cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Ethics, Tax Evasion, and Religion: A Survey of Opinion of Members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints

Most studies that have been done on tax evasion take a public finance perspective. Very few studies look at tax evasion from the perspective of ethics, philosophy, or religion. However, there are some exceptions. A study by McGee (1994) took a philosophical approach. One of the most comprehensive analyses of tax evasion from an ethical and religious perspective was a doctoral thesis written by Martin Crowe in 1944. The Journal of Accounting, Ethics & Public Policy published a series of articles on tax evasion from various religious, secular, and philosophical perspectives in 1998 and 1999. Most of those articles were also published in an edited book (McGee 1998a). Since the publication of that book, a few other articles have addressed the issue of tax evasion from an ethical perspective.
DNA recognition by normal and oncogenic thyroid hormone receptors. Unexpected diversity in half-site specificity controlled by non-zinc-finger determinants.

Abstract The nuclear hormone receptors regulate target gene expression in response to hormones of extracellular origin. The DNA binding specificity of these receptors therefore plays the critical role of defining the precise repertoire of target genes that respond to a given hormone. We report here an analysis of the DNA binding specificity of the thyroid hormone receptor (c-ErbA protein) and that of an oncogenic derivative, the v-ErbA protein. These otherwise closely similar proteins exhibit quite divergent DNA sequence specificities at multiple positions within the DNA binding site. The thyroid hormone receptor (c-ErbA protein) exhibits a particularly broad DNA specificity, whereas the v-ErbA protein is comparatively quite specific. Intriguingly, these differences in DNA recognition largely map to an N-terminal receptor domain not traditionally implicated in DNA binding, and are further influenced by heterodimer formation with retinoid X receptors. We propose that the N terminus of nuclear hormone receptors plays an critical role in DNA recognition by altering the conformation of the receptor domains that make the actual base-specific contacts.
GOOSE: A Goal-Oriented Search Engine with Commonsense

A novice search engine user may find searching the web for information difficult and frustrating because she may naturally express search goals rather than the topic keywords search engines need. In this paper, we present GOOSE (goal-oriented search engine), an adaptive search engine interface that uses natural language processing to parse a user's search goal, and uses "common sense" reasoning to translate this goal into an effective query. For a source of common sense knowledge, we use Open Mind, a knowledge base of approximately 400,000 simple facts such as "If a pet is sick, take it to the veterinarian" garnered from a Web-wide network of contributors. While we cannot be assured of the robustness of the common sense inference, in a substantial number of cases, GOOSE is more likely to satisfy the user's original search goals than simple keywords or conventional query expansion.
Posterolateral corner injury of the knee: Evaluation and management

Posterolateral corner injury, an increasingly recognized entity, is commonly associated with concomitant ligament disruptions. Prompt recognition is critical for several reasons. Missed posterolateral corner injuries increase the failure rates for both anterior and posterior cruciate ligament reconstructions. Also, untreated posterolateral corner injuries lead to chronic disability. Acute (ie, immediate) surgical intervention results in superior outcomes compared with chronic (ie, late) reconstruction. Although no universal classification system has been adopted, attention to both varus and rotational stability is critical. Multiple options exist for posterolateral corner reconstruction, although recent trends have shifted toward anatomic reconstruction techniques.
IL-22 producing NK cells aid in the repair of damaged tissues (INC5P.326)

Natural killer (NK) cells are lymphocytes of the innate immune system that are associated with killing of virally infected and neoplastic cells. They have been shown to produce large amounts of pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as IFN-γ, and cytotoxic molecules, such as perforin and granzyme. Recent studies have identified unique subsets of natural killer cells, with distinct effector functions not limited to their classic cytotoxic function. These functions include producing a new array of cytokines, including IL-22, which has been shown to aid in tissue regeneration. Here, we provide evidence for a NK cell subset with the capacity to aid in the repair of tissue damage following viral infection as well as radiation damage. Using an in vitro co-culture system where we culture unstimulated NK cells with virally infected fibroblasts or irradiated epithelial cells, we were able to identify triggers that induce the expression of IL-22. In order to test the biological significance of IL-22 production by NK cells, we next used an in vivo murine cytomegalovirus (MCMV) model where we are able to deplete or adoptively transfer the IL-22 producing subset. With this model we are able show differences in liver pathology following MCMV infection, dependent on an IL-22 producing NK cell subset. A better understanding of IL-22 production by natural killer cells, and delineating a specific IL-22 producing subset could offer therapeutic benefits to patients who receive radiation therapy.
Mayan imaginaries of democracy: Interactive sovereignties and political affect in postrevolutionary Guatemala

