cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
CLASP: collaborating, autonomous stream processing systems

There are currently a number of streaming data analysis systems in research or commercial operation. These systems are generally large-scale distributed systems, but each system operates in isolation, under the control of one administrative authority. We are developing middleware that permits autonomous or semi-autonomous streaming analysis systems (called "sites") to interoperate, providing them opportunities for data access, performance improvements, and reliability far exceeding that available in a single system. Unique characteristics of our system include an architecture for the management of multiple cooperation paradigms depending on the degree of trust and dependencies among the participating sites; a multisite planner that converts user-specified declarative queries into specifications of distributed jobs; and a mechanism for automatic recovery of site failures by redispatching failed pieces of a distributed job. We evaluate our architecture via experiments on a running prototype, and the results demonstrate the advantages of multisite cooperation: collaborative jobs that share resources, even across only a few sites, can produce results 50% faster than independent execution, and jobs on failed sites can be recovered within a few seconds.
Effects of alfalfa nod gene-inducing flavonoids on nodABC transcription in Rhizobium meliloti strains containing different nodD genes.

Transcription of the nodulation genes nodABC in Rhizobium meliloti requires a plant flavonoid signal and nodD, a family of bacterial regulatory genes (nodD1, nodD2, and nodD3). Results from this study show that all previously identified nod gene inducers released by alfalfa seeds and roots induced nodABC-lacZ transcription in R. meliloti containing extra copies of nodD1, but only 4,49-dihydroxy-29-methoxychalcone gave high levels of induction with extra copies of nodD2. While mixtures of the methoxychalcone and luteolin showed a positive synergism with extra NodD1 protein, they apparently competed for binding to the NodD2 protein.
Earth science: Big geochemistry.

A compilation of more than 300,000 rock compositions provides crucial input into a 100-year-old debate on how the continental crust formed, and provides new constraints for theories of continental-crust development. See Article p.301
Learn how to use executable flowcharts to enhance learning in general education, CS0, and CS1 courses: tutorial presentation

Visual Logic© (www.visuallogic.org) is an interactive, graphical software tool that enables a novice programmer to develop interactive, executable flowcharts. Visual Logic is extremely user-friendly, requires minimal syntax, and is very simple for a student to learn. In this tutorial, we will present the ease, power and versatility of using Visual Logic to teach programming concepts in three different courses at three different colleges. The first course is a General Education CS course introducing algorithmic thinking. The second is a CS0 course which uses Visual Logic for six weeks and then transitions to Python. The third course is a CS1 course which uses Visual Logic as a tool to teach programming concepts and to brainstorm solutions. Visual Logic is not taught separately, but integrated with the various Java control structures.
Respiratory mechanisms in the Flexibacteriaceae: I. Studies on the terminal oxidase system of Leucothhrix mucor

Abstract Membrane fragments from the marine flexibacterium Leucothrix mucor can be obtained by disrupting the cells by sonication or high-pressure extrusion. Such preparations are active in the oxidation of NADH and succinate and are inhibited by antimycin A, HOQNO, cyanide, and CO. The antimycin inhibition can be bypassed by TMPD. NADH-oxidase is not inhibited by rotenone or amytal. The particles can also interact in oxidative activities with DPIP, PMS, ferricyanide, ascorbate, and mammalian cytochrome c . Low-temperature (−196 °) difference spectrophotometry of whole cells and particles reveals the presence of four absorption bands in the α region of cytochromes, the relative absorbencies of which are markedly affected by growth conditions of the cells. From observations on the steady-state level of reduction of these components in the presence of various substrates, reductants, and inhibitors, we propose that the sequence of electron carriers is: substrate→ B 562 → C 552(458) → B 558 → oxygen. The only CO-binding pigment present in this organism is photodissociable at room temperature but not at −196 ° and is spectroscopically similar to cytochrome o . We suggest that this pigment is the functional terminal oxidase in L. mucor and is equivalent to cytochrome B 558 .
Challenges and Dilemmas in Community Development

Abstract When community development begins in low-income communities, involving residents in revitalization activities frequently falters. The community is often excluded from development decisions and may feel betrayed as its input is ignored. This paper presents the dilemmas that arose when a Community Development Corporation (CDC) began building two units of affordable housing and received 80 applications. Suggestions for addressing the dilemmas and the implications for community practice rely on integrating grassroots community organizing throughout the development process while engaging in an ethnically sensitive, empowerment-oriented approach using coalitions and interagency collaboration.
A Re-Examination of the United States-Japan Status of Forces Agreement

On August 13, 2004, a United States Marine Corps helicopter crashed on the campus of Okinawa International University. The helicopter crash and the resulting U.S. military investigation served to reinvigorate pent up resentment and anger towards the U.S. military presence in Okinawa, threatening to destabilize the long standing relationship between the two nations. This Note discusses the U.S.-Japan Status of Forces Agreement which, among other things, apportions jurisdictional authority over off-base U.S. military accidents that occur on Okinawa. This Note argues that the U.S.-Japan Status of Forces Agreement (U.S.-Japan SOFA) should be a reciprocal agreement and that the United States should amend the Agreed Minutes of the U.S.-Japan SOFA to allow for a joint effort in investigating and securing off-base military accident sites. Altering the U.S.Japan SOFA will be a substantial step in demonstrating that the United States views Japan as an equal partner in the effort to encourage peace and prosperity in the Asian hemisphere.
Exactness of one relator groups

