cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Learning through crisis: The educator's role

Opportunities for learning offered by natural disasters and human-caused tragedies can bring something useful to events steeped in pain, grief, and confusion.
Acute myocardial infarction associated with prostaglandin E2

Prostaglandin E2 is rarely associated with serious maternal side effects when used for second-trimester pregnancy termination. Acute myocardial infarction complicating therapeutic pregnancy termination with prostaglandin E2 in a patient with chronic glomerulosclerosis and severe hypertension is reported.
iSprawl: Design and Tuning for High-speed Autonomous Open-loop Running

We describe the design features that underlie the operation of iSprawl, a small (0.3 kg) autonomous, bio-inspired hexapod that runs at 15 body-lengths/second (2.3 m/s). These features include a tuned set of leg compliances for efficient running and a light and flexible power transmission system. This transmission system permits high speed rotary power to be converted to periodic thrusting and distributed to the tips of the rapidly swinging legs. The specific resistance of iSprawl is approximately constant at 1.75 for speeds between 1.25 m/s and 2.5 m/s. Examination of the trajectory of the center of mass and the ground reaction forces for iSprawl show that it achieves a stable, bouncing locomotion similar to that seen in insects and in previous (slower) bio-inspired robots, but with an unusually high stride frequency for its size.
Descriptive, interactive computer-assisted interpretation of infrared spectra

Abstract A knowledge-based system for interpreting infrared spectra which explains the rationale behind the interpretation process, in a step-by-step fashion, has been developed. The user, having been informed of the basis for decisions made during interpretation of the data, is better able to understand, and thereby to utilize, the results. Additional features allow the informed user to participate in the interpretation of the spectral data, thereby increasing the quality and quantity of data available to the system. In addition to assisting researchers, this system can be used for computer- assisted instruction of the infrared spectral interpretation process.
Late sequelae of gastric acid injury

The late sequelae of gastric acid injury follow a predictable pattern and often require operative correction. Pyloric and antral stenoses are the most commonly cited late complications of acid ingestion. Other late sequelae include intractable pain, achlorhydria, protein-losing gastroenteropathy, duodenal atonicity, radiographic abnormalities, mucosal metaplasia, and gastric carcinoma. Resection of the injured gastric segment appears to provide the most favorable long-term result. Diligent patient follow-up is required to ensure adequate restoration of gastrointestinal function and to correct late-appearing complications. The distinction between the expected sites of gastrointestinal injury in acid versus alkali ingestion has become less clear with the recent introduction of readily available concentrated liquid household alkaline products, and the incidence of late gastric sequelae of caustic injuries has increased accordingly.
A soluble factor produced by bone marrow natural suppressor cells blocks interleukin 2 production and activity.

We previously reported that a population of Fcγ-receptor+ (FcγR+) suppressor cells present in normal unstimulated rabbit bone marrow inhibited the growth of autologous rapidly proliferating bone marrow cells devoid of FcγR. It is now reported that the FcγR+ bone marrow cells produced a soluble, nondialyzable suppressor factor(s) (SF) which blocked the proliferation of FcγR− bone marrow cells. In addition, the FcγR+ cells and SF significantly inhibited spleen cell proliferation in response to concanavalin A (Con A), phytohemagglutinin, and pokeweed mitogen. The bone marrow SF exhibited a dose-dependent suppression of the growth of IL-2-dependent T lymphocytes in the presence of IL-2. SF also completely blocked the production or release of IL-2 by Con A-stimulated T cells. Thus, these bone marrow natural suppressor cells produced a soluble factor, which regulated the growth of rapidly proliferating bone marrow cells and also regulated T cell reactivity by modulating IL-2 production and activity.
The ribonucleoprotein nature of the rapidly labeled RNA in the embryonic retina

Abstract Embryonic neural retina tissue in culture was pulsed with uridine-5- 3 H and the rapidly labeled RNA-containing particles in the cytoplasm, sedimenting in the subribosomal (20 S–70 S) and in the polysomal region, were examined. All of the rapidly labeled RNA in the subribosomal region was in the form of RNP, as evidenced by its retention on Millipore filters without precipitation with trichloroacetic acid. The rapidly labeled RNA in these subribosomal RNP particles was nonribosomal in character and its sedimentation and other properties were similar to those of polysomal mRNA. Kinetic data suggest that the rapidly labeled RNA first appears in the subribosomal region and then in the polysomal region. Polysomal mRNA was obtained by dissociating polysomes with EDTA or with KCl, and the released message was examined for the presence of protein. Buoyant density analyses of polysomes obtained by fractionation in sucrose gradients, under conditions favoring optimal labeling of mRNA and minimal labeling of ribosomal RNA, showed that only about 50% of the total radioactivity was represented by the polysome-bound message. The rest was in nonpolysomal RNP particles which cosedimented with the polysomes. The nonpolysomal RNP particles were resistant to EDTA and in CsCl gradients banded in a less dense region than intact or dissociated polysomes. Their buoyant density was very similar to that of the subribosomal RNP particles, both corresponding to a protein content of 55–60%. mRNA released from polysomes by treatment with EDTA was found to be associated with protein; it banded at a buoyant density of 1.51, corresponding to a protein content of about 50%.
Soybean oil emulsion administration during parenteral nutrition in the preterm infant: Effect on essential fatty acid, lipid, and glucose metabolism

