cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Seizing the science of ultrasound: beyond imaging and into physiology and therapeutics.

This classic question of Dr. Francois Abboud, past President of the American Heart Association and Director of the Cardiovascular Research Center at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, had to do with modalities, including imaging modalities, that neither contributed to our understanding of
Role of the Covalent Flavin Linkage in Monomeric Sarcosine Oxidase

Monomeric sarcosine oxidase (MSOX) is a prototypical member of a recently recognized family of amine-oxidizing enzymes that all contain covalently bound flavin. Mutation of the covalent flavin attachment site in MSOX produces a catalytically inactive apoprotein (apoCys315Ala) that forms an unstable complex with FAD (K(d) = 100 muM), similar to that observed with wild-type apoMSOX where the complex is formed as an intermediate during covalent flavin attachment. In situ reconstitution of sarcosine oxidase activity is achieved by assaying apoCys315Ala in the presence of FAD or 8-nor-8-chloroFAD, an analogue with an approximately 55 mV higher reduction potential. After correction for an estimated 65% reconstitutable apoprotein, the specific activity of apoCys315Ala in the presence of excess FAD or 8-nor-8-chloroFAD is 14% or 80%, respectively, of that observed with wild-type MSOX. Unlike oxidized flavin, apoCys315Ala exhibits a high affinity for reduced flavin, as judged by results obtained with reduced 5-deazaFAD (5-deazaFADH(2)) where the estimated binding stoichiometry is unaffected by dialysis. The Cys315Ala.5-deazaFADH(2) complex is also air-stable but is readily oxidized by sarcosine imine, a reaction accompanied by release of weakly bound oxidized 5-deazaFAD. The dramatic difference in the binding affinity of apoCys315Ala for oxidized and reduced flavin indicates that the protein environment must induce a sizable increase in the reduction potential of noncovalently bound flavin (DeltaE(m) approximately 120 mV). The covalent flavin linkage prevents loss of weakly bound oxidized FAD and also modulates the flavin reduction potential in conjunction with the protein environment.
Sensitivity of rat forebrain neurons to growth hormone-releasing hormone ☆

The effects of iontophoretically applied human pancreatic growth hormone-releasing factor (hpGRF), peptide histidine isoleucine (PHI-27), and somatostatin (SS) on the extracellular activity of single cells in the hypothalamus, thalamus, and cortex of the rat brain were studied in urethane-anesthetized, male rats. Neurons with membrane sensitivity to hpGRF, PHI-27, and SS were present in each brain region. Although neurons excited by these peptides were encountered in thalamus and hypothalamus, depression of neuronal firing was the predominant response observed. Overall, the neurons responding to hpGRF also possessed membrane sensitivity to PHI-27, whereas, the hpGRF sensitive neurons appeared to be more divided as to their ability to respond to SS. The results clearly demonstrate that hpGRF and PHI-27 are capable of affecting the membrane excitability of neurons in several brain regions. The distribution of neurons sensitive to hpGRF suggests that hypothalamic GRF, in addition to its well documented role in the regulation of pituitary growth hormone secretion, may subserve other physiological events in the rat central nervous system as a neurotransmitter and/or neuromodulator.
MAXIMUM LIKELIHOOD ESTIMATORS IN THE MULTIVARIATE AUTOREGRESSIVE MOVING‐AVERAGE MODEL FROM A GENERALIZED LEAST SQUARES VIEWPOINT

. Explicit expressions are derived for the gradient vector and (approximate) Hessian matrix of the log likelihood function for the multivariate autoregressive moving-average (ARMA) model. Based on these expressions an explicit description of the Gauss-Newton iterative procedure to obtain maximum likelihood (ML) estimates of the parameters in the multivariate ARMA model is presented. The resulting computational procedure has the form of a generalized least squares (GLS) estimation involving lagged values of the observed vector series and of the residual series as independent variables. This direct form of the estimator is found to be appealing and useful in understanding and interpreting the ML estimation procedure from a regression point of view, and in comparing the ML procedure with other ‘linear’ estimation procedures that have recently been presented. Simulation results are also presented for a univariate and a multivariate ARMA model to illustrate the ML-GLS estimation procedure and to compare it with other linear estimation procedures.
Growth, learning and redistributive policies

Abstract This paper develops an endogenous growth model with redistributive taxation in which the growth rate of the economy affects the agents’ preferences over redistributive policies, and therefore, the equilibrium level of taxation. The main mechanism through which the growth rate affects policy preferences is by changing the ability of the agents to learn their positions in the future distribution of incomes. The main result of the paper is that during periods of growth, the society opts for less taxation and less redistribution. The model also predicts that growing economies are characterized by higher inequality in the distribution of income and by greater mobility of agents within income classes over time.
Small RNA and transcriptional upregulation

