cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Revenue allocation methods for integrated transit systems

Abstract Revenue allocation in the context of an integrated transit system involves the splitting of joint revenues derived from passengers taking system trips, that is, trips that involve a transfer between properties of two or more of the participants in an integrated system. The general nature of the revenue allocation problem is first reviewed. Next, a framework for constructing and assessing revenue allocation models is developed. A macroprocess model is described; categories of variables that merit consideration for inclusion in revenue/cost allocation formulas are discussed; and criteria for evaluation of models are examined. After doing this, five general approaches to the problem of allocating joint revenues are discussed and evaluated. Finally, a general revenue-sharing model based on ridership is developed. The model is then used to examine several relevant issues in pricing system trips and fare collection.
Flow past periodic arrays of spheres at low Reynolds number

We calculate the force on a periodic array of spheres in a viscous flow at small Reynolds number and for small volume fraction. This generalizes the known results for the force on a periodic array due to Stokes flow (zero Reynolds number) and the Oseen correction to the Stokes formula for the force on a single sphere (zero volume fraction). We use a generalization of Hasimoto's approach that is based on an analysis of periodic Green's functions. We compare our results to the phenomenological ones of Kaneda for viscous flow past a random array of spheres.
Computational protein design with explicit consideration of surface hydrophobic patches

De novo protein design requires the identification of amino-acid sequences that favor the target-folded conformation and are soluble in water. One strategy for promoting solubility is to disallow hydrophobic residues on the protein surface during design. However, naturally occurring proteins often have hydrophobic amino acids on their surface that contribute to protein stability via the partial burial of hydrophobic surface area or play a key role in the formation of protein-protein interactions. A less restrictive approach for surface design that is used by the modeling program Rosetta is to parameterize the energy function so that the number of hydrophobic amino acids designed on the protein surface is similar to what is observed in naturally occurring monomeric proteins. Previous studies with Rosetta have shown that this limits surface hydrophobics to the naturally occurring frequency (∼28%), but that it does not prevent the formation of hydrophobic patches that are considerably larger than those observed in naturally occurring proteins. Here, we describe a new score term that explicitly detects and penalizes the formation of hydrophobic patches during computational protein design. With the new term, we are able to design protein surfaces that include hydrophobic amino acids at naturally occurring frequencies, but do not have large hydrophobic patches. By adjusting the strength of the new score term, the emphasis of surface redesigns can be switched between maintaining solubility and maximizing folding free energy.
Monotonicity of quotients of theta functions related to an extremal problem on harmonic measure

Abstract We prove that for fixed u and v such that u , v ∈ [ 0 , 1 / 2 ) , the quotients θ j ( u | i π t ) / θ j ( v | i π t ) , j = 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 , of the theta functions are monotone on 0 t ∞ . The case v = 0 has been used by the second author to study a generalization of Gonchar's problem on harmonic measure of radial slits.
Phantom limbs of patients with spinal cord injury.

REVIEW OF LITERATURE THE LITERATURE is replete with information on the phantom limb of the amputee. Data are also readily available which are concerned with disturbances of the body scheme. Periphery and center have thus found attention with regard to phantom phenomena; in contrast, little is known of the phantoms which accompany an injury of the spinal cord. Riddoch 1 and Mayer-Gross 2 are the only authors to have reported their observations on patients (and the number is relatively small) with injuries of the spinal cord. One reason for the scarcity of information may be that the survival period following trauma to the spinal cord was brief in the past. Another reason for the "apparent rarity" may be, in the words of Riddoch, 1c that the "phantoms may exactly coincide with the real limbs." Recent advances of management and rehabilitation in paraplegic centers 3 have made possible a study on
Automatic collection and processing of data from the ultracentrifuge using a programmable desk calculator.

Abstract Previous investigators [Trautman, R., Spragg, S. P., and Halsall, H. B. (1969) Anal. Biochem. 28 , 396–415] have published a detailed protocol for the analysis of sedimentation velocity measurements which is adaptable to data generated by an ultraviolet scanning system. The advent of programmable desk calculators capable of sampling the output of digital measuring devices has made it possible to develop inexpensive and highly convenient systems for collecting and processing scanner data. Basing our approach on the referenced protocol, we have developed algorithms for dealing with real data, that is, data characterized by a relatively high level of noise. The techniques are applieable to both sedimentation equilibrium and sedimentation velocity measurements using the seanning system and multicell rotors. With known concentration dependence, valid estimates of weight-average sedimentation coefficients, diffusion coefficients, and heterogeneity parameters have been obtained for both simulated and actual sedimenting anddiffusing macromolecular solutes. We find, however, that concentration dependence derived internally from a single sedimentation velocity measurement is unreliable.
Facultative terrestrial hand postures in an orangutan (Pongo pygmaeus) and pongid evolution