To examine the effect of a soybean oil emulsion on essential fatty acid, lipid, and glucose metabolism, preterm infants were randomized to receive 0.5 g/kg/d lipid for 5 days (n=10, group 1) or 0.5 increased to 2.0 g/kg/d over 5 days (n=11, group 2). Triene/tetraene ratios did not change in group 1, but decreased in group 2. In both groups, plasma phospholipid linoleate (percent and micrograms per milliliter) increased, the increase being greater in group 2. In both groups, percent content of arachidonate and 5,8,11-eicoatrienoate decreased, and that of oleate remained unchanged. In contrast, absolute content of arachidonate and oleate tended to increase, and that of 5,8,11-eicosatrienoate remained unhanged. At a lipid intake of 0.5 g/kg/d, no infants had hyperlipemia. When lipid intake exceeded 1.0 g/kg/d, the frequency of hypertriglyceridemia (triglycerides >200 mg/dL) and free fatty acidemia, with the free fatty acid/molar albumin ratio exceeding 6:1, increased. Plasma glycerol increased slightly, but was substantially less than the rise in enzymatically determined triglycerides. Hyperglycemia was self-limiting and did not require alteration in dextrose intake. Thus, (1) infusion of a soybean oil emulsion at 0.5 to 2.0 g/kg/d maintains essential fatty acid status and phospholipid arachidonate concentrations; (2) significant hyperlipemia occurs when lipid intake exceeds 1.0 g/kg/d; (3) hyperglycemia associated with lipid infusion tends to be self-limiting and may not require alteration in lipid or dextrose intake; and (4) enzymatically determined triglycerides may be used to monitor lipid tolerance, provided that allowance is made for a small but systematic overestimation resulting from the rise in plasma glycerol.
Reliable and simple method of intravenous injection into the laboratory rat.

Abstract: In a previous article, Salem et al. (1) demonstrated a technique for intravenous injection of drugs into small laboratory animals via the dorsal penis vein. The advantages of this procedure compared to the tail vein method (2) lie in its simplicity, rapidity, reproducibility, and ease of injection. Tail vein injections into rats weighing over 100 g. are usually difficult and poorly reproducible, and they generally require a great degree of skill. On the other hand, the dorsal penis vein technique requires very little prior experience, so a relatively untrained laboratory worker can master the procedure in a short time, i . e ., one to two trials. In addition, tissue damage at the site of injection will have a minor overall effect on the animal compared to intracardial injection, and surgical manipulations such as those involved with femoral vein iniections (2) are not required.
Screening for prostate cancer: are digital rectal examinations being performed?

AbstractObjective: Prostate cancer is common and prostate cancer screening is controversial; this retrospective observational study was conducted to determine the prevalence of digital rectal examination (DRE) in those in whom a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test was performed. Methods: A manual review was performed of the electronic medical record for male veterans in the VA Connecticut Healthcare System without a history of known prostate cancer aged between 50 and 74 years who underwent PSA testing. Main Outcomes: Documentation of DRE (or refusal) within 12 months before or after the performance of a PSA test. Results: Less than half (47.6%) of patients underwent DRE. An additional 6.9% were offered DRE and refused. Although the provider gender was not associated with DRE, resident physicians were less likely to perform DRE than nonresidents; P = 0.01. Patients whose PSA was > 4.0 ng/mL were more likely to undergo DRE than those whose PSA was ≤ 4.0 ng/mL; P = 0.002. Those with body mass index (BMI) >...
Opportunities in nuclear science education at the Crocker Nuclear Laboratory of the University of California, Davis

Crocker Nuclear Laboratory is an organized research unit at the University of California, Davis. The primary facility at Crocker is the 76 inch isochronous cyclotron. Since 1972 the facility has supported its operations in basic and applied research by recharge made for its service. This paper examines how this method has affected the traditional missions in graduate and undergraduate education.
Hegemony and the internationalizing state: A post‐colonial analysis of china's integration into Asian corporatism

Abstract Gramscian globalists presume that internationalization means external‐ization, modernization, and Westernization, thereby enhancing the world‐hegemony of Western liberal capitalism. This paper proposes instead that internationalization mutates the world‐hegemony sometimes into non‐Western, non‐liberal orders of regional‐hegemony. As a case study, this paper focuses on China's internationalization into an Asian Corporatist regional‐hegemony in the 1980s‐1990s.1
Behavioral Health and Health Care Reform Models: Patient-Centered Medical Home, Health Home, and Accountable Care Organization

