cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Potentiation of neurite outgrowth and reduction of apoptosis by immunosuppressive agents: implications for neuronal injury and transplantation.

Object Immunosuppressive agents are believed to play a role in recovery from spinal cord injury, but the underlying mechanisms by which neuronal function is improved by these agents are poorly understood. In this study, the authors evaluate the effect of immunosuppressive medications on neurite outgrowth and cell survival after a pharmacologically induced injury. Methods Differentiated human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells were injured using the calcium agonist thapsigargin. After cellular injury, neurite outgrowth in the presence or absence of immunosuppressive agents was measured. Apoptosis was quantified with the aid of a terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase–mediated deoxyuridine triphosphate nick-end labeling assay. Neurite outgrowth was severely restricted following thapsigargin injury. Outgrowth was potentiated, however, by the addition of concentrations of 1 and 10 μM cyclosporin A in a dose-dependent fashion. Similarly, addition of 10 nM FK506 increased the percentage of neurites in the 20- to 40-mic...
Electronic spectroscopy of highly polar aromatics: Luminescence of the cyanoanisoles☆

Abstract The absorption and emission spectra of the three isomeric cyanoanisoles have been investigated. Quantum yields and decay lifetimes have been measured for both fluorescence and phosphorescence processes. It is shown that the lowest-energy absorption band of p-cyanoanisole consists of two distinct electronic excitation events of π ∗ ← π nature whereas the lowest-energy absorption band of each of the o- and m-isomers consists of only one single electronic excitation event of π ∗ ← π nature. These conclusions are consistent with both absorption data, emission data and kinetic analyses. The p-derivative exhibits the largest value of the quantum yield ratio Φ P Φ F ; this observation is discussed and rationalized.
Developmental changes in insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-I and -II mRNA abundance in extra-embryonic membranes and small intestine of avian embryos.

Abstract Objective Numerous researchers have evaluated the insulin-like growth factors (IGF) influence on mammalian fetal development. Although IGF has been explored in the avian system, questions remain on the role of IGF in avian development. Therefore, the current study evaluated the mRNA abundance of IGF in the amnion and allantoic membranes and developing small intestine in the chicken, duck, and turkey during the incubation and post-hatch period. Design Broiler, duck, and turkey eggs were incubated with small intestinal, allantoic, and amniotic membranes collected in the final days of incubation and 1 week post-hatch. RNA was extracted using Trizol and qRT-PCR was utilized to compare differences during embryo development within and across species. Results The expression of the IGF mRNA varied between species in the final days of incubation in the amniotic and allantoic membranes. The turkey had higher (0.38–1.72 log) transcript abundance of IGF-I and IGF-II in the amnion and allantois compared to the chicken and duck. Evaluating the mRNA abundance within the chicken duodenum, jejunum, and ileum, the duodenum had the lowest expression of IGF-I and IGF-II ( P P P P Conclusion The transcript abundance of the IGF axis in the extra-embryonic membranes and gastrointestinal tissue of the developing chicken, duck, and turkey are influenced by embryonic age and species. A better understanding of the IGF axis in the small intestine during embryonic development may allow for increasing the optimal growth of both the gastrointestinal tract and the neonate.
In vitro maintenance of rabbit sperm at room temperature.

MAMMALIAN germ cells have been utilized by several investigators for the investigation of the biochemical and physiological mechanisms of senescence in living cells1. Functionally and metabolically active bovine sperm have been successfully maintained and studied at room temperature for a period of 6 days or more2. The results of these studies led to the present work in which two chemically defined media were used to maintain large numbers of vigorously motile rabbit sperm. The two media tested here were ‘Coconut Milk Extender’ (CME)3 and Norman-Johnson solution No. 2 (N-J-2)4, a chemically defined medium. Over a 6 day period of storage at room temperature (24° ± 2° C), N-J-2 proved to be the more satisfactory medium for supporting survival and activity of the sperm.
Haliclostanone Sulfate and Halistanol Sulfate from an Indo-Pacific Haliclona Sponge

Two steroids, haliclostanone sulfate (1) and halistanol sulfate (3), were isolated from a Haliclona sp. marine sponge. The structure of the new compound 1 was established based on its spectroscopic data and the properties of a pentaacetate derivative 2. Compound 1 is unique in that it possesses the rare cis C/D ring junction precedented only in marine sterols, contignasterol (4) and xestobergsterols A (5), B (6), and C (7).
User-oriented agricultural drought information cluster

Agricultural droughts can be perceived in four forms - drought data, information, knowledge, and wisdom. For better understanding, mitigation and harness of drought, it is necessary to extract “raw” drought information into human-perceivable data (e.g., remotely sensed data) and from which to discover patterns and form knowledge. This article explores advantages of geospatial Web services in providing on-demand agricultural drought analysis and equipping users from various domains (including drought experts, decision-makers and farmers) with information, knowledge and even wisdom needed in the process of agricultural drought monitoring, assessment and management. Various Web services are established to support drought analysis and decision-making for the general public. The potential of Web services in automating geospatial knowledge discovery and dissemination within the Big Data era is also illustrated here.
CALCIUM DEPLETION STIMULATES THYROXINE RELEASE FROM THE THYROID.

