cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
SPREAD: sound propagation and perception for autonomous agents in dynamic environments

The perception of sensory information and its impact on behavior is a fundamental component of being human. While visual perception is considered for navigation, collision, and behavior selection, the acoustic domain is relatively unexplored. Recent work in acoustics focuses on synthesizing sound in 3D environments; however, the perception of acoustic signals by a virtual agent is a useful and realistic adjunct to any behavior selection mechanism. In this paper, we present SPREAD, a novel agent-based sound perception model using a discretized sound packet representation with acoustic features including amplitude, frequency range, and duration. SPREAD simulates how sound packets are propagated, attenuated, and degraded as they traverse the virtual environment. Agents perceive and classify the sounds based on the locally-received packet set using a hierarchical clustering scheme, and have individualized hearing and understanding of their surroundings. Using this model, we demonstrate several simulations that greatly enrich controls and outcomes.
Optimal fiscal zoning that distorts housing consumption

When entrants to Tiebout-type communities face limited alternatives, local governments possess some monopoly power over the use of land within their boundaries. One way they exercise that power is through fiscal zoning which attempts to extract tax revenues from newcomers in excess of the cost of the local services they consume. Ideally, the community would like to do this by regulating the newcomers' tax bases, but in practice this is impossible. Thus, indirect methods such as minimum lot size zoning are necesary. Since it is not possible to control all inputs into the production of housing, however, zoning is distortionary. This article examines the impact of the distortions of minimum lot size zoning on the ability of local governments to implement fiscal zoning.
Construction of a Full-Length Murine Proα2(I) Collagen cDNA by the Polymerase Chain Reaction

Construction of large collagen cDNA has been hindered by the relatively large size and high G-C content of processed mRNA. We describe here the development of a rapid and efficient method for obtaining large full-length collagen cDNA. A full-length (4.3 kb) murine pro alpha 2(I) collagen cDNA was constructed by synthesis of a first-strand cDNA library with use of poly-A RNA (MC3T3-E1) and the oligo-dT17-adapter primer described by Frohman et al (Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 85:8998, 1988). Pro alpha 2(I) collagen cDNA were specifically amplified by the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) with a pro alpha 2(I) specific primer as the 5' primer (20mer; corresponding to nucleotide positions 42-61 in the first exon of the murine pro alpha 2(I) collagen gene, COL1A2), and with the adapter sequence 5' to the dT17 as the 3' primer. The PCR conditions were optimized to allow amplification of the expected 4.0-5.0-kb product; a major 4.3-kb product was visualized by ethidium bromide, identified by in situ gel hybridization, and cloned. DNA sequencing determined that it contained the correct 5' sequence and the 3' end had a 68 basepair (bp) 3' untranslated region. The entire sequence that codes the amino-terminal propeptide domain has been determined and compared to the human sequence. The homology between human and mouse is less in the amino terminal propeptide than in the triple helical domain; exon 5 of murine COL1A2 codes for an additional six amino acids not found in human COL1A2.
Near-infrared tunable bacteriochlorins equipped for bioorthogonal labeling

Bacteriochlorins absorb strongly in the near-infrared (NIR) spectral region and hence may be well suited for photochemical studies ranging from energy sciences to life sciences. To broaden the scope for (bio)molecular labeling, nine lipophilic, wavelength-tunable (729–820 nm) bacteriochlorins (seven free base; two zinc chelates) have been prepared that bear a single bioconjugatable group. The latter include an aldehyde for oxime formation, a maleimido group for thioether formation, an ester or thioester group for traceless Staudinger ligation, or an azido group for click chemistry. NIR wavelength tuning was achieved by installation of auxochromes at the β-pyrrole positions, incorporation of an exocyclic 6-membered imide moiety, or conversion of the free base macrocycle to the zinc chelate. Three synthetic bacteriochlorin building blocks were used to construct the set of bacteriochlorins. Bioconjugatability of target bacteriochlorins was established on small molecules as well as with two tetrapeptides (each containing one non-natural amino acid residue). A 4 × 4 matrix for successive bioorthogonal couplings also was established. Taken together, the studies fulfill two key molecular design criteria (wavelength tunable, bioconjugatable) for use of NIR-active chromophores in a variety of photochemical applications.
Antibodies Against the Fibrin β-Chain Amino-Terminus Detect Active Canine Venous Thrombi

Background This study was performed to determine whether antibodies against the amino-terminus of the β-chain of fibrin (anti-β) could noninvasively distinguish actively enlarging thrombi from thrombi stabilized with anticoagulants. Methods and Results Dogs with unilateral femoral vein thrombi were allocated into three groups: (1) no anticoagulation, (2) intravenous heparin maintained in the “therapeutic” range (0.2 to 0.5 U/mL plasma), and (3) “excess” heparin, maintained at >1.0 U/mL plasma. Thrombolysis was suppressed with tranexamic acid. 111In-labeled anti-β was infused, and gamma scans of the legs were performed at regular intervals for 24 hours. Scans were interpreted in a blinded fashion. In addition, for each scan, the number of gamma counts from the femoral area on the thrombosed side was compared with the contralateral side. Clot/blood isotope density was determined postmortem. Leg thrombi in the no-anticoagulation group were 100% detectable, mean (±SD) relative count in the thrombosed femoral ...
Structure Design for Modular Platform and Capability on the USUsat 2 Micro-satellite

