cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A Lunar Waterworld

Since the first sample return missions of the 1960s, lunar scientists have operated under the presumption that the Moon is entirely dry. Three papers in this week's issue challenge that notion: Infrared spectroscopic measurements of the lunar surface from spacecraft provide unambiguous evidence for the presence of hydroxyl (OH) or water ( 1 – 3 ).
Image-based indoor place-finder using image to plane matching

Determining indoor location using image based methods has the promise to be fast and intuitive. Nonetheless, a practical implementation needs to operate without knowledge of true camera pose and focal length, and be discriminating enough to identify location from multiple indoor locations that appear similar.In this paper, we propose an accurate and efficient method based on matching established planes in an environment to a query images. This greatly reduces the necessary computation, and improves accuracy by enforcing geometry on local feature descriptors. Accuracy is further improved by computing matching score based on number of matching pixels rather than descriptors as commonly done. Using a database of over 2000 planes and over 120 query images, we show our algorithm maintains accuracy over 86% even for challenging environments with multiple similar locations, and outperforms a feature based method by 10 - 40%.
Innervation of the gill epithelium of the bivalve Elliptio complanata.

Abstract 1. 1. Axonal terminals of the branchial nerve are present under the lateral cells of the gill epithelium. 2. 2. An intact branchial nerve-supply is necessary to maintain the rate of beating of the lateral cilia. 3. 3. Uptake of [ 3 H]dopamine occurred primarily in the branchial nerve. Uptake throughout the gill preparation was significantly reduced by cutting the nerve. 4. 4. [ 3 H]Dopamine was localized in the nerve by autoradiography and fluorescence histochemistry. 5. 5. Dopamine has an inhibitory effect on ciliary activity. 6. 6. It appears that the branchial nerve innervates the lateral gill epithelium and that dopamine is a probable agent of neurotransmission.
The Teacher as Researcher in the Classroom.

(1993). The Teacher as Researcher in the Classroom. Action in Teacher Education: Vol. 15, No. 1, pp. 49-57.
Siah-1 Mediates a Novel β-Catenin Degradation Pathway Linking p53 to the Adenomatous Polyposis Coli Protein

The adenomatous polyposis coli (APC) tumor-suppressor protein, together with Axin and GSK3beta, forms a Wnt-regulated signaling complex that mediates phosphorylation-dependent degradation of beta-catenin by the proteasome. Siah-1, the human homolog of Drosophila seven in absentia, is a p53-inducible mediator of cell cycle arrest, tumor suppression, and apoptosis. We have now found that Siah-1 interacts with the carboxyl terminus of APC and promotes degradation of beta-catenin in mammalian cells. The ability of Siah-1 to downregulate beta-catenin signaling was also demonstrated by hypodorsalization of Xenopus embryos. Unexpectedly, degradation of beta-catenin by Siah-1 was independent of GSK3beta-mediated phosphorylation and did not require the F box protein beta-TrCP. These results indicate that APC and Siah-1 mediate a novel beta-catenin degradation pathway linking p53 activation to cell cycle control.
The central nucleus of the amygdala contributes to the production of morphine antinociception in the formalin test

The rat paw formalin test is a model of prolonged pain due to mild tissue injury. There is some evidence suggesting that morphine does not produce antinociception in the formalin test via the brain-stem and spinal cord circuitry normally associated with antinociception. Furthermore, morphine appears to require an intact forebrain in order to function as an analgesic for formalin pain. In the 2 experiments reported here, we investigated the possibility that the central nucleus of the amygdala (Ce) contributes to the production of morphine antinociception (MA) in the formalin test. Nociception in this test occurs in 2 phases, with the 1st phase Occurring 0–5 min after formalin injection and the 2nd phase beginning 10–15 min after injection and continuing for approximately 1 h. In Exp. 1, bilateral neurotoxic lesions of the Ce, but not lesions of the adjacent basolateral nucleus (BL), reliably attenuated MA (7 mg/ kg morphine sulfate) during the 2nd phase of the formalin test without affecting baseline nociception. These results were obtained regardless Of whether the rating scale method or flinch-frequency method of nociceptive scoring was used. During the 1st phase, Ce lesions reliably attenuated MA as measured by the flinch-frequency method, but not as measured by the rating scale method. In Exp. 2, Ce lesions also reliably attenuated the antinociception produced by 12 mg/kg morphine sulfate during the 2nd phase Of the formalin test. Antinociception appeared to be almost completely re-instated, however, if the dose of morphine was raised to 20 mg/kg. The results indicate that neurons Originating from the Ce contribute to the production of MA during the 2nd phase, and possibly the 1st phase, of the formalin test, especially at relatively lower doses of morphine. This suggests that in addition to coordinating conditioned antinociceptive responses, the amygdala may be a component of endogenous antinociceptive circuitry. These and other issues are discussed with reference to the spino-pontoamygdaloid nociceptive pathway, and the proposed role of the amygdala in the mediation of defense reactions.
On the efficiency of monetary policy rules with flexible prices and rational expectations