A discrete group Γ is C * -exact if the reduced crossed product with Γ converts a short exact sequence of Γ-C * -algebras into a short exact sequence of C * -algebras. A one relator group is a discrete group Γ admitting a presentation Γ = ( X | R) where X is a countable set and R is a single word over X. In this short paper we prove that all one relator discrete groups are C * -exact. Using the Bass-Serre theory we also prove that a countable discrete group Γ acting without inversion on a tree is C * -exact if the vertex stabilizers of the action are C * -exact.
Lessons in Leadership

At 11:50 p.m. on May 8, 2003, Professor Luz Nagle called me at home. "Darby, I've been called back to Gary's house. I think we're probably within an hour…. His breathing is not good." "Okay," I responded, "call me, no matter the hour." That final call came at 1:10 a.m. on May 9; Professor Nagle made this call as well. "Gary just died." "Was it peaceful?" "Yes, it was." May 9, 2003. The day of our Honors and Awards ceremony. The day before commencement, at which we were to honor Dean Gary Vause for his twenty-eight years of extraordinary service to Stetson University College of Law.2 May 9, 2003. Much too soon. Even after two months, it is still hard to believe that Gary is gone. He had so much left that he wanted to accomplish. High on that list was the anticipated completion of the new Tampa Law Center and Campus, which he had spent a large portion of his deanship ensuring would become a reality. Although Gary did not live to see that day, he has left us with a powerful spirit. He also left us with some lessons in leadership that we should not forget.
Development and validation of a simplified Stroke–Thrombolytic Predictive Instrument

Objectives: The Stroke–Thrombolytic Predictive Instrument (Stroke-TPI) predicts the probability of good and bad outcomes with and without recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rtPA). We sought to rebuild and externally validate a simpler Stroke-TPI to support implementation in routine clinical care. Methods: Using the original derivation cohort of 1,983 patients from a combined database of randomized clinical trials (NINDS [National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke] 1 and 2; ATLANTIS [Alteplase Thrombolysis for Acute Noninterventional Therapy in Ischemic Stroke] A and B; and ECASS [European Cooperative Acute Stroke Study] II), we simplified the Stroke-TPI by reducing variables and interaction terms and by exploring simpler (3- and 8-item) stroke severity scores. External validation was performed in the ECASS III trial (n = 821). Results: The following 6 variables were most predictive of good outcomes: age, systolic blood pressure, diabetes, stroke severity, symptom onset to treatment time, and rtPA therapy. Treatment effect modifiers included onset to treatment time and systolic blood pressure. For the models predicting a bad outcome (modified Rankin Scale [mRS] score ≥5), significant variables included age, stroke severity, and serum glucose. rtPA therapy did not change the risk of a poor outcome. Compared with models using the full NIH Stroke Scale, models using the 3-item severity score showed similar discrimination and excellent calibration. External validation on ECASS III showed similar performance (C statistics 0.75 [mRS score ≤1] and 0.80 [mRS score ≤2]). Conclusion: A simpler model using a 3-item stroke severity score, instead of the 15-item NIH Stroke Scale, has similar prognostic value and may be easier to use in routine care. Future studies are needed to test whether it can improve process and clinical outcomes.
An Evolutionary Approach to Building Artificial Minds

The evolutionary thread leading to increasingly more sophisticated types of movement is examined. The entire thread is seen in humans and includes: collision avoidance, landmark navigation, moving to attain good expectations or avoid bad expectations, and moving to actualize an imagined world state. These behaviors compete for the same sensory and motor resources; each requiring greater perceptual discrimination, more complex internal models of the world, and a longer time frame than the previous behavior. By finding the brain structures supporting these complex movement tasks and how tasks compete for resources, researchers will facilitate both our understanding of the brain and our ability to create artificial minds that we understand intuitively.
Responsive questioning in a mixed-ability group

Although based on research in mathematics classrooms, Mundher Adhami's article on responsive questioning will be of interest to teachers in all curriculum areas. His concern is to explore strategies to develop the skill of tactical, responsive questioning which, he suggests, is one of the essential qualities of good teachers.
The epigenetic H3S10 phosphorylation mark is required for counteracting heterochromatic spreading and gene silencing in Drosophila melanogaster

The JIL-1 kinase localizes specifically to euchromatin interband regions of polytene chromosomes and is the kinase responsible for histone H3S10 phosphorylation at interphase. Genetic interaction assays with strong JIL-1 hypomorphic loss-of-function alleles have demonstrated that the JIL-1 protein can counterbalance the effect of the major heterochromatin components on position-effect variegation (PEV) and gene silencing. However, it is unclear whether this was a causative effect of the epigenetic H3S10 phosphorylation mark, or whether the effect of the JIL-1 protein on PEV was in fact caused by other functions or structural features of the protein. By transgenically expressing various truncated versions of JIL-1, with or without kinase activity, and assessing their effect on PEV and heterochromatic spreading, we show that the gross perturbation of polytene chromosome morphology observed in JIL-1 null mutants is unrelated to gene silencing in PEV and is likely to occur as a result of faulty polytene chromosome alignment and/or organization, separate from epigenetic regulation of chromatin structure. Furthermore, the findings provide evidence that the epigenetic H3S10 phosphorylation mark itself is necessary for preventing the observed heterochromatic spreading independently of any structural contributions from the JIL-1 protein.
Studies of the interdependence of electronic and atomic dynamics and structure at the electrode-electrolyte interface