In the last fifteen years, small satellites have opened a window through which the aerospace industry can rapidly access low earth orbit at a fraction of the cost required by large spacecrafts. Due to its extensive experience with the Space Dynamics Laboratory (SDL), Utah State University (USU) has given students the opportunity to experience the design of such small satellites, nanosatellites or micro-satellites in technical terms. Through the University Nanosat programs organized mainly by the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), USU students have now been involved in two satellite designs since 1999. The author has been and is contributing to both programs. The current program, USUsat 2, has been partially derived from the experience of the previous USUsat I/ION-F program. This paper deals with the USUsat 2 design and more specifically on the manufacturing side and the structure for a modular platform. The author, who has been working as the chief engineer for the program, proposes an approach with a modular design with new structure. The design is intended by the author to have the capability of becoming a micro-satellite platform that future programs could reuse with a minimum amount of upgrade.
High gain multi-section endfire antenna

We present a surface-wave assisted printed antenna using a 3/4 /spl lambda/ long driver dipole in order to achieve gain higher than other antennas of this type. A double feeding-gap feeding method was used to reduce the antenna's impedance for more convenient impedance matching. Measurement of input return loss reveals a 49% bandwidth. Maximum gain was measured to be 9.5 dB.
For Health, Strength, and Daily Food: The Dual Impact of Remittances and Public Health Expenditure on Household Health Spending and Child Health Outcomes

AbstractChild and infant mortality in developing countries decreased 33.5 per cent and 30.9 per cent, respectively, during 1995–2009, while remittances and public health spending more than doubled. I examine how remittances and government health spending improve these child health outcomes. Neither government health spending nor remittances causally affect household health spending. Public health spending has an insignificant negative impact on mortality. The increase in remittances causally accounts for 32 per cent and 37 per cent of the decline in child and infant mortality, respectively. Remittances reduce mortality through improved living standards from the relaxation of households’ budget constraints.
THE TREATMENT OF INTANGIBLE RESOURCES AS CAPITAL

The author describes the results of his current research designed to measure total investment, tangible and intangible, and the derived capital stocks for the U.S., 1929–1966. With respect to total investment, the estimates show a marked increase in its ratio to GNP. All of the increase occurs in the intangible component comprising R & D, education and training, health, and mobility. The increase was concentrated in the government sector, although households increased the proportion of disposable personal income devoted to total investment. Consistent with the relative investment trends, the stock of intangible capital grew considerably faster than the tangible stock. The growth of total capital stocks was somewhat less than that of GNP, however, in both current and constant prices. Thus, the rate of return on total capital rose somewhat over the period. Average rates of return on human and nonhuman capital were closely similar. In real terms, the growth of total capital stocks accounted for two-thirds of the growth in real GNP, 1929–1966. One-third of the growth is attributed to residual forces, chiefly economies of scale, changes in inherent quality of human and natural resources, changes in values and motivations, and changes in rates of utilization of capacity. The growth of the ratio of real intangible stocks to real tangible stocks accounted for less than half of the increase in total factor productivity 1929–1966. This is significantly less than the contribution of intangibles as estimated by Denison, and the author adduces several reasons why his estimates may understate the contribution. Nevertheless, it seems that the net effect of the residual forces enumerated above must also have made a substantial contribution to the growth of tangible factor productivity and real GNP over the 37-year period.
Errors and Corrections of Robotics Standard ANSI/RIA R15.05-1-1990: Industrial Robots and Robot Systems Point to Point and Static Performance Characteristics—Evaluation

The ANSI/RIA R15.05-1-1990 as an industrial robotics standard covers the point-to-point and static performance characteristics. This standard introduces many important concepts for carrying out performance test including standard test plane, standard test path, and working space center point. Working space center point plays a very important role in this standard. Defining a wrong working space center point will in turn define a wrong standard test plane, a wrong standard test path, and wrong test results. Eight mistakes related to working space center point and one conflict definition have been found and corrected in this standard. This will help to avoid the confusion existing in the existing standard that is not widely used. Efforts have been made to improve this standard by correcting certain errors and conflict definitions so that the standard can be used widely.Copyright © 2002 by ASME
High-field chemistry of organometallic precursors for direct-write of germanium and silicon nanostructures

