cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Hydrolysis of Inositol Trisphosphate by Purified Rat Brain Myelin

Highly purified rat brain myelin was found to hydrolyze inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate to inositol 1,4-bisphosphate, but subsequent hydrolysis of the latter, characteristic of whole brainstem, did not occur. Inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate 5-phosphatase in myelin was approximately 33% of the level in microsomes and 127% that of the cytosolic fraction from brainstem. The myelin and microsomal enzymes had similar properties, as follows: activation by saponin, requirement for Mg2+ and similar Kact (0.16 and 0.13 mM), Km (8.7 +/- 2.5 and 7.0 +/- 1.0 microM), and pH optima (6.6-6.8). Vmax values were 11.2 +/- 1.0 and 26.3 +/- 2.0 nmol/mg/min for myelin and microsomes, respectively. A possible role for this enzyme in phosphoinositide-mediated signal transduction within myelin and its subcompartments is discussed.
A highly conserved ATPase protein as a mediator between acidic activation domains and the TATA-binding protein

BIOCHEMICAL and genetic studies suggest the existence of mediators that work between the activation domains (ADs) of regulatory proteins and the basic transcriptional machinery. We have previously shown genetically that Sugl interacts with the AD of the yeast activator Ga141. Here we provide evidence that the Sugl protein of yeast binds directly to the ADs of Gal4 and the viral activator, VP16. Sugl protein is associated with the TATA-binding protein in vivo and binds to it in vitro, consistent with a mediator function. We also demonstrate that Sugl is not a component of the 26S proteasome, contrary to previous reports2–5. Sugl is a member of a large, highly conserved family of ATPases, implying a role for ATP hydrolysis in the activation of transcription.
Psychiatry of Elderly Compared to Younger Adults with Intellectual Disabilities

It is difficult to draw conclusions from previous literature regarding the rate of psychiatric disorders amongst elderly, compared to younger, adults with intellectual disabilities. This study investigates the prevalence of psychiatric disorders amongst adults with intellectual disabilities aged 65 years and over, living in Leicestershire, UK (n = 134), compared to a random sample of adults with intellectual disabilities aged 20–64 years, living in the same area (n = 73). Both groups had high rates of current psychiatric morbidity, but rates were significantly higher in the elderly group: 61.9% compared to 43.8%. The elderly group had higher rates of dementia, generalised anxiety disorder and past history of depression, when compared to the younger group. The two groups had equal rates of behaviour disorders, schizophrenia and autism. Dementia occurs at a much higher rate amongst people with intellectual disabilities (21.6%) than it does amongst the general population. This finding is in keeping with previous studies, but has received little attention and warrants further investigation.
Hospitality educators can be better teachers through goal structuring.

Hospitality educators can be more effective teachers by using goal structuring appropriately in their classrooms. There are three kinds of goal structures: cooperative, individualistic, and competitive. The cooperative goal structure should be used whenever problem solving, divergent thinking, or creativity is desired; and wheneverquality of performance is expected, the task is complex, the learning goals are highly important and the social development of students is one of the major instructional goals. The individualistic goal structure should be used when there is a specific skill orspecific series of facts to be learned The competitivegoal structure should be used when the instructional goal is to review, drill, or achieve quantity on simple tasks.
Application of Harrill's Equation to a Limestone Aquifer

A relatively simple program generates the computationally complicated argument of Harrill's equation. The transmissivity of the San Andres limestone determined by Harrill's equation compares favorably with that computed. using other techniques.
High-pressure phase transformations in vitreous and crystalline GeO2 (rutile)

Phase transformations in vitreous and crystalline GeO2 (rutile) have been investigated up to ∼50 GPa and ∼1000°C by using a diamond anvil pressure cell coupled with a YAG laser heating system and in situ x-ray diffraction techniques. The results show that whereas the vitreous GeO2 transforms into a hexagonal phase at pressures ∼25 GPa, the crystalline GeO2 transforms into an orthorhombic phase at ∼28 GPa; the molar volume changes for the hexagonal and orthorhombic transformations are − 1.0% (at 25 GPa) and − 3.0% (at 28 GPa), respectively. When unloaded to 0.1 MPa, both the hexagonal and orthorhombic phases of GeO2 are retained, and the zero-pressure molar volume is 0.7% larger and 4.5% smaller than that of the rutile-structured GeO2, respectively. These results are in good agreement with previously published data.
An Analysis of Criterion Variable Reliability in Conjoint Analysis

The present goal is to describe a study of the reliability of a criterion variable in conjoint analysis. Specifically, two criterion variables were compared, affect and purchase intention. Given th...
A Very Different Kind of Teacher Education Program: Professional Development Schools.

Because the only prediction we can safely make about the 21st century is that it will be characterized by constant change, educators are faced with the challenge of preparing students to cope with the unknown as well as the known. This task requires a very different kind of teacher education program.
Deviant functional magnetic resonance imaging patterns of brain activity to speech in 2-3-year-old children with autism spectrum disorder.

