cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Early U.S. outcomes of laparoscopic gastric bypass versus laparoscopic adjustable silicone gastric banding for morbid obesity

Laparoscopic gastric bypass (LGBP) is the gold standard operation for long-term weight control in the United States. Laparoscopic adjustable silicone gastric banding (LASGB) is the preferred operative method for morbid obesity worldwide. Limited data are available comparing the two procedure in the United States. This study compares weight loss, complications, and early outcome of comorbidity resolution in patients who underwent LGBP versus LASGB. A review of prospectively collected data was performed on 392 patients undergoing primary LGBP (n = 232) and LASGB (n = 160) procedures between February 2001 and July 2004. Differences in percentage excess weight lost (%EWL) at 3, 6, 12, 18, and 24 months postop, improvement or resolution of comorbidities, and complications across procedure types were evaluated. Mean initial body mass index between groups was not significantly different (LGBP 47.2 vs LASGB 47.1, p < 0.53). There were significant differences in age, gender, and self-reported sweet-eating behavior between operative groups. There was a significantly greater %EWL in patients who underwent LGBP compared to patients of the LASGB groups 3, 6, 12, and 18 months after surgery. There were no significant differences in resolution or improvement of comorbidities between the groups. Although LGBP patients experienced more complications compared to LASGB patients (5.6 vs 4.3%, respectively; p < 0.56), this did not reach statistical significance. Early after surgery, LGBP patients lose more weight than LASGB patients but have similar improvements in comorbidities. Further follow-up is needed to determine the relative long-term efficacy of these procedures.
The Median Eminence as a Site for Neuroendocrine Control of Reproduction in Hens

Abstract Based on events occurring during the genesis of a preovulatory surge of luteinizing hormone (LH) and an ovulatory failure of central origin, the hypothalamic median eminence (ME) is probably a major neuroendocrine control site for reproductive activity in the hen. The ratio of facilitatory to inhibitory (F:I) inputs on LH-releasing hormone (LHRH) neuronal terminals is an important determinant of the ME control site. The word “facilitatory” is defined as “stimulatory or increasing responsiveness to inputs”. A relative increase in the F:I ratio of inputs on LHRH neuronal terminals at the ME is apparently involved in the genesis of the preovulatory surge of LH. Both an increase in neuropeptide Y (NPY) facilitatory inputs and a decrease in β-endorphin (βEND) inhibitory inputs to ME-LHRH neuronal terminals are involved in the increase in the F:I ratio preceding the preovulatory surge of LH. Although the NPY component of this ratio (F) is apparently driven by the preovulatory surge of progesterone (P4) itself, its βEND component (I) might be related to the preovulatory surge of estradiol accompanying or preceding that of P4. As the egg-producing life of the hen progresses, a relative decrease in the F:I ratio on ME-LHRH neuronal terminals occurs. As a consequence of this decrease, stress-related inputs (e.g., feed restriction) can induce an hypothalamic failure of central origin in laying hens ending their 1st yr of production, but not in birds at the start of their egg-laying life. An increase in ME dopaminergic inhibitory inputs (I) on LHRH neuronal terminals is an apparent cause of the ovulatory failure induced by feed restriction. An additional cause might be the decrease in the ready releasable pool of LHRH at the ME. Thus, the ME is probably a major neuroendocrine control site for reproductive activity in the hen.
High-Efficiency Optical Quantum State Engineering

We discuss a novel method of efficiently producing multi-photon states using repeated spontaneous parametric downconversion. By attempting downconversion several times, we can pseudo-deterministically add photons to a mode, producing various several-photon states.
Moore's Law: A CMOS Scaling Perspective

In this paper we presented a retrospective on Moore's law, highlighting the salient feature of industry leading 65nm CMOS technology for high performance logic, and highlighted future challenges and approaches to overcome those.
Unidimensionally scanned phased arrays

Phased-array antennas operating in a linear or unidimensional scan mode are currently rising rapidly in importance with the emergence of a number of radar systems which employ advanced signal processing techniques but which do not require a full, and more expensive to implement, two-dimensional scanning capability. This simplification of the scanning feature permits the derivation of far more extensive array aperture design guidelines than is possible for a two-dimensional scan. It is shown that for waveguide arrays systematic procedures for manipulating a minimum number of parameters can be arrived at that lead to optimum performance reliably and efficiently. The approach ranges from the general, involving overall system aspects, to the specific, presenting a tableau of comprehensive practical design information not available elsewhere. In addition, various related subjects central to phased-array performance are discussed with particular attention on the increasingly important topic of wide frequency agility. A description of the antenna system of the multiple antenna surveillance radar (MASR) and its unique and unprecedented performance features is also included.
Rapid ethnographic assessment in urban parks: a case study of Independence National Historical Park.