Abstract In many phenomena at the electrode-electrolyte interface, electronic and atomic structure and dynamics are strongly interdependent in ways that challenge traditional theory and simulation techniques. We illustrate with some examples of our efforts to meet such challenges. In the case of the metal-aqueous electrolyte interface, we describe a recent direct dynamics model of the copper-water interface. For oxide-water interfaces, we review two methods: a self-consistent tight binding method applied to rutile surfaces and a polarizable, dissociable model of the water-ferric hydroxide interface. For modeling Faradaic reactions we describe recent progress on models of electron transfer reactions which shows that the rates are even more dependent on details of the electronic and atomic structure of the interface than traditional models might suggest.
Ethnoarchaeological observation and archaeological patterning: A processual approach to studying sedentism and space use in pitstructures from central New Mexico

Abstract Ethnoarchaeology is one of the most significant and lasting contributions developed by Lewis Binford as a mainstay of processual archaeology. Observations about the organization and use of space by contemporary groups are used as one method to investigate material patterns found in archaeological record. Ethnoarchaeological research by Graham (1989) among the Raramuri of northern Mexico generated models of residential site structure that operate at several spatial and organizational scales. Further ethnographic survey of groups who use subterranean dwellings was conducted by Schmader (1994) . Resulting expectations about residential mobility and site structure are presented. Excavations of ancestral puebloan pitstructures in central New Mexico by Schmader (1994) applied Graham’s models to explain patterning of interior floor assemblages. Distributions of floor items are used to identify activity areas and maintained interior space. Discussions concerning structure function, architectural responses to mobility, and inferences about varying degrees of site sedentism are presented. The potential and applicability of connecting ethnoarchaeological observations with archaeological patterns is described.
An Introduction to the Symposium on the Use of Simulation in Applied Industrial Organization

Simulation offers a rigorous methodology for addressing policy or litigation issues that require a comparison of an observed state of the world with an unobserved one. Simulation employs a calibrated, structural oligopoly model to describe the unobserved state of the world. Calibration involves reliance on real-world observations to set the key parameter values in the model. Simulation is an increasingly important tool of the industrial organization economist, particularly in analyzing the competitive effects of mergers. Papers in this symposium illustrate merger simulations in a variety of contexts and one other application of simulation.
Effect of the vitamin D analogues paricalcitol and calcitriol on bone mineral in vitro

Paricalcitol (19-nor-1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D(2)), a new vitamin D analogue, recently became available for the treatment of hyperparathyroidism in patients with end-stage renal disease. It is safe and effective in suppressing parathyroid hormone, with apparently less propensity for hypercalcemia than calcitriol (1, 25-dihydroxyvitamin D(3)). However, the mechanism of action on bone has not been fully elucidated. This study compares the effects of paricalcitol and calcitriol on the bone mineral. Neonatal (5- to 7-day-old) mouse calvariae were incubated in the absence or presence of either paricalcitol or calcitriol for 48 hours, and calcium flux, osteocalcin and acid and alkaline phosphatase activity, and interleukin-6 (IL-6) release were determined. Increasing concentrations of both calcitriol and paricalcitol increased calcium efflux. At lower concentrations, paricalcitol had no effect on acid phosphatase activity; however, at 10(-8) mol/L, paricalcitol caused a significant increase similar to that of calcitriol at 10(-9) mol/L. Increasing concentrations of paricalcitol had no effect on alkaline phosphatase activity, whereas calcitriol (10(-8) mol/L) caused significant inhibition. At low concentrations, paricalcitol had no effect on osteocalcin release; however, at 10(-8) mol/L, both compounds significantly increased osteocalcin production. Neither compound had an effect on IL-6 release. These data show that: (1) at low concentrations, both compounds induce a similar calcium efflux from cultured bone; (2) at low concentrations, paricalcitol has no effect on osteocalcin or acid and alkaline phosphatase activity; (3) at greater concentrations, paricalcitol and calcitriol have similar effects on acid phosphatase and osteocalcin activity; (4) calcitriol, but not paricalcitol, inhibits alkaline phosphatase release; and (5) the bone-resorbing effect of both compounds is independent of IL-6 release. Thus, although both compounds have similar effects on calcium efflux from bone, at therapeutic concentrations, paricalcitol does not seem to inhibit osteoblast activity. This may explain, in part, the lower calcemic effect of paricalcitol.
Avoidance within a changing assessment paradigm for Mediterranean Hake stocks

The Mediterranean hake Merluccius merluccius L. , 1758, is the emblem of the so-called Mediterranean demersal fisheries paradox, showing a persistent, although stable, status of growth overexploitation and an impressive gap between current and any biological reference point. Almost full avoidance capability of large size females to bottom trawls, higher overall growth rates than previously believed and higher natural mortality in juveniles than adult, were considered among the most plausible explanation factors of such persistence. In the present note, arguments are illustrated to raise some concern about avoidance and highlight the important role of the other factors in improving assessments and launching a short term recovery plan for Mediterranean Hake stocks which is more acceptable to fishermen.
Epoxide hydrolases: biochemistry and molecular biology.