Mayan farmers in rural northwest Guatemala perceive the U.S. Department of Agriculture fruit-fly eradication program, MOSCAMED, as a government and agribusiness scheme designed to addict them to agrochemicals by despoiling subsistence agriculture. This bitterly accusative view depicts the state, capital, and U.S. government as interlinked sovereigns willing to kill and harm hapless Mayas. Considering political processes in the town of San Pedro Necta in light of local mistrust of and engagement with MOSCAMED, I argue that neoliberal democracy extends an affective imaginary of defeat produced by decades of counterinsurgency warfare through targeted violence and by exchanging meager resources for complicity with racial dispossession. My research findings illuminate how Mayas live the violence of neoliberal democracy and navigate a thicket of sovereignties, including ones widely viewed as predicated on their collective misery. They also reframe Mayan participation in authoritarian politics since the 1996 peace accords.
Evaluation of the Affymetrix CytoScan® Dx Assay for developmental delay

The goal of molecular cytogenetic testing for children presenting with developmental delay (DD) is to identify or exclude genetic abnormalities that are associated with cognitive, behavioral and/or motor symptoms. Until 2010, chromosome analysis was the standard first-line genetic screening test for evaluation of patients with DD when a specific syndrome was not suspected. In 2010, The American College of Medical Genetics and several other groups recommended chromosomal microarray as the first-line test in children with DDs, multiple congenital anomalies and/or autism. This test is able to detect regions of genomic imbalances at a much finer resolution than G-banded karyotyping. Until recently, no chromosomal microarray testing had been approved by the US FDA. This article focuses on the use of the Affymetrix CytoScan(®) Dx Assay (Santa Clara, CA, USA), the first chromosomal microarray to receive FDA approval for the genetic evaluation of individuals with DD.
Substrate effect on electrodeposited nanocrystalline Al–Mg alloy powders

Abstract Supersaturated dendritic Al–Mg alloy powders in globular form were produced using galvanostatic electrodeposition technique on polycrystalline Cu and Mg-substrates. The deposit produced on Cu-substrate possessed face centered cubic (fcc)-Al(Mg) phase with composition of ~ 18 at.% Mg. However, when Mg-substrate was used, initially hexagonal close packed (hcp)-Mg(Al) phase with ~ 77 at.% Mg was formed over which fcc-Al(Mg) phase with ~ 36 at.% Mg was nucleated. The results of the present study indicate that substrate crystal structure and estimated substrate-deposit lattice mismatch can influence the depositing phase and its composition but not the morphology of these powders.
Determinants of urinary bisphenol A concentrations in Mexican/Mexican–American pregnant women

Prenatal exposure to bisphenol A (BPA) may be associated with adverse health effects in the developing fetus; however, little is known about predictors of BPA exposure during pregnancy. We examined BPA exposure in 491 pregnant women from the Center for the Health Assessment of Mothers and Children of Salinas (CHAMACOS) cohort and explored the role of living in the United States on significant dietary predictors of BPA exposure. Women provided urine samples up to two times during pregnancy (n=866 total samples). We computed the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) to evaluate variability in concentrations between collections and used generalized estimating equation (GEE) models to assess predictors of exposure. Geometric mean (GSD) BPA concentrations were 0.9 (2.8)μg/L and 1.0 (2.6)μg/L at the first and second prenatal visits, respectively. We observed greater within- than between-woman variability in urinary BPA concentrations (ICC=0.22). GEE models suggest that women who lived in the United States their entire life had 38% (CI: -0.1, 89.3) higher urinary BPA concentrations compared with other immigrant women. Additionally, women who consumed ≥3 sodas per day or hamburgers three times a week or more had 58% (CI: 18.0, 112.1) and 20% (CI: -0.2, 45.2) higher urinary BPA concentrations, respectively, compared with women who consumed no sodas or hamburgers. A higher percentage of women who lived their entire life in the United States reported increased consumption of sodas and hamburgers compared with other immigrant women. Independent of other factors, BPA urinary concentrations were slightly higher when the sample was collected later in the day. As in previous studies, high within-woman variability in urinary BPA concentrations confirms that several samples are needed to properly characterize exposure during pregnancy. Results also suggest that some factors could be modified to minimize exposures during pregnancy in our study participants (e.g., reducing soda and hamburger intake) and that factors associated with acculturation might increase BPA concentrations.
Five discordant permutations

A permutation π of1,2, …,π is5-discordant if π(i) ≠i, i + 1,i + 2, i + 3, i + 4 modn for 1 ≤i ≤n. A system of recurrences for computing the rook polynomials associated with5-discordant permutations is derived. This system, together with hit polynomials enable the5-discordant permutations to be enumerated.
Regge cuts in inclusive reactions

The contribution of Regge cuts to single-particle inclusive processes is analyzed using the techniques of Gribov. The dependence of these contributions on the polarization state of the target is emphasized. A general formula is obtained and certain contributions to it are calculated. It is not possible, however, to reduce this to a simple, powerful formula expressing the total cut contribution in terms of other measurable quantities, as can be done for the cut contribution to the total cross section. The reasons for this are discussed in detail. The single-particle intermediate states, analogous to the absorption model for elastic scattering, are explicitly calculated as an illustration.
The relationship between maternal age and uterine dysfunction: a continuous effect throughout reproductive life.

