cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Very Heavy Nuclei in the Primary Cosmic Radiation. II. Interpretation of the Energy Spectra

Abstract : An attempt has been made to understand the form of the observed energy spectrum of the highly charged, 20 less than Z less than 30, nuclei in the primary cosmic radiation. It is shown that the behavior of this spectrum relative to that of the helium nuclei also present in the cosmic radiation can be explained by assuming that the highly charged nuclei have two components. The first of these components is dominant at high energies and has a spectrum at the source that can be represented as a simple power law with a slope somewhat flatter than that of the source spectrum of the helium nuclei. The nuclei in this component may be regarded as having traversed several g/sq cm of matter between the times of acceleration and of detection. The second component is only of importance at relatively low energies, of a few hundred MeV per nucleon, has a spectrum that falls steeply with increasing energy and cannot simply be represented as a power law. The possible consequences of such a model are briefly considered. (Author)
Electronic and transport properties of armchair and zigzag sp 3 -hybridized silicane nanoribbons

The electronic and transport properties of sp3-hybridized armchair and zigzag edge silicane nanoribbons have been investigated using nonlocal empirical pseudopotentials and ab-initio calculations. Compared to the armchair graphene nanoribbons, silicane ribbons do no suffer from the chirality dependence of the band gap. Calculated low-field electron mobility and ballistic conductance show a strong edge dependence due to a difference in the effective masses and momentum relaxation rates along the transport direction. Smaller effective masses and momentum relaxation rates in the zigzag edge ribbons results in the electron mobility as much as an order of magnitude larger than the armchair edge ribbons.
Ethanol acts directly on extrasynaptic subtypes of GABAA receptors to increase tonic inhibition

Abstract Based on the similarity of ethanol intoxication to the behavioral effects of drugs known to target γ-aminobutyric acid type A (GABA A ) receptors (GABARs), it has been suspected for decades that ethanol facilitates the activity of GABA. Even so, it has been surprisingly difficult to identify molecular targets of ethanol. Research conducted over the past several years suggests that a subclass of GABARs (those containing δ subunits) responds in a relevant concentration range to ethanol. Although δ subunit-containing GABARs are not ubiquitously expressed at inhibitory synapses like their γ subunit-containing, synaptic counterparts, they are found in many neurons in extrasynaptic locations. Here, they give rise to a tonic form of inhibition that can potently suppress neuronal excitability. Studies have shown that both recombinant and native δ subunit-containing GABARs (1) are modulated by behaviorally relevant (i.e., low millimolar) concentrations of ethanol, (2) directly bind ethanol over the same concentration range, (3) show altered function upon single amino substitutions linked to changes in behavioral responsiveness to ethanol, and (4) are a site of action of Ro15-4513, a competitive antagonist of ethanol binding and a drug which prevents many of the behavioral aspects of ethanol intoxication. Despite such comprehensive evidence, however, the field is not free from controversy. This review evaluates published data for and against a central role of δ subunit-containing GABARs in ethanol actions and suggests future directions that might help settle points of controversy.
Excitation of high frequency, electrostatic waves in the magnetospheres of the outer planets

Summary form only. Observations of high-frequency waves onboard Voyager 1 and 2 show that with their approach to Jupiter, Saturn, and Uranus, electrostatic waves are excited within distances of ten planetary radii. Among the most prominent waves are the n+1/2 cyclotron electron Bernstein modes. The most intense waves are excited intermittently at the local upper hybrid frequency. Although the actual values of the plasma and gyrofrequency vary for the three planets, their relative ratios are comparable. A model of two electron populations, including cold thermal and hot electrons with a loss cone, has been studied. It has been shown that crossing of two kinetic eigenmodes can destabilize the system when the density of the hot distribution and its positive gradient in velocity space are sufficiently large. The effect of perturbations on the distribution function extends the unstable spectrum to higher frequencies above the upper hybrid, whereas the waves below the upper hybrid are enhanced by thermal fluctuations. The nonlinear development has been analyzed with the help of particle simulations. >
Integration of Combinatorial Synthesis, Rapid Screening, and Computational Modeling in Biomaterials Development

The advent of high-throughput combinatorial synthesis techniques in drug discovery has stimulated efforts to apply these techniques to the discovery of biomaterials. To be of practical utility, combinatorial approaches to biomaterials design require (i) the availability of parallel synthesis techniques to generate libraries of polymers, (ii) efficient assays for the rapid characterization of biorelevant material properties, and (iii) computational methods to efficiently model different biological responses in the presence of polymers. Here we report the integration of these methodolorgies and illustrate the potential of this approach to accelerate the development of new biomaterials. The parallel synthesis of a library of 112 biodegradable polyarylates has been reported previously this library was used to develop efficient screening techniques to determine biorelevent polymer properties (fibrinogen adsorption, gene expression in macrophages, growth of fetal rat lung flbroblasts (RLFs)). A Surrogate (semiempirical) Model was developed (i) to determine molecular-scale polymer properties that correlate to various biological responses, and (ii) to predict fibrinogen adsorption and RLE growth on polymer surfaces. For 38 out of 45 polymers, the model predicted the amount of fibrinogen adsorbed correctly within the error of the experimental measurements. The growth of rat lung fibroblasts was correctly predicated by the model for 41 out of 48 polymers. The correlation factor between the model's predicted values and the experimentally determined data was 0.54 ± 0.09 and 0.69 ± 0.12 for fibrinogen adsorption and RLF growth, respectively. The results presented here demonstrate the utility of combinatorial and computational approaches for the rational design of polymers for biomedical applications.
Proximate time-optimal algorithm for on-line path parameterization and modification

