cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A LABORATORY MESOCOSM AS A TOOL TO STUDY PAH DEGRADATION IN A COASTAL MARSH WETLAND

ABSTRACT Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are one of the contaminants of concern in coastal marsh environments which are subject to crude oil spills. A laboratory scale mesocosm can be used ...
From Redlining to Subprime Lending: How Neighborhood Narratives Mask Financial Distress in Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brooklyn

This article explores why and how homeowners in Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brooklyn, New York, took out subprime mortgage loans, and the effect of these loans on individuals and their community. It analyzes real estate histories for properties on four street blocks in Bedford-Stuyvesant by linking public data for real estate transactions with homeowners' descriptions of those transactions, gathered through interviews. Subprime lending flourished in a neighborhood that historically was redlined by conventional lenders, and created and exacerbated poverty, as it stripped equity from individuals and the neighborhood. Many homeowners in the study managed to combat this process of becoming poor, however. Homeowners are averting foreclosure while making sacrifices that are not apparent from data for mortgage foreclosures, neighborhood appearance, or initial conversations with residents and community leaders. Longtime homeowners' personal and neighborhood narratives of upward mobility and stability remain sacrosanct an...
Organizational Group Measurement Instruments An Integrated Survey

This article advocates the use of a systems model to analyze and classify measures of group behavior. It applies the model to 19 reliable group measurement instruments, which are supported by factor analysis, thereby creating a guide to instruments for the diagnosis and evaluation of work groups.
A David promoter with Goliath strength

In this issue of Blood, Nair et al report on a computationally derived hepatocyte-specific cis-regulatory module (HS-CRM8) to accomplish high tissue-specific expression in gene therapy for hemophilia. When HS-CRM8 is introduced upstream of a minimal liver-specific promoter in an adenoassociated virus (AAV) that expresses a codon-optimized hyperactive human factor IX (FIX) mutant (FIX Padua), it provides a >1 log increase in systemic FIX protein levels and supraphysiological activity over a range of vector doses.
Imperative for an Arab model of public relations as a framework for diplomatic, corporate and nongovernmental organization relationships

Abstract This paper advocates a morally/ethically defensible “organic theory” of public relations that is in opposition to the public relations literature that predominantly suggests that only those publics that have direct consequences for the organization are publics with whom public relations practitioners should deal. A biological metaphor can be used in supporting this “organic” theory of public relations in which the organization is an organ and society is a body as a whole. This paper concludes that the process of public relations, as well as the outcomes, is critically important in maintaining a metabolic balance and harmony within society itself—a requisite for the health and well-being of nation-states, corporations and nongovernmental organizations. Much of this process involves communication as a ritual, rather than communication as transmission of information; it involves interpersonal communication, rather than mass communication. It involves relationship-building as opposed to persuasion. Much of this process has been found traditionally in Arab culture, and these rich traditions should be recognized and examined for their utility and value in developing an Arab model of public relations to help resolve the plethora of 21st Century issues that threaten global stability and ultimately the well-being of all cultures and societies.
A Bayesian optimization approach for wind farm power maximization

The objective of this study is to develop a model-free optimization algorithm to improve the total wind farm power production in a cooperative game framework. Conventionally, for a given wind condition, an individual wind turbine maximizes its own power production without taking into consideration the conditions of other wind turbines. Under this greedy control strategy, the wake formed by the upstream wind turbine, due to the reduced wind speed and the increased turbulence intensity inside the wake, would affect and lower the power productions of the downstream wind turbines. To increase the overall wind farm power production, researchers have proposed cooperative wind turbine control approaches to coordinate the actions that mitigate the wake interference among the wind turbines and thus increase the total wind farm power production. This study explores the use of a data-driven optimization approach to identify the optimum coordinated control actions in real time using limited amount of data. Specifically, we propose the Bayesian Ascent (BA) method that combines the strengths of Bayesian optimization and trust region optimization algorithms. Using Gaussian Process regression, BA requires only a few number of data points to model the complex target system. Furthermore, due to the use of trust region constraint on sampling procedure, BA tends to increase the target value and converge toward near the optimum. Simulation studies using analytical functions show that the BA method can achieve an almost monotone increase in a target value with rapid convergence. BA is also implemented and tested in a laboratory setting to maximize the total power using two scaled wind turbine models.
Molecular Pathology of Bladder Cancer

This article focuses on several promising candidate biomarkers that may soon make their transition to the realm of clinical management of bladder cancer. Presented are superficial and muscle-invasive urothelial carcinoma of the bladder and the genetic tests currently available in testing for diagnosis and prognosis of these diseases.
Removing zero-volume parts from CAD models for layered manufacturing

CAD models for automated manufacturing should describe solids as mathematically regularized sets. The technique presented clears STL files of zero-volume parts that violate the definition of a regularized set. >
Zinc and the healing of chronic leg ulcers

Summary An objective method of determining the healing rate in patients with chronic leg ulcers has been used in forty patients to date. Almost all patients showed improvement on a regimen of cleanliness and external support. The serum zinc levels of twenty-four of the patients ranged from 39 to 219 μg per cent, but there was no correlation between the healing rate and the serum level. The addition of supplemental oral zinc to the therapeutic regime did not acclerate the healing rate in any patient.
Radiative heat transfer in porous media with spatially-dependent heat generation

