cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
An environmentally friendly approach for mitigating cyanobacterial bloom and their toxins in hypereutrophic ponds: Potentiality of a newly developed granular hydrogen peroxide-based compound.

Abstract Cyanobacterial blooms and their associated toxins are growing issues for many aquatic resources, and pose a major threat to human health and ecological welfare. To control cyanobacterial blooms and their toxins, the efficacy of a newly developed granular compound (sodium carbonate peroxyhydrate ‘SCP’, trade name ‘PAK® 27’ algaecide) containing hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) as the active ingredient was investigated. First, the dose efficacy of the SCP that corresponded to 1.5, 2.0, 2.5, 3.0, 3.5, 4.0, 5.0 and 8.0 mg/L H2O2 was tested for 10 days in small-scale tanks installed in 0.1-acre experimental hypereutrophic ponds dominated by blooms of the toxic cyanobacterium Planktothrix sp. SCP ranging from 2.5–4.0 mg/L H2O2 selectively killed Planktothrix sp. without major impacts on either eukaryotic phytoplankton (e.g., diatom Synedra sp., green algae Spirogyra sp. and Cladophora sp.) or zooplankton (e.g., rotifers Brachionus sp. and cladocerans Daphnia sp.). Based on these results, SCP at 2.5 mg/L and 4.0 mg/L H2O2 were homogeneously introduced into entire water volume of the experimental ponds in parallel with untreated control ponds. The dynamics of cyanobacterium Planktothrix sp., microcystins (commonly occurring cyanotoxins), eukaryotic phytoplankton, zooplankton, and water quality parameters were measured daily for 10 days and followed by a weekly sampling for 6 weeks. Temporal analysis indicated that Planktothrix sp. blooms collapsed remarkably in both 2.5 mg/L and 4.0 mg/L H2O2 treatments. Both treatments also were accompanied by an overall reduction in the total microcystin concentration. At 2.5 mg/L H2O2, the growth of eukaryotic phytoplankton (Synedra and Cladophora sp.) increased, but these populations along with zooplankton (Brachionus and Daphnia sp.) were suppressed at 4.0 mg/L H2O2. The longevity of 2.5 and 4.0 mg/L H2O2 treatment effects were up to 5 weeks. In addition, the added granular algaecide degraded within a few days, thereby leaving no long-term traces of H2O2 in the environment.
The promise and problems of price subsidization in social entrepreneurship

Abstract Social entrepreneurship research has often focused on the benefits and challenges of designing hybrid organizations that integrate competing institutional logics to tackle social problems using market-based methods, especially in developing economies. Drawing on case evidence from the Safe Water for Africa program, we show how and why pricing new products at other than market prices offers a seductive but dangerous mechanism for managers seeking to pursue dual objectives in hybrid organizations. We identify five strategic and operational challenges with ethical implications that manifest as pricing dilemmas and show how and why they are likely to elicit moral dilemmas among stakeholders of social entrepreneurship who are not equally committed to both social and economic objectives.
Multiple-Subarc Gradient-Restoration Algorithm, Part 1: Algorithm Structure

Rapid progresses in information and computer technology allow the development of more advanced optimal control algorithms dealing with real-world problems. In this paper, which is Part 1 of a two-part sequence, a multiple-subarc gradient-restoration algorithm (MSGRA) is developed. We note that the original version of the sequential gradient-restoration algorithm (SGRA) was developed by Miele et al. in single-subarc form (SSGRA) during the years 1968–86; it has been applied successfully to solve a large number of optimal control problems of atmospheric and space flight.
Spinal Cord and Nerve Root Decompression

Tumors of the vertebral column include both primary and metastatic lesions. These tumors can cause significant morbidity consisting of lesional pain and pain from deformity. Compression of the spinal cord and spinal nerve roots can also cause radicular pain as well as neurologial deterioration including sensory deficits, weakness, paralysis, and/or sexual/bowel/ bladder dysfunction. In cases of metastatic lesions, the spine is the most common region of osseous involvement (1). Metastatic vertebral spine lesions can result in pathological fractures or have significant epidural tumor involvement, both of which can lead to neurological deterioration (2). Mortality and morbidity can be significant in malignant tumors and overall treatment is best addressed by a multidisciplinary approach.
Vertically Aligned and Surface Roughed Pt Nanostructured Wire Array as High Performance Electrocatalysts for Methanol Oxidation

In this research, an enhanced electrocatalyst based on vertically aligned and surface roughened Pt nanostructured wire arrays (Pt NWAs) has been developed. Our results showed that Pt NWAs possessed...
The emerging growth company status on IPO: Auditor Effort, Valuation, and underpricing