This paper presents an new, proximate-optimal solution to the path-constrained time-parameterization problem. This new algorithm has three distinguishing features: First, the run-time worst-case complexity of the proximate time-optimal algorithm is linear with respect to path-length and it is shown to be more efficient than any other truly time-optimal algorithm. Second, for a given robotic system, the algorithm's running-time is predictable as a function of the length of the path (allowing its use in combination with time-aware planners). Third, the algorithm easily supports the modification of on-going trajectories. The algorithm has been extensively tested and is operational in a number of robotic systems including a dual-arm workcell, an underwater robotic system, and the Marsokhod Rover vehicle. Experimental results presented illustrate the online use of the algorithm with a path planner to allow capture and delivery of objects from a moving conveyor belt.
Uptake, distribution and toxicity of gold nanoparticles in tobacco (Nicotiana xanthi) seedlings

Understanding plant interactions with nanoparticles is of increasing importance for assessing their toxicity and trophic transport. The primary objective of this study was to assess uptake, biodistribution and toxicity associated with exposure of tobacco plants (Nicotiana xanthi) to gold nanoparticles (AuNPs). We employed synchrotron-based X-ray microanalysis with X-ray absorption near-edge microspectroscopy and high resolution electron microscopy to localize AuNPs within plants. Results from these experiments reveal that AuNPs entered plants through the roots and moved into the vasculature. Aggregate bodies were also detected within root cell cytoplasm. Furthermore, AuNP uptake was size selective as 3.5 nm AuNP spheres were detected in plants but 18 nm AuNPs remained agglomerated on the root outer surfaces. Finally, leaf necrosis was observed after 14 days of exposure to 3.5 nm AuNPs. Overall, results of this work show the potential for AuNPs to enter plants through size-dependent mechanisms, translocate to cells and tissues and cause biotoxicity.
Sialylation of Group B Streptococcal Capsular Polysaccharide Is Mediated by cpsK and Is Required for Optimal Capsule Polymerization and Expression

Several bacterial pathogens have evolved the means to escape immune detection by mimicking host cell surface carbohydrates that are crucial for self/non-self recognition. Sialic acid, a terminal residue on these carbohydrates, inhibits activation of the alternate pathway of complement by recruiting the immune modulating molecule factors H, I, and iC3b. Sialylation of capsular polysaccharide (CPS) is important for virulence of group B streptococci (GBS), a significant human pathogen. We previously reported that cpsK, a gene within the cps locus of type III GBS, could complement a sialyltransferase deficient lst mutant of Haemophilus ducreyi, implicating its role in sialylation of the GBS capsule. To explore the function of cpsK in GBS capsule production, we created a mutant in cpsK. Immunoblot analysis and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay using anti-type III CPS antisera demonstrated that the mutant CPS did not contain sialic acid. This was confirmed by high-performance liquid chromatography after mild acid hydrolysis of the CPS. Although increased CPS chain length was seen for this strain, CPS production was <20% of the parental isolate. An episomal cpsK copy restored synthesis of sialo-CPS to wild-type levels. These data support our hypothesis that cpsK encodes the GBS CPS sialyltransferase and provide further evidence that lack of CPS oligosaccharide sialylation reduces the amount of CPS expressed on the cell surface. These observations also imply that one or more of the components involved in synthesis or transport of oligosaccharide repeating units requires a sialo-oligosaccharide for complete activity.
Zebrafish hox genes: genomic organization and modified colinear expression patterns in the trunk

The Hox genes are implicated in conferring regional identity to the anteroposterior axis of the developing embryo. We have characterized the organization and expression of hox genes in the teleost zebrafish (Danio rerio), and compared our findings with those made for the tetrapod vertebrates. We have isolated 32 zebrafish hox genes, primarily via 3'RACE-PCR, and analyzed their linkage relationships using somatic cell hybrids. We find that in comparison to the tetrapods, zebrafish has several additional hox genes, both within and beyond the expected 4 hox clusters (A-D). For example, we have isolated a member of hox paralogue group 8 lying on the hoxa cluster, and a member of hox paralogue group 10 lying on the b cluster, no equivalent genes have been reported for mouse or human. Beyond the 4 clusters (A-D) we have isolated a further 3 hox genes (the hoxx and y genes), which according to their sequence homologies lie in paralogue groups 4, 6, and 9. The hoxx4 and hoxx9 genes occur on the same set of hybrid chromosomes, hinting at the possibility of an additional hox cluster for the zebrafish. Similar to their tetrapod counterparts, zebrafish hox genes (including those with no direct tetrapod equivalent) demonstrate colinear expression along the anteroposterior (AP) axis of the embryo. However, in comparison to the tetrapods, anterior hox expression limits are compacted over a short AP region; some members of adjacent paralogue groups have equivalent limits. It has been proposed that during vertebrate evolution, the anterior limits of Hox gene expression have become dispersed along the AP axis allowing the genes to take on novel patterning roles and thus leading to increased axial complexity. In the teleost zebrafish, axial organization is relatively simple in comparison to that of the tetrapod vertebrates; this may be reflected by the less dispersed expression domains of the zebrafish hox genes.
A mutualism–parasitism continuum model and its application to plant–mycorrhizae interactions