Abstract We report an investigation of radiative heat transfer in porous radiant burners. The combustion was modeled as a spatially-dependent heat generation. Using the spherical harmonics to solve the equation of transfer, we have obtained the P-11 solution for the net radiative heat flux. Results presented illustrate the radiant output as a function of the position of the combustion zone, the optical thickness and the type of scattering of the porous layer, and the amount of reflection from the distribution chamber.
Computational science as an interdisciplinary bridge

The computer science department at Macalester College recently implemented a new undergraduate course sequence in computational science. This was done to better meet the course work needs of students in the physical and natural sciences as well as introduce into our curriculum an important and growing area of application. One of the unexpected benefits of our new program has been the creation of academic links between our department, mathematics, and the other sciences. In this paper we describe the role of computational science as an interdisciplinary bridge between computer science and other academic disciplines.
A Review of Dynamic Stabilization in the Lumbar Spine

Lumbar spinal fusion is the gold standard for the treatment of degenerative instability of the lumbar spine; however, recently there has been increased concern over the sequelae of successful fusions. Pedicle screw-based dynamic stabilization was introduced as an alternative to fusions with the intent of decreasing morbidity and adjacent segment disease. Biomechanical studies have validated dynamic stabilization with Graf ligamentoplasty and the Dynesys system; however, at this time clinical results with these techniques are still unclear. Concerns exist with the quality of the existing studies and the absence of long-term follow-up. The use of polyaryletherketone (ie, PEEK) rods is an emerging technique with good biomechanical data, but currently there are no clinical studies. Greater-quality studies with long-term clinical and radiographic follow-up are needed before the role of pedicle screw-based dynamic stabilization in the treatment of degenerative lumbar instability can be determined.
GENETIC FACTORS IN THE DETERMINATION OF HUMAN ADIPOSE TISSUE MASS

The determinants of human adipose tissue mass are not yet elucidated. In order to characterize the role of genetic factors, total fat cell number was measured in 12 sets of identical and 6 sets of fraternal twins, ages 1 to 16, and one set of 10 year old identical female triplets. 8 of 10 sets of normal weight identical twins were concordant for total adipose cell number, current weight and height and birthweight while the other two sets of identical twins had significantly dissimilar birthweights and total cell numbers. In these latter children, cell number was lower in the twin with the smaller birthweight. In addition, the triplets were identical for all the parameters measured. Three seta of identical obese twins with similar birthweights all displayed significant and concordant adipose tissue hypercellularity for age. Differences in the degree of their adiposity were reflected primarily by alterations in fat cell size. The 6 sets of fraternal pairs had both similar and disparate fat cell numbers independent of their current weights and birthweights. The data indicate an important genetic component in the development of the adipose tissue depot in man with in utero factors modulating the final outcome.
Reading The Economist on Globalisation: Knowledge, Identity, and Power

The UK-based magazine The Economist portrays globalisation as a positive extension of liberal capitalism. While consistent with the magazine's pro-market bent, the rationale for the coverage is complex, since many readers presumably share the magazine's dominant code and do not need persuasion. This paper first explores tactics used to limit discourse on globalisation to realms of economic knowledge, while devaluing knowledge from other domains. Then, using cultural theories of how people read, I argue that coverage provokes reader anxieties about a changing world--while allaying them through tales of a future in which growth continues, the lot of the poor improves, and power remains vested in the institutions, knowledge, and people that have it currently. As such, The Economist provides a utopian vision of the future and tools for shaping identity to fractions of dominant groups seeking to define their strategies in a changing world.
Meta-image navigation augmenters for unmanned aircraft systems (MINA for UAS)

GPS is a critical sensor for Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UASs) due to its accuracy, global coverage and small hardware footprint, but is subject to denial due to signal blockage or RF interference. When GPS is unavailable, position, velocity and attitude (PVA) performance from other inertial and air data sensors is not sufficient, especially for small UASs. Recently, image-based navigation algorithms have been developed to address GPS outages for UASs, since most of these platforms already include a camera as standard equipage. Performing absolute navigation with real-time aerial images requires georeferenced data, either images or landmarks, as a reference. Georeferenced imagery is readily available today, but requires a large amount of storage, whereas collections of discrete landmarks are compact but must be generated by pre-processing. An alternative, compact source of georeferenced data having large coverage area is open source vector maps from which meta-objects can be extracted for matching against real-time acquired imagery. We have developed a novel, automated approach called MINA (Meta Image Navigation Augmenters), which is a synergy of machine-vision and machine-learning algorithms for map aided navigation. As opposed to existing image map matching algorithms, MINA utilizes publicly available open-source geo-referenced vector map data, such as OpenStreetMap, in conjunction with real-time optical imagery from an on-board, monocular camera to augment the UAS navigation computer when GPS is not available. The MINA approach has been experimentally validated with both actual flight data and flight simulation data and results are presented in the paper.
Bandwidth enhancement for RCS reduction using checkerboard EBG surfaces