Abstract The classic Sargent–Wallace–Lucas (SWL) rational expectations-flexible price model is usually interpreted as implying “policy ineffectiveness”: systematic monetary rules cannot affect the distribution of real output. A contrary but not widely-appreciated result of Dotsey and King suggests that there exist “prospective feedback” rules (future money depending systematically on current but as yet unobserved information) which improve output distribution by means of improving agents’ ability to perceive relative prices. We show the Dotsey–King proposition in fact to be a colossal understatement: prospective feedback rules applied vigorously enough (and even “contemporaneous feedback” rules based on current interest rates, provided at least one prospective feedback is active) can in the limit drive price-perception errors to zero. This is not to say such a policy would be desirable. Feedback parameter combinations that reduce current price level misperception tend to produce high forecast error variances with respect to future prices, with attendant loss in capital market efficiency. Whatever the desirable frontier among these different social cost-producing variables, feedback parameters will in general be needed in order to get on the frontier as well as to move along it. Monetary policy clearly produces social gain even in a version of this model which contains no elements of price “friction,” inefficient use of available information, or asymmetry in information as between the government and the public.
Calcareous Nannofossil Paleoecology of the mid-Cretaceous Western Interior Seaway and Evidence of Oligotrophic Surface Waters during OAE2

Abstract Analysis of calcareous nannofossils, total organic carbon(TOC) values, and carbon isotope records from outcrop and drill cores in the central (Colorado and Kansas) and southern (Texas) Western Interior Basin (WIB) indicates predominantly oligotrophic surface water conditions during the late Cenomanian–Turonian Oceanic Anoxic Event 2(OAE2). High-resolution bio-chemostratigraphy of this interval allows for detailed correlation of changes in nannofossil assemblages and TOC across the WIB and aids comparison with other global records. Prior to and at the onset of OAE2, the A interval in the δ13C positive excursion identified by Pratt and Threlkeld (1984), mesotrophic to eutrophic nannofossil taxa Biscutum and Zeugrhabdotus are relatively high in abundance and foraminiferal assemblages record a high diversity “benthonic zone”. TOC sharply declines at the start of OAE2 despite evidence of high surface productivity and benthic diversity, implying that the seafloor was briefly oxygenated during a period of enhanced mixing in the expanding Western Interior Seaway. During the latter two thirds of OAE2 (intervals B and C in the excursion) TOC periodically increases, suggesting that anoxic conditions returned at the substrate, despite persistently low abundances of Biscutum and Zeugrhabdotus, implying oligotrophic surface water conditions. The divergence of these two proxies suggests a highly stratified water column in the WIB, not higher productivity, which resulted in anoxic conditions during OAE2. If productivity was not the primary cause of increased carbon burial in the WIB it is probable that increased terrestrial runoff and incursion of warm, saline Tethyan waters from the south led to salinity stratification. In the absence of mixing, warm and saline bottom waters would have been isolated from freshened Boreal currents and become stagnant, allowing for preservation of greater amounts of organic material in the substrate. Nannofossil records from Cuba, KS are an exception, and reveal relatively high productivity throughout, suggesting that occasional mixing of nutrients to the surface may have continued along the eastern margin of the central WIB.
Differential output, transformer coupled push-push VCO and divider for 60GHz applications in 90nm CMOS

A push-push VCO with embedded BALUN and resistive CML divider for 60GHz heterodyne transceiver architecture, are presented. The measured VCO second harmonic output frequency is ~44.6–50[GHz], i.e. ~11.4% tuning range. The phase noise at 1[MHz] offset from the carrier, is ranging between −109 to −112[dBc/Hz] and −97 to −100 [dBc/Hz], for f0/2 and 2×f0 outputs, respectively. The circuit works from 1.3V supply and consumes ~20mA current (VCO ~7mA, Divider + Divider buffer~8mA, second harmonic buffer ~3mA). The output power is ~ −13dBm and −20dBm at the f0/2 and 2×f0 outputs, respectively.
Opportunity, Community, and Reckless Lives: Social Distress Among Adolescents in West Virginia

Social distress among West Virginia adolescents has many manifestations. Among the most conspicuous of these are dropping out of high school, teen pregnancy, and violent death. For more than 30 years, state policy makers have explained these behaviors by invoking the notion of a pervasive culture of poverty and morbidity which is transmitted from generation to generation. Participants in this primitive and fatalistic culture, it is commonly claimed, lack the prudence and foresight needed to make best use of the opportunities offered by our modern world. Education-intensive strategies aimed at enabling West Virginia adolescents and their families to overcome this disabling world view seem the best responses. By contrast, however, based on 8 years of empirical research in West Virginia, we contend that an “Oh, what the Hell!” sort of recklessness is interpretable as a rational response to deteriorating social and economic circumstances. West Virginia communities have become increasingly anomic and devoid of economic opportunity. In this economically uncertain, culturally insubstantial world, adolescents rightly judge their prospects to be poor. In this social context, seemingly irrational acts make more sense. Why be prudent in the absence of opportunity and community? Why be prudent in the absence of a future?
Reproduction, development and population biology of the Caribbean ophiuroid Ophionereis olivacea , a protandric hermaphrodite that broods its young