The fabrication of integrated multimaterial structures with nanoscale accuracy is a challenging pursuit essential for novel advances in electronics and photonics. The atomic force microscope precisely controls the synthesis of these nanostructures by triggering chemical reactions at determined substrate locations. Using a biased atomic force microscope tip, we have recently demonstrated the localized synthesis of germanium and silicon from organometallic liquid precursors. This localized synthesis yields the direct-write of germanium and silicon nanostructures onto the substrate. Here, we elucidate the reactions occurring during this synthesis in the tip–sample proximity. Reactions for both precursors are triggered by field-emitted electrons that fragment the precursor molecules into the desired products. In this reaction pathway, the synthesis of germanium is more favourable than the synthesis of silicon from precursors containing the same ligands. We explain these differences by comparing experimental data of reaction onset and kinetics to continuum/VASP simulations. This data is supplemented with electron impact mass spectrometry of the precursors and compared with the simulation results.
The facial muscle patterning of posed and imagery-induced expressions of emotion by expressive and nonexpressive posers

Much research on emotional facial expression employs posed expressions and expressive subjects. To test the generalizability of this research to more spontaneous expressions of both expressive and nonexpressive posers, subjects engaged in happy, sad, angry, and neutral imagery, and voluntarily posed happy, sad, and angry facial expressions while facial muscle activity (brow, cheek, and mouth regions) and autonomic activity (skin resistance and heart period) were recorded. Subjects were classified as expressive or nonexpressive on the basis of the intensity of their posed expressions. The posed and imagery-induced expressions were similar, but not identical. Brow activity present in the imagery-induced sad expressions was weak or absent in the posed ones. Both nonexpressive and expressive subjects demonstrated similar heart rate acceleration during emotional imagery and demonstrated similar posed and imagery-induced happy expressions, but nonexpressive subjects showed little facial activity during both their posed and imagery-induced sad and angry expressions. The implications of these findings are discussed.
PGE receptor characteristics on porcine luteal cells during the estrous cycle and early pregnancy

This study examined the affinities and concentrations of prostaglandin E (PGE) receptors on porcine luteal cells during the estrous cycle and early pregnancy. Corpora lutea (CL) were obtained from nonpregnant gilts at days 9 (n = 4), 12 (n = 3), and 14 (n = 6); three gilts possessed red, vascular CL and three gilts had white nonvascular CL) of the estrous cycle, and days 9 (n = 4), 12 (n = 3), 14 (n = 5), and 30 (n = 5) of pregnancy. The CL were dissociated enzymatically to disperse single cells and the red blood cells were removed by elutriation. The luteal cells were assayed for specific PGE binding by displacement analysis with use of [3H] PGE2 and varying concentrations of unlabeled PGE2. The specific binding of [3H] PGE2 to luteal cells decreased (p 0.05) in pregnant and nonpregnant gilts, but decreased (p < 0.05) on days 12-14 postestrus. During early pregnancy, it was evident that high affinity PGE receptors are sustained on porcine luteal cells; however, the role of the PGE receptors in maternal recognition of pregnancy remains speculative.
Effects of Osmotic Water Stress on Metabolic Rates of Cotton Plants with Open Stomata

This research was undertaken to learn whether photosynthesis and respiration are affected by osmotic water stress in the absence of stomatal closure. Numerous studies have indicated that when plants are grown in soil, stomata close as plant water deficits increase (5, 20, 27). Photosynthesis is reduced under these conditions and the cause of the lower rates generally is attributed to increased resistance of the stomata to CO2 diffusion. However, recent work (21) has shown that reduced rates may not be due entirely to stomatal closure. Effects on respiration are variable (5,20). No studies have been made to establish whether stomatal apertures are affected by long-term water stress arising from high solute concentrations in the root medium. Predictions of stomatal behavior under these conditions can be made from several investigations which have shown that the osmotic potential of plant tissue tends to follow changes in the osmotic potential of the root medium (2, 4, 6, 8, 23). Since the water potential of plant tissue also follows changes in the nutrient medium, the difference between these tissue potentials, the turgor pressure, usually is constant (2, 23). Bernstein (2) stated that stomatal apertures should be unchanged by these conditions. If this is true, measurements of photosynthesis and respiration could be made without reduction in CO2 supply at the surfaces of the mesophyll cells in tissue having different water potentials and osmotic potentials. Previous studies of the effects of osmotic water stress on photosynthesis and respiration have given variable results. Kling (13) found an increase in photosynthesis in plants grown in the presence of high concentrations of NaCl, but Nieman (15) has recently reported that photosynthesis was not affected by these conditions. Rather, respiration tended to be higher in the plants he studied. In the work presented here, photosynthesis and respiration as well as stomatal behavior were studied in plants subjected to various external NaCl concentrations. In this paper, the state of water in the plant will be described by thermodynamic terms (25, 26) rather than concepts based on diffusion pressure. This involves the following changes in terminology: Water potential =diffusion pressure deficit; Osmotic potential = -osmotic pressure. Water potential is defined in terms of the chemical potential of water, u,, relative to that of pure, free water, Auw, in a system. It is represented by the symbol, V, and is related to the chemical potential as: VW = (pw-?,w)/( PW), I where Vw is in units of ergs cm-3, pW and Aow are in ergs mole-1, and Vw, the partial molal volume of water, is in cm3 mole-1. This is similar to previous derivations (25,26) except that partial molal quantities are used rather than partial specific quantities. Molal quantities are preferred because the number of molecules so defined remains constant regardless of temperature or type of substance. For convenience, values of water potential will be expressed in bars instead of ergs cm-3 (1 bar = 106 ergs cm-3 = 0.987 atm).
Concurrent Use of Warfarin and Antibiotics and the Risk of Bleeding in Older Adults