Abstract We consider interactions between a symbiont and its host in the framework of the familiar Lotka–Volterra predator–prey model, modified to allow the symbiont to benefit the host. The model includes both benefits and costs to the interaction and spans the mutualism–parasitism continuum. We use this model to explore the shift from mutualism to parasitism in plant–mycorrhizae interactions across gradients of soil fertility. We demonstrate two mechanisms by which increased soil fertility may cause interactions to change from mutualistic to parasitic: as relative benefits to the plant decrease with increasing soil fertility, the interaction between the fungus and its host turns parasitic; with two fungal species—one a mutualist and the other a cheater—increasing soil fertility can favor the cheater if mutualists have faster growth rates than cheaters.
Recharging oxidative protein repair: Catalysis by methionine sulfoxide reductases towards their amino acid, protein, and model substrates

The sulfur-containing amino acid methionine (Met) in its free and amino acid residue forms can be readily oxidized to the R and S diastereomers of methionine sulfoxide (MetO). Methionine sulfoxide reductases A (MSRA) and B (MSRB) reduce MetO back to Met in a stereospecific manner, acting on the S and R forms, respectively. A third MSR type, fRMSR, reduces the R form of free MetO. MSRA and MSRB are spread across the three domains of life, whereas fRMSR is restricted to bacteria and unicellular eukaryotes. These enzymes protect against abiotic and biotic stresses and regulate lifespan. MSRs are thiol oxidoreductases containing catalytic redox-active cysteine or selenocysteine residues, which become oxidized by the substrate, requiring regeneration for the next catalytic cycle. These enzymes can be classified according to the number of redox-active cysteines (selenocysteines) and the strategies to regenerate their active forms by thioredoxin and glutaredoxin systems. For each MSR type, we review catalytic parameters for the reduction of free MetO, low molecular weight MetO-containing compounds, and oxidized proteins. Analysis of these data reinforces the concept that MSRAs reduce various types of MetO-containing substrates with similar efficiency, whereas MSRBs are specialized for the reduction of MetO in proteins.
Simplified Fusion Power Plant Costing: A General Prognosis and Call for "New Think"

AbstractA top-level costing model is developed and used to project the cost of electricity (COE) (in mills per kilowatt-hour) expected from conceptual fusion power plants. Application is restricted to magnetic fusion energy (MFE) concepts. These costs are estimated parametrically in terms of the mass of the fusion-power-core (FPC) heater, the power required to sustain a reacting deuterium-tritium plasma, the heat transport/transfer system that delivers the fusion power to the balance of plant (BOP), and the BOP needed to convert the fusion heat to electrical power. Although the highly integrated (simplified) cost-estimating relationships (CERs) used to express COE in terms of FPC mass power density (MPD) [in kilowatt(electric) per tonne] and the engineering gain QE (inverse of fraction of gross electric power recirculated to the fusion power plant) apply primarily to MFE approaches to fusion power, the costing gauge that results is generally independent of confinement scheme. Unlike other analyses, the ap...
GPU-based motion correction of contrast-enhanced liver MRI scans: An OpenCL implementation

Clinical diagnosis and quantification of liver disease have been improved through the development of techniques using contrast-enhanced liver MRI sequences. To qualitatively or quantitatively analyze such image sequences, one first needs to correct for rigid and non-rigid motion of the liver. For motion correction of the liver, we have employed bi-directional local correlation coefficient Demons, which is a variation of the original Demons method. However, despite the intrinsic speed of the Demons method, the run-time on the order of an hour of its CPU-based implementation is not sufficiently short for a regular clinical use. For this reason we implemented the method on a graphics processing unit (GPU) using OpenCL. On NVIDIA GTX 260M, which is a laptop GPU, we achieved sub-minute runtime for the motion correction of typical liver MRI scans, which was ∼50 times faster than its CPU-based implementation. A sub-minute runtime of liver MRI motion correction allows for its regular clinical use.
Recent Literature on Lichens—186*