Discussions of health care delivery and payment reforms have largely been silent about how behavioral health could be incorporated into reform initiatives. This paper draws attention to four patient populations defined by the severity of their behavioral health conditions and insurance status. It discusses the potentials and limitations of three prominent models promoted by the Affordable Care Act to serve populations with behavioral health conditions: the Patient-Centered Medical Home, the Health Home initiative within Medicaid, and the Accountable Care Organization. To incorporate behavioral health into health reform, policymakers and practitioners may consider embedding in the reform efforts explicit tools—accountability measures and payment designs—to improve access to and quality of care for patients with behavioral health needs.
Storm tide simulation in the Chesapeake Bay using an unstructured grid model

Abstract Hurricane Isabel made landfall near Drum Inlet, North Carolina on September 18, 2003 (UTC 17:00). Although it was classified as only a Category 2 storm (Saffir–Simpson scale), Hurricane Isabel had a significant impact on the Chesapeake Bay with a 1.5–2.0 m storm surge (above mean sea level), and was dubbed the “100-year storm”. A high-resolution unstructured grid model (UnTRIM) was applied to simulate storm tide in the Chesapeake Bay. The application of an unstructured grid in the Bay offers the greatest flexibilities in representing complex estuarine geometry near the coast and encompassing a large modeling domain necessary for storm surge simulation. The resulting mesh has a total of 239,541 surface elements. The model was forced by 9 tidal harmonic constituents at the open boundary and a wind field generated by a parametric wind model. A hindcast simulation of Hurricane Isabel captures both peak storm tide and surge evolution in various sites of the Bay. Model diagnostic studies indicate that the high surge occurring in the upper Bay regions was mainly caused by the forced southerly wind, whereas the offshore surge and both the northeasterly and southeasterly winds influenced the lower Bay region more significantly.
Neuropathology of normothermic circulatory arrest in newborn dogs

Neuropathologic findings are described, for the first time, in a neonatal dog model of circulatory arrest in normothermic conditions, and the findings are compared to those reported in neonatal dogs with hypothermic circulatory arrest. Total circulatory arrest was produced in 3- to 6-day-old anesthetized, paralyzed and ventilated, normothermic dogs either by asphyxiation or cardioplegia. Duration of circulatory arrest was 8–20 min and 10–40 min in asphyxiated and cardioplegic animals, respectively. The animals were resuscitated and maintained under controlled systemic physiologic conditions until neuropathologic examination after 8 or 24 h of recovery. The results suggest that the minimal durations of circulatory arrest for brain damage to occur following asphyxia or cardioplegia are 10 and 15 min, respectively. Ischemic lesions in both groups consisted of neuronal necrosis and involved mainly the brain stem structures, particularly the reticular nuclei and the spinal cord gray matter. The medulla was more severely involved than midbrain and pons. There was a direct correlation between the length of circulatory arrest and the severity of damage in the medulla (P = 0.001) and overall brain stem damage (P = 0.004) in animals with cardioplegia, but not in animals with asphyxia. These findings are compared to the neuropathologic changes previously described in newborn dogs subjected to hypothermic circulatory arrest, in which ischemic lesions are focused on the cerebral cortex and basal ganglia. It is concluded that hypothermia in this model not only prolongs the period of circulatory arrest that is required to produce brain damage, but also shifts the pattern of regional ischemic vulnerability from caudal to more rostral structures.
Metal–organic frameworks as solid magnesium electrolytes

A series of solid magnesium electrolytes were synthesized via the transmetallation of magnesium phenolates to coordinatively unsaturated metal sites lining the pores of the metal–organic frameworks Mg2(2,5-dioxidobenzene-1,4-dicarboxylate) and Mg2(4,4′-dioxidobiphenyl-3,3′-dicarboxylate). The resulting materials represent a new class of solid magnesium electrolytes that are both crystalline, and exhibit room-temperature ionic conductivities up to 0.25 mS cm−1. The materials reported herein are one-hundred times more conductive at room temperature than any other solid magnesium electrolyte and represent the only class of materials sufficiently conductive for practical consideration in magnesium batteries.
An immunocompetent patient with a vesicular rash and neurological symptomatology.

Viral infection is the most common cause of aseptic meningitis with the most frequent virus associated with aseptic meningitis being enteroviruses (coxsackievirus and echovirus). In viral meningitis, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) shows a mild pleocytosis with a lymphocytic predominance, elevated protein, and normal glucose level. Nucleic acid amplification methods have greatly improved the detection of viral pathogens. In our case, a 47-year-old Caucasian female patient presented with a persistent throbbing headache for six days, localized at the frontal area, associated with photophobia, and exacerbated by bright lights and loud noises. Physical examination revealed nuchal rigidity and a vesicular rash at the right T4–T6 dermatome region. CSF findings were consistent with aseptic meningitis and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was positive for VZV. Clinical improvement in meningeal signs and symptoms occurred after the initiation of acyclovir to complete a total 10-day course. There are no published data revealing that acyclovir will modify the course of VZV meningitis, but it is important to recognize the potential clinical benefit with the early initiation of antiviral therapy, especially if a zoster rash is discovered on examination. However, this is rarely the case because the majority of VZV meningitis will not present with a rash. Even though the reactivation of VZV is not usually associated with clinical meningitis, it is important to consider VZV in the differential diagnosis of a patient presenting without a rash with CNS disease. PCR has been proven to be a useful and quick diagnostic tool in the early diagnosis of VZV-associated neurological disease.
Intracavity laser spectroscopy