Abstract Objective: In a selected low-risk population with spontaneous term labor we sought to determine whether there was a continuous effect of maternal age on uterine function. Study Design: With our comprehensive computerized database and medical record system, we identified 8496 patients who were nulliparous and in spontaneous labor at term (≥37 weeks' gestation) with singleton fetuses in vertex presentation. This group was then analyzed according to maternal age for measures of labor dysfunction and rates of operative delivery. Analysis of variance and χ 2 statistics were used. Results: Use of oxytocin, duration of second stage of labor, cesarean delivery, cesarean delivery for failure to progress, and operative vaginal delivery rates were significantly increased with advancing maternal age ( P Conclusion: Among nulliparous patients with uncomplicated labor there is a continuously increasing risk of uterine dysfunction related to maternal age. (Am J Obstet Gynecol 2000;182:1312-20.)
Surfactant effects on mass transfer from drops subject to interfacial instability

Abstract Surfactant in controlled amounts was added to a system subject to mass transfer enhancement by interfacial tension driven convection. A photographic technique was used to determine mass transfer rates from single drops and the reduction due to the surface active material was evaluated. Observation of a spherical cap of surfactant suggested interpretation of the measurements in terms of an active and an inactive surface region.
Approximate Closure Equations for Elastic Contact of Nominally Flat Rough Surfaces

A hybrid interactive/optimization technique is used to derive in approximate closed form equations relating contact load to mean plane separation. Equations governing Hertz contact for the interaction of surface asperities are considered in which asperity shoulder-to-shoulder contact results in normal and tangential components of force. The normal component of asperity force is summed statistically to find total normal force between the two surfaces. The tangential component of asperity force, summed statistically, yields zero total force due to the symmetry of the distributed tangential force components. The tangential force over a half-plane corresponding to a select direction is found accounting for the directionality of the tangential component of asperity forces. Two sets of approximate equations are found for each of the normal and half-plane tangential force components. The simplest forms of the approximate equations achieve accuracy to within five (5) percent error, while other forms yield approximation error within 0.2 percent.Copyright © 2007 by ASME
Segmental mobility of the lumbar spine during a posterior to anterior mobilization: assessment using dynamic MRI

Abstract Objective . To quantify segmental mobility of the lumbar spine during a posterior to anterior spinal mobilization procedure. Design . Descriptive study using dynamic magnetic resonance imaging. Background . The posterior to anterior spinal mobilization procedure is frequently used in the assessment and management of spinal dysfunction. How this procedure influences segmental spinal motion however, is not known. Methods . Eleven asymptomatic subjects were positioned prone within a vertically open double donut design magnetic resonance imaging system. An anteriorly directed force was applied manually at each lumbar spinous process while magnetic resonance images were obtained continuously in the sagittal plane. The intervertebral angle was used to quantify segmental motion. Results . The direction of motion at the tested segment was always extension, with values ranging from 1.2 (SD 2.2) at L2 to 3.0 (SD 2.3) degrees at L5. When the force was applied at L3, L4 and L5, the non-tested (adjacent) segments also were observed to move into extension. However, when the posterior to anterior force was applied at L1 and L2 the three caudal segments moved into flexion. Conclusions . Posterior to anterior spinal mobilization consistently caused extension at the tested segment, while the motion of the collective lumbar spine was either an increase or decrease in lordosis depending on the segment at which the force was applied. Relevance Passive movement techniques are commonly used to identify the symptomatic lumbar segment(s) and can be used as a treatment aimed at increasing mobility and/or decreasing pain. Knowledge of how this procedure influences segmental motion of healthy spines is important in understanding how altered mobility is related to symptoms.
First assessment of three-dimensional quantitative photoacoustic tomography for in vivo detection of osteoarthritis in the finger joints

Purpose: The purpose of this pilot clinical study is to assess three-dimensional (3-D) quantitative photoacoustic tomography (qPAT) for in vivo detection of osteoarthritis (OA) in the finger joints.Methods: All subject data were handled in compliance with the rules and regulations concerning the privacy and security of protected health information under HIPAA. Seven female subjects (two OA patients and five healthy controls) entered the study and their distal interphalangeal (DIP) joints were examined by a 3-D photoacoustic scanner. 3-D optical absorption coefficient images of all the photoacoustically examined joints were recovered using a 3-D qPAT reconstruction algorithm.Results: The recovered quantitative photoacousticimages revealed obvious difference in the optical absorption coefficient of the joint cavity (cartilage and synovial fluid) between the OA and healthy joints. Quantitative analysis of the joints also indicated an apparent difference in the recovered joint spacing between the OA and healthy subjects.Conclusion: This initial clinical evaluation suggests that it is feasible to detect osteoarthritis in the finger joints with our 3-D qPAT approach, which has paved the way to further statistically evaluate the diagnostic performance of the 3-D qPAT approach in comparison with radiography or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) on a sample of hand osteoarthritis.
Designing technology for resource-constrained environments: Three approaches to a multidisciplinary capstone sequence