This article presents a case study of the use of rapid ethnographic assessment procedures (REAP) to study an urban heritage park and its relationships with some of the cultural groups living in that city. The literature on REAP and rapid assessment, and on applied ethnographic research on parks, is surveyed. The context of the study is discussed at length: Independence National Historical Park in Philadelphia and its historic relationship to the city, the park's proposed improvements that necessitated the study, and the communities that were consulted. Emphasis is given to the difficulties involved in selecting, reaching, and fairly representing particular communities for study. The article reviews the different methods used in this case and how well they worked in relation to one another. The findings of the study are summarized, giving attention to how the various methods produced particular findings. The article concludes with some observations about the study's usefulness to park management in this ca...
Dual-Axes Confocal Fluorescence Microscopy with a Two-Dimensional MEMS Scanner

This paper presents a dual-axes confocal fluorescence imaging system based on a two-dimensional (2-D) microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) scanner. The gimbaled scanner is fabricated on a double silicon-on-insulator (SOI) wafer and is actuated by self-aligned, vertical, electrostatic comb actuators. The device is aluminum coated by blanket evaporation to increase efficiency. Fluorescence imaging is successfully demonstrated by a table-top microscope system. Images with a field of view (FOV) of 211 mumtimes210 mum are acquired at 8 frames per second. The transverse resolution is 5.63 mum and 6.92 mum for the vertical and horizontal dimensions, respectively
Material point method modeling of porous semi-brittle materials

Accurate characterization and modeling of low-density snow under rapid loading is desirable for researchers in a broad range of fields, from avalanche prediction to ground-vehicle dynamic studies. This study uses a progressive damage model to study the reaction forces and subsequent mechanical behavior of snow under three different controlled load conditions–indentation with varying indenter sizes, unconfined compression and unconfined tension. Each test probes one aspect of the material behavior, and the results can be used to facilitate the development of effective material models. The simulations use realistic microstructure obtained from 3D X-Ray MicroTomography of natural snow, in conjunction with a meshfree Generalized Interpolation Material Point method. The maximum tensile strength failure criterion is used to form an elastic-brittle constitutive law to model the progressive damage occuring in the ice matrix. A "no-tension" model, in which failed particles can sustain a compressive but not a tensile stress, is used to model the particles post-failure, which allows for compaction of the ice particles. The pressure-displacement results show an initial peak stress, followed by a sustained residual stress. Most of the damage occurs at the beginning of the load. The results from varying indenter sizes reflect the size effect expected for random heterogeneous materials, and the simulation with the largest indenter size show behavior approaching that of unconfined planar compression, that is, the compressive strength of the material.
HLM Behind the Curtain: Unveiling Decisions Behind the Use and Interpretation of HLM in Higher Education Research

Hierarchical linear modeling (HLM) has become increasingly popular in the higher education literature, but there is significant variability in the current approaches to the conducting and reporting of HLM. The field currently lacks a general consensus around important issues such as the number of levels of analysis that are important to include and how much variance should be accounted for at each level in order for the HLM analysis to have practical significance (Dedrick et al., Rev Educ Res 79:69–102, 2009). The purpose of this research is to explore the use of a 3-level HLM model, appropriate contextualizing of results of HLM, and the interpretation of HLM results that resonates with practice. We used an example of a 3-level model from the National Study of Living Learning Programs to highlight the practical issues that arise in the interpretation of HLM within a higher education context.
“Untangling” the relationship between Alzheimer disease and dementia with Lewy bodies

Lewy bodies, protein aggregations classically associated with Parkinson disease (PD) substantia nigra neurons, are not limited to the brainstem.1 Over time, pathologists developed terms such …
ZnS-Ag film-substrate parallel-mirror beam displacers that maintain polarization of 10.6μm radiation over a wide range of incidence angles

Two parallel silver mirrors, each coated with a dielectric layer of zinc sulphide of thickness 1.0498 μm on one mirror and of different thickness 1.7801 μm on the other, preserve the polarization of incident 10.6 μm CO2-laser radiation exactly at φ = 45° angle of incidence, and almost exactly at all other angles. For φ ≠ 45°, the small residual perturbation of the state of polarization, introduced by this device, is determined by a magnitude factor of < 0.001 and a phase factor of < 0.5, over the entire range of incidence angles, 0 < φ < 90. The refractive indices of ZnS and Ag at the 10.6 μm wavelength are taken to be the published values of 2.2 and 9-j73, respectively.
Platelet Activating Factor Production and Proinflammatory Gene Expression in Endotoxin-Challenged Bovine Mammary Endothelial Cells

The bovine mammary gland responds to gram-negative pathogens by stimulating the production of cytokines and other proinflammatory mediators that orchestrate the migration of leukocytes into tissues. Platelet activating factor (PAF), interleukin 1 beta (IL-1 beta), IL-8, and intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM1) are among the several inflammatory factors involved in the early activation and migration of leukocytes into the mammary gland during the initial stages of coliform mastitis. Several different cell types within the mammary gland are capable of expressing these potent pro-inflammatory mediators. The objective of this study was to characterize the expression profile of vascular-derived inflammatory molecules that may play a role in the pathogenesis of bovine coliform mastitis. Isolated bovine mammary gland endothelial cells were stimulated in culture for up to 12 h with endotoxin obtained from Escherichia coli, and the temporal expression of proinflammatory cytokines and adhesion molecules relative to endogenous PAF biosynthesis was evaluated. Results from the in vitro time course experiment showed that vascular-derived PAF biosynthesis began as early as 30 min and peaked at 1 h following endotoxin challenge. The biosynthesis of PAF preceded the endotoxin-induced IL-1 beta, IL-8, and ICAM1 mRNA expression that increased after 1 h and reached peak expression between 4 and 12 h following stimulation. Inhibiting the effects of endogenous PAF with a receptor antagonist suggests that vascular-derived PAF is an early proinflammatory mediator that plays at least a partial role in the subsequent expression of IL-1 beta, IL-8, and ICAM1 during endotoxin challenge. Furthermore, endotoxin-induced PAF biosynthesis by bovine mammary gland endothelial cells is regulated to some extent by phospholipase D activity and phosphatidic acid production. The results from this study support the contention that mammary gland endothelial cells can contribute to the production of important proinflammatory mediators that are typically associated with coliform mastitis.
Possible role for carbamyl phosphate in the control of liver glycogen synthesis

