cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Young-of-the-Year Coregonus Hoyi in Lake Michigan: Prey Selection and Influence on the Zooplankton Community

Young-of-the-year bloater, Coregonus hoyi, 16 to 71 mm standard length, were collected from an offshore reference station 100 m deep in southern Lake Michigan during July-August, 1985 and 1986. Gut contents of the fish were examined for prey taxa and prey size. Small bloaters (<20 mm) ate Cyclops copepodids almost exclusively. Bloaters between 20 and 35 mm had increasing proportions of Daphnia in their diets as a function of increased body length. Daphnia, especially D. pulicaria, was the most important component in the diets of the largest fish (<35 mm). Larger YOY bloaters preyed selectively on large individuals of D. pulicaria. Abundance of Coregonus increased during 1985 and 1986 subsequent to a decrease in the population of alewife (Alosa pseudoharengus) in Lake Michigan. Planktivory by bloaters may have been an important selective influence on the summer plankton community in offshore regions of the lake, contributing to a decrease in D. pulicaria.
Analog computer simulation of salicylate pharmacokinetics in children following acute salicylate ingestion

Abstract A model for the pharmacokinetic disposition of salicylate following the acute ingestion of a toxic dose of salicylate was programmed for an analog computer. Rate constants for the model were assigned according to published data on the dose-dependent nature of salicylate kinetics. The model was considered to be a valid characterization of acute salicylate ingestion since computer-simulated curves provide a close visual fit to time-dependent body and urine salicylate level data from previous studies of salicylate-intoxicated children. Analog simulation of salicylate ingestion and subsequent disposition has the potential to more accurately predict the course of the toxicity than currently used methods.
Catheter Closure of Perimembranous/Membranous Ventricular Septal Defects Using the Amplatzer Occluder Device

Perimembranous ventricular septal effects (PMVSDs) are the most common congenital cardiac defects of clinical importance. During the last decade, transcatheter closure of PMVSDs has been attempted using various occluders with variable success. This article reviews the existing literature and our experience with transcatheter closure of PMVSDs with the new Amplatzer occluder device.
In vivo restoration of the biological activity of transforming DNA inactivated by 32P disintegration.

Abstract Pneumococci were labeled with high specific activity 32 P and stored at −30 °C until 88% of the isotope had disintegrated. The biological activity of DNA extracted from these bacteria was markedly reduced compared to DNA which had been extracted when only 7% of the 32 P had disintegrated. If the stored cells were incubated for ten minutes at 37 °C prior to DNA extraction, there was more than a fourfold increase in the biological activity of single genetic markers and a 15-fold increase in the activity of the linked pair of sulfanilamide-resistant ( ad ) markers. The restoration of biological activity corresponds to repair of more than 70% of the inactivating lesions. The biological activity of 32 P-labeled DNA is inactivated at a rate which is independent of whether the DNA is stored in solution or in the intact bacterium.
Benextramine, a putative neuropeptide Y receptor antagonist, attenuates the termination of receptivity.

Abstract Sexual behavior in female rats is dependent on gonadal steroids. In ovariectomized rats, progesterone treatment typically exerts a biphasic effect on copulatory behavior induced by prior treatment with estradiol. Thus, there is an initial augmentation of the facilitative effect of estradiol occurring 4–10 h after progesterone. This is followed by a profound inhibitory effect, essentially terminating receptivity. We hypothesized that the receptivity terminating effect of progesterone could be due to increased synthesis and release of neuropeptide Y in relevant brain regions. Rats were tested for female sexual behavior 4 h after progesterone (52 h postestradiol). Immediately following this test, benextramine was administered (0,3, or 15 mg/kg, IP). Subsequently, behavioral tests were administered 24, 48, 72, and 96 h postbenextramine. Benextramine treatment attenuated the inhibitory effects of progesterone on receptivity (lordosis quotients and percent of responding animals) without affecting either proceptive or rejection behaviors. These data suggest that blockade of NPY (and α-adrenergic) receptors is associated with selective enhancements of specific components of sexual behavior in female rats. Specifically, blockade of NPY receptors by benextramine is associated with continued receptivity.
Symmetry of secondary ferroics. I

Abstract In an earlier paper (Part I), the symmetry requirements for the secondary ferroic phenomena of ferrobielectricity, ferrobimagnetism and ferromagnetoelasticity and ferromagnetoelectricity were considered, and examples of materials illustrating the behavior discussed. In this second paper, the phenomena of ferrobielasticity and ferroelastoelectricity are considered. It is shown that there are 5 ferrobielastics, 15 ferroelastoelectric and 10 ferrobielastic-ferroelastoelectric species in which the primary ferroic effects are forbidden by symmetry. For α-quartz and other secondary ferroics it is suggested that the orientation of twin or domain walls which effect state switching under stress are dictated by strain compatibility between the contiguous domain states involved.
Inflammation induced by infection potentiates tau pathological features in transgenic mice.