Abstract The Securities Act of 1933 governs the going public process and the accompanying registration statement submissions to the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The Jumpstart Our Business Start-ups (JOBS) Act of 2012 created several accommodations under the SEC securities laws for a new group of companies referred to as “emerging growth companies” (EGCs). We examine the associations between auditor effort, initial public offering (IPO) offer prices, and investors’ perceptions of the registrants’ intrinsic value (underpricing) and EGCs’ registration statements utilizing accommodations to reduce financial statement information disclosure. Our finding that auditor effort is reduced suggests that the potential for increased auditor risk for EGCs future financial statements could be higher because of issues related to financial statements not included in the registration statements. We also find a negative (positive) association between EGC filing and IPO offer prices (underpricing). Our results suggest potential unintended consequences associated with EGCs and that auditor effort might not be sufficient to reduce the possibility of future financial statement failures.
Ultrasensitive Perovskite Photodetectors by Co Partially Substituted Hybrid Perovskite

In the past nine years, hybrid perovskite materials have attracted extensive research interests in both academic and industrial sectors. In this work, we report ultrasensitive solution-processed pe...
How fitting is F.I.T.T.?: A perspective on a transition from the sole use of frequency, intensity, time, and type in exercise prescription

The prevalence of physical inactivity continues to rise despite there being sufficient evidence to indicate the appropriate dosage of exercise to mitigate risk for many non-communicable diseases. This rise in physical inactivity is unlikely related to exercise prescription knowledge, but rather in the way exercise is prescribed. Current exercise prescription guidelines are characterized by the FITT Principle: Frequency, Intensity, Time, and Type. In order to target this physical inactivity epidemic, many have focused on the manipulation FITT components. However, perhaps this is not where the focus needs to lie - at least not as FITT is currently defined. Instead, we propose a change may be needed to the way exercise is prescribed - inclusion of measurement of enjoyment. This measurement of enjoyment is crucial to better inform exercise prescription, and may be the missing piece to overcome these high rates of physical inactivity.
EM(POWER)MENT: Revisiting the Role of Power in Empowerment Initiatives

The failure of numerous empowerment initiatives suggests a more complex relationship between empowerment initiatives and psychological empowerment than simply the transfer of power. We will argue t...
The New Middle Kingdom: China and the Early American Romance of Free Trade

The Chinese characters for China (中國) literally translate as “middle” or “central” country. According to Kendall Johnson's new monograph, early nineteenth-century Americans envisioned themselves as...
Equitable Engagement in STEM: Using E-Textiles to Challenge the Positioning of Non-Dominant Girls in School Science

This paper examines how working with sewable, programmable electronics embedded in textiles (e-textiles) impacted the self-perceptions and actions of two middle school girls from non-dominant communities as they navigated their place within science class. Using analytic induction (Erickson, 1986), we explore the phenomena around their experiences and the influence of their teachers’ perceptions. Findings indicate that the personalizable nature of e-textiles created a meaningful opportunity for students to engage in science class in a new way.
Are video-urodynamics superior to traditional urodynamic studies in changing treatment decision with urinary symptoms?

ABSTRACTObjective: To investigate the utility of video-urodynamic studies (VUDS) in patients with various urinary conditions and to evaluate if the addition of fluoroscopic imaging changes the trea...
Fournier Gangrene Associated With Sodium-Glucose Cotransporter-2 Inhibitors: A Review of Spontaneous Postmarketing Cases.

Background Use of sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitors has been associated with Fournier gangrene (FG), a rare urologic emergency characterized by necrotizing infection of the external genitalia, perineum, and perianal region. Objective To describe and compare reported cases of FG in diabetic adults receiving treatment with SGLT2 inhibitors or other antiglycemic agents. Design Descriptive case series. Setting U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Adverse Event Reporting System and published case reports. Patients Adults receiving SGLT2 inhibitors or other antiglycemic agents. Measurements Clinical and laboratory data. Results The FDA identified 55 unique cases of FG in patients receiving SGLT2 inhibitors between 1 March 2013 and 31 January 2019. The patients ranged in age from 33 to 87 years; 39 were men, and 16 were women. Time to onset after initiation of SGLT2-inhibitor therapy ranged from 5 days to 49 months. All patients had surgical debridement and were severely ill. Reported complications included diabetic ketoacidosis (n = 8), sepsis or septic shock (n = 9), and acute kidney injury (n = 4). Eight patients had fecal diversion surgery, 2 patients developed necrotizing fasciitis of a lower extremity that required amputation, and 1 patient required a lower-extremity bypass procedure because of gangrenous toes. Three patients died. For comparison, the FDA identified 19 FG cases associated with other antiglycemic agents between 1984 and 31 January 2019: metformin (n = 8), insulin glargine (n = 6), short-acting insulin (n = 2), sitagliptin plus metformin (n = 2), and dulaglutide (n = 1). These patients ranged in age from 42 to 79 years; 12 were men, and 7 were women. Two patients died. Limitation Inability to establish causality or incidence, variable quality of reports, possible underreporting, and confounding by indication. Conclusion FG is a newly identified safety concern in patients receiving SGLT2 inhibitors. Physicians prescribing these agents should be aware of this possible complication and have a high index of suspicion to recognize it in its early stages. Primary funding source None.
Chapter 12 – Early Universe

