cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Acoustics, perception, and production of legato articulation on a computer-controlled grand piano

In an attempt to replicate and extend previous results obtained on a digital piano [B. H. Repp, J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 97, 3862-3874 (1995)], the present study analyzed piano tone decay characteristics, musically trained listeners' interactive adjustments of key overlap times (KOTs) in tone sequences, and samples of pianists' legato playing in scales and arpeggi on a computer-controlled Yamaha Disklavier. On the whole, the results resembled the earlier findings: In both perception and production, KOTs tended to be longer for high rather than for low tones and for relatively consonant rather than for dissonant successive tones. KOTs also increased as tempo decreased in production, but there was no corresponding effect in perception (where a smaller range of tempi was used). Even though the decay times of the natural piano tones were about twice as long as those of the digital piano used earlier, the average KOTs were not shorter; on the contrary, they were longer in the perception task, while there was little difference in production. Perception of optimal legato does not seem to rest on an invariant criterion of acoustic tone overlap, and pianists do not seem to adjust their KOTs substantially when playing on different instruments. However, there were large individual differences in KOTs.
Characterization of a human osteoblastic osteosarcoma cell line (SAOS-2) with high bone alkaline phosphatase activity

We characterized the alkaline phosphatase activity of the human osteogenic sarcoma cell line, SAOS-2, and studied the regulation of this enzyme and 3',5'-cyclic adenosine monophosphate levels by 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 and triamcinolone acetonide. We report that the basal alkaline phosphatase activity of SAOS-2 cells was 100-1000 times greater than that of other established human osteogenic sarcoma cell lines. The enzymatic activity was thermolabile, could be inhibited by levamisole and L-homoarginine, but not by L-phenylalanine, and was immunoprecipitable with anti-bone/liver/kidney, but not with anti-placental antibody, confirming that it is the tissue-unspecific or bone/liver/kidney isoenzyme. However, in contrast to other established human osteosarcoma cell lines (TE-85, SAOS-1), in which alkaline phosphatase activity is stimulated several-fold by the steroid hormones 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 and hydrocortisone, the alkaline phosphatase activity of SAOS-2 cells was not affected by 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 treatment despite the presence of classical receptors for this hormone. Furthermore, administration of the potent glucocorticoid analogue, triamcinolone acetonide, induced only a modest increase in activity. The SAOS-2 cell line expressed low basal cAMP levels (28 pmol/10(6) cells) which could be increased 25-40 times by pretreatment with parathyroid hormone. However, unlike other osteoblastic models, in which PTH-induced cAMP stimulation is modulated by 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 and glucocorticoids, neither of these hormones had an effect on the PTH-stimulated cAMP levels in SAOS-2 cells. We conclude that the SAOS-2 cell line is an osteoblastic cell model which expresses high levels of tissue-unspecific alkaline phosphatase activity and exhibits limited responsiveness to two steroid hormones.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
EPR and NMR investigation on the interactions of nitroxide probes with resorcin[4]arene molecular capsules.

EPR experiments in water-saturated CH2Cl2 solution clearly indicate that oxotempo is not included inside hexameric molecular capsules of resorcin[4]arene. In fact, the tumbling rate of oxotempo only experiences minor changes when resorcinarene is present in the solution. However, NMR spectroscopic data suggest that oxotempo engages in labile hydrogen-bonding interactions with water molecules interacting with the resorcinarene molecular capsules.
A method for computer analysis of kinetics of competing first‐ and second‐order reactions

Competing first- and second-order reactions of transient molecular species (e.g., triplet states and free radicals) are a common occurrence in kinetic studies such as flash photolysis and pulse radiolysis. We have developed a method for analyzing the decay kinetics of any species (Y) whose disappearance is described by −dY/dt = k1Y + k2Y2. The computer program (written in time-sharing BASIC) employs an iterative technique to obtain the least-squares estimates of the three parameters in the integrated rate equation.
Effects of drug treatment for malignancy on skeletal health of cancer survivors

Cancer treatment has advanced and survivorship is increasing. As such, a new skeletal complication of malignancy, cancer treatment-induced bone loss, has emerged and is likely to be the most common skeletal complication of malignancy in years to come. Therapy for the most common cancers, breast and prostate, often results in sex-steroid deficiency and subsequent bone loss. A significant portion of breast cancers express estrogen receptors, and estrogen stimulates tumor growth. Therapy directed against estrogen action or to reduce estrogen production results in significant survival advantage in women with estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer. This hormonal therapy represents the maintay of breast cancer treatment and is highly effective. Many breast cancers are also treated with chemotherapy, which often induces transient or permanent ovarian failure. However, estrogen is a critical factor for maintaining bone health and normal bone mineral density. As such, all of these breast cancer therapies may induce bone loss, mainly by reducing estrogen or its action on bone. Aromatase inhibitors fall into this category; its efficacy dictates that it will become first-line therapy for most hormone-sensitive breast cancers. Theoretically, chemotherapy may have direct effects on bone that are independent of the effects of estrogen deficiency, but evidence is lacking. Limited clinical experience indicate that bisphosphonates are effective in preventing bone loss owing to cancer treatment. This article focuses on therapy for breast cancer and other malignancies and the respective contributions of such therapy to bone loss.
Heat Transfer in Channels in Parallel-Mode Rotation at High Rotation Numbers