Background Antibiotic medications are associated with an increased risk of bleeding among patients receiving warfarin. The recent availability of data from the Medicare Part D prescription drug program provides an opportunity to assess the association of antibiotic medications and the risk of bleeding in a national population of older adults receiving warfarin.
Teaching clinic conference participant interaction

Abstract The purpose of this study was to analyze the talk behaviors that occur during teaching clinic supervisory conferences. Two matched groups of five clinicians participated in teaching clinic supervision for 4 wk. Two supervisors alternately supervised both groups. The teaching clinic conferences were videotaped at the end of the second and fourth week. Segments of the conferences were coded using the Multidimensional Observational System for the Analysis of Interactions in Clinical Supervision (MOSAICS). Supervisors, peers, and clinicians did not differ statistically in quantity or in categories of talk during conferences. The teaching clinics appeared to have characteristics of both direct and indirect conferencing Teaching clinic supervision appeared to foster the development of selfsupervisory behaviors in student speech-language pathologists as reflected by their active conference participation, problem- solving, and strategy development. Participants, in general, expressed satisfaction with the process and its outcomes.
Mispaired rNMPs in DNA are mutagenic and are targets of mismatch repair and RNases H

Ribonucleoside monophosphates (rNMPs) are often incorporated into genomic DNA. Misincorporated rNMPs are now shown to be repaired by mismatch repair and RNases H. If not repaired, they can serve as a template for DNA synthesis and can cause mutagenesis in Escherichia coli and yeast.
The relation of infection to infertility in the mare and stallion.

SUMMARY Many normally fertile stallions harbour bacteria in and on the genital organs. Many mares served by such stallions are unaffected by the bacteria to which they are thus exposed; however, some mares so exposed will become infected and diseased. Presumably, the genital defenses of such mares had been compromised. Strain differences in pathogenicity of bacteria do exist. Some mares affected with pyometra had irregular ovarian activity and some had normal ovarian cycles. In the former group, destruction of the endometrium may have prevented the production of endogenous luteolysin. The leukopenia which occurs in both groups is due to neutropenia. Beaucoup d'etalons doues d'une fertilite normale sont porteurs de bacteries sur et dans les organes genitaux. RESUME Beaucoup de juments saillies par ces etalons ne sont pas affectees par cette contamination. Mais d'autres exposees aux memes agents developpent une affection genitale. Les defenses genitales de ces dernieres juments sont probablement insuffisantes ou alterees. On sait d'autre part que le pouvoir pathogene des bacteries varie selon les souches. Un certain nombre de juments atteintes d'un pyometre ont une activite ovarienne irreguliere; d'autres ont des cycles normaux. Dans le groupe des juments presentant un pyometre on peut penser que la destruction de l'endometre entrave la production de luteolysine endogene. La leucopenie constatee dans les deux groupes est due a une neutropenie. ZUSAMMENFASSUNG Viele normal fruchtbare Hengste beherbergen Bakterien in oder an den Genitalorganen. Viele der durch diese Hengste gedeckten Stuten werden von den betreffenden Keimen nicht affiziert; gewisse Stuten allerdings infizieren sich anlasslich des Deckaktes und zeigen Krankheitsanzeichen. Es ist anzunehmen, dass die Abwehr des Genitaltraktes solcher Stuten beeintrachtigt gewesen ist. Unterschiede in der Pathogenitat von Bakterienstammen kommen vor. Manche Stuten mit Pyometra zeigten eine unregelmassige Ovarfunktion, andere dagegen einen normalen Zyklus. Bei Stuten mit unregelmassigen Zyklen mag die Zerstorung des Endometrium die Produktion endogenen Luteolysins verhindert haben. Die Leukopenie, die in beiden Gruppen beobachtet werden kann, ist die Folge einer Neutropenie.
Surgical risks and outcome of pancreas retransplants.