Excised mouse thyroids incubated in Ca++-free medium were stimulated to release increased amounts of stable thyroxine. This stimulation of thyroxine release by incubated thyroid tissue was not additive with TSH or (Bu)2cAMP. It was reversed by norepinephrine through an alpha adrenergic receptor, similar to TSH or (Bu)2cAMP stimulation. Depletion of Ca++ did not result, however, in an increase in the concentration of cAMP in incubated thyroid glands, suggesting that its locus of action was subsequent to TSH stimulation or cAMP production.
17. Influences of shelterbelts on wildlife management and biology

Abstract Shelterbelts provide benefits to wildlife in several ways, including protection from wind and adverse weather, escape or refuge cover, food and foraging sites, reproductive habitat and travel corridors. At least 108 species of birds and 28 species of mammals are known to use shelterbelt habitats. In agricultural areas, 29 species of birds, benefit substantially, 37 moderately and 42 very little or accidentally. At least 57 species of birds have been recorded using shelterbelts during the breeding season and, of these, 28 are known to have nested in them at densities from about 0.3–186 nests ha−1. Shelterbelts have helped maintain or extend the ranges of several small mammal and bird species. For enhancement of wildlife benefits, shelterbelts should be designed to provide the needs of the wildlife most desired and be of sufficient size and complexity to provide wildlife needs throughout the year, including winter food and weather protection appropriate for local climatic conditions. Numbers and diversity of wildlife are usually positively correlated with shelterbelt area and length of perimeter, diversity of vegetation and vegetation complexity. Variation in type of vegetation (e.g. several species of deciduous and coniferous trees, shrubs, grasses, and forbs), in addition to well-developed canopy and understory layers, are desirable. Snags provide nesting and foraging sites for many species; management options include topping snags to leave 4–5-m stumps and providing nest boxes. Overgrazing seriously degrades the benefits of shelterbelts to wildlife, particularly for species that utilize the understory layer. Shelterbelts provide only a portion of most wildlife needs, and thus should be viewed in relation to other nearby resources so that all needs of desired wildlife are met. Adjacent food resources are of particular importance to some wildlife species. Wildlife associated with shelterbelts may provide economic, educational, recreational and aesthetic benefits. In contrast, some species may cause damage or nuisance problems in adjacent areas. Overall, these problems are minor/or can be controlled. Relationships among wildlife, shelterbelts and people are not well studied, so numerous research opportunities and needs exist.
Numerical simulation of heterogeneous nucleation and growth

Abstract A numerical technique for simulating Ostwald ripening in closed systems and heterogeneous nucleation and growth in open systems is developed. The method is a numerical integration of the quasi-hydrodynamical equation governing the cluster-size distribution using realistic growth rates and conservation conditions. For closed systems, Chakraverty's analytical predictions have been confirmed. For the treatment of open systems, a hybrid representation has been used. This retains classical growth rates for large clusters but substitutes atomistic expressions for small ones. It was possible to simulate nucleation and growth up until coalescences become important and a new insight into the dynamics of the process has been gained.
Diet fat and fiber knowledge, beliefs and practices are minimally influenced by health status

Over 2700 subjects were surveyed to determine if a particular disease condition resulted in better knowledge, beliefs and dietary practices in relation to fat and fiber intakes. Using discriminant analysis, it appeared that the presence of disease conditions could affect these aspects of fat and fiber intake, but the contribution was minimal. General overall nutrition knowledge was lower for subjects reporting osteoporosis, and knowledge of specific facts about fiber was significantly lower in hypertensive and heart disease subjects. Dietary practices related to selection of high fat food was poorer in hypertensives than normotensives. Those with heart disease and hypercholesterolemia had better knowledge about fat than those without this condition. Only subjects with heart disease had more appropriate beliefs toward diet fat and health than did other subjects. Dietary practices appeared to be a factor for only two disease conditions. Subjects self-reporting elevated blood cholesterol levels had more appropriate fiber and fat practices, and diabetics had better diet fiber practices than others. Using multiple regression analysis, older subjects had lower fat and higher fiber intakes, whereas those with greater BMI had poorer diet practices with respect to fat and fiber. Furthermore, the analysis indicated that individuals with the belief that fat or fiber intake could affect health and well-being, and those with better nutrition knowledge, had better dietary practices.
Taking Library 2.0 to the Next Level: Using a Course Wiki for Teaching Information Literacy to Honors Students

ABSTRACT How do educators capitalize on students’ comfort with ubiquitous communications in order to develop information literacy skills required in the 21st century? A curriculum materials librarian and a professor in the School of Education present an approach that uses library instruction, online research scaffolds, and peer evaluation within a class wiki to enhance student research practices and academic achievement. The explosion of information sources and access to networked technologies has provided the opportunity to “ratchet up” the expectations for student research in higher education. The Association of College & Research Libraries's information literacy standards for higher education provide a framework for setting these expectations. The authors describe features of an introductory education course that seeks to enhance honors freshman students’ knowledge of library research resources, efficient research skills, and scholarly writing, as described in these standards.
Outcomes in patients with urothelial carcinoma of the bladder with limited pelvic lymph node dissection.