Background A failure to develop normal language is one of the most common first signs that a toddler might be at risk for autism. Currently the neural bases underlying this failure to develop language are unknown. Methods In this study, functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) was used to identify the brain regions involved in speech perception in 12 2–3-year-old children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) during natural sleep. We also recorded fMRI data from two typically developing control groups: a mental age-matched (MA) ( n = 11) and a chronological age-matched (CA) ( n = 12) group. During fMRI data acquisition, forward and backward speech stimuli were presented with intervening periods of no sound presentation. Results Direct statistical comparison between groups revealed significant differences in regions recruited to process speech. In comparison with their MA-matched control subjects, the ASD group showed reduced activity in an extended network of brain regions, which are recruited in typical early language acquisition. In comparison with their CA-matched control subjects, ASD participants showed greater activation primarily within right and medial frontal regions. Laterality analyses revealed a trend toward greater recruitment of right hemisphere regions in the ASD group and left hemisphere regions in the CA group during the forward speech condition. Furthermore, correlation analyses revealed a significant positive relationship between right hemisphere frontal and temporal activity to forward speech and receptive language skill. Conclusions These findings suggest that at 2–3 years, children with ASD might be on a deviant developmental trajectory characterized by a greater recruitment of right hemisphere regions during speech perception.
Acute pandysautonomic neuropathy

Acute pandysautonomic neuropathy is characterized by severe postganglionic sympathetic and parasympathetic dysfunction, with relative or complete sparing of motor and sensory function. Of four reported cases with sural nerve biopsies, two were normal and two abnormal, revealing loss of small myelinated and unmyelinated fibers. We present a patient with pandysautonomic neuropathy and elevated CSF protein whose sural nerve biopsy showed active axonal degeneration. NEUROLOGY 1991;41:746‐748
APA and the Participation of Psychologists in Situations in Which Human Rights Are Violated: Comment on “Psychologists and the Use of Torture in Interrogations”

Costanzo, Gerrity, and Lykes (2006) have done us all a great service in their review of the issues surrounding the discussion of psychologists and our role in the interrogation of prisoners, specifically those currently detained in foreign camps by the United States as “enemy combatants.” They present a comprehensive and compelling analysis of the literature on relevant professional codes of conduct, on the international and national laws prohibiting torture, on the effectiveness of using torture in interrogations, and on the consequences for perpetrators, survivors, and society. Their article is clear and their arguments are powerful. My comments, therefore, have two main purposes: (1) to outline some of the significant actions and positions taken by the Board and Council of the American Psychological Association (APA) with respect to the issues under discussion; and (2) to offer a more far-reaching proposal for APA than the ones presented by the authors.
On the applicability of one-dimensional non-viscous dynamic plasticity theory

Abstract The applicability of one-dimensional non-viscous dynamic plasticity theory to impacting rod problems is examined experimentally using results derived from general three-dimensional and viscous similarity considerations and their corresponding one-dimensional and non-viscous counterparts. When three-dimensional and viscous effects are important, these considerations are found to require a specific response dependence on the ratios of characteristic rod lengths to rod diameters and characteristic striking velocities to rod lengths. Direct examination of experimental impact-duration and impact-displacement data from aluminum and copper rods reveals, however, no such dependence over a wide range of striking velocities and rod lengths. The general applicability of one-dimensional non-viscous dynamic plasticity theory is thus confirmed without recourse to the complex details of the theory.
An experiment using hypothetical patient scenarios in healthy subjects to evaluate the treatment satisfaction and medication adherence intention relationship.

Background Treatment beliefs and illness consequence have been shown to impact medication adherence in patients with years of asthma experience. These relationships are unknown in patients with early experience. Objective The purpose was to test the relationship between illness consequence, treatment beliefs, treatment satisfaction and medication adherence intentions in healthy subjects exposed to an asthma scenario. Methods A 2×2×2 factorial design experiment was conducted in 91 healthy University student subjects. Each student was randomized to receive one scenario with varying levels of illness consequence (high/low), treatment concerns (high/low) and treatment necessity (high/low). After reading the scenarios the students responded to questions about treatment satisfaction and likelihood of using the medication as directed by the physician. A multiple regression model was used to test the impact of factors on treatment satisfaction and medication adherence at the 0.05 level of significance. Results Treatment satisfaction was significantly predicted by treatment necessity with a moderating effect by illness consequence. Medication adherence intentions were significantly predicted by treatment satisfaction. Conclusion Patients with early diagnosis of asthma are likely to form treatment satisfaction as a result of illness consequence and treatment necessity. Patients' perceptions of illness consequence are likely to influence (moderate) the impact of treatment necessity on treatment satisfaction; and their intentions to take medication as directed are likely to be influenced by treatment satisfaction rather than treatment beliefs or illness consequence early in the patient illness experience. These results are from an experiment that should be tested in a patient population.
Setting priorities in US space science