The quest to manipulate gene expression at will has been a fascinating pursuit since the establishment of the central dogma of gene expression. The discovery of posttranscriptional RNA interference (RNAi) has partially fulfilled this goal—that is the ability to suppress the expression of any gene using small double-stranded RNAs (dsRNAs). Since the initial discovery of RNAi (1, 2), several other related mechanisms of gene silencing have been identified that occur at the levels of chromatin, DNA, transcription, mRNA, and translation, each triggered by small RNA (3–6). It has been proposed that RNAi is an evolutionally conserved defense mechanism to suppress foreign sequences (i.e. viral infection); however, such examples are rare in higher eukaryotes despite the presence of intact RNAi machinery. Therefore, it is now believed instead that evolution has adapted this innate defense mechanism as a means to regulate gene expression. In this regard, it is reasonable to suggest that RNA-mediated gene regulation may have evolved the capability to regulate target sequences both negatively and positively, thereby composing the ‘yin and yang’ of the RNA-mediated gene-regulation network. Recently, several classes of small RNA have been shown to upregulate gene expression at the transcriptional and/or epigenetic level (7–11). To describe such phenomena, the term RNAa (RNA activation) has been coined to distinguish it from RNAi (7). In this review, we discuss (i) the observations made so far on RNAa; (ii) our current understanding of its mechanism of action; (iii) its potential application both as a tool to study gene function and as a therapy for disease. We also speculate on the possibility of RNAa being mediated by endogenous small non-coding RNA (ncRNA).
The Next 40 Years Will Be the Most Important in History

The solidarity of the G-20 nations in staving off global financial crisis two years ago has deteriorated into a brawl over currency valuations, trade imbalances and sovereign debt, reflecting the great powershift from the West to the East and the emerging economies. In this section, we invited comments from historians, a former head of state who successfully navigated the Asian financial crisis and a prominent Chinese dissident.
C‐reactive protein concentrations in canine acute pancreatitis

Objective: To determine if C-reactive protein (CRP) concentration is elevated in spontaneously occurring canine acute pancreatitis (AP), and to measure changes in CRP during the course of hospitalization. Design: Prospective study. Setting: Tufts University School of Veterinary Medicine Foster Hospital for Small Animals. Animals: Sixteen client-owned dogs with AP and 16 healthy controls. Interventions: Blood samples were obtained from the AP group on the day of diagnosis (Day 1), and on Days 3 and 5, unless the dog died or was discharged from the hospital. Blood was obtained from the control dogs once. Measurements and main results: Serum CRP was measured using a commercial immunoassay for each dog with AP and for healthy controls. Day 1 CRP concentrations were significantly higher in the AP group (56.1±12.7 μg/mL) compared with controls (2.8±1.3 μg/mL; P<0.001). For the 7 dogs that had samples collected on all 3 days, the mean CRP concentrations decreased significantly (P=0.043) over the 5 days of measurement. Of the 16 dogs with AP, 14 were discharged from the hospital and 2 were euthanized. Conclusions: Serum CRP concentrations were elevated in this group of 16 dogs with spontaneously occurring AP. In the 7 dogs that had measurements on all 3 days, the mean CRP concentration decreased from the day of diagnosis to the measurement made 5 days later.
180 deg domain formation in ferroelectrics with shorted electrodes.

180 degree domain formation in ferroelectric crystals unaffected by presence of shorted electrodes due to surface layer properties differing from bulk
The heuristic search under conditions of error

Abstract By placing various restrictions on the heuristic estimator it is possible to constrain the heuristic search process to fit specific needs. This paper introduces a new restriction upon the heuristic, called the “bandwidth” condition, that enables the ordered search to better cope with time and space difficulties. In particular, the effect of error within the heuristic is considered in detail. Beyond this, the bandwidth condition quite naturally allows for the extension of the heuristic search to MIN/MAX trees. The resulting game playing algorithm affords many desirable practical features not found in minimax based techniques, as well as maintaining the theoretical framework of ordered searches. The development of this algorithm provides some additional insight to the general problem of searching game trees by showing that certain, somewhat surprising changes in the cost estimates are required to properly search the tree. Furthermore, the use of an ordered search of MIN/MAX trees brings about a rather provocative departure from the conventional approach to computer game playing.
New and reconsidered species of tropical American Melastomataceae

Two species of berry-fruited Melastomataceae are described as new: Blakea unguiculata from the Caribbean lowlands of Panama, and Miconia mcphersonii from the Caribbean lowlands of Panama and lowland forests on the western slope of the Cordillera Occidental of Colombia. Discussions, distributional data, diagnostic illustrations, and a conservation assessment are provided for each of the new species. Meriania hoyosii, comb. nov. and M. compressicaulis , nom. nov. are proposed to effect the transfer of two species of Adelobotrys (A. hoyosii and A. panamensis respectively) to the genus Meriania. A revised key to the Mesoamerican species of Meriania is also provided.
Forecast verification: Its Complexity and Dimensionality