An adult male orangutan at the Chicago Zoological Park utilizes various knuckle-walking hand postures in terrestrial bipedal-squatting and quadrupedal diagonal-sequence, diagonal-couplet gaits. A study was conducted in order to discern the circumstances surrounding the subject's terrestrial locomotor modes. It was found that various locomotor behaviors correlate with specific conditions of the substrate and the subject's motivation. Biomechanical properties of orangutan knuckle-walking are discussed in terms of their relevance for modelling hominoid phylogeny.
Draft genome of Omphalotus olearius provides a predictive framework for sesquiterpenoid natural product biosynthesis in Basidiomycota

The secondary metabolome of Basidiomycota represents a largely uncharacterized source of pharmaceutically relevant natural products. Terpenoids are the primary class of bioactive compounds isolated from mushrooms. The Jack O'Lantern mushroom Omphalotus olearius was identified 50 years ago as a prolific producer of anticancer illudin sesquiterpenoids; however, to date there have been exceptionally few studies into the biosynthesis of these important compounds. Here, we report the draft genome sequence of O. olearius, which reveals a diverse network of sesquiterpene synthases and two metabolic gene clusters associated with illudin biosynthesis. Characterization of the sesquiterpene synthases enabled a comprehensive survey of all currently available Basidiomycota genomes, thereby creating a predictive resource for terpenoid natural product biosynthesis in these organisms. Our results will facilitate discovery and biosynthetic production of unique pharmaceutically relevant bioactive compounds from Basidiomycota.
Simulation study on the influence of thorax expansion on lung ventilation analysis using EIT images

One of the promising applications of Electrical Impedance Tomography (EIT) is to monitor lung ventilation. However, during respiratory activity, chest moves as much as 10% in the anterior-posterior direction. No EIT reconstruction algorithm has considered this change. For EIT system, which is sensitive to electrode positions, whether chest expansion needs to be incorporated becomes an important problem to study. The results using a 2D thorax model showed that chest expansion accounted for up to 20% of the reconstructed image amplitude and introduced an artifact in the center of the image. To better characterize this issue, a 3D model with detailed anatomical structures, which was developed based on a series of MR thorax images covering from neck to abdomen, was used to simulate the influence of chest expansion. At one selected layer of the model, sixteen electrodes were placed evenly to simulate real measurement setup. Chest expansions were simulated by changing the size of 3D human thorax model. Then EIT dynamic images were reconstructed based on stimulated measurements before and after chest expansion. By analyzing these images, the relationship between chest expansion and the amplitude in the lung regions was established. The results show that chest expansion accounts for up to 31% of the changes in the reconstructed resistivity images. And they further confirm that chest expansion introduces an artifact in the center of the images. Based on this study, chest expansion should be considered in EIT image reconstruction.
Joe Rochefort's War: The Odyssey of the Codebreaker Who Outwitted Yamamoto at Midway. By Elliot Carlson. (Annapolis, MD: Naval Institute Press, 2011. Pp. xvi, 572. $36.95.)

During June 4–7, 1942, the US Pacific Fleet fought and won the Battle of Midway, inflicting irreparable damage on the Japanese navy. John Keegan, the eminent military historian, has called it “the ...
Quantum effects on the singularity of the Gowdy cosmology

Quantum effects on the initial singularity of the Gowdy T3*R cosmology are studied. This is done by calculating the expectation values of the curvature invariant operator Rmu nu alpha beta Rmu nu alpha beta in suitable quantum states. It is found that eigenstates of 'particle' number do not introduce inhomogeneities into the model whereas linear combinations of these states such as the coherent states do. It is also found that the classical singularity persists.
An ergonomic approach to reducing back/shoulder stress in hospital nursing personnel: a five year follow up

The purpose of the study was to determine the impact of an ergonomic program on perceived stress ratings, injury rates and patient care. After implementation of the ergonomic program, the perceived stress ratings by nursing staff were lower than those ratings at the control hospital and the patients felt more comfortable and secure during patient handling tasks than the patients at the control hospital. Eighteen months after ergonomic interventions, the back and shoulder injuries were reduced, and the lost workdays and restricted/transitional days were decreased. Five years after the implementation, the back and shoulder injuries continued to decrease as well as the lost workdays and restricted days. At the control hospital, the back and shoulder injury rates, the lost workdays, and the restricted days remained stable throughout the study period.
Centers for Disease Control ‘High-Risk’ Donors and Thoracic Organ Transplantation: Expanding the Donor Pool

Purpose A shortage of thoracic organs remains a significant barrier for patients with end stage cardiac or pulmonary disease awaiting transplantation. Increased use of Centers for Disease Control(CDC) high risk donors represents an opportunity for access to more organs, however post-transplant outcomes using these organs have not been previously studied. Methods and Materials We retrospectively reviewed the United Network for Organ Sharing database including adult( Results Among 10,314 OHT recipients during the study period, 937 (9.1%) received a CDC high risk organ; of 8,027 LTx patient, 564 (7.0%) received CDC high risk organs. For both OHT and LTx, with few exceptions, demographics and markers of acuity were evenly matched among patients receiving CDC high risk and Non-CDC high risk organs. In OHT and LTx using CDC high risk organs, there were more male recipients, longer ischemic times, younger donors, and annual average transplant center volume was higher. Postoperative infection, stroke, and dialysis rates were similar. Risk-adjusted Cox proportional hazards regression revealed equivalent risk of 1-year mortality when comparing CDC high risk and Non-CDC high risk organs. KM 1-year survival was unaffected by use of CDC high risk organs. Conclusions According to UNOS data, use of CDC high risk donor organs does not negatively affect 1-year survival among OHT or LTx recipients. With current organ shortages, expanding the donor pool with more use of CDC high risk donors may improve access to transplantation.
Phosphorylation and the actin cytoskeleton in defective newborn neutrophil chemotaxis