The principles of intracavity laser spectroscopy (US) together with the experimental conditions which permit the detection of absorption with extremely high sensitivity are briefly described. Special attention is given to the optical parameters which need to be controlled in the U.S laser and to the observational conditions under which quantitative measurements can be made. Applications of ILS to the in situ monitoring of chemical vapor deposition of thin film materials and the quantitative characterization of absorption lines (e.g., line strengths and collisional broadening coefficients) are described. Recent results on the design and performance of solid-state ILS lasers operating in the infrared also are presented.© (1992) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Speech segmentation by native and non-native speakers: the use of lexical, syntactic, and stress-pattern cues.

Varying degrees of plasticity in different subsystems of language have been demonstrated by studies showing that some aspects of language are processed similarly by native speakers and late-learners whereas other aspects are processed differently by the two groups. The study of speech segmentation provides a means by which the ability to process different types of linguistic information can be measured within the same task, because lexical, syntactic, and stress-pattern information can all indicate where one word ends and the next begins in continuous speech. In this study, native Japanese and native Spanish late-learners of English (as well as near-monolingual Japanese and Spanish speakers) were asked to determine whether specific sounds fell at the beginning or in the middle of words in English sentences. Similar to native English speakers, late-learners employed lexical information to perform the segmentation task. However, non-native speakers did not use syntactic information to the same extent as native English speakers. Although both groups of late-learners of English used stress pattern as a segmentation cue, the extent to which this cue was relied upon depended on the stress-pattern characteristics of their native language. These findings support the hypothesis that learning a second language later in life has differential effects on subsystems within language.
Collateral efficacy in new drug discovery

This issue of Trends in Pharmacological Sciences deals with the pharmacology of agonists that activate seven-transmembrane receptors – also called G-protein-coupled receptors – to produce direct bias (activation of selected portions of the possible receptor signaling capability) and indirect bias (ligands that allosterically modify the signaling of the receptor to endogenous agonists to select specific behaviors of the receptor). These phenomena are discussed in terms of problems with thermodynamics, cell signaling, pharmacological conformational selection of receptor states and possible therapeutic relevance.
Agent-based cooperative learning: a proof-of-concept experiment

This paper presents an innovative multiagent system to support cooperative learning among students both in the real classrooms and in distance education. The system, called I-MINDS, consists of a group of intelligent agents. A teacher agent monitors the student activities and helps the teacher manage and better adapt to the class. A student agent, on the other hand, interacts with the teacher agent and other student agents to support cooperative learning activities behind-the-scene for a student. Two I-MINDS innovations are (a) agent-federated "buddy group" formation and (b) automated ranking of questions and responses. We have tested our I-MINDS prototype with experiment and control groups to evaluate the impact of I-MINDS in learning. The results are encouraging.
Procalcitonin as a Screening Test for Late-Onset Sepsis in Preterm Very Low Birth Weight Infants

Procalcitonin as a Screening Test for Late-Onset Sepsis in Preterm Very Low Birth Weight Infants
The Role of Sensory Stimulation in Perinatal Development: Insights from Comparative Research for Care of the High-Risk Infant

Studies of avian and mammalian species have highlighted the importance of normal patterns of perinatal sensory experience to early perceptual and behavioral capabilities, including recognition and preference for maternal olfactory, auditory, and visual information, the capability for prenatal and postnatal auditory learning, and sensitivity to temporal and spatial features of sensory stimulation. This animal-based research suggests that the effects that alterations of perinatal sensory stimulation may have on early perceptual and behavioral development likely depend on a number of related factors, including (a) the timing of the stimulation relative to the developmental stage of the organism, (b) the amount of stimulation provided or denied the young organism, and (c) the type of sensory stimulation presented. This article reviews research drawn from comparative developmental psychology and psychobiology on perinatal perceptual development and explores how it can inform research and practice concerned with the developmentally appropriate care of the high-risk infant.
Integrated analytical modeling for production systems coupled with material handling systems

Production system modeling is critical for design, control, analysis, and management of manufacturing systems. Conventionally, many researchers make two major assumptions when the production system modeling is conducted: 1) the first machine is never starved, and 2) the last machine is never blocked. These assumptions actually separate the production system from the material handling system. However, the production system is practically coupled with the material handling system due to the integrated nature of these two systems. In this paper, the above two crucial assumptions are relaxed and a new modeling method for the production system coupled with a material handling system is introduced. The algorithm derived is based on the fixed-point theory and the obstructions of modeling this coupled system are discussed. The results from numerical studies indicate that the proposed modeling method could effectively describe the coupled system performance.
A method for measuring the presampled MTF of digital radiographic systems using an edge test device