Abstract Background: The increased popularity of pancreas transplants has led to an increased number of potential candidates for retransplants after the initial graft has been lost to technical failure or rejection. We studied a group of recipients who underwent pancreas transplants at a single center to determine whether retransplant recipients were at higher risk of complications. Methods: Between June 1, 1994, and Dec 31, 1997, a total of 213 pancreas transplants were performed at the University of Minnesota. Of these, 187 were primary transplants and 26 were retransplants. Demographically, the two groups were not significantly different. We analyzed and compared the two groups with respeect to incidence of surgical complications, graft survival rates, and patient survival rates. Results: Surgical complications such as bleeding and vascular thrombosis were slightly more common after retransplants, but this trend did not quite reach statistical significance. Infectious complications and leaks were equivalent between the two groups. The incidence of acute rejection was higher after retransplants (P =.02). At 3 years posttransplant, patient survival was no different between the two groups, but pancreas graft survival was lower after retransplants (P =.08). The incidence of early graft loss (by 6 months posttransplant) was significantly higher in retransplant recipients (27% vs 14%, P =.04). Conclusions: Pancreas retransplants can be performed with a minimal increase in surgical complications. However, graft survival after retransplants is slightly inferior to that after primary transplants, probably for both immunologic and nonimmunologic reasons. Retransplants can be offered to suitable candidates, but they may require more aggressive monitoring for rejection. (Surgery 2000;127:634-40.)
Effects of Shade Intensity and Duration on Asian Soybean Rust Caused by Phakopsora pachyrhizi

Field studies to quantify the effects of shade intensity and duration on soybean rust caused by Phakopsora pachyrhizi were carried out in Florida in 2006 and 2007. Soybean plants at the V4 stage were inoculated with urediniospores at 2100, 0000, and 0200 h. Inoculated plants were either placed in cages that were covered with shade cloths of different mesh sizes allowing 70, 50, or 20% transmission of sunlight or were not covered so that the plants received 100% of sunlight. Plants kept under 20 and 100% sunlight were sampled 12, 18, and 36 h after inoculation to determine the in vivo germination percentage of urediniospores and the percentage of germ tubes that formed appressoria. In separate experiments, inoculated plants were placed under the shade (20% sunlight) and moved to unshaded conditions after 1, 2, and 7 days. For all experiments, soybean rust incidence and severity were rated 12 days after inoculation. Higher levels of disease incidence and severity were detected in plants under shade compared with those under full sunlight. Shade duration greater than 2 days favored disease development. Within 36 h, in vivo germination of urediniospores and formation of appressoria were not significantly affected by the treatments. These results may explain why soybean rust is more severe in the lower canopy and shaded areas in the field.
Length Distribution of the Peptidoglycan Chains in the Sacculus of Escherichia Coli

The stress-bearing fabric of bacteria is made of peptidoglycan. This crosslinked fabric is formed from disaccharide pentapeptide units that are transported through the cytoplasmic membrane and then polymerized in two directions: (i) to form oligoglycan chains; and (ii) to cross link these chains by tail-to-tail bonds from the muropeptides to the protruding peptides of other chains. The distribution of the glycan chain lengths is reminiscent of the "most probable distribution of polymer chemistry. Of course, the process is more complex than solely the random addition of units to growing chains. The complexity precludes mathematical analysis, but computer modeling of the Monte Carlo type is capable of including a range of possibilities. At each time point a specified number of disaccharides are singly added to the muramic acid residue ends of existing chains chosen at random. The transfer is in exchange for the cleavage of pyrophosphate bactoprenol that transported the disaccharide pentapeptide through the membrane. The progam then selects, again at random, which chain to cleave and between which two disaccharides of the chain the cleavage event is to occur. The cleavage generates an N -acetyl 1,6 anhydro-muramic acid end and a non-reducing N -acetyl glucosamine end. The simulation can be modified so that the program does not cleave off a disaccharide next to either end of the chain. Comparisons are shown with the experimental results of Obermann & H]oltje (1994. Microbiology140, 79-87.) They obtained their data by taking the results with normal growing cells and subtracting the similar data from minicells to estimate the chain length distribution in the cylinder part of the cell. In its most basic form the computer simulation has only one fitted parameter, K, which is the number of disaccharides added to the murein for every internal cleavage event. In this form the fitting to the experimental results is poor. One possible reason for this is that the tension on the chains, and therefore the probability of being cleaved by autolysins varies with orientation of the chain on the cylinder surface. It is well known that the tension in the cylindrical wall is twice as large in the circumferential direction as in the axial one, so one class would consist of those chains aligned longitudinally, subject to lower stress, and would have a higher energy of activation for autolysis than chains aligned circumferentially. A good fit is obtained on the assumption that there are only two classes of chains; one more likely to be cleaved than the other. The key point is that only two processes: adding of disaccharide pentapeptides at random to glycan chains and cleavage between the disaccharides at random, together with the assumption that the wall is less easily hydrolysed in the axial direction is sufficient to account for the experimental distribution.
Sequence of the amino terminal half of rat testis-specific histone variant H1t

Abstract H1t is a testis-specific H1 histone variant that appears during the meiotic phase of spermatogenesis in mammals. The sequence of the first 108 residues of rat H1t have been determined and compared to boar H1t and also to a consensus sequence characteristic of standard somatic H1 variants. The two versions of H1t share a common pattern of divergence from the standard somatic consensus. For example, they both share many substitutions within the H1 globular region (residues 40–110), a portion of the molecule that is virtually invariant among the common somatic variants. Within the entire region sequenced, there are 28 shared locations where both forms of H1t differ from the somatic consensus. However, identical substitutions occur at only 15 of these sites, and each protein also differs from the consensus at five (boar) or ten (rat) additional locations that are not shared. These results establish that H1t from diverse sources shows a characteristic pattern of divergence from the sequence of standard somatic H1 proteins. However, it is also clear that there is great tolerance for species-specific variation within this H1 class.
New superfamily members identified for Schiff-base enzymes based on verification of catalytically essential residues