Isotopic data suggested a possible correlation between the activation of liver glycogen synthesis and some unstable intermediate. Carbamyl phosphate was one candidate considered. L-Norvaline, an inhibitor of ornithine transcarbamylase, is known to increase intracellular carbamyl phosphate levels. L-Norvaline augmented the increase in glycogen synthesis caused by L-glutamine and L-alanine, and also induced considerable glycogen synthesis with ammonia as the nitrogen source.
ASSESSMENT OF MYOCARDIAL CONTRACTILITY USING PULSED DOPPLER ULTRASOUND

We studied the relationship of aortic blood flow velocity variables to left ventricular (LV) pressure events under a variety of inotropic and afterload conditions in ten anesthetized adult mongrel dogs. The peak first derivative of left ventricular pressure with respect to time (dP/dt max) was used as an index of the myocardial contractile state. Peak dP/dt was derived from LV pressure waveforms using a transducer tipped Millar catheter. Blood flow velocity waveforms were derived from a transducer tipped 20 MHz pulsed Doppler catheter in the ascending aorta. Inotropic state was changed using dobutamine or propranolol. Afterload was altered with a balloon tipped catheter in the descending aorta. Strong correlation existed between dP/dt max and time to peak blood flow velocity (Tvmax) for all inotropic conditions, independent of afterload (r = -0.92, p<0.001). Linear regression slopes and y - intercepts comparing these two variables were similar in all dogs studied. The peak first derivative of velocity with respect to time (dV/dt max) and peak velocity (V max) were very afterload dependent as reported previously. Tvmax approximates closely LV dP/dt max over a range of afterload and inotropy and can be obtained noninvasively with currently available instrumentation.
Word retrieval following mild TBI: Implications for categorical deficits

Background: Theories on the organisation and structure of semantic knowledge of nouns and verbs have been based on findings with aphasic patients with focal lesions. Populations with diffuse lesions, such as mild traumatic brain injury (MTBI), may offer additional information relative to lexical access of nouns and verbs. Aims: The purpose of this study was to investigate possible dissociation between noun and verb retrieval after MTBI using the Test of Adolescent Adult Word Finding (TAWF). Methods & Procedures: Two groups, 10 MTBI and 10 non‐brain‐damaged (NBD) persons, who had normal vision and hearing, and no history of developmental disabilities, previous head injury, or substance abuse, were participants. Criteria for MTBI included: loss of consciousness <30 minutes and/or PTA<24 hours, GCS 13–15, and negative CT scan. The experimental task was the TAWF, focusing on differences in accuracy and response time for noun and verb naming. Outcomes & Results: Paired sample t‐tests comparing nouns and verbs ...
Virtual size parameter for the scaling of far-from-equilibrium fluctuations at the onset of a center manifold

Abstract We consider open reactive systems for which the phase space contraction corresponds to the onset of a center manifold emerging beyond a chemical instability. Each possible unfolding has, associated with it, an inherent scaling relationship between its small characteristic parameters.
Anal Sphincter Reconstruction and Perineal Resurfacing With a Gracilis Myocutaneous Flap

A 60-year-old woman with radiation proctitis and perineal radiodermatitis has been treated by one-stage transfer of a gracilis myocutaneous flap, utilizing the muscle to restore anal sphicter function and the skin for perineal resurfacing.
Synthesis, X-ray diffraction structure, and redox chemistry of Re2(CO)8(bmf)

The reaction between Re2(CO)8(μ-H)(μ-η1,η2-CH=CHBu) (1) and the diphosphine ligand 3,4-bis(diphenylphosphino)-5-methoxy-2(5H)-furanone (bmf) proceeds at room temperature to give the dirhenium compound Re2(CO)8(bmf) (2) as the sole observable product in good yield after 24 h. Re2(CO)8(bmf) has been isolated and characterized in solution by IR and NMR (31P and 1H) spectroscopies, and the molecular structure of Re2(CO)8(bmf) has been determined by X-ray crystallography. The solid-state structure of 2 reveals a bridging bmf ligand that spans the Re=Re vector and whose Re(CO)4 moieties exhibit a staggered rotational geometry about the equatorial phosphine and CO groups. The redox properties of Re2(CO)8(bmf) have been explored by cyclic voltammetry in CH2Cl2, where an irreversible oxidation was found at Epa = 1.04 V, along with a reversible, one-electron reduction at E1/2 = −1.23 V. These redox couples have been assigned to the oxidation of the Re=Re σ bond and electron occupation of the π∗ system associated with the furanone ring of Re2(CO)8(bmf), respectively. The electrochemical behavior is discussed relative to the nature of the HOMO and LUMO levels in the model compound Re2(CO)8(H4-bmf), whose HOMO and LUMO compositions have been established by extended Huckel MO calculations. The electrochemistry and MO data from Re2(CO)8(bmf) are contrasted with the structurally similar dirhenium compound Re2(CO)8(bma).
Digestion of the Alga, Macrocystis pyrifera, by the Sea Urchin, Strongylocentrotus purpuratus