Chapter 12 is somewhat outside the main scope of the book. It is a very accessible introduction to the standard cosmological model. Some of the topics developed earlier in the book are used to illustrate the importance of relativity in the physics of the early universe. The heat of the early universe requires knowledge of thermodynamics. To make the treatment self-contained, a concise introduction to black body radiation using statistical mechanics and the solution of Maxwell's equation in a cubic cavity—developed in Appendix A—is presented. Thus, this chapter is also an accessible exposure to such topics as EM radiation in cavities, Planck formula of the black body radiation, and Stefan-Boltzmann law. Using classical Newtonian gravity, and borrowing only the notion of expansion from general relativity, the Friedmann equation for a flat universe is derived. The notion of critical density is introduced and the observational evidence for a flat universe pointed out. The relation between the scale of the universe and its temperature is developed and the requirement of a cosmic background temperature explored. The Friedmann equation is solved for a universe in which a given component of the density (radiation, matter, or dark energy) is dominant. Once the present temperature of the universe is measured, the history of the early universe can be narrated using temperature to separate its various epochs.
Principles of functional neural mapping using an intracortical ultra-density microelectrode array (ultra-density MEA).

Objective. Intracortical electrical neural recording using solid-state electrodes is a prevalent approach in addressing neurophysiological queries and implementing brain-computer interfacing systems. As a variety of ultra-density microelectrode arrays (ultra-density MEAs) are being created more recently, this paper answers to the rising demand for a more rigorous theory concerning this new type of neural electrode technology, both to guide the proper design and to inform the proper usage. Approach. This design and use problem of ultra-density MEAs for functional intracortical neuronal circuit mapping is approached from a signal analysis perspective. Starting with quantitative derivations of key basic concepts, the concept of ultra-density MEA is defined in the context for fully resolving the voltage sources within its view volume. Then, the principle of using such an ultra-density MEA for functional neural mapping is elaborated, and a recursive approach to completely resolve all voltage sources from the ultra-density MEA's recordings is proposed. This approach is further validated using a simulated experiment. Last, the limitations and implications of this work are discussed. Main results. MEAs can only be used to map the extracellular somatic action potential (esAP) sources in a neural microcircuit, and AP propagation along individual axons cannot be detected. The key for the ultra-density MEA design is to make sure that each spatial unit of analysis (SUA) contains no more than one active esAP source. The unique neural resolving capability of ultra-density MEAs comparing to conventional MEAs is to be able to spatiotemporally resolve each esAP source within its view volume. Significance. The ultimate capability and limitation of neural electrode array technology at such an unprecedented fabrication resolution is unraveled. This work strives to further the discussions on this topic into a more quantitative and rational direction, while providing a theoretical guideline for the rational development and neuroscientific application of an ultra-density MEA for intracortical functional mapping.
The changes of cellular immunity in 560 cases of hand-foot-mouth disease children

Objective To investigate the relationship of cellular immunity of the hand-foot-mouth disease (HFMD) children and the disease severity and the variation following the recovery of disease.Methods A total of 560 HFMD cases was collected,and divided into severe and common groups.Another 120 cases were collected for comparison.T cell subsets (CD3 +,CD4 +,and CD8 +) rates were tested.The difference in cell immunity in each group were compared,and the comparison of cell immunity improv-ment during acute and recovery periods was conducted at the same time.Results In the 560 cases of children with HFMD,CoxA16-positive rate in common group was higher than that in severe group (x2 =280.72,P ＜0.01,severe cases); EV71 and other virus positive rates in severe group were higher than that in common group (x2 =127.75,P ＜ 0.01,x2 =5.43,P ＜ 0.05).Cell immunity was compared among3 groups (t =9.82,4.98,3.06); CD3+,CD4+,CD8+ results,tested within 2h after admission and after 1 week,were compared between severe and common groups (common group t =7.73,3.86,4.71; severe group t =6.13,2.60,3.36).Compared to severe group,cell immunity improvement was more obvious between before and after 1-week treatment in common group (t =2.57,2.51,2.95).The difference was statistically significant (P ＜ 0.05).Conclusions According to the etiology test of children with HFMD,CoxA16-positive rate was higher in common group; EV71 and other virus positive rates were higher in severe group.Cell immunity function decreased in severe and common group at the beginning of the disease; it was,however,significantly restored after 1-week treatment; and it was related to the severity of clinical symptoms. Key words: Hand ,foot and mouth disease/immunology ; T-lymphocyte subsets
Automatic Synthesis of Operational Amplifiers based on Analytic Circuit Models

An automatic synthesis tool for CMOS op amps (OPASYN) has been developed. The program starts from one of a number of op amp circuits and proceeds to optimize various device sizes and bias currents to meet a given set of design specifications. Because it uses analytic circuit models in its inner optimization loop, it can search efficiently through a large part of the possible solution space. The program has a SPICE interface that automatically performs circuit simulations for the candidate solutions to verify the results of the synthesis and optimization procedure. The simulation results are also used to fine-tune the analytic circuit descriptions in the database. OPASYN has been implemented in Franz Lisp and demonstrated for three different basic circuits with a conventional 3 µm process and a more advanced 1.5 µm process. Experiments have shown that OPASYN quickly produces practical designs which will meet reasonable design objectives.
Teachers' Responses to Bias in the Classroom: How Response Type and Situational Factors Affect Student Perceptions