Enzymes that utilize a Schiff-base intermediate formed with their substrates and that share the same alpha/beta barrel fold comprise a mechanistically diverse superfamily defined in the SCOPS database as the class I aldolase family. The family includes the "classical" aldolases fructose-1,6-(bis)phosphate (FBP) aldolase, transaldolase, and 2-keto-3-deoxy-6-phosphogluconate aldolase. Moreover, the N-acetylneuraminate lyase family has been included in the class I aldolase family on the basis of similar Schiff-base chemistry and fold. Herein, we generate primary sequence identities based on structural alignment that support the homology and reveal additional mechanistic similarities beyond the common use of a lysine for Schiff-base formation. The structural and mechanistic correspondence comprises the use of a catalytic dyad, wherein a general acid/base residue (Glu, Tyr, or His) involved in Schiff-base chemistry is stationed on beta-strand 5 of the alpha/beta barrel. The role of the acid/base residue was probed by site-directed mutagenesis and steady-state and pre-steady-state kinetics on a representative member of this family, FBP aldolase. The kinetic results are consistent with the participation of this conserved residue or position in the protonation of the carbinolamine intermediate and dehydration of the Schiff base in FBP aldolase and, by analogy, the class I aldolase family.
Analysis of Recurrent Events: Nonparametric Methods for Random-Interval Count Data

Abstract Many clinical trials require comparison among treatment groups of the rates over time of a particular recurrent event. The event typically reflects disease morbidity rather than mortality. Some examples are episodes of hypoglycemia in diabetics, angina pectoris in patients with heart disease, and seizures in epileptics. Trial protocol often requires that each patient report only the number of events occurring between clinic visits, so the exact times of the successive events are not available. In practice, patients are early, late, or miss scheduled visits, and follow-up may be censored. Thus each patient's data consist of a sequence of consecutive random intervals and corresponding event counts, some of which may be missing. In this fashion the National Cooperative Gallstone Study (NCGS) recorded the incidence of nausea of patients with gallstone disease treated with chenodiol or placebo. We describe an estimator of the continuous time-dependent rate function for such data. Wei and Lachin (1984)...
Master regulators or lineage-specifying? Changing views on CD4+ T cell transcription factors

There has been a tendency to associate the development of distinct CD4+ T cell subsets with the expression of 'master regulator' transcription factors. Here, the authors discuss the shortcomings of this model and explain why 'lineage-specifying' may be a more fitting way to describe these key transcription factors.
The prevalence of coronary artery calcium among diabetic individuals without known coronary artery disease.

Abstract Objectives We sought to examine the age and gender distribution of coronary artery calcium (CAC) by diabetes status in a large cohort of asymptomatic individuals. Background Among individuals with diabetes, coronary artery disease (CAD) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality. Electron-beam tomography (EBT) quantifies CAC, a marker for atherosclerosis. Methods Screening for CAC by EBT was performed in 30,904 asymptomatic individuals stratified by their self-reported diabetes status, gender, and age. The distribution of CAC across the strata and the association between diabetes and CAC were examined. Results Compared with nondiabetic individuals (n = 29,829), those with diabetes (n = 1,075) had higher median CAC scores across all but two age groups (women 40 to 44 years old and men and women ≥70 years old). Overall, the likelihood of having a CAC score in the highest age/gender quartile was 70% greater for diabetic individuals than for their nondiabetic counterparts. Conclusions Younger diabetic individuals appear to have calcified plaque burden comparable to that of older individuals without diabetes. These findings call for future research to determine if EBT-CAC screening has an incremental value over the current CAD risk assesment of individuals with diabetes.
Modeling the potential effects of new tobacco products and policies: a dynamic population model for multiple product use and harm.

Background Recent declines in US cigarette smoking prevalence have coincided with increases in use of other tobacco products. Multiple product tobacco models can help assess the population health impacts associated with use of a wide range of tobacco products. Methods and Findings We present a multi-state, dynamical systems population structure model that can be used to assess the effects of tobacco product use behaviors on population health. The model incorporates transition behaviors, such as initiation, cessation, switching, and dual use, related to the use of multiple products. The model tracks product use prevalence and mortality attributable to tobacco use for the overall population and by sex and age group. The model can also be used to estimate differences in these outcomes between scenarios by varying input parameter values. We demonstrate model capabilities by projecting future cigarette smoking prevalence and smoking-attributable mortality and then simulating the effects of introduction of a hypothetical new lower-risk tobacco product under a variety of assumptions about product use. Sensitivity analyses were conducted to examine the range of population impacts that could occur due to differences in input values for product use and risk. We demonstrate that potential benefits from cigarette smokers switching to the lower-risk product can be offset over time through increased initiation of this product. Model results show that population health benefits are particularly sensitive to product risks and initiation, switching, and dual use behaviors. Conclusion Our model incorporates the variety of tobacco use behaviors and risks that occur with multiple products. As such, it can evaluate the population health impacts associated with the introduction of new tobacco products or policies that may result in product switching or dual use. Further model development will include refinement of data inputs for non-cigarette tobacco products and inclusion of health outcomes such as morbidity and disability.
Enter AGU student contest to win free Fall Meeting registration