This study attempts to understand one of the most fundamental and challenging problems in fluid flow and heat transfer for rotating machines. The study focuses on electric generators for high energy density applications, which employ rotating cooling channels so that materials do not fail under high temperature and high stress environment. Prediction of fluid flow and heat transfer inside internal cooling channels that rotate at high rotation number and high wall heat flux is the main focus of this study. Rotation, buoyancy, and boundary conditions affect the flow inside these channels. A fully computational approach is employed in this study. Reynolds stress turbulence model with enhanced near-wall treatment is validated against available experimental data (which are primarily at low rotation and buoyancy numbers). The model was then used for cases with high rotation number (as much as 0.35) and high wall heat flux. Particular attention is given to how turbulence intensity, Reynolds stresses, and transport are affected by Coriolis and buoyancy/centrifugal forces caused by high levels of rotation number and wall heat flux. Variations of flow total pressure along the rotating channel are also predicted. The results obtained are explained in view of physical interpretation of Coriolis and centrifugal forces.
Improving Asthma Care for the Elderly: A Randomized Controlled Trial Using a Simple Telephone Intervention

Background. Several studies suggest that asthma is undertreated in the elderly population. Objective. To determine if the use of a simple telephone intervention can improve asthma care in the elderly. Methods. Fifty-two elderly subjects with asthma who required their rescue inhalers more than twice a week and had at least one emergency department or urgent care visit in the previous year were randomized to an intervention or control group. All subjects received two telephone calls over a 12-month period. The intervention group received an asthma-specific questionnaire and the control group received a general health questionnaire. Medication use and health care utilization were evaluated at the beginning and end of a 12-month period. Results. The study was completed by 23 control and 25 intervention subjects. Baseline data were similar in both groups. After 12 months, 72% (n = 18) of the intervention group were on an inhaled corticosteroid compared with 40% (n = 10) of the control group (p = 0.08). The int...
MICROWAVE ANTENNA IMAGING, DIAGNOSTICS, AND PHASELESS RECONSTRUCTIONS

Microwave antenna imaging techniques are a practical and popular method for antenna diagnostic analysis. Phase retrieval methods, however, are just beginning to emerge as an alternative microwave antenna measurements technique when phase cannot be directly measured. This article focuses on recent advances in microwave antenna imaging, diagnostic techniques, and phase retrieval methods for bi-polar planar near-field antenna measurements. An overview of the bi-polar planar near-field technique is included. The application of optimal sampling interpolation, holographic imaging and diagnostics, and iterative Fourier phase retrieval for the bi-polar planar near-field modality is explored in detail. Experimental results for a waveguide-fed slot array antenna are presented to illustrate these methods. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Int J Imaging Syst Technol, 8, 396–406, 1997
Oscillation of shallow flow past a cavity : Resonant coupling with a gravity wave

Self-excited oscillations of flow past a cavity are generated in a shallow free-surface system. The shear layer past the cavity opening has two basic forms: a separated free-shear flow; and a shear flow along a slotted plate. Instabilities of these classes of shear flows can couple with the fundamental gravity-wave mode of the adjacent cavity. The dimensionless frequencies of both types of oscillations scale on the length of the cavity opening, rather than the gap distance between the slats, i.e., a large-scale instability is always prevalent. A technique of high-image-density particle image velocimetry allows acquisition and interpretation of global, instantaneous images of the flow pattern, including patterns of vorticity and Reynolds stress correlation. Use of a cinema approach provides representations of the timewise evolution of the global, instantaneous flow structure, and thereby definition of the amplitude peaks and phase angles of the coupled fluctuations via auto- and cross-spectral techniques. These methods, along with global, averaged representations of the fluctuating flow field, provide insight into the onset of fully coupled (phase-locked) oscillations of the shear flow past the resonator cavity. The common, as well as the distinctive, features of the resonant-coupled instability of the shear flow past the slotted plate are characterized, relative to the corresponding coupled instability of the free-shear layer. Varying degrees of resonant coupling between the unstable shear layer and the adjacent resonator are attained by variations of the inflow velocity, which yield changes of the predominant oscillation frequency, relative to the resonant frequency of the adjacent cavity. Well-defined, coherent oscillations are indeed attainable for the case of the shear flow along the slotted plate, though their amplitude is significantly mitigated relative to the case of a free-shear layer. The degree of organization of the self-excited, resonant-coupled oscillation and the manner in which it varies with open area ratio and geometry of the plate are interpreted in terms of the flow structure on either side of, and within, the slotted plate; these features are compared with the corresponding structure of the free-shear layer oscillations.
Maternal Separation and Emotional Reactivity in Balb/C Mice