In this paper we describe three different offerings of a multi-quarter multidisciplinary capstone experience where students engaged in designing and building technology to address problems faced by populations in local and remote resource-constrained environments. We define resource-constrained environments broadly (e.g., low-income communities, low bandwidth environments). These environments provide unique constraints (e.g., cultures where people are unfamiliar with or afraid of technology, environments where power and network connectivity are scarce and expensive). Students are partnered with organizations interested in piloting a solution they devise. The course brings together multidisciplinary teams of students to conduct fieldwork with potential user populations, design a technology to solve a problem inspired by a community-based organization, implement a solution, and evaluate that solution. Students work on projects with real-world impact and gain valuable experience with multidisciplinary design and multidisciplinary team work. In this paper we describe the three class formats we have attempted, sample student projects, and course outcomes based on student projects and survey responses. We also address the various ways projects have continued past the course, and we analyze the structural course and project elements that have contributed to student and research successes.
Endogenous respiration of Serratia marcescens and oxidation of added carbohydrates.

SummaryEndogenous oxygen consumption of Serratia marcescens, grown on a medium containing glucose at pH 4 and 7 or gluconate at pH 6, continues unchanged during oxidation of glucose and several other substrates. Correcting total oxygen consumption in the presence of a substrate for the endogenous oxygen consumption, affords an accurate representation of the course of oxidation of the substrates. S. marcescens grown in gluconate-containing medium at pH 4 has a higher endogenous oxygen consumption than cells grown on the other media. At one stage of the endogenous metabolism a sharp increase in rate of oxygen consumption occurs. Such sharp increase in oxygen consumption does not occur during oxidation of glucose and several other substrates. Hence correction of total oxygen consumption in the presence of the substrates for endogenous respiration of the cells may lead to an erroneous interpretation of the data.
s-Block metal complexes of the bis(tetramethylcyclopentadienyl) phosphonium diylide [Me(t-Bu)P(C5Me4)2]-

Treatment of the phosphonium salt [Me(t-Bu)P(C5Me4H)2]I with 2 equiv of KH produces the coordination polymer {K[Me(t-Bu)P(C5Me4)2](thf)}∞. If the phosphonium salt reacts with a single equivalent of...
Individual characteristics of the literally homeless, marginally housed, and impoverished in a US substance abuse treatment-seeking sample

Many researchers and clinicians believe that understanding substance use problems is key to understanding homelessness. This study’s purpose was to test, in a national sample of urban substance abuse treatment seekers, whether (1) income was related to amount of money spent on substances and (2) homeless chronic substance users had more severe psychosocial problems or histories than housed chronic substance users. Questions assessing homelessness were inserted into the Drug Evaluation Network System—a computer-assisted intake interview (including the Addiction Severity Index) implemented in addiction treatment programs across the U.S. Based on these data, clients were divided into four residential groups: literally homeless (n = 654), marginally housed (n = 1138), housed poor (n = 3119), and housed not poor (n = 718). Income, human capital (education level and acquisition of a trade/skill), substance use, mental health, and social support were examined. The literally homeless was not the poorest group, although these clients did spend the most money on substances. All four groups’ incomes were positively related to amount of money spent on drugs, but only the marginally housed’s income was related to money spent on alcohol. The literally homeless had the most severe alcohol, mental health, and social support problems. The literally homeless and marginally housed had similar incomes and human capital and the most severe cocaine problems. In general the housed poor and housed not poor fared better than the literally homeless and marginally housed groups. Practitioners should continue to intervene with the homeless and consider working with the marginally housed’s social support systems. Future research should examine the marginally housed as an at-risk group for homelessness.
MicroRNA-1 is a candidate tumor suppressor and prognostic marker in human prostate cancer

We previously reported that miR-1 is among the most consistently down-regulated miRs in primary human prostate tumors. In this follow-up study, we further corroborated this finding in an independent data set and made the novel observation that miR-1 expression is further reduced in distant metastasis and is a candidate predictor of disease recurrence. Moreover, we performed in vitro experiments to explore the tumor suppressor function of miR-1. Cell-based assays showed that miR-1 is epigenetically silenced in human prostate cancer. Overexpression of miR-1 in these cells led to growth inhibition and down-regulation of genes in pathways regulating cell cycle progression, mitosis, DNA replication/repair and actin dynamics. This observation was further corroborated with protein expression analysis and 3'-UTR-based reporter assays, indicating that genes in these pathways are either direct or indirect targets of miR-1. A gene set enrichment analysis revealed that the miR-1-mediated tumor suppressor effects are globally similar to those of histone deacetylase inhibitors. Lastly, we obtained preliminary evidence that miR-1 alters the cellular organization of F-actin and inhibits tumor cell invasion and filipodia formation. In conclusion, our findings indicate that miR-1 acts as a tumor suppressor in prostate cancer by influencing multiple cancer-related processes and by inhibiting cell proliferation and motility.
Effects of type of listeners and listening instructions on the attention to manner and content of a severe stutterer's speech