ADAMO, P., A. BASILE, R. CASTALDO COBIANCHI, S. GIORDANO, S. SORBO, S. VINGIANI & P. VIOLANTE. 2001. Monitoraggio dell’inquinamento atmosferico nell’area metropolitana de Napoli mediante l’impiego di ‘‘moss’’ e ‘‘lichen bags’’. Notiziario della Societa Lichenologica Italiana 14: 48–49. AHMAN, B. & G. AHMAN. 1994. Radiocesium in Swedish reindeer after the Chernobyl fallout: seasonal variations and long-term decline. Health Physics 66: 503– 512. 5 fig. 2 tab. AHMAN, B., S. M. WRIGHT & B. J. HOWARD. 2001. Effect of origin of radiocaesium on the transfer from fallout to reindeer meat. Science of the Total Environment 278: 171–181. 3 fig. 5 tab. ALLISIARDI, C. 2001. Indagini lichenologiche nel Vallone del Valasco–Parco Naturale Alpi Marittime (Cuneo). Notiziario della Societa Lichenologica Italiana 14: 79– 80. [Abstract.] APTROOT, A. & P. W. JAMES. 2002. Monitoring lichens on monuments, pp. 239–253. 3 fig. In P. L. Nimis, C. Scheidegger & P. A. Wolseley (eds.), Monitoring with Lichens–Monitoring Lichens. Kluwer Academic Publishers, Netherlands. [Review.] APTROOT, A. & H. J. M. SIPMAN. 2001. New Hong Kong lichens, ascomycetes and lichenicolous fungi. Journal of the Hattori Botanical Laboratory 91: 317–343. 30 fig. [New: Anisomeridium tetrasporum sp. nov., Biatorella saxicola sp. nov., Granulopyrenis seawardii sp. nov. (non-lichenized), Milospium planorbis sp. nov., Obryzum striguloides sp. nov. (on Agonimia vouauxii), Ocellularia palaeoamplior sp. nov., Ramalina seawardii sp. nov., R. throwerae sp. nov. (all from Hong Kong only). New to Asia: Anisomeridium albisedum, A. endobryum, Arthopyrenia saxicola, Bacidia egenula, Dimelaena tenuis, Mazosia ocellata, Thelocarpon superellum. New to China: Anisomeridium biforme, Arthonia lividula, A. palmulacea, Bactrospora myriadea, Byssoloma subdiscordans, Calopadia phyllogena, C. subcoerulescens, Chiodecton congestulum, Cryptothecia candida, C. polymorpha, Dimerella pineti, Graphina acharii, G. marcescens, Graphis persicina, Lecidea aurigera, Lichenoconium lecanorae, Lichenostigma cosmopolites, Musaespora gigas (new to Northern Hemisphere), Pertusaria subventosa, P. xanthoplaca, Phylliscum testudineum, Placynthiella icmalea, Porina albicera, P. corruscans, Psora crystallifera (new to Northern Hemisphere), Pyrenula leucostoma, P. nitidula, Sporopodium lucidum (new to Northern Hemisphere), Strigula phaea, Verrucaria pinguicula.]
Effect of feed-bunk sprinklers on attendance at unshaded feed bunks in drylot dairies

ABSTRACT This study determined the effect of feed-bunk-mounted sprinklers, temperature humidity index (THI), and wind speed on feed-bunk attendance. Bunk attendance of lactating Holstein cows was quantified at unshaded feed bunks in pens (n = 3) equipped with sprinklers that periodically sprayed the backs of the cows as they fed or in pens (n = 5) without sprinklers. The number of cows per pen ranged from 135 to 408. Proportion of total pen population within 2 m of the feed bunk (attending) was recorded at 2-h intervals over one 72-h period in August of 2007 and two 48-h periods in mid July and late August of 2008. Proportion of cows attending the bunk was analyzed in a mixed model using time of day as the dependent variable and with treatment as a response variable with observation period, DIM, and lactation as random effects. The effect of THI and wind speed was modeled using linear regression, with THI and wind speed being independent predictors. Mean THI was 74 ± 6 (SE) in 2007 and 73 ± 4.6 (SE) in 2008. There was no overall treatment effect (P = 0.76), but there was a time-bytreatment interaction (P = 0.001), where cows from pens equipped with sprinklers above the feed bunk increased attendance earlier in the afternoon when fresh feed was offered. Cows from pens without sprinklers began feeding later in the day after THI had decreased. Wind speed increased bunk attendance in pens with feed bunk sprinklers (P
Integrating Collaborative Program Development and Debugging within a Virtual Environment

A collaborative integrated development environment enables developers to share programming-related tasks. This paper presents the design and implementation of a collaborative IDE named ICI (Idaho Collaborative IDE). ICI enables developers in different locations to collaborate on a variety of software development activities in real-time. It supports software development in C, C++, Java, and Unicon. ICI combines a synchronous collaborative program editor and a real-time collaborative debugger within a 3D multi-user virtual environment. ICI reduces cognitive context switches between tools inside the IDE and between IDE tasks and virtual environment activities, allowing developers to share, in real-time, the process of editing, compiling, running, and debugging of their software projects.
A Yellow Mutant Strain of the Large Milkweed Bug, Oncopeltus fasciatus, that Lacks Erythropterin

We have recently isolated a mutant strain from our colony of large milkweed bugs, Oncopeltus fasciatus (Dallas). The mutation appears as a much lighter color than the normal red to orange of nymphs and adults. The mutant nymphs are almost completely white, apart from the normal pattern of melanin in the cuticle, while the adults are also much paler than normal and have an overall light-yellow and black appearance. The eggs are cream colored, but the eyes, as usual, are black, and can easily be seen in nymphs immediately after they hatch, when the whole insect is white apart from the eyes and spiracles.
Emerging memories

Scaling of conventional charge-storage memories is becoming increasingly harder. Several new memory concepts (emerging memory: EM) are vying for the position of mainstream replacement. The landscape of EM technologies will be reviewed, with special attention to the most mature ones. The challenges for their integration in complex memory systems will be highlighted.
The Cepar (Cure, Extrusion, Plasticity, and Recovery) Apparatus. An Instrument for Measuring Processing Characteristics of Rubber Mixes