Abstract Two new long-range US space science strategy studies are notable not only for what the new reports say and do for their respective discipline areas but also for what they demonstrate in terms of shared conclusions and in terms of the feasibility of forging consensus on community priorities. Both studies engaged a broad segment of the research community to survey their respective fields, recommend top priority scientific goals and directions for the next decade, provide recommendations for programmatic directions and explicit priorities for government investment in research facilities, and address issues of advanced technology, infrastructure, interagency coordination, education, and international cooperation. The two studies demonstrate that cross-program priorities can be established when a community sees the effort as being beneficial to the long-term health of the field.
Electronic structure of carbon nanotube ropes

We present a tight-binding theory to analyze the motion of electrons between carbon nanotubes bundled into a carbon nanotube rope. The theory is developed starting from a description of propagating Bloch waves on ideal tubes, and the effects of intertube motion are treated perturbatively on this basis. Expressions for the interwall tunneling amplitudes between states on neighboring tubes are derived which show the dependence on chiral angles and intratube crystal momenta. We find that conservation of crystal momentum along the tube direction suppresses interwall coherence in a carbon nanorope containing tubes with random chiralities. Numerical calculations are presented which indicate that electronic states in a rope are localized in the transverse direction, with a coherence length corresponding to a tube diameter.
Letter by Haines Regarding Article, “Direct Measurement of the Lethal Isotherm for Radiofrequency Ablation of Myocardial Tissue”

To the Editor: Myocardial injury with hyperthermic catheter ablation technologies (radiofrequency electric current, microwave radiation, laser irradiation, or ultrasound) is both time and temperature dependent. The isotherm of irreversible injury is defined as the temperature at the border zone transition between viable and nonviable tissue. Ultimately, there is necrosis of that tissue and replacement by collagen scar, rendering that area electrically silent. Previous investigations have calculated the lesion isotherm …
Secreted growth factors from estrogen receptor-negative human breast cancer do not support growth of estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer in the nude mouse model.

Estrogen receptor (ER)-negative MDA-231 human breast cancer cells have been shown to secrete high concentrations of several growth factors including transforming growth factor-alpha and insulin-like growth factor I, which could have important autocrine or paracrine growth regulatory functions and, additionally, could explain the rapid autonomous growth of these cells. In contrast, the hormone-responsive, ER-positive MCF-7 cells secrete low levels of these factors constitutively. Since estrogen treatment increases secretion of these growth factors in MCF-7 cells, it has been postulated that these growth factors mediate estrogen's growth effects through an autocrine mechanism. To test this hypothesis we reasoned that growth factors supplied by MDA-231 cells should support growth of MCF-7 cells in an estrogen-depleted environment. Inoculation of castrated female athymic nude mice with MDA-231 cells resulted in rapid tumor growth. However, MDA-231 tumors did not support growth of MCF-7 cells inoculated on the opposite flank by an endocrine mechanism; MCF-7 tumors required estrogen supplementation for growth. To determine if MDA-231 cells could support MCF-7 growth by a paracrine mechanism, various mixtures of the two cell lines were coinoculated at the same site in castrated or in estrogen-supplemented mice. ER was not detectable in tumors derived from a mixed inoculum, indicating the absence of MCF-7 cell growth. Furthermore, DNA flow cytometry of these tumors revealed only a single G1 peak representative of MDA-231 cells in estrogen-deprived mice. On the other hand, two distinct G1 peaks representing both MDA-231 and MCF-7 cells were detected in tumors grown in estrogen-supplemented mice. These data demonstrate that growth factors from estrogen-independent MDA-231 cells are not capable of replacing estrogen for growth stimulation of MCF-7 cells. Either estrogen-stimulated growth of MCF-7 cells requires other secreted factors not supplied by MDA-231 cells, or it involves a different mechanism.
Chronic idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP:) development of acute non-lymphocytic leukemia subsequent to treatment with cyclophosphamide

Chronic idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) is most often treated successfully with steroids and/or splenectomy. In those who fail to respond with the foregoing treatment, immunosuppressive drugs are sometimes added to the regimen. Cyclophosphamide has been reported heretofore to be effective with a minimum of side effects and complications. However, the use of alkylating agents and the induction of a second malignancy is now well recognized. This report describes three cases of refractory ITP treated with cyclophosphamide who subsequently developed an acute non-lymphocytic leukemia. Cyclophosphamide should be used with discretion in the treatment of chronic idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura which is a non-neoplastic disorder.
A quantitative comparison of antibody produced by x-radiated and normal rabbits.