Abstract Two fundamental characteristics of forecast verification problems—complexity and dimensionality—are described. To develop quantitative definitions of these characteristics, a general framework for the problem of absolute verification (AV) is extended to the problem of comparative verification (CV). Absolute verification focuses on the performance of individual forecasting systems (or forecasters), and it is based on the bivariate distribution of forecasts and observations and its two possible factorizations into conditional and marginal distributions. Comparative verification compares the performance of two or more forecasting systems, which may produce forecasts under 1) identical conditions or 2) different conditions. The first type of CV is matched comparative verification, and it is based on a 3-yariable distribution with possible factorizations. The second and more complicated type of CV is unmatched comparative verification, and it is based on a 4-variable distribution with 24 possible fact...
Issues in the growth of bulk crystals of infrared materials

Attention is given to the relevant criteria governing materials choice in the growth of IR optoelectronic bulk single crystals of III-V and II-VI alloy and I-III-VI2 compound types. The most important considerations concern the control of crystal purity, microstructural perfection, stoichiometry, and uniformity during crystal growth, as well as the control of surface properties in wafer fabrication. Specific examples are given to illustrate the problems encountered and their preferred solutions.
Incorporating ethnic and cultural food preferences in the renal diet

Medical nutrition therapy (MNT), nutrition education, and counseling are essential components for effective management of end-stage kidney disease (ESKD). Patients with ESKD have to alter their diets and to implement new eating behaviors, sometimes irrespective of ethnic and cultural food preferences because of their high content of specific nutrients. Ethnic and cultural factors influence dietary adherence. Therefore, assessing cultural issues surrounding food and food preferences may help improve dietary adherence. A large percentage of the ESKD population in the United States is black and Hispanic, with cultural food preferences that are particularly high in potassium, phosphorus, and sodium. This article provides an overview of the role of culture and ethnicity in food habits and dietary adherence, a list of cultural and ethnic foods that should be examined and incorporated in the development of an appropriate renal diet meal plan for black and Hispanic Americans with ESKD, and practical recommendations for cross-cultural nutrition counseling. If MNT is to be effective in the medical management of patients from different cultural and ethnic backgrounds, it must incorporate more traditional and customary foods in the renal diet meal plan.
Interlibrary loan purchase-on-demand: A misleading literature

Many libraries are engaging in interlibrary loan purchase-on-demand without fully acknowledging all of the costs of adding such titles to their collections. This study compares the costs of monograph interlibrary loans and the costs of monograph accession, including staffing overhead costs for both. In order to be truly cost-effective, interlibrary loan purchase-on-demand titles must have a minimum projected circulation, depending on the base price to purchase the item. A review of current patron-driven acquisitions models associated with interlibrary loan purchase-on-demand is included.
Dosimetric Calibration and Characterization for Experimental Mouse Thoracic Irradiation Using Orthovoltage X Rays

Abstract An experimental irradiation setup was designed to deliver a conformal field of thoracic irradiation to mice. The objective is to provide accurate dosimetric evaluation for the experimental setup, which involves a pie cage device holding up to 10 mice with concentric Cerrobend® shields to collimate the beam. The setup uses 250 kVp X rays, and it also involves an air gap, off-axis prescription point and plastic bag containing anesthetic isoflurane gas. The dose rate in cGy/min was determined as follows: absolute dose calibration for the open cone, measurements of output factor and percentage depth dose for the narrow ring-shaped lung aperture, measurements of bag attenuation, and evaluation of other factors specific to the treatment geometry. Dose enhancement at the skin surface caused by electron contamination from shielding material was also studied. The results showed an overall 25 ± 4% drop at lung mid-plane relative to the standard irradiation setup with the open cone. The increased surface do...
Mechanism of Ethanol Inhibition of NMDA Receptor Function in Primary Cultures of Cerebral Cortical Cells

Ethanol is a potent inhibitor of the function of the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) subtype of glutamate receptor in various neuronal preparations. In primary cultures of cerebellar granule cells, ethanol was suggested to interact with the glycine co-agonist site of the receptor by a mechanism involving protein kinase C. In the present study, the interaction of ethanol with various sites on the NMDA receptor was examined in primary cultures of cerebral cortical cells from embryonic rats. NMDA receptor function was determined by measuring increases in intracellular Ca 2+ with fura-2 fluorescence. Ethanol inhibited the function of the NMDA receptor in cerebral cortical cells, but in contrast to the results in cerebellar granule cells, phorbol ester treatment did not inhibit the NMDA response, and ethanol did not alter the effect of glycine on NMDA receptor function. Ethanol also did not affect inhibition of the NMDA response by Mg 2+ or dizocilpine. The results support the hypothesis that the mechanism of ethanol inhibition of NMDA receptor function can vary in neurons from different brain regions.
The road to multimedia

Brackenbury, I. and H. Sachar, The road to multimedia, Future Generation Computer Systems 7 (1991) 91-96.
Modulus of continuity of harmonic functions

LetG be a bounded plane domain, the diameters of whose boundary components have a fixed positive lower bound. Letu be harmonic inG and continuous in the closureG ofG. Suppose that the modulus of continuity ofu on the boundary ofG is majorized by a function of a suitable type. We shall then obtain upper bounds for the modulus of continuity ofu inG. Further, we shall show that in some situations these estimates cannot be essentially improved. We shall also consider the same problem for certain bounded domains in space.
FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH MATERNAL SELF-ESTEEM AND DEPRESSION AMONG ADOLESCENT MOTHERS. 84