IT has been known for some time1 that sea urchins when fed and then starved seem to retain for long periods the food present in the intestine. Furthermore, in vitro experiments have shown that a battery of digestive enzymes exist, some of which can digest complex polysaccharides such as iridophycin1 and algin2. During a series of experiments on the digestion of various substrates by sea urchins we had occasion to feed and afterwards starve an adult urchin and then recover all the material remaining after digestion. So far as we are aware no evidence exists on the percentage of algal food that can be completely degraded to assimilable products by a sea urchin. An urchin was prestarved until no faecal pellets were passed. The animal, a female, weighing 99.3 gm., test height and test diameter measuring 26.5 mm. and 63.1 mm. respectively, was then fed a 33.3 mgm. (dry weight) piece of Macrocystis pyrifera, a food for which the sea urchin exhibits a high degree of preference3, and fed no further food for 18 days. The algal piece was consumed within 8 hr. No faecal pellets were passed during the observation time, and the animal was killed at the end of this time.
Gaining access to Native American cultures by non-Native American nursing researchers.

The authors sought to identify the problems non-Native American nurse researchers might have in gaining access to Native American cultures. The authors' method was nursing ethnography; several different tribes were observed. Findings revealed five significant categories of barriers to health care: understanding of cultural differences, language barriers, differences in interpersonal communication, historical antipathy I fear of exploitation by Native Americans, and distrust of researcher motivation. The authors make several recommendations for researchers to prepare extensively if they plan to work with Native Americans.
On the bound states of the nonlinear Schrödinger equation with a linear potential

Abstract We study the nonlinear Schrodinger equation with an “attractive” linear potential: i ϕ t = -Δϕ + (V(x) − |ϕ| 2σ )ϕ, 0 (n−2) (NLS) , which arises in the mathematical description of phenomena in nonlinear optics and plasma physics. Nonlinear bound states are finite energy localized solutions which, if dynamically stable, play an important role in the structure of general solutions of NLS. We discuss the existence and nonlinear orbital stability of nonlinear ground states of NLS. In particular, if -Δ + V supports a linear bound state, then NLS has stable nonlinear ground states in the supercritical and critical cases (σ≥2/n), where blow-up (self-focusing or collapse) can occur. This is a phenomenon not present in the case where V≡0. In addition, islands of stability in the regime of large H1 norm exist.
Mentha cardiaca. I. Pharmacognostical studies and a preliminary investigation of the volatile oil

A report of the histological, morphological, and growth characteristics of Mentha cardiaca. Chemical and physical constants of the oil are presented and comparisons with spearmint and its oil are made.
Psychiatric symptoms in medical students.

Abstract The current study examined the presence of psychiatric symptomatology in a sample of medical students. Results demonstrated that while medical students evidenced levels of symptomatology that were considerably lower than those previously reported in outpatient psychiatric samples, they evidenced considerably higher symptom levels than those previously reported in a general population survey. Compared to the general population, medical students showed a mild elevation in somatic symptoms, a moderate elevation in anxiety and depressive symptoms, and a substantial elevation in obsessive-compulsive symptomatology and in interpersonal sensitivity. The marked elevations in obsessive-compulsive symptomatology and in interpersonal sensitivity may reflect, in part, a sensitization to excessive performance demands that is manifested by anxiety-induced cognitive inefficiencies such as indecisiveness, blocking, or memory impairment and by excess sensitivity to the evaluative opinions of other individuals. In comparing students from the four classes, there was no significant relationship between the year in school and symptom level. In examining sex differences, women reported a significantly higher level of total symptomatology and higher symptom levels on four of the five subscales examined. The largest sex differences were observed in the symptom areas of depression and interpersonal sensitivity.
A DICTRA Simulation of θ - phase Dissolution in Al-Cu Alloys

This paper presents a comparison between the computer simulation dissolution model, DICTRA, and an experimental data set from the literature, Baty, Tanzilli and Heckel, 1970. This was undertaken to support research on the modeling of the weld heat-affected zone where grain growth and Zener pinning control materials properties. BTH present quantitative-microscopy data on the dissolution of 5 size classes in their 4.2μ particle sample and 4 size classes in their 0.44μ sample. The DICTRA example of the 3-cell calculation of cementite particles in steel was used as the model to simulate the BTH experiment.
Long-term arsenic monitoring with an Enterobacter cloacae microbial fuel cell