The properties of Electromagnetic Band-Gap (EBG) structures are used to alter the scattering fields by combining Perfect Electric Conductor (PEC) and EBG structures on the same ground plane. Due to the anti-phase property, the reflected energy can be re-directed toward four quadrants and a null to appear toward the normal direction. To increase the bandwidth, checkerboard surfaces of different EBG structures on the same ground plane are proposed. Two different configurations of EBG structures are designed to realize the 180° phase difference, in order to achieve a wider band Radar Cross Section (RCS) reduction. The RCS of the surfaces are compared with those of the equal-sized PEC ground planes.
The Role of Amine in the Mechanism of Pentathiepin (Polysulfur) Antitumor Agents

A computational and experimental study is presented, which provides the first evidence that amine has an opportunity to engage in bonding with pentathiepin to promote its decomposition. The study provides mechanistic insight into the process that gives rise to pentathiepin biological activity. Primary or secondary amine will allow for an intramolecular addition to the pentathiepin ring at the nearest sulfur (S1). In contrast, tertiary amine adds reversibly to S1, because nitrogen cannot lose its positive charge by deprotonation. This precludes the amine promotion step. An energetically low-lying process is characterized, corresponding to S3-loss triggered by nucleophilic activation with a primary or secondary amine. Pentathiepin desulfurization via S3-unit transfer is supported by a trapping study with norbornene. That the amine may confer an enhanced reactivity in the natural products varacin, 1, and lissoclinotoxin A, 2, adds to the understanding of the pathway for pentathiepin activation and may provide new design concepts that have potential applications for this class of biocides.
Interaction of t‐Butylbicyclophosphorothionate with γ‐Aminobutyric Acid‐Gated Chloride Channels in Cultured Cerebral Neurons

The role of t-butylbicyclophosphorothionate (TBPS) as an antagonist of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) was studied with primary cultures of neurons from the chick embryo cerebrum. The addition of GABA stimulated the uptake of 36Cl- by neurons and the dose dependence of this effect followed hyperbolic kinetics with a K0.5 = 1.3 microM for GABA. TBPS proved to be a potent inhibitor of GABA-dependent Cl- uptake (IC50 = 0.30 microM). Analysis of the kinetics of this process revealed that TBPS is a noncompetitive inhibitor (Ki = 0.15 microM) with respect to GABA. Scatchard analysis of direct binding of [35S]TBPS to membranes isolated from neuronal cultures gave curvilinear plots. These could be resolved by nonlinear regression methods into two components with KD values of 3.1 nM and 270 nM. The TBPS binding constant for this lower affinity site agreed well with the IC50 and Ki values for inhibition of Cl- flux, suggesting that this site is physiologically relevant to GABA antagonism. GABA was a noncompetitive displacer of [35S]TBPS binding to the lower affinity site. The Ki value for this displacement by GABA (1.7 microM) was comparable to the value for GABA enhancement of Cl- flux. The binding of [35S]TBPS to its low-affinity site on neuronal membranes was ninefold higher in the presence of Cl- than with gluconate, an impermeant anion. The rank order for anion stimulation of [35S]TBPS binding was Br- greater than or equal to SCN- greater than Cl- greater than or equal to NO3- greater than I- greater than F- greater than gluconate.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
The genus of the 2‐amalgamations of graphs

A graph G is called the 2-amalgamation of subgraphs G1 and G2 if G = G1 ∪ G2 and G1 ∩ G2 = {x, y}, 2 distinct points. in this case we write G = G1∪{x, y}G2. in this paper we show that the orientable genus, γ(G), satisfies the inequalities γ(G1) + γ(G2) − 1 ≤ γ(G1 ∪{x, y}G2) ≤ γ(G1) + γ(G2) + 1 and that this is the best possible result, i. e., the resulting three values for γ(G1 ∪{x, y}G2) which are possible can actually be realized by appropriate choices for G1 and G2.
Interaction of Ionomers and Polyelectrolytes with Divalent Transition Metal Cations (Cu2+ and VO2+): A Study by Electron Spin Resonance (ESR) Spectroscopy and Viscosimetry

The interactions in aqueous media between ion-containing polymers (ionomers and polyelectrolytes) and the divalent cations Cu2+ and VO2+ were studied by electron spin resonance (ESR) at X and L bands and by viscometry. The polymeric systems studied were poly(ethylene-co-methacrylic acid) (EMAA) ionomer, perfluorinated ionomer (Nafion), poly(acrylic acid) (PAA), and poly(styrene sulfonic acid) (PSSA). ESR spectra indicate immobilization of both cations in EMAA solutions, due to cation ligation to two carboxylic groups from a multichain micelle. In PAA, the attachment of the cations to the polymer chain depends on the pH: no attachment at low pH (1.5), and progressive bonding as the pH is increased. Two types of Cu2+/PAA complexes were detected and were assigned respectively to ligation of the cation to one and to two carboxylic groups in the PAA chain. Only one type of complex with PAA was detected for VO2+ cations in the pH range up to 8.5. No evidence for complexation was detected for both cations in th...
Beyond the Pencil: Expanding the Occupational Therapists’ Role in Helping Young Children to Develop Writing Skills

Occupational therapists (OTs) play an important role in early childhood classrooms as vital members of the educational team, particularly for young children’s writing development. Children’s emergent writing is a foundational literacy skill, which begins to develop well before they enter elementary school. However, early childhood classrooms are lacking in supports for early writing development. OTs are experts in guiding the development of early writing skills in young children and, therefore, should be considered as critical members of the early literacy curriculum team. This paper identifies the critical role emergent writing plays in early childhood literacy development and how to effectively assess young children’s writing ability. Practical guidance is provided to identify specific ways that OTs can merge their occupation-centered approach with their expertise in writing to serve as a key resource for classroom teachers and enhance the writing development of all children. Specific strategies are included for encouraging OTs to expand their approaches to writing beyond handwriting.
Splenic lymphocyte production of an endorphin during endotoxic shock.