College students frequently encounter prejudice, discrimination, and stereotypes, but there is no research on effective teacher responses to classroom bias. Three studies examined students' perceptions of teacher responses to bias in the classroom. Study 1 experimentally manipulated the level of bias expressed and the teacher's response. Students perceived responding to bias as more effective than ignoring bias. Study 2 demonstrated that students perceive differences in the intensity of common responses to bias. Study 3 manipulated if bias occurred publicly or privately and if the target of bias was present or not, and students evaluated teacher responses of differing intensity for their effectiveness in achieving specific goals. The results provide evidence for the efficacy of matching responses to specific goals.
Cadaver Femur Responses to Longitudinal Impacts

Results from longitudinal impact tests on the knees of nine seated cadavers are reported. Typical impact velocities, impact force histories and femur strain histories are presented. The importance of femur bending is revealed by strain readings on the medial, lateral, anterior and posterior surfaces. The effects of impactor padding, leg tissue and oblique impacts are illustrated. The average fracture force level was found to be 10. 04 kN and the impact energy to be 549J. The fracture patterns and possible mechanisms are discussed.
Hypersonic aerodynamic problems of the future.

Blunt shapes were of interest for the speed regime of ballistic missiles and satellite vehicles, in the main, as a result of the necessity for minimizing convective heating. But as speeds exceed escape speed, the heating due to air radiation assumes an even more important role than does the convective heating. It is shown that this change revives interest in the more slender configurations and that when the speed of a vehicle entering the atmosphere of a planet becomes sufficiently great, it may be economical to decelerate in part by retrorocket rather than entirely by aerodynamic braking. The factors discussed determine the speed limit for which retrorocket braking becomes desirable. The change in the basic characteristics of flow brought about by gas radiation at speeds well in excess of escape speed are then analyzed. It is shown that when the gas radiation energy becomes a significant part of the total energy of the flow, it is no longer possible to analyze aerodynamic flow fields with the assumption that the energy of elemental volumes remains constant, since for such cases a transfer of energy by radiation from one elemental volume to another significantly alters the flow. The increase in complexity in the analytical approaches to the problems of these hypersonic flows necessitates, more than ever, continued experimental research, even though such experiments are exceedingly difficult to perform. Extension of our experimental knowledge of these hypersonic flows is shown to be possible by study of tracked trajectories of bright meteors. Some analyses of meteor tracking data are presented which demonstrate that the tracking camera systems employed at present can provide sufficiently accurate results to yield useful aerodynamic heating information.
Semidefinite programming relaxation of optimum active input design for fault detection and diagnosis: Model-based finite horizon prediction

This paper establishes optimal/suboptimal active fault detection and diagnosis (FDD) methods in which semidefinite programming relaxation is used and the optimality criteria are information theoretic measures of the statistical distance between probability distributions. The design problems are formulated as optimizations in which an optimal sequence of inputs within a prediction horizon is computed for maximizing the statistical discrimination of different models of fault scenarios. Three different measures for the degree of statistical distinguishability between two hypothesized stochastic dynamical system models are considered and their mathematical properties that are related to Bayesian hypothesis tests are studied. The resulting input design problems are non-convex and we propose associated convex relaxation methods that can be solved in polynomial time using interior point methods. Numerical simulations with an aircraft model are provided to illustrate and demonstrate the presented methods of optimal input design for FDD.
Field‐expedient screening and injury risk algorithm categories as predictors of noncontact lower extremity injury

In athletics, efficient screening tools are sought to curb the rising number of noncontact injuries and associated health care costs. The authors hypothesized that an injury prediction algorithm that incorporates movement screening performance, demographic information, and injury history can accurately categorize risk of noncontact lower extremity (LE) injury. One hundred eighty-three collegiate athletes were screened during the preseason. The test scores and demographic information were entered into an injury prediction algorithm that weighted the evidence-based risk factors. Athletes were then prospectively followed for noncontact LE injury. Subsequent analysis collapsed the groupings into two risk categories: Low (normal and slight) and High (moderate and substantial). Using these groups and noncontact LE injuries, relative risk (RR), sensitivity, specificity, and likelihood ratios were calculated. Forty-two subjects sustained a noncontact LE injury over the course of the study. Athletes identified as High Risk (n = 63) were at a greater risk of noncontact LE injury (27/63) during the season [RR: 3.4 95% confidence interval 2.0 to 6.0]. These results suggest that an injury prediction algorithm composed of performance on efficient, low-cost, field-ready tests can help identify individuals at elevated risk of noncontact LE injury.
Oversimplifying Iraq's challenges: Bush's Fort Bragg speech and americans' declining support for the war

This article puts in context why President of the United States of America George W. Bush has been unable to rally American support for his strategy to stabilize and transform Iraq. Since the summer of 2003, when Iraqis started to challenge the authority of the Anglo-American occupation, the White House has been on the defensive, while American support for post-war efforts has dwindled. While developments in Iraq have affected the strategy?s execution, the main problem is the president?s inclination to oversimplify the challenges American troops and diplomats are facing in Iraq, inviting criticism from journalists, experts on nation-building and lawmakers. In many ways, declining approval of Bush?s handling of Iraq results in the public?s lack of confidence that the president and his advisors will be able to accomplish its goals in Iraq. To test this argument, the article analyzes the president?s address to the nation, delivered primetime on June 28, 2005, showing how Americans are not convinced of the soundness of Bush?s strategy.
The Coenzymic and Chemical Properties of a Carbocyclic Analogue of Vitamin B12 Coenzyme