Denenberg (3) has hypothesized that a monotonic relationship exists between the amount of infantile stimulation experienced by an organism and adult emotional reactivity. Thar is, high levels of stimulation input during infancy will lead to low levels of emotional reactivity in adulthood. Certainly the mother is a major source of stimu!ation for the young organism, so it seems reasonable to hypothesize that maternal separation constitutes scimulus deprivation and will therefore lead to increased levels of adult emotional reactivity. This effect has been found most prominently in infra-human primate studies (7, 11 ) . However, experiments at the rodent level have not shown a consistent maternal deprivation effect (8). In the present study, it was hypothesized that a maternally deprived group of mice, maintained at normal body temperature during maternal separation, would display higher levels of emotional reactivity than both a separation group without incubation and a control group. Nine litters of BALB/c mice were randomly selected from a large number of litters of six or more pups. All liners were culled down to six pups each. This was necessary in light of the report by LaBarba and White (10) that litter size has a significant effect on the adult emotional reactivity cf the BALB/c mouse. Three litters were randomly assigned to each of three groups: Grocp 1-maternal separation with temperarure control, Group 2-maternal separation with no temperature control. and Group 3-nonseparated controls. Since maternal parity has been shown to affect the emotional reactivity of offspring (6). all mothers were pcimiparous prior to breeding. During the course of the experiment, three Ss died, one from each of the three groups. This left 17 animals in each group and
An All-Optical 3D Matched Filter For Moving Target Detection

Summary The use of 3D (three dimensional) matched filtering has been shown to be a powerful procedure fordetecting weak targets of a known velocity imbedded in a strong background. The concept is basedon electronic digital signal processing following imaging of the target scene on a CCD array. Thearray produces a sequence of data frames and the 3D algorithms produce filtered images in whichthe targets emerge as observable tracks. These algorithms have been implemented and verified viaboth simulation and real data processing. The system is constrained however in that full benefit of the processing requires a 2D transform to be executed each frame time, and therefore is the ultimate limit in scene size and processing speed.Recent study at USC has been devoted to investigating the feasibility of an all- optical system toperform the equivalent 3D processing. The required scene transforms are obtained optically, andthe 3D algorithm implemented via optical beam combining, storage, and read -out. This paperpresents the results of the current study, indicating suggested implementations of the optics andtheir required hardware development. Devices needed to succcessfully implement the algorithmsare discussed, and basic shortfalls and anomalies are considered. Key elements appear to be thespatial light modulators and strobed read -outs of holograms or storage plates.
Shades of Threat: Racial Identity as a Moderator of Stereotype Threat

This study investigated Black racial identity attitudes as a moderator of intellectual performance in potentially stereotype threatening situations. Ninety-eight African American students were randomly assigned to one of three stereotype threatening conditions: low threat, medium threat, or high threat. Analyses confirmed a stereotype threat effect with participants performing significantly better on the task in the low threat condition. Additional analyses of the test takers’ racial identity profiles under high and low threat conditions revealed a significant interaction between Internalization status attitudes and the type of threat condition. In the low stereotype threat condition, Internalization status attitudes moderated performance on the intellectual task (i.e., items from the verbal section of the GRE). In this condition, after controlling for SAT verbal score, students who strongly endorsed Internalization racial identity attitudes correctly solved more items than students who did not identify a...
Tensorial resolution: A direct trilinear decomposition

Modern instrumentation in chemistry routinely generates two-dimensional (second-order) arrays of data. Considering that most analyses need to compare several samples, the analyst ends up with a three-dimensional (third-order) array which is difficult to visualize or interpret with the conventional statistical tools. Some of these data arrays follow the so-called trilinear model, These trilinear arrays of data are known to have unique factor analysis decompositions which correspond to the true physical factors that form the data, i.e. given the array ℝ, a unique solution can be found in many cases for each order X, Y and Z. This is in contrast to the well-known second-order bilinear data factor analysis, where the abstract solutions obtained are not unique and at best cannot be easily compared with the underlying physical factors owing to a rotational ambiguity. Trilinear decompositions have had the disadvantage, however, that a non-linear optimization with many parameters is necessary to reach a least-squares solution. This paper will introduce a method for reducing the problem to a rectangular generalized eigenvalue–eigenvector equation where the eigenvectors are the contravariant form (pseudo-inverse) of the actual factors. It is shown that the method works well when the factors are linearly independent in at least two orders (e.g. Xir and Yjr are full rank matrices). Finally, it is shown how trilinear decompositions relate to multicomponent calibration, curve resolution and chemical analysis.
SPO24 Is a Transcriptionally Dynamic, Small ORF-Encoding Locus Required for Efficient Sporulation in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