Reproduction and development of the ophiuroidOphionereis olivacea H. L. Clark, a species that broods its young, were investigated in Florida from January through December 1985 and in Belize in June 1985 and April 1986.O. olivacea has a maximum disc diameter of 5.2 mm and is a protandric hermaphrodite. Sex reversal occurs at disc diameters ranging between 2.2 and 4.0 mm; it has 400 µm diameter oocytes and is ovoviviparous. As expected from an obligate out-crosser, this ophiuroid has a similar allocation to male and female reproduction, in terms of gonad volume. Reproduction of the Florida population was monitored for one year.O. olivacea is a sequential brooder and incubates its young during the coldest months of the year. The females produce a single clutch of juveniles each year. Spawning starts in November and peaks in January and February. The ova are spawned synchronously from all the ovaries of each female into the bursae and are retained there. Fertilization is accomplished by intake of sperm into the female bursae.O. olivacea develops through a ciliated embryonic stage that appears to be a modified vitellaria larva lacking ciliary bands. These modified larvae swim in seawater in the bursae. Direct development in this species has resulted from heterochrony in the loss of ophiopluteus features. The number of brooding females in the population increases in November and reaches a maximum in March. JuvenileO. olivacea emerge from the bursae at a disc diameter of 480 µm and each arm has three segments. Recruitment was first detected in April, and juveniles were particularly abundant in June. Small size inO. olivacea is associated with paedomorphic heterochrony with precocious maturation of the males at a disc diameter of 1.5 mm, ~2 mo after taking up their free existence. Brooding as a life history mode inO. olivacea is examined and the adaptations of this species to its warm-water habitats are discussed.
PROGRAMMING GENERALIZATION AND MAINTENANCE OF TREATMENT EFFECTS ACROSS TIME AND ACROSS SETTINGS1

Effects of three experimental and one control strategy were investigated in facilitating generalization and maintenance of treatment effects after two months in a token-economy classroom. At the conclusion of treatment, subjects were randomly assigned to one of three maintenance strategies or a control group and returned to their regular classrooms. The maintenance strategies were peer reprogramming, equating stimulus conditions between the experimental and regular classrooms, and teacher training in behavior management techniques. The maintenance strategies were implemented in the regular classroom for a two-month period and then terminated. Results indicated a powerful treatment effect produced by the token economy. Behavior maintenance effects following treatment were also obtained. The mean per cent appropriate behavior for the peer reprogramming and equating stimulus conditions strategies was significantly greater than the mean for the control subjects. The teacher training and control group means were not significantly different.
DC coupled Doppler radar physiological monitor

One of the challenges in Doppler radar systems for physiological monitoring is a large DC offset in baseband outputs. Typically, AC coupling is used to eliminate this DC offset. Since the physiological signals of interest include frequency content near DC, it is not desirable to simply use AC coupling on the radar outputs. While AC coupling effectively removes DC offset, it also introduces a large time delay and distortion. This paper presents the first DC coupled IQ demodulator printed circuit board (PCB) design and measurements. The DC coupling is achieved by using a mixer with high LO to RF port isolation, resulting in a very low radar DC offset on the order of mV. The DC coupled signals from the PCB radar system were successfully detected with significant LNA gain without saturation. Compared to the AC coupled results, the DC coupled results show great advantages of less signal distortion and more accurate rate estimation.
Gentamicin sulfate in the horse: serum, synovial, peritoneal, and urine concentrations after single dose intramuscular administration

Ten healthy adult mares were given a single intramuscular dose (2.2 mg/kg) of gentamicin sulfate. Over a 48-h period, gentamicin concentrations were measured serially in the serum of all ten mares and in synovial fluid, peritoneal fluid, and urine of six of the mares. The mean peak serum gentamicin concentration was 5.73 micrograms/ml at 1 h. Gentamicin was detected in synovial fluid and peritoneal fluid, with mean peak gentamicin concentrations of 2.41 micrograms/ml and 3.92 micrograms/ml, respectively, observed at 2 h. These concentrations declined in parallel with serum concentrations and were not measurable at 48 h. Urine gentamicin concentration was relatively high, with a mean peak concentration of 424.9 micrograms/ml at 1 h after drug administration.
Response of the western spruce budworm to temperature and dose of a virus, a growth regulator, and an organophosphate