Epoxides are organic three-membered oxygen compounds that arise from oxidative metabolism of endogenous, as well as xenobiotic compounds via chemical and enzymatic oxidation processes, including the cytochrome P450 monooxygenase system. The resultant epoxides are typically unstable in aqueous environments and chemically reactive. In the case of xenobiotics and certain endogenous substances, epoxide intermediates have been implicated as ultimate mutagenic and carcinogenic initiators Adams et al. (Chem. Biol. Interact. 95 (1995) 57-77) Guengrich (Properties and Metabolic roles 4 (1982) 5-30) Sayer et al. (J. Biol. Chem. 260 (1985) 1630-1640). Therefore, it is of vital importance for the biological organism to regulate levels of these reactive species. The epoxide hydrolases (E.C. 3.3.2. 3) belong to a sub-category of a broad group of hydrolytic enzymes that include esterases, proteases, dehalogenases, and lipases Beetham et al. (DNA Cell Biol. 14 (1995) 61-71). In particular, the epoxide hydrolases are a class of proteins that catalyze the hydration of chemically reactive epoxides to their corresponding dihydrodiol products. Simple epoxides are hydrated to their corresponding vicinal dihydrodiols, and arene oxides to trans-dihydrodiols. In general, this hydration leads to more stable and less reactive intermediates, however exceptions do exist. In mammalian species, there are at least five epoxide hydrolase forms, microsomal cholesterol 5,6-oxide hydrolase, hepoxilin A(3) hydrolase, leukotriene A(4) hydrolase, soluble, and microsomal epoxide hydrolase. Each of these enzymes is distinct chemically and immunologically. Table 1 illustrates some general properties for each of these classes of hydrolases. Fig. 1 provides an overview of selected model substrates for each class of epoxide hydrolase.
'Absorptive link': an absorptive capacity and alliance approach to biotechnological product success

As biotechnologies are increasingly specialized and interrelated, the research question posed by this study is: what determines a biotechnology firm's product performance, if the development and commercialization of drug products require multiple technologies that are not possessed by any one firm? In drawing on concepts from strategic alliance and absorptive capacity research, this study develops and empirically examines a concept of 'absorptive link' in the biotechnology industry. A firm's absorptive link underscores that a firm's ability to develop new products stems from its prior knowledge in commercializing new applications of resources held by not only the firm, but also that of its alliance partners. Such a concept generated 6 testable hypotheses to which were mostly supported in this study's Poisson regression analysis of the biotechnology industry. This study concludes by offering three key contributions to product performance research.
Saving St. James: A case study of farmwomen entrepreneurs

An ethnographic case study of five rural farmwomen in Cedar County, Nebraska, was conducted to contribute to the understudied area of rural entrepreneurship and women entrepreneurs. This naturalistic inquiry into the lived experiences of five women provides an exceptional view of the founding of a new microenterprise, the St. James Marketplace, a farmer-to-customer market in an agricultural setting. The study considered factors identified from previous research on entrepreneurship in both urban and rural settings. It connected the formation of this microenterprise to the history, culture, values, and economic situation that motivated the founders’ entrepreneurial behavior. A social embeddedness perspective was employed in the analysis. Negative forces from the macroenvironment, such as the closing of the local church parish and declining economic conditions for farming, influenced the creation of the venture. However, the most important motivation was to sustain community. This study satisfies a need for in-depth inquiry into rural entrepreneurship, rural communities, and rural farmwomen entrepreneurs.
Effect of alendronate for reducing fracture by FRAX score and femoral neck bone mineral density: the Fracture Intervention Trial.

The WHO Fracture Risk Assessment Tool (FRAX; http://www.shef.ac.uk/FRAX) estimates the 10-year probability of major osteoporotic fracture. Clodronate and bazedoxifene reduced nonvertebral and clinical fracture more effectively on a relative scale in women with higher FRAX scores. We used data from the Fracture Intervention Trial (FIT) to evaluate the interaction between FRAX score and treatment with alendronate. We combined the Clinical Fracture (CF) arm and Vertebral Fracture (VF) arm of FIT. The CF and VF arm of FIT randomized 4432 and 2027 women, respectively, to placebo or alendronate for 4 and 3 years, respectively. FRAX risk factors were assessed at baseline. FRAX scores were calculated by WHO. We used Poisson regression models to assess the interaction between alendronate and FRAX score on the risk of nonvertebral, clinical, major osteoporotic, and radiographic vertebral fractures. Overall, alendronate significantly reduced the risk of nonvertebral fracture (incidence rate ratio [IRR] 0.86; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.75–0.99), but the effect was greater for femoral neck (FN) bone mineral density (BMD) T-score ≤ −2.5 (IRR 0.76; 95% CI, 0.62–0.93) than for FN T-score > −2.5 (IRR 0.96; 95% CI, 0.80–1.16) (p = 0.02, interaction between alendronate and FN BMD). However, there was no evidence of an interaction between alendronate and FRAX score with FN BMD for risk of nonvertebral fracture (interaction p = 0.61). The absolute benefit of alendronate was greatest among women with highest FRAX scores. Results were similar for clinical fractures, major osteoporotic fractures, and radiographic vertebral fractures and whether or not FRAX scores included FN BMD. Among this cohort of women with low bone mass there was no significant interaction between FRAX score and alendronate for nonvertebral, clinical or major osteoporotic fractures, or radiographic vertebral fractures. These results suggest that the effect of alendronate on a relative scale does not vary by FRAX score. A randomized controlled trial testing the effect of antifracture agents among women with high FRAX score but without osteoporosis is warranted. © 2012 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
The Phosphorylation Site for Ste20p-like Protein Kinases Is Essential for the Function of Myosin-I in Yeast

The budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae has two functionally redundant myosin-I isoforms encoded by the MYO3 and MYO5 genes. The function shared by these myosin proteins is required for proper yeast budding. Serine residue 357 in the head domain of Myo3p, conserved among myosin-I proteins including yeast Myo5p, was identified as a unique phosphorylation site for the serine/threonine protein kinase Ste20p and its closely related isoform Cla4p. These protein kinases share a function that is also essential for budding. Replacement of serine 357 with alanine disrupted the in vivo function of Myo3p, whereas this function was maintained by changing the serine residue to aspartate. This mutant version failed to compensate the growth defect of cells which lack both Ste20p and Cla4p, suggesting that myosin-I is not the only essential target of these protein kinases. Our results suggest that phosphorylation of the head domain by Ste20p-like protein kinases plays an essential role in the function of myosin-I in yeast cells.
TCT-368 Lower socioeconomic status predicts major adverse cardiac events (MACE) and increased mortality post-percutaneous intervention (PCI): Independent hazard vs. intersection of modifiable risk factors?

Previously we reported increased MACE in lower socioeconomic status (SES), public health system (PHS) patients (pts) undergoing PCI. We report expanded / extended analyses, focused on distribution and impact of cardiac risk factors. 2,000 pts undergoing PCI over 6 years at Cook County Hospital,
Childhood executive function continues to predict outcomes in young adult females with and without childhood-diagnosed ADHD.

We prospectively followed an ethnically and socioeconomically diverse sample of preadolescent girls with ADHD (n=140) and matched comparison girls (n=88) over a period of 10 years, from middle childhood through late adolescence/young adulthood. Our aim was to examine the ability of childhood measures of executive function (EF) to predict functional outcomes at follow-up. Measures of EF comprised the childhood predictors, with academic, socioemotional, occupational, and global functioning serving as young adult criterion measures. Results indicated that childhood EF - particularly measures of global EF and working memory - predicted academic and occupational functioning across our entire sample (independent of diagnostic group status), but diagnostic status (ADHD versus comparison) moderated the association between (a) working memory and reading achievement and (b) a global EF measure and suspensions/expulsions. That is, in the ADHD group, low working memory predicted poor reading scores and impaired global EF predicted higher suspensions/expulsions, but this was not the case in the comparison group. Overall, these results extend previous findings of associations between EF and adolescent outcomes in girls with and without ADHD into young adulthood. Findings continue to suggest the importance of assessing and developing interventions that target EF impair- ments early in life in order to prevent long-term difficulties across a range of important functional domains.
Enzyme Inhibitors XI: Mode of binding of the hydroxyl group of some 9-(hydroxyalkyl)-adenines to adenosine deaminase

To study the mode of binding to adenosine deaminase by the hydroxyl group of 9-(2-hydroxyethyl)- and 9-(3-hydroxypropyl)adenines, a variety of 9-(2-methoxyethyl)-, 9-(3-methoxypropyl)-6-substituted purines and 9-(acetoxyalkyl)adenines were synthesized. Enzymatic evaluation of these compounds as inhibitors of adenosine deaminase revealed that they were less inhibitory than the corresponding compounds with a free hydroxyl group. These data indicate that the mode of binding of the hydroxyl group on the alkyl chain at the 9-position of adenine is by means of a hydrogen bond and that the structure of the hydrogen bond is from the hydrogen of the hydroxyl group on the inhibitor to an electronegative atom on the enzyme.
Speculative attacks: The roles of intertemporal substitution and the interest elasticity of the demand for money☆

Abstract The effects of an anticipated speculative attack and exchange rate regime collapse brought on by an unsustainable mix of domestic credit and exchange rate policies is examined. A maximizing model with money demand motivated by a transactions technology which implies that increased money holdings reduce transactions costs associated with consumption good purchases is used. It is demonstrated that the effects of an impending speculative attack depend crucially on two margins through which the forward-looking behavior of rational consumers manifests itself the intertemporal elasticity of substitution in consumption and the interest elasticity of the demand for money.
Processing and photostability of pyrromethene 567 polycerams