An analogue of vitamin B12 coenzyme in which the ribosyl oxygen has been replaced by —CH2— has been synthesized. This compound has spectral properties very similar to vitamin B12 coenzyme. The chemical properties of the analogue differ from those of vitamin B12 coenzyme in that reaction with CN- and BH4- does not result in cleavage of the carboncobalt bond. The analogue functions as coenzyme in the reaction catalyzed by dioldehydrase. The reaction in the presence of analogue is one-third as fast as with the coenzyme. Other properties of the enzymic reaction in the presence of the analogue are similar to those observed with the coenzyme: spectral changes in the presence of substrate and glycolaldehyde, hydrogen exchange between substrate and coenzyme, and over-all deuterium isotope effect. It was concluded that the ribosyl oxygen of the coenzyme cannot play an essential role in the catalytic process.
Stochastic Robustness Synthesis for a Benchmark Problem

Stochastic Robustness Analysis guides the synthesis of robust LQG regulators for a Benchmark Control Problem. Probabilities of exceeding allowable design limits, including stability, settling time, and control usage, are estimated by Monte Carlo evaluation Robust. low-gain, compensators that fulfill objectives are designed by numerically minimizing quadratic functions of these probabilities. The method is straightforward and makes use of uncomplicated design principles.
Stimulation of deoxyribonucleic acid synthesis in the salivary gland by isoproterenol: the effect of sex.

Abstract Isoproterenol given in pharmacologic doses greatly stimulates DNA synthesis and mitotic activity in submaxillary gland of rat. The stimulation is more pronounced in female than in male animals. With three injections of the drug, a 35-fold increase in the incorporation of tritiated thymidine into the submaxillary gland is produced within 40 hr in female animals and a 5-fold in male rats. According to radioautographic studies the acinar cells are mainly effected. Oophorectomy and testosterone treatment of female rats had no influence on the IPR effect. Removal of testes increased the sensitivity of male rats toward the drug. The conspicuous stimulation of mitotic activity in the salivary gland offers an unique model of induced cell proliferation.
A New Natural Naphthoquinone in Mycobacterium phlei CIS-DIHYDROMENAQUINONE-9, STRUCTURE AND FUNCTION

The natural quinone, II-dihydromenaquinone-9 (MK9(II-H)), from Mycobacterium phlei has been resolved into two components by adsorption thin layer chromatography. Chemical analysis of the separated products indicated that they were both 1,4-naphthoquinones of the MK9(II-H) type, differing only in the geometry of the double bond in the ring-terminal isoprene unit. By nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy it was possible to show that the major component was all-trans-MK9(II-H), while the minor product was the 3'-methyl-cis-MK9(2H) isomer. This new quinone appeared to be biologically active, since tritium was incorporated into the cis isomer. In contrast, very little incorporation of tritium was found in the trans isomer. Furthermore, the incorporation into the cis isomer was phosphate-dependent.
A Prolegomenon to the Economics of Net Entry and Net Exit Patterns of Bangladesh's Manufacturing Industries

This paper provides an empirical analysis of net entry and net exit patterns of manufacturing industries in Bangladesh. The analysis is based on a panel data set consisting of five census years' three-digit level data from the Bangladesh Census of Manufacturing Industries.
Kainate-induced status epilepticus alters glutamate and GABAA receptor gene expression in adult rat hippocampus: an in situ hybridization study

In adult rats, intraperitoneal administration of kainic acid, a glutamic acid analog and potent neurotoxin, induces persistent seizure activity that results in electrographic alterations and neuropathology that closely resemble human temporal lobe epilepsy. We used in situ hybridization to identify regions of altered glutamate and GABAA receptor gene expression following kainate-induced status epilepticus. In the CA3/CA4 area, the hippocampal region most vulnerable to neurodegeneration after kainate acid treatment, expression of GluR2 (the AMPA/kainate receptor subunit that limits Ca2+ permeability) and GluR3 was decreased markedly at 12 and 24 hr, times preceding neurodegeneration. These findings raise the possibility that increased formation of Ca(2+)-permeable AMPA/kainate receptors in the CA3/CA4 area may enhance glutamate pathogenicity. Expression of the GABAA alpha 1, subunit was also reduced, indicating a possible decrease in inhibitory transmission, which would also enhance excitotoxicity. GluR1 and NR1 expression was not significantly changed. In the dentate gyrus, a region resistant to neurodegeneration, concomitant increases in GluR2 and GluR3 expression were observed; GluR1, NR1, and GABAA alpha 1 mRNAs were not detectably altered. Analysis of emulsion-dipped sections revealed that the changes in GluR2, GluR3, and GABAA alpha 1 expression represented changes in mRNA content per neuron and were specific to pyramidal cells of the CA3/CA4 area and to granule cells of the dentate gyrus. These findings indicate that kainate seizures modify hippocampal glutamate and GABAA receptor expression in a cell-specific manner. Timing of the changes in glutamate and GABAA receptor mRNAs indicates that these changes may play a causal role in hippocampal neuronal cell loss following kainate-induced seizures.
Desert fire history and effects on the Phoenix, Arizona, metropolitan area