Abstract Naive listeners and speech therapists reacted to the content and manner of a severe stutterer's speech on the basis of various prelistening instructions. Results indicated that the degree of the listeners' pre-experimental sophistication and the severity of stuttering were more important in determining listeners' attention than most of the pre-listening instructions. Attention of both types of listeners was paid mainly to the manner of speaking. It is suggested that Johnson's Diagnosogenic theory is not applicable to the interaction between severe stutterers and their listening environment. It is also suggested that therapy should be aimed at a reduction of nonfluencies before an attempt is made to change the listening environment.
The mechanism of the converter domain rotation in the recovery stroke of myosin motor protein

Upon ATP binding, myosin motor protein is found in two alternative conformations, pre-recovery state M* and post-recovery state M**. The transition from one state to the other, known as the recovery stroke, plays a key role in the myosin functional cycle. Despite much recent research, the microscopic details of this transition remain elusive. A critical step in the recovery stroke is the rotation of the converter domain from “up” position in pre-recovery state to “down” position in post-recovery state that leads to the swing of the lever arm attached to it. In this work, we demonstrate that the two rotational states of the converter domain are determined by the interactions within a small structural motif in the force-generating region of the protein that can be accurately modeled on computers using atomic representation and explicit solvent. Our simulations show that the transition between the two states is controlled by a small helix (SH1) located next to the relay helix and relay loop. A small translation in the position of SH1 away from the relay helix is seen to trigger the transition from “up” state to “down” state. The transition is driven by a cluster of hydrophobic residues I687, F487 and F506 that make significant contributions to the stability of both states. The proposed mechanism agrees well with the available structural and mutational studies.
Synthesis and Characterization of Redox-Active Metal Complexes Sequentially Self-Assembled onto Gold Electrodes via a New Thiol−Terpyridine Ligand

We report on the synthesis of a new thiol-modified terpyridine ligand 4‘-(5-mercaptopentyl)-2,2‘:6‘,2‘‘-terpyridinyl (tpy−SH) as well as of its complexes with Co, Cr, and Os. We have prepared complexes of the type [M(tpy−SH)2]n+ and [M(tpy−SH)L]n+ (L = terpyridine, tetrapyridylpyrazine (tppz)). The free ligand as well as the tpy−SH-containing metal complexes adsorb strongly onto gold electrode surfaces, and in the case of the metal complexes, they retain their redox-active responses at potentials very close to those of nonadsorbing analogs in homogeneous solution. In the case of [Co(tpy−SH)(tpy)]2+ adsorbed onto a gold electrode surface, the cyclic voltammetric response exhibits an aging process where it sharpens significantly over long times (days), suggesting a slow reorganization of the adsorbed complex on the electrode surface. Reaction with CoCl2 of a gold electrode whose surface had been previously modified with the tpy−SH ligand ostensibly gives rise to Au/S−tpy−CoCl2. Upon cycling the potential of...
Attitudes of emergency medical service providers towards AIDS.

19 mobile, intensive care paramedics and 21 RNs scored similarly on Rotter's I-E scale and on a 15-item attitude inventory. Aware of dangers associated with treating people with AIDS, they do not want to change careers and, on the average, agree slightly that they treat AIDS patients like other patients. Language: en
Maintenance chemotherapy in the management of epithelial ovarian cancer.

The fundamental goal of maintenance therapy of cancer is to extend a clinically meaningful survival endpoint (overall, symptom-free, progression-free) while at the same time not substantially interfering with a patient’s quality of life. Several phase 3 randomized trials in ovarian cancer involving different anti-neoplastics (e.g., paclitaxel, anti-angiogenic agents, olaparib) have revealed an improvement in progression-free survival with generally acceptable side effect profiles, and as a result represent in appropriately selected patients a rational therapeutic strategy.
Principal component analysis of Raman spectra from phosphorus-poisoned automotive exhaust-gas catalysts

Ramanspectrafromreal-world,phosphorus-poisonedautomotivecatalystscanberemarkablycomplicated, owing to the fact that factors such as variable driving conditions, catalyst formulations, and oil and fuel additives can contribute to the formation of a huge variety of compounds. To classify the Raman spectra from many catalysts without necessarily identifying all phosphorus contaminants, principal component analysis was performed. Examination of the scores in the PC1-PC2 plane showed that samples with similar spectra are grouped together while dissimilar ones are spaced apart from one another. The score plot also confirmed that the strongest peaks of orthophosphates generally lie close to one another. Examination of the loadings revealed that CePO4, and possibly Ca10(OH)2(PO4)6and BaSO4 ,a re among the major components present in the spectra. CePO4 is readily observed in many of the spectra, but Ca10(OH)2(PO4)6 is not, showing that principal component analysis was useful in uncovering possible spectral constituents difficult to unambiguously assign from the original spectra. The spectra can be adequately reproduced using eight principal components, which means that a much smaller set of numbers can be used to represent the spectra instead of typical wavenumber-intensity data. Copyright  2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Training Bachelor of Social Work Students to Meet the Needs of Grandparent Caregivers