Abstract Endogenous opioids have been reported to elicit some of the pathophysiologic responses to endotoxic shock by binding to the δ-opiate receptor. We have previously reported the production of immunoreactive (ir)-endorphin by B lymphocytes treated with bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS). We postulated that this lymphocyte-derived ir-endorphin may be an extrapituitary source of the endogenous opioid component associated with the pathophysiology of endotoxic shock. To test this hypothesis, we chose to study the LPS-sensitive ( C3HeB FeJ ) and -resistant ( C3H HeJ ) inbred mouse model. We treated these mice with intraperitoneal injections of LPS or B-lymphocyte-derived ir-endorphin. The LPS-sensitive mice presented with a severe hypothermic and pathophysiologic response pattern when treated with LPS or with ir-endorphin. The LPS-resistant mice, which were unresponsive to the LPS, however, presented with the typical hypothermic and pathophysiologic responses to the ir-endorphin. Immunofluorescence on the splenic leukocytes in the LPS-treated mice showed significant ir-endorphin present only in the LPS-sensitive mice at a time point preceding onset of the pathophysiologic response pattern. Taken together, this evidence strongly suggests a role for B-lymphocyte-derived ir-endorphin in the pathophysiology of endotoxic shock. The implications of immune system regulation of neuroendocrine function are discussed.
Protection of excitatory synapses by DHA through preserving function of NMDA-Tiam1-PAK signal pathway in Alzheimer models

Background: Epigenetic mechanisms such as post-translational histone modifications are increasingly recognized for their contribution to gene activation and silencing in the brain. Histone acetylation in particular has been shown to be important both in hippocampal long-term potentiation (LTP) and memory formation in mice. The involvement of the epigenetic modulation of memory formation has also been proposed in neuropathological models, although up to now no clear-cut connection has been demonstrated between histone modifications and Alzheimer’s disease (AD) etiology. Thus, we have undertaken preclinical studies in the APP/PS1 mouse model of AD to determine whether there are differences in histone acetylation levels during associative memory formation. Methods: Westen blot, LTP and contextual fear conditioning Results: After fear conditioning training, levels of hippocampal acetylated histone 4 (H4) in APP/PS1 mice were about 50% lower than in wild-type littermates. Interestingly, acute treatment with a histone deacetylase inhibitor, Trichostatin A (TSA), rescued the defect in CA3-CA1 LTP in slices from APP/PS1 mice. Moreover, TSA administration prior to training rescued both the defect in acetylated H4 levels and contextual freezing to wildtype values. This effect was likley due to amyloid-beta elevation as TSA rescued also the amyloid-beta induced defect in contextual fear memory. Conclusions: Based on this evidence, we propose the hypothesis that epigenetic mechanisms are involved in the altered synaptic function and memory associated with AD. In this respect, histone deacetylase inhibitors represent a new therapeutic target to effectively counteract disease progression.
The lattice λφ4 model with Yukawa couplings to staggered fermions

Abstract An investigation of the λφ4 theory coupled via Yukawa couplings to fermions has been initiated on the lattice. Several algorithms for dynamical fermions have been tested on this model including hybrid molecular dynamic and hybrid Monte Carlo algorithms. Some preliminary results for renormalized Yukawa couplings are presented.
Stereotyping and contact with social groups: Measurement and conceptual issues

In an attempt to understand and integrate various meanings of the stereotype concept, we conducted a longitudinal study in which we measured subjects' stereotypes of various target groups using multiple measurement techniques: trait ascription (Likert scales), group differentiation (diagnostic-ratio), and deviation from group consensus. The measures were compared with regard to (I) their sensitivity to variations over time and to expected differences between social groups, and (2) their associations with degree of group contact and liking. The data suggested that trait ratings were the best-performing measures, in that they were quite effective in capturing cross-sectional effects of group contact and liking and were reliable over time. The diagnostic ratio was less reliable and provided a weaker replication of these effects, and the deviation from consensus measure was most effective in establishing an important longitudinal effect — movement toward consensus with time. Suggestions for researchers concerning appropriate use of measures and conceptions of stereotyping are provided.
Neurotransmitter action on the membrane of Mytilus smooth muscle--II. Dopamine.