The goal of the present research is to utilize remote sensing tools to reconstruct the extent and impact of fires in a desert-urban environment. Our results indicate that simple band stretches and albedo data successfully discriminated burned versus unburned regions. Variations in reflectance values between burned and unburned regions can be related directly to density of vegetation in these areas.
Preliminary report: indications of improved visual function after retinal sheet transplantation in retinitis pigmentosa patients.

Abstract PURPOSE: To report indications of new visual function after retinal transplantation in two blind patients with retinitis pigmentosa. METHODS: Intact sheets of fetal retina (15 and 17 weeks gestational age) were transplanted subretinally (between the neurosensory retina and the retinal pigment epithelium) near the fovea in the left eye of a 23-year-old white man (Patient A) and in the left eye of a 72-year-old white woman (Patient B), both with autosomal-recessive retinitis pigmentosa. RESULTS: Postoperatively, at 6 and 5 months, respectively, both patients reported new visual sensation in the visual field corresponding to the transplant. In both patients, the visual sensation continued to be present after transplantation, at 12 and 8 months, respectively. In Patient A, a transient multifocal electroretinography (mfERG) response was observed in the transplant area 4 months postoperatively but was not detectable in Patient A at 6.0 and 9.5 months post–retinal transplantation. In Patient B, no positive mfERG responses were seen up to 5 months postoperatively. No rejection (presenting as cystoid macular edema, macular pucker, and extensive intraretinal edema with disrupted retinal pigment epithelium) to the transplanted tissue was seen up to 13 months in Patient A and 9 months in Patient B by fluorescein angiography. CONCLUSION: Transplantation of intact sheets of fetal human retina in two patients with retinitis pigmentosa was not associated with evidence of transplant rejection. Subjective improvement and an indication of objective improvement 4 months postoperatively were seen in Patient A, and subjective improvement only was seen in Patient B.
The N Terminus of Saccharomyces cerevisiae Sst2p Plays an RGS-Domain-Independent, Mpt5p-Dependent Role in Recovery From Pheromone Arrest

The Saccharomyces cerevisiae RGS protein Sst2p is involved in desensitization to pheromone and acts as a GTPase-activating protein for the Galpha subunit Gpa1p. Other results indicate that Sst2p acts through Mpt5p and that this action occurs downstream of Fus3p and through Cln3p/Cdc28p. Our results indicate that the interaction of Sst2p with Mpt5p requires the N-terminal MPI (Mpt5p-interacting) domain of Sst2p and is independent of the C-terminal RGS domain. Overexpression of the MPI domain results in an Mpt5p-dependent increase in recovery from pheromone arrest. Overexpression of either intact Sst2p or the MPI domain leads to partial suppression of a gpa1 growth defect, and this suppression is dependent on Mpt5p, indicating that MPI function occurs downstream of Gpa1p and through Mpt5p. Combination of an mpt5 mutation with the GPA1(G302S) mutation, which uncouples Gpa1p from Sst2p, results in pheromone supersensitivity similar to the sst2 mutant, and promotion of recovery by overexpression of Sst2p is dependent on both Mpt5p and the Gpa1p interaction. These results indicate that Sst2p is a bifunctional protein and that the MPI domain acts through Mpt5p independently of the RGS domain. RGS family members from other fungi contain N-terminal domains with sequence similarity to the Sst2p MPI domain, suggesting that MPI function may be conserved.
A Review of: “H. W. Brands, Traitor to His Class: The Privileged Life and Radical Presidency of Franklin D. Roosevelt.”

The longest serving U.S. president has deservingly prompted numerous biographies, some detailed and covering more than one volume, others shorter and limited to a specific period. H. W. Brands prov...
Spherical beam holograms for spectroscopic applications: Modeling and implementation

A new approach for analyzing spherical beam holograms is presented and tested. This method describes the diffraction effect in spherical beam holograms and its application in spectroscopy. The theoretical results are verified by experiments.
News Coverage of New Presidents in The New York Times, 1981‐2009