ConclusionsThe antibody formed by rabbits radiated with 400 r whole body radiation prior to; simultaneously with, or after immunization and by rabbits radiated with 800 r after immunization although often reduced in amount was indistinguishable from that formed by nonradiated rabbits.
The activation of acetyl CoA carboxylase by tricarboxylic acids

Summary Acetyl CoA carboxylases from animal tissues are capable of oscillating between catalytically-inactive protomeric and catalytically-active polymeric states, the level of carboxylase activity being determined by the position of the protomer-polymer equilibrium. Citrate and isocitrate are capable of shifting this equilibrium in favor of the catalytically-active form. Activation is also accompanied by a conformational change at the active site in the vicinity of the biotin prosthetic group as evidenced by the decreased accessibility of the prosthetic group to avidin in the presence of tricarboxylic acid activator. This and several other lines of evidence are consistent with the hypothesis that the biotin prosthetic group is the focal point of citrate-induced conformational changes. The observations, that citrate is an allosteric activator of the Vmax type and that the half-reactions, both of which involve the biotinyl group as a common participant, are citrate activated, support this view. Furthermore, it is evident that the reactivity of the carboxy group of carboxybiotinyl enzyme is greatly enhanced by tricarboxylic acid activator, particularly in the presence of acetyl CoA.
Effects of auxins on membrane permeability and pectic substances in bean endocarp.

IT has been shown1,2 that auxins delay the onset of senescence in bean endocarp and various leaf tissues (Rhoeo, Mesembryanthemum) maintained in vitro. In the absence of auxin, liquid-logging of intercellular spaces is followed by cellular dissociation and rounding off of cells. Similar changes have been observed in the abscission zones of Coleus, Cestrum and Fuchsia. When de-seeded bean pod segments are maintained in Petri dishes on wet filter paper, liquid-logging is evident in 2½–3 days and an exudate appears on the upper tissue surfaces. Cellular dissociation is usually complete by the fifth day. These changes are essentially prevented by the addition of an auxin (3-indoleacetic acid or α-naphtha-leneacetic acid) to the culture medium. There are no significant differences in increase in fresh weight or respiratory activity between water- and auxin-treated endocarp segments over a ten-day period. The cells of liquid-logged segments are still capable of plasmolysis and deplasmolysis. The results indicate that the liquid-logging and exudation are manifestations of changes in permeability. A second process involves changes in the composition of the cell-wall cementing substances which take place in the absence of auxin and give rise to cellular dissociation and rounding off of cells.
1017-72 Correlates of Acute Myocardial Infarction (AMI) After Successful Coronary Angioplasty (PTCA)

To identify the factors predicting AMI after PTCAwe studied 10,772 patients who had successful PTCA at our institution. 880 patients had AMI following discharge while 8.754 patients remained AMI free during long term follow up after successful uncomplicated PTCA While there was no difference in the 5 year freedom from AMI based on sex, presence of hypertension or LVH, the freedom from AMI was lower in patients with previous MI (84% vs 91%, p = l 0.0001), diabetes (84% vs 90%, p = l 0.0001). angina class III–IV (87% vs 91%, P = l 0.0001), and CHF (85% vs 89%, P = 0.014). The multivariate correlates of AMI were: Chi SQ ODDS Ratio p Value Previous MI 37 1.49 l0.0001 Angina Class III–IV 20 1.17 l0.0001 Diabetes 13 1.46 l0.0001 Multivessel CAD 11 1.26 0.001 Age 8 0.98 0.004 CHF 5 1.34 0.024 In long term follow up after successful angioplasty, the presence of these co-morbid illnesses may help in identifying the patients at higher risk of having AMI after successful angioplasty, This risk stratification strategy may influence survival after angioplasty. Download : Download high-res image (75KB) Download : Download full-size image
The Representation of Interests in British Government: Historical Background.

Out-of-date ideas—if they can only manage to survive long enough—are often put to new and surprising uses. A case in point is British Toryism. This pre-capitalist, pre-individualist, pre-liberal creed, one might think, ought surely to have died out during the 19th century. Yet not only has it survived into the era of socialism, it can also claim credit for having helped build the Welfare State. And today British socialists and Tories—both collectivists in a degree—often have more in common than either have with their fellow Liberals. Old traditions of strong government, paternalism and the organic society have made easier the modern re-assertion of state power.New policies usually produce new kinds of politics. For every major concept of public policy, Schattschneider has observed, there has been a different theory of political organization. Over a period of decades, British collectivism has created not only a new pattern of policy, but also a new structure of power, especially in the realm of political parties and interest groups. Along with a collectivist theory of policy has arisen a collectivist theory of representation. And the latter, like the former, is today supported in interesting and subtle ways by attitudes and ideas deriving from a distant past. The purpose of this article is to look at the historical background of certain of these attitudes—especially those concerning the role of interest groups in politics.
Unifying indicator and instantaneous reaction methods of measuring micromixing

Instantaneous chemical reactions, either themselves or together with chemical indicators, have previously been used as probes of turbulent micromixing. Both methods obtain statistics of the micromixing from measurement of time mean quantities. The mean reactant concentration, which is the quantity measured in the instantaneous reaction method, is shown here to be the integral with respect to feed concentration ratio of the mean color density, which is the quantity measured in the chemical indicator method. Differentiation of the mean color density gives the scalar probability density while integration gives the mean reactant concentration. Measurements of the color density of bromothymol blue at the centerline of a turbulent jet of base mixing with acid are used as an example.
Isocontour maps of electron temperature, electron number density and gas kinetic temperature in the Ar inductively coupled plasma obtained by laser-light Thomson and Rayleigh scattering