We have investigated the role of actin polymerization in the defective polymorphonuclear neutrophil (PMN) chemotaxis of the human newborn, and its regulation by protein kinase C and by phosphatases 1 and 2A. Isolated PMNs from adult volunteers and healthy term newborns, i.e. umbilical cord blood, were studied. Chemotaxis was measured by a modified micropore filter assay, and actin polymerization was assessed by flow cytometry. Chemotaxis of newborn PMNs (median 18 microm, range 9-21 microm) was significantly reduced compared with adult PMNs (median 23 microm, range 17-34 microm) (p < 0.001). Coincubation with the protein kinase C inhibitor bisindolylmaleimide GF109203X, did not significantly alter chemotaxis, whereas coincubation with the phosphatase inhibitors calyculin A or okadaic acid caused parallel dose-dependent inhibition of chemotaxis in adult and newborn PMNs. Peak actin polymerization was reduced in newborn compared with adult PMNs in response to stimulation with formyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine and zymosan-activated serum, but was normal in response to phorbol myristate acetate. Prior incubation for 5 min with bisindolylmaleimide GF109203X, calyculin A, or okadaic acid caused no significant alterations in the actin polymerization response to stimulation with formyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine. We conclude that: 1) newborn PMNs have reduced actin polymerization in response to stimulation with chemotactic agents which act via cell surface receptors, but not with phorbol myristate acetate, which acts directly in the cytoplasm. This suggests that a defect in cell signal transduction may be an underlying factor in defective newborn PMN chemotaxis. 2) Phosphatase inhibitors strongly inhibit chemotaxis but not actin polymerization, therefore phosphatases 1 and 2A may be important regulators of PMN chemotaxis, but this regulation takes place either at a point distal to actin polymerization or via another pathway. 3) Similar results in adult and newborn PMNs suggest that this is not the site of the underlying defect in newborn PMN chemotaxis.
Transparency: An Assessment of the Kantian Roots of a Key Element in Media Ethics Practice

This study argues that the notion of transparency requires reconsideration as an essence of ethical agency. It provides a brief explication of the concept of transparency, rooted in the principle of human dignity of Immanuel Kant, and suggests that it has been inadequately appreciated by media ethics scholars and instructors more focused on relatively simplistic applications of his categorical imperative. This study suggests that the concept's Kantian roots raise a radical challenge to conventional understandings of human interaction and, by extension, what it means to exercise freedom.
A PC program for performing multigroup longitudinal comparisons using the Potthoff-Roy analysis and orthogonal polynomials.

Abstract A PC-program performing the Potthoff-Roy (PR) multigroup ( G -sample) analysis of longitudinal data is described and illustrated. This program and the underlying statistical model are useful in the comparison of several longitudinal samples. Applications include the study of growth, development, adaptation, aging, and treatment effects (in short, any phenomenon in which the passage of time is important) for which serial data are available. Specifically, this method fits polynomials to the average growth curves in the samples, and tests hypotheses concerning the curves themselves and the individual coefficients of the polynomials. The program features the utilization of orthogonal polynomial regression coefficients (OPRCs) and is written in GAUSS , a relatively inexpensive yet comprehensive matrix programming language. It is documented that using OPRCs to comprise the within-individual or time design matrix has several advantages over the more usual choice of the successive-powers-of- t form of this matrix and an example of one important such advantage is provided. GAUSS was employed to make the program readily-accessible (i.e., executable code) to biomedical investigators. The GAUSS compiler is not required to run this program. Information regarding the availability of the program is provided in the Appendix.
Outpatient Perceptions of the Medtable: A Medication Scheduling Tool

Background:Health literacy is the ability of patients to obtain, process, and understand information needed to make health decisions. Health literacy is a stronger predictor of a person's health than is age, income, employment status, educational level, or race. The Medtable is a paper-based tool that is designed to support comprehension of medication information by patients. A collaborative tool such as the Medtable might facilitate the comprehension of medication information by low-literacy patients and increase communication regarding medications between healthcare pers and their patients. Before evaluating the efficacy of the Medtable to improve health outcomes, it is important to confirm that patients find the tool easy to use and helpful in relevant clinical settings.Objective:To investigate whether patients think that the Medtable is a helpful and easy-to-use tool for organizing daily medication regimens.Methods:Sixty outpatients participated in this usability study. Patients filled in the Medtable...
Rotational Structure of the Schumann-Runge Bands of Oxygen in the Vacuum Region