Abstract The principal advantages of the Cepar apparatus over commercially available plastometers for making processability tests include the following: small sample size; rapidity of testing; the wide range of orifice sizes, driving pressures (loads), and temperatures readily available; versatile controls for incremental extrusions at timed intervals (for studying curing effects) and/or for continuous extrusions; and the feasibility of using this apparatus to evaluate flow characteristics of stiff or “boardy” compounds or even of cured compounds normally considered out of range for conventional tests. The apparatus, in its normal application, will yield values for instantaneous orifice deflection (elastic stiffness factor), the continued rate of extrusion, and hot recovery upon load removal. Tests can also be made upon the removed sample for such things as orifice swell, extruded length, etc. In addition to the applications cited in this paper, the apparatus has been used to study the problem of knitting...
Biotic Mortality Factors in Dark Tussock Moth Populations in Connecticut

Populations of the dark tussock moth, Dasychira basiflava (Packard), reached outbreak levels in eastern Connecticut between 1973 and 1975. Various stages of dark tussock moths were sampled between 1974 and 1975 from 5 sites to ascertain the natural enemies and their effects on the populations. The reason for the population collapse at 2 sites (Voluntown and Chaplin) is unknown. In Mansfield, a nuclear polyhedrosis virus (NPV) was important in causing the population collapse. The population collapse in Brooklyn was attributed in large part to larval parasitism and NPV and in Eastford primarily to larval parasitism. Eleven primary parasites, 3 hyperparasites, and 1 parasite of uncertain status were isolated in Connecticut. The total number of primary parasites now known to attack the dark tussock moth is 15. Seven pathogens were recovered of which the host specific NPV was the most prevalent.
Location of the first plasma response to resonant magnetic perturbations in DIII-D H-mode plasmas

The resonant location of the first plasma response to periodic toroidal phase flips of a resonant magnetic perturbation (RMP) field is experimentally identified in the DIII-D tokamak using phase minima of the modulated plasma density and toroidal rotation relative to the RMP field. The plasma response coincides with the q = 3 rational surface and electron fluid velocity null, which is consistent with simulations of the plasma response to the RMP field from resistive magnetohydrodynamics (MHD) modeling. An asymmetric propagation of the particle and the momentum transport from the resonant location of the plasma response to the RMP into the core and into the plasma edge is observed.
Effect of reduces agent dithiothreity(DTT) on viscosity properties of storage rice starch

The change of viscosity in storage milled rice was determined by adding reduce agent dithiothreity(DTT) with Rapid Visco Analyzer(RVA).The result showed that DTT decreased pasting temperatures of rice starch,while increased peak viscosity and breakdown viscosity.DTT reduced setback and changed the slopes of the linear parts of the curves for all samples.The addition of DTT to the cooking water decreased the hardness,increased the adhesiveness and improved eating and cooking quality of rice.
Neurotologic Considerations in the Treatment of Advanced Clival Tumors

Head and neck manifestations of advanced clival tumors result from subtle, yet progressive mass effect or direct involvement of multiple cranial nerves. Misinterpretation of clinical or radiographic findings in these patients may result in inappropriate treatment planning, increased patient morbidity, and probable tumor recurrence. Our combined experience in managing 21 patients with advanced clival tumors has shown that preoperative loss of vision, diplopia, or facial hypesthesia suggests superior parasellar disease. Facial twitching or neurotologic symptoms result from posterior central tumor growth, while inferior extension of disease leads to basal cranial nerve deficits with associated speech, voice, and swallowing dysfunctions. The purpose of this article is to correlate the complex anatomy of the clivus, brainstem, and cranial base and the various n eurotologic findings associated with neoplasms in this region. Lateral skull base surgical procedures, based on preoperative clinicoradiographic assess...
Diagnosing Undersampling Biases in Monte Carlo Eigenvalue and Flux Tally Estimates

This study focuses on understanding the phenomena in Monte Carlo simulations known as undersampling, in which Monte Carlo tally estimates may not encounter a sufficient number of particles during each generation to obtain unbiased tally estimates. Steady-state Monte Carlo simulations were performed using the KENO Monte Carlo tools within the SCALE code system for models of several burnup credit applications with varying degrees of spatial and isotopic complexities, and the incidence and impact of undersampling on eigenvalue and flux estimates were examined. Using an inadequate number of particle histories in each generation was found to produce a maximum bias of ∼100 pcm in eigenvalue estimates and biases that exceeded 10% in fuel pin flux tally estimates. Having quantified the potential magnitude of undersampling biases in eigenvalue and flux tally estimates in these systems, this study then investigated whether Markov Chain Monte Carlo convergence metrics could be integrated into Monte Carlo simulations...
New Unbiased Methods for Narrowband Spectral Estimation

Abstract The problem of unbiased spectral estimation of narrowband signals in additive noise, colored or white, is addressed in this paper. Both recursive and non-recursive methods are presented. First, a recursive method, the adaptive notch filter working directly on the data is developed. Certain features of its realization i.e. cascade, modified gradient etc. are highlighted. Next, a non-recursive method, the Toeplitz approximation method working on second order statistics i.e. autocovariance is proposed. A approximation procedure based on singular value decomposition is discussed.
Time aggregation of the Sharpe ratio