The modulation transfer function (MTF) of radiographic systems is frequently evaluated by measuring the system's line spread function (LSF) using narrow slits. The slit method requires precise fabrication and alignment of a slit and high radiation exposure. An alternative method for determining the MTF uses a sharp, attenuating edge device. We have constructed an edge device from a 250-microm-thick lead foil laminated between two thin slabs of acrylic. The device is placed near the detector and aligned with the aid of a laser beam and a holder such that a polished edge is parallel to the x-ray beam. A digital image of the edge is processed to obtain the presampled MTF. The image processing includes automated determination of the edge angle, reprojection, sub-binning, smoothing of the edge spread function (ESF), and spectral estimation. This edge method has been compared to the slit method using measurements on standard and high-resolution imaging plates of a digital storage phosphor (DSP) radiography system. The experimental results for both methods agree with a mean MTF difference of 0.008. The edge method provides a convenient measurement of the presampled MTF for digital radiographic systems with good response at low frequencies.
Adolescent, but not adult, binge ethanol exposure leads to persistent global reductions of choline acetyltransferase expressing neurons in brain.

During the adolescent transition from childhood to adulthood, notable maturational changes occur in brain neurotransmitter systems. The cholinergic system is composed of several distinct nuclei that exert neuromodulatory control over cognition, arousal, and reward. Binge drinking and alcohol abuse are common during this stage, which might alter the developmental trajectory of this system leading to long-term changes in adult neurobiology. In Experiment 1, adolescent intermittent ethanol (AIE; 5.0 g/kg, i.g., 2-day on/2-day off from postnatal day [P] 25 to P55) treatment led to persistent, global reductions of choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) expression. Administration of the Toll-like receptor 4 agonist lipopolysaccharide to young adult rats (P70) produced a reduction in ChAT+IR that mimicked AIE. To determine if the binge ethanol-induced ChAT decline was unique to the adolescent, Experiment 2 examined ChAT+IR in the basal forebrain following adolescent (P28–P48) and adult (P70–P90) binge ethanol exposure. Twenty-five days later, ChAT expression was reduced in adolescent, but not adult, binge ethanol-exposed animals. In Experiment 3, expression of ChAT and vesicular acetylcholine transporter expression was found to be significantly reduced in the alcoholic basal forebrain relative to moderate drinking controls. Together, these data suggest that adolescent binge ethanol decreases adult ChAT expression, possibly through neuroimmune mechanisms, which might impact adult cognition, arousal, or reward sensitivity.
A multilevel approach to building and leading learning organizations

article i nfo a bstract A multilevel model is offered proposing that organizational learning is an interdependent system where effective leaders enact intervention strategies at the individual (micro), network (meso), and systems (macro) levels. We suggest that leaders approach organizational learning by setting the conditions and structure for learning to occur, while limiting direct interference in the actual creative processes. First, leaders may increase the level of developmental readiness of individual followers, thereby increasing their motivation and ability to approach learning experiences and adapt their mental models. These individuals then serve as catalysts of learning within and between social networks. Second, leaders may promote the diffusion of knowledge between these knowledge catalysts within and across social networks through influencing both the structure and functioning of knowledge networks. Finally, leaders may target actions at the systems level to improve the diffusion to, and institutionalization of, knowledge to the larger organization.
Teacher involvement in pre-service teacher education

Many researchers in the field of teacher education have proposed the formation of partnerships between teachers and teacher educators, without explicitly stating what additional roles teachers might play in the teacher preparation process. This article describes how some pre-service teacher education programmes have increased the involvement of in-service teachers and examines teachers’ willingness to become more involved in pre-service teacher education. This article focuses on two research questions. In what ways have in-service teachers been involved in pre-service teacher education, beyond the traditional role of the cooperating teacher? What are in-service teachers’ views on teacher involvement in pre-service teacher education and are they willing to become more involved? The research literature provides numerous international examples of universities that have implemented strategies and programmes that involve in-service teachers in pre-service teacher education in a variety of innovative ways. Thes...
Hydrogen sulfide mediates hypoxia-induced relaxation of trout urinary bladder smooth muscle.