Abstract Isocontour maps of electron temperature (Tc), electron number density (nc, and gas-kinetic temperture (Tg) in an argon inductively-coupled plasma (ICP), have been constructed for five rf power settings and in the presence and absence of an aqueous aerosol, based on the simultaneous measurement of spatially resolved Thomson and Rayleigh scattering. Each map was assembled from 21 observation heights and 31 radial positions, the location of each point being controlled by a computer-driven three-axis translation stage. The maps demonstrate how Te,ne and Tg all increase throughout the plasma as rf power is raised, with the electron number density increasing most rapidly. At greater rf power levels (1.75 kW), the introduction of an aqueous aerosol into the central channel was found to increase ne over the entire plasma. In contrast, at lower applied power (0.75 kW), nc is depressed throughout the discharge upon the introduction of water aerosol. At intermediate rf powers (1.0, 1.25 and 1.5 kW), aerosol introduction raises nc only in the regions near the hot torus, while reducing nc at all other spatial positions, particularly lower in the central channel. Aerosol introduction was found also to thermalize the plasma at all rf power settings by increasing Tg in the higher regions and decreasing Te lower in the central channel. In general, Te is substantially higher than Tg in the lower regions of the discharge, but the two approach each other in the upper zones.
Why Thinking Like an Economist Can Be Harmful to the Community

Mainstream economic thinking is coming under serious attack from many quarters. But this member of the economic establishment raises some of the most fundamental questions about both its assumptions and its consequences. Community, he argues, is essential to life. But maximizing the individualistic variables that economic mainstreamers believe matter most can often destroy community relationships. We should know the consequences, he contends.
FITTING IN: GROUP EFFECTS AND THE EVOLUTION OF FUNDAMENTALISM

We provide an evolutionary model of conflict based on dyadic interactions within and between individuals drawn from a society containing fundamentalists and “others.” Thus, the paper presents an asymmetric game representation of group effects. Fundamentalist control of society is inversely related to the degree of social stratification, and fundamentalists’ intolerance of others. If, however, fundamentalism can be feigned (by displaying certain traits), then fundamentalists must balance their intolerance and insularity to take power. The model provides a novel means for distinguishing democratic versus open societies. This leads to a central result characterizing how fair and open societies can peacefully contravene fundamentalism.
Coupled in vitro synthesis and splicing of RNA polymerase II transcripts

Compelling in vivo studies suggest a tight functional linkage between RNA polymerase II transcription and premessenger RNA splicing. At present, the specific interactions involved in this coupling are poorly understood and deserve investigation. To this end, we developed an in vitro system that permits study of coupled transcription and splicing. Transcripts generated by RNA polymerase II were accurately and efficiently spliced under reaction conditions that permitted both transcription and splicing to occur simultaneously. The splicing of RNA-polymerase-II-driven transcripts was accelerated relative to that of the same transcripts driven by T7 RNA polymerase. Moreover, the product of exon ligation was found associated with the DNA template in reactions driven by RNA polymerase II. These two findings indicate that transcription and splicing were coupled in the in vitro system driven by RNA polymerase II, and suggest that this system will be useful for the biochemical study of this coupling.
A Combined Seed-Identification and Generation Analysis Algorithm for Self-Reproducing Systems

This paper is motivated by the need to minimize the payload mass required to establish an extraterrestrial robotic colony. The basic premise is that the colony will consist of individual robots that have the capability to self-reproduce. In this paper, self-reproduction is achieved by the actions of a robot on available resources. Hence, a seed for the colony consists of a set of robots and a set of resources. The technical problem addressed is the identification of a seed for a class of generation systems. An algorithm is provided for the solution of this problem, and is illustrated on a self-replicating system that has been documented in the literature.
Stork data scheduler: Mitigating the data bottleneck in e-Science

In this paper, we present the Stork data scheduler as a solution for mitigating the data bottleneck in e-Science and data-intensive scientific discovery. Stork focuses on planning, scheduling, monitoring and management of data placement tasks and application-level end-to-end optimization of networked inputs/outputs for petascale distributed e-Science applications. Unlike existing approaches, Stork treats data resources and the tasks related to data access and movement as first-class entities just like computational resources and compute tasks, and not simply the side-effect of computation. Stork provides unique features such as aggregation of data transfer jobs considering their source and destination addresses, and an application-level throughput estimation and optimization service. We describe how these two features are implemented in Stork and their effects on end-to-end data transfer performance.
Yield-aware analog integrated circuit optimization using geostatistics motivated performance modeling