Abstract 1. 1. Dopamine relaxes catch, hyperpolarizes and reduces membrane input resistance in Mytilus ABRM. 2. 2. The hyperpolarization is blocked in 0 K+ and in low Na+ artificial seawater but is not affected by the Cl− concentration. 3. 3. Ouabain blocks the hyperpolarization but does not suppress the relaxation. 4. 4. Cold (− 1.0 to − 1.5°C) suppresses both hyperpolarization and relaxation. Relaxation and hyperpolarization probably represent two independent actions of dopamine.
Spectral measurements of the second harmonic of the SASE FEL radiation at APS

We present the z-dependent spectral measurement results for the second harmonic of the SASE FEL radiation before and after saturation. The measurements were performed at the Advanced Photon Source FEL with the fundamental wavelength of 530 nm. The spectral properties of the second harmonic are compared with those of the fundamental and with the theoretical expectations.
Elastic energy of polyhedral bilayer vesicles

In recent experiments [M. Dubois, B. Deme, T. Gulik-Krzywicki, J.-C. Dedieu, C. Vautrin, S. Desert, E. Perez, and T. Zemb, Nature (London) 411, 672 (2001)] the spontaneous formation of hollow bilayer vesicles with polyhedral symmetry has been observed. On the basis of the experimental phenomenology it was suggested [M. Dubois, V. Lizunov, A. Meister, T. Gulik-Krzywicki, J. M. Verbavatz, E. Perez, J. Zimmerberg, and T. Zemb, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 101, 15082 (2004)] that the mechanism for the formation of bilayer polyhedra is minimization of elastic bending energy. Motivated by these experiments, we study the elastic bending energy of polyhedral bilayer vesicles. In agreement with experiments, and provided that excess amphiphiles exhibiting spontaneous curvature are present in sufficient quantity, we find that polyhedral bilayer vesicles can indeed be energetically favorable compared to spherical bilayer vesicles. Consistent with experimental observations we also find that the bending energy associated with the vertices of bilayer polyhedra can be locally reduced through the formation of pores. However, the stabilization of polyhedral bilayer vesicles over spherical bilayer vesicles relies crucially on molecular segregation of excess amphiphiles along the ridges rather than the vertices of bilayer polyhedra. Furthermore, our analysis implies that, contrary to what has been suggested on the basis of experiments, the icosahedron does not minimize elastic bending energy among arbitrary polyhedral shapes and sizes. Instead, we find that, for large polyhedron sizes, the snub dodecahedron and the snub cube both have lower total bending energies than the icosahedron.
Density profiles and collective modes of a Bose-Einstein condensate with light-induced spin-orbit coupling

The phases of a Bose-Einstein condensate (BEC) with light-induced spin-orbit coupling (SOC) are studied within the mean-field approximation. The mixed BEC phase, in which the system condenses in a superposition of two plane-wave states, is found to be stable for sufficiently small light-atom coupling, becoming unstable in a continuous fashion with increasing light-atom coupling. The structure of the phase diagram at fixed chemical potential for bosons with SOC is shown to imply an unusual density dependence for a trapped mixed BEC phase, the density of one dressed spin state increasing with increasing radius, providing a unique experimental signature of this state. The collective Bogoliubov sound mode is shown to also provide a signature of the mixed BEC state, vanishing as the boundary to the regime of phase separation is approached.
The effects of vasoactivity and hypoxic pulmonary hypertension on extralobar pulmonary artery biomechanics

Loss of large artery compliance is an emerging novel predictor of cardiovascular mortality. Hypoxia-induced pulmonary hypertension (HPH) has been shown to decrease extralobar pulmonary artery (PA) compliance in the absence of smooth muscle cell (SMC) tone and to increase SMC tone in peripheral PAs. We sought to determine the impact of HPH on extralobar PA tone and the impact of SMC activation on extralobar PA biomechanics. To do so, C57BL6 mice were exposed to 0 (CTL) or 10 days (HPH) of hypoxia and isolated vessel tests were performed on extralobar PAs using either a physiological saline solution (PSS), a vasoconstrictor (U46619), two vasodilators (SNP and Y27632) or calcium free medium (relaxant solution; VBRS). The vasodilators and relaxant solution had no effect on extralobar artery diameter suggesting that basal SMC tone is essentially zero in CTL conditions and does not increase with HPH. HPH caused narrowing, decreased circumferential stretch (λ; p<0.0001), decreased local area compliance (CA; p<0.0005) and increased incremental elastic modulus (Einc; p<0.05) in the normal tone state (with PSS). In both CTL and HPH conditions, SMC activation decreased Einc (p<0.0005) but also increased wall thickness (p<0.05) such that changes in CA with SMC constriction were minimal; only in HPH PAs was a significant decrease with SMC constriction observed (p<0.05). Our results demonstrate that 10 days of hypoxia does not increase extralobar PA SMC tone and that HPH-induced decreases in compliance are caused by narrowing, wall thickening and increases in modulus, not persistent vasoconstriction.
Complete sequences of the glycoproteins and M RNA of Punta Toro phlebovirus compared to those of rift valley fever virus

