cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Genetic mediation of lipoprotein cholesterol and apoprotein concentrations in the Baboon (Papio sp.)

Abstract Genetic effects on serum lipoprotein and apoprotein concentrations were investigated using a paternal half-sib design with 79 progeny of 6 sires. Significant differences ( P P P >0.10) among sire progeny groups for apoB concentrations. Estimates of heritability were 0.54 for serum cholesterol, 0.32 for VLDL + LDL cholesterol, 0.78 for HDL cholesterol, 0.56 for apoA-1, and 0.20 for apoB concentration. Genetic ( r g ) and environmental ( r e ) correlations among serum cholesterol, lipoprotein cholesterol, and apoprotein concentrations were positive except for the negative genetic relationships of apoA-1 with apoB ( r g = −0.74) and with VLDL + LDL cholesterol ( r g = −0.30) concentrations. The phenotypic correlation ( r p = 0.31) of VLDL + LDL cholesterol with HDL cholesterol was due entirely to the genetic contribution (0.31) since the environmental contribution was zero. The positive genetic relationship ( r g = 0.62) of VLDL + LDL cholesterol and HDL cholesterol may be due to biochemical mechanisms controlling cholesterol turnover since the genetic correlations of VLDL + LDL cholesterol and HDL cholesterol with cholesterol turnover rate were both negative (−0.43 and −0.68, respectively). A strong negative genetic correlation ( r g = −0.95) was observed between apoA-I and cholesterol turnover, a finding that suggests a close physiologic relationship between these variables.
Acute symptomatic small bowel obstruction due to capsule impaction.

Background Capsule impaction is a well-recognized complication of capsule endoscopy, with an incidence rate of 0.75% to 21%, depending on indication. There have been only 2 reported cases of capsule impaction causing symptomatic obstruction. Objective We present 3 cases of capsule impaction causing acute symptomatic obstruction and/or perforation. Design Case series. Setting Teaching hospital. Patients A 71-year-old woman had iron deficiency anemia in the setting of negative upper endoscopy, colonoscopy, enteroclysis, and enteroscopy. She developed severe abdominal pain, vomiting, and leukocytosis 20 hours after capsule ingestion. Emergent surgery was performed to remove the capsule, which was impacted at a previously undiagnosed ileal Crohn's stricture leading to perforation. A 64-year-old woman with Gardner's syndrome and a history of colectomy and subsequent episodes of small bowel obstruction underwent capsule endoscopy to define the site of obstruction. She experienced severe abdominal pain 24 hours after capsule ingestion, and emergent enteroscopy was done to retrieve the capsule, which was impacted at a previously undiagnosed annular mass in the distal duodenum. An 85-year-old man with episodic small bowel obstruction due to radiation enteritis underwent capsule endoscopy to localize the site of obstruction in anticipation of surgery. He returned with severe abdominal pain and vomiting 3 days later. At surgery, the capsule was found to be impacted at an ileal radiation stricture. Main Outcome Measurements Acute symptomatic bowel obstruction. Results These cases show that bowel obstruction and even possibly perforation can occur as a result of capsule impaction. Conclusions The possibility of acute symptomatic small bowel obstruction should be included in the informed consent for capsule endoscopy.
Natural Language Processing in the undergraduate curriculum

The course, Natural Language Processing, is an upper-level course for computer science majors. The pre-requisites include Survey of Programming Languages and Data Structures, so most students have at least 21 hours of Computer Science. Because the course is only offered every two years, many students will have taken more than 21 hours. The course is organized into four primary sections: text processing, sentence generation, sentence analysis, and case studies.
Should Unconventional Balance Sheet Policies Be Added to the Central Bank Toolkit? A Review of the Experience so Far

What is the case for adding the unconventional balance sheet policies used by major central banks since 2007 to the standard policy toolkit? The record so far suggests that the new liquidity providing policies in support of financial stability generally warrant inclusion. As the balance sheet policies aimed at macroeconomic stability were used only by a small number of highly credible central banks facing a lower bound constraint on conventional interest rate policy, they are not relevant for most central banks or states of the world. Best practices of these policies are documented in this paper.
Recent Results from the RICE Experiment at the South Pole

Abstract The RICE experiment on detection of UHE neutrinos has been running over a decade. The experiment comprises an array of radio antennas buried in ice to the depth of up to 300 m near the geographic South Pole, and is designed to observe neutrino interactions in ice employing the radio Cherenkov technique. We discuss new limits on the diffuse UHE neutrino flux that now include the full dataset accumulated over 10 years and benefit from new analysis techniques. We also present our recent measurements of birefringent properties of ice at the experiment location.
Accomplishing authenticity in a labor-exposing space

The present work, through an ethnographic study of MySpace (N=96), examines the ways in which authenticity is accomplished within a labor-exposing space. To maintain authenticity, actors must make invisible the extensive labor of self-presentation. Certain online spaces, such as social network sites and personal interactive homepages, can be thought of as labor-exposing spaces, in that they give actors clear and explicit control over self-representations, making impressions of spontaneity difficult to accomplish (Davis, 2010; Gatson, 2011a; Marwick & boyd, 2010). I discuss and delineate several strategies used by participants to maintain authenticity on MySpace. I conclude that while the priorities of identity processes remain stable over time, the ways in which we accomplish identity are culturally, historically and materially contingent.
Neural correlates of metamemory: A comparison of feeling-of-knowing and retrospective confidence judgments