Automated circuit optimization is an important component of complex analog integrated circuit design. Today's analog designs must be optimized not only for nominal performance but also for robustness in order to maintain a reasonable yield with highly scaled VLSI technologies. The complex nature of analog/mixed-signal systems, however, makes this yield-aware analog circuit optimization extremely difficult and costly. In this paper, we adopt a geostatistics motivated approach (i.e. Kriging model) for efficient extraction of yield-aware Pareto front performance models for analog circuits. An iterative search based optimization approach is proposed to efficiently seek optimal performance tradeoffs under yield constraints in high-dimensional design parameter and process variation spaces. Our experiments confirm that the generated yield-aware Pareto fronts are accurate and the optimization procedure is very efficient. The latter is achieved by the well controlled iterative update scheme in the presented techniques which avoids an excessive number of time consuming transistor-level simulations.
OptiVol Fluid Index: Does an Association With Ventricular Arrhythmias Hold Water?

Editorial Comment Electrophysiologists have long postulated that a relationship exists between acute heart failure exacerbations and the presence of potentially serious ventricular arrhythmias. How arrhythmias relate to heart failure remains uncertain. Several arrhythmogenic mechanisms present during heart failure, linked to ventricular stretch, increased wall stress, ischemia, disruption in cell–cell communication, and activation of the sympathetic nervous system, among others, may explain what ultimately becomes a vicious cycle. More challenging is developing an accurate method to recognize a subacute decompensation of heart failure so as to predict that ventricular arrhythmias may follow. As timely therapy may reverse heart failure exacerbations, decrease the occurrence of arrhythmia, prevent implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) shocks, and reduce hospitalizations and death, use of a simple and reliable monitoring tool that can detect patients at risk for these consequences is appealing. On the other hand, overly aggressive management in response to such data may result in a volley of therapeutic misadventures leading to unnecessary, and potentially harmful, treatments including the use of inotropes, diuretics, and other drugs that ultimately exacerbate arrhythmias, increase hospitalizations and length-of-stay, and worsen survival. In this issue of the Journal, Ip and colleagues 1 utilize an ICD-based proprietary algorithm, the OptiVol fluid index, to determine its association with ventricular tachycardia (VT) and ventricular fibrillation (VF). Unfortunately, the OptiVol fluid index had limited positive predictive value. Any association between OptiVol fluid index measurements and serious ventricular arrhythmias was no more than a case of the socalled “glass being half empty.” Ninety-six participants with OptiVol-equipped ICDs were included in Ip’s study. Study subjects had ischemic or nonischemic cardiomyopathy, a left ventricular ejection fraction ≤ 35%, and a presumed history of heart failure. ICD interrogation for routine monitoring or at the time of hospitalization for heart failure or device therapy included measurements of the OptiVol fluid index. The number of days patients had VT or VF was divided by the number of days above and below prespecified threshold values of 15, 30, 45, and 60 Ω-days.
TKANSPORT INTO AND WITHIN THE SKIN

SUMMARY.— Developments in recent years permit us to state the following principles which relate to percutaneous absorption. (1) The entire stratum corneum junctions as the rate-limiting barrier in the skin. (2) For penetration from weak solutions, flux is directly proportional to the concentration of the penetrant in the solution which is presented to the cutaneous surface. (3) Flux increases as the solubility of the penetrant in the stratum corneum increases. (4) Flux increases as the mobility of the penetrant in the stratum corneum (diffusion constant) increases. (5) Flux decreases as the thickness of the membrane increases. (6) When concentrations in the presenting solution reach high values, flux is not proportional to concentration. (7) Flux through dermal tissue is much more rapid than flux through the stratum corneum. For substances which penetrate relatively rapidly, the major pathway through the skin for steady-state conditions is directly through the cells of the stratum corneum. For very slowly penetrating substances, shunts, e.g., the appendages, may be the major pathway. Strongly polar and strongly non-polar molecules probably travel via different “molecular” pathways. Even though many of these principles have evolved from in vitro experiments, it is reasonable to expect them to apply equally well to in vivo situations.
Seasonal-longitudinal variability of equatorial plasma bubbles

Abstract. We compare seasonal and longitudinal distributions of more than 8300 equatorial plasma bubbles (EPBs) observed during a full solar cycle from 1989-2000 with predictions of two simple models. Both models are based on considerations of parameters that influence the linear growth rate, γRT, of the generalized Rayleigh-Taylor instability in the context of finite windows of opportunity available during the prereversal enhancement near sunset. These parameters are the strength of the equatorial magnetic field, Beq, and the angle, α, it makes with the dusk terminator line. The independence of α and Beq from the solar cycle phase justifies our comparisons. We have sorted data acquired during more than 75000 equatorial evening-sector passes of polar-orbiting Defense Meteorological Satellite Program (DMSP) satellites into 24 longitude and 12 one-month bins, each containing ~250 samples. We show that: (1) in 44 out of 48 month-longitude bins EPB rates are largest within 30 days of when α=0°; (2) unpredicted phase shifts and asymmetries appear in occurrence rates at the two times per year when α≈0°; (3) While EPB occurrence rates vary inversely with Beq, the relationships are very different in regions where Beq is increasing and decreasing with longitude. Results (2) and (3) indicate that systematic forces not considered by the two models can become important. Damping by interhemispheric winds appears to be responsible for phase shifts in maximum rates of EPB occurrence from days when α=0°. Low EPB occurrence rates found at eastern Pacific longitudes suggest that radiation belt electrons in the drift loss cone reduce γRT by enhancing E-layer Pedersen conductances. Finally, we analyze an EPB event observed during a magnetic storm at a time and place where α≈-27°, to illustrate how electric-field penetration from high latitudes can overwhelm the damping effects of weak gradients in Pedersen conductance near dusk.
Aortic Valve: Turning Over a New Leaf(let) in Endothelial Phenotypic Heterogeneity