A microbial fuel cell was constructed with biofilms of Enterobacter cloacae grown on the anode. Bioelectrocatalysis was observed when the biofilm was grown in media containing sucrose as the carbon source and methylene blue as the mediator. The presence of arsenic caused a decrease in bioelectrocatalytic current. Biofilm growth in the presence of arsenic resulted in lower power outputs whereas addition of arsenic showed no immediate result in power output due to the short term arsenic resistance of the bacteria and slow transport of arsenic across cellular membranes to metabolic enzymes. Calibration curves plotted from the maximum current and maximum power of power curves after growth show that this system is able to quantify both arsenate and arsenate with low detection limits (46 μM for arsenate and 4.4 μM for arsenite). This system could be implemented as a method for long-term monitoring of arsenic concentration in environments where arsenic contamination could occur and alter the metabolism of the organisms resulting in a decrease in power output of the self-powered sensor.
A latency measure of metacontrast

Perceived-order latencies were obtained with stimulus-onset asynchronies (SOAs) ranging from − 200 (test preceding surround) to +200 msec. When the test stimulus preceded the surround, no appreciable change of latency was obtained; therefore, the results of the present study are in agreement with previous studies which found no effect of SOA on reaction time. Since effective brightness of a test stimulus is reduced maximally when the test stimulus precedes the masking stimulus by about 75 msec, the present study and previous reaction time studies indicate that mechanisms mediating latency are different from mechanisms mediating brightness.
The novel PAR2 ligand C391 blocks multiple PAR2 signalling pathways in vitro and in vivo.

Background and Purpose Proteinase-activated receptor-2 (PAR2) is a GPCR linked to diverse pathologies, including acute and chronic pain. PAR2 is one of the four PARs that are activated by proteolytic cleavage of the extracellular amino terminus, resulting in an exposed, tethered peptide agonist. Several peptide and peptidomimetic agonists, with high potency and efficacy, have been developed to probe the functions of PAR2, in vitro and in vivo. However, few similarly potent and effective antagonists have been described. Experimental Approach We modified the peptidomimetic PAR2 agonist, 2-furoyl-LIGRLO-NH2, to create a novel PAR2 peptidomimetic ligand, C391. C391 was evaluated for PAR2 agonist/antagonist activity to PAR2 across Gq signalling pathways using the naturally expressing PAR2 cell line 16HBE14o-. For antagonist studies, a highly potent and specific peptidomimetic agonist (2-aminothiazo-4-yl-LIGRL-NH2) and proteinase agonist (trypsin) were used to activate PAR2. C391 was also evaluated in vivo for reduction of thermal hyperalgesia, mediated by mast cell degranulation, in mice. Key Results C391 is a potent and specific peptidomimetic antagonist, blocking multiple signalling pathways (Gq-dependent Ca2+, MAPK) induced following peptidomimetic or proteinase activation of human PAR2. In a PAR2-dependent behavioural assay in mice, C391 dose-dependently (75 μg maximum effect) blocked the thermal hyperalgesia, mediated by mast cell degranulation. Conclusions and Implications C391 is the first low MW antagonist to block both PAR2 Ca2+ and MAPK signalling pathways activated by peptidomimetics and/or proteinase activation. C391 represents a new molecular structure for PAR2 antagonism and can serve as a basis for further development for this important therapeutic target.
A MODEL FOR CORRELATING TWO-PHASE, STEAM-WATER, BURNOUT HEAT-TRANSFER FLUXES

A simplified model for spray-annular flow in round tubes and rectangular channels and its use for the prediction of the maximum heat fluxes for steam- water flows is described. The data are for upward flow at 2000 psia for uniform and "hot-patch" heat fluxes. The model is successfully applied to both uniform and nonuniform or hot-patch heat-flux tests. Burnout flux versus flow rate data obtained for uniform heat flux for a given iniet subcooling are sufficient for the evaluation of the characteristic parameters needed in the burnout model. Comparisons of predicted and experimental values of the bumout heat flux are encouraging, including 2 to 1 hot-patch tests. Further, the predictions for the 1.3 to 1 hot-patch tests are in accord with the experimental data that the hot- patch effectiveness is approximately zero. (N.W.R.)
The Interpretation of Gravity Changes and Crustal Deformation in Active Volcanic Areas

Simple models, like the well-known point source of dilation (Mogi's source) in an elastic, homogeneous and isotropic half-space, are widely used to interpret geodetic and gravity data in active volcanic areas. This approach appears at odds with the real geology of volcanic regions, since the crust is not a homogeneous medium and magma chambers are not spheres. In this paper, we evaluate several more realistic source models that take into account the influence of self-gravitation effects, vertical discontinuities in the Earth's density and elastic parameters, and non-spherical source geometries. Our results indicate that self-gravitation effects are second order over the distance and time scales normally associated with volcano monitoring. For an elastic model appropriate to Long Valley caldera, we find only minor differences between modeling the 1982-1999 caldera unrest using a point source in elastic, homogeneous half-spaces, or in elasto-gravitational, layered half-spaces. A simple experiment of matching deformation and gravity data from an ellipsoidal source using a spherical source shows that the standard approach of fitting a center of dilation to gravity and uplift data only, excluding the horizontal displacements, may yield estimates of the source parameters that are not reliable. The spherical source successfully fits the uplift and gravity changes, overestimating the depth and density of the intrusion, but is not able to fit the radial displacements.
Spectroscopic factors for (d, p) reactions on the odd-mass tin isotopes