Polyceram materials are attractive hosts for laser dyes because they can have high optical transparencies, high laser damage thresholds, and the ability to tailor optical properties by varying the composition and synthetic routes. Pyrromethene 567 has been successfully incorporated within silica: polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) Polycerams to obtain polishable, crack-free, transparent monoliths using the sol-gel process. Fluorescence photostability was measured by pumping with aQ-switched, frequency doubled Nd: YAG laser (532 nm) at a pulse rate of 10 Hz. Fluorescence intensity dropped to 50% after approximately 50,000 pulses at a fluence of 0.10 J/cm2. UV degradation studies were performed on Polycerams with different polymer contents, and the absorption photostability is related to the solubility and type of caging of the dye.
Apolipoprotein E Plays a Key Role against Cryptosporidial Infection in Transgenic Undernourished Mice

Apolipoliprotein E (apoE), a critical targeting protein in lipid homeostasis, has been found to have immunoinflammatory effects on murine models of infection and malnutrition. The effects of apoE in undernourished and Cryptosporidium parvum-infected mice have not been investigated. In order to study the role of apoE in a model of C. parvum infection, we used the following C57BL6J mouse genetic strains: APOE-deficient, wild-type controls, and APOE targeted replacement (TR) mice expressing human APOE genes (E3/3; E4/4). Experimental mice were orally infected with 107-unexcysted-C. parvum oocysts between post-natal days 34–35 followed by malnutrition induced with a low-protein diet. Mice were euthanized seven days after C. parvum-challenge to investigate ileal morphology, cytokines, and cationic arginine transporter (CAT-1), arginase 1, Toll-like receptor 9 (TLR9), and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) expression. In addition, we analyzed stool oocyst shedding by qRT-PCR and serum lipids. APOE4/4-TR mice had better weight gains after infection plus malnutrition compared with APOE3/3-TR and wild-type mice. APOE4/4-TR and APOE knockout mice had lower oocyst shedding, however the latter exhibited with villus blunting and higher ileal pro-inflammatory cytokines and iNOS transcripts. APOE4/4-TR mice had increased ileal CAT-1, arginase-1, and TLR9 transcripts relative to APOE knockout. Although with anti-parasitic effects, APOE deficiency exacerbates intestinal inflammatory responses and mucosal damage in undernourished and C. parvum-infected mice. In addition, the human APOE4 gene was found to be protective against the compounded insult of Cryptosporidium infection plus malnutrition, thus extending our previous findings of the protection against diarrhea in APOE4 children. Altogether our findings suggest that apoE plays a key role in the intestinal restitution and immunoinflammatory responses with Cryptosporidium infection and malnutrition.
Changes in Swallowing Physiology and Patient Perception of Swallowing Function Following Chemoradiation for Head and Neck Cancer

Patients treated with chemoradiation for head and neck cancer often report difficulty with swallowing and are frequently diagnosed with dysphagia. The extent to which patient awareness of dysphagia corresponds to observed physiologic changes in swallowing is unclear. The purpose of this study was to determine how both patient awareness of swallowing function and swallowing physiology individually change following chemoradiation and then to clarify the relationship between them. Twenty-one patients with head and neck cancer treated with chemoradiation were assessed before and after treatment and matched with twenty-one control subjects. The modified barium swallow test was utilized to examine swallowing physiology. Each subject was also given a series of items regarding awareness of specific dysphagia symptoms. Results showed decreased swallow efficiencies, higher percentages of residue, and more occurrences of penetration and aspiration following chemoradiation. Patients also had significantly higher ratings for 4 of the 12 items (“dry mouth,” “food sticking in my mouth,” “need water to help food go down,” and “change in sense of taste”). Only one strong and significant correlation was found between ratings for “I have difficulty swallowing” and swallow efficiency values. Based on these findings, it appears that patients sense a general difficulty with swallowing but have less awareness of specific symptoms of dysphagia.
Chemical characterization of rat cholecystokinin-58

Cholecystokinin-58 (CCK-58) was purified from rat intestines using an extraction method that yields large amounts of this peptide. Greater than 30% of total CCK immunoreactivity eluted before CCK-39 upon gel permeation chromatography (Sephadex G-50) if extracts were loaded onto Sep Pak cartridges before freezing. If the extracts were frozen and stored at -70 degrees C for six weeks, only 20% of the material eluted in this region and total immunoreactivity was reduced by 50%, suggesting that proteases were active under these storage conditions. This early eluting peak was purified by reverse phase and ion-exchange HPLC to a single absorbance peak. Microsequence analysis of this peak detected AVLRPDSEP which is the amino terminus of rat CCK-58 predicted from the rat preprocholecystokinin cDNA. Because degradation of CCK-58 occurred in these extracts, it is possible that CCK-58 is the predominant molecule form in the rat small intestine.
A multiline model for time-efficient estimation of crosstalk

This work proposes a novel and accurate crosstalk noise estimation method in the presence of multiple RC lines for use in design automation tools. Using the realistic exponential waveform and a reduced transfer function, the proposed model presents a complete multiline noise model by representing active and passive aggressors simultaneously on the victim line. In the model, active aggressors are easily represented by current sources and passive aggressors are accurately modeled as equivalent capacitances to victim. Each current source representing an active aggressor carries the same accuracy as the 2-π representation. Equivalent capacitances for passive aggressors, on the other hand, consider resistive shielding effect and the realistic exponential aggressor waveform. This approach allows one to obtain a general noise model that considers the effect of many active and passive aggressors and general formulas derived can easily be applied to real cases. Noise peak and width expressions are derived and results are in good agreement with HSPICE results. Results show that average error for noise peak is 4.3% and for the width is 6.9% while allowing for very fast analysis.
The mass spectra of some N‐substituted barbitals and their trimethylsilyl derivatives