The Sharpe ratio (SR) is the most widely used risk-adjusted performance index. The building blocks of the SR – the expected return and the volatility – depend on the investment horizon. This raises a natural question: how does the SR vary with investment horizon? To address this question, we derive an explicit expression for the SR as a function of the investment horizon for both simple and log-returns. Assuming independent normal returns distribution, we show that for simple returns, the SR is humped shaped – it rises and then falls with the investment horizon. This finding suggests that time aggregation of the SR using the square-root-t rule will lead to significant errors in ranking portfolios. For log-returns, we show that the SR monotonically rises with the horizon and the square-root-t rule holds true. Using robust bootstrap sampling methods, we empirically corroborate our theory with annual data for a large number of important style portfolios, based on size, book-to-market, and other investment criteria. Our empirical analysis provides robust benchmark SRs for these portfolios over investment horizons that span from one to twenty-five years. Our findings have important implications for investors and portfolio managers who rely on SR for asset-allocation and performance-evaluation decisions.
Effects of Insecticides and Fungicides Commonly Used in Tomato Production on Phytoseiulus persimilis (Acari: Phtyoseiidae).

The twospotted spider mite, Tetranychus urticae Koch (Acari: Tetranychidae), is an important pest of tomatoes in North Carolina. Resident populations of the predatory mite Phytoseiulus persimilis have recently been detected on field-grown tomatoes in central North Carolina, and potentially can be a useful biological control agent against T. urticae. Laboratory bioassays were used to assess lethal and reproductive effects of 10 insecticides and five fungicides commonly used in commercial tomato production (chlorantraniliprole, spinetoram, permethrin, imidacloprid, dimethoate, dinotefuran, thiamethoxam, bifenthrin, fenpropathrin, lambda-cyhalothrin, azoxystrobin, chlorothalonil, boscalid, cyazofamid, and mancozeb) on P. persimilis adult females and eggs. Insecticides were tested using concentrations equivalent to 1×, 0.5×, and 0.1× of the recommended field rates. Fungicides were tested at the 1× rate only. Dimethoate strongly impacted P. persimilis with high adult mortality, reduced fecundity, and reduced hatch of eggs laid by treated adults, particularly at high concentrations. The pyrethroids lambda-cyhalothrin, bifenthrin, and fenpropathrin were associated with repellency and reproductive effects at high concentrations. Bifenthrin additionally caused increased mortality at high concentrations. Chlorantraniliprole, dinotefuran, and permethrin did not significantly affect mortality or reproduction. Imidacloprid significantly reduced fecundity and egg viability, but was not lethal to adult P. persimilis. Thiamethoxam negatively impacted fecundity at the 1× rate. There were no negative effects associated with fungicide exposure with the exception of mancozeb, which impacted fecundity. Field trials were conducted to explore the in vivo impacts of screened insecticides on P. persimilis populations in the field. Field trials supported the incompatibility of dimethoate with P. persimilis populations.
Distribution of Bim Determines MCL-1 Dependence or Co-Dependence on BCL-xL/BCL-2 In Multiple Myeloma

Abstract 4054 The inappropriate activation of oncogenes can result in the up-regulation of pro-apoptotic signals often in the form of BH3-only proteins such as Bim, Noxa or Puma. This renders cells dependent on anti-apoptotic proteins including BCL-2, BCL-x L and MCL-1. Thus cancer cells would be predicted to be more susceptible to inhibition of BCL-2 family proteins, prompting the development and testing of several small molecule inhibitors of this class of proteins. Multiple myeloma is a plasma cell malignancy of the bone marrow and like normal plasma cells, myeloma plasma cells express MCL-1. A search of gene expression profile data from normal plasma cells (n=22), MGUS plasma cells (n=12), plasma cells from patients with asymptomatic (smoldering) myeloma (n=44) or newly diagnosed multiple myeloma (n=538) revealed no significant difference in MCL-1 mRNA expression associated with progression of disease. We then determined MCL-1 dependence through the introduction of siRNA in 4 MM cell lines and consistent with previous findings using anti-sense oligonucleotides in additional lines, we demonstrated that all cell lines tested were MCL-1 dependent. However using the BCL-2/BCL-x L /BCL-w-selective inhibitor ABT-737 we found that 3 of the 6 MCL1-dependent cell lines tested were sensitive (IC50 for Annexin V-FITC positive at 24 hrs of 300 – 600 nM) and therefore also dependent on BCL-x L /BCL-2. Taken together this is the first formal demonstration that cells can be co-dependent on multiple Bcl-2 family members. We have previously reported that ABT-737 sensitivity, and what we now refer to as co-dependence on MCL-1 and BCL-x L /BCL-2, is determined by the distribution of BIM on the anti-apoptotic BCL-2 proteins in these cells. We have now expanded these findings to patient samples that displayed sensitivity to ABT-737 that is similar to what we have observed in the co-dependent cell line MM.1s. Consistent with these findings co-immunoprecipation revealed BIM binding predominantly to BCL-x L . Additionally we have now demonstrated that BIM binding is not simply controlled by the expression levels of BCL-x L or MCL-1 as enforced over-expression of each protein could alter the sensitivity of co-dependent cell lines to ABT-737 but did not alter the initial distribution of BIM amongst these proteins. These data suggest that additional factors regulate the association of BIM with anti-apoptotic BCL-2 proteins. These factors could include differences in cellular localization of these proteins as well as differences in post-translational modifications of either pro- or anti-apoptotic BCL-2 family proteins. Disclosures: Boise: University of Chicago: Patents & Royalties.
Synergistic Effects of Aurothioglucose and Hyperoxia in Neonatal Hyperoxic Lung Injury