Aortic valve diseases are debilitating cardiovascular disorders associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Although there continue to be major efforts to improve the longevity of replacement valves and to improve tissue engineered substitutes,1 the underlying mechanisms that may be responsible for the initiation and development of valve pathology have received less attention than have other sclerosing cardiovascular diseases such as atherogenesis. The endothelium lining of the cardiovascular system plays an important regulatory role in vascular physiology and pathology. In similar fashion, the surfaces of valve leaflets are presumed to be generally protected (eg, anticoagulant) and regulated (eg, permeability) by the endothelium. The functional properties of endothelium or its presence/absence are associated with a variety of valve pathologies,2 and systemic endothelial dysfunction is linked to aortic valve calcification.3 However, only recently have cell and molecular studies focused on the characterization of valve endothelial phenotypes with the idea that some aspects of phenotypic change or dysfunction may contribute to valve pathologies, a situation analogous to atherogenesis. See page 1429 During the cardiac cycle, the aortic valve endothelium is subjected to complex fluid dynamics that are distinctly different on each side of the valve. As has been described for many years, arterial endothelial alignment in vivo generally follows the measured or predicted shear stress direction,4 and endothelial cells in vitro align with the dominant direction of the applied shear stress.5 The responses, which are reversible,4,6 represent endothelial structural remodeling in response to hemodynamic shear stress. It might be expected that endothelial cells isolated from aortic valves and grown in tissue culture will behave in a similar manner as arterial endothelium. However, in this issue of Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis, and Vascular Biology , Butcher et al7 demonstrate that aortic valve endothelium …
Bound and quasibound state calculations for biased/unbiased semiconductor quantum heterostructures

A complex transcendental equation valid for a wide range of electron energies for semiconductor quantum heterostructures under unbiased or biased conditions is derived. Its complex roots have as real parts the structure eigenenergy levels, and their imaginary parts are directly related to the lifetime of the corresponding eigenenergies. A numerical method is presented that is capable of extracting all these complex eigenenergies. The method is based on the argument principle theorem from complex number theory. Therefore, all the energy levels and lifetimes of bound and quasibound states can be determined. Energy levels and lifetimes can also be calculated in the presence of scattering events when these are modeled with an energy broadening imaginary potential. Extensive comparisons between this numerical method and other currently used techniques are included, proving the generality and the accuracy of this new method. >
Rapid age-related changes in infection behavior of entomopathogenic nematodes.

Nonfeeding infective juvenile (IJ) entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) are used as biological agents to control soil-dwelling insects, but poor storage stability remains an obstacle to their widespread acceptance by distributors and growers as well as a frustration to researchers. Age is one factor contributing to variability in EPN efficacy. We hypothesized that age effects on the infectiousness of IJs would be evident within the length of time necessary for IJs to infect a host. The penetration behavior of “young” (<1-wk-old) and “old” (2- to 4-wk-old) Heterorhabditis bacteriophora (GPS11 strain), Steinernema carpocapsae (All strain), and Steinernema feltiae (UK strain) IJs was evaluated during 5 “exposure periods” to the larvae of the wax moth, Galleria mellonella. Individual larvae were exposed to nematode-infested soil for exposure periods of 4, 8, 16, 32, and 64 hr. Cadavers were dissected after 72 hr, and the IJs that penetrated the larvae were counted. Larval mortality did not differ significantly b...
Neuronal misplacement in schizophrenia.