OBJECTIVES To evaluate the rates of local and systemic progression (LP and SP), recurrence-free survival and overall survival for patients with urothelial carcinoma of the bladder with limited pelvic lymph node dissection (PLND) in 1987–2000. PATIENTS AND METHODS A consecutive series was analysed of 385 patients (median age 61.9 years, range 30.7–83.8) treated by limited bilateral PLND and radical cystectomy (RC) between 1987 and 2000, with negative surgical margins on final pathology. All patients were staged N0M0 before RC, and none received neoadjuvant radiotherapy or chemotherapy. The boundaries of the limited PLND were the pelvic side-wall between the genitofemoral and obturator nerves, and bifurcation of iliac vessels to the circumflex iliac vein. LP was defined as a radiographic soft-tissue density of ≥ 2 cm below the bifurcation of the aorta. Pathological characteristics, based on the 1997 Tumour-Nodes-Metastasis system, recurrence patterns, and recurrence-free and overall survival, were determined. RESULTS The median (range) overall follow-up was 45.1 (1.1–165.6) months; the number of lymph nodes (LNs) reported per patient was 12 (2–32). Of the 385 patients, 130 (33.8%) had evidence of LP and 60 (15.6%) of SP. The 5-year recurrence-free and overall survival rates were both 71% for patients with organ-confined, N0 tumours, and 23% and 26% for unconfined, N0 tumours. Positive LNs were found in 45 (12%) patients, who had a recurrence-free and overall survival rate of 9% at 5 years. CONCLUSION Compared with published reports of similar cohorts of patients managed with RC and extended PLND, the present study suggests that limited PLND is associated with suboptimal staging, greater rates of LP, and lower rates of recurrence-free survival, particularly for patients with unconfined or LN-positive disease.
The complete sequence and functional analysis of pANL, the large plasmid of the unicellular freshwater cyanobacterium Synechococcus elongatus PCC 7942

Two endogenous plasmids are present in Synechococcus elongatus PCC 7942, a model organism for studying photosynthesis and circadian rhythms in cyanobacteria. The large plasmid, pANL, was shown previously to be involved in adaptation of S. elongatus cells to sulfur starvation, which provided the first evidence of cellular function of a cyanobacterial plasmid. Here, we report the complete sequence of pANL, which is 46,366 bp in length with 53% GC content and encodes 58 putative ORFs. The pANL plasmid can be divided into four structural and functional regions: the replication origin region, a signal transduction region, a plasmid maintenance region, and a sulfur-regulated region. Cosmid-based deletion analysis suggested that the plasmid maintenance and replication origin regions are required for persistence of pANL in the cells. Transposon-mediated mutagenesis and complementation-based pANL segregation assays confirmed that two predicted toxin-antitoxin cassettes encoded in the plasmid maintenance region, belonging to PemK and VapC families, respectively, are necessary for plasmid exclusion. The compact and efficient organization of sulfur-related genes on pANL may provide selective advantages in environments with limited sulfur.
Deterministic and stochastic effects near the convective onset

The pure conduction state of a horizontal layer of fluid heated from below becomes unstable with respect to a convecting state when the temperature difference exceeds a critical value. We examine the question of how real, physical systems evolve from conduction to convection. Most experimental cells contain geometric or thermal inhomogeneities which render the bifurcation to convection imperfect. In that case the pure conduction state never exists and the convecting state evolves continuously and smoothly as the temperature difference is raised. When a sufficiently perfect experimental cell is constructed to eliminate this route to convection, then dynamic imperfections will usually prevail. When the temperature difference across the cell is raised, the vertical gradients in the sidewalls evolve at a rate which differs from that in the fluid. The resultingtransient horizontal thermal gradients initiate the convective flow. This phenomenon can be eliminated by providing sidewalls which have the same thermal diffusivity as that of the fluid. When that is done, the convective flow is started by random noise which exists in any experimental system. Analysis of experiments shows that the noise source is considerably stronger than thermal noise, but its origin is unclear at this time.
Femoral Strain Distribution and Subsidence After Physiological Loading of a Cementless Canine Femoral Prosthesis: The Effects of Implant Orientation, Canal Fill, and Implant Fit