Metamemory refers to knowledge and monitoring of one's own memory. Metamemory monitoring can be done prospectively with respect to subsequent memory retrieval or retrospectively with respect to previous memory retrieval. In this study, we used fMRI to compare neural activity during prospective feeling-of-knowing and retrospective confidence tasks in order to examine common and distinct mechanisms supporting multiple forms of metamemory monitoring. Both metamemory tasks, compared to non-metamemory tasks, were associated with greater activity in medial prefrontal, medial parietal, and lateral parietal regions, which have previously been implicated in internally directed cognition. Furthermore, compared to non-metamemory tasks, metamemory tasks were associated with less activity in occipital regions, and in lateral inferior frontal and dorsal medial prefrontal regions, which have previously shown involvement in visual processing and stimulus-oriented attention, respectively. Thus, neural activity related to metamemory is characterized by both a shift toward internally directed cognition and away from externally directed cognition. Several regions demonstrated differences in neural activity between feeling-of-knowing and confidence tasks, including fusiform, medial temporal lobe, and medial parietal regions; furthermore, these regions also showed interaction effects between task and the subjective metamemory rating, suggesting that they are sensitive to the information monitored in each particular task. These findings demonstrate both common and distinct neural mechanisms supporting metamemory processes and also serve to elucidate the functional roles of previously characterized brain networks.
The response in vitro, of continuous cultures of human lymphoblasts (CCRF-CEM cells) to chemotherapeutic agents.

Abstract A series of nineteen chemotherapeutic agents and one metabolite has been studied for inhibitory activity in continuous suspension cultures of human leukemic lymphoblasts (CCRF-CEM cells), and the resulting ID5o data compared with the ID50 data derived from previous studies with other kinds of mammalian cells in monolayer cultures. As adjudged by comparison of ID50 data interpolated from dose: response curves in the usual manner, only two chemotherapeutic agents exhibited a greater degree of inhibitory activity for CCRF-CEM cells, and there was little evidence that CCRF-CEM cells are preferentially sensitive to those chemotherapeutic agents useful in the chemotherapy of human leukemia. The difficulties intrinsic in the interpretation of such comparative bioassay data are discussed. The CCRF-CEM cells were exquisitely sensitive to inhibition by exogenous thymidine, from which some chemotherapeutic advantage may derive. The utility of human leukemic cells in an appropriate bioassay system may reside in the detection of other agents to which such cells may be unusually or uniquely sensitive.
Practical nonlinear filtering with the method of virtual measurements

The method of virtual measurements (MOVM) will be described for designing nonlinear filters. The new nonlinear filter theory generalizes the Kalman filter, and in some important applications, the performance of the new filter is vastly superior to the extended Kalman filter (EKF). Unlike the EKF, the new theory does not use linearization. The new design approach, MOVM, can be applied to exact nonlinear filters as well as nonlinear approximate filters.
Aortico-Right Ventricular Shunt Following Aortic Valve Replacement

A 58-year-old man developed cardiac decompensation following aortic valve replacement as a result of an aortico-right ventricular fistula. Serial hemodynamic and electrocardiographic changes are presented. Attention is drawn to this rare complication as a cause of hemodynamic deterioration following aortic valve surgery.
Measurement of Atmospheric Temperature Profiles by Raman Backscatter

Abstract A technique for measuring instantaneous atmospheric temperature profiles is given. Utilizing the portion of the laser backscatter arising from the Raman rotational spectrum of N2, profiles up to 2 km with 100 m depth resolution provide temperature to within a degree with signal-to-noise ratios of order unity. Examples are given.
Heavy metal interactions with phosphatic clay: sorption and desorption behavior.

Heavy metals produced and released during agricultural and industrial activities may pose a serious threat to the environment. This study investigated the effectiveness of phosphatic clay, a by-product of the phosphate mining industry, for immobilizing heavy metals (Pb +2 , Cd +2 , and Zn +2 ) from aqueous solutions. A batch equilibrium technique was adopted to evaluate metal sorption in the presence of 0.05 M KNO 3 background electrolyte solution. The amounts of metals sorbed onto phosphatic clay decreased in the order Pb +2 > Cd +2 > Zn +2 . Desorption data suggest that a large fraction of metals sorbed onto phosphatic clay stayed intact under a wide variation in extracting solution pH (ranging from 3 to 10). Desorption rates were slowest for Pb followed by Cd and Zn. Only 8.1 to 23.1% of Pb, 8.4 to 45% of Cd, and 21.9 to 73.9% of Zn sorbed on phosphatic clay was mobilized by USEPA toxicity characteristic leaching procedure (TCLP) solutions at pH 2.93 ± 0.05 and 4.93 ± 0.05, respectively. Formation of fluoropyromorphite [Pb 10 (PO 4 ) 6 (F 2 )], confirmed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD), after reaction of aqueous Pb with phosphatic clay suggested that precipitation remained the dominant mechanism for Pb removal from aqueous solution. In the case of aqueous Cd and Zn interaction with phosphatic clay, we are not able to confirm the formation of a new amorphous and/or crystalline phase on the basis of available information. Other possible sorption mechanisms for Cd and Zn may include sorption and coprecipitation. Thus, phosphatic clay may be an effective amendment for in situ immobilization of heavy metals in contaminated soils and sediments.
Fire tests on window assemblies protected by automatic sprinklers