In Saccharomyces cerevisiae, meiosis and sporulation are highly regulated responses that are driven in part by changes in RNA expression. Alternative mRNA forms with extended 5′ UTRs are atypical in S. cerevisiae, and 5′ extensions with upstream open reading frames (uORFs) are even more unusual. Here we characterize the gene YPR036W-A, now renamed SPO24, which encodes a very small (67-amino-acid) protein. This gene gives rise to two mRNA forms: a shorter form throughout meiosis and a longer, 5′-extended form in mid-late meiosis. The latter form includes a uORF for a 14-amino-acid peptide (Spo24u14). Deletion of the downstream ORF (dORF) leads to sporulation defects and the appearance of pseudohyphae-like projections. Experiments with luciferase reporters indicate that the uORF does not downregulate dORF translation. The protein encoded by the dORF (Spo24d67) localizes to the prospore membrane and is differentially phosphorylated during meiosis. Transcription of the 5′-extended mRNA in mid-meiosis depends upon the presence of two middle sporulation elements (MSEs). Removal of the MSEs severely inhibits the mid-meiotic appearance of the 5′-extended mRNA and limits the ability of plasmid-borne SPO24 to rescue the sporulation defect of a spo24Δ mutant, suggesting that the 5′-extended mRNA is functionally important. These results reveal Spo24d67 as a sporulation-related factor that is encoded by a transcriptionally dynamic, uORF-containing locus.
Frequency of painless myocardial ischemia during exercise tolerance testing in patients with and without diabetes mellitus.

To evaluate the frequency of painless myocardial ischemia, all patients with positive exercise tolerance test responses (at least 2 mm of ST depression) from 1983 to 1985 were examined. Of the 211 patients with exercise-induced ischemia, 101 (48%) did not have pain during the ischemic period; 26 (12%) had diabetes mellitus, 24 of whom (92%) had type II diabetes mellitus. Lack of pain was not correlated with age, gender, history of cigarette smoking, systemic hypertension, past acute myocardial infarction, coronary artery bypass grafting, use of β -blocking or calcium-channel blocking drugs, number of narrowed coronary arteries or average calculated ejection fraction at cardiac catheterization. Patients with painless myocardial ischemia were less often taking nitrates (39% vs 55%, p β -blocking or calcium-channel blocking drugs, history of myocardial infarction, angina pectoris or cigarette smoking was found between diabetic and nondiabetic patients. Systemic hypertension was more common in diabetic patients. Thus, painless myocardial ischemia is common in our patients with positive exercise tolerance test responses, but its frequency is similar in diabetic and nondiabetic patients.
System Design of Fast Pet Scanners Utilizing Time-of-Flight

Recent advances in PET designs have shown that a gain in signal-to-noise ratio can be expected by incorporating time-of-flight data in positron emission tomography over the conventional PET mode. It has also been shown that cesium fluoride (CsF) offers the potential of faster timing and high detection efficiency which would be required for a clinical scanner utilizing time-of-flight information. Our research with CsF and the results of a feasibility study of time-off-light positron emission tomography reconstruction have shown that, indeed, a significant improvement in image quality results from such an approach and that coincidence resolving times of less than 500 psec FWHM are easily achievable with CsF detectors. However, the design of fast tomographic systems with multiple detectors which maintain this fast coincidence timing poses a challenging technical problem. The solution to this problem requires a departure from the conventional mode of PET designs to a fast on-line microprocessor based system which is capable of compressing and correcting the data for timing differences, normalization and image function. Such a system is described in this paper and its advantages and disadvantages are discussed.
Influence of stove type and cooking pot temperature on particulate matter emissions from biomass cook stoves

A large fraction of the world's population burns biomass fuels indoors using primitive cook stoves. The emissions from this form of inefficient combustion are a significant contributor to human morbidity and mortality worldwide. Although many studies have examined the mass of particulate matter released from such cook stoves, a few studies have characterized the size distribution of emitted aerosol. The objective of this research was to investigate the influence of stove design, stove temperature, and cooking pot temperature on the mass and size of particles emitted by biomass cook stoves. Results indicate that the temperature of the cooking pot has a substantial impact on emitted particles. Correlations were also found between particle production rate, combustion efficiency, and stove firepower. The concept of a lower bound on particle emissions due to inorganic materials present within biomass fuels is discussed.
Ascaris suum: Mitochondrial DNA in fertilized eggs and adult body muscle

The contour length (about 5 μm) of the mitochondrial DNA molecule from adult body wall muscle of Ascaris suum was the same as that of the fertilized egg and rat liver, but each egg and liver mitochondrion contained about eight times as many DNA molecules as the muscle. DNA per microgram of mitochondrial protein and DNA per mitochondrion were correspondingly higher in the egg and liver. These observations are related to a previous conclusion that the A. suum egg is typically aerobic, whereas the energy metabolism of the muscle is essentially anaerobic. The transition from a conventional to an unusual mitochondrion in A. suum is a normal and mandatory feature of development.
Secondhand smoke exposure and serum cytokine levels in healthy children