This study examined psychosocial factors associated with maternal self-esteem and competence in very young mothers. Adolescent mothers who were enrolled in a study of prenatal sociodemographic and psychologic characteristics and their relation to teen birth outcome were reinterviewed 6 months postpartum. The prenatal interview had included measures of depression, social support, self-esteem, and Locus of Control. The postpartum interview repeated measures of depression and social support and included a health survey and the Maternal Self Report Inventory (MSI-a measure of maternal self-esteem). The sample consisted of 30 mother-infant pairs. The mean age of infants was 6.9 months (5.5-7.5 m). Mean maternal age was 16.2 yrs (14.5-18.6 yrs). Mothers were unmarried, predominantly poor, and ethnically heterogeneous. Half (15) reported they had repeated at least one grade in school. At 6 months postpartum, most girls had had a postpartum exam (25/30). However, only 16 (53%) reported consistent use of contraception. All infants had been appropriately immunized. 22/30 (78%) infants had been seen at least once in the ER. ER use was associated with ↑ maternal depression and with↓ maternal self-esteem. Depression at 6 months was related to prenatal depression (p <0.01) and postpartum social support (p <0.05). Maternal self-esteem was related to social support both prenatally (p <0.001) and postpartum (p <0.05). Neither maternal age, school status, nor prenatal measures of self-esteem, or Locus of Control were related to maternal self-esteem or postnatal depression.
The use of ionization potentials Part 2. Anion affinity and geochemistry

Abstract The nature of bonds and their mechanism of formation are briefly discussed. It is concluded that the so-called ionic approach be used for interpreting properties of metal-nonmetal compounds irrespective of whether the bonds are dominantly covalent or dominantly ionic. It is assumed that the history of each metal-nonmetal reaction passes through a transitory stage in which the properties of free ions play a dominant role in determining the properties of the equilibrium product. Anion affinity is defined as the power of a cation for attracting anions in the transitory state, and the ionization potential (first for monovalent cations, second for divalent cations, and so on) is used as a relative measure of anion affinity. Various topics of geochemical interest such as the separation of elements into sulphide and silicate phases, geochemieal coherence, behaviour of elements in fractionated silicate minerals, melting points of olivine and of Ge and Ga substituted feldspars, anion affinity and structure, and the ability of elements to form complexes, are discussed. Attempts at interpretation are made on the basis of the valence, size and anion affinity of cations and the polarizability of the anions.
Use of municipal sludge to restore and improve site productivity in forestry: The pack forest sludge research program

Abstract Municipal wastewater residuals—sludge or biosolids—represent a major waste by-product from society that must be managed in responsible ways, and not released into aquatic systems or allowed to contaminate ground waters. Because of its high nutrient and organic matter content, sludge can be beneficially recycled into forest sites for site improvement purposes. Research to date on forest application of sludge has been very encouraging, clearly demonstrating the validity of this management technique. Forest sites typically display benefits in two ways: (1) an immediate growth response by both overstory and understory species; (2) a long-term improvement to the productivity of the site. However, for this practice to have broad utility and acceptance, it is critical that the concerns of the regulatory agencies and general public be addressed regarding public health and environmental issues through continued research. These concerns include the fate of trace metals, including movement, uptake and potential phytotoxicity, and passage into wildlife and human food cahin, the fate of pathogens, and leaching of nitrates into ground water systems. Many concerns are a result of misconceptions or misunderstandings of the potential problems involved and require working with these agencies and the general public through education and demonstration programs. This paper addresses the opportunities and problems that researchers at the University of Washington, College of Forest Resources have encountered while working in forest sludge applications during the past 20 years.
Leave regulation to the FDA.

Former FDA Commissioner Donald Kennedy recently opined (“Misbegotten preemptions,” Editorial, 2 May, p. [585][1]) that makers of FDA-regulated products should be subject to lawsuits in state courts when things go wrong, even if they have followed FDA's rules to the letter. I disagree. The
Mullitization of high-alumina refractory raw material

The stability of the phase composition of sintered material, essential for production processes, is achieved by firing at 1600° for a brief period. Materials made of Novaya Selitsa kaolin, and particularly Arkalyk rock, of which very intensive mullitization is typical, are exceptionally valuable argillaceous components for charges for making high-alumina refractories by the present system of technology (on the basis of charges composed of refractory clays and commercial alumina).
Regulation leads to increases in riparian vegetation, but not direct allochthonous inputs, along the Colorado River in Grand Canyon, Arizona