Pathogenicity of nuclear polyhedrosis virus (NPV) to western spruce budworm larvae, Choristoneura occidentalis Freeman, increased as temperature increased. In contrast, at temperature extremes, mortality increased for a specified dose of malathion or diflubenzuron, while at the optimal temperatures (20–25 °C), mortality decreased. Malathion was the fastest acting insecticide, followed by diflubenzuron and then NPV. Simulation results considered temperature dependent developmental rates of the larvae, energy consumption, time to achieve total mortality, and mortality at specified doses of insecticides. Low temperatures provided the greatest reduction in the amount of energy consumed by spruce budworm relative to the energy consumed when no treatment was applied. This was due to both the percent mortality and because total mortality was realized in the larval stage while at the higher temperatures, mortality was not fully realized until the pupal stage. RESUME Effets de la temperature et de la dose sur la virulence d'un virus, d'un regulateur de croissance et d'un organophosphate, consommes par Choristoneura occidentalis La temperature modifie la toxicite ou la pathogenie du virus de la polyhedrose nucleaire (NPV), du diflubenzuron, et du malathion consommes par Choristoneura occidentalis Freeman. La pathogenie du NPV augmente avec la temperature, si bien qu'il y a une relation lineaire entre mortalite et temperature. Pour le diflubenzuron et le malathion, la temperature est liee a la mortalite d'une facon gradiatique. Aux temperatures extremes, la mortalite augmente pour une dose donnee de malathion ou de diflubenzuron, tandis qu'aux temperatures optimales (20 a 25 °C), la mortalite diminue. Des modeles multiples ont ete utilises pour evaluer les effets ci-dessus. Le moment de la mortalite finale observee et la mortalite cumulative ont ete modifies par la temperature, mais non par la dose d'insecticide. L'effet le plus rapide est obtenu avec le malathion, suivi par le diflubenzuron et enfin le NPV. Selon les resultats de simulations, - tenant compte des taux de developpement larvaires a differentes temperatures, de la consommation d'energie, du temps necessaire pour obtenir la mortalite totale calculee et de la mortalite calculee, pour une dose donnee d'insecticide a une temperature particuliere –, ce sont les basses temperatures qui reduisent le plus l'energie consommee par la population par comparaison avec l'energie consommee en l'absence de traitement. Ceci est du au pourcentage de mortalite calculee et au fait que la mortalite est toujours obtenue au stade larvaire, tandis qu'aux temperatures plus elevees, la mortalite se poursuit jusqu'au stade nymphal.
Performance of an Octacosane Based MicroPCM Fluid in Transitional Flow

Use of microencapsulated phase change material (microPCM) in a single phase carrier of fluid for enhanced cooling has been demonstrated by many researchers for the case of laminar flow. However, very little is known about the behavior of microPCM fluids for turbulent flows. Here we consider the flow of octacosane microPCMs in a 50/50 by volume ethylene glycol/water carrier fluid. This high temperature microPCM fluid, with Tmelt = 60°C, has a much lower viscosity than room temperature microPCM fluids. Room temperature microPCMs in 50/50 by weight ethylene glycol/water carrier fluid generally operate at Reynolds numbers much below the critical value due to their large viscosity and the unreasonably large pumping power required to produce turbulent flow. At 60°C, however, the flow can become transitional and perhaps fully turbulent with moderate pressure rise pumps. This paper presents the performance of an octacosane based microPCM fluid operating in the transitional region at Reynolds numbers up to 2900. Transitional flow convective heat transfer coefficients are shown to be as much as 50% higher than laminar flow values. In addition, surface temperatures are reduced with increasing Reynolds number.Copyright © 2002 by ASME
3' terminal sequences of 16S rRNA do not explain translational specificity differences between E. coli and B. stearothermophilus ribosomes.

DIRECT Watson–Crick base pairing between the 3′ terminus of 16S RNA and messenger RNA seems to contribute to the recognition and binding of protein synthesis initiator regions by Escherichia coli1,2. Since bacterial species differ in the pyrimidine-rich sequences at the 3′ termini of their 16S RNAs, it has been suggested that this mRNA–rRNA interaction can account for observed differences in translational specificity among prokaryotes3. To test this hypothesis, we have asked whether it explains the choice of sites bound by Bacillus stearothermophilus ribosomes in two mRNAs—the R17 and Qβ phage genomes. The RNA sequence data presented here lead to two conclusions. First, B. stearothermophilus ribosome recognition of two non-initiator Qβ regions at high temperature4 is indeed correlated with an extensive mRNA–rRNA match. Second, surprisingly, the 3′ terminal sequence of 16S rRNA from B. stearothermophilus is identical to that of E. coli1,5–7 except that the 3′ terminal adenosine of E. coli rRNA is replaced by UCUAOH in the thermophile. Thus, rRNA sequences at the 3′ end of 16S rRNA cannot explain differences in the capacity of ribosomes from these two species to recognise RNA phage initiator regions at lower temperatures4,8,9.
Fabrication of the ocular portion of an orbital prosthesis

0 cular prostheses utilized in maxillofacial prosthetics are often constructed using commercially available stock eyes? that must be modified to the requirements of the prosthesis. Various iris characterizations and sizes are available, but coloration on an individualized basis is more esthetically effective. The curvature of the sclera and cornea of the stock eyes is sometimes too extreme for patients whose eyes reveal a great deal of the canthus. Achieving an effective likeness of the patient’s orbital features is thwarted by the commercial globe which is too small. Although custommade eye prostheses are preferred, traditional ocular processing** 2 requires methods too complicated and time-consuming to be satisfactory when a large number must be made. It is possible to construct individualized ocular prostheses that fulfill the demands of an orbital prosthesis without employing heat curing. This article outlines a fabrication sequence for ocular prostheses that utilizes cold-curing resins and vacuum forming procedures.
Stereochemical disposition of the geminal dimethyl groups in the enzymatic cyclization of geranyl diphosphate to (+)-bornyl diphosphate by recombinant (+)-bornyl diphosphate synthase from Salvia officinalis

Abstract Regiospecifically deuterated geranyl diphosphate, in concert with NMR spectrometry, was employed to demonstrate that the trans -methyl group (C8) of geranyl diphosphate becomes the C9 carbon of (+)-bornyl diphosphate (geminal methyl syn to the diphosphate moiety) and that the cis -methyl group (C9) becomes the C8 (geminal methyl anti to the diphosphate). The syntheses of the relevant substrates and products, with accompanying spectrometric data are provided.
On-pump and off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting in the elderly: predictors of adverse outcome.