Oxygen toxicity and antioxidant deficiencies contribute to the development of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) in preterm infants. We recently demonstrated that a single injection of aurothioglucose (ATG), a thioredoxin reductase-1 (TrxR1) inhibitor, attenuated lung injury and increased Nrf2 activation in a C3H/HeN mouse model of BPD. Nrf2 activation was greatest in ATG-treated hyperoxia-exposed mice. Additional unpublished data in vivo suggests that ATG treatment also enhances endogenous glutathione (GSH) levels. Hyperoxic sensitivity in newborn mice is strain-dependent, therefore we first tested the hypothesis that the protective effects of ATG are strain independent and dose-dependent. C57Bl/6 mice were pre-treated with a single dose of 0, 25 or 50 mg/kg ATG at 4d of life and were subsequently exposed to room air (RA) or hyperoxia (85% O2) from 4- 14d. Histologic analyses of formalin fixed lungs were performed to evaluate lung development. Our data revealed that hyperoxic exposure resulted in lung developmental abnormalities in saline-treated mice. Preliminary qualitative analyses of H&E-stained lung sections revealed dose-dependent attenuation of ATG treatment on hyperoxia-induced lung development with the most robust protective effect observed in mice pretreated with 50 mg/kg ATG. Studies in vitro tested the hypothesis that ATG inhibits TrxR1, protects against hyperoxia-induced anti-proliferative effects in lung epithelial cells, and enhances cellular GSH levels. Murine transformed club cells (mtCCs) were treated with 0 or 5 μM ATG and were exposed RA or hyperoxia (85% O2) for 24 h. For each condition the following was determined: cell counts, TrxR1 activity via insulin-disulfide reductase assay, and glutathione levels via the glutathione reductase recycling assay. ATG treatment increased viable cell numbers in RA-exposed cells, which directly correlated with a 25% decrease in TrxR1 activity. In addition, ATG-treated hyperoxia-exposed cells TrxR1 activity was 50% less than in control-treated cells and was associated with enhanced total GSH levels. In summary, the effects of ATG on hyperoxia-induced lung developmental deficits are dose-dependent and strain-independent. In vitro, our data reveals synergism between ATG and hyperoxia similar our previous observations in C3H/HeN mice. The inverse correlation between the degree of TrxR1 inhibition and ATG-mediated protection elicited by the combination of ATG and hyperoxia suggests a threshold of TrxR1 inhibition necessary for the protective effects of ATG. Future studies will define dose-response characteristics and mechanisms by which ATG is protective in vivo and in vitro with the overall goal of optimizing TrxR1 inhibition as a viable therapeutic strategy to prevent BPD.
Catheter‐based anatomic and functional assessment of coronary arteries in anomalous aortic origin of a coronary artery, myocardial bridges and Kawasaki disease

Most diagnostic testing in patients with anomalous aortic origins of coronary arteries, myocardial bridges, and coronary artery changes after Kawasaki disease are performed with the use of noninvasive techniques. In some cases, however, further diagnostic information is needed to guide the clinician in treating these patients. In such instances, cardiac catheterization with invasive anatomic and functional testing is an invaluable tool. Moreover, interventional treatment in the cardiac catheterization laboratory may be performed in a small subset of these patients. As the diagnosis of these conditions is now becoming more common, it is important for pediatric interventional cardiologists to be familiar with these techniques. In this article, the role of angiography, intravascular ultrasound, fractional flow reserve, and optical coherence tomography in these patients is reviewed.
Characterization of Yersinia pestis Interactions with Human Neutrophils In vitro .

Yersinia pestis is a gram-negative, zoonotic, bacterial pathogen and the causative agent of plague. The bubonic form of plague occurs subsequent to deposition of bacteria in the skin by the bite of an infected flea. Neutrophils are recruited to the site of infection within the first few hours and interactions between neutrophils and Y. pestis have been demonstrated in vivo. In contrast to macrophages, neutrophils have been considered non-permissive to Y. pestis intracellular survival. Several studies have shown killing of the vast majority of Y. pestis ingested by human neutrophils. However, survival of 10-15% of Y. pestis after phagocytosis by neutrophils is consistently observed. Furthermore, these surviving bacteria eventually replicate within and escape from the neutrophils. We set out to further characterize the interactions between Y. pestis and human neutrophils by 1) determining the effects of known Y. pestis virulence factors on bacterial survival after uptake by neutrophils, 2) examining the mechanisms employed by the neutrophil to kill the majority of intracellular Y. pestis, 3) determining the activation phenotype of Y. pestis-infected neutrophils, and 4) characterizing the Y. pestis-containing phagosome in neutrophils. We infected human neutrophils in vitro with Y. pestis and assayed bacterial survival and uptake. Deletion of the caf1 gene responsible for F1 capsule production resulted in significantly increased uptake of Y. pestis. Surprisingly, while the two-component regulator PhoPQ system is important for survival of Y. pestis within neutrophils, pre-induction of this system prior to infection did not increase bacterial survival. We used an IPTG-inducible mCherry construct to distinguish viable from non-viable intracellular bacteria and determined the association of the Y. pestis-containing phagosome with neutrophil NADPH-oxidase and markers of primary, secondary and tertiary granules. Additionally, we show that inhibition of reactive oxygen species (ROS) production or Src family kinases increased survival of intracellular bacteria indicating that both ROS and granule-phagosome fusion contribute to neutrophil killing of Y. pestis. The data presented here further our understanding of the Y. pestis neutrophil interactions and suggest the existence of still unknown virulence factors involved in Y. pestis survival within neutrophils.
East-Asian Crisis of 1997