This paper discusses the infusion of aging into the service learning of bachelor of social work (BSW) students. A model for training generalist practitioner BSW students to adopt a life span developmental approach to working with older adult kinship caregivers is discussed. The paper focuses on a review of the significance of the grandparent caregiving situation, developmental issues unique to grandparent caregivers, and an empowering approach toward the grandparent caregiver situation. Next, we propose a model integrating BSW curriculum and service-learning experience using a grandparent caregiver program. We also describe the student training process, and offer case examples of the students’ developmental process.
Matroids You Have Known

Have you noticed hidden connections between seemingly unrelated mathematical ideas? Strange that finding roots of polynomials can tell us important things about how to solve certain ordinary differential equations, or that computing a determinant would have anything to do with finding solutions to a linear system of equations. But this is one of the charming features of mathematics?that disparate objects share similar traits. Properties like independence appear in many contexts. Do you find independence everywhere you look? In 1933, three Harvard Junior Fellows unified this recurring theme in mathematics by defining a new mathematical object that they dubbed matroid [4]. Matroids are everywhere, if only we knew how to look. What led those junior-fellows to matroids? The same thing that will lead us: Ma troids arise from shared behaviors of vector spaces and graphs. We explore this natural motivation for the matroid through two examples and consider how properties of in dependence surface. We first consider the two matroids arising from these examples, and later introduce three more that are probably less familiar. Delving deeper, we can find matroids in arrangements of hyperplanes, configurations of points, and geometric lattices, if your tastes run in that direction. While tying together similar structures is important and enlightening, matroids do not reside merely in the halls of pure mathematics; they play an essential role in combinatorial optimization, and we consider their role in two contexts, constructing minimum-weight spanning trees and determining optimal schedules. What's that, you say? Minimum-weight what? The mathematical details will be come clear later, but suppose you move your company into a new office building and your 25 employees need to connect their 25 computers to each other in a network. The cable needed to do this is expensive, so you want to connect them with the least cable possible; this will form a minimum-weight spanning tree, where by weight we mean the length of cable needed to connect the computers, by spanning we mean that we reach each computer, and by tree we mean we have no redundancy in the network. How do we find this minimum length? Test all possible networks for the minimum total cost? That would be 2523 ^ 1.4 x 1032 networks to consider. (There are nn~2 possible trees on n vertices; Bogart [2] gives details.) A computer checking one billion configurations per second would take over a quadrillion years to complete the task. (That's 1015 years?a very long time.) Matroids provide a more efficient method.
Binding added iron to various milk proteins.

Abstract Binding of an added radionuclide to milk protein and casein components of cow's milk fractionated by the combination of Sephadex G-150 gel filtration and diethylaminoethyl-cellulose chromatography was determined. Iron-59 labeled ferric chloride was added directly to raw whole milk at a concentration of .02 and 10ppm isotope and carrier, respectively, and held overnight at 4C. Five milliliters of the skim milk were chromatographed on a Sephadex G-150 column and fractionated into casein, whey protein, and nonprotein materials. The casein fraction was chromatographed on a diethylaminoethyl-cellulose column and separated into its components, α s -, β -, and κ -caseins. Casein bound about 85% of the added iron in skim milk; of this amount, 72, 21, and 4% were associated with the α s -, β -, and κ -caseins.
A lagrangian random-walk model for simulating water vapor, CO2 and sensible heat flux densities and scalar profiles over and within a soybean canopy

An integrated canopy micrometeorological model is described for calculating CO2, water vapor and sensible heat exchange rates and scalar concentration profiles over and within a crop canopy. The integrated model employs a Lagrangian random walk algorithm to calculate turbulent diffusion. The integrated model extends previous Lagrangian modelling efforts by employing biochemical, physiological and micrometeorological principles to evaluate vegetative sources and sinks. Model simulations of water vapor, CO2 and sensible heat flux densities are tested against measurements made over a soybean canopy, while calculations of scalar profiles are tested against measurements made above and within the canopy. The model simulates energy and mass fluxes and scalar profiles above the canopy successfully. On the other hand, model calculations of scalar profiles inside the canopy do not match measurements.
A reconsideration of Aristotle's concept of topics

Because Aristotle's concept of topoi ("seats of arguments') is intimately connected with his art of persuasion, it is important that modern commentators provide clear analyses of the topoi in their several types and purposes. This article presents both a reconsideration of the topoi and a rejoinder to a recent paper which offered an analysis of the concept of the special topic.
Improved standards for prenatal diagnosis of citrullinemia.