Full-scale fire tests on wired and tempered glazing in steel and aluminum frames are described. These assemblies achieved fire resistance ratings when exposed to a standard fire of 45 min to 2 h. The maximum radiant heat flux transmitted through the glass was reduced by more than 90%.
Dynamic force responses of muscle involving eccentric contraction.

Abstract Normal movements commonly involve dynamic conditions where active muscles operate against other muscle forces, or against forces arising from decelerating limb inertia. In these situations, some active muscles spanning the joint are lengthened. Presently, our understanding of the muscle mechanics which operate in lengthening contractions, or during large muscle length changes is incomplete. Consequently, existing mathematical descriptions of muscle action are usually constrained to small operating ranges (requiring very restricted inputs), or do not apply to conditions involving lengthening contractions. Although Hill's hyperbolic relation between muscle force and shortening velocity is well established, the force-velocity relation during lengthening is poorly defined. Experiments were performed to measure the steadystate force-velocity curve for both concentric and eccentric (lengthening) contractions in isolated muscle, and to document muscle response to complex length inputs that combine concentric and eccentric phases as might occur in natural movements. A Hill-type muscle model applicable to these motions was synthesized to determine how well a description based on steady-state parameters captures dynamic muscle behavior. The simulated model responses were compared to experimental records exhibiting complex, dynamic force responses involving both eccentric and concentric contractions, and reproduced these forces with average errors ranging from 2.3 to 13.4%.
Network models for maximization of heat transfer under weight constraints

Of concern is a network in which the conductance of certain branches are variable. The problem posed is the maximization of the joint conductance subject to a bound on the lρ norm of the variable conductances. It is shown that at an optimum state the conductance of a variable branch is proportional to the 2/(ρ+1) power of the current through the branch. This relation together with a dual variational principle leads to a “duality inequality” giving sharp upper and lower estimates of the maximum joint conductance. Such a network serves as a discrete model for a cooling fin subject to a weight limitation. Thus the model shows what analogous properties should hold for the cooling fin.
Estrogen Disruption of Neonatal Ovine Uterine Development: Effects on Gene Expression Assessed by Suppression Subtraction Hybridization

Abstract Inappropriate exposure of neonatal sheep to estrogen during critical developmental periods inhibits or retards endometrial gland morphogenesis and reduces uterine growth. Studies were conducted to identify mechanisms mediating estrogen disruption of neonatal ovine uterine development by analysis of candidate growth factor systems and using suppression subtraction hybridization (SSH). In study 1, sheep were exposed either to corn oil as a control or to estradiol valerate (EV) from birth to Postnatal Day (PND) 14, which ablated endometrial gland development. Estradiol valerate decreased uterine FGF7 (fibroblast growth factor 7) and MET (hepatocyte growth factor receptor) expression and increased INHBA (inhibin βA). The SSH identified a number of genes responsive to EV, which included GSTM3 (glutathione S-transferase), IDH1 (cytosolic NADP-isocitrate dehydrogenase), PECI (peroxisomal D3,D2-enoyl-coenzyme A isomerase), OAS1 (2′,5′-oligoadenylate 40/46-kDa synthetase), IGFBP3 (insulin-like growth fact...
Widening and High Inclination of the Middle Cerebral Artery Bifurcation Are Associated With Presence of Aneurysms

Background and Purpose—The middle cerebral artery (MCA) bifurcation is a preferred site for aneurysm formation. Wider bifurcation angles have been correlated with increased risk of aneurysm formation. We hypothesized a link between the presence of MCA aneurysms and the angle morphology of the bifurcation. Methods—Three-dimensional rotational angiography volumes of 146 MCA bifurcations (62 aneurysmal) were evaluated for angle morphology: parent–daughter angles (larger daughter Ф1, smaller daughter Ф2), bifurcation angle (Ф1+Ф2), and inclination angle (γ) between the parent vessel axis and the plane determined by daughter vessel axes. Statistics were evaluated using Wilcoxon rank-sum analysis and area under the receiver operator characteristic curve. Results—Aneurysmal bifurcations had wider inclination angle γ (median 57.8° versus 15.4°; P 10°, compared with 25% nonaneurysmal. Ф1 and Ф2, but especially Ф1+Ф2, were significantly larger in aneurysmal bi...
Floral development and structure of Davidsonia (Cunoniaceae)