Comorbidities that promote the progression of Alzheimer's disease (AD) remain to be uncovered and evaluated in animal models. Because elderly individuals are vulnerable to viral and bacterial infections, these microbial agents may be considered important comorbidities that could potentiate an already existing and tenuous inflammatory condition in the brain, accelerating cognitive decline, particularly if the cellular and molecular mechanisms can be defined. Researchers have recently demonstrated that triggering inflammation in the brain exacerbates tau pathological characteristics in animal models. Herein, we explore whether inflammation induced via viral infection, compared with inflammation induced via bacterial lipopolysaccharide, modulates AD-like pathological features in the 3xTg-AD mouse model and provide evidence to support the hypothesis that infectious agents may act as a comorbidity for AD. Our study shows that infection-induced acute or chronic inflammation significantly exacerbates tau pathological characteristics, with chronic inflammation leading to impairments in spatial memory. Tau phosphorylation was increased via a glycogen synthase kinase-3β–dependent mechanism, and there was a prominent shift of tau from the detergent-soluble to the detergent-insoluble fraction. During chronic inflammation, we found that inhibiting glycogen synthase kinase-3β activity with lithium reduced tau phosphorylation and the accumulation of insoluble tau and reversed memory impairments. Taken together, infectious agents that trigger central nervous system inflammation may serve as a comorbidity for AD, leading to cognitive impairments by a mechanism that involves exacerbation of tau pathological characteristics.
The Gene Wiki in 2011: community intelligence applied to human gene annotation

The Gene Wiki is an open-access and openly editable collection of Wikipedia articles about human genes. Initiated in 2008, it has grown to include articles about more than 10,000 genes that, collectively, contain more than 1.4 million words of gene-centric text with extensive citations back to the primary scientific literature. This growing body of useful, gene-centric content is the result of the work of thousands of individuals throughout the scientific community. Here, we describe recent improvements to the automated system that keeps the structured data presented on Gene Wiki articles in sync with the data from trusted primary databases. We also describe the expanding contents, editors and users of the Gene Wiki. Finally, we introduce a new automated system, called WikiTrust, which can effectively compute the quality of Wikipedia articles, including Gene Wiki articles, at the word level. All articles in the Gene Wiki can be freely accessed and edited at Wikipedia, and additional links and information can be found at the project's Wikipedia portal page: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Portal:Gene_Wiki.
EPA-1031 – Association between sexual orientation, religious beliefs and substance use

Introduction Substance abuse by young people remains one of the most widespread and costly problems in Europe. Some previous studies reported an association between sexual orientation and substance use whereas it is assumed that religiosity could be a protective factor regarding substance use. Objectives To better understand the relationship between substance use, sexual orientation and religious beliefs. Methods The C>SURF study concerns Swiss male adults who have to go through the mandatory recruitment process at the army. Data were collected between August 2010 and November 2011. A questionnaire about the participants’ socio-professional and family background, their consumption of alcohol, cannabis and other drugs, as well as their personality was sent to be filled in online. The final sample included 5990 males between 17.9 and 31.4 years old (mean=20.01, sd=1.24). 77% of subjects declared belonging to a religious community whereas 29% said they are atheists. 91% described themselves as being exclusively attracted by females, 8% by males and females and 1.0% by males only. Results Belonging to a religious community or declaring not being atheist seems to be a protective factor regarding any substance use. Heterosexual men declare most often belonging to a religious community but they do not differ regarding being atheist. Logistic regression on predicting the belonging to a religious community additionally shows a significant interaction between cannabis use and being gay. Conclusions There are significant associations between substance use, sexual orientation and religious beliefs and a better understanding of these relations would lead to a relevant clinical impact.
The Effect of Iontophoresis on Bacterial Growth in Urine

AbstractPurpose: To determine the effect of iontophoresis (electrical current for therapeutic purposes) on the growth of pathogenic bacteria in human urine.Materials and Methods: Pathogenic bacteria were isolated and inoculated into a dynamic in vitro artificial bladder model. Pooled sterile human urine was regulated through the artificial bladder by intravenous tubing and pumps to simulate filling and emptying of the human bladder. The effect of electrical current on bacterial growth in the system was then studied.Results: When iontophoresis is applied at low bacterial concentrations (less than 108 colony forming units [CFU]/l.), inhibition of bacterial growth occurs. However, when iontophoresis is applied after fulminant growth of bacteria (greater than 108 CFU/l.), no inhibition of bacterial growth occurs. Iontophoresis was not found to enhance the antibacterial action of gentamicin to resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa.Conclusions: Iontophoresis inhibits bacterial growth at low bacterial concentrations....
Atrioventricular conduction and arrhythmias at the initiation of beating in embryonic mouse hearts.