The complete sequence of Punta Toro virus (Phlebovirus, Bunyaviridae) middle size (M), RNA has been determined. The RNA is 4330 nucleotides long (mol wt 1.46 X 10(6), base composition: 26.7% A, 33.6% U, 18.5% G, 21.2% C) and has 3'- and 5'-terminal sequences that, depending on the arrangement, are complementary for some 15 residues. The viral RNA codes in its viral-complementary sequence for a single primary gene product (the viral glycoprotein precursor) that is comprised of 1313 amino acids (146,376 Da) and is abundant in cysteine residues but has few potential asparagine-linked glycosylation sites. The 5'-noncoding region of the Punta Toro M viral-complementary RNA is short (16 nucleotides); the 3'-noncoding sequence is much longer (372 nucleotides). The latter is rich in short stretches of adenylate residues, like the 3'-noncoding regions of the Punta Toro S mRNA species (T. Ihara, H. Akashi, and D. H. L. Bishop, 1984, Virology 136, 293-306). No other large open reading frame has been identified in either the viral, or viral-complementary, M RNA sequences. Limited amino-terminal sequence analyses of the two viral glycoproteins have indicated the gene order and potential cleavage sites in the glycoprotein precursor. The data suggest the existence of a 30 X 10(3)-Da polypeptide (designated NSM) in the glycoprotein precursor that precedes the G1 protein (i.e., gene product order: NSM-G1-G2). Examination of the sequence of the Punta Toro M gene product reveals the presence of multiple hydrophobic sequences including a 19-amino acid, carboxy-proximal, hydrophobic region (G2). This hydrophobic sequence is followed by a 13-amino acid-terminal sequence rich in charged amino acids. The size and constitution of the carboxy-terminal region is consistent with a transmembranal and anchor function for the glycoprotein in the viral envelope. Other regions of the glycoprotein precursor contain sequences of amino acids with a predominantly hydrophobic character (23, 50, and 20 amino acids in length). Their functions are unknown. The amino terminus of the G1 protein is located near the end of the 23-amino acid-long hydrophobic sequence of the presumptive precursor, the hydrophobic 50-amino acid sequence lies within G1, and the amino terminus of G2 is located in the middle of the 20-amino acid-long hydrophobic sequence.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
A Knowledge-Based Approach To Ship Identification

A knowledge-based ("expert") classifier was designed for classifying ship silhouettes generated from forward-looking infrared (FLIR) imagery. A knowledge-base is constructed based on interviews with a U.S. Navy officer along with confirming evidence from Jayne's Fighting Ships. This knowledge provides the means to set-up a ruled-based sequential decision tree or net. The conditions of the production rules deal with silhouette "humps" and their properties such as the number, spacing, relative placement on deck line, and the like. This classifier was applied to a sample consisting of about 500 sample silhouettes distributed about uniformly over eight classes of ship targets. Results were equal or better than results using a more "conventional" classifier.
361 EFFECT OF HYPERMAGNESEMIA ON NEUROLOGIC SECTION OF DUBOWITZ EXAM

To study effect of hypermagnesemia on neurologic estimate of gestational age (EGA), 3 groups of neonates were identified: Group A - hypermagnesemic (HM) infants of magnesium sulfate (MS) treated pre-eclamptic mothers. Cord blood magnesium (CBM) was 4.2 ± 0.7 mg/dl. Group B - non HM infants (CBM 1.5 ± 0.2 mg/dl) of untreated pre-eclamptic mothers. Group C - control infants (CBM 1.6 ± 0.2 mg/dl) of normal, non-MS treated mothers. Serial EGAs were done by method of Dubowitz, et al. Scores from neurologic section of the exam are given as mean ± 1 S.D. EGA is given in weeks. EGAs of B & C did not significantly vary over 48 hrs. EGAs of A varied as much as 5 weeks. EGA, therefore, is unreliable by this method in HM infants less than 48 hrs. of age.
The Changing Location of Trade and Services in Guadalajara, Mexico, 1994-2004

. The location of trade and services in Guadalajara, Mexico, is in flux as suburban commercial centers compete with the traditional downtown for new businesses and employment. Since the mid-1990s a factor driving the change has been the introduction of American-style big-box retailers, corporate franchise supermarkets, and large suburban shopping malls. In this article I analyze the changing patterns of commercial and service businesses and employment from 1994 to 2004 in order to compare suburban and urban growth. My analysis includes comparative measures of change in neighborhoods immediately surrounding Walmart stores and by disaggregated types of commercial districts. Results indicate that a complementary relationship has developed: Suburbs are increasingly strong in the services, but the downtown remains a commercial hub. Moreover, some traditional small vendors in close proximity to Walmart may suffer, but growth in employment and in the service sector near Walmarts is high.
A comparison of robust methods and detection of outliers techniques when estimating a location parameter

Although the poor performance of the mean as a location estimate when outliers are present in the data is well-known, there has b.een no clear consensus as to whether robust estimation or outlier detection Is the appropriate corrective procedure. In this paper, the estimation accuracy of the sample mean and 27 robust estimation and outlier detection techniques are compared by computer simulation. Both symmetric and asymmetric contamination are considered, It Is shown that the proper class of estimates depends on the degree of contaminations whether the contamination is symmetric or asymmetric, and the sample size. Several data sets considered previously by Rocke et.al. (1982) are also examined.
Some properties of the campbell baker hausdorff series

Some convergence properties for the Campbell-Baker-Hausdorff series for the logarithm of a product of exponentials are established.
The British in Benares: A Nineteenth Century Colonial Society