Few data on floral development and morphology are available for the monotypic Australian genus Davidsonia. New data on floral form and development are presented for Davidsonia, and comparisons are made to allied clades. Phylogenetic analysis allies Davidsonia with core Cunoniaceae. Flower maturation on each branch of the cauliflorous inflorescences is basipetal, beginning with the terminal flower. Flowers are hypogynous, radially symmetrical, and have a uniseriate perianth that consists of a campanulate calyx. Davidsonia has been traditionally allied with Cunoniaceae, and it shares various basic floral attributes, especially gynoecial states, with some members of this family. The bicarpellate gynoecium of Davidsonia has an ovary that is completely synorganized and biloculate, two separate styles that have prominent ventral commissures, and terminal, papillate stigmas. Davidsonia differs most from core Cunoniaceae in androecial morphology, including the development of the androecium and the form of stamens...
A micro-model for aluminum-silicon alloys

A356 and A319 are aluminum-silicon casting alloys used in automobile powertrain castings such as engine blocks and cylinder heads. It is of interest to model solidification and microstructure evolution in these alloys as a function of melt composition and processing conditions. There are essentially two approaches to solidification modeling. The first is that of macro-modeling where heat flow is considered on a large scale with the intent of verifying gating system design and estimating overall solidification times for different regions of the casting. The second approach is a more fundamental approach that uses micro-models to estimate latent heat and fraction of solid evolution. The micro-models estimate the evolution of fraction of solid during solidification using nucleation and growth kinetics. These kinetics can be evaluated using first principles which is usually computationally very intensive, or they can be evaluated using experiments. This work describes an implementation of one such micromodel for Al-Si alloys which uses experimental results to estimate nucleation and growth kinetics. The goal of this work is to incorporate the micro-model into a macromodel to improve temperature history predictions a/nd provide a basis for more detailed microstructure and microporosity predictions. The model has been implemented in ProCAST{trademark}, a finitemore » element based commercial casting analysis software.« less
A Review of “Typo/Topo/Poéthique sur Frankétienne”

Although the media has largely concentrated on the meaning of Haiti's revolution in the wake of the devastating January 2010 earthquake that rocked Port-au-Prince, as Rachel Douglass (2008) has poi...
Discharge criteria for bronchiolitis patients.

To the Editor .— After reading the article by Willson et al1 that appeared in the October 2001 issue of Pediatrics, we were interested in finding discharge criteria for patients admitted with bronchiolitis. Although there is available literature discussing the decision to hospitalize and the therapies during hospitalization, we were unable to find much discussion on when to discharge. We sent a short questionnaire to chief pediatric residents at 30 different children’s hospitals across the country to discover their criteria for discharging patients with bronchiolitis. We received 17 responses. The following questions were asked: “Do you discharge patients with bronchiolitis home on oxygen?” “How long should the patient be off oxygen before discharge?” “What level should the patient’s oxygen saturations be on room air before discharge?” “Do you discharge patients home if they are still wheezing?” “Should a patient be at baseline home p.o. intake or is adequate hydration sufficient?” “How long should a patient be off deep suctioning before discharge?” “Do you use home health care nursing for your bronchiolitis patients, and if so, what therapies are ordered?” The …
Mastering diagnostic skills: enhancing proficiency in otitis media, a model for diagnostic skills training.

OBJECTIVE: We developed a program for training in the diagnosis of otitis media that included images illustrating various otoscopic findings, mnemonic guides to recollection, and discrimination sessions that included feedback and assessments of diagnostic skills. METHODS: We prepared a computerized, interactive curriculum, Enhancing Proficiency in Otitis Media (ePROM), that was centered around assemblages of clinically diverse, still and video images of tympanic membranes (TMs). To assess curriculum effectiveness, we constructed a test, the Diagnostic Ear Assessment Resource, that consisted of 50 video TM images. We administered the test to 84 residents in pediatrics or family practice who had not been exposed to ePROM and, varying the order in which the images were presented, to another group of 102 residents in the same programs both before and after exposure to ePROM. RESULTS:o Mean proportions of correct diagnoses in the Diagnostic Ear Assessment Resource were larger among residents who had been exposed to ePROM than among residents at comparable levels of training who had not been exposed (67% vs 62%; P = .007). Among residents exposed to ePROM, mean proportions of correct diagnoses were larger after exposure than before (67% vs 55%; P CONCLUSION: A structured, computerized curriculum to supplement standard clinical training can enhance residents9 abilities to interpret still and video images of TMs and may improve their skills in diagnosing otitis media.
Volatilization of Chemicals from Tap Water to Indoor Air from Contaminated Water Used for Showering

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) may enter indoor air during the use of contaminated tap water. When this occurs, occupants can become exposed to potentially toxic VOCs via the inhalation route. The propensity for VOCs to volatilize into indoor air during the routine use of showers was investigated. A series of mass transfer experiments were conducted while a shower was operated within an enclosed chamber. Acetone, ethyl acetate, toluene, ethylbenzene, and cyclohexane were used as volatile tracers. Chemical-specific stripping efficiencies and mass transfer coefficients were determined. An assessment of the importance of gas-phase resistance to mass transfer from water to air was also completed. Chemical-specific stripping efficiencies ranged from 6.3% (for acetone) to 80% (for cyclohexane) for household showers used under normal conditions. As described in this paper, data resulting from this study allow for the determination of overall mass transfer coefficients, and corresponding volatilization rates, for any showering event and chemical of interest. As such, the information presented herein should lead to improved estimates of human inhalation exposure to toxic chemicals that volatilize from water to indoor air.
Midbrain reticular formation involvement in the inhibition of acoustic startle