Twelve normal greyhound femora were divided into three groups. In group one, femoral stems were placed in neutral position with maximal fill. Group two had undersized femoral stems placed in neutral position. Group three had undersized femoral stems placed in varus position. Intact and implanted femora were loaded from 10 newtons (N) to 300 N in axial compression at a rate of 25 N/s for 10 replications. A strain gauge analysis showed that the strain distribution of all implanted femora were substantially different from intact femora, but femora with large implants placed in neutral position had the least amount of deviation from normal. An undersized stem in neutral position had significantly less compressive longitudinal strains along the proximomedial and proximocranial cortices. An undersized stem in varus position improved implant fit along the proximomedial and distolateral cortices, which resulted in increased tensile hoop strains. There were multiple significant correlations between the strain data and implantation variables (implant alignment, canal fill, and implant fit). Subsidence was significantly greater for the undersized implant in neutral position. There was not a difference in subsidence between the large neutral and varus groups. The most important variable that decreased subsidence was increased lateral implant fit (r = -0.86, P = .0003).
Cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator trafficking is mediated by the COPI coat in epithelial cells.

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is caused by defects in the CF transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) that functions as a chloride channel in epithelial cells. The most common cause of CF is the abnormal trafficking of CFTR mutants. Therefore, understanding the cellular machineries that transit CFTR from the endoplasmic reticulum to the plasma membrane (PM) is important. The coat protein complex I (COPI) has been implicated in the anterograde and retrograde transport of proteins and lipids between the endoplasmic reticulum and the Golgi. Here, we investigated the role of COPI in CFTR trafficking. Blocking COPI recruitment to membranes by expressing an inactive form of the GBF1 guanine nucleotide exchange factor for ADP-ribosylation factor inhibits CFTR trafficking to the PM. Similarly, inhibiting COPI dissociation from membranes by expressing a constitutively active ADP-ribosylation factor 1 mutant arrests CFTR within disrupted Golgi elements. To definitively explore the relationship between COPI and CFTR in epithelial cells, we depleted β-COP from the human colonic epithelial cell HT-29Cl.19A using small interfering RNA. β-COP depletion did not affect CFTR synthesis but impaired its trafficking to the PM. The arrest occurred pre-Golgi as shown by reduced level of glycosylation. Importantly, decreased trafficking of CFTR had a functional consequence as cells depleted of β-COP showed decreased cAMP-activated chloride currents. To explore the mechanism of COPI action in CFTR traffic we tested whether CFTR was COPI cargo. We discovered that the α-, β-, and γ-subunits of COPI co-immunoprecipitated with CFTR. Our results indicate that the COPI complex plays a critical role in CFTR trafficking to the PM.
The Apolipoprotein E-mimetic Peptide COG112 Inhibits the Inflammatory Response to Citrobacter rodentium in Colonic Epithelial Cells by Preventing NF-κB Activation

Inflammatory bowel disease arises from the interplay between luminal bacteria and the colonic mucosa. Targeted inhibition of pro-inflammatory pathways without global immunosuppression is highly desirable. Apolipoprotein (apo) E has immunomodulatory effects and synthetically derived apoE-mimetic peptides are beneficial in models of sepsis and neuroinflammation. Citrobacter rodentium is the rodent equivalent of enteropathogenic Escherichia coli, and it causes colitis in mice by colonizing the surface of colonic epithelial cells and inducing signaling events. We have reported that mice deficient in inducible nitric-oxide (NO) synthase (iNOS) have attenuated C. rodentium-induced colitis. We used young adult mouse colon (YAMC) cells that mimic primary colonic epithelial cells to study effects of an antennapedia-linked apoE-mimetic peptide, COG112, on C. rodentium-activated cells. COG112 significantly attenuated induction of NO production, and iNOS mRNA and protein expression, in a concentration-dependent manner. COG112 inhibited the C. rodentium-stimulated induction of iNOS and the CXC chemokines KC and MIP-2 to the same degree as the NF-κB inhibitors MG132 or BAY 11-7082, and there was no additive effect when COG112 and these inhibitors were combined. COG112 significantly reduced nuclear translocation of NF-κB, when assessed by electromobility shift assay, immunoblotting, and immunofluorescence for p65. This correlated with inhibition of both C. rodentium-stimulated IκB-α phosphorylation and degradation, and IκB kinase activity, which occurred by inhibition of IκB kinase complex formation rather than by a direct effect on the enzyme itself. These studies indicate that apoE-mimetic peptides may have novel therapeutic potential by inhibiting NF-κB-driven proinflammatory epithelial responses to pathogenic colonic bacteria.
Isolation and properties of navy bean proteinase inhibitor component I.