Dams and associated river regulation have led to the expansion of riparian vegetation, especially nonnative species, along downstream ecosystems. Nonnative saltcedar is one of the dominant riparian plants along virtually every major river system in the arid western United States, but allochthonous inputs have never been quantified along a segment of a large river that is dominated by saltcedar. We developed a novel method for estimating direct allochthonous inputs along the 387 km-long reach of the Colorado River downstream of Glen Canyon Dam that utilized a GIS vegetation map developed from aerial photographs, empirical and literature-derived litter production data for the dominant vegetation types, and virtual shorelines of annual peak discharge (566 m3 s−1 stage elevation). Using this method, we estimate that direct allochthonous inputs from riparian vegetation for the entire reach studied total 186 metric tons year−1, which represents mean inputs of 470 gAFDM m−1 year−1 of shoreline or 5.17 gAFDM m−2 year−1 of river surface. These values are comparable to allochthonous inputs for other large rivers and systems that also have sparse riparian vegetation. Nonnative saltcedar represents a significant component of annual allochthonous inputs (36% of total direct inputs) in the Colorado River. We also estimated direct allochthonous inputs for 46.8 km of the Colorado River prior to closure of Glen Canyon Dam using a vegetation map that was developed from historical photographs. Regulation has led to significant increases in riparian vegetation (270–319% increase in cover, depending on stage elevation), but annual allochthonous inputs appear unaffected by regulation because of the lower flood peaks on the post-dam river. Published in 2010 by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Quantitative estimation of geometric isomers by post-source decay MALDI MS

Abstract Isomeric triazine pesticides: prometryn (N,N′-bis(1-methylethyl)-6-(methylthio)-1,3,5-triazine-2,4-diamine) and terbutryn (N-(1,1-dimethylethyl)-N′-ethyl-6-(methylthio)-1,3,5-triazine-2,4-diamine) are quantitatively analyzed by matrix assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry (MALDI-MS) without prior separation. The total concentration of the pesticide isomers was quantified by ‘standard’ MALDI using simetryn as an internal standard, while the composition of the isomeric mixture was estimated using post-source decay (PSD) MALDI-MS. Prometryn and terbutryn generate different PSD-MALDI product ions, and a PSD fragment characteristic of each isomeric pesticide is used for quantification of the mixture. Specifically, the fragment at m/z=186 is used for quantification of terbutryn, while the fragment at m/z=200 is used for prometryn. Fast evaporation and dried droplet methods were employed in PSD-MALDI quantification, and linear signal response was obtained for both methods. However, the fast evaporation method showed better quantitative characteristics and a lower detection limit.
Fate of attenuated tubercle bacilli (BCG) in germ-free and conventional mice.

IN the course of a study of hyper-reactivity to endotoxin of mice infected with BCG, the use of germ-free mice was indicated1. Since little information is available concerning the response of germ-free animals to infectious agents, especially Mycobacteria, the fate of BCG in these animals was followed carefully and was compared with that in conventional animals of the same strain.
FCAPT uvby Photometry of the mCP Stars BN Cam, EP Vir, FF Vir, and HD 184905

We studied differential single-channel Stromgren uvby observations of four magnetic CP (mCP) stars, obtained with the Four College Automated Photoelectric Telescope (FCAPT), which now have two epochs of observations. To bring the recent photometry of BN Cam into agreement with earlier FCAPT photometry, we adjusted its period to 2.73501 days. As we found several older photometric studies whose data are consistent with this value, its period appears to have been constant for the past 35 years. We refined the period of EP Vir to 16.3071 days and reduced the errors in its ephemeris. When we compare the light curves from the observing seasons in which complete light curves were obtained, we find the small differences among them to be suggestive of variability. For FF Vir and HD 184905, the periods are 129.99 and 1.84535 days, respectively, as found by previous FCAPT data studies. Their light curves are similar to those of previous uvby and V measurements for the past 35 years. Online material: color figures, extended table
Polarization oscillations of solitons in dissipative, elliptically birefringent optical fibres

The propagation of solitons in dissipative, elliptically birefringent single-mode fibres is considered analytically by a variational technique, in terms of a theoretical model of two coupled nonlinear Schrodinger equations with all the oscillating terms, arising from nonlinear polarization. For nearly equal amplitudes of the interacting solitons of different polarizations, the frequency of relative oscillations of soliton positions has been determined.
Estimates of the Utility of Child Behavior Checklist/Teacher Report Form Attention Problems Scale in the Diagnosis of ADHD in Children Referred to a Specialty Clinic

Examination of the accuracy or diagnostic utility of behavioral rating scales can contribute to an evidence base for assessment practice. The purpose of this study was to provide estimates of the diagnostic utility of the Attention Problems scales from the Child Behavior Checklist and Teacher Report Form in the assessment of Attention- Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in children referred for evaluation to a specialty clinic. It was hypothesized that the utility of the Attention Problems scales in diagnosing ADHD would be fair to moderate in magnitude. This study extends the literature on the diagnostic accuracy of the Attention Problems scales by utilizing various diagnostic standards, multiple cutoffs, and multiple informants. Signal detection, Bayesian, and efficiency approaches were used to evaluate the diagnostic utility of the Attention Problems scale. Results showed the quality of efficiency for the Attention Problems scale was moderate for parents and teachers. In general, teacher ratings showed slightly higher quality of efficiency than parent ratings when teacher ratings were included in the diagnostic standard.
The traveler's dilemma.