The function and synaptic connections of neurons in the cerebral cortex are defined by their position. Cortical neurons are not generated locally, but rather originate in the proliferative centers lining the ventricle. After the last mitotic division, newborn neurons migrate between hundreds of micrometers in rodents to several thousand micrometers in humans to achieve their final areal radial and laminar destination (1,2). Despite differences in length and modality of pathways, differential gene activities, and distinct molecular cues involved in guiding each neuronal family to its proper address, the accuracy of the system is a remarkable achievement of evolution. However, when the delivery program goes awry causing neurons to be arrested in ectopic position, the consequences can be focal cortical dysplasias, heterotopias, and other structural malformations. The severity of disruption to cortical modalities depends on the location and expanse of misplaced neurons. For example, malformations in the prefrontal cortex are linked to schizophrenia, whereas malformations in language and limbic areas can cause problems of social behavior or autism spectrum disorders (3–5). Additionally, early disruption to neuronal migration resulting from genetic or environmental causes during the first trimester of human development is more likely to affect deep layer projection neurons. Dysregulation of neuronal migration during the second trimester of human development affects more upper layer neurons. A promising avenue in the quest to determine the genetic basis of schizophrenia has been in bridging the massive information provided by genome-wide association studies, examination of postmortem brain tissue, and molecular genetics approaches in animal models. One gene, among those considered to be implicated in schizophrenia based on its location in the 1q21-q22 locus, is NOS1 adaptor protein (NOS1AP). It interacts with and causes the relocation of nitric oxide synthase (NOS1) to presynaptic terminals. The increased expression of NOS1AP in postmortem tissue of individuals with schizophrenia is thought to disrupt NOS1 interactions with the N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor. Surprisingly, NOS1, the binding partner of NOS1A, is expressed in the prenatal human and rodent brain before synaptic signaling ensues (6). In this issue of Biological Psychiatry, Carrel et al. (7) show the expression of NOS1AP in the frontal lobe of developing rats and that experimentally manipulating the expression level of NOS1AP causes defects in neuronal migration. Using in utero electroporation, which permits accurate spatial and temporal loss of function or gain of function, the authors show that overexpression of NOS1AP disrupts the transition of migrating neurons from the multipolar to bipolar stage in the intermediate zone. The negative effects of excess NOS1AP on neuronal migration can be rescued experimentally by short hairpin RNA–mediated knockdown. By introducing several truncated NOS1AP mutant genes in utero, the authors were able to identify the N-terminal phosphotyrosine-binding
Rapid crystallization of the Animikie Red Ace Pegmatite, Florence county, northeastern Wisconsin: inclusion microthermometry and conductive-cooling modeling

We evaluated the crystallization regime of a zoned pegmatite dike and the degree of magma undercooling at the onset of crystallization by analyzing coeval fluid and melt inclusion assemblages. The liquidus temperature of the pegmatite magma was ~720°C, based on re-melting of crystallized-melt inclusions in heating experiments. The magma crystallized sequentially starting with a thin border zone, which formed in less than one day at an average temperature of ~480°C based on primary fluid inclusions, meaning 240°C undercooling. The primary inclusions from the outer zones were postdated by secondary inclusions trapped between 580 and 720°C, representing fluid exsolved from hotter, still crystallizing inner pegmatite units. The huge temperature contrast between the pegmatite’s inner and outer zones was simulated by conductive-heat numerical modeling. A 2.5 m wide dike emplaced in 220°C rocks cools entirely to <400°C in less than 50 days. Unidirectional and skeletal textures also indicate rapid, disequilibrium crystallization.
Solar Survey: Development and validation of a smartphone-based solar site assessment tool

Abstract Solar site surveys are an important step in assessing the suitability of a site for a proposed solar power installation. This paper details investigation into the suitability of the Android smartphone platform to serve as a base for site survey applications. Lessons learned are shared based upon development and validation of a prototype application. The prototype application is Solar Survey, a free, open-source application for Android-based smartphones that allows site surveys to be performed. The app uses sensors built into the smartphone to make measurements of the horizon. The measurements may be output in a format suitable for use by System Advisor Model, or other computer tools, to perform more detailed photovoltaic system modelling and economic calculations. In addition, the measurements can be used within the app itself to provide estimates of the available irradiance using the Perez, or other tilted irradiance model. Optimum orientation (relative to irradiance) can be computed for both the raw meteorological data and including the effect of shading. The irradiance and shading calculations were validated against results produced by System Advisor Model. Horizon measurement uncertainty was estimated using repeated measurements of a fixed horizon. It is hoped that through the open-source code and documentation of the methodology in public literature, Solar Survey may serve as a research platform for solar site assessment, and promote further analysis of the accuracy of similar tools.
Correcting Land Surface Model Predictions for the Impact of Temporally Sparse Rainfall Rate Measurements Using an Ensemble Kalman Filter and Surface Brightness Temperature Observations

Abstract Current attempts to measure short-term (<1 month) rainfall accumulations using spaceborne radiometers are characterized by large sampling errors associated with low observation frequencies for any single point on the globe (from two to eight measurements per day). This degrades the value of spaceborne rainfall retrievals for the monitoring of surface water and energy balance processes. Here a data assimilation system, based on the assimilation of surface L-band brightness temperature (TB) observations via the ensemble Kalman filter (EnKF), is introduced to correct for the impact of poorly sampled rainfall on land surface model predictions of root-zone soil moisture and surface energy fluxes. The system is evaluated during the period from 1 April 1997 to 31 March 1998 over two sites within the U.S. Southern Great Plains. This evaluation includes both a data assimilation experiment, based on synthetically generated TB measurements, and the assimilation of real TB observations acquired during the 19...