Abstract Citrullinemia type I is a urea cycle disorder caused by autosomal recessive mutations in argininosuccinate synthetase 1 ( ASS1 ). In the classical form of this disease, symptoms manifest during the neonatal period as progressive lethargy, poor feeding, and central nervous system depression secondary to hyperammonemia. In pregnancies involving two carrier parents, prenatal diagnosis is important for both reproductive decisions and advanced preparation for neonatal care. The current gold standard for prenatal diagnosis has been the citrulline incorporation assay in addition to DNA mutation analysis. Herein, we review our experience with prenatal diagnosis of citrullinemia type I over the span of 11years in 41 at-risk pregnancies. During this time, we identified 15 affected fetuses using a combination of molecular and biochemical testing. Given the established limitations of both the citrulline incorporation assay as well DNA mutation analysis, we probed our data to assess the value of amniotic fluid amino acid levels in prenatal diagnosis. Previous publications have proposed using the amniotic fluid ratio of citrulline/(arginine+ornithine) in prenatal diagnosis; however, we noted that amniotic fluid arginine levels were normal in our cohort and hypothesized that the amniotic fluid citrulline/ornithine ratio may be superior. Indeed, our analyses revealed that the ratio of amniotic fluid citrulline/ornithine alone correctly distinguished affected from unaffected fetuses in all cases. During the establishment of a normal reference range we discovered significant elevations in amniotic fluid citrulline levels in at-risk pregnancies compared to the normal population even when the fetus was unaffected. This highlights the importance of using amniotic fluid from carrier mothers when setting up a normal reference range. Finally, we report our experience as one of the first centers to adopt Sanger sequencing for prospective prenatal diagnosis of citrullinemia. While this is clearly a useful tool in many cases, we encountered families for whom molecular analysis uncovered variants of unknown clinical significance or no mutation at all. Based upon these new findings, we recommend a combinatorial approach involving ASS1 sequencing and amniotic fluid citrulline/ornithine for the prenatal diagnosis of citrullinemia type I.
Native American language education as policy-in-practice: an interpretative policy analysis of the Native American Languages Act of 1990/1992

Abstract This paper reports on findings from an interpretive policy analysis of the development and impacts of landmark federal legislation in support of Native American languages: the 1990/1992 Native American Languages Act (NALA). Overturning more than two centuries of federal Indian policy, NALA established the federal role in preserving and protecting Native American languages. Indigenous languages in the USA are currently experiencing unprecedented language shift. This shift is largely the result of past language education policy for Native Americans which included repressive policies intended to eradicate Native American languages. NALA as it supports and protects Native languages is a reversal of these past policies. Although some argue that NALA has come too late and is largely ineffectual (funding has been limited and most Native American languages are already in serious decline), others link NALA to the twin goals of enhanced tribal sovereignty and academic achievement. This is the first in-dept...
Solution Conformation of a Pentapeptide by NMR and Molecular Modeling Studies

Abstract High resolution NMR studies and molecular modeling calculations were performed on a linear pentapeptide BOC-Tyr-Gly-Gly-Pro-Leu-OMe. This molecule exhibits two conformations in the solution state. While the 13C spectrum in nonpolar solvents such as acetonitrile shows only one form, in DMSO-d6 and MeOD there are two forms. The appearance of the major (M) and minor (m) resonances is attributed to cis-trans isomerization about the X-Pro bond. The assignments of several proton resonances for the major conformer were made through the combined analysis of two dimensional (2D) homonuclear correlated spectroscopy (COSY) and available data on similar peptides. The solution conformation of the major moiety was probed using the distance constraints obtained from 2D-NOE spectroscopy (NOESY). In addition, other information such as presence of internal hydrogen bonds and dihedral angle values from coupling constants for the amide protons were also used.
The Maricopa Integrated Risk Assessment Project: A New Way of Looking at Risk

This article reviews the Maricopa Integrated Risk Assessment (MIRA) project and discusses its challenges and successes. Strategies and resources are offered for assisting community college administrators, faculty, and staff to successfully implement enterprise risk management at their institutions.
The dualistic mechanisms of platelet adhesion to von Willebrand factor substrates

Abstract von Willebrand factor (vWf) which serves as a necessary factor for platelet adhesion to damaged vascular subendothelium can bind to the platelet surface via two distinct receptors. Ristocetin promotes the binding of vWf to platelet membrane glycoprotein Ib, whereas platelet activation by thrombin supports binding to the glycoprotein IIb/IIIa complex. Platelet adhesion to vWf substrates mediated by these two mechanisms has been compared. Both mechanisms supported similar rates of adhesion to the substrates. Whereas adhesion via the ristocetin-dependent mechanism did not require divalent cations, adhesion mediated by the thrombin-dependent mechanism required the presence of divalent cations. Modification of vWf amino groups markedly impaired the ability of the protein to support ristocetin-dependent adhesion but did not alter its ability to support thrombin-enhanced adhesion. Reduction and carboxymethylation nearly abolished the ability of vWf to support adhesion via the ristocetin-dependent mechanism, but did not substantially impair its ability to support thrombin-enhanced adhesion. Short synthetic peptides containing the sequence ArgGlyAspSer effectively inhibited thrombin-dependent platelet adhesion to vWf substrates but had no effect on ristocetin-dependent adhesion. Substrates composed of synthetic peptides containing the ArgGlyAspSer sequence supported thrombin-dependent adhesion but did not support ristocetin-dependent adhesion. Scanning electron microscopic examination revealed that platelets adherent via the ristocetin-dependent mechanism almost uniformly adopted a flattened and fully spread appearance. In contrast, the thrombin-enhanced mechanism of adhesion supported only a limited degree of platelet spreading on the vWf substrate.
Early and late results following emergency isolated myocardial revascularization during hypothermic fibrillatory arrest