J U N E 2 0 0 7 find that the airline has damaged the identical antiques that each had purchased. An airline manager says that he is happy to compensate them but is handicapped by being clueless about the value of these strange objects. Simply asking the travelers for the price is hopeless, he figures, for they will inflate it. Instead he devises a more complicated scheme. He asks each of them to write down the price of the antique as any dollar integer between 2 and 100 without conferring together. If both write the same number, he will take that to be the true price, and he will pay each of them that amount. But if they write different numbers, he will assume that the lower one is the actual price and that the person writing the higher number is cheating. In that case, he will pay both of them the lower number along with a bonus and a penalty—the person who wrote the lower number will get $2 more as a reward for honesty and the one who wrote the higher number will get $2 less as a punishment. For instance, if Lucy writes 46 and Pete writes 100, Lucy will get $48 and Pete will get $44. What numbers will Lucy and Pete write? What number would you write? Scenarios of this kind, in which one or more individuals have choices to make and will be rewarded according to those choices, are known as games by the people who study them (game theorists). I crafted this game, “Traveler’s Dilemma,” in 1994 with several objectives in mind: to contest the narrow view of rational behavior and cognitive processes taken by economists and many political scientists, to challenge the libertarian presumptions of traditional economics and to highlight a logical paradox of rationality. Traveler’s Dilemma (TD) achieves those goals because the game’s logic dictates that 2 is the best option, yet most people pick 100 or a number close to 100—both those who have not thought through the logic and those who fully understand that they are deviating markedly from the “rational” choice. Furthermore, players reap a greater reward by not adhering to reason in this way. Thus, there is something rational about Lucy and Pete, THE TRAVELER’S DILEMMA By Kaushik Basu
Nucleotide substitution in the amino acid acceptor stem of lysine transfer RNA causes missense suppression.

Previous results from this laboratory indicated that, in Escherichia coli K12, a new class of missense suppressors, which read the lysine codons AAA and AAG, may be misacylated lysine transfer RNAs. We therefore isolated and determined the nucleotide sequence of the lysine tRNA from two of the suppressor strains. In each case, we found both wild-type and mutant species of lysine tRNA a result consistent with evidence that there are two genes for lysine tRNA in the E. coli genome. The wild-type sequence was essentially identical to that reported for lysine tRNA from E. coli B. The mutant species isolated from each suppressor strain had a U for C70 nucleotide substitution, demonstrating that the AAG suppressor is a mutant lysine tRNA. The nucleotide substitution in the amino acid acceptor stem is consistent with the in vivo evidence that the suppressor corrects AAA and AAG missense mutations by inserting an amino acid other than lysine during polypeptide synthesis. This report represents the first verification of missense suppression caused by misacylation of a mutant tRNA.
Medical relevance of low concentrations of antibiotics

Low concentrations of antibiotics or sub-minimum inhibitory concentrations (sub-MIC) have been shown in vitro to alter the ultrastructure and antigenicity of bacteria, their adherence to epithelial cells, their synthesis and excretion of pathogenic enzymes and their rate of growth. The same effects have been detected when low concentrations of antibiotic act on bacteria in vivo. Animal experiments as well as clinical investigations have demonstrated therapeutic results with sub-MICs at the site of infection.
Proposed NASA budget cuts planetary science

President Barack Obama's fiscal year (FY) 2013 budget request for NASA would sharply cut planetary science while maintaining other science and exploration priorities. The total proposed FY 2013 budget for NASA is $17.7 billion, a slight decrease (0.33%) from the previous year (see Table 1). This includes $4.9 billion for the Science directorate, a decrease of about 3.2% from the previous year, and about $3.9 billion for the Human Exploration directorate, a n increase of about $200 million over FY 2012. The latter would include about $2.8 million for development of a new heavy-lift rocket system, known as the Space Launch System (SLS), to take humans beyond low-Earth orbit, along with the Orion crew vehicle.
Clinical ocular toxoplasmosis in neonatal kittens.

Objective To describe ocular findings in kittens with congenital or early neonatal infection by Toxoplasma gondii and to determine if there are detectable differences in disease caused by three strains. Animals studied Six adult female cats and the offspring from seven litters. Methods Four kittens from uninfected specific pathogen-free (SPF) queens and 21 kittens from SPF queens inoculated at various times late in gestation with Mozart, Maggie, or ME-49 strain of T. gondii were used. Ocular examinations were performed on queens prior to and after delivery, and on kittens weekly to bi-weekly for up to 27 weeks. Whole blood for serology was collected from all kittens at 5½ to 8 weeks of age and again at 12 weeks of age or later. Results No kittens from noninfected queens developed ocular lesions or antibody to T. gondii. Three of the 24 kittens from infected queens died or were euthanized early in the study. Chorioretinitis was detected in 15 of 21 living kittens from infected queens. Two developed concurrent anterior uveitis that resolved within 1 week. Posterior segment lesions varied ophthalmoscopically between strains. Of 21 kittens from T. gondii-infected queens, six developed positive antibody titers to T. gondii during the study. All seropositive kittens were born to queens infected with Mozart strain of T. gondii. Conclusion Results of this study suggest that ocular toxoplasmosis can occur without other evidence of clinical illness in kittens infected in utero or in the neonatal period, and that T. gondii strains may have varying degrees of ocular pathogenicity in cats.
Design of a small multiturn magnetic thin film memory