The diffusion of British institutions, ideas, and values and the spread of the English language and of British peoples are among the major events in modern history. The study of the effects of this diffusion in the New World, Africa, and Asia in shaping political institutions in these regions has attracted many scholars, but the systematic and analytic study of the British themselves and of the societies and cultures they built overseas in their African and Asian colonies has thus far been neglected, except in the memoir and travel literature.
A radio relay remote-control system for frequency-modulation broadcast stations

RURAL Radio Network, Ithaca, N.Y., operates a chain of 13 frequency-modulation (FM) stations on a radio relay basis. Six of these stations are owned and operated by this network. In common with most FM broadcast stations, the transmitters are located in mountainous terrain with relatively poor access, especially in the winter season.
Overexpression of β-Catenin Induces Apoptosis Independent of Its Transactivation Function with LEF-1 or the Involvement of Major G1 Cell Cycle Regulators

β-Catenin promotes epithelial architecture by forming cell surface complexes with E-cadherin and also interacts with TCF/LEF-1 in the nucleus to control gene expression. By DNA transfection, we ove...
Effects of fimbria-fornix and angular bundle transection on expression of the p75NGFR mRNA by cells in the medial septum and diagonal band of Broca: correlations with cell survival, synaptic reorganization and sprouting.

Abstract Quantitative in situ hybridization techniques were used to examine the effects of lesions which sever hippocampal cholinergic and cortical afferents on p75NGFR mRNA-expressing cells located in the medial septum (MS) and the vertical (VDB) and horizontal (HDB) limbs of the diagonal band of Broca. Animals received either bilateral tranection of the fimbria/fornix, unilateral transection of the angular bundle, or sham surgery. Four days later, animals were sacrificed and sections through the MS, VDB and HDB were processed for detection of the p75NGFR mRNA using in situ hybridization techniques previously described (Mol. Brain Res., 6 (1989) 275–287). Transection of the fimbria/ fornix and angular bundle differentially affected p75NGFR-expressing cells in the MS, VDB and HDB within 4 days after injury, in ways which were consistent and correlate with subsequent effects on cell survival, synaptic reorganization and growth. In particular, in the MS and VDB, transection on the fimbria/fornix resulted in a significant decrease in the size of p75NGFR-expressing cells (reductions of 25.9% and 15.1% respectively) which was accompanied by a significant reduction (37.9% and 12.7% fewer grains/cell) in relative levels of p75NGFR mRNA. In contrast, in the HDB, transection of the fimbria/fornix had no significant effect on the average size of p75NGFR-expressing cells: however, a significant increase (49%) in the mean relative level of p75NGFR mRNA was observed which may, in turn, reflect a larger increase (as much as 2–3 fold) in the levels of p75NGFR mRNA expressed by a subpopulation of hippocampally projecting cholinergic neurons located in the HDB. Finally, transection of the angular bundle resulted in small, but significant increases (9.4% and 10.9%) in relative levels of p75NGFR mRNA in the MS and VDB, as well as an increase (19.6%) in the number of p75NGFR mRNA-expressing cells in the HDB, on the injured side. No increases in p75NGFR expression in the MS, VDB or HDB contralateral to the lesion were observed; however, a decrease in the size (6.9%) and a message content (19.4%) of p75NGFR-expressing cells was detected in the MS contralateral to the lesion. Most importantly, all of these effects are consistent with the subsequent effects of these lesions on the survival of basal forebrain cholinergic cells, and the reorganization and growth of cholinergic afferents to the hippocampal formation. In addition, all of these effects were observed within 4 days following injury, which means that the effects occur rapidly enough for NGF to have a role in initiating and orchestrating some of the lesion-induced changes in the organization and growth of basal forebrain cholinergic projections which have been described. These data provide evidence for a link between NGF-related effects and lesion-induced changes in the organization and sprouting of cholinergic projections in the adult central nervous system.
Binding of [3H]gamma-vinyl-GABA to GABA-transaminase in brain homogenates

Abstract [ 3 H]Gamma-vinyl-GABA, an irreversible inhibitor of GABA-transaminase, was used to label the enzyme in homogenates of rat brain. The binding procedure utilized was found to be specific for GABA-transaminase and linear with tissue obtained from several regions of rat brain up to concentrations of 8ug protein/ul. The specific binding was directly proportional to the activity of the enzyme measured in vitro and was completely inhibited by the GABA-transminase inhibitors aminooxyacetic acid (100uM) and 3-mercaptopropionic acid (1.0mM). The binding procedure was used to estimate the amount of active enzyme present in a homogenate of striatal tissue.
Shortage of penicillin G: Impact on antibiotic prescribing at a US tertiary care centre

A six-year retrospective study was undertaken to examine the effect of the recent penicillin G (penG) shortage on antibiotic prescribing practices at a tertiary care centre in the US. Prior to the shortage, penG was predominantly used for intrapartum prophylaxis of group B streptococcal disease. As the supply of penG ended temporarily in October 1999, penG use declined dramatically, ampicillin replaced penG in obstetrics and a shift to broad-spectrum agents was noted in non-obstetric patients potentially eligible for penG treatment. Shortage-triggered treatment changes had a negative effect on prescribing patterns, which may contribute to antibiotic resistance.
Speech dysfluency exacerbated by levodopa in Parkinson's disease