Abstract A family of protease inhibitors (of which one was shown to be homogeneous and one nearly so by ion-exchange chromatography, gel filtration, disc electrophoresis, and amino-terminal analysis) was obtained from navy beans. Amino acid analysis demonstrated the inhibitors to be similar in composition and size to the Bowman-Birk and other low-molecular-weight inhibitors from plants. Interaction with trypsin was monitored by examining enzyme-inhibitor complex formation and inhibitor modification in acrylamide gels after pH 8 and pH 4 preincubation with varying concentrations of trypsin. Specific inhibiting capacities, determined with seven substrates after preincubation at the above pH values, varied greatly with different substrates and were less after low pH preincubation.
Acquired Microcephaly, Regression of Milestones, Mitochondrial Dysfunction, and Episodic Rigidity in a 46,XY Male With a De Novo MECP2 Gene Mutation

We report a case of acquired microcephaly in a male infant. Testing for mutations in the MECP2 gene identified a de novo hemizygous c.378-3C>G mutation at a highly conserved 3' splice site, consistent with Rett syndrome. Other distinctive features included periodic hypertonicity, decreased mitochondrial complex III activity, and abnormal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) T2 signal in the pons. Rett syndrome was originally described in females with a clinical phenotype of deceleration of head growth, abnormal hand movements, and developmental regression. The clinical diagnosis can now be supported by genetic testing for MECP2 mutations, and the phenotype of disorder has expanded. Cases of Rett syndrome in males are rare and a total of 17 such cases have been reported. This case extends the clinical phenotype of Rett syndrome in males and associates this mutation with mitochondrial dysfunction.
Transport of aerial spray, III. influence of microclimate on crop spraying

Abstract Based on a model of aerial dispersion of spray clouds released from aircraft, criteria are given for choosing droplet sizes and flying heights in practical crop-spraying situations. There are advantages in using sprays composed of small droplets; micrometeorological measurements over cotton suggest that maximum droplet diameters should be about 60 μm.
Distributed estimation in the presence of attacks for large scale sensor networks

Distributed estimation using quantized data in the presence of Byzantine attacks is considered. Several subsets of sensors are assumed to be tampered with by different adversaries. Under the control of adversaries, the compromised sensors transmit fictitious data to the fusion center (FC) in order to undermine the estimation performance of the sensor network. First, we show that it is possible to asymptotically identify the attacked sensors and categorize them into different groups corresponding to different attacks, provided it is known that the set of unattacked sensors is larger than any set of attacked sensors taken over by one attack. Next, we consider joint estimation of the statistical description of the attacks and the parameter to be estimated. It can be shown that the corresponding Fisher Information Matrix (FIM) is singular. To overcome this, a modified quantization approach is proposed, which will provide a nonsingular FIM. Thus, the statistical properties of the attacks and the parameter to be estimated can be accurately estimated with sufficient data, provided that the number of time samples at each sensor is not less than 2. Furthermore, the FIM is employed to provide necessary and sufficient conditions under which utilizing the compromised sensors in the proposed fashion will lead better estimation performance when compared to approaches where the compromised sensors are ignored. Finally, numerical results imply that for some cases, significant estimation performance gain can be achieved by taking advantage of compromised sensors.
XPS study of condensed phase combustion in double-base rocket propellant with and without lead salt-burning rate modifier

Abstract The condensed-phase combustion zones of double-base rocket propellants formulated with and without lead salt-burning modifiers have been investigated by using x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Combustion residues from samples extinguished at selected combustion pressures in the range of 4–12 MPa were investigated to a depth where all signs of reaction disappear. The quenched sample of the noncatalyzed propellant was altered to a depth of 10–12 μm only. It consisted of the original propellant and its combustion intermediates like nitrite and oxime. No soot formation was evident. In contrast to that, the samples of the catalyzed propellants quenched at different pressures were altered to the depth of 30–40 μm and a fluffy soot with a large concentration of lead in it was the principal constituent. The lead accumulation in the soot showed a maximum at a depth of about 10 μm below the surface and marked the region of highest catalytic activity. X-ray-stimulated electron spectroscopy revealed that lead was present both as metal and oxide and that more metallic lead was present in the samples from the super burning regime than those of the mesa regime. The Pb C ratio in the soot, produced at different pressures, showed a sudden decrease coinciding with the onset of the mesa region. Thus the onset of the mesa regime can be ascribed to the loss of lead in the soot. The catalyzed propellant did not show the oxime-like reduced intermediate product, signifying that the presence of lead promotes thorough oxidation. The present work shows that modification of the combustion reaction in the catalyzed propellant begins in the condensed phase.
Modeling the reliability of repairable systems in the aviation industry

The jet engine is an example of a complex system that periodically requires repair or restoration. This paper discusses how the Weibull process, a non-homogenous Poisson process, can be used as a new approach in modeling jet engine life. The Weibull process can be a very useful tool in modeling repairable systems. The removal characteristics are estimated by collecting actual field data based on the engine age and operating environment. The process parameters are estimated using methodology that is based on data generated from multiple systems. This analysis includes an example of a jet engine application illustrating how the model predictions compare to actual events. The overall capability of the model is measured by examining both data fit and forecasting accuracy.
Introduction to the special issue on technical and social advances in HRI: an invitational issue of JHRI