SUMMARY Hydrogen sulfide (H 2 S) is a recently identified gasotransmitter that may mediate hypoxic responses in vascular smooth muscle. H 2 S also appears to be a signaling molecule in mammalian non-vascular smooth muscle, but its existence and function in non-mammalian non-vascular smooth muscle have not been examined. In the present study we examined H 2 S production and its physiological effects in urinary bladder from steelhead and rainbow trout ( Oncorhynchus mykiss ) and evaluated the relationship between H 2 S and hypoxia. H 2 S was produced by trout bladders, and its production was sensitive to inhibitors of cystathionineβ -synthase and cystathionine γ-lyase. H 2 S produced a dose-dependent relaxation in unstimulated and carbachol pre-contracted bladders and inhibited spontaneous contractions. Bladders pre-contracted with 80 mmol l -1 KCl were less sensitive to H 2 S than bladders contracted with either 80 mmol l -1 KC 2 H 3 O 2 (KAc) or carbachol, suggesting that some of the H 2 S effects are mediated through an ion channel. However, H 2 S relaxation of bladders was not affected by the potassium channel inhibitors, apamin, charybdotoxin, 4-aminopyridine, and glybenclamide, or by chloride channel/exchange inhibitors 4,4′-Diisothiocyanatostilbene-2,2′-disulfonic acid disodium salt, tamoxifen and glybenclamide, or by the presence or absence of extracellular HCO 3 - . Inhibitors of neuronal mechanisms, tetrodotoxin, strychnine and N -vanillylnonanamide were likewise ineffective. Hypoxia (aeration with N 2 ) also relaxed bladders, was competitive with H 2 S for relaxation, and it was equally sensitive to KCl, and unaffected by neuronal blockade or the presence of extracellular HCO 3 - . Inhibitors of H 2 S synthesis also inhibited hypoxic relaxation. These experiments suggest that H 2 S is a phylogenetically ancient gasotransmitter in non-mammalian non-vascular smooth muscle and that it serves as an oxygen sensor/transducer, mediating the effects of hypoxia.
Planted green ash (Fraxinus pennsylvanica Marsh.) and herbaceous vegetation responses to initial competition control during the first 3 years of afforestation

Abstract Formerly row-cropped bottomland sites that have been planted with hardwoods through afforestation programs are typically associated with low tree stocking, slow tree growth, and an enduring influence of agricultural weeds in the herbaceous stratum. Consequently, many of the intended benefits of a forestry land use are delayed or forfeited. This study evaluates the growth of planted green ash and the development of volunteer herbaceous communities on a bottomland site in southern Illinois, USA in response to two different operational herbicide (pre-emergence sulfometuron and post-emergence glyphosate) and tillage treatments, applied individually and in combination. Both herbicide treatments increased green ash height and diameter growth while tillage produced no response. At the end of three growing seasons, the post-emergence glyphosate treatment increased forb cover. Total grass cover was not impacted by herbicide treatments after the second growing season. During the second and third growing seasons, the pre-emergence sulfometuron treatment increased broomsedge (Andropogon virginicus L.) cover and decreased goldenrod (Solidago nemoralis Ait.) cover relative to post-emergence glyphosate and no herbicide treatments. Johnsongrass (Sorghum halepense L.) cover decreased dramatically following the first growing season in all treatments. Horseweed (Conyza canadensis L.) exhibited a complex response to silvicultural treatments through the course of the study. Commonly used silvicultural treatments that yielded similar and positive tree growth responses differed in their impact on herbaceous community composition through the first 3 years of stand development. These results suggest that treatment choice may have long-term implications for overstory canopy development on these and similar afforested bottomland sites characterized by presence of agricultural weeds and low tree stocking.
Some lattice based diagonal and full rate space-time block codes

Based on the normalized diversity product criterion of space-time code designs, we present two optimal 2times2 diagonal algebraic space-time block codes based on field extensions. We then present an ntimesn diagonal space-time code design method directly from 2n real integers based on extended complex lattices. We also present a non-tight upper bound for normalized diversity products of 2times2 diagonal space-time block codes with QAM information symbols from general 2times2 complex-valued matrices. We finally use the optimal 2times2 algebraic diagonal space-time codes to construct two 2times2 full rate space-time block codes and find that both of them have better normalized diversity products than the Golden code does
Modification of the oxidation behavior of high-purity austenitic Fe-14Cr-14Ni by the addition of silicon

The oxidation behavior of Fe-14Cr-14Ni (wt.%) and of the same alloy with additions of 1 and 4% silicon was studied in air over the range of 900-1100° C. The presence of silicon completely changed the nature of the oxide scale formed during oxidation. The base alloy (no silicon) formed a thick outer scale of all three iron oxides and an internally oxidized zone of (Fe,Cr,Ni) spinels. The alloy containing 4% silicon formed an outer layer of Cr2O3 and an inner layer of either (or possibly both) SiO2 and Fe2SiO4. The formation of the iron oxides was completely suppressed. The oxidation rate of the 4% silicon alloy was about 200 times less than that of the base alloy, whereas the 1% silicon alloy exhibited a rate intermediate to the other two alloys. The actual ratio of the oxidation rates may be less than 200 due to possible weight losses by the oxidation of Cr2O3 to the gaseous phase CrO3. The lower oxidation rate of the 4% silicon alloy was attributed to the suppression of iron-oxide formation and the presence of Cr2O3, which is a much more protective scale.
Electrostatic analysis of DNA binding properties in lysine to leucine mutants of TATA-box binding proteins