Absorption bands of the Schumann-Runge system of oxygen have been photographed with a 3-meter vacuum spectrograph in the region $\ensuremath{\lambda}1760\ensuremath{-}\ensuremath{\lambda}1925$. A rotational analysis yields constants for the upper states which are new in the range ${v}^{\ensuremath{'}}=8 \mathrm{to} 15$ inclusive. Origins of the bands in this progression are represented within the limits of accuracy of the observations by the following equation: ${\ensuremath{\nu}}_{({v}^{\ensuremath{'}}, 0)}=49,014.93+700.360(v+\frac{1}{2})\ensuremath{-}8.0023{(v+\frac{1}{2})}^{2}\ensuremath{-}0.37535{(v+\frac{1}{2})}^{3}.$ The energy of dissociation, ${{D}_{0}}^{\ensuremath{'}\ensuremath{'}}$, is 5.05 volts.
On the classification of binary shifts of minimal commutant index

We provide a complete classification up to conjugacy of the binary shifts of finite commutant index on the hyperfinite II1, factor. There is a natural correspondence between the conjugacy classes of these shifts and polynomials over GF(2) satisfying a certain duality condition.
FINE STRUCTURE OF MESODERMAL AND ENTODERMAL CELLS OF THE BLASTOPORAL GROOVE IN THE TREEFROG. HYLA REGILLA.

1. Involuting mesodermal and entodermal cells within the blastoporal groove ofHyla regilla were studied with the electron microscope. The mesodermal cells differ from the entodermal cells in having a greater concentration of cytoplasmic particles (presumably glycogen and RNP particles), more highly developed mitochondria, more numerous and smaller cytoplasmic vesicles, fewer yolk platelets and larger lipid droplets. 2. Evidence is presented to support the hypothesis that cytoplasmic vesicles and endoplasmic reticulum arise from the outer nuclear membrane, as well as from Golgi bodies andde novo in the cytoplasm in association with yolk platelets and lipid droplets. 3. Bodies, presumed to be forming mitochondria, were characterized as follows: double outer membrane, tubules or cristae interspersed with a granular matrix restricted to the periphery of the body, and an apparently structureless interior. 4. Yolk platelets presumed to be undergoing dissolution were described.
DIATOM PRODUCTIVITY COMPARED TO OTHER ALGAE IN NATURAL MARINE PHYTOPLANKTON ASSEMBLAGES1,2

Total productivity rates and the component attributed to the diatom proportion in the crop were measured in natural water samples taken from the Scripts Pier (La Jolla, California) at ca, monthly intervals in 1975–76. Two other measurements were done in water samples taken from Saanich Intel, Vancouver Islands, British Columbia (Canada). The percent of photosynthesis by diatoms was compared with the proportion of diatom carbon in the crop. In all instances, percent diatom photosynthesis was higher than percent diatom carbon for dialoms were higher than those of other algae. It is hypothesized that, in the sea, diatoms can outcompete other algae. However, the assemblages consist of some tens of species coexisting, and no portion of the crop out competes the others to exclusion.
The effects of sodium saccharin with and without N-methyl-N-nitrosourea co-treatment on anchorage-independent growth of human diploid fibroblasts

Abstract In order to examine the effects of sodium saccharin on in vitro cell transformation, neonatal human diploid fibroblasts were treated with various levels of the compound during specific phases of a synchronized cell cycle, then subcultured for a suitable expression period, and assayed for anchorage-independent growth in soft agar. The dose-relatedness and cell-cycle-dependency of the effects were determined both in cells treated with sodium saccharin and in cells co-treated with saccharin and the direct-acting carcinogen N-methyl-N-nitrosourea (MNU). Cell treatment with saccharin at ng/ml levels for 10 hr following release from a metabolic block (G1 phase), with or without MNU treatment (70 μg/ml) at 10 hr, was an effective transforming regimen. Continuous saccharin treatment for 12 days (from the end of the synchronized cell cycle until seeding into soft agar) was often as effective as G1 exposure, but treatment during the metabolic block or during S-phase and mitosis was always less effective. The dose-relatedness of the effects was similar both for saccharin-induced transformation at ng/ml treatment levels, and for co-transformation with MNU. Maximum colony growth (>100/50,000 seeded cells) was observed at a concentration of 50 ng/ml, and a variable, but decreased, response was seen at higher and lower exposures. MNU co-treatment served to maintain the transformation response at higher (μg/ml) saccharin levels at which saccharin alone was not effective. Thus, sodium saccharin demonstrated significant transforming activity over a wide dose range, both when used alone, and in combination with MNU.
Some remarks on the uniform weak convergence of stochastic processes

Abstract It is known that the uniform weak convergence of a sequence of stochastic processes is equivalent to the finite dimensional convergence, plus an asymptotic equicontinuity condition with respect to any pseudometric which makes the parameter space totally bounded. Here, we see that in this characterization, it is possible to take an intrinsic metric of the process. This is applied to obtain necessary and sufficient conditions for the weak convergence of local U-processes.
HNCO in the galactic centre