AGU is excited to announce its first Student Video and Student T-shirt Design competitions. This is an opportunity for students to display their artistic sides and share their creativity and love of science with the world. Entries could highlight an aspect of Earth or space science in an educational and/or entertaining way or showcase a career path in geophysical sciences. Winners of these student-only competitions will be awarded free registration to the 2012 Fall Meeting in San Francisco, Calif.
N-soliton solutions for the integrable bidirectional sixth-order Sawada–Kotera equation

Abstract In this work, the integrable bidirectional sixth-order Sawada–Kotera equation is examined. The equation considered is a KdV6 equation that was derived from the fifth order Sawada–Kotera equation. Multiple soliton solutions and multiple singular soliton solutions are formally derived for this equation. The Cole–Hopf transformation method combined with the Hirota’s bilinear method are used to determine the two sets of solutions, where each set has a distinct structure.
The third contender: A critical examination of the Dynamicist theory of cognition

Abstract In a recent series of publications, dynamicist researchers have proposed a new conception of cognitive functioning. This conception is intended to replace the currently dominant theories of connectionism and symbolicism. The dynamicist approach to cognitive modeling employs concepts developed in the mathematical field of dynamical systems theory. They claim that cognitive models should be embedded, low‐dimensional, complex, described by coupled differential equations, and non‐representational. In this paper I begin with a short description of the dynamicist project and its role as a cognitive theory. Subsequently, I determine the theoretical commitments of dynamicists, critically examine those commitments and discuss current examples of dynamicist models. In conclusion, I determine dynamicism's relation to symbolicism and connectionism and find that the dynamicist goal to establish a new paradigm has yet to be realized.
Thin-film CoB catalyst templates for the hydrolysis of NaBH4 solution for hydrogen generation

Abstract Thin-film CoB alloy catalysts were prepared on Ni-foam substrates using electroless as well as electroplating techniques. Electroless plating was carried out using cobalt (II) sulfate as the source of Co2+, sodium succinate as the complexing agent, and dimethyamine borane as the source of boron as well as the reducing agent. Electroplating was carried out using cobalt (II) sulfate and cobalt (II) chloride as the sources of cobalt, and boric acid as the source of boron. The thin-film CoB/Ni-foam templates were characterized using ICP, XRD and SEM techniques. The normalized B content was in the range of 1.0–1.30 and 0.20–0.60 wt.% for electroless and electroplated templates, respectively. The B content is less than that required for stoichiometric alloy formation, which indicates the simultaneous deposition of the Co metal along with CoB alloy. An optimum condition of 0.100 M L−1 each of cobalt (II) sulfate heptahydrate Co(SO4)·7H2O, sodium succinate (Na2C4H4O4) and dimethylamine borane (CH3)2NHBH3, at 60 °C with the pH value of 4–5 and a plating time of 1 h was identified for the preparation of the catalyst templates by electroless plating. Where as, 0.125 M L−1 each of cobalt (II) chloride hexahydrate (CoCl2·6H2O), Co(SO4)·7H2O, 0.125 M L−1 of boric acid at the current density range of 160–320 mA cm−2 and a temperature of 60 °C was identified as the optimum condition for the electroplating method. Maximum H2 generation rates of 1.64 and 0.30 L min−1 g−1 of catalyst were obtained with electroless and electroplated thin-film CoB/Ni-foam templates, respectively. The suitability of the electroless plated CoB/Ni-foam catalyst template for extended duration of hydrogen generation from NaBH4 was studied up to 60 h. Activation energies of 44.47 and 54.89 kJ mol−1 were calculated for electroless and electroplated CoB/Ni-foam catalyst templates, respectively.
Thrombospondin-1−induced vascular smooth muscle cell migration and proliferation are functionally dependent on microRNA-21