Abstract Twenty-three rats were tested for amplitude reduction and latency reduction of the startle response using acoustic and visual prestimuli. Subjects then received lesions directed at the lateral tegmental area, or were sham-operated. All subjects were then reassessed on a post-operative series of tests identical to the pre-operative series. Subjects with lesions of the lateral tegmental area were significantly different as a group from the sham-operated group on the uninhibited level of startle after surgery but not before surgery. These trends were paralleled by changes in unmodified response latency. Subjects with lesions of the lateral tegmental area also showed significantly less percent inhibition after surgery, compared to the sham-operative level; the sham-operated group showed no change. This effect was cross-modal in that the group with lesions of the lateral tegmental area showed decreased inhibition to both acoustic and visual prestimuli. No significant differences were found on percent latency reduction either before or after surgery. These data support the proposition that the lateral tegmental area is involved in the inhibition of the rat's acoustic startle response.
A planning solution for virtual business relationships

– This paper aims to show that the planning‐oriented reference model is a conceptual approach that may provide a more complete alignment of strategic information, governance constructs, as well as process and information flows in the development of virtual partnerships., – The research consists of a literature review along with interviews and observations recorded from previous public/private sector engagements in virtual planning and process change initiatives., – There are very few references that directly address the alignment of strategic plans, governance, and processes within the context of a reusable reference model library. Hence, such an approach may have merit in enhancing the body of knowledge associated with virtual business planning efforts., – If narrative strategic planning and policy information can be aligned and subsequently formally documented within a process‐oriented reference model structure, the resultant blueprint may be helpful in facilitating the rapid formation of virtual business partnership., – In a global economy competitive advantage will increasingly depend on how quickly organizations are able to reorganize in response to changing demand and market condition. Hence, virtual relationships will play an important role in the competitive challenges of the twenty‐first century. The framework proposes the use of reusable, process‐based planning libraries that could reduce the time and complexity associated with the formation, maintenance, and dissolution of virtual partnerships.
Tilting at Windmills: A Comment on Auer and Griffiths

In their review of Internet gambling studies, Auer and Griffiths (Soc Sci Comput Rev 20(3):312–320, 2013) question the validity of using bet size as an indicator of gambling intensity. Instead, Auer and Griffiths suggest using “theoretical loss” as a preferable measure of gambling intensity. This comment identifies problems with their argument and suggests a convergent rather than an exclusionary approach to Internet gambling measures and analysis.
Defects in hexagonal vanadium fluoride bronzes: A high resolution electron microscope study

Abstract Observations of hexagonal vanadium fluoride bronzes, AxVF3, (A = K, Rb, Cs, and Tl; 0.18 ≤ x ≤ 0.32 by high resolution electron imaging showed the presence of several kinds of defects, including stacking faults, overlays, twin boundaries, and different types of antiphase boundaries. These defects were modeled, and the structures confirmed by comparison of calculated and observed images where necessary. The presence of disorder was interpreted as supporting evidence for the tentative phase diagram.
Add to cart? E‐commerce, self‐service and the growth of interlibrary loan

Purpose – This paper seeks to examine the application of e‐commerce practices in libraries and the effect of those practices on interlibrary loan traffic among research libraries in the USA.Design/methodology/approach – This paper identifies key e‐commerce features and where parallel features exist in the discovery and request processes. In an age of unprecedented information access, instant communication, and large‐scale commercial information sources, the growth of interlibrary loan among US research libraries cannot be attributed solely to cost. A major factor in the continued growth of interlibrary loan must be, in part, attributed to the adoption by libraries of standard e‐commerce practices.Findings – The author's research indicates that adoption of standard e‐commerce practices by libraries has resulted in a dramatic increase of interlibrary loan traffic among research libraries in the USA.Originality/value – The research conducted for this paper is original and the findings add a unique perspectiv...
A parenteral nutrition regimen with ornithine substituted for arginine alters the amino acid, but not polyamine, content of the ward colon tumor