This chapter examines the financial crisis that erupted in East Asia during 1997–98. It looks at the causes and manifestations of the buildup in vulnerability, the factors that triggered the crisis, and the factors and dynamics that led to the severe downturn.
Evolution of ventricular hypertrophy and myocardial mechanics in physiological and pathological hypertrophy.

Pathological and physiological stress-induced ventricular hypertrophy have different clinical connotations but present with asymmetric septal hypertrophy and normal global function in their early s...
Giant coronary aneurysm culprit of an acute coronary syndrome

A 66-year-old male ex-smoker with hypertension, type 2 diabetes mellitus and dyslipidaemia was admitted due to a non-ST segment elevation myocardial infarction. The catheterisation depicted an extensive and calcified disease: chronic total obstruction of the right coronary and severe disease with a giant aneurysm at the first marginal branch as the culprit vessel. After discussion, the right coronary was treated before the circumflex-giant aneurysm was closed with a stent graft and its multiple severe stenosis solved with two drug-eluting stents. We provide a multimodality approach for a complex case and briefly discuss the available options.
The muting and unmuting of caste across inter-linked action arenas: Inequality and collective action in a community-based watershed group

Governing the commons in the face of socio-cultural heterogeneity is a challenge for academicians and practitioners alike. Some studies find that socio-cultural heterogeneity has negative, positive, or a non-linear relationship with collective action. Another set of studies find that institutions can mediate the effects of heterogeneity that influence collective action for improving natural resource conditions. We build on the second set of studies to identify the underlying conditions under which these institutions promote successful collective action in a socio-culturally heterogeneous group with two different castes. Our case study suggests that under conditions that create equity, accountability, symbolic capital, and member capabilities, institutions can promote successful collective action. By using the concept of interlinked action arenas, we also show that the community-based watershed group chose to mute caste in one action arena for the purposes of collective action, but outside of this action arena, caste-related norms of untouchability are actively practiced. Group members have to continually switch between the muting of caste in one action arena and unmuting of caste in another action arena, which continues to produce, reproduce, and maintain power asymmetries between members of both castes.
Low Temperature Photoluminescence in Some Common Polymers

We have studied the temperature dependence of photoluminescence (PL) in several common polymers, such as low-density polyethylene, polycarbonate, acrylic, polypropylene, polystyrene, and polyurethane. We found a pronounced temperature dependence of the photoluminescence peak in all polymers. Emission intensity was found to increase as temperature decreased but at different rates for different polymers. Acrylic was found to have the strongest increase, and its temperature range was extended down to 5 K. Below 77 K, its PL intensity was found to saturate to a constant value. The analysis of the data indicates that in all studied polymers the PL intensity at all measured temperatures can be described with the Arrhenius formula. From the best fits of the data, the activation energy was extracted for all studied polymers. Our results might have implications for the low temperature applications of these common polymers.
Atrial fibrillation symptom profiles associated with healthcare utilization: a latent class regression analysis

Background Symptoms drive healthcare use among adults with atrial fibrillation, but limited data are available regarding which symptoms are most problematic and which patients are most at‐risk. The purpose of this study was to: (1) identify clusters of patients with similar symptom profiles, (2) characterize the individuals within each cluster, and (3) determine whether specific symptom profiles are associated with healthcare utilization. Methods We conducted a cross‐sectional secondary data analysis of 1,501 adults from the Vanderbilt Atrial Fibrillation Registry. Participants were recruited from Vanderbilt cardiology clinics, emergency department, and in‐patient services. Subjects included in our analysis had clinically verified atrial fibrillation and a completed symptom survey. Symptom and healthcare utilization data were collected with the University of Toronto Atrial Fibrillation Severity Scale. Latent class regression analysis was used to identify symptom clusters, with clinical and demographic variables included as covariates. We used Poisson regression to examine the association between latent class membership and healthcare utilization. Results Participants were predominantly male (67%) with a mean age of 58.4 years (±11.9). Four latent classes were evident, including an Asymptomatic cluster (N = 487, 38%), Highly Symptomatic cluster (N = 142, 11%), With Activity cluster (N = 326, 25%), and Mild Diffuse cluster (N = 336, 26%). Highly Symptomatic membership was associated with the greatest rate of emergency department visits and hospitalizations (incident rate ratio 2.4, P < 0.001). Conclusions Clinically meaningful atrial fibrillation symptom profiles were identified that were associated with increased rates of emergency department visits and hospitalizations.