THE 101–000 transition of the HNCO molecule at 21.9817 GHz has been detected using a 1.4 cm parametric amplifier at the 36 foot telescope of the US National Radio Astronomy Observatory1. The present observations were made with the same receiver and the 85-foot Maryland Point telescope of the US Naval Research Laboratory. The receiver has a single sideband system temperature of 600 K achieved by the use of a degenerate parametric amplifier with 20 dB of gain2. The filter bank receiver used to obtain the spectral line data consisted of 20 channels each 0.5 MHz in width giving a total velocity span of 135 km s−1. At 1.4 cm the beamwidth of the telescope is approximately 2.1 arc min and the beam efficiency is 60%.
Optimized flight planning for SOFIA

A study of the average upper atmospheric conditions has been carried out in order to optimize the scientific return from SOFIA. By examination of atmospheric data from satellite missions, we found that at typical SOFIA flight altitudes (between 37,000 and 45,000 ft), it can be an advantage to fly north, as the water vapor overburden and the frequency of cloud occurrence is less than if the flights were centered above Moffett Field, CA, which will be the base for SOFIA. It has also been shown that for certain science projects, the amount of time on target can be considerably extended.
Nonmuscle Myosin II Generates Forces that Transmit Tension and Drive Contraction in Multiple Tissues during Dorsal Closure

Summary Background The morphogenic movements that characterize embryonic development require the precise temporal and spatial control of cell-shape changes. Drosophila dorsal closure is a well-established model for epithelial sheet morphogenesis, and mutations in more than 60 genes cause defects in closure. Closure requires that four forces, derived from distinct tissues, be precisely balanced. The proteins responsible for generating each of the forces have not been determined. Results We document dorsal closure in living embryos to show that mutations in nonmuscle myosin II (encoded by zipper ; zip /MyoII) disrupt the integrity of multiple tissues during closure. We demonstrate that MyoII localization is distinct from, but overlaps, F-actin in the supracellular purse string, whereas in the amnioserosa and lateral epidermis each has similar, cortical distributions. In zip /MyoII mutant embryos, we restore MyoII function either ubiquitously or specifically in the leading edge, amnioserosa, or lateral epidermis and find that zip /MyoII function in any one tissue can rescue closure. Using a novel, transgenic mosaic approach, we establish that contractility of the supracellular purse string in leading-edge cells requires zip /MyoII-generated forces; that zip /MyoII function is responsible for the apical contraction of amnioserosa cells; that zip /MyoII is important for zipping; and that defects in zip /MyoII contractility cause the misalignment of the lateral-epidermal sheets during seam formation. Conclusions We establish that zip /MyoII is responsible for generating the forces that drive cell-shape changes in each of the force-generating tissues that contribute to closure. This highly conserved contractile protein likely drives cell-sheet movements throughout phylogeny.
Carbon doping in metalorganic vapor phase epitaxy

Abstract Carbon in metalorganic vapor phase epitaxy has been studied as both an unintentional and intentional dopant. It is generally an acceptor in most compound semiconductors with a very low thermal diffusion coefficient. Carbon limits the ultimate purity of the grown material when present as an unintentional impurity. Carbon can originate from the metal-organic compounds used in the growth of the materials and the study of carbon incorporation can lead to insights into the underlying chemical mechanisms of the metalorganic vapor phase epitaxy (MOVPE) growth process. The intentional doping of carbon in MOVPE, and allied technologies such as MOMBE, has replaced several of the traditional dopants for applications in heterojunction devices. This paper will review and discuss several of these aspects of carbon doping: the introduction of carbon into the growing layer, the properties of carbon in binary and alloy semiconductors, and device applications of carbon doping.
Gust Factors Applied to Hurricane Winds

An important consideration in the design of structures is their response to extreme winds. This is especially true in regions affected by hurricanes. In this research, gust factors derived from hurricane wind-speed records are compared with those derived by Durst and others from open-scale records obtained in well-developed, extratropical storms. Based on records obtained from four hurricanes and 11 different recording stations, it is concluded that an upward adjustment of the Durst gust factors for the estimation of hurricane gust speeds may be in order. Anomalously high gust factors observed for hurricane winds in inland areas suggest the need for additional study. Also, it is concluded that a reexamination of the statistics of gust factors obtained from extratropical storm data would be useful in clearly identifying the appropriate probability distribution function.
The effect of DNA binding on initial 8-methoxypsoralen photochemistry.

