in combination as dispersants. The in vitro release of SETD from 50–70 mesh wax particles was investigated with a rotating bottle dissolution apparatus, using simulated gastric and intestinal fluids. The dispersant factor was found to affect both the release rate and the proportion of total drug apparently constituting the prolonged-release fraction.
Ionization Equilibria for Side-Chain Carboxyl Groups in Oxidized and Reduced Human Thioredoxin and in the Complex with Its Target Peptide from the Transcription Factor NFκB†

The pH dependence of the 13C chemical shifts of the side-chain carboxyl carbons of all Asp and Glu residues in the reduced and oxidized states of human thioredoxin and in a mixed disulfide complex of human thioredoxin with a target peptide from the transcription factor NF kappa B has been investigated by multidimensional triple-resonance NMR spectroscopy. While the titration curves for most of the side-chain carboxyl resonances exhibit simple Henderson-Hasselbalch behavior with pKa values not far from those found for model compounds, several side chains give rise to two- or three-step titration curves, indicative of the influence of multiple ionizations. In particular, the triad formed by Asp58, Asp60, and Asp61 forms such a complex network of titrating groups. The ionization behavior of Asp26 shows an abnormally high pKa value for an aspartate residue in all states of human thioredoxin, with pKa values of 9.9 in the reduced state, 8.1 in the oxidized state, 8.9 in the mixed disulfide complex, and 8.6 in an active site mutant in which Cys35 was replaced by Ala. The unambiguous determination of the pKa values of Asp26 for a variety of states of human thioredoxin presented in this paper is highly significant in view of two recent reports on Escherichia coli thioredoxin which presented contradicting pKa values for Asp26 and Cys35 [Wilson et al. (1995) Biochemistry 34, 8931-8939; Jeng et al. (1995) Biochemistry 34, 10101-10105]. The stabilization of the protonated side chain of Asp26 in human thioredoxin is achieved via a hydrogen-bonding network involving the hydroxyl group of the neighboring Ser28 which is then connected to the active site region (comprising Cys32 and Cys35) via bound water molecules. The coupling of the buried Asp26 to the active site is responsible for the influence of the Asp26 ionization behavior on the titration shifts of active site residues.
Oxygen transport as a solid‐state structure probe for polymeric materials: A review

In the quest to elucidate the solid-state structures of polymers, insight into the amorphous phase is particularly elusive. Although the permeability of small molecules is often measured as an important performance property, numerous researchers have found that a deeper analysis of the transport characteristics provides insight into polymer morphology, especially if used in combination with more usual characterization techniques. The transport of small gas molecules senses the permeable amorphous structure and probes the nature of the free volume. In recent years, our interest in the gas barrier of polyesters has resulted in an unusual opportunity to investigate the nature of the free volume in the polymer glassy state. This effort has been aided by access to aromatic polyesters with designed variations in their chemical structure. This review focuses on oxygen transport, supplemented with other methods of physical analysis, as a probe of the excess-hole free volume. The review addresses the profound effects of orientation and crystallization on the free volume of the glassy state. The discussion also presents a simple odel for the gas permeability of the isotropic glass based on lattice concepts and tests more sophisticated models for the gas permeability of semicrystalline polymers. The final section addresses other opportunities for fruitful applications of oxygen transport as a solid-state structure probe. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 43: 1047–1063, 2005
Processing of U14 Small Nucleolar RNA from Three Different Introns of the Mouse 70‐kDa‐Cognate‐Heat‐Shock‐Protein Pre‐Messenger RNA