Since Pohm introduced the concept of multiturn windings as a means for improving the efficiency of planar thin film memory elements and thereby lowering the cost, very little, work has been published on memories using this technique. Planar thin film memory elements typically require word currents on the order of 500 ma and bit currents on the order of 150 ma while signals are in the range of 1 to 2 mv. Multiturn windings can be used for sense lines and/or word lines to improve the efficiency of planar film elements because the drive requirements are inversely proportional to the number of turns while the signal output is theoretically directly proportional to the number of turns. This paper describes the design of a 74000 bit planar thin film memory using a multiturn sense-digit structure but using single lines for word drive.
Transient rheology of the upper mantle beneath central Alaska inferred from the crustal velocity field following the 2002 Denali earthquake

The M7.9 2002 Denali earthquake, Alaska, is one of the largest strike-slip earthquakes ever recorded. The postseismic GPS velocity field around the 300-km-long rupture is characterized by very rapid horizontal velocity up to ∼300 mm/yr for the first 0.1 years and slower but still elevated horizontal velocity up to ∼100 mm/yr for the succeeding 1.5 years. I find that the spatial and temporal pattern of the displacement field may be explained by a transient mantle rheology. Representing the regional upper mantle as a Burghers body, 1 infer steady state and transient viscosities of η 1 = 2.8 x 10 18 Pa s and η 2 = 1.0 x 10 17 Pa s, respectively, corresponding to material relaxation times of 1.3 and 0.05 years. The lower crustal viscosity is poorly constrained by the considered horizontal velocity field, and the quoted mantle viscosities assume a steady state lower crust viscosity that is 7η 1 . Systematic bias in predicted versus observed velocity vectors with respect to a fixed North America during the first 3-6 months following the earthquake is reduced when all velocity vectors are referred to a fixed site. This suggests that the post-Denali GPS time series for the first 1.63 years are shaped by a combination of a common mode noise source during the first 3-6 months plus viscoelastic relaxation controlled by a transient mantle rheology.
The effect of alternative cost recovery methods on planning by electric utilities

Abstract The process by which the American economy has been assured an adequate supply of electricity has ceased functioning effectively. Internal conflicts and contradictions within the process now make its results unpredictable. This conclusion emerges from a five-step analysis: (1) a summary of the peculiar characteristics of electric generating plant; (2) a review of conventional cost recovery procedures; (3) a summary of recent experiences in recovering the costs of investments in generating plants; (4) an estimate of the need for new generating facilities; and (5) an analysis of the risk-reward relationship associated with new generating plant. A series of computer simulation models quantify the sensitivity of certain financial criteria to different regulatory environments.
In situ oxidation and reduction of the oxides of cerium, praseodymium and terbium by high-voltage electron microscopy

SUMMARY In situ oxidation and reduction of the oxides of cerium, praseodymium and terbium in a controlled atmosphere and temperature have been studied utilizing a high-voltage electron microscope. Experiments were carried out in the environmental cell of the Berkeley KRATOS EM 1500 HVEM at temperatures between 298 K and 1023 K in an atmosphere of oxygen, hydrogen or vacuum. Electron diffraction patterns revealed the course of small fragments of the crystalline oxides. In nearly all cases, the degree of reduction recorded was greater than expected from equilibrium tensimetric studies in the absence of an electron beam. Furthermore, reoxidation appeared to be more sluggish and to a lesser extent than is observed in specimens outside the microscope.
The EHEC Type III Effector NleL Is an E3 Ubiquitin Ligase That Modulates Pedestal Formation

Enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli (EHEC) O157:H7 causes hemorrhagic colitis and may result in potentially fatal hemolytic uremia syndrome in humans. EHEC colonize the intestinal mucosa and promote the formation of actin-rich pedestals via translocated type III effectors. Two EHEC type III secreted effectors, Tir and EspFu/TccP, are key players for pedestal formation. We discovered that an EHEC effector protein called Non-LEE-encoded Ligase (NleL) is an E3 ubiquitin ligase. In vitro, we showed that the NleL C753 residue is critical for its E3 ligase activity. Functionally, we demonstrated that NleL E3 ubiquitin ligase activity is involved in modulating Tir-mediated pedestal formation. Surprisingly, EHEC mutant strain deficient in the E3 ligase activity induced more pedestals than the wild-type strain. The canonical EPEC strain E2348/69 normally lacks the nleL gene, and the ectopic expression of the wild-type EHEC nleL, but not the catalytically-deficient nleL(C753A) mutant, in this strain resulted in fewer actin-rich pedestals. Furthermore, we showed that the C. rodentium NleL homolog is a E3 ubiquitin ligase and is required for efficient infection of murine colonic epithelial cells in vivo. In summary, our study demonstrated that EHEC utilizes NleL E3 ubiquitin ligase activity to modulate Tir-mediated pedestal formation.
Classification of videocapsule endoscopy image patterns: comparative analysis between patients with celiac disease and normal individuals