Objectives Thrombospondin-1 (TSP-1) is a matricellular glycoprotein released from platelets at sites of arterial injury and is important in neointima development after balloon angioplasty. MicroRNAs are small noncoding RNAs that function by binding target gene mRNA and inhibiting protein translation. MicroRNA-21 (miR-21) is up-regulated after angioplasty, and inhibition of miR-21 leads to decreased intimal hyperplasia. In this study, we examined the effects of miR-21 inhibition on vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) processes. Methods VSMCs were exposed to TSP-1 and miR-21 inhibitor for 20 minutes. TSP-1−induced migration was assessed with a modified Boyden microchemotaxis chamber and proliferation with calcein-AM fluorescence. Phosphorylated extracellular signaling kinase (ERK) 1/2 expression was determined by Western Blot and densitometry. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction for TSP-1, hyaluronic acid synthase 2 (HAS2), and transforming growth factor beta 2 (TGFβ2) was performed. Statistical analysis was performed with analysis of variance (P Results Inhibition of miR-21 blocked TSP-1−induced VSMC migration, proliferation, and ERK 1/2 phosphorylation (P .05). Conclusion Acute inhibition of miR-21 led to a decrease in VSMC migration and proliferation caused by TSP-1. The decrease in TSP-1’s activation of ERK 1/2 after acute miR-21 inhibition indicates an active role for miR-21 in TSP-1’s cell signaling cascade. No effect on TSP-1-induced expression of the pro-stenotic genes thbs1, tgfb2, or has2, occurred after acute miR-21 inhibition. These data indicate that miR-21 directly modulates cell function and signaling pathways in ways other than inhibition of protein translation.
Monoclonal antibodies reactive with a monoamine transporter preparation purified from bovine adrenal chromaffin granule membranes

There have been no reports of monoclonal antibodies reactive with vesicular monoamine transporters from any source. Western blotting and ELISA data obtained using polyclonal serum from a mouse immunized with a highly purified bovine chromaffin granule monoamine transporter preparation yielded data consistent with the presence of antibodies to the transporter. Hybridomas produced by polyethylene glycol fusion of spleen cells from the mouse with X63/Ag8.653 myeloma cells were screened in an ELISA using partially purified transporter as coating agent. Of the 1142 wells containing colonies, 14 were positive in the initial screen. Hybridomas from wells testing positive were transferred to 24-well plates, grown up, and rescreened. Those still testing positive were subcloned, and the resulting positive wells containing single colonies were grown up and stocked. Of the 6 positive clones that tolerated freeze/thaw (0.5% of the wells tested), 1 was IgG1 kappa, 2 were IgG2a kappa, and 3 were IgG2b kappa isotypes. Ascites fluid was generated in pristane-primed BALB/c mice using hybridomas that had been cloned 2-3 times, and antibodies purified on immobilized Protein A. Immunoreactivity with a mixture of these antibodies, or with only one of them, coincided with dihydrotetrabenazine (TBZOH) binding activity in fractions eluted from all columns employed in the transporter purification. Antibody from at least one of the clones was capable of removing [3H]TBZOH binding activity from a partially purified preparation of transporter. Monoclonal antibodies exhibiting these properties have not been reported previously.
The Interaction Of High-Power, Femtosecond Pulses With Gases

Multiphoton ionization of xenon with 620 nm pulses is reviewed. Near saturated ionization is observed at 2 x 10 13 W/cm 2 using 0.9 psec pulses and 6 x 10 13 W/cm 2 using 90 fsec pulses. These results indicate that atomic systems can be irradiated with very high intensity ultrashort pulses without significant ionization. Below the ionization threshold new nonlinear phenomena, such as continuum generation, can be investigated. We review measurements of continuum generation in gases made with ultrashort pulses. The nonlinearity responsible for self-focusing and self-phase modulation saturates with laser intensity. A diffraction limited input beam has its spatial profile reconstituted after self-focusing.
Risk factors for postoperative infection following posterior lumbar instrumented arthrodesis.

Background: Surgical site infection in the spine is a serious postoperative complication. Factors such as posterior surgical approach, arthrodesis, use of spinal instrumentation, age, obesity, diabetes, tobacco use, operating-room environment, and estimated blood loss are well established in the literature to affect the risk of infection. The goal of this study was to analyze and identify independent risk factors for surgical site infection among spine patients undergoing posterior lumbar instrumented arthrodesis. Methods: The medical records of 3218 patients who underwent posterior lumbar instrumented arthrodesis from January 2000 to December 2006 were reviewed to identify those who developed a postoperative infection (eighty-four patients; 2.6%). The size of this single-institution patient group allowed construction of a multivariate logistic regression model to evaluate the independent associations of potential risk factors for surgical site infection in the spine. Results: In the final regression model, obesity, estimated intraoperative blood loss, ten or more people in the operating room, a dural tear, history of diabetes, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, coronary heart disease, and osteoporosis were critical risk factors for the onset of spinal surgical site infection. Obesity and a history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease were the strongest risk factors for postoperative spinal infection after adjusting for all other variables. The most common pathogen was methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus with a prevalence of 34.5%. This study established a single institution infection rate for posterior lumbar instrumented arthrodesis at 2.6%. Conclusions: This analysis confirms previously demonstrated risk factors for postoperative infection while reporting on new potential independent risk factors of osteoporosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and dural tears in the setting of posterior lumbar instrumented arthrodesis. Areas of new research can focus on the roles these novel factors may play in the pathogenesis of surgical site infections in the spine. Level of Evidence: Prognostic Level II. See Instructions to Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.