The structures of the complexes between TATA-box binding proteins (TBPs) and DNA solved recently with X-ray crystallography identify both direct and indirect readout interactions. Examples of indirect readout mechanisms in these complexes are DNA bending and non-local electrostatic complementarity. An intriguing question arising from these structures is the role that a series of lysine residues may have in DNA binding. Thus, in the yeast complex, seven lysines are found to be close to the phosphate backbone, but they appear to form hydrogen bonds to the protein and not to be involved in any direct (or water-mediated) interactions with the DNA. The proposal based on the crystal structure, that these residues set up a delocalized electrostatic potential that stabilizes the complex with DNA, is evaluated here from calculations of the electrostatic potentials generated by the wild-type TBP and various lysine to leucine mutants. The results suggest a grouping of these mutants into three classes, based on their phenotypes and electrostatic profiles. As these groups are affected differently by specific measures taken to rescue DNA binding and transcription functions, the mechanistic inferences from the analysis can be probed experimentally in a manner that also reveals possible binding sites for transcription factors IIA and IIB to the TBP-DNA complex in the transcription preinitiation complex.
The effects of palmitylcarnitine on hepatic fatty acid synthesis and on acetyl CoA carboxylase activity.

Abstract Depressed rates of fatty acid synthesis from acetate-1-C14 by liver preparations from starved rats were increased approximately 13-fold by addition of (+)-palmitylcarnitine but not by (−)-palmitylcarnitine. In contrast, malonyl-2-C14 CoA incorporation into fatty acids was not decreased by starvation, and it was increased only 30% by (+)-palmitylcarnitine. Partially purified acetyl CoA carboxylase activity was enhanced by either (+)- or (−)-palmitylcarnitine in both the presence and absence of citrate or malonate. Palmityl CoA inhibition could be partially overcome by (+)- or (−)-palmitylcarnitine addition to the isolated enzyme system. A possible role of palmitylcarnitine in the regulation of fatty acid synthesis was discussed.
MONOTONIC SEMANTIC INTERPRETATION

Aspects of semantic interpretation, such as quantifier scoping and reference resolution, are often realised computationally by non-monotonic operations involving loss of information and destructive manipulation of semantic representations. The paper describes how monotonic reference resolution and scoping can be carried out using a revised Quasi Logical Form (QLF) representation. Semantics for QLF are presented in which the denotations of formulas are extended monotonically as QLF expressions are resolved.
The Los Alamos hepatitis C sequence database

Motivation: The hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a significant threat to public health worldwide. The virus is highly variable and evolves rapidly, making it an elusive target for the immune system and for vaccine and drug design. At present, some 30 000 HCV sequences have been published. A central website that provides annotated sequences and analysis tools will be helpful to HCV scientists worldwide. Results: The HCV sequence database collects and annotates sequence data and provides them to the public via a website that contains a user-friendly search interface and a large number of sequence analysis tools, based on the model of the highly regarded Los Alamos HIV database. The HCV sequence database was officially launched in September 2003. Since then, its usage has steadily increased and is now at an average of ∼280 visits per day from distinct IP addresses. Availability: The HCV website can be accessed via http://hcv.lanl.gov and http://hcv-db.org Contact: [email protected]
Social Hypothesis Testing and the Role of Expertise

Research on social hypothesis-testing processes has demonstrated that there is a strong preference for seeking and using hypothesis-confirming evidence when testing hypotheses about other people. An experiment was conducted to examine the extent to which expertise in a particular knowledge domain represents a delimiting condition of this inferential tendency. Expert and novice subjects completed a hypothesis-testing recall task. Recall differences in line with the different strategies commonly used by experts and novices on problem-solving and reasoning tasks were predicted. As expected, novices recalled more hypothesis-matching evidence after a delay interval, regardless of the nature of the hypothesis to be tested. Expert recall, by contrast, was not characterized by this confirmatory preference when experts tested the hypothesis inside their domain of expertise. The extent to which these expert/novice differences provide support for motivated social cognition is discussed.
Performing Custom Calculations with Formulas

To make your worksheets deliver the information you want, you’ll probably need to perform calculations with your data. To perform calculations, you enter formulas and functions in cells. You’ll learn to use formulas in this chapter and functions in Chapter 6.
DoS resilience of real time streaming protocol

Denial of Service (DoS) attacks on a computer system or network cause loss of service to users typically by flooding a victim with many requests or by disrupting the connections between two machines. Although significant amount of work has been done on DoS attacks, DoS attacks on streaming video servers were not investigated in detail. In this paper, we investigate DoS resilience of Real Time Streaming Protocol (RTSP). We show that by using a simple command line tool that opens a large number of RTSP connections, we can launch DoS attacks on the server and the proxy. We discuss in detail how the CPU and the memory resources are affected by the attacks. We observe that, with the DoS attack we launch, clients can also keep the connections alive for a long period and maintain the resources allocated at the server. We propose a lightweight dynamic detection framework for the RTSP based DoS attacks.
Frame-level OEO-regenerating GPON reach extender