Quantitative disease markers were developed to assess videocapsule images acquired from celiac disease patients with villous atrophy, and from control patients. Capsule endoscopy videoclip images (576 × 576 pixels) were acquired at 2/second frame rate (11 celiacs, 10 controls) at regions: 1. bulb, 2. duodenum, 3. jejunum, 4. ileum and 5. distal ileum. Each of 200 images per videoclip (= 100s) were subdivided into 10 × 10 pixel subimages for which mean grayscale brightness level and its standard deviation (texture) were calculated. Pooled subimage values were grouped into low, intermediate, and high texture bands, and mean brightness, texture, and number of subimages in each band (nine features in all) were used for quantifying regions 1-5, and to determine the three best features for threshold and incremental learning classification. Classifiers were developed using 6 celiac and 5 control patients' data as exemplars, and tested on 5 celiacs and 5 controls. Pooled from all regions, the threshold classifier had 80% sensitivity and 96% specificity and the incremental classifier had 88% sensitivity and 80% specificity for predicting celiac versus control videoclips in the test set. Trends of increasing texture from regions 1 to 5 occurred in the low and high texture bands in celiacs, and the number of subimages in the low texture band diminished (r2 > 0.5). No trends occurred in controls. Celiac videocapsule images have textural properties that vary linearly along the small intestine. Quantitative markers can assist in screening for celiac disease and localize extent and degree of pathology throughout the small intestine.
The productivity effects of decentralized reforms - an analysis of the Chinese industrial reforms

The empirical literature on the effects of ownership has not distinguished between the effects of ownership and the effects of control. It has also generally ignored the dynamic effects of various ownership and control rights. Using a rich set of panel data about changes in China's state-owned enterprises, the author examines the static and dynamic effects of decentralizing ownership and control rights. He finds that productivity and growth rates improved significantly when reform improved the incentives for managers and employees to learn and to work hard - for example by decentralizing the rights to control wages, make production decisions, and appoint new managers. Increasing profit-retention rates and adopting performance contracts - conventionally viewed as the most important reforms for China's state enterprises - did not improve productivity much. Overall, decentralization accounted for a least 42 percent of productivity growth in Chinese state enterprises in the 1980s. Much of that gain came from improvements in the growth rate of productivity rather than in improved levels of productivity.
Case-based reasoning and object-oriented data structures exploit biological analogs to generate virtual evolutionary linkages

Multiobjective genetic algorithms (MOGA) and case-based reasoning (CBR) have proven successful in the design of MEMS (microelectromechanical systems) suspension systems. Object-oriented data structures of primitive and complex genetic algorithm (GA) elements have been developed to restrict genetic operations to produce feasible design combinations as required by physical limitations or practical constraints. Thus, virtual linkage between genes and chromosomes are coded into the properties of pre-defined GA objects. A new design problem requires selecting the right primitive elements, associated data structures, and linkages that promise to produce the best gene pool for new functional requirements. In this paper, biomimetics is proposed as a means to examine and classify functional requirements so that case-based reasoning algorithms can be used to map design requirements to promising initial conceptual designs and appropriate GA primitives. The concept is demonstrated using micro-mechanical resonators.
Chevron as a Canon, Not a Precedent: An Empirical Study of What Motivates Justices in Agency Deference Cases

Legal scholars and jurists believe that federal judges often defer to agency interpretations of statutes. Debate has focused on when judges should defer and how judges should operationalize a deference regime doctrinally, perhaps as a matter of stare decisis. Such normative debates about deference rest upon assumptions that have not been rigorously tested, however. Examining the entire population of Supreme Court cases where an agency interpretation was in play (1984–2006), our empirical study finds that the Justices do not generally give deference-regime precedents anything close to stare decisis effect, but that the policies underlying the major deference regimes do have a discernible effect at the Supreme Court level. We also find that judicial ideology affects the Justices’ applications of deference regimes. As a descriptive matter, we find that deference regimes are more like canons of statutory construction, applied episodically but reflecting deeper judicial commitments, than like binding precedents, faithfully applied, distinguished, or overruled.As a prescriptive matter, this study provides empirical support for proposals to simplify the Supreme Court’s continuum of deference regimes and to characterize the Court’s deference decisions in the form of canons of statutory construction, and certainly not as precedents entitled to stare decisis effect. More broadly, the empirical analysis casts doubt on both the wisdom and the practicability of academic proposals to treat methodological opinions (such as Chevron) as precedents entitled to stare decisis. A jurisprudential reason for this skepticism, buttressed by the data in our study, is that statutory interpretation methodology (including deference) is inherently ad hoc and ought to be tailored to the circumstances of each statutory case, rather than bound to precommitted rules. Put another way, judicial deference to agency interpretations is a matter where bright-line rules will not necessarily yield greater predictability and law-like behavior among judges than context-saturated standards.