Objective: To establish the role that coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) without cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) may have in improving perioperative outcomes of patients 70 years of age and older. Background: Coronary revascularization in elderly patients is associated with morbidity and mortality rates higher than those observed in younger patients. The impact of CABG without CPB on perioperative outcomes has not been clearly established. Methods: This retrospective, nonrandomized study consisted of 1872 CABG patients. Of these, 1389 underwent CABG with CPB (CPB group) and 483 patients underwent CABG without CPB (off-pump group). Preoperative variables and outcomes were compared between the two groups. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to identify independent predictors of mortality, stroke, and adverse outcome. Results: Demographics, Canadian Cardiovascular Society staging, operative priority, and other preoperative variables were comparable between the two groups. The prevalence of previous myocardial infarction was higher in the CPB group (62.6% vs 56.7%; p < 0.005), whereas the prevalence of calcified aorta and preoperative renal failure were higher in the off-pump group (5.4% vs 9.5%; p = 0.04 and 1.7% vs 3.3%; p = 0.04, respectively). Although the graft/patient ratio was higher in the CPB group (3.4 vs 1.9), these patients displayed more extensive coronary artery involvement. At univariate analysis, patients in the off-pump group had a higher rate of freedom from complications (88.2% vs 81.3%; p < 0.005) and a lower incidence of stroke (2.1% vs 4.2%; p = 0.034) than patients in the CPB group. Although there was a trend for a higher actual mortality in the off-pump group (4.8% vs 3.7%; p = ns), the risk adjusted mortality in this group was lower (1.9% vs 2.1%). Multivariate analysis showed that while the use of CPB correlated independently with an increased risk of overall complications, it was not associated with a higher probability of death or stroke. Conclusions: This investigation suggests that elderly patients undergoing CABG may benefit from off-pump revascularization, as the use of CPB correlated independently with an increased risk of overall complications. However, CPB did not emerge as an independent predictor of death or stroke at multivariate analysis.
Sealing for the food and beverage industry

Seals used in the food and beverage manufacturing and processing industries need to cope with a range of aggressive conditions. Additionally, they must comply with many hygiene standards and regulations. This feature examines the various standards in some detail, and how elastomer development and seal design can address these issues. Recent developments in seal engineering for the food and beverage industries are also discussed.
An attenuated West Nile prototype virus is highly immunogenic and protects against the deadly NY99 strain: a candidate for live WN vaccine development.

Abstract In a short time, West Nile virus has developed into a nationwide health and veterinary problem. The high virulence of the circulating virus and related lineage 1 WN strains hinders development of an attenuated live vaccine. We describe an attenuated WN isolate, WN1415, which is a molecularly cloned descendant of the WN prototype B956 strain. The parent virus belongs to lineage 2, members of which have not been associated with epidemic or epizootic outbreaks. A set of non-conservative mutations, mostly in non-structural protein genes, distinguishes the WN1415 isolate from the parent B956 prototype strain. Immunization with WN1415 (55–550,000 pfu) established a potent immunity, which protected the majority of mice against lethal challenge with WN NY99. The attenuated nature of the isolate and its excellent growth characteristics combined with the availability of a highly stable infectious clone make the isolate an attractive candidate for live WN vaccine development.
The codimension of singular matrix pairs

Abstract The singular pairs of n × n matrices [those satisfying det( A − λB )  0] form a closed set of codimension n + 1 inside the space of all matrix pairs. The same holds for singular symmetric pairs. For Hermitian pairs, the singular ones form a closed set of codimension n + 1 or n + 2 according as n is odd or even. The irreducible components of these closed sets are determined by various basic singular summands.
Nerve-muscle interaction in vitro. Role of acetylcholine.

Nerve and muscle cells from clonal lines interact in vitro, resulting in the association on the muscle surface of an area of increased acetylcholine sensitivity with a site of nerve-muscle contact. This localization of acetylcholine sensitivity on the muscle cell to a site of contact between nerve and muscle was found to occur when acetylcholine receptors on the muscle had been blocked with α-neurotoxin. Localization was also found to occur when the nerve cell had been prevented from releasing acetylcholine. It is concluded that neither the presence of active acetylcholine receptors on the muscle, nor the release of acetylcholine from the nerve, was required for the events leading to the localization of acetylcholine sensitivity in vitro.
Analysis of the Ambiguity Function for an FM signal derived from the Lorenz Chaotic Flow

In prior work, we showed that any one of the state variables of the Lorenz chaotic flow can be used effectively as the instantaneous frequency of an FM signal. We further investigated a method to improve chaotic-wideband FM signals for high resolution radar applications by introducing a compression factor to th e Lorenz flow equations and by varying two control parameters, namely ! and , to substantially increase the bandwidth of the signal. In this paper, we obtain an empirical quadratic relationship between these two control parameters that yields a high Lyapunov exponent which allows the Lorenz flow to quickly di verge from its initial state. This, in turn, results in an FM signal with an agile center frequency that is also chaotic. A time-frequency analysis of the FM signal shows that variable time-bandwidth products of the order of 10
The effect of fat-enriched diet on the incidence of spontaneous mammary tumors in obese mice.