To investigate cardiac physiology at the onset of heart beating in embryonic mouse hearts, we performed optical imaging of membrane potential (Vm) and/or intracellular calcium (Cai). Action potentials and Cai transients were detected in ∼50% of mouse embryo hearts at E8.5, but in all hearts at E9.0, indicating that beating typically starts between E8–E9. Beating was eliminated by Ca channel blocker nifedipine and the If blocker ZD7288, unaffected by tetrodotoxin and only mildly depressed by disabling sarcoplasmic (SR) and endoplasmic (ER) reticulum Ca cycling. From E8.5 to E10, conduction velocity increased from 0.2–1 mm/s to >5 mm/s in first ventricular and then atrial tissue, while remaining slow in other areas. Arrhythmias included atrioventricular reentry induced by adenosine. In summary, at the onset of beating, If-dependent pacemaking drives both AP propagation and Cai transient generation through activation of voltage-dependent Ca channels. Na channels and intracellular Ca cycling have minor roles. Developmental Dynamics 239:1941–1949, 2010. © 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Effect of advanced aftertreatment for PM and NO(x) control on heavy-duty diesel truck emissions.

Emissions from four heavy-duty and medium-duty diesel vehicles were tested in six different aftertreatment configurations using a chassis dynamometer. The aftertreatment included four different diesel particle filters (DPF) and two prototype selective catalytic reduction (SCR) devices for NOx control. The goal of the project was to fully characterize emissions from various in-use vehicles meeting the 2007 particulate matter (PM) standard for the United States and California and to provide a snapshot of emissions from 2010 compliant vehicles. The aftertreatment devices all worked as designed, realizing significant reductions of PM and NOx. The DPF realized >95% PM reductions irrespective of cycle and the SCRs >75% NOx reductions during cruise and transient modes, but no NOx reductions during idle. Because of the large test matrix of vehicles and aftertreatment devices, we were able to characterize effects on additional emission species (CO, organics, and nucleation mode particles) from these devices as a f...
N2 hydrogenation from activated end-on bis(indenyl) zirconium dinitrogen complexes.

Sodium amalgam reduction of the bis(indenyl)zirconium dihalide complexes, (η5-C9H5-1-iPr-3-Me)2ZrX2 (X = Cl, Br, I), yielded the corresponding end-on dinitrogen complexes, [(η5-C9H5-1-iPr-3-Me)2Zr(NaX)]2(μ2, η1, η1-N2), with inclusion of 1 equiv of salt per zirconocene. The solid state structures of the chloro and iodo congeners establish short Zr═N and elongated N—N bonds, consistent with modest to strong activation of the coordinated dinitrogen molecule. Exposure of the N2 compounds to 1 atm of dihydrogen resulted in rapid N—H bond formation to yield a hydrido zirconocene hydrazido compound concomitant with salt elimination. These studies establish a new structural type of zirconocene dinitrogen complex and demonstrate that side-on coordination of the N2 ligand in the ground state is not a prerequisite for dinitrogen hydrogenation.
Length-scale competition for the one-dimensional nonlinear Schrödinger equation with spatially periodic potentials

The effect of spatially periodic on-site potentials on solitons of the (1+1)-dimensional nonlinear Schr\"odinger equation depends not only on the amplitude of the perturbation but also on two length ratios---between the wavelength of the potential and either the spatial width of the soliton or its phase-modulation wavelength. For solitons which are slowly moving or at rest, only the first ratio is important: Solitons which are narrow compared to the wavelength of the potential move like particles in an effective potential; wide solitons move like ``renormalized'' particles; and for competing length scales, solitons are easily destabilized by the perturbation and break up into smaller localized excitations and radiation. For initially rapidly moving solitions in short-wavelength potentials, a different resonance effect is described which can inhibit soliton propagation. Away from this resonance the solitons can move in a ``dressed'' form radiating very slowly. Furthermore, it is shown numerically that two such ``dressed'' solitons reemerge after collision, essentially unchanged. We also comment on the structural stability of completely integrable dynamics under spatially periodic perturbations. Finally, we remark on the relevance of our results for the dynamical behavior of large polarons and bipolarons in disordered ionic lattices.
The production of occupational stress in medium-sized police agencies: A survey of line officers in eight municipal departments

Abstract This study assessed self-reports of occupational sources of stress among line officers in eight medium-sized police departments. In a survey of eight municipal police departments in Illinois, police personnel were asked to identify their principal sources of stress. Responses were coded into five categories or “domains of content.” These domains were identified as the organization, the task environment, the judiciary, personal or family concerns, and city government. Organizationally based issues were most likely to be selected as sources of stress, with problems relating to superiors emerging as the most frequently cited stressor. Shift changes were the second most frequently selected stressor. Concerns over occupational danger, widely thought to be a source of stress among police officers, were among the least frequently identified stressors.
The spectrum of the manganese star ι Coronae Borealis

Iota Coronae Borealis is a manganese mercury star with a rich spectrum of sharp lines. We tabulate equivalent widths element by element from data obtained at Lick 120-inch telescope.
The role of regulatory T lymphocytes in asthma pathogenesis.

Several subtypes of regulatory or suppressive T cells have been described that can prevent activation of effector T cells in vitro and in vivo in animal models. Recent evidence suggests a deficit in suppressive activity of both CD4+CD25+ regulatory T cells, and interleukin (IL)•10 producing regulatory T cells may play a role in development of allergic sensitization. If therapies can be devised to redress the balance between regulatory and effector T cells, there may be hope for the control and prevention of asthma.
Experimental hybrid-computer automation in perceptual-motor and social behaviorial research.