Substituting ornithine for arginine in total parenteral nutrition (TPN) regimens eliminates the TPN-enhanced growth of the Ward colon tumor. Plasma arginine was increased when tumor growth was increased, suggesting a role for this amino acid. The erythrocyte polyamine content, however, was elevated in rats receiving both TPN regimens, indicating an increased synthesis and availability for tumors receiving arginine- and ornithine-containing regimens. The objective of this study, therefore, was to evaluate the effect of substituting ornithine for arginine in a TPN regimen on the amino acid and polyamine content of the Ward colon tumor compared with that of rats fed chow ad libitum. Male Fischer 344 rats with a transplantable Ward colon tumor implanted subcutaneously were randomized to three groups and fed for four days. One group received a TPN regimen with arginine (1,300 mg/100 ml, ENA), whereas a second group received a regimen with an isonitrogenous substitution of ornithine (ENO). A control group received chow ad libitum. Serum and tumors were evaluated for arginine, ornithine, lysine, and polyamine content. The arginine concentration in the serum and tumor increased when rats received ENA. In contrast, the serum and tumor arginine content for rats receiving ENO was significantly lower than that for rats receiving chow or ENA. Tumor and serum ornithine content was increased severalfold when ornithine was included in the regimen. Tumor polyamine content was not affected by TPN. The results show that serum and tumor arginine content are significantly altered by substituting ornithine for arginine in a TPN regimen. These and previous results suggest that TPN-enhanced growth of the Ward colon tumor when arginine is included in the formulation occurs by a mechanism other than increased polyamine synthesis.
Changes in nuclear protein acetylation in u.v.-damaged human cells.

We have investigated the levels of nuclear protein acetylation in u.v.-irradiated human fibroblasts. Initially, we measured the levels of acetylation in total acid-soluble nuclear proteins and observed two distinct differences between the irradiated and unirradiated (control) cells. Immediately after irradiation, there is a 'wave' of protein hyperacetylation (i.e. a total acetylation level greater than that of unirradiated cells) that lasts for 2-6 h depending on the experimental conditions. This hyperacetylation phase is then followed by a hypoacetylation phase, lasting for many hours, and the total level of acetylation does not return to that of control cells until 24-72 h after u.v. damage. Both the magnitude and duration of each phase is dependent on the dose of u.v. light used. The wave of hyperacetylation is more pronounced at low u.v. doses (i.e. less than 5 J/m2), while the wave of hypoacetylation is more pronounced at higher u.v. doses (greater than or equal to 8 J/m2). Furthermore, the duration of each phase is prolonged when cells are exposed to 2 mM hydroxyurea, an agent which retards the rate of excision repair at u.v.-damaged sites. Examination of the acetylation levels of the individual nuclear proteins indicated that acetylation of the core histones follows the same pattern observed for the total acid-soluble protein fractions. Furthermore, these were the only major proteins in the total acid-soluble fraction observed to undergo the early, rapid hyperacetylation immediately following u.v. damage. Acetylation of histone H1 was negligible in both damaged and control cells, while three prominent non-histone proteins were acetylated only after long labeling times (greater than 4 h) in each case, gradually becoming hyperacetylated in the u.v.-damaged cells. These results raise the possibility that a causal relationship exists between nuclear protein acetylation and nucleotide excision repair of DNA in human cells.
A single-photon counting astronomical spectrophotometer.

A spectrophotometer originally used with current measuring photometry has been modified to take advantage of the increased information rate obtainable through single-photon counting. Through careful guiding, relative wavelength displacements between successive scans can be kept to 0 ± 0.1 A. In one test, shot noise appears to dominate for count rates less than 104/see on photometric nights. Used with the 208-cm Struve reflector at McDonald Observatory, objects as faint as mp = 15.3 have been successfully observed with a slit width of 150 A, corresponding to a resolution of 40. Objects as bright as V = 0.0 are observed with integration times of 1 sec and a slit width of 0.1 A, corresponding to a resolution of 50,000.
Distance, shape, and arrangement pattern dependence of the extinction spectra for hole arrays in a silver film

ABSTRACT The extinction spectra of hole arrays in a silver film are investigated with di screte dipole approximation method. The influences of distances between holes to the extinction spectr a are explored; the effects of shapes and sizes of holes on the extinction spectra are also probed. For holes of the same areas, simulations show that the holes with square and rectangular shapes exhibit more efficient couplings compared with the circular ones. The increased aspect ratios (length/width) of rectangular holes perpendicular to the polarization direction strengthen their couplings. The influences of hole distances to the extinction spectra are ex amined. In the simulations, the lattice areas of hole arrays are first kept to be a constant (400× 400 nm 2 ), and then allowed to be changed with one fixed edge length of the rectangular lattice arrays. The calculations indicate that the extinction resonance wavelengths are more sensitive to the hole spacings along the polarization direction. The distance variations perpendicular to the polarization direction only alter the strengths of the coupling between holes and show little impact to the resonance wavelengths.
Congressional Supervision of America's Secret Agencies: The Experience and Legacy of the Church Committee

In 1947, the United States created a modern intelligence community to guard against another surprise attack like the one at Pearl Harbor. This community consists of 13 major agencies, among them the CIA and the FBI. Concealed from public view, they pose a significant challenge to the concept of government accountability in a democratic society. This article examines the failure of congressional lawmakers to hold the secret agencies accountable during the Cold War. Contrary to recent theoretical research on legislative oversight, which suggests reasons that accountability has been strong in the United States, this study finds that a weak system of legislative review has permitted a dangerous erosion of civil liberties. The study also explores the efforts of the Church Committee in 1975 to fashion new safeguards that would reduce the probability of further abuse of power by the intelligence community.
Efficient production of transgenic chickens based on piggyBac