We propose and experimentally demonstrate a frame-level OEO-regeneration technique for GPON reach extension which overcomes the limitations of bit-level OEO-regeneration with respect to upstream efficiency and transparency.
SpliceNP: a TCP splicer using a network processor

TCP Splicing can be used in content-aware switches to tremendously reduce overall request latency. In order to reduce the processing latency further, we propose to offload the protocol processing onto network processors (NPs). An NP consists of a multithreaded multiprocessor architecture that can provide high throughput for packet processing or forwarding. However, offloading any protocol software to an NP needs to be carefully designed due to its low-level programming and limited control memory size.In this paper, we first analyze the operation of TCP Splicing in detail and evaluate its performance through measurements on a Linux-based switch. Then various possibilities of workload allocation among different computation resources in an NP are presented, and the design tradeoffs are discussed. A content aware switch is implemented using IXP 2400 NP and evaluated for performance comparison. The measurement results demonstrate that our NP-based switch can reduce the http processing latency by an average of 83.3% for a 1K byte web page. The amount of reduction increases with larger file sizes. It is also shown that the packet throughput can be improved by up to 5.7x across a range of files by taking advantage of multithreading and multiprocessing, available in the NP.
Three Conceptual Problems with the Doctrine of Joint Criminal Enterprise

This article dissects the Tadic court's argument for finding the doctrine of joint criminal enterprise in the ICTY Statute. The key arguments are identified and each are found to be either problematic or insufficient to deduce the doctrine from the statute: the object and purpose of the statute to punish major war criminals, the inherently collective nature of war crimes and genocide and the conviction of war criminals for joint enterprises in World War II cases. The author criticizes this over-reliance on international case law and the insufficient attention to the language of criminal statutes when interpreting conspiracy doctrines. The result of these mistakes is a doctrine of joint criminal enterprise that fails to offer a sufficiently nuanced treatment of intentionality, foreseeability and culpability. Specifically, the doctrine in its current form suffers from three conceptual deficiencies: (1) the mistaken attribution of criminal liability for contributors who do not intend to further the criminal purpose of the enterprise, (2) the imposition of criminal liability for the foreseeable acts of one's co-conspirators and (3) the mistaken claim that all members of a joint enterprise are equally culpable for the actions of its members. The author concludes by briefly suggesting amendments to the Rome Statute to rectify these deficiencies.
Maryland's Medicaid reform: A provider's perspective

M has embarked on its own version of mental health system reform using the section 1115 Medicaid waiver to change its historic approach to providing, purchasing, and managing care. The article by Dr. Oliver (page 735) outlines the conceptual approach selected. The Maryland General Assembly voted for this plan with broad support from the mental health advocacy community. As the director of an urban comprehensive mental health service system, I offer a provider’s perspective on Maryland’s mental health plan and its implementation and raise questions relevant for future reform efforts. Well into the first year of the new system, the Mental Hygiene Administration has not clarified many details of the plan, and the leaders of the administrative service organization openly acknowledge that they were not adequately prepared for the transition. The reform’s ultimate impact remains the subject of intense speculation.
Bioethics in Social Context

Bioethics in Social Context. Barry Hoffmaster. ed. Philadelphia: Temple University Press, 2001.vii. 234 pp.
A mode-transforming polarization-rotatable launcher for the ATF fusion experiment

The Advanced Toroidal Facility (ATF) fusion energy experiment at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory requires high-power microwaves for startup and plasma heating. Power from a gyrotron oscillator tube at 53.2 GHz will be used to ionize and heat the plasma by the electron cyclotron heating process. The confining magnetic field of the device is either 0.95 or 1.9 T. The gyrotron tube generates 200 kW in the TE/sub 02/ mode, which is transported in an overmoded 6.35 cm diameter circular waveguide to the ATF vacuum vessel. The launcher consists of a mode-converting Vlasov section, which converts the nonpolarized TE/sub 02/ wave into a linearly polarized narrow beam. The beam reflects off a tilted spherical reflector grating and is focused at the center of the plasma. The launcher design and laboratory measurements are discussed. >
Analytical modeling of electrokinetic effect on thermal transport in electrolytic flow in microchannels

A fundamental understanding of electrolytic flow in micro and nano channels is essential for the design of microfluidic devices. In this paper, an analytical investigation is carried out to study the behavior of the electrostatic potential developed at the microchannel surface with the electrokinetic distance and zeta potential. The present work also deals with finding an analytical expression for the dimensional and non-dimensional velocity profile. An expression for the C/sub f/Re product is derived, based on the non-dimensional velocity profile. The characteristic thickness, which is an indicator of the formation of the electric double layer, varies with the ionic concentration of the electrolyte and this behavior has been plotted for different values of ionic strengths.
Self assembly-promises and challenges

This paper surveys the field of self-assembly particularly in designing MEMS/NEMS system where many individual devices work together without central control to achieve a desired end. It illustrates both the promises and challenges ahead.