A hybrid-computer laboratory has made possible systematic procedures of experimental automation by computer programming methods. In studies of visual-manual tracking, eyemovement-yoked visual tracking, and social tracking and feedback control, such a system has been programmed to control experimentally the signal, space, and time feedback compliances between motor response and sensory input, make experimental calibrations, measure response variables, control feedback displays, and perform other experimental operations automatically. A number of research projects have indicated that all aspects of behavior—motorsensory performance, perception, learning, psychophysiological integration, motivation, development and aging—may be investigated by partial automation in terms of the multivariant feedback mechanisms that govern them.
Dissociative water potential for molecular dynamics simulations.

A new interatomic potential for dissociative water was developed for use in molecular dynamics simulations. The simulations use a multibody potential, with both pair and three-body terms, and the Wolf summation method for the long-range Coulomb interactions. A major feature in the potential is the change in the shortrange O-H repulsive interaction as a function of temperature and/or pressure in order to reproduce the density temperature curve between 273 K and 373 at 1 atm, as well as high-pressure data at various temperatures. Using only the change in this one parameter, the simulations also reproduce room-temperature properties of water, such as the structure, cohesive energy, diffusion constant, and vibrational spectrum, as well as the liquid-vapor coexistence curve. Although the water molecules could dissociate, no dissociation is observed at room temperature. However, behavior of the hydronium ion was studied by introduction of an extra H + into a cluster of water molecules. Both Eigen and Zundel configurations, as well as more complex configurations, are observed in the migration of the hydronium.
Smart sampling and transducing 3D scenes for the visually impaired

Current visual prosthetic devices provide only very limited restoration or substitution of vision for the visually impaired, in part due to their low resolution and simple scene transducing approaches with uniform sampling and quantization. In this paper, a novel smart sampling method using a color-patch-based stereo reconstruction approach is described to automatically select, sample and transduce the most useful scene information to end users using visual substitution devices. The proposed method first constructs a patch-based 3D model of the scene using the color-patch-based stereovision algorithm given a pair of video frames captured by a stereo camera head. Then, the patch-based 3D model is analyzed using the smart sampling algorithm and further transduced into various alternative perception choices, using both color and depth information. Some preliminary experimental results are shown to validate the proposed method.
ELECTROPHORETIC PATTERNS FROM X-IRRADIATED BLOOD SERUMS.

SummaryRat, rabbit, and human blood sera, when analyzed by paper electrophoresis, showed marked changes after they had been irradiated in vitro at 6 dose levels from 106.07 to 106.48 r. In general, as the dose of X-radiation was increased, the percent of albumin and gamma globulin in the total protein decreased as alpha and beta globulins increased. It is suggested that perhaps albumin and gamma globulin molecules are so altered by irradiation that they become electrophoretically indistinguishable from alpha and beta proteins. Similar changes occurred 2 to 7 days after irradiation when rabbits were given doses of 750 r to 5000 r. Differences between types of sera as a result of in vitro irradiation were (1) less pronounced increases in the alpha2 and beta globulins for the human serum than for the others, (2) a more marked increase in the alpha1 globulin of human plasma than for the other sera tested, (3) a more marked decrease in the albumin fraction of the rat serum than of the other sera tested.The aut...
The selective catalytic reduction of nitric oxide with methane over scandium oxide, yttrium oxide and lanthanum oxide

Abstract The selective catalytic reduction of nitric oxide with methane over nanocrystalline Group IIIB metal oxides was investigated between 400°C and 675°C. Scandium oxide and yttrium oxide are better catalysts than lanthanum oxide because they have a greater specific activity and selectivity. The activity of yttrium oxide is 75% of that of Co-ZSM-5 at 600°C and yttrium oxide was also found to have excellent hydrothermal stability, with only a small reversible inhibition of activity in the presence of water vapor. In an excess of oxygen, the reaction orders in O2, NO and CH4 are similar over these Group IIIB metal oxide catalysts, with approximate values of −0.5, 0.5 and 0.8, respectively. A nanocrystalline grain size and high surface area improve the conversion of NO to N2 by shifting the light-off curve for methane activation to a lower temperature, where the methane selectivity is higher.
A conserved motif at the C-terminus of sororin is required for sister chromatid cohesion

Sororin is a positive regulator of sister chromatid cohesion that interacts with the cohesin complex. Sororin is required for the increased stability of the cohesin complex on chromatin following DNA replication and sister chromatid cohesion during G2. The mechanism by which sororin ensures cohesion is currently unknown. Because the primary sequence of sororin does not contain any previously characterized structural or functional motifs, we have undertaken a structure-function analysis of the sororin protein. Using a series of mutant derivatives of sororin, we show that the ability of sororin to bind to chromatin is separable from both its role in sister chromatid cohesion and its interaction with the cohesin complex. We also show that derivatives of sororin with deletions or mutations in the conserved C terminus fail to rescue the loss-of-cohesion phenotype caused by sororin RNAi and that these mutations also abrogate the association of sororin with the cohesin complex. Our data suggest that the interaction of the highly conserved motif at the C terminus of sororin with the cohesin complex is critical to its ability to mediate sister chromatid cohesion.
Endoglin and Alk5 regulate epithelial-mesenchymal transformation during cardiac valve formation