—Flash photolysis experiments on the complex of 8-methoxypsoralen with calf thymus DNA have shown binding promotes the anaerobic quenching of the 8-MOP triplet state and inhibits the accessibility to oxygen. The results indicate dark psoralen-DNA interactions suppress the singlet oxygen generation observed in prior work.
Sex, size, and plumage redness predict house finch survival in an epidemic

Mycoplasma gallisepticum is a well-known disease of poultry but until 1994 had not been observed in passerine birds. From 1994 to 1996, tens of millions of house finches (Carpodacus mexicanus) are believed to have died in an epidemic of mycoplasmal conjunctivitis, similar to 'pinkeye' in humans. The outbreak of Mycoplasma gallisepticum affected finches of both sexes but disproportionately killed males, shifting the sex ratio from male-biased to female-biased. This differential male mortality is consistent with a cost of testosterone, which is a key prediction of the immunocompetence handicap hypothesis. Males and females that survived the epidemic weighed significantly less and had significantly shorter wing chords, tarsi, and bills than did individuals before the epidemic. Male survivors also had significantly redder plumage than males that did not survive, supporting the idea that plumage brightness serves as an indicator of condition, as proposed by the honest advertisement model of sexual selection.
MicroRNA expression in tumor cells from Waldenstrom's macroglobulinemia reflects both their normal and malignant cell counterparts

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are involved in the regulation of many cellular processes including hematopoiesis, with the aberrant expression of differentiation-stage specific miRNA associated with lymphomagenesis. miRNA profiling has been essential for understanding the underlying biology of many hematological malignancies; however the miRNA signature of the diverse tumor clone associated with Waldenstrom's macroglobulinemia (WM), consisting of B lymphocytes, plasmacytes and lymphoplasmacytic cells, has not been characterized. We have investigated the expression of over 13 000 known and candidate miRNAs in both CD19+ and CD138+ WM tumor cells, as well as in their malignant and non-malignant counterparts. Although neither CD19+ nor CD138+ WM cells were defined by a distinct miRNA profile, the combination of all WM cells revealed a unique miRNA transcriptome characterized by the dysregulation of many miRNAs previously identified as crucial for normal B-cell lineage differentiation. Specifically, miRNA-9*/152/182 were underexpressed in WM, whereas the expression of miRNA-21/125b/181a/193b/223/363 were notably increased (analysis of variance; P<0.0001). Future studies focusing on the effects of these dysregulated miRNAs will provide further insight into the mechanisms responsible for the pathogenesis of WM.
Conducting Cognitive Exercises for Early Dementia With the Use of Apps on iPads

A list of iTunes apps was compiled for usage with early stage or mild dementia participants. The method in choosing these apps and determining salient features of the most successful apps was repor...
Fragrance material review on 1-(2,5,5-trimethylcycloheptyl)ethan-1-one.

Abstract A toxicologic and dermatologic review of 1-(2,5,5-trimethylcycloheptyl)ethan-1-one when used as a fragrance ingredient is presented. 1-(2,5,5-Trimethylcycloheptyl)ethan-1-one is a member of the fragrance structural group Alkyl Cyclic Ketones. These fragrances can be described as being composed of an alkyl, R1, and various substituted and bicyclic saturated or unsaturated cyclic hydrocarbons, R2, in which one of the rings may include up to 12 carbons. Alternatively, R2 may be a carbon bridge of C2–C4 carbon chain length between the ketone and cyclic hydrocarbon. This review contains a detailed summary of all available toxicology and dermatology papers that are related to this individual fragrance ingredient and is not intended as a stand-alone document. Available data for 1-(2,5,5-trimethylcycloheptyl)ethan-1-one were evaluated then summarized and includes physical properties, skin irritation, mucous membrane (eye) irritation, and skin sensitization data. A safety assessment of the entire Alkyl Cyclic Ketones will be published simultaneously with this document; please refer to Belsito et al. (Belsito, D., Bickers, D., Bruze, M., Calow, P., Dagli, M., Fryer, A.D., Greim, H., Miyachi, Y., Saurat, J.H., Sipes, I.G., 2013. A toxicologic and dermatologic assessment of alkyl cyclic ketones when used as fragrance ingredients. (submitted for publication)) for an overall assessment of the safe use of this material and all Alkyl Cyclic Ketones in fragrances.
Smearing corrections on deuterium targets

Abstract In this paper we show and clarify further the consistency (which in the conventional, non-relativistic approach is lacking) of the recent, simple, spinless and relativistic approach (the nucleon-parton approach) to Fermi motion effects on deuterium targets. In analysing the recent high-energy cross-section data of πD, πN and ND, NN processes, we find that the conventional approach leads to a non-negligible smearing correction σs. On the other hand, the nucleon-parton approach, by using a simple ansatz for the truncated n-p-d relativistic vertex function, leads to a vanishing σs. We show, also, that the inclusion of a spin degree of freedom in the formalism for leptonic scattering, where smearing effects are very important, does not affect the previous (spinless) results.
A Novel Mammalian High-Molecular-Weight Aminopeptidase

Studies with the human lymphoma U937 cell line revealed the presence of two soluble aminopeptidase activities. Using specific antisera one of these was identified as the puromycin-specific aminopeptidase, while the other appeared to be a novel approximately 200-kDa activity. The kinetic properties of this high-molecular-weight aminopeptidase, referred to as Ap200, were similar to those of the puromycin-sensitive aminopeptidase, but showed quantitative differences. Ap200 is relatively insensitive to inhibition by both puromycin, K(i) = 27 microM, and bestatin, K(i) = 1.6 microM. Among the synthetic beta-naphthylamides, Ap200 is more specific for alanine-beta-naphthylamide compared to the puromycin-sensitive aminopeptidase. Similarly, this enzyme cleaves a more limited number of physiological peptides exhibiting a preference for the enkephalins. Ammonium sulfate, but not sodium chloride at the same ionic strength, was able to dissociate the high-molecular-weight aminopeptidase to a approximately 100-kDa active form. The high-molecular-weight aminopeptidase is found as a low abundant protein in a number of tissues including intestine, kidney, liver, lung, muscle, spleen, and testes, but could not be detected in adrenal, heart, or brain. Thus, it has a tissue distribution which differs from the puromycin-sensitive aminopeptidase.
Membrane damage by Cerebratulus lacteus cytolysin A-III. Effects of monovalent and divalent cations on A-III hemolytic activity.