One of the goals of the Journal of Human-Robot Interaction (JHRI) is to promote a stronger research community, including interactions among HRI-relevant conferences and journals. This issue is comprised of papers that first appeared in another format, usually a conference, and that exhibited special insights or area of interest. Authors were invited to submit extensions to these papers with at least 50% new material and told that the papers would be reviewed relative to the standard of scholarship suited to an archival journal. Submitted papers were then reviewed by at least three reviewers, who were instructed to hold the papers to a journal-level standard for scholarship. Of the papers that were invited, five papers were selected for publication.
Methodology for benefit–cost analysis of seismic codes

A number of high-profile seismic events have occurred in recent years, with a wide variation in the resulting economic damage and loss of life. This variation has been attributed in part to the stringency of seismic building codes implemented in different regions. Using the HAZUS Earthquake Model, a benefit–cost analysis was performed on varying levels of standard buildings codes for Haiti and Puerto Rico. The methodology computes expected loss assuming a Poisson event process with lognormally distributed event magnitude and idealized damage–magnitude response functions. The event frequency and magnitude distributions are estimated from the historical record, while the damage functions are fit using HAZUS simulation results for events with systematically varying magnitudes and different seismic code levels. To validate the approach, a single-event analysis was conducted using alternative building codes and mean magnitude earthquakes. A probabilistic analysis was then used to evaluate the long-term expected value for alternative levels of building codes. To account for the relationship between lives saved and economic loss, the implicit cost of saving a life is computed for each code option. It was found that in the two areas studied, the expected loss of life was reduced the most by use of high seismic building code levels, but lower levels of seismic building code were more cost-effective when considering only building damages and the costs for code implementation. The methodology presented is meant to provide a basic framework for the future development of an economic-behavioral model for code adoption.
Diastolic hypertension corrected by operation: a review.

Abstract Most patients with diastolic hypertension will eventually be diagnosed as having “essential hypertension.” However, a small but important percentage will have a condition which can be corrected by a specific operative technique. The more common etiologies amenable to operation are coarctation of the aorta, Cushing's syndrome, pheochromocytoma, primary aldosteronism and renal artery stenosis. In view of the gratifying outcome in the lesions lending to correction, a systematic screening of all hypertensive patients should be conducted prior to the use of a nonspecific antihypertensive drug program.
A Critique of Executive Branch Decision-Making Processes

The institutions underlying the agricultural policy decisions in the executive branch of the federal government are not working well. As a result, policies are too spasmodic, excessively short term, and too oriented toward farmers' interests rather than consumers or other rural residents. This paper (a) describes the problem, (b) reviews the consequences of the problem, (c) discusses the origin of the problem, (d) proposes changes to increase the visibility of analysis and to broaden its base, (e) outlines organizational considerations important to the implementation of the proposals, and (f) presents major conclusions.
A Multiresolution Analysis-Assisted Reinforcement Learning Approach to Run-by-Run Control

In recent years, the run-by run (RbR) control mechanism has emerged as a useful tool for keeping complex semiconductor manufacturing processes on target during repeated short production runs. Many types of RbR controllers exist in the literature of which the exponentially weighted moving average (EWMA) controller is widely used in the industry. However, EWMA controllers are known to have several limitations. For example, in the presence of multiscale disturbances and lack of accurate process models, the performance of EWMA controller deteriorates and often fails to control the process. Also, the control of complex manufacturing processes requires sensing of multiple parameters that may be spatially distributed. New control strategies that can successfully use spatially distributed sensor data are required. This paper presents a new multiresolution analysis (wavelet) assisted reinforcement learning (RL)-based control strategy that can effectively deal with both multiscale disturbances in processes and the lack of process models. The novel idea of a wavelet-aided RL-based controller represents a paradigm shift in the control of large-scale stochastic dynamic systems of which the control problem is a subset. Henceforth, we refer our new control strategy as a WRL-RbR controller. The WRL-RbR controller is tested on a multiple-input-multiple-output chemical mechanical planarization process of wafer fabrication for which the process model is available. Results show that the RL controller outperforms EWMA-based controllers for low autocorrelation. The new controller also performs quite well for strongly autocorrelated processes for which the EWMA controllers are known to fail. Convergence analysis of the new breed of the WRL-RbR controller is presented. Further enhancement of the controller to deal with model-free processes and for inputs coming from spatially distributed environments are also discussed. Note to Practitioners-This work was motivated by the need to develop an intelligent and efficient RbR process controller, especially for the control of processes with short production runs as in the case of the semiconductor manufacturing industry. A novel controller that is presented here is capable of generating optimal control actions in the presence of multiple time-frequency disturbances, and allows the use of realistic (often complex) process models without sacrificing robustness and speed of execution. Performance measures, such as reduction of variability in process output and control recipe, minimization of initial bias, and ability to control processes with high autocorrelations are shown to be superior in comparison to the commercially available exponentially weighted moving average controllers. The WRL-RbR controller is very generic, and can be easily extended to processes with drifts and sudden shifts in the mean and variance. The viability of extending the controller to distributed input parameter sensing environments, including those for which process models are not available, is also discussed
Digital Anthropophagy: Refashioning Words as Image, Sound and Action