Content analysis of front-page The New York Times stories during the first year of the Barack Obama presidency revealed news coverage that was far more positive in tone than that received during the first year of the Ronald Reagan, Bill Clinton, and George W. Bush presidencies. Overall, the Obama findings reveal a media honeymoon in that influential newspaper, a sharp contrast from first-year coverage of other presidents during the modern era of a more combative press. The positive policy coverage Obama received in the Times was also significantly more positive than on evening newscasts of network television and on Fox News’ Special Report. Un analisis de los reportajes en primera plana del New York Times durante el primer ano de presidencia de Barack Obama revelo reportajes con un tono mucho mas positivo que aquel recibido durante el primer ano de las presidencias de Ronald Reagan, Bill Clinton y George W. Bush. En conjunto, estos hallazgos muestran una luna de miel del influyente periodico con Barack Obama, un marcado contraste con la cobertura que recibieron otros presidentes durante la era moderna de una prensa mas competitiva. La positiva cobertura que Obama recibio del Times tambien fue significativamente mas positiva que la recibida por noticieros vespertinos en cadenas televisivas y en el programa Fox News’ Special Report. Related Articles:“Media Use in the Contemporary Presidency,” (1996): http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1747-1346.1996.tb00441.x/abstract“Selective Media Exposure and Partisan Differences,” (2011): http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1747-1346.2011.00288.x/abstract“The Influence of Media Policy Narratives on Public Opinion,” (2011): http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1747-1346.2009.00175.x/abstract
Contested Rules: An Explanation of How Games Change:

Games such as basketball, hockey and different codes of football change their rules frequently, but little is known of the particular interactive processes through which such changes are impelled. Building upon an earlier ethnomethodological perspective on games- playing, an explanation is offered which conceives rule changes as the unintended and unanticipated outcome of the interaction between groups who have different interests in the games-playing process. Rule changes are impelled because game legislators (rules committees) do not and cannot wholly anticipate the ways in which their legislative action will be interpreted by game-players and by coaches. To explain how games change, the rules need to be understood as both the medium and the outcome of the interaction processes amongst interdependent interest groups.
Rush immunotherapy in an experimental model of feline allergic asthma

Specific allergen immunotherapy represents the only curative treatment of allergy. No studies have evaluated its efficacy in feline allergic asthma. We hypothesized that an abbreviated course of immunotherapy (rush immunotherapy, RIT) would blunt eosinophilic airways inflammation in experimental feline asthma induced with Bermuda grass allergen (BGA). The 6-month study included asthmatic-RIT treated cats; asthmatic-no RIT treated cats; and non-asthmatic cats. RIT involved increasing parenteral doses (20-200 microg) of BGA over 2 days. Numbers of eosinophils in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF), serum and BALF immunoglobulins, lymphocyte blastogenesis assays, and cytokines in blood and BALF were evaluated. BALF eosinophils decreased (P=0.048) only in asthmatic-RIT treated cats (baseline 1.1 x 10(6); Month 6, 2.4 x 10(5)). Serum BGA-specific IgG was higher (P<0.001) at all time points after baseline within the asthmatic-RIT group, and was higher (P<0.001) than asthmatic-no RIT cats at Months 1 and 3. No differences (P=0.133) in BGA-specific IgE levels over time were noted among asthmatic-RIT cats, but this group had lower IgE levels (P<0.001) levels than asthmatic no-RIT cats at Months 3 and 6. Differences in BGA-specific IgA levels over time and between the two groups did not reach the traditional level of significance. The mean BGA stimulation index in the asthmatic-RIT cats was biologically insignificant at 6 months, reflecting BGA-specific lymphocyte hypoproliferation. Preliminary results of cytokine profiles were not significantly different; however, BAL cytokine profiles favoring a Th2 response prior to RIT shifted to increased IFN-g and IL-10 thereafter. RIT dampens eosinophilic airways inflammation in cats with experimental asthma. The mechanism of RIT may involve changes in allergen-specific immunoglobulins, induction of hyporesponsive lymphocytes, or alteration of cytokine profiles.
Evaluation of strains of Geotrichum candidum for lipase production and fatty acid specificity

Three strains of Geotrichum candidum (ATCC 34614, NRRL Y-552 and NRRL Y-553) were examined for lipase production and activity. Variables including medium, pH, temperature, agitation rate and incubation time were examined to define the optimal culture conditions. Growth on oil in complex medium at 30°C, 300 rpm, and pH 7 produced maximal lipase activity. Fatty acid specificity of these strains and of two crude G. candidum enzyme preparations (lipase 26557 RP, Rhone Poulenc and lipase GC-4, Amano) was measured using equimolar mixtures of methyl or butyl esters of palmitic and oleic acids. The lipase from NRRL Y-553 and lipase 26557 RP displayed preferential specificity for hydrolyzing oleic acid esters, while the lipases from ATCC 34614, NRRL Y-552 and lipase GC-4 failed to discriminate between plamitic and oleic acids.
Calcium wave propagation in networks of endothelial cells: model-based theoretical and experimental study.