Abstract The effects of monovalent and divalent cations on the hemolytic activity of Cerebratulus lacteus toxin A-III were studied. The activity of cytolysin A-III is remarkably increased in isotonic, low ionic strength buffer, the HC50 (the toxin concentration yielding 50% lysis of a 1% suspension of erythrocytes after 45 min at 37°C) being shifted from 2 μg per ml in Tris or phosphate-buffered saline to 20–30 ng per ml in sucrose or mannitol buffered with Hepes, corresponding to a 50–100-fold increase in potency. On the contrary, hemolytic activity decreases progressively as the monovalent cation concentration in the medium increases for Na+, K+, or choline salts. The divalent cations Ca2+ and Zn2+ likewise inhibit the cytolysin A-III activity, but more strongly than do the monovalent cations specified above. Zn2+ at a concentration of 0.3 mM totally abolishes both toxin A-III-dependent hemolysis of human erythrocytes and toxin-induced leakage from liposomes. The observation of similar effects in both natural membranes and artificial bilayers suggests an effect of Zn2+ on the toxin A-III-induced membrane lesion, especially since Zn2+ does not alter binding of the cytolysin. The dose-response curve for toxin A-III exhibits positive cooperativity, with a Hill coefficient of 2 to 3. However, analysis of toxin molecular weight by analytical ultracentrifugation reveals no tendency to aggregate at protein concentrations up to 2 mg per ml. These data are consistent with a post-binding aggregational step which may be affected by the ionic strength of the medium.
ANGIOTENSIN-II BLOCKADE IN MAN BY SAR1-ALA8-ANGIOTENSIN II FOR UNDERSTANDING AND TREATMENT OF HIGH BLOOD-PRESSURE

Abstract Sar 1 -ala 8 -angiotensin II, the octapeptide competitive inhibitor of angiotensin II, was administered intravenously to twelve patients with either renovascular, advanced, or malignant hypertension, or with hypertension of pyelonephritis. In eight patients with increased plasma-renin, angiotensin blockade induced immediate striking and sustained reductions in blood-pressure to nearly normal levels. Large excesses of the drug never produced hypotension. This evidence suggests that angiotensin II was involved in sustaining the high blood-pressure. In contrast, in four patients with either low or normal plasma-renin, the angiotensin inhibitor did not alter blood-pressure. Efficacy of the drug was indicated by the striking increases in plasma-renin induced in all patients. Angiotensin blockade with its apparent lack of toxicity provides a new, safe, more specific and effective approach to diagnosis and treatment of hypertensive situations associated with high renin levels. Also, it seems useful for predicting surgical curability of renovascular hypertension.
Genetics of alcoholic and nonalcoholic pancreatitis.

Purpose of review To provide an expert review and expert perspective on important advances related to the genetics of acute and chronic pancreatitis. Recent findings Provocative new studies highlight the interplay between genetic, developmental, and environmental factors. Key findings include the relationship between pancreas divisum and CFTR mutations, the role of trypsin in acute and recurrent acute pancreatitis, and the discovery of a pancreatitis modifier gene on the X chromosome that provides new clues to why the vast majority of patients with alcoholic pancreatitis are men. Summary Pancreatic genetics is complex, linked to the multiplicative and modifying effects of multiple interacting genetic, structural, and environmental factors. Clinical interpretation will require disease modeling and simulation to understand the combined effect of risk factors that alone are neither sufficient nor necessary to cause disease, and to design treatment strategies that prevent the development of advanced chronic pancreatitis - which by definition is irreversible.
Airway epithelial (nasal) cell monolayers used to study Pseudomonas aeruginosa invasion are hyperpolarized and not representative of the human airway epithelium.