This paper discusses the incorporation of text within interactive installations as an expression of cultural anthropophagy. This "consumption" is carried out not by displacing the text (i.e. replacing it with images) but by transforming text into image, sound or action, or into a post-alphabetic object (i.e. depriving the text of its linguistic value). As shown in detailed examples, the de-semanticization of text turns words into ornament, while in other cases (where the linguistic value of the text is stressed within the interactive installation or can be "rescued" from it) the literary is still an important subject of attention.
Mesoporous compound semiconductors from the reaction of metal ions with deltahedral [Ge9]4- clusters.

We report the surfactant-directed assembly of mesoporous metal/germanium-based semiconducting materials from coupling of anionic (Ge9)4− clusters with various linking metal ions. The resulting mate...
Opioid antagonism enhances marijuana's effects in heavy marijuana smokers.

Rationale and objective Studies in laboratory animals strongly suggest reciprocal modulation of the opioidergic and endocannabinoid systems, a relationship that has not been demonstrated in humans. This study sought to clarify this interaction by assessing how a range of naltrexone doses altered the subjective, cognitive, and cardiovascular effects of marijuana.
Specific Requirement of Potassium for Light-Activated Opening of Stomata in Epidermal Strips

The effect of various ions on stomatal opening was studied in isolated epidermal strips of Vicia faba L. Stomata in strips floating on 10 mm KCl and in CO(2)-free air opened in light, closed in subsequent darkness, then opened fully again when illuminated. A light-activated highly specific effect of K(-) (and Rb(+)) on opening was found. When strips were floated on high concentrations (50 or 100 meq/liter) of Li(+), Na(+) or Cs(+), stomata opened but light had very little effect on the concentrations required for opening. With K(+), the opening produced in the dark was the same as with the other alkali ions. Light, however, lowered more than 100-fold the concentration of K(+) required for maximal opening. Thus only the effect of K(+) (and Rb(+)) was greatly accentuated by light. NH(4) (+) and Mg(2+) did not produce opening.No specific anion is required in association with K(+). Opening was the same when Cl(-), Br, and NO(3) (-) were used as counter ions, but was less when SO(4) (2-) was used, particularly at higher concentrations and in the dark.The results are discussed in relation to the recent proposal that the basis for stomatal opening is K(+) uptake in amounts sufficient to act as an osmotic agent. This work also demonstrates, for the first time, a physiological process specifically requiring K(+). Assuming that ion uptake is an integral part of stomatal opening, guard cells would appear to have an ion uptake mechanism of a degree of specificity previously unknown in higher plants.
Vibrotactile tilt feedback improves dynamic gait index: a fall risk indicator in older adults.

The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of vibrotactile feedback of body tilt in improving dynamic gait index (DGI) a fall risk indicator in community dwelling older adults. Twelve healthy elderly subjects (three males and nine females, age 79.7+/-5.4 yrs) were tested in an institutional balance rehabilitation laboratory to investigate changes between the feedback off and on conditions. Subjects were acutely exposed to a vibrotactile display that indicated the magnitude and direction of their body tilt from the vertical. DGI and mediolateral (ML) sway were determined during locomotion with, and without, vibrotactile tilt feedback (VTTF). All subjects were at risk for falls based on their initial DGI Score (range: 15-19, mean 17.4+/-1.56), which was taken with the vibratory stimulus turned off. Subjects learned to use the trunk tilt information from the vibrotactile feedback vest through 20-30min of gait and balance training consisting of activities that challenged their balance. Subjects were then retested on the DGI. Statistically significant changes were demonstrated for the DGI total score while using the vibrotactile tilt feedback. DGI total scores improved from 17.1+/-0.4 to 20.8+/-0.3 (p Language: en
Synthesis of deuterium‐labeled 3‐O‐methyldopa and 4‐O‐methyldopa

Concise methods for the synthesis of 4-hydroxy-3-[2H3]-methoxyphenylalanine (3-O-[2H3]-methydopa) and 3-hydroxy-4-[2H3]-methoxyphenylalanine (4-O-[2H3]-methydopa) are described. The 3-O-[2H3]-methydopa is a valuable internal standard for the tandem MS quantification of 3-O-methyldopa, a metabolite of value in the diagnosis of aromatic l-amino acid decarboxylase (AADC) deficiency. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The sequence of a cDNA encoding the major vault protein from Rattus norvegicus