Abstract Spectroscopic factors for (d, p) reactions on the odd-mass tin isotopes are calculated using wave functions computed in a previously reported shell-model calculation. In that calculation, an effective interaction of Gaussian form was used as the residual shell-model interaction, and the BCS-TDA approximation was made. The spectroscopic factors are compared with the experimental values of Schneid, Prakash and Cohen. Quite good agreement is obtained for the levels excited by l =2; only qualitative agreement for those excited by l =0.
A combination of three distinct trafficking signals mediates axonal targeting and presynaptic clustering of GAD65

The signals involved in axonal trafficking and presynaptic clustering are poorly defined. Here we show that targeting of the γ-aminobutyric acid–synthesizing enzyme glutamate decarboxylase 65 (GAD65) to presynaptic clusters is mediated by its palmitoylated 60-aa NH2-terminal domain and that this region can target other soluble proteins and their associated partners to presynaptic termini. A Golgi localization signal in aa 1–23 followed by a membrane anchoring signal upstream of the palmitoylation motif are required for this process and mediate targeting of GAD65 to the cytosolic leaflet of Golgi membranes, an obligatory first step in axonal sorting. Palmitoylation of a third trafficking signal downstream of the membrane anchoring signal is not required for Golgi targeting. However, palmitoylation of cysteines 30 and 45 is critical for post-Golgi trafficking of GAD65 to presynaptic sites and for its relative dendritic exclusion. Reduction of cellular cholesterol levels resulted in the inhibition of presynaptic clustering of palmitoylated GAD65, suggesting that the selective targeting of the protein to presynaptic termini is dependent on sorting to cholesterol-rich membrane microdomains. The palmitoylated NH2-terminal region of GAD65 is the first identified protein region that can target other proteins to presynaptic clusters.
On the convergence of least squares estimates in white noise

The problem of convergence of least squares (LS) estimates in a stochastic linear regression model with white noise is considered. It is well known that if the parameter estimates are known to converge, the convergence analysis for many adaptive systems can be rendered considerably less arduous. For an important case where the regression vector is a measurable function of the observations and the noise is Gaussian, it has been shown, by using a Bayesian embedding argument, that the LS estimates converge almost surely for almost all true parameters in the parameter space except for a zero-measure set. However, nothing can be said about a particular given system, which is usually the objective. It has long been conjectured that such a "bad" zero measure set in the parameter space does not actually exist. A conclusive answer to this important question is provided and it is shown that the set can indeed exist. This then shows that to provide conclusive convergence results for stochastic adaptive systems, it is necessary to resort to a sample pathwise analysis instead of the Bayesian embedding approach. >
Galerkin gradient least-squares formulations for transient conduction heat transfer

This paper presents the benefits provided by the use of the Galerkin gradient least-squares (GGLS) method for transient conduction heat transfer. The consistency of the GLS method for this type of problem is also discussed. The GGLS method is compared with standard Galerkin formulation on problems having an analytical solution: a semi-infinite solid solved on one- and three-dimensional meshes and a three-dimensional thin plate. For three-dimensional applications, the principle of including gradient least-squares terms is extended to stabilize Robin (convection) boundary conditions. Numerical simulations show that additional boundary gradient least-squares terms improve the behavior of the solution on boundaries subject to convection boundary conditions. New procedures used to obtain the GLS and GGLS stabilized finite element formulations are also presented. The methodology consists in modifying the equation to be solved and then to obtain the variational equation by a standard Galerkin method.
Potential triplet silylenes

Abstract Both electronic and steric effects that might produce triplet ground-state silylenes are explored. Ab initio calculations with large basis sets and correlation corrections suggest that the linear 3B1 and bent 3A2 states of dilithiosilylene are several kcal mol−1 below the two lowest singlet states: 1A1 and 1A2. On the other hand, closed-shell singlet di-t-butyl silylene is predicted to be at least 10 kcal mol−1 below the lowest triplet state.
Blind superresolution from undersampled blurred measurements

Superresolution is the problem of reconstructing a single high-resolution image from several blurred and down-sampled low-resolution versions of it. We solve this problem for the case of unknown blurring functions. The image and functions must have finite support, and the number of low-resolution images must equal or exceed the number of pixels in each blurring function. Using a 2-D polyphase decomposition of the image, we show that the obvious reformulation as an MIMO blind deconvolution problem fails unless the grid of downsampling is chosen carefully, in which case 2X2 downsampling can be achieved. We also show that irregular sampling allows reconstruction of an MXM high-resolution image from L 2 low-resolution images blurred with an LXL blurring function can be achieved with as few as L 2 + (M/L) 2 pixels in each low-resolution image. Illustrative examples illustrate the points with explicit numbers.
A Tetraspan Membrane Glycoprotein Produced in the Human Intestinal Epithelium and Liver That Can Regulate Cell Density-dependent Proliferation