Endoglin is an accessory receptor for TGFβ and can associate with Alk5 or Alk2. Although prior studies indicated that endoglin and Alk5 were not directly involved in epithelial–mesenchymal transformation (EMT) in the heart, the expression pattern of endoglin prompted a re-examination. We here show that loss of endoglin expression mediated by either antisense DNA or siRNA results in a direct perturbation of EMT and reduced expression of EMT markers including slug, runx2, RhoA, and latrophilin-2. An examination of BrdU incorporation shows that, while endoglin regulates proliferation at an early stage, reduced endothelial cell proliferation does not account for the loss of mesenchyme. As Alk5 interacts with endoglin, we utilized siRNA and a specific inhibitor, HTS466284 (HTS), to perturb this receptor as well. Alk5 inhibition produced similar effects to the inhibition of endoglin. There was a reduction in mesenchymal cell formation and loss of EMT marker expression similar to that seen with endoglin. Alk5 kinase inhibition produced a similar loss of EMT marker expression but showed a contrasting upregulation of the proliferation and remodeling markers, Cyclin B2 and β-catenin. Alk5 and endoglin both mediate endothelial cell proliferation in younger explants but, by stage 16, loss of endoglin no longer alters proliferation rates. These data show that both Alk5 and endoglin are directly involved in the process of EMT, that they interact with both TGFβ-regulated activation and invasion pathways and that the roles of these receptors change during cardiac development.
Detection of attomole amounts of analyte by desorption electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (DESI-MS) determined using fluorescence spectroscopy

We report the use of fluorescence spectroscopy to investigate the amount of material removed from a PTFE surface and detected during desorption electrospray ionization (DESI) mass spectrometry measurements. The fluorescence intensity before and after DESI analysis of rhodamine 6G is used to determine the amount of material removed from the surface per mass spectrum. Calculations indicate low attomole amounts are removed per linear ion trap mass spectrum.
Selecting appropriate anti-TNF agents in inflammatory bowel disease

Infliximab was the first anti-TNF agent to be approved by the US FDA for the treatment of Crohn's disease (CD) in 1998. In the past 10 years, two other agents, adalimumab and certolizumab pegol, have also been approved for the treatment of CD. In the absence of head-to-head comparisons, the efficacy of these agents appear to be similar for the treatment of luminal CD. There are also prospective, randomized, controlled data to support the use of infliximab for the treatment of fistulizing CD and ulcerative colitis, and supportive post hoc data for the use of adalimumab and certolizumab pegol for the treatment of fistulizing CD. Practical matters, such as patient preference regarding the mode of administration, approval by third-party payers and residual patient cost, may actually play a larger role in choosing a particular anti-TNF agent, as efficacy and safety issues are similar for all three. Unfortunately, many patients do not respond, lose response or develop intolerance to anti-TNF treatment. Thus, new therapies are needed. Natalizumab, the first biologic that is not an anti-TNF agent, was FDA-approved in January 2008 for the treatment of CD patients who have failed conventional treatment, including anti-TNF therapy. As we continue to learn more about the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease, novel targets for drug therapy are being developed.
Forensic Toxicology Proficiency Monitoring: Results, Experiences, and Comments

Two toxicology proficiency surveys were conducted, one during 1974 and the other during 1976. The surveys would not have been possible without our expressed agreement to confidentiality and anonymity of the results. Although several problems and objections were raised by the participating laboratories, the general response was favorable and their collective evaluation supported continuation of proficiency examinations by a neutral organization. The major findings of the surveys were that the toxicological laboratories associated wlth the medical examiners' or coroners' offices show significant interlaboratory and intralaboratory variations In identification and quanlitation of drugs. These variations were found not to be caused by differences in methodologies or instrumentation since correct and incorrect results were reported using essentially similar methods. Technical and instrumental advances between 1974 and 1976 have not yet been reflected In the laboratory performance as measured by our survey. The vast majority of methodologies currently In use are the classical and accepted techniques of gas-liquid chromatography, thin layer chromatography, and absorption spectrophotometry. Some laboratories using classical methods do seem to significantly outperform the mean and do show exemplary performance when tested by blind proficiency samples, whereas other laboratories using essentially the same methodologies present a much less favorable picture of performance.
Virtual electrode polarization leads to reentry in the far field.