The mass spectra of N-propyl and N-butyl barbitals show the loss of olefin radical (CnH2n-1) in analogy to structurally similar molecules such as N-alkyl succinimides and 3-alkyl uracils. Trimethylsilylation of the N-substituted barbitals suppresses this fragmentation and loss of olefin via apparent McLafferty rearrangement from the even-electron ion, [M – 15]+, becomes significant. The trimethylsilyl derivatives of N-allyl barbital and N-phenyl barbital show an unusually facile elimination of the appropriate isocyanate from the molecular ion.
Populations, microhabitat preference and effects of infestation of two species of Orthohalarachne (Halarachnidae: Acarina) in the northern fur seal.

All of 116 northern fur seals examined, except black pups (up to 3 months old), had nasal mites, Orthohalarachne attenuata and O. diminuata, with the mean density of 1,808 mites per subadult male, 435 per adult female, 251 per silver pup, and 21.5 per black pup. Only 63% of black pups examined were infested with both mites. Larvae represented as much as 99% of the total mite population (total samples), and the females of both species of Orthohalarachne accounted for more than 90% of the total population of adult mites. The O. attenuata adults inhabited the nasopharynx and O. diminuata adults were found primarily in the lungs. Larvae of both species occupied the mucus-filled turbinates. The heavy infestation with these mites appeared to result in impairment of respiration in fur seals, and could also cause lesions in the lungs and secondary alveolar emphysems, predispose to more serious diseases, or even kill the host animal.
Effects of transient increased afterload during experimentally induced acute myocardial infarction in dogs.

Abstract Alterations in afterload may occur during acute myocardial infarction (AMI), but it is unknown whether such alterations cause long-term changes in the left ventricular topography or alter healing of the AMI. AMI was produced by ligation of the left anterior descending coronary artery in open-chest dogs. Eight dogs were randomized to a methoxamine group with an infusion dose of 30 μg/kg/min starting 1 hour after ligation for 4 hours to increase systemic systolic pressure by 40 to 50 mm Hg, and 8 were randomized to a saline control group (n = 8). Seven days later the dogs were killed and the hearts examined. The ratio of infarct wall thickness to noninfarct wall thickness was 1.13 ± 0.03 (mean ± standard error of the mean) in control dogs and was 0.98 ± 0.03 in the dogs treated with methoxamine (p
Pulmonary effects of the cocaine pyrolysis product, methylecgonidine, in guinea pigs.

Abstract The pulmonary effects of the cocaine pyrolysis product, methylecgonidine (MEG; anhydroecgonine methyl ester), were assessed in guinea pigs. Specific airway conductance (SGaw), which decreases during bronchoconstriction, was measured in guinea pigs exposed to atmospheres containing a condensation aerosol of MEG free base (13 ± 1 mg/liter of air), nebulized MEG fumarate (3 and 12% in phosphate buffered saline) or nebulized acetylcholine chloride (0.2 and 0.4% in phosphate buffered saline). A decrease in SGaw to 24.0 ± 4.2% (mean ± 2 S.E.M.) of baseline levels was observed in guinea pigs breathing MEG free base. A decrease to 28.4 + 4.5% of baseline was observed following administration of 0.4% acetylcholine. No change in SGaw was measured in guinea pigs exposed to 3% MEG fumarate but SGaw was reduced to 69.3 ± 5.3% of baseline after exposure to 12% MEG fumarate. MEG free base poses an alkaline challenge to the lung, 3% MEG fumarate is neutral (pH ≈ 7.4) and 12% MEG fumarate is acidic (pH ≈ 4.3); thus, MEG free-base and 12% MEG fumarate might provoke a reflex bronchoconstriction due to direct pulmonary irritant effects. These results suggest that MEG free base produced during crack pyrolysis may play a role in bronchoconstriction observed in crack smokers.
On Intrinsic Stacking Faults in Polycrystalline Ni3Al

Transmission electron microscopy is used to analyze the partial dislocations bounding super-lattice-intrinsic stacking faults (S-ISFs), which are produced when polycrystalline Ni3Al is deformed under tension. The results show that the partials have line directions parallel to 〈110〉 and have (a/3) 〈211〉 Burgers vectors. Most pairs of partials have parallel Burgers vectors, in agreement with similar observations by Takeuchi et al. in compressed Ni3Ga. It is suggested that these S-ISFs are truncated faulted loops. A possible mechanism for the formation of these loops is outlined and some experimental evidence for this mechanism is presented. Die teilweise Verschiebung von Stapelfehlern in uberstrukturgittern (superlattice-intrinsic stacking faults S-ISF) wird mit Hilfe der Transmissions-Elektronenmikroskopie analysiert. Diese uberstruktur entsteht, wenn mehrfachkristallines Ni3Al unter Zugspannung verformt wird. Die Ergebnisse zeigen, das die Verschiebungen Richtungen parallel zu 〈110〉 aufweisen mit (a/3) 〈211〉 Burgers-Vektoren. Die meisten paarweisen Verschiebungen weisen parallele Burgers-Vektoren auf. Diese Beobachtungen stimmen mit denen von Takeuchi und Mitarbeitern uberein, die in verdichtetem Ni3Ga gemacht wurden. Es wird angenommen, das die S-ISF abgeschnittene Fehlerstellen sind. Ein moglicher Mechanismus fur die Bildung dieser Fehlerstellen wird angegeben, und an Hand von einigen experimentellen Ergebnissen belegt.
Lymphatic mapping for Merkel cell carcinoma.