We have isolated a cDNA clone encoding the 104-kDa major vault protein (MVP) from Rattus norvegicus. The complete nucleotide sequence was determined. Comparison of the deduced amino acid (aa) sequence to that of MvpA from Dictyostelium discoideum revealed that the proteins share about 57% aa identity. Southern blot analysis indicates that the rat MVP is a single-copy gene.
Paracardiac masses caused by a right coronary artery aneurysm and a saphenous vein graft aneurysm

Two unusual cases of large aneurysms, one located in the native right coronary artery and the other in a saphenous vein graft, are reported. Their size and mode of presentation as asymptomatic paracardiac masses on chest x-ray films make them unique. It is proposed that these entities be considered as part of the differential diagnosis of paracardiac masses.
Measuring Vitamins A and D in Milk

Abstract Quantitative estimations of vitamin A palmitate in nonfat milk and vitamin D in whole milk were made by reverse phase high performance liquid chromatography. The procedure developed for vitamin D analysis consisted of extraction of the lipid material, formation of methyl esters from triglycerides by alcoholysis, thin layer chromatography to separate the vitamin D from the methyl esters, and final analysis by reverse phase high performance liquid chromatography with a methanol:water, 97:3 (vol/vol), mobile phase. The mean corrected recovery of the vitamin D was 94% with coefficients of variation ranging from 2.5 to 5.3%. The analysis for vitamin A palmitate in nonfat milk utilized the same basic procedure except for elimination of thin layer chromatography. Mean recovery of vitamin A palmitate was 99% with coefficients of variation 3.2 to 10.0%. The major advantage of this method over other methods is the use of alcoholysis instead of saponification. Alcoholysis saves time and subjects vitamins to milder conditions than does saponification. Another advantage lies in the use of thin layer chromatographic plates, which provides a good method of separation of vitamin D 3 from other material and allows for instant visualization of vitamin D 3 . Finally, the reverse phase high performance liquid chromatography system gives good separation of vitamin D and vitamin A palmitate from other substances in their respective chromatograms plus virtual baseline separation of vitamins D 2 and D 3 .
The Future of Academic Publishing: What Is Open Access?

For more than 200 years, publishers have been charging users (i.e., subscribers) for access to scientific information to make a profit. Authors have been required to grant copyright ownership to the publisher. This system was not questioned until the Internet popularized electronic publishing. The Internet allows for rapid dissemination of information to millions of readers. Some people have seen this as an opportunity to revolutionize the system of scientific publishing and to make it one that provides free, open access to all scientific information to all persons everywhere in the world. Such systems have been launched and have instigated a wave of dialogue among proponents and opponents alike. At the center of the controversy is the issue of who will pay for the costs of publishing, because an open-access system is not free, and this threatens the backbone of the traditional publishing industry. Currently, open-access publishers charge authors a fee to have their articles published. Because of this and the uncertainty of the sustainability of the open-access system, some authors are hesitant to participate in the new system. This article reviews the events that led to the creation of open-access publishing, the arguments for and against it, and the implications of open access for the future of academic publishing.
Enzymatic process for the synthesis of cis/ trans-(1R,5R)-bicyclo[3.2.0]hept-6-ylidene-acetate : Solvent effect and NMR study

An efficient enzymatic process has been developed to resolve a diastereomeric mixture of racemic ethyl bicyclo[3.2.0]hept-6-ylidene-acetate (1). Using 40% acetone, not only was the enantioselectivi...
Crop effects on genetic relationships among sugarcane traits

(...) This study 's objective was to examine crop age effects on the genetic correlations among sugarcane traits using path coefficient analysis. A population was planted in 1983 and 1984 at five locations in Louisiana. Harvest data were collected for three crops. Results indicated that cane yield (TCH) was the most important determinant of sucrose yield (SPH) and became increasingly important in determinating the SPH in older ratoon crops (r sph,tch = 0.91). Stalk number (SNO) was the primary determinant of TCH and became more important in determining TCH in older ratoon crops (r tch,sno = 0.77) (...)
Catecholamines in fetal and newborn rat brain.

The levels of dopamine and norepinephrine were determined in the brains of fetal and newborn rats by means of a sensitive, radiometric-enzymatic assay. Catecholamines were converted to their 3-O-methylated derivatives in the presence of catechol-O-methyl transferase (EC 2.1.1.1) and [3 H-methyl]S-adenosylmethionine; and the [3H]-derivatives were isolated by selective extraction. The assay had a sensitivity for dopamine and norepinephrine of 100 picograms and was linear to at least 30 nanograms of catecholamines. Both amines were present at 15 days of gestation and increased 15-fold in content during the last week of gestation. The regional distribution of these neurotransmitters in the brain of the newborn rat correlated with the distribution of their biosynthetic enzymes. An investigation of the effects of reserpine, pheniprazine, α-methyl-para-tyrosine, diethyldithiocarbamate and l -DOPA on the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brains of the 18-day gestational fetus indicated that the levels of these neurotransmitters are under controls similar to those known to occur in the brain of the adult rat.