VirtualElectrodePolarization. Introduction: Our previous article examined cardiac vulnerability to reentry in the near e eld within the framework of the virtual electrode polarization (VEP) concept. The present study extends this examination to the far e eld and compares its predictions to the critical point hypothesis. Methods and Results: We simulate the electrical behavior of a sheet of myocardium using a twodimensional bidomain model. The e ber e eld is extrapolated from a set of rabbit heart e ber directions obtained experimentally. An S1 stimulus is applied along the top or left border. An extracellular line electrode on the top delivers a cathodal or anodal S2 stimulus. A VEP pattern matching that seen experimentally is observed and covers the entire sheet, thus constituting a far-e eld effect. Reentry arises from break excitation, make excitation, or a combination of both, and subsequent propagation through deexcited and recovered areas. Reentry occurs in cross-e eld, parallel-e eld, and uniform refractoriness protocols. For long coupling intervals (CIs) above CI min make (dee ned as the shortest CI at which make excitation can take place), rotors move away from the cathodal electrode and the S1 site for increases in S2 strength and CI, respectively. For cathodal S2 stimuli, e ndings are consistent with the critical point hypothesis. For CIs below CI min make , reentry is initiated by break excitation only, and the resulting reentrant patterns are no longer consistent with those predicted by the critical point hypothesis. Conclusion: Shock-induced VEP can explain vulnerability in the far e eld. The VEP theory of vulnerability encompasses the critical point hypothesis for cathodal S2 shocks at long CIs. (J Cardiovasc
De novo computational prediction of non-coding RNA genes in prokaryotic genomes

Motivation: The computational identification of non-coding RNA (ncRNA) genes represents one of the most important and challenging problems in computational biology. Existing methods for ncRNA gene prediction rely mostly on homology information, thus limiting their applications to ncRNA genes with known homologues. Results: We present a novel de novo prediction algorithm for ncRNA genes using features derived from the sequences and structures of known ncRNA genes in comparison to decoys. Using these features, we have trained a neural network-based classifier and have applied it to Escherichia coli and Sulfolobus solfataricus for genome-wide prediction of ncRNAs. Our method has an average prediction sensitivity and specificity of 68% and 70%, respectively, for identifying windows with potential for ncRNA genes in E.coli. By combining windows of different sizes and using positional filtering strategies, we predicted 601 candidate ncRNAs and recovered 41% of known ncRNAs in E.coli. We experimentally investigated six novel candidates using Northern blot analysis and found expression of three candidates: one represents a potential new ncRNA, one is associated with stable mRNA decay intermediates and one is a case of either a potential riboswitch or transcription attenuator involved in the regulation of cell division. In general, our approach enables the identification of both cis-and trans-acting ncRNAs in partially or completely sequenced microbial genomes without requiring homology or structural conservation. Availability: The source code and results are available at http://csbl.bmb.uga.edu/publications/materials/tran/. Contact: [email protected] Supplementary information:Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Biotic Acceptance in Introduced Amphibians and Reptiles in Europe and North America

Aim The biotic resistance hypothesis argues that complex plant and animal communities are more resistant to invasion than simpler communities. Conversely, the biotic acceptance hypothesis states that non-native and native species richness are positively related. Most tests of these hypotheses at continental scales, typically conducted on plants, have found support for biotic acceptance. We tested these hypotheses on both amphibians and reptiles across Europe and North America. Location Continental countries in Europe and states/provinces in North America. Methods We used multiple linear regression models to determine which factors predicted successful establishment of amphibians and reptiles in Europe and North America, and additional models to determine which factors predicted native species richness. Results Successful establishment of amphibians and reptiles in Europe and reptiles in North America was positively related to native species richness. We found higher numbers of successful amphibian species in Europe than in North America. Potential evapotranspiration (PET) was positively related to non-native species richness for amphibians and reptiles in Europe and reptiles in North America. PET was also the primary factor determining native species richness for both amphibians and reptiles in Europe and North America. Main conclusions We found support for the biotic acceptance hypothesis for amphibians and reptiles in Europe and reptiles in North America, suggesting that the presence of native amphibian and reptile species generally indicates good habitat for non-native species. Our data suggest that the greater number of established amphibians per native amphibians in Europe than in North America might be explained by more introductions in Europe or climate-matching of the invaders. Areas with high native species richness should be the focus of control and management efforts, especially considering that non-native species located in areas with a high number of natives can have a large impact on biological diversity.
Neuronal isoform of nitric oxide synthase is expressed at low levels in human retina

1. The expression of neuronal isoform of nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) was studied in human retinal tissues. The cDNA sequence was cloned in human retinal poly (A)+ RNA by the RT-PCR method and encompassed an openreading frame of 4,302 bp encoding 1,434 amino acids. This sequence showed a possibility of genetic polymorphism in comparison to human brain form. 2. Restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) patterns of a partial cDNA fragment suggest that there is genetic polymorphism in the neuronal form of NOS. Important differences were observed in a certain region between human retinal and brain forms. This region is a result of frame shift by the addition of three cytidines. In this study, regions from human brain (cerebellum) and skeletal muscle as well as retina were sequenced to confirm the difference in this region. The sequences from these tissues were completely identical. This indicated that genetic polymorphism of nNOS gene was due to single base substitution and not frame shift phenomenon by addition or deletion of bases. 3. The nNOS mRNA of ∼12 kb was detected by northern blot analysis. The lower level of the expression was distinguished in comparison to those of human brain and skeletal muscle. The cDNA transiently transfected into CHO-K1 cells expressed a protein which contained a significant level of NOS activity. The size of the nNOS was found to be ∼160 kDa by bothin vitro andin vivo translation systems. This NOS was calcium dependent and the Km for arginine was 4.4 μM. 4. The Ca++, L-arginine and NADPH dependency along with the inhibitory effect of N-nitro-L-arginine on NOS activity were evaluated. The finding of a constitutive form of NOS in human retina, which is calcium-NADPH dependent, gives further credence to the possible role of nitric oxide in retinal function and neuronal diseases.
Feynman Functional Integrals for Systems of Indistinguishable Particles