In this paper, we present a combined theoretical and experimental study of the propagation of calcium signals in multicellular structures composed of human endothelial cells. We consider multicellular structures composed of a single chain of cells as well as a chain of cells with a side branch, namely a ‘‘T’’ structure. In the experiments, we investigate the result of applying mechano-stimulation to induce signaling in the form of calcium waves along the chain and the effect of single and dual stimulation of the multicellular structure. The experimental results provide evidence of an effect of architecture on the propagation of calcium waves. Simulations based on a model of calcium-induced calcium release and cell-to-cell diffusion through gap junctions shows that the propagation of calcium waves is dependent upon the competition between intracellular calcium regulation and architecture-dependent intercellular diffusion.
Postnatal Growth and Development in the Mexican Free-Tailed Bat (Tadarida brasiliensis mexicana): Birth Size, Growth Rates, and Age Estimation

Based on mark-recapture data, we quantified changes in body mass, length of forearm, and lengths of the total, proximal, and distal epiphyseal gaps of individual Mexican free-tailed bats (Tadarida brasiliensis mexicana) from birth to peak lactation. We used these data to develop empirical growth curves, derive growth rates, establish age-predictive equations, and compare growth parameters based on three nonlinear growth models. Length of forearm and body mass of neonates averaged 18.5 mm ? 0.7 (SD) and 3.2 g + 0.3, respectively. Mean body mass of pups increased linearly for the first 3 weeks, by which time they had achieved ca. 80% of the mean postpartum mass of adult females. Thereafter, body mass remained relatively stable until a small decrease in body mass was observed at the beginning of the 6th week when young first began to fly. The growth trajectory of the forearm also was linear for the first 3 weeks, but, thereafter, increased more slowly until average adult dimensions were reached in the 6th week. Length of total epiphyseal gap increased to its maximum size during the first 2 weeks and subsequently decreased in a linear fashion. Secondary centers of ossification appeared in the metacarpal and first phalanx of the fourth digit at ca. 14 days, thus, making it possible to quantify age-related changes in the proximal and distal epiphyseal gaps. The equation for estimating age based on length of the forearm is valid when this dimension is -39 mm, whereas the equation for estimating age based on length of the total epiphyseal gap is valid when length of the forearm is >39 mm. Together, these two equations make it possible to estimate the age of pups from 1 to 42 days of age in T. brasiliensis. Of the three nonlinear growth models (logistic, Gompertz, and von Bertalanffy), the logistic equation provides the best fit to the empirical curves for length of forearm and body mass.
Natural inhibitors of cholinesterases: implications for adverse drug reactions

Acetylchomesterase and butyrylcholinesterase are two closely related enzymes important in the metabolism of acetylcholine and anaesthetic drugs, including succinylcholine. mvacunum. and cocaine. The sdanaceous glycoalkaloids (SGAs) are naturally occurring steroids in potatoes and related plants that inhibitboth acetylcholinesterase and butyrylcholinesterase. There are many clinical examples of direct SGA toxicity due to cholinesterase inhibition. The aim of thus study was to review the hypotheses that (I) SGAs may be the evolutionary driving force for atypical butyrytcholinesterase alletes and that (2) SGAs may adversely influence the actions of anaesthetic drugs that are metabolized by acetyicholinesterase and butyrylcholinesterase. The information was obtained by Medicine search and consultation with experts in the study of SGAs and cholinesterases. The SGAs inhibrt both acetyicholinesterase and butyrylcholinesterase in numerousin vitro andin vivo experiments. Although accurate assays of SGA levels are difficult, published data indicate human serum SGA concentrations at least ten-fold lower than required to inhibit acetyicholinesterase and butyrylcholinesterasein vitro. However, we review evidence that suggests the detary ingestion of SGAs can initiate a cholinergic syndrome in humans. This syndrome appears to occur at SGA levels lower than those which interfere with anaesthetic drug catabolism. The world distribution of solanaceous plants parallels the distribution of atypical alleles of butyrylcholinesterase and may explain the genetic diversity of the butyrylcholinesterase gene. Correlative evidence suggests that dietary SGAs may be the driving force for atypical butyrylcholinesterase alleles. In addition. SGAs may influence the metabolism of anaesthetic drugs and this hypothesis warrants experimental investigation.
Interpretation of second-order factors

It is shown that a “second-order” factor pattern is equivalent to the transformation employed in rotating an orthogonal factor pattern to an oblique form. The correlation among the second-order factors may then be interpreted as due to the original first-order factors.
Some effects of patchy food environments on copepods1

Laboratory determinations of the time taken for copepods to starve to death and of the effects of discontinuous food availability on egg production are used to demonstrate that different species are adapted to different scales of patchiness in their food environment. Acartia tonsa and Centropages typicus depend on constant food availability and are therefore sensitive to small scales of patchiness whereas Pseudocalanus minutus and Calanus finmarchicus can physiologically remove themselves from such small-scale variability. The SUCCESS of these organisms in the natural environment may be related to the length of time that layers of food-exist in the water column. It is clear from laboratory studies that the rate of ingestion by marine zooplankton varies with food concentration (Frost 1972; Ambler and Frost 1974). However, because the concentration of food in the ocean varies spatially and temporally (i.e. it is patchy), the ingestion rate of planktonic organisms in the natural environment cannot be easily determined; knowledge of the distribution and abundance of zooplankton food is necessary. Spatial variability in plankton abundance exists on many horizontal scales including tens of kilometers ( Cushing and Tungate 1963 ) , tens of meters ( Wiborg 1976), and tens of centimeters (Cassie 1959). Also, spatial variability in the vertical direction is probably of great significance to zooplankton. Temporal varability in the marine environment exists on the seasonal scale, the aperiodic or event scale, and the diurnal scale (J. Walsh personal communication). It is probably safe to say that zooplankton organisms and their food