Transgenic techniques in chickens have been developed much more slowly than in mammals due to chickens’ unique reproduction mechanism. Retroviral methods have been the most successful. piggyBac (PB) is a transposon that has a 13 bp perfect terminal invert repeat sequence. PB can be inserted into TTAA sites and can also be precisely excised in mammals. Therefore, we have selected PB as a candidate to establish a new method to produce transgenic chickens. We constructed three donor vectors (ZGl-neo, ZGm-neo and ZGs-neo) expressing a GFP marker-gene and a neomycin resistant gene based on PB. We co-transfected each donor vector with a helper vector (CAG-PBase). We found that ZGl-neo was the most efficient PB vector. This vector could insert into TTAA sites in DF-1 cells. PB vectors were microinjected into sub-germinal cavity of newly laid eggs, and electroporation was then performed with a 20-V pulse for 5 cycles of 50 ms on and 100 ms off. GFP was expressed in different tissues of the embryos, including the gonads. Twenty-two chickens hatched after microinjection with compounds ZGl-neo and CAG-PBase (3:1). When we screened the blood DNA, 73 % (16/22) of the individuals were positive. Thirteen of the chickens grew to adulthood, 11 of which were males. 40 % (4/10) of the individuals were semen positive, and their copy numbers ranged from 0.05 to 0.21 (0.11, 0.21, 0.05, 0.06). No G1 offspring containing the integrated transposon were produced. We conclude that the PB transposon system is a novel useful tool for the efficient production of transgenic chickens.
Looking Forward: New Ideas, New Opportunities

The editor in chief discusses upcoming special issues, topic trends in multimedia, article submissions in 2007, and our volunteers' efforts.
Anal glands of the Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris: A potential source of chemosensory signal expression

In all vertebrate species examined, anal glands have been observed. These glands can be found anywhere along the anal canal and are generally a combination of apocrine and sebaceous adenomeres. They are used for signal expression in both terrestrial and aquatic settings. The goal of this study was to determine the morphology of the anal glands in the Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, and suggest functional hypotheses through comparison to other species. Samples were collected from manatees of varying ages, during all seasons, and from both sexes (six females and five males). The glands were examined grossly and microscopically. They are present in fetal, juvenile, and adult male and female manatees and are found in clusters on each side of the anal canal within the sphincter muscles. Unlike in other species, the glands are solely apocrine without a sebaceous component. Branched tubules empty into collecting ducts and enter the anal canal at the anorectal junction. The secretion is mucus, protein, and lipid-rich. The large size and productive nature of the glands suggest that, like anal glands in other species, these may be used for signal transmission. This is the first detailed description of anal glands in a fully aquatic mammal.
Solitons in optical communications

The history of the proposal that solitons be used for optical fiber communications and of the technical developments toward making soliton transmission practical is reviewed. The causes of bit errors in long-distance soliton transmission are presented and the methods for reducing them are described. A perturbation theory suited for soliton analysis is developed. Current status and future prospects of long-distance repeaterless fiber communications are stated.
Ytterbocene charge-transfer molecular wire complexes.

A systematic study of the novel charge-transfer [(f)14-(π*)0-(f)14 → (f)13-(π*)2-(f)13] electronic state found in 2:1 metal-to-ligand adducts of the type [(Cp*)2Yb](BL)[Yb(Cp*)2] [BL = tetra(2-pyridyl)pyrazine (tppz) (1), 6‘,6‘ ‘-bis(2-pyridyl)-2,2‘:4‘,4‘ ‘:2‘ ‘,2‘ ‘‘-quaterpyridine (qtp) (2), 1,4-di(terpyridyl)-benzene (dtb) (3), Cp* = (C5Me5)] has been conducted with the aim of determining the effects of increased Yb−Yb separation on the magnetic and electronic properties of these materials. The neutral [(f)13-(π*)2-(f)13], cationic [(f)13-(π*)1-(f)13] and dicationic [(f)13-(π*)0-(f)13] states of these complexes were studied by cyclic voltammetry, UV−vis−NIR electronic absorption spectroscopy, NMR, X-ray crystallography, and magnetic susceptibility measurements. The spectroscopic and magnetic data for the neutral bimetallic complexes is consistent with an [(f)13(π*)2(f)13] ground-state electronic configuration in which each ytterbocene fragment donates one electron to give a singlet dianionic bridging l...
Combinatorial analysis of multiple substrate—multiple product enzyme reactions

Abstract Analyses of input-output sequential patterns have been carried out on enzyme-catalyzed reactions with any number of reactants. Under the assumptions that no alternative pathways exist, that stable enzyme forms do not isomerize, and that a central complex is always present, several general equations are derived to express the total number of linear sequential patterns and circular mechanism patterns for any number of substrates, products and stable enzyme forms. The derived equations are useful in obtaining an accurate and rapid check for graphical solutions of reaction patterns and are useful in deducing some enzymatic reaction mechanisms involving many reactants.
Sudden gains versus gradual gains in a psychotherapy training clinic