From January, 1982, through November, 1985, 127 consecutive patients had emergency isolated myocardial revascularization during hypothermic fibrillatory arrest. Mean age was 62.3 years; 27 patients (21.2%) were older than 70 years. Mean ejection fraction was 0.49, with 20 (15.7%) less than 0.35. Intraaortic balloons were present in 109 patients (85.8%). Nitroglycerin was given intravenously to 97 patients (76.3%), and thrombolytic therapy had been used in 12 patients (9.4%). Indications for operation were postinfarction ischemia in 61 patients (48.0%), preinfarction unstable angina in 44 (34.6%), acute ischemia following failed percutaneous angioplasty in 14 (11.0%), and cardiogenic shock in 8 (6.3%). Operation was performed within 1 week of an acute infarction in 47 patients. Mean number of grafts per patient was 4.1. There was 1 hospital death (0.8%) and 1 perioperative myocardial infarction (0.8%). Actuarial survival at 45 months was 90.8 +/- 2.9%. Mean New York Heart Association Classification for the 117 long-term survivors was 1.12.
Variable copy number of macronuclear DNA molecules in Tetrahymena.

In Tetrahymena, the DNA of the macronucleus exists as very large (100 to 4,000-kb) linear molecules that are randomly partitioned to the daughter cells during cell division. This genetic system leads directly to an assortment of alleles such that all loci become homozygous during vegetative growth. Apparently, there is a copy number control mechanism operative that adjusts the number of each macronuclear DNA molecule so that macronuclear DNA molecules (with their loci) are not lost and aneuploid death is a rare event. In comparing Southern analyses of the DNA from various species of Tetrahymena using histone H4 genes as a probe, we find different band intensities in many species. These differences in band intensities primarily reflect differences in the copy number of macronuclear DNA molecules. The variation in copy number of macronuclear DNA molecules in some species is greater than an order of magnitude. These observations are consistent with a developmental control mechanism that operates by increasing the macronuclear copy number of specific DNA molecules (and the genes located on these molecules) to provide the relatively high gene copy number required for highly expressed proteins. © 1992 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Danger, Pleasure, Vulnerability, Shame: Reply to Commentaries

Hartman's and Blechner's responses to my essay highlight some illuminating differences with my own theoretical and clinical inclinations. In particular, Hartman's postmodernism and Blechner's empiricism allow me to clarify my own thinking, in particular the centrality of my concern with vulnerability. Sedgwick's challenge to my clinical case says much of interest about shame. It also permits me to address misunderstandings that can take place between analysts and patients, as well as between psychoanalysts and academics.
Aflatoxin production by a potent Aspergillus flavus link isolate

An aflatoxin-producing isolate of Aspergillus flavus was found to be a consistent producer of aflatoxin on all substrates which supported the growth of the mold. In competition with six other selected molds, this isolate was dominant except with one species of Penicillium. Aflatoxin production was parallel to the extent of A. flavus growth whether effected by substrate or competition.
The chemistry of DNA damage from nitric oxide and peroxynitrite

Nitric oxide is a key participant in many physiological pathways; however, its reactivity gives it the potential to cause considerable damage to cells and tissues in its vicinity. Nitric oxide can react with DNA via multiple pathways. Once produced, subsequent conversion of nitric oxide to nitrous anhydride and/or peroxynitrite can lead to the nitrosative deamination of DNA bases such as guanine and cytosine. Complex oxidation chemistry can also occur causing DNA base and sugar oxidative modifications. This review describes the different mechanisms by which nitric oxide can damage DNA. First, the physiological significance of nitric oxide is discussed. Details of nitric oxide and peroxynitrite chemistry are then given. The final two sections outline the mechanisms underlying DNA damage induced by nitric oxide and peroxynitrite.
High-Coherence Hybrid Superconducting Qubit

We report quantum coherence measurements of a superconducting qubit whose design is a hybrid of several existing types. Excellent coherence times are found: ${T}_{2}^{*}\ensuremath{\sim}{T}_{1}\ensuremath{\sim}1.5\text{ }\text{ }\ensuremath{\mu}\mathrm{s}$. The topology of the qubit is that of a traditional three-junction flux qubit, but it has a large shunting capacitance, and the ratio of the junction critical currents is chosen so that the qubit potential has a single-well form. The qubit has a sizable nonlinearity, but its sign is reversed compared with most other popular qubit designs. The qubit is read out dispersively using a high-$Q$ resonator in a $\ensuremath{\lambda}/2$ configuration.