Abstract Introduction Exposure to secondhand smoke (SHS) is associated with morbidity in children. Alterations in immune responses may explain this relationship, but have not been well-studied in children. Our objective was to determine the association between SHS exposure and serum cytokine levels in healthy children. Methods We recruited 1–6 year old patients undergoing routine procedures. A parent interview assessed medical history and SHS exposure. Children with asthma were excluded. Blood was collected under anesthesia. We used Luminex Multiplex Assays to test for a panel of cytokines; cotinine was determined using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Children were categorized as no, intermediate, or high exposure. A mixed-effects model was fit to determine differences in cytokines by exposure level. Results Of the 40 children recruited, 65% ( N = 26) had SHS exposure; 16 intermediate, and 10 high. There were no differences by demographics. In bivariate analyses, children exposed to SHS had lower concentrations of IL-1β, IL-4, IL-5, and IFN-γ than those with no exposure. In the mixed-effects model, children with any SHS exposure had significantly lower concentrations of IL-1β (0.554 pg/mL vs. 0.249 pg/mL) and IFN-γ (4.193 pg/mL vs. 0.816 pg/mL), and children with high exposure had significantly lower mean concentrations of IL-4 (8.141 pg/mL vs. 0.135 pg/mL) than children with no exposure. Conclusions This study suggests that SHS exposure decreases expression of some pro-inflammatory cytokines in SHS exposed children, including IFN-γ. Further research to describe the acute and chronic effects of SHS on the immune systems of children is needed.
CRF antagonist partially reverses CRF- and stress-induced effects on feeding

Exogenous corticotropin releasing factor (CRF) causes centrally mediated behavioral changes including decreased feeding and increased grooming. These behavioral changes are also seen in response to some stressors. However, the role of endogenous CRF in the behavioral response to stressors has not been investigated fully. We report below our findings on the behavioral effects of alpha-helical CRF (9-41), a recently discovered competitive antagonist of CRF-induced ACTH release. Alpha-helical CRF (9-41) partially reversed the decrement in feeding induced by CRF. Furthermore, the reduction in food intake due to restraint stress was partially reversed by alpha-helical CRF (9-41). These results indicate that changes in endogenous CRF release induced by the restraint stressor may play a role in stress-induced anorexia.
From “Pagan” Muslims to “Baptized” Communists: Religious Conversion and Ethnic Particularity in Russia's Eastern Provinces

This article argues for the culturally productive power of imperial rule by exploring how missionary projects in Russia constituted new understandings of ethnic particularity among one group of imperial subjects—baptized Tatars, or Krashens. 3 I demonstrate that while many Tatars who had been formally baptized into Christianity sought to rejoin the Tatar Islamic community over the course of the nineteenth century, a perhaps larger group, slowly abandoning the complex of Muslim and indigenous Turkic (“pagan”) practices that conditioned their subordination to the church's spiritual authority, constructed an indigenous Orthodox Christian identity. Subsequently, and particularly in the early Soviet years, at least some Krashen activists sought to transcend the predominantly confessional foundations for this identity and began to contend that Krashens constituted a secular nation altogether distinct from Tatars. In short, this study considers the (incomplete) transformation of a community that had been defined in religious terms, largely through the intervention of imperial Russian authority, into a self-conscious political and cultural community.The small number of Soviet studies on Krashens, concerned principally with linguistics and material culture, have made little effort to trace the development of this identity, especially in its politicized forms. See Iu. G. Mukhametshin, Tatary-kriasheny: Istoriko-etnograficheskoe issledovanie material'noi kul'tury, seredina XX–nachalo XX v. (Moscow: Nauka, 1977); F. S. Baiazitova, Govory Tatar-kriashen v sravnitel'nom osveshchenii (Moscow: Nauka, 1986); and idem, Kerashennar: Tel uzencheleklare ham iola ijaty (Kazan: “Matbugat Iorty” Nashriiaty, 1997).
Effect of choline on blood and tissues with especial reference to cholesterol in old hens.

The lipotrophic activity of choline in experimental fatty cirrhosis of the liver, has been demonstrated by several groups of investigators.1,2,3 The possibility of similar action on other types of cholesterol deposition in other tissue, particularly in atheromatous lesions in the aorta, has suggested itself. The naturally occurring human-like subintimal aortic atheromatosis as reported by Dauber4a was chemically studied in 3-year-old certified 260 to 320 egg R.P.O. sired hens and the average level of certain chemical components established.4b The effect of choline on this pathological chemistry presented itself as an important problem.Steiner5 first and then Bauman and Rusch6 and about simultaneously Himsworth7 reported that they had not been able to demonstrate any action of choline on the high blood, aortic or liver content of cholesterol in cholesterol-fed rabbits. Andrews and Broun8 concluded that cholin protected against atherosclerosis and Huber, Broun, and Casey9 using lipocaic re ported the preven...
Built-in test and diagnostics: two different approaches

The built-in test and embedded diagnostics for two subsystems of the M1A2 main battle tank, the commander's independent thermal viewer and the hull/turret electronics unit, are examined. Each of these systems supports the requirements for elimination of special test equipment at the tank level and the use of standard army test equipment for test and repair at higher echelons of maintenance. The tradeoffs made during system requirements analysis and flow-down, which led to two unique design implementations, are described. The advantages and disadvantages of each approach are discussed. >
NEONATAL HYPOCALCEMIA IN INFANTS OF DIABETIC MOTHERS-HORMONAL EFFECTS