SummaryC3H/HeJ mice show a high incidence of spontaneously occurring mammary tumors. Mice made experimentally obese were observed to have an earlier appearance and a greater incidence of tumors than were the normal-weight mice. A fatenriched diet increased the observed tumor incidence in normal-weight mice to about that of obese mice given a regular diet, while a fat-enriched diet further enhanced the already augmented observed yield of mammary tumors in the obese mice given a regular diet. Statistical analysis supported the dependence of tumor incidence and appearance time on the type of diet. The calories consumed by normal mice on a fat-enriched diet was considerably below that of obese mice on a regular diet, yet produced about the same tumor incidence. A specific effect of the fat-enriched diet is suggested.High caloric diets, particularly those modified to include a high portion of fat, have been reported to promote or enhance the occurrence of several types of tumors in various species of animals (...
Synthesis, Cellular Uptake, and Cytotoxicity of a Thermally Responsive Nanocapsule

Recently, polymeric nanoparticles have attracted tremendous interests as a useful tool to encapsulate therapeutic drugs, genes, and proteins for their controlled and sustained delivery. Among them, polymeric hydrogel nanoparticles with thermal and/or pH responsiveness have attracted particular attention [1]. Trehalose, a non-reducing disaccharide of glucose, has been demonstrated to be a potent, nontoxic bioprotectant for stabilizing lipids, proteins, viruses, and blood cells at cryogenic and particularly, ambient temperatures (i.e., cryo and lyopreservation) [2]. However, intracellular delivery of trehalose into small eukaryotic mammalian cells in a large quantity for biostabilization purpose has not been very successful so far [2]. In this study, a thermally responsive polymeric nanocapsule was synthesized and characterized with the aim to encapsulate trehalose for its intracellular delivery.Copyright © 2009 by ASME
Compaction of message patterns into succinct representations for multiprocessor interconnection networks

Abstract We describe a formalism for succinctly representing address sets and for representing message patterns for multiprocessor interconnection networks. In this formalism a mask is used to represent a set of equal length bit vectors. Such a set can be interpreted as either a set of processor addresses or a set of messages. First, we consider the problem of determining whether an arbitrary set of addresses or messages can be represented by a single mask. For this problem we present a linear time algorithm that constructs a mask representing the set if one exists. We then extend this algorithm so that it can be used to determine, in linear time, if a set of messages forms a bit permute-complement permutation . Finally, we consider the more general problem of determining if a set of masks, which represents a set of addresses or messages, can be merged into a single mask. We show this problem to be NP-hard. We also discuss the implications of this formalism with respect to the efficient manipulation and transmission of message patterns in multiprocessors.
Assessment of possible allergenicity of hypothetical ORFs in common food crops using current bioinformatic guidelines and its implications for the safety assessment of GM crops

Before a genetically modified (GM) crop can be commercialized it must pass through a rigorous regulatory process to verify that it is safe for human and animal consumption, and to the environment. One particular area of focus is the potential introduction of a known or cross-reactive allergen not previously present within the crop. The assessment of possible allergenicity uses the guidelines outlined by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and World Health Organization’s (WHO) Codex Alimentarius Commission (Codex) to evaluate all newly expressed proteins. Some regulatory authorities have broadened the scope of the assessment to include all DNA reading frames between stop codons across the insert and spanning the insert/genomic DNA junctions. To investigate the utility of this bioinformatic assessment, all naturally occurring stop-to-stop frames in the non-transgenic genomes of maize, rice, and soybean, as well as the human genome, were compared against the AllergenOnline (www.allergenonline.org) database using the Codex criteria. We discovered thousands of frames that exceeded the Codex defined threshold for potential cross-reactivity suggesting that evaluating hypothetical ORFs (stop-to-stop frames) has questionable value for making decisions on the safety of GM crops.
Getting Attention: The Effect of Legal Mobilization on the U.S. Supreme Court's Attention to Issues

This article asks two questions stemming from a conflict in the literature on the U.S. Supreme Court's attention to issues: (1) Are levels of legal mobilization explained by salient Court decisions...
The relative importance of egg production rate, hatching success, hatching duration and egg sinking in population recruitment of two species of marine copepods

The disappearance of spawned copepod eggs can, at times, approach 100% day-' and may be a bottleneck to population recruitment of marine copepods. We examined the egg production rate and egg hatching success of Centropages hamatus and Temora longicomis (Copepoda: Calanoida) on natural diets, and the role of delayed hatching combined with high sinking rates in removing their eggs from the water column. Cumulative hatching success within IS days was consistently high from March to June 1996: -80% for Chamatus and 70% for T.longicornis. Minimum hatching time for C.hamatus was S days in winter and 1-4 days in spring. Minimum hatching time for T.longicornis was 3-3.5 days in winter and 1-2.S days in spring. We measured the diameter and density of eggs of both species to estimate sinking rates from Stokes' law. Sinking rates ranged from 4.6 to 22.4 m day1 for Chamatus and from 13.4 to 2S.4 m day~' for T.longicornis. In shallow waters like Long Island Sound (S20 m), in most cases virtually all the eggs may sink out of the water column before hatching starts. Therefore, we suggest that delayed hatching combined with a high sinking rate can be a significant cause for the high apparent egg mortality in copepods. We also discuss the consequences of egg sinking and asynchronous hatching in the estimation of in situ egg production.
A 6-Month, Office-Based, Low-Carbohydrate Diet Intervention in Obese Teens