Zulianello and colleagues (5) reported recently that invasion of Pseudomonas aeruginosa into primary human airway (but, more accurately, nasal) epithelium was dependent on bacterial secretion of rhamnolipids to disrupt tight junctions, which promoted paracellular bacterial invasion of the epithelium. They questioned the work of myself and colleagues reporting that the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) was a receptor for P. aeruginosa that mediated intracellular endocytosis of airway epithelial cells. While their results support their conclusions, the polarized nasal epithelial monolayers they used are completely unrepresentative of the actual airway epithelial layer in the lung, where transepithelial resistances (TER) in freshly excised human airways are 100 Ω/cm2 represents an in vitro artifact when trying to mimic the TER of the human airway epithelium. Consistent with the contention that low TER, as is normally found in the airway, permits P. aeruginosa invasion, Zulianello et al. (5) found that when the TER was reduced after prolonged exposure to rhamnolipids, P. aeruginosa invasion occurred. It was at this point that the TER of their monolayers truly represented that of the intact lung, and this should have been their starting point, where CFTR-dependent interactions could take place (4). In addition, Zulianello et al. (5) neither cited nor commented on our in vivo demonstration in mouse and monkey tracheas that P. aeruginosa is readily internalized into the apical tracheal epithelium 4 h postinfection, as visualized by scanning electron microscopy, whereas no such interaction is seen in transgenic cystic fibrosis knockout mice (4). I would ask Zulianello and colleagues to explain why their hyperpolarized nasal epithelial monolayers should be considered representative of the human airway epithelium that has a normal TER of <100 Ω/cm2, what problems they see with the data of Boucher's group in their reports that the TER of freshly excised airways is low, what contravening data they have regarding these TER measurements on excised airway epithelia, and why their in vitro system, lacking all accessory factors present in the normal airway and based on polarized nasal epithelial cells, is informative and in contrast to our in vivo demonstration of clear, CFTR-dependent, apical invasion of P. aeruginosa into the epithelium in an intact tissue in a living animal, i.e., both mouse and monkey tracheas.
Model transcriptional networks with continuously varying expression levels

Background At a time when genomes are being sequenced by the hundreds, much attention has shifted from identifying genes and phenotypes to understanding the networks of interactions among genes. We developed a gene network developmental model expanding on previous models of transcription regulatory networks. In our model, each network is described by a matrix representing the interactions between transcription factors, and a vector of continuous values representing the transcription factor expression in an individual.
Targets of an Invasive Species: Oviposition Preference and Larval Performance of Cactoblastis cactorum (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) on 14 North American Opuntioid Cacti

Cactoblastis cactorum Berg (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae), the cactus moth, is a well-known biological control agent of prickly pear cactus (Cactaceae: Opuntia Miller). The arrival of the moth in Florida and its subsequent spread through the southeastern United States poses a threat to opuntioid diversity in North America. Of particular concern are the ecological and economic impacts the moth could have in the southwestern United States and Mexico, where both native and cultivated Opuntia species are important resources. It is unknown which species would best support larval development if the moth were to spread further westward in North America. This study aimed to determine if ovipositing females demonstrate preferences for any of 14 common opuntioids native to or naturalized in Mexico and the southwestern United States; which of these opuntioids best support larval development; and if oviposition preference correlates with larval performance, as predicted by simple adaptive models. Results from a field experiment showed that female moths preferred O. engelmannii Salm-Dyck ex Engelmann variety linguiformis (Griffiths) Parfitt and Pinkava and O. engelmannii variety engelmannii for oviposition. A generalized linear model showed number of cladodes and degree of spininess to be significant predictors of oviposition activity. Results from a no-choice larval survival experiment showed Consolea rubescens (Salm-Dyck ex de Candolle.) Lemaire and O. streptacantha Lemaire to be the best hosts. Epidermal toughness was a significant predictor of most larval fitness parameters. In general, oviposition preference was not correlated with larval performance. A lack of co-evolutionary history between C. cactorum and North American opuntioid species may help explain this disconnect.
Near-N Oscillations and Deep-Cycle Turbulence in an Upper-Equatorial Undercurrent Model

AbstractDirect numerical simulation (DNS) is used to investigate the role of shear instabilities in turbulent mixing in a model of the upper Equatorial Undercurrent (EUC). The background flow consists of a westward-moving surface mixed layer above a stably stratified EUC flowing to the east. An important characteristic of the eastward current is that the gradient Richardson number Rig is larger than ¼. Nevertheless, the overall flow is unstable and DNS is used to investigate the generation of intermittent bursts of turbulent motions within the EUC region where Rig > ¼. In this model, an asymmetric Holmboe instability emerges at the base of the mixed layer, moves at the speed of the local velocity, and ejects wisps of fluid from the EUC upward. At the crests of the Holmboe waves, secondary Kelvin–Helmholtz instabilities develop, leading to three-dimensional turbulent motions. Vortices formed by the Kelvin–Helmholtz instability are occasionally ejected downward and stretched by the EUC into a horseshoe conf...
Measuring human readability of machine generated text: three case studies in speech recognition and machine translation

We present highlights from three experiments that test the readability of current state-of-the art system output from: (1) an automated English speech-to-text (SST) system; (2) a text-based Arabic-to-English machine translation (MT) system; and (3) an audio-based Arabic-to-English MT process. We measure readability in terms of reaction time and passage comprehension in each case, applying standard psycholinguistic testing procedures and a modified version of the standard defense language proficiency test for Arabic called the DLPT*. We learned that: (1) subjects are slowed down by about 25% when reading system STT output; (2) text-based MT systems enable an English speaker to pass Arabic Level 2 on the DLPT*; and (3) audio-based MT systems do not enable English speakers to pass Arabic Level 2. We intend for these generic measures of readability to predict performance of more application-specific tasks.