Infants of diabetic mothers (IDM) are prone to develop neonatal hypocalcemia (NHC) more frequently than control infants. To evaluate the possible role of thyrocalcitonin (TCT) as a cause of NHC a group of 12 IDM was studied and compared with 11 control infants. The IDM had a significantly lower Ca level in serum (both total and ultrafiltrable) than the controls at 24 hrs, despite equal values at birth. Both groups had a significant increase of the TCT level at 24 hrs compared with 0 and 48 hrs. No significant difference between the 2 groups was, however, observed. The Ca level in serum at 24 hrs was significantly correlated to the TCT value in IDM but not in controls. In 2 controls and 3 IDM the concentration of parathyroid hormone in blood was measured at 0, 24 and 48 hrs. All infants had markedly reduced levels, compared to adult standards. One IDM, who developed NHC, increased the concentration of parathyroid hormone 3 times without affecting the serum Ca but with an increased phosphaturia.-It is suggested that NHC is related to the high concentrations of TCT which inhibit the mobilizing effect on Ca from the skeleton by parathyroid hormone. The high incidence of NHC in IDM is ascribed to a more rapid turn-over of Ca in the skeleton of these infants--enhancing the effect of TCT.
METEORITIC TIME-OF-FALL PATTERNS

Decade, yearly and monthly distributions of meteorite time-of-fall patterns are examined, noting departures from randomness
Cyclic 3',5'-adenosine monophosphate and bronchial tone.

Abstract The present studies demonstrate that adenylate cyclase and cyclic 3′,5′-adenosine monophosphate (cAMP)-phosphodiesterase activities in dog bronchus are comparable to those found in other smooth muscle preparations. Catecholamines, in the order isoproterenol > epinephrine > norepinephrine, increase the rate of cAMP formation. This effect can be competitively inhibited by propranolol and potentiated by a cAMP-phosphodiesterase inhibitor. The kinetic study of bronchial cAMP-phosphodiesterase showed two different rates of cAMP hydrolysis, with apparent Km values of 1.4 and 48.0 μM. The high affinity cAMP-phosphodiesterase was inhibited competitively by theophylline and papaverine, the latter being about 20 times more potent than the former. The potency of each compound to inhibit the enzyme and to relax the bronchial strip was comparable. These results, the similar order of potency of the catecholamines to relax the bronchus and to increase the rate of cAMP formation, the competitive inhibition of both effects by propranolol, and the relaxing effect of dibutyryl cAMP on bronchial strip, are compatible with the assumption that the cAMP system is one of the biochemical mechanisms mediating bronchial smooth muscle relaxation.
Circadian rhythms: Molecular basis of the clock

Much progress has been made during the past year in the molecular dissection of the circadian clock. Recently identified circadian genes in mouse, Drosophila, and cyanobacteria demonstrate the universal nature of negative feedback regulation as a circadian mechanism; furthermore, the mouse and Drosophila genes are structurally and functionally conserved. In addition, the discovery of brain-independent clocks promises to revolutionize the study of circadian biology.
Effect of polymorphic phase transformations in alumina layer on ignition of aluminium particles

The mechanism of aluminium oxidation is quantified and a simplified ignition model is developed. The model describes ignition of an aluminium particle inserted in a hot oxygenated gas environment: a scenario similar to the particle ignition in a reflected shock in a shock tube experiment. The model treats heterogeneous oxidation as an exothermic process leading to ignition. The ignition is assumed to occur when the particle's temperature exceeds the alumina melting point. The model analyses processes of simultaneous growth and phase transformations in the oxide scale. Kinetic parameters for both direct oxidative growth and phase transformations are determined from thermal analysis. Additional assumptions about oxidation rates are made to account for discontinuities produced in the oxide scale as a result of increase in its density caused by the polymorphic phase changes. The model predicts that particles of different sizes ignite at different environment temperatures. Generally, finer particles ignite at ...
Insulin receptor structural requirements for the formation of a ternary complex with IRS-1 and PI 3-kinase

Insulin receptor substrate-1 (IRS-1) is a major substrate of the insulin receptor tyrosine kinase and is an intermediate in insulin signaling. Phosphotyrosyl-IRS-1 binds to other signaling proteins including phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI 3-kinase). We examined the role of three insulin receptor tyrosine autophosphorylation domains in association of the receptor with IRS-1. Our data support the idea that tyrosine phosphorylation of the insulin receptor juxtamembrane domain is necessary for receptor association with IRS-1. We provide evidence that the kinase regulatory domain, which is part of a loop structure at the mouth of the catalytic cleft, when mutated to replace Tyr1146, Tyr1150, and Tyr1151 with phenylalanine can bind receptor substrates without tyrosine phosphorylation of residues in the receptor juxtamembrane region. In addition, our data show that the amount of PI 3-kinase directly associated with the insulin receptor C-terminus is low when compared to the PI 3-kinase associating with IRS-1. We also demonstrate that a substantial amount (approximately 25%) of the IRS-1 associated PI 3-kinase is associated with the insulin receptor in a ternary complex of insulin receptor/IRS-1/PI 3-kinase.
Neuronal bursting: interactions of the persistent sodium and CAN currents