Background. Previous studies have shown the success of a low-carbohydrate diet (LCD) in adults. In one study, the LCD has also been shown as safe and effective in teens, the study period was only 12 weeks. Furthermore, there is no information on whether the LCD is a practical intervention in a pediatric office setting. Objective. The object of this study was to demonstrate the effectiveness of a LCD in obese children in a primary care pediatric setting. Design/Methods . The study was done in 11 community pediatric practices. Children ages 12 to 18 years with a body mass index (BMI) greater than 95th percentile were put on a LCD of less than 50 grams of carbohydrate daily. Results . A total of 38 of the 63 teens finished the 6-month study and 32 (84%) lost weight (range from a gain of 5.5 kg to a loss of 23.9 kg). There was also a significant decrease in mean BMI (34.9 to 32.5). Conclusions. The LCD appears to an effective and practical office-based intervention in obese teenagers.
The evolution of risk in information systems offshoring: the impact of home country risk, firm learning, and competitive dynamics

Information systems offshoring has emerged as a significant force in the global political economy, an important source of firm-specific competitive advantage, and a focal point for debates over the benefits and costs of globalization. As worldwide competition exerts increasing pressure on the IS function of firms to become geographically unbundled, and IS services are dispersed among increasingly distant and unfamiliar locations, the issue of risk emerges as a significant factor in decisions about where to locate offshore facilities. Drawing from prior research in IS outsourcing/offshoring and theoretical perspectives from international strategy and multinational management, we examine the determinants of risk firms bear in their offshoring decisions. In particular, the current paper explores firm-level and environment-level "push" factors that drive firms to accept increasingly greater degrees of host country risk. We predict that firm-level risk outcomes for locating IS offshore facilities will be influenced by prior firm-specific experience, the relative gap between home and host country risk levels, and the overall movement by IS offshore services providers toward increasingly riskier locations. We test these hypotheses on a proprietary data set of more than 850 information technology and software offshoring projects in 55 host countries worldwide during the period 2000 through 2005. We find that firm-specific experience and the core "risk gap" between home and host country are predictive of companies pursuing progressively riskier locations, but that their effects dissipate as environment-wide experience is incorporated into our model. Our analysis suggests that broader dynamics in the competitive environment are powerful contributors to the overall observation that IS offshoring is moving to increasingly high-risk locations. This trend has implications for the management, security, and global integration of information systems. Our study contributes to the literature on risk and IS offshoring in providing the first worldwide empirical examination of the determinants of actual firm IS offshoring behavior with respect to offshoring location risk.
Hyperbolic estimation of sparse models from erratic data

We have developed a hyperbolic penalty function for image estimation. The center of a hyperbola is parabolic like that of an l2 norm fitting. Its asymptotes are similar to l1 norm fitting. A transition threshold must be chosen for regression equations of data fitting and another threshold for model regularization. We combined two methods: Newton’s and a variant of conjugate gradient method to solve this problem in a manner we call the hyperbolic conjugate direction (HYCD) method. We tested examples of (1) velocity transform with strong noise (2) migration of aliased data, and (3) blocky interval velocity estimation. For the linear experiments we performed in this study, nonlinearity is introduced by the hyperbolic objective function, but the convexity of the sum of the hyperbolas assures the convergence of gradient methods. Because of the sufficiently reliable performance obtained on the three mainstream geophysical applications, we expect the HYCD solver method to become our default method.
National Extension Workshop Developing effective risk and crisis communication approaches in the poultry industry

SUMMARY The poultry industry, like every other industry, is susceptible to a wide variety of crises. In this paper, the Discourse of Renewal is presented as an empirically tested approach to help poultry organizations and the poultry industry prepare for, manage, and learn from crises. The key parts of the Discourse of Renewal provide poultry industry and organization leaders practical communication strategies for use in their preparation and management of crises. The theory also provides counterintuitive reasoning to help leaders build their knowledge and competencies in preparing for and managing crises. The Discourse of Renewal, then, is a normative theory that provides theoretically grounded guidelines for poultry industry leaders to prepare for, learn from, and communicate effectively during a crisis. This essay provides a clear understanding of the Discourse of Renewal and its applications to crisis planning, preparation, response, and learning from a crisis. This essay also provides poultry industry leaders and others the necessary background to develop guidelines for preparing to manage any type of crisis in the industry.
A Novel Gain-Of-Function Mutation of the Proneural IRX1 and IRX2 Genes Disrupts Axis Elongation in the Araucana Rumpless Chicken