Merkel cell carcinoma is an uncommon malignancy originally called "trabecular carcinoma" by Toker 1 in 1972. Although the exact origin of the Merkel cell is unknown, it probably arises from neuroendocrine cells of the basal epidermis. It then grows vertically into the dermis and subcutaneous tissue. 1,2 The tumor usually affects older persons, with a median age at presentation of 66 years) Its cause is unknown, although its propensity to occur on the head, neck, or extremity 3-5 suggests that sun exposure may play a role. In addition, immunosuppression associated with a hematologic malignancy or AIDS has been associated with Merkel cell carcinoma. 6,7 In several ways the natural history of Merkel cell tumors is similar to that of melanoma. As with cutaneous melanoma, the development of distant disease in patients with Merkel cell carcinoma is often preceded by regional nodal involvement) In a recent review of 70 cases, regional nodal metastases occurred in 66% of patients. In addition, systemic involvement was nearly uniformly preceded by the development of positive regional nodes, suggesting a progression of disease from primary site to regional nodes to distant sites) Systemic disease is generally fatal, with a median survival of 5 months) The overall survival rate for patients with Merkel cell tumors is worse than for those with melanoma and ranges from 35% to 64%. 3,5,8-11 Favorable prognostic features include negative regional nodes, head and neck site, and female sex.3,12,13
Primary human endothelial cells support direct but not antibody-dependent enhancement of dengue viral infection

Microvascular plasma leakage is the hallmark of dengue hemorrhagic fever and dengue shock syndrome. The precise molecular mechanisms leading to microvascular leakage are yet to be determined, but dengue virus (DENV) infection and consequent endothelial cell death has been suggested as its major cause. However, the extent of endothelial cell permissiveness to DENV infection and the magnitude of cell death following DENV infection are controversial. To clarify this issue, we analyzed the kinetics and consequences of DENV infection of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) using a novel molecularly cloned DENV2-16681 virus. Viral replication was detected as early as 24 hr post-infection by RT-PCR and plaque assays. However, merely 2% of HUVEC were DENV antigen-positive even after 96 hr of infection as measured by the FACS indirect immunofluorescence assays. Unlike monocytes/macrophages, HUVEC did not support antibody dependent enhancement of dengue viral infection due to a lack of FcgammaRI and FcgammaRII. Furthermore, DENV infection did not increase HUVEC apoptosis as compared to mock-infected cells. Because in vitro only a small percentage of endothelial cells were productively infected in vitro with no significant apoptosis occurring in either infected or bystander cells, it would be important to re-examine whether direct dengue viral infection of endothelium is the major cause of the extensive vascular leakage observed in patients with dengue hemorrhagic fever and dengue shock syndrome.
Diagnostic arthroscopy of the elbow: Set-up, portals, and technique

Abstract Elbow arthroscopy remains a technically demanding procedure requiring a thorough understanding of the pertinent local anatomy. Arthroscopy of the elbow is currently an area of rapid innovation. Improvements in equipment, techniques, and anatomic understanding will lead to an inevitable increase in both diagnostic and therapeutic applications.
Impacts of freshwater wetlands on water quality: a landscape perspective

In this article, we suggest that a landscape approach might be useful in evaluating the effects of cumulative impacts on freshwater wetlands. The reason for using this approach is that most watersheds contain more than one wetland, and effects on water quality depend on the types of wetlands and their position in the landscape. Riparian areas that border uplands appear to be important sites for nitrogen processing and retention of large sediment particles. Fine particles associated with high concentrations of phosphorus are retained in downstream wetlands, where flow rates are slowed and where the surface water passes through plant litter. Riverine systems also may play an important role in processing nutrients, primarily during flooding events. Lacustrine wetlands appear to have the least impact on water quality, due to the small ratio of vegetated surface to open water. Examples are given of changes that occurred when the hydrology of a Maryland floodplain was altered.
Strange bedfellows: civil liability and aggressive policing

Shaping and monitoring the behavior of street‐level officers has continued to be a difficult task for police managers, and this task may prove to be more difficult as modern departments increasingly rely on proactive law enforcement for the delivery of police services. A popular method to shape police behavior is holding officers, departments and municipalities civilly liable for street‐level behavior. While it may be assumed fear of civil litigation influences the manner in which the police interact with the public, there is little empirical evidence for this claim; in fact, the frequent use of civil liability claims is poised to have an unanticipated side effect on contemporary policing. Officers may engage in fewer proactive law enforcement activities as a way to insulate them from litigation. This study examines whether experience with and attitudes toward civil liability influence the behavior of police officers, with particular attention on officer propensity to make arrests, use force, conduct searches and initiate encounters with suspects. Multivariate results indicate attitudes toward civil liability are weak and inconsistent predictors of behavior.