Sudden gains are abrupt and substantial improvements in symptoms. This study used the Outcome Questionnaire-45 (OQ-45; Lambert et al., 1996) to characterize sudden gains occurring in a cognitive-behavioral therapy training clinic. Also, gradual gainers were identified and used as a comparison group. Sudden gains were identified in 23% of patients and in 29% of those who entered treatment in the clinical range on the OQ, within the range of prevalence established by previous sudden gain studies in the context of randomized controlled trials (RCT's). As in earlier research, sudden gains tended to occur early in therapy. However, sudden gains were more likely to be reversed than in RCT's. Gradual gains occurred for 54% of nonsudden gainers; they were of similar magnitude to sudden gains but occurred later in therapy. Sudden gainers showed significantly better outcomes at the end of treatment than did gradual gainers. Sudden gains have clear prognostic significance, but more research is needed to determine why they may be more transient in naturalistic studies or studies involving less experienced therapists than they are in RCT's.
Packaging MEM Sensor Arrays

Many applications of MEM sensors require hermetic or high vacuum packaging of sensor clusters. For example, multiple gyroscopes or accelerometers are fabricated on a single chip to improve alignment and stability of input axes or increase the dynamic range of instruments. Chemical sensors are fabricated as large arrays to both improve selectivity and increase the number of species that can be detected. Still larger arrays of sensors must be packaged for hydrophone and bolometer imaging devices. All of these applications place a demanding combination of requirements on the sensor package. The electrical outputs of the sensor array must be well isolated from each other as well as power and excitation signals, while parasitic capacitance is minimized. The package must also be capable of being evacuated and sealed to achieve a pressure of 5 millitorr with a leakage rate below 10−11 [Std cc sec−l]. Finally, the package must be compact and low cost to realize these same attributes of the MEM sensor. This paper describes a packaging approach that is based on low temperature cofired ceramic materials. This technology meets the packaging requirements of sensor arrays and is well suited to the research environment in which the sensor design is continually evolving.
Rat liver microsomal metabolism of propranolol: identification of seven metabolites by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry.

Abstract The metabolism of propranolol by rat liver 9000 g supernatant has been studied by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. N-des-isopropylpropranolol, 4-hydroxypropranolol, 1-(α-naphthoxy)-2, 3-propyleneglycol, naphthoxylactic acid, naphthoxyacetic acid, α-naphtol and isopropylamine were detected in the incubation medium. The metabolite profile was similar to that found in the urine of patients treated orally with propranolol.
A factorial study of number ability

In order to investigate certain hypotheses concerning the nature of number ability, and, secondarily, the nature of perceptual speed, a battery of thirty-four tests was given to 223 Chicago high school seniors and the data were factored by the centroid method. Seven primary factors were identifiable upon rotation. Several deductions are made relative to the interpretation of the factors and relative to the consistency of the data with the hypotheses which were to be tested.
A spectroscopic investigation of the structure of alcohol-water solutions

The v2 + v3 combination band of water has been recorded for nine alcohol-water solutions in which the volume fraction of water is less than 2% and for three alcohol-water solutions over the entire range of composition. In dilute solutions it was found that the fraction of “symmetrically” bonded water was, in general, smaller than in aprotic solvent-water systems. The fraction of nonbonded water protons was greater in alcohols of higher molecular weight and was also greater in tertiary alcohols than in primary ones. The 2vOH overtone band was recorded for three alcohols in alcohol-rich solutions. Water appears to break up the polymeric alcohol structure, and there appears to be a slight preference for water-water bonds over water-alcohol bonding. Raman spectra of the alcohol C−O stretching mode indicate that water-alcohol bonding is stronger than alcohol-alcohol bonding. The fraction of free alcohol and water OH groups appears to be smaller in solutions of intermediate composition than in the pure liquids. This increased “structure” of the solutions is consistent with the maxima occurring in the viscosity of alcohol-water solutions.
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory gastropathy: from theory to practice.

ABSTRACT The success of nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs in managing joint inflammation and pain has come at the cost of impressive side effects, particularly in the gastrointestinal tract. This manuscript reviews the magnitude of the problem, the risk factors, and presentation of nonsteroidal gastropathy. It also presents some points in the prevention and management of the disorder.
Mutational analysis identifies a new functional domain of the thyroid hormone receptor.

We studied the functional significance of a region of the thyroid hormone receptor ligand binding domain which is conserved in all members of the erbA superfamily. The homologous region of the glucocorticoid receptor has been implicated in the binding of heat shock protein 90, and deletions of the glucocorticoid receptor that include this region result in constitutive activity. Both deletion and point mutations were made in this area of the rat β1 thyroid hormone receptor (amino acids 286–305), and the functional consequences of these mutations were analyzed in JEG cells by transient cotransfection along with a T3 responsive reporter gene. All mutations studied resulted in significant inhibition of ligand- dependent transcriptional regulation without inducing significant constitutive activity. For some mutations, the lack of transcriptional response correlated with a diminished ability to bind ligand. However, point mutations of amino acids 288, 290, and 300 resulted in impaired transcriptional regulation...
Population spatiotemporal dynamics of spinal intermediate zone interneurons during air-stepping in adult spinal cats

The lumbar spinal cord circuitry can autonomously generate locomotion, but it remains to be determined which types of neurons constitute the locomotor generator and how their population activity is...