Feynman path integration for multiply connected space systems of indistinguishable particles, considering bosons and fermions propagators
The Effects of Verbal, Vocally Modeled, Kinesthetic, and Audio-Visual Treatment Conditions on Male and Female Middle-School Vocal Music Students' Abilities to Expressively Sing Melodies.

The purpose of this research was to determine whether there were significant differences in male or female middle-school students’ ability to appropriately convey the emotions of happiness, sadness, anger, and fear while singing musical passages within the context of four treatment situations. Four treatment methodologies were designed to identify whether (a) participants can be taught to sing with emotional expressiveness, and (b) a specific treatment method would be significantly better for this task. The treatments used four different learning conditions: traditional instruction, aural modeling, kinesthetic exploration, and audio-visual learning. Each treatment enabled participants to explore different approaches to performing music with emotion. A significant interaction effect was found between males and females in their rated ability to convey anger in their voices, with females scoring significantly lower than males. Happiness and sadness were conveyed equally well by males and females, and fear wa...
The air crescent sign.

The air crescent sign can be visualized in a pulmonary cavitary process, which results in air surrounded by radiopaque material along both its inner and outer margins. Despite being described in a number of entities, the air crescent sign is characteristic of invasive pulmonary aspergillosis when seen in the appropriate clinical setting. In this case, the hyphal form of the fungus invades the pulmonary vasculature resulting in pulmonary hemorrhage, arterial thrombosis, and eventual infarction. Over time, with retraction of the infarcted center and peripheral reabsorption of necrotic tissue by leukocytes, a central area of devitalized tissue is formed. The air crescent sign results when air fills the space between the devitalized tissue and surrounding parenchyma. An opaque rim of hemorrhagic tissue peripheral to the radiolucency makes visualization of the air crescent possible (1–5).
Herbivores, tidal elevation, and species richness simultaneously mediate nitrate uptake by seaweed assemblages

In order for research into the consequences of biodiversity changes to be more applicable to real-world ecosystems, experiments must be conducted in the field, where a variety of factors other than diversity can affect the rates of key biogeochemical and physiological processes. Here, we experimentally evaluate the effects of two factors known to affect the diversity and composition of intertidal seaweed assemblages—tidal elevation and herbivory—on nitrate uptake by those assemblages. Based on surveys of community composition at the end of a 1.5-year press experiment, we found that both tide height and herbivores affected seaweed community structure. Not surprisingly, seaweed species richness was greater at lower tidal elevations. Herbivores did not affect richness, but they altered the types of species that were present; seaweed species characterized by higher rates of nitrate uptake were more abundant in herbivore-removal plots. Both tide height and herbivores affected nitrate uptake by seaweed assemblages. Individual seaweed species, as well as entire seaweed assemblages, living higher on the shore had greater rates of biomass-specific nitrate uptake, particularly at high ambient nitrate concentrations. Grazed seaweed assemblages exhibited reduced nitrate uptake, but only at low nitrate concentrations. We evaluated the effect of seaweed richness on nitrate uptake, both alone and after accounting for effects of tidal elevation and herbivores. When only richness was considered, we found no effect on uptake. However, when simultaneous effects of richness, tide height, and herbivores on uptake were evaluated, we found that all three had relatively large and comparable effects on nitrate uptake coefficients and that there was a negative relationship between seaweed richness and nitrate uptake. Particularly because effects of richness on uptake were not apparent unless the effects of tide height and herbivory were also considered, these results highlight the importance of considering the effects of environmental context when evaluating the consequences of biodiversity change in more realistic systems.
Comparing user experience in a news website across three devices: iPhone, iPad, and desktop

Mobile devices are becoming an increasingly important access channel for news resources and services. Even though providing a mobile site for mobile device users may greatly enhance their news reading experience, many news organizations cannot afford such an additional option due to limited funding and staffing resources. Therefore, an alternative approach is to design a full website with careful consideration of both desktop users and mobile users. This study compared user experiences in a news website accessed via mobile devices (iPhone & iPad) as well as desktop computers. We aimed to discover similar and different design requirements across desktop, iPad, and iPhone users. Users across three types of devices reported to have similar perspectives on the organization schemes of news, the importance of currency of news, the need for more powerful image search functions and algorithms, and better visibility of menus/buttons. Meanwhile, differences between mobile users and desktop users have also been identified: mobile users reported requirements of making more efficient use of space on web pages, less typing, more user control and flexibility, and more sharing options via social media. Based on the findings, we provided a series of recommendations for improving the design of a full site which can meet the needs of both mobile and desktop users.
Common channel priority acknowledgement schemes for carrier sense cable systems