The pre-Botzinger complex (pBC) is a heterogeneous neuronal network within the mammalian brainstem and has been experimentally found to generate robust, synchronous bursts [1]. Significant modeling research has been conducted on characterizing the dynamics of individual neurons within the pBC. [2, 3] It is well known that the persistent sodium current (INaP) contributes to square-wave bursting seen in the pBC [4]. Recent experimental work within the pBC identified a signaling cascade that starts with presynaptic glutamate and ends with the release of intracellular calcium that activates a nonspecific cationic current (ICAN) [5]. A subsequent model demonstrated that ICAN may contribute to bursts within the pBC that exhibit depolarization block [6]. With these two mechanisms for generating bursts present within the pBC, an open question is how do they combine to generate the robust bursts seen in the network? The present work seeks to analyze the result of including both INaP and ICAN within the same model. We consider the effects of heterogeneity in the conductance gNaP of INaP and the conductance gCAN of ICAN; with this heterogeneity in mind, the model cell may be quiescent, tonically active, have only square-wave bursts, have only depolarization-block exhibiting bursts, or may show both types of bursting. Using the mathematical tools of bifurcation analysis and slow-fast decomposition, we illuminate the mechanisms underlying the transitions of a model cell between the types of dynamics listed above. Our results show that, in cases where gCAN is relatively high, increasing gNaP increases the range of gCAN where the resultant cell has depolarization-block exhibiting bursts. On the other hand, when gCAN is relatively low, increasing gNaP may cause the cell to transition from quiescence, to square wave bursting, to tonic activity, to square wave bursts with high duty cycles, and finally further increase of gNaP causes the cell to again be tonically active. The latter two transitions do not occur if ICAN is absent. The interactions of ICAN and INaP are relevant to many systems beyond the pBC. Individually, ICAN and INaP have been focused on as important to rhythmic burst generation in other systems such as the entorhinal cortex [7]; however, it is likely that both currents are present in these systems. Thus, a detailed account for the interaction of ICAN and INaP may help explain the rhythm generation encountered in other systems beyond the pBC.
A 10-bit 1-GS/s CMOS ADC with FOM = 70 fJ/conversion

A pipelined ADC incorporates a precharged resistor-ladder DAC in a multi-bit front-end, achieving fast settling and allowing calibration of both dynamic and static gain errors. Using simple differential pairs with a gain of 5 as op amps and realized in 65-nm CMOS technology, the 10-bit ADC consumes 36 mW at a sampling rate of 1 GHz and exhibits an SNDR of 52.7 dB at an input frequency of 490 MHz.
Magneto-Opto-Electronic Bistability in a Phenalenyl-Based Neutral Radical

A new organic molecular conductor, based on a spiro-biphenalenyl neutral radical, simultaneously exhibits bistability in three physical channels: electrical, optical, and magnetic. In the paramagnetic state, the unpaired electrons are located in the exterior phenalenyl units of the dimer, whereas in the diamagnetic state the electrons migrate to the interior phenalenyl units and spin pair as a π-dimer. Against all expectations, the conductivity increases by two orders of magnitude in the diamagnetic state, and the band gap decreases. This type of multifunctional material has the potential to be used as the basis for new types of electronic devices, where multiple physical channels are used for writing, reading, and transferring information.
Transamidase activity of the enzyme responsible for insoluble fibrin formation

Abstract The mechanism of action of the plasma enzyme responsible for converting soluble fibrin into insoluble fibrin was studied; glucagon was used as a model substrate. It was shown that the enzyme incorporates glycine-14C ethyl ester into the glucagon molecule by a transamidation reaction that involves the γ-carboxyl group of glutamine and that releases ammonia.
Enhanced efficiency and functionality of algorithmic multispectral sensing using tunable DWELL-based MidIR detectors

In past decade, mid-infrared (MidIR) multispectral (MS) sensing has been a center of attention as a potential solution to many challenging problems such as night vision, monitoring environmental changes, medical diagnostics, monitoring toxic materials, and monitoring nuclear nonproliferation, only to name a few. Conventionally, MidIR MS sensing had been achieved by combining a single broadband detector and a bank of narrowband IR spectral filters, each having a specific tuning wavelength. In the past few years, the quantum dots-in-a-well (DWELL) MidIR photodetector has emerged demonstrating the electrically tunable nature of the spectral responses that are continuously controlled as a function of the applied bias voltage. The bias-dependent nature of the spectral response of the DWELL photodetector is shown in Fig. 1(a). In our previous works, we exploited this unique property of the DWELL photodetector by means of special deconvolution-type algorithm to perform MS sensing beyond the apparent spectral-resolution limits of the DWELL detector and without using any spectral tuning filters [1,2]. The key idea behind our DWELL-based algorithmic MS sensing approach is to approximate a series of desired narrowband MidIR tuning filters by projecting them into the space of all available DWELL detector spectra (spanning a large set of incrementally increasing biases). This procedure yields sets of weights, one for each narrowband filter, that are used to form filter-approximating superpositions of the bias-dependent spectral responses of the DWELL detector. Examples of tuning filter approximations are shown in Fig. 1(b).
Behavioral plasticity of a grass-feeding caterpillar in response to spiny- or smooth-edged leaf blades