The role of dopamine in the modulation of speech fluency is complex. In this report we describe two patients with Parkinson's disease whose speech dysfluency was exacerbated by the administration of levodopa. In doing so, we extend the observation that dopaminergic mechanisms may be involved in the regulation of speech fluency. It is important for clinicians to recognize that, in some instances, dopaminergic replacement therapy may exacerbate an underlying dysfluency syndrome in PD.
On the minimal degrees of projective representations of the finite Chevalley groups

For G = G(q), a Chevalley group defined over the field iFQ of characteristic p, let Z(G,p) be th e smallest integer t > 1 such that G has a projective irreducible representation of degree t over a field of characteristic other than p. In this paper we present lower bounds for the numbers Z(G,p). As a corollary we determine those Chevalley groups having an irreducible complex character of prime degree. Recently there have been a number of results making use of lower bounds on the degrees of representations of Chevalley groups. See for example Curtis, Kantor, and Seitz [4], Hering [9], and Patton [l 11. Also in Fong and Seitz [7] such bounds played an important role, although there the representationsconsideredwere over fields of characteristicp. For most types of Chevalley groups and for most primes p it is not difficult to obtain reasonable lower bounds for the complex irreducible characters of G = G(q), using the existence of certain p-subgroups of G resembling extraspecial groups. Indeed this was carried out in Landazuri [lo]. However to be complete we must take into certain problems that occur with fields of characteristic 2 and 3. Also, since we are considering projective irreducible representations the groups with exceptional Schur multipliers present some dif3iculties. There is also the problem of deciding whether or not a lower bound is “good.” In some cases our bounds are actually attained and there is no problem in this regard. Otherwise let {G(q)} be a family of Chevalley groups of given type and with q ranging over suitable prime powers. Then our bounds will be in the form of a polynomial in q. In Curtis, Iwahori, and Kilmoyer [3] there is a list of certain character degrees for the family (G(p))
An overview of Texas Tech's wind engineering field research laboratory

Abstract In an effort to better understand the wind and its effects on low-rise buildings, a research facility has been constructed at Texas Tech University. The Wind Engineering Field Research Laboratory consists of a one-story test building and a 160 ft meteorological tower. Located two miles from the main campus in Lubbock Texas, the site experiences strong winds often throughout the year. The immediate objective of the research conducted at the laboratory is to obtain a reliable database of wind-induced pressures on the building surfaces.
Quantitative Analysis of Tryptophan Analogue Incorporation in Recombinant Proteins

Three different methods to quantitate tryptophan (Trp) analogue incorporation into recombinant proteins are described: first, spectroscopic analysis based on a linear combination of the absorption spectra of the aromatic residues in the denatured Trp-containing or analogue-substituted protein; second, chromatographic separation of analogue-substituted and Trp-containing proteins by HPLC; and third, mass spectrum analysis of the mixture of analogue-substituted and Trp-containing proteins. An accurate estimate of analogue incorporation in single-Trp proteins can be obtained directly by either analysis of the absorption spectrum or HPLC chromatography. While analysis of the absorption spectrum or HPLC chromatogram can provide an assessment of the average level of analogue incorporation for proteins that contain two or more Trp residues, mass spectroscopy analysis of peptides generated by protease digestion and separated by HPLC provides a general method for a complete quantitative description of the distribution of analogue incorporation. The more complex analysis by mass spectroscopy becomes important for multi-Trp proteins because the distribution of analogue versus Trp-containing polypeptide chains may not be the same as that predicted on the basis of average level of analogue incorporation.
Hybrid procedures for epicardial catheter ablation of ventricular tachycardia: value of surgical access

Background Prior chest surgery limits the ability to obtain epicardial access in patients referred for catheter ablation of ventricular tachycardia (VT). Objective The purpose of this study was to describe the utility of different surgical approaches to access the epicardium for VT ablation. Methods Clinical data of 14 patients with drug-refractory VT who underwent hybrid surgical epicardial access for catheter mapping and ablation in the electrophysiology lab were reviewed. Baseline patient and procedural characteristics including access, exposure, mapping techniques, and ablation were analyzed. Results Of a total of 14 patients (age 63.2 ± 10.3 years), 11 had a subxiphoid window performed, and three patients underwent limited anterior thoracotomy to access the epicardium. The indication for surgical access was prior cardiac surgery (n = 12), previous failed epicardial access (n = 1), and ablation in close proximity to the coronary arteries and phrenic nerve (n = 1). Mapping in patients with subxiphoid surgical access was limited to the inferior and diaphragmatic surface of the heart extending posteriorly to the basal lateral wall. With limited anterior thoracotomy, access to the apex, anterior, and mid to apical anterolateral walls was obtained. In these regions, adhesions were more severe and repeat entry into the epicardial region at a different intercostal level was needed in two of three patients. Conclusion Surgical access with subxiphoid window and limited anterior thoracotomy in the electrophysiology lab is feasible and safe. The surgical approach can be tailored to the region of interest in the ventricle to be mapped and ablated.