Axis elongation of the vertebrate embryo involves the generation of cell lineages from posterior progenitor populations. We investigated the molecular mechanism governing axis elongation in vertebrates using the Araucana rumpless chicken. Araucana embryos exhibit a defect in axis elongation, failing to form the terminal somites and concomitant free caudal vertebrae, pygostyle, and associated tissues of the tail. Through whole genome sequencing of six Araucana we have identified a critical 130 kb region, containing two candidate causative SNPs. Both SNPs are proximal to the IRX1 and IRX2 genes, which are required for neural specification. We show that IRX1 and IRX2 are both misexpressed within the bipotential chordoneural hinge progenitor population of Araucana embryos. Expression analysis of BRA and TBX6, required for specification of mesoderm, shows that both are downregulated, whereas SOX2, required for neural patterning, is expressed in ectopic epithelial tissue. Finally, we show downregulation of genes required for the protection and maintenance of the tailbud progenitor population from the effects of retinoic acid. Our results support a model where the disruption in balance of mesoderm and neural fate results in early depletion of the progenitor population as excess neural tissue forms at the expense of mesoderm, leading to too few mesoderm cells to form the terminal somites. Together this cascade of events leads to axis truncation.
Trisomy represses Apc Min -mediated tumours in mouse models of Down’s syndrome

Epidemiological studies spanning more than 50 yr reach conflicting conclusions as to whether there is a lower incidence of solid tumours in people with trisomy 21 (Down's syndrome). We used mouse models of Down's syndrome and of cancer in a biological approach to investigate the relationship between trisomy and the incidence of intestinal tumours. Apc(Min)-mediated tumour number was determined in aneuploid mouse models Ts65Dn, Ts1Rhr and Ms1Rhr. Trisomy for orthologues of about half of the genes on chromosome 21 (Hsa21) in Ts65Dn mice or just 33 of these genes in Ts1Rhr mice resulted in a significant reduction in the number of intestinal tumours. In Ms1Rhr, segmental monosomy for the same 33 genes that are triplicated in Ts1Rhr resulted in an increased number of tumours. Further studies demonstrated that the Ets2 gene contributed most of the dosage-sensitive effect on intestinal tumour number. The action of Ets2 as a repressor when it is overexpressed differs from tumour suppression, which requires normal gene function to prevent cellular transformation. Upregulation of Ets2 and, potentially, other genes involved in this kind of protective effect may provide a prophylactic effect in all individuals, regardless of ploidy.
Compact planar-processed package for multichannel, fiber-optic computer interconnects

Monolithic arrays of AlGaAs lasers, GaAs OEICs (optoelectronic integrated circuits) and multimode optical fibers are becoming increasingly attractive for use in high-speed cost sensitive, short distance (<1 km) computer interconnections.1 However, for the technology to be pervasive, optoelectronic packaging, which today involves robotically aligned and assembled precision machined components, must be advanced, in favor of planar-processed packages, utilizing batch fabrication and assembly techniques, compatible with arrays of optoelectronic devices.
Novel PSTPIP1 gene mutation in a patient with pyogenic arthritis, pyoderma gangrenosum and acne (PAPA) syndrome

Abstract Introduction Pyogenic arthritis, pyoderma gangrenosum, and acne (PAPA) syndrome is a rare autosomal dominant disease that usually presents in childhood with recurrent sterile arthritis. As the child ages into puberty, cutaneous features develop and arthritis subsides. We report the case of a now 25-year-old male patient with PAPA syndrome with the E250K mutation in PSTPIP1. We also present a systematic literature review of other PAPA cases. Method We conducted a literature search of PubMed using the following search terms: E250K mutation, PSTPIP1, and PAPA. Results PAPA syndrome is caused by mutations on chromosome 15q affecting the proline-serine-threonine phosphatase-interacting protein 1 (PSTPIP1) gene, also known as CD2-binding protein 1 (CD2BP1). The reported cases of PAPA syndrome currently in the literature involve mutations in A230T and E250Q. One case of a novel E250K mutation has been reported, which presented with a different phenotype to previously described cases of PAPA syndrome. Conclusion With variation present between disease presentations from case to case, it is possible that the spectrum of PAPA syndrome is wider than currently thought. Further research is needed which may uncover an as-yet undiscovered genetic abnormality linking these interrelated diseases together.
The rumination syndrome: Clinical features rather than manometric diagnosis

Abstract Background/Aims: Rumination is infrequent in adults of normal mental capacity. Upper gastrointestinal manometry reportedly confirms the diagnosis. Clinical characteristics, treatment(s), and outcomes of these patients are unclear. Methods: We assessed 38 adults and adolescents with rumination between 1987 and 1994. Esophagogastroduodenal manometric recordings (n = 36; 3-hour fasting and 2-hour postprandially) were reviewed; follow-up information was obtained from mailed questionnaires. Results: Patients saw a mean of five physicians and had symptoms for a mean of 2.75 years before diagnosis. Features included daily, effortless regurgitation of undigested food starting within minutes of meals. Weight loss was substantial (mean, 29 lb) in 42% of patients. Seventeen percent of female patients had a history of bulimia. Manometry confirmed the clinical diagnosis in 33% but was otherwise normal in all. Of 16 patients who responded to our questionnaires of 29 with >6 months of follow-up (average, 35 months), 12 reported subjective improvement. In 14, the behavior persists. Conclusions: The rumination syndrome is underdiagnosed. With typical clinical features, gastroduodenal manometry seems unnecessary to confirm the diagnosis. Diagnosis and reassurance are important in management to avoid unnecessary tests and treatments.