Ontogenetic changes in feeding behavior of armyworms, Pseudaletia unipucta (Haworth), were compared on tall fescue [Schedonorus arundinaceus (Schreb.) Dumort] cultivars with spiny-, intermediate-, or smooth-edged leaf blades to clarify whether the edge spines deter caterpillars, in which case release of modified, smooth-edged forage grasses for improved livestock performance might aggravate armyworm damage to pastures. Edge biting, success initiating edge-feeding, and propensity to window- or edge-feed were observed for individual 2nd, 3rd, or 4th instars on grass leaf blades with intact margins. Early second instars bit smooth and spiny leaf edges with equal frequency but were unable to initiate edge-feeding. They fed on leaf edges after margins were cut away, but not when leaf juice was applied to intact edges, indicating the leaf margin is a barrier. Third and 4th instars mostly edge-fed on smooth leaves, but on the grasses with spiny margins they compensated for the difficulty of edge-feeding by prolonging their window-feeding. There was no developmental cost to window-feeding by 3rd instars, but 4th instars suffered reduced weight gain on spiny grass apparently because, unlike earlier instars, their mandibles are too large and not well shaped for efficient window-feeding between the parallel vascular bundles. Armyworms display behavioral plasticity in feeding mode in response to spiny- versus smooth-edged grasses. Greater use of smooth-bladed pasture grasses may result in proportionately more edge-feeding by armyworms but is unlikely to result in markedly greater pasture losses because this grass-feeding specialist so effectively exploits conventional tall fescue despite its structural characteristics.
Assessing Message Affect in Crisis Negotiations An Exploratory Study

In this study, patterns of perpetrator and negotiator message affect behavior in three actual crisis negotiation incidents are examined. The unit of analysis is the uninterrupted talking turn. Overall findings offer reliable support for the coding schemes employed in the study to measure message affect. Using the Michigan State Police four-stage (Introduction and Establishing Contact, Relationship Building, Problem Negotiation, and Resolution) strategic model of negotiation as a template, the study points to some preliminary results concerning patterns of emotional arousal during different phases of crisis negotiation. In all three incidents, perpetrators experienced an increase in message affect during the Establishing Contact stage of negotiation, followed by a general decrease in affect as the interaction moved to Relationship Building. However, when negotiators attempted to shift into the Problem-Solving and Resolution stages, perpetrator message affect varied by incident type and outcome. In the one resolved incident (Mental/Emotional Instability), perpetrator message affect increased in positiveness through the Resolution stage. For the Suicide incident, perpetrator affect became increasingly more negative up through the fatal end of the interaction. The Domestic incident was marked by notable variance in perpetrator affect up to the point where the perpetrator reneged on the plan to surrender. These findings offer initial insight into message affect patterns in successfully and unsuccessfully resolved crisis incidents.
A novel diversion protocol dramatically reduces diversion hours.

Introduction Ambulance diversion is a problem in many communities. When patients are diverted prompt and appropriate medical care may be delayed. Objective Compare diversion hours and drop-off times before and after a dramatic change in diversion policy restricting each hospital to 1 hour out of every 8. Methods This study was a retrospective study in a county of 600 000 people and 10 hospitals from September 2004 to February 2006. A countywide diversion protocol was implemented in March 2005 that limited diversion hours to 1 hour out of every 8 (maximum of 90 h/mo). No other changes were implemented during the study period. Pretrial (9/04-2/05), interim (3/05-8/05), and posttrial (9/05-2/06) periods were compared. The main outcome measures were ambulance diversion hours and emergency medical service (EMS) drop-off times. Results were compared using analysis of variance and a Tukey post hoc analysis. P < .05 was considered significant. Results There was no significant difference in the number of monthly transports comparing the posttrial vs pretrial periods; however, a significant decrease in monthly ambulance diversion hours (difference, 251 hours; 95% CI, 136-368) and significant increase in additional time that EMS crews required to transport patients (drop-off times) (difference, 178 hours; 95% CI, 74-283) were observed. Posttrial diversion hours decreased to 18% of the pretrial values (from 305 to 54). Conclusion This novel ambulance diversion protocol dramatically reduced diversion hours at the cost of increasing EMS drop-off times in a large community.
A Comparison of Techniques for Judgmental Forecasting by Groups with Common Information

Forty-four groups made judgmental forecasts for five problems. All group members received the same task relevant information: historical data for each variable in the form of a graph, and numerical listing of 36 previously monthly values. Each person first produced an individual forecast, and then was assigned to one of four Group Technique conditions: Statistical, Delphi, Consensus, and Best Member. Results show: (a) low accuracy of group forecasts compared to Actual Best Member forecasts in difficult tasks, (b) under-confidence in unbiased easy tasks and overconfidence in biased difficult tasks, (c) some unequal weighting of individual forecasts to form Consensus group forecasts, and (d) an inability of groups to identify their best members.