The human cell line HT-29 provides a model system for studying regulation of proliferation and differentiation in intestinal epithelial cell lineages: (i) HT-29 cells cultured in glucose resemble undifferentiated multipotent transit cells located in the lower half of intestinal crypts; (ii) proliferating HT-29 cells cultured in inosine resemble committed cells located in the upper half of the crypt; (iii) nonproliferating, confluent HT-29-inosine cells have features of differentiated enterocytes and goblet cells that overlie small intestinal villi. A cDNA library prepared from HT-29-inosine cells was screened with a series of subtracted cDNA probes to identify proteins that regulate proliferation/differentiation along the crypt-villus axis. A cDNA was recovered that encodes a 202-amino acid protein with four predicted membrane spanning domains and two potential sites for N-linked glycosylation. Levels of this new member of the superfamily of tetraspan membrane proteins (TMPs) increase dramatically as nondividing epithelial cells exit the proliferative compartment of the crypt-villus unit and migrate onto the villus. The protein is also produced in nondividing hepatocytes that have the greatest proliferative potential within liver acini. Three sets of observations indicate that in the appropriate cellular context, intestinal and liver (il)-TMP can mediate density-associated inhibition of proliferation. (i) Accumulation of il-TMP glycoforms precedes terminal differentiation of HT-29-inosine cells and occurs as they undergo density-dependent cessation of growth. il-TMP levels are lower and glycosylation less extensive in HT-29-glucose cells, which do not undergo growth arrest at confluence. (ii) HeLa cells normally do not produce il-TMP. Forced expression of il-TMP inhibits proliferation as cells approach confluence. The extent of il-TMP glycosylation in the transfected cells is similar to that observed in HT-29-inosine cells and greater than in HT-29-glucose cells. (iii) SW480 cells are derived from a human colon adenocarcinoma and do not express il-TMP. Like nontransfected HeLa cells, they do not stop dividing at confluence, whether grown in medium containing glucose or inosine. Expression of il-TMP has no effect on the growth properties of SW480 cells. The extent of il-TMP glycosylation in SW480-glucose cells is similar to that noted in HT-29-glucose cells, lending further support to the notion that il-TMP's activity is related to its state of N-glycosylation.
The Two Swords: A Conflict Renewed

T HIS is a controversial book by one of the leading ethicists of our time. It should be read and pondered by every responsible Christian, be he cleric or layman, since it raises issues of church policy of the highest importance. There will be unfortunately, but perhaps unavoidably a temptation to dismiss it as a polemic or to boggle at its writing style, which is often heavy, involved and at times downright obscure. Such a response would be a tragedy, for Ramsey has raised questions and made assertions that must be faced and answered, since if they are even partially true, they raise danger signals for the church.
Crystal Structure of the SF3 Helicase from Adeno-Associated Virus Type 2

Abstract We report here the crystal structure of an SF3 DNA helicase, Rep40, from adeno-associated virus 2 (AAV2). We show that AAV2 Rep40 is structurally more similar to the AAA + class of cellular proteins than to DNA helicases from other superfamilies. The structure delineates the expected Walker A and B motifs, but also reveals an unexpected "arginine finger" that directly implies the requirement of Rep40 oligomerization for ATP hydrolysis and helicase activity. Further, the Rep40 AAA + domain is novel in that it is unimodular as opposed to bimodular. Altogether, the structural connection to AAA + proteins defines the general architecture of SF3 DNA helicases, a family that includes simian virus 40 (SV40) T antigen, as well as provides a conceptual framework for understanding the role of Rep proteins during AAV DNA replication, packaging, and site-specific integration.
Another Tier for Caspase Regulation: IAPs as NEDD8 E3 Ligases

Many Inhibitor of Apoptosis Proteins (IAPs) function as E3 ligases to ubiquitinate important cell death proteins, including caspases. Broemer et al. (2010) report recently in Molecular Cell that IAPs can also inhibit caspases by promoting conjugation of the UBL NEDD8.
PBSword: a web server for searching similar protein-protein binding sites.

PBSword is a web server designed for efficient and accurate comparisons and searches of geometrically similar protein–protein binding sites from a large-scale database. The basic idea of PBSword is that each protein binding site is first represented by a high-dimensional vector of ‘visual words’, which characterizes both the global and local shape features of the binding site. It then uses a scalable indexing technique to search for those binding sites whose visual words representations are similar to that of the query binding site. Our system is able to return ranked results of binding sites in short time from a database of 194 322 domain–domain binding sites. PBSword supports query by protein ID and by new structures uploaded by users. PBSword is a useful tool to investigate functional connections among proteins based on the local structures of binding site and has potential applications to protein–protein docking and drug discovery. The system is hosted at http://pbs.rnet.missouri.edu.
Bioaccessibility of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons: relevance to toxicity and carcinogenesis

Introduction: Bioaccessibility is a growing area of research in the field of risk assessment. As polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are ubiquitous environmental pollutants, they are the toxicants of focus to establish cancer risks in humans. Orally ingested PAHs also cause toxicity and even affect the pharmacokinetic behavior of some therapeutic agents. Toward this end, bioaccessibility is being used as a tool to assess the risk of PAHs via dietary exposures. Areas covered: This review covers some in vitro bioaccessibility models for PAHs that have been used for the past one-and-a-half decade. This review also considers the factors that influence bioaccessibility and debates the merits and limitations of using a bioaccessibility concept for estimating risk from ingestion of PAH-contaminated soil and food. Finally, the authors discuss the implications of bioaccessibility for PAH-induced toxicity and cancers in the context of risk assessment. Expert opinion: So far, much of the focus on PAH bioaccessib...
Characterization of Structural Quality of Bonded Silicon-On-Insulator Wafers by Spectroscopic Ellipsometry and Raman Spectroscopy