Two techniques that prioritize the common channel acknowledgment traffic are proposed and analyzed for packet switched cable systems that use carrier-sense multiple-access (CSMA) protocols. Closed-form expressions for the packet interdeparture time moment generating functions of both priority acknowledgement schemes are obtained, under a Poisson arrival model, to facilitate the performance comparisons with respect to the channel throughput and output variation coefficient. A generic p-persistent carrier-sense protocol is utilized to unify the treatments of the nonpersistent and 1-persistent CSMA protocols. A statistical test procedure is also introduced to evaluate the appropriateness of the Poisson arrival model. Slotted operation and nonslotted operation are treated, along with the use of collision detection (CD). >
TECHNICAl NOTE: Effect of feeding free lysine or rumen-protected lysine on duodenal flows of essential amino acids in ruminants

ABSTRACT Two ruminally and duodenally cannulated steers were used in a 2 × 2 crossover design to evaluate the effect of supplementation of free Lys or rumen-protected Lys on duodenal flows of essential AA (EAA). Dietary treatments were achieved by the supplementation of either free Lys or rumen-protected Lys to a basal diet composed of 50% alfalfa hay and 50% wet corn gluten feed. Chromium oxide (Cr 2 O 3 ) was used as a digesta flow marker. Duodenal flow of DM was estimated by dividing the daily amount of (Cr 2 O 3 ) dosed by the (Cr 2 O 3 ) concentration in the duodenal samples. Duodenal flows of EAA were determined by multiplying the duodenal flow of DM by the concentration of the respective EAA in the duodenal sample. Duodenal flows of OM, ash, and N were determined in a similar fashion. Intakes of DM (P = 0.90), OM (P = 0.91), ash (P = 0.90), N (P = 0.89), and EAA (P ≥ 0.87) were similar for both treatments. Consequently, duodenal flows of DM (P = 0.17), OM (P = 0.14), ash (P = 0.20), N (P = 0.17), and EAA (P ≥ 0.22) did not differ. Supplementation of both Lys products resulted in similar duodenal flows of Lys.
Mortality of Caribbean Fruit Fly (Diptera: Tephritidae) Immatures in Coated Fruits

The fruit coatings Primafresh 31, Sta-Fresh 36OHS, Sta-Fresh 600, and Nature Seal were studied for their ability to kill Caribbean fruit fly, Anastrepha suspensa (Loew), larvae infesting fruits. Mortality in grapefruits ranged from 33% (Primafresh 31) to 100% (Sta-Fresh 600). Methyl cellulose and shellac, known to restrict gaseous exchange, were identified as substances in Nature Seal that reduced survival of Caribbean fruit fly; Nature Seal with 4% methyl cellulose and 17% shellac caused 99.2% mortality in grapefruits. Coating of cold-stored mangoes and carambolas did not increase Caribbean fruit fly mortality. Hot-air treatment of Nature Seal (2% methyl cellulose plus 10% shellac)-coated grapefruits increased Caribbean fruit fly mortality compared with uncoated fruits; when both were exposed to hot air at 48 degrees C for 60 min, no larvae survived treatment of coated grapefruits, whereas 24% survived treatment of uncoated grapefruits. Carambolas immersed in 46 degrees C. Nature Seal heated slower than those immersed in 46 degrees C water. Also, more damage occurred to carambolas immersed in Nature Seal than in water at 46 degrees C. Carbon dioxide and alcohol levels were higher in coated grapefruits, and oxygen levels were lower compared with uncoated grapefruits. Coatings may have potential as possible quarantine treatments of interior pests, if not alone then in combination with other treatments. Coatings might also be considered as part of an integrated pest management system of fruit pests.
Surface Polarity of β-HMX Crystal and the Related Adhesive Forces with Estane Binder

Here I present the results on the study of surface properties of β-HMX crystal utilizing molecular dynamics simulations. The surface polarity of three principal crystal surfaces, (011), (010), and (110), is investigated by measuring the water contact angles. The calculated contact angles are in excellent agreement with the values measured by experiment and show that the surface polarity of three crystal surfaces are different. The free energies and forces of detaching an Estane chain (with and without surrounding nitroplasticizer molecules) from the three principal crystal surfaces are also calculated using the umbrella sampling method. I find that the force for Estane detachment increases with the increasing HMX surface polarity. In addition, my results show that the nitroplasticizer also plays an important role in the adhesion between Estane and HMX surfaces.
Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis and Frontal Headache

A most recent case record of the Massachusetts General Hospital involved a clinicopathological presentation of a 15-year-old boy admitted with frontal headache, right retro-orbital pain, and a retro-orbital mass that proved to be a Langerhans’ cell histiocytosis involving the right sphenoid sinus and orbit.