U14 is a small nucleolar RNA required for the processing of eukaryotic rRNA precusors. The U14 genes of mouse as well as rat, hamster, human, Xenopus and trout are encoded within introns of the constitutively expressed 70-kDa-cognate-heat-shock protein gene (hsc70). We demonstrate here that U14.6 and U14.8 snRNAs, in addition to the previously characterized U14.5, are processed from their respective introns when hsc70 pre-mRNA transcripts containing these intronic snRNAs are injected into Xenopus oocyte nuclei. Identical intermediates are observed in the processing of all three mouse U14 snRNAs indicating similar processing pathways. The production of U14 snRNA processing intermediates possessing either mature 5′ or 3′ termini demonstrated that processing can occur at either end independent of maturation at the other terminus. Processing of U14.6 from hsc70 intron 6 is not dependent upon the base pairing of intron sequences flanking the 5′ and 3′ termini of the encoded U14 snRNA molecule. Therefore, excision of an intronic snRNA does not require extending the 5′,3′ terminal helix of U14 snRNA secondary structure into flanking intron regions as originally suggested. Microinjection of the plasmid vector containing the mouse hsc70/U14.5 snRNA coding region revealed that undetermined plasmid sequences can serve as non-specific promoters to generate spurious RNA transcripts. The processing of these transcripts and examination of the plasmid-initiated transcriptional-start sites indicated that a U14-specific promoter is not present in or around the intron-encoded U14.5 gene. These results strongly suggest that biosynthesis of mouse U14 snRNA results from an intron-processing pathway.
Continuous low-dose fructose infusion does not reverse glucagon-mediated decrease in hepatic glucose utilization.

Abstract An adaptation to continuous total parenteral nutrition (TPN; 75% of nonprotein calories as glucose) is the liver becomes a major consumer of glucose with lactate release as a by-product. The liver is able to further increase liver glucose uptake when a small dose of fructose is acutely infused via the portal system. Glucagon, commonly elevated during inflammatory stress, is a potent inhibitor of glucose uptake by the liver during TPN. The aim was to determine if continuous fructose infusion could overcome the glucagon-mediated decrease in hepatic glucose uptake. Studies were performed in conscious, insulin-treated, chronically catheterized, pancreatectomized dogs that adapted to TPN for 33 hours. They were then assigned to 1 of 4 groups: TPN (C), TPN + fructose (4.4 μ mol kg −1 min −1 ; F), TPN + glucagon (0.2 pmol kg −1 min −1 ; GGN), or TPN + fructose and glucagon (F + GGN) for an additional 63 hours (33-96 hours). Insulin, fructose, and glucagon were infused into the portal vein. During that period, all animals received a fixed insulin infusion of 0.4 mU·kg −1 ·min −1 (33-96 hours); and the glucose infusion rates were adjusted to maintain euglycemia (6.6 mmol/L). Continuous fructose infusion was unable to further enhance net hepatic glucose uptake (in micromoles per kilogram per minute) (31.1 ± 2.8 vs 36.1 ± 5.0; C vs F), nor was it able to overcome glucagon-mediated decrease in net hepatic glucose uptake (10.0 ± 4.4 vs 12.2 ± 3.9; GGN vs F + GGN). In summary, continuous fructose infusion cannot augment liver glucose uptake during TPN; nor can it overcome the inhibitory effects of glucagon.
A Comparison of Tomography Reconstruction Techniques for MCAO and MOAO: Theory and Laboratory Experience

We compare multiple guidestar tomography reconstruction techniques for adaptive optics systems. We also present some early test results from experiments with the multi-guidestar AO testbed at the Laboratory for Adaptive Optics.
Microscopic characterization of early nodulation events in a non-nodulating soybean mutant (NN5) and lack of response to high inoculum dose

The microscopic events leading to nodulation in normally nodulating soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] genotypes, and the effects of Bradyrhizobium strain and inoculum dose on nodulation, were examined in the NN5 non-nodulating mutant derived from cv. Williams. The NN5 mutant possesses the recessive genes ris and rJ 6 . Bradyrhizobium japonicum strain USDA 110 cells attached normally to the root surface of NN5, many in a polar manner as in its wild-type parent, but failed to induce root hair curling and sub-epidermal cell division in the root. Co-culturing NN5 and Williams did not modify nodulation of either genotype