The crystalline quality of bonded Silicon-On-Insulator (SOI) wafers were examined by spectroscopic ellipsometry and Raman spectroscopy. Both techniques detect slight structural defects in the SOI layer. If a pure crystalline silicon dielectric function is assumed for the SOI layer, the spectroscopic ellipsometry data fitting yields an unacceptably large discrepancy between the experimental and modeled data. The best fits for all the samples result in a dielectric function of the SOI layer that consists of a physical mixture of crystalline silicon and about 4 % to 7 % of amorphous silicon. Using such a mixture indicates that there are still some defects in the SOI layer when compared with the high-quality bulk crystalline silicon. This observation is further supported by Raman spectroscopy measurements. The Raman spectra of all SOI samples exhibit a feature at about 495 cm−1 that is not observed in the crystalline silicon spectrum. Features similar to the 495 cm−1 feature have been reported in the literature and attributed to dislocations or faults in the silicon lattice.
Kupffer cells potentiate liver sinusoidal endothelial cell injury in sepsis by ligating programmed cell death ligand‐1

PD-1 and PD-L1 have been reported to provide peripheral tolerance by inhibiting TCR-mediated activation. We have reported that PD-L1−/− animals are protected from sepsis-induced mortality and immune suppression. Whereas studies indicate that LSECs normally express PD-L1, which is also thought to maintain local immune liver tolerance by ligating the receptor PD-1 on T lymphocytes, the role of PD-L1 in the septic liver remains unknown. Thus, we hypothesized initially that PD-L1 expression on LSECs protects them from sepsis-induced injury. We noted that the increased vascular permeability and pSTAT3 protein expression in whole liver from septic animals were attenuated in the absence of PD-L1. Isolated LSECs taken from septic animals, which exhibited increased cell death, declining cell numbers, reduced cellular proliferation, and VEGFR2 expression (an angiogenesis marker), also showed improved cell numbers, proliferation, and percent VEGFR2+ levels in the absence of PD-L1. We also observed that sepsis induced an increase of liver F4/80+PD-1+-expressing KCs and increased PD-L1 expression on LSECs. Interestingly, PD-L1 expression levels on LSECs decreased when PD-1+-expressing KCs were depleted with clodronate liposomes. Contrary to our original hypothesis, we document here that increased interactions between PD-1+ KCs and PD-L1+ LSECs appear to lead to the decline of normal endothelial function—essential to sustain vascular integrity and prevent ALF. Importantly, we uncover an underappreciated pathological aspect of PD-1:PD-L1 ligation during inflammation that is independent of its normal, immune-suppressive activity.
Merton's `Norms' in Political and Intellectual Context

Merton's two papers on the norms of science were written in a period of intense political activity in science, and responded to this context, using conceptual tools from classical sociology and Harvard thinking of the time. The basic reasoning was Weberian: science and politics each had a different ethos. One target was the Left view of science as a model for society. Another was the view of the American Left that complex societies required regulation, but that science should be free of control. Merton pictured science as already intensely policed, but threatened by the conflict between its special ethos and potential democratic demands, and requiring protection. This was a `liberal' argument, but Merton used the language of the Left to present it.
Stabilization of Spacecraft Flight in Halo Orbits: An $H_infty $ Approach

The problem of stabilizing the motion of a spacecraft in an unstable orbit around the interior Sun–Earth libration point ( $L_1$ ) is addressed in this paper. Modern control techniques, which extend the traditional $ cal H_infty $ framework to periodic discrete linear time-varying systems, are employed in the solution of the problem. Nonlinear simulation results are presented and it is shown that the control effort required can be provided by next-generation electric propulsion systems.
Hydroxy-substituted Cobalt Tetraphenylporphyrins as Electrocatalysts for the Reduction of O2

The possible effects of the electron-donating properties of p-hydroxyphenyl groups on the catalytic activity of cobalt porphyrins toward the electro-reduction of O2 were explored with three cobalt porphyrins having p-hydroxyphenyl substituents in the meso position of the porphyrin ring. The porphyrins were examined as electrocatalysts adsorbed on the surfaces of pyrolytic graphite electrodes in aqueous solution and as homogeneous catalysts dissolved in methanolic solutions. The adsorbed molecules exhibited a higher catalytic activity than those in solution and accomplished the reduction of a portion of the O2 molecules reaching the electrode to H2O. However, the four-electron reduction was indirect, with H2O2 being formed as an intermediate that was subsequently reduced. Although the introduction of the electron-donating p-hydroxyphenyl substituents on the porphyrin ring altered the catalytic activity of the cobalt porphyrins, the effect was not as great as can be obtained by coordinating ruthenium (II) complexes to π-accepting ligands in the meso position of the porphyrin ring.
Low-Cost Stereo Vision on an FPGA

We present a low-cost stereo vision implementation suitable for use in autonomous vehicle applications and designed with agricultural applications in mind. This implementation utilizes the Census transform algorithm to calculate depth maps from a stereo pair of automotive-grade CMOS cameras. The final prototype utilizes commodity hardware, including a Xilinx Spartan-3 FPGA, to process 320times240 pixel images at greater than 150 frames per second and